C3 Church Southwest WA

Pentecost EVERYday

Acts 2:1–13 (ESV) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Acts 2:41–47 (ESV) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

God’s Presence, Inside Us

A constant theme is “God With Us”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV) It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Emmanuel, yet He’s leaving….

John 14:18 (ESV) “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:16–17 (ESV) 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.

God’s Power, In Us

God’s power, observed in Jesus

God’s promise, you will function in similar fashion

John 14:12–14 (ESV)“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

But how?

Acts 1:8 (ESV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This is available to all.

Acts 2:16–19 (ESV) But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;

Acts 2:43 (ESV) And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

God’s Transformation, Through Us

So often we feel like we have to convince people of the reality of Jesus.

Peter was previously ineffective in convincing others because he was all over the map in his own convincing.

Acts 2:41 (ESV) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

The Spirit came upon him… and he simply shared the truth, but that truth is empowered by the Spirit within him.

John 12:32 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (ESV) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

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Numbers 13:2 (ESV) “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.”

Moses/12 Spies

Moses killed men
Moses Fled
Burning Bush
Moses Returns
Plagues
Night of Death - Flee
Pursuit to the Sea
Miraculous Deliverance
2 Years of Desert Prepping
Seemingly Surviving

See The Shift From Now To Next

Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 (ESV) For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

None of these seasons is a forever season

Realizing it is not forever is critical

Sensing the shift is critical

Shifting seasons
A Change In Circumstances
Defined By A Finish
Change In Fruitfulness
Sometimes Planned
Often Unexpected - Unexpected has a tendency to land us in survival mode. That’s OK for a short time, but it can turn into a posture, which is absolutely unacceptable.

1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Ephesians 5:10 (ESV) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

Win The Now

Numbers 13:2 (ESV) “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.”

Numbers 13:17–20 (ESV) Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.

Galatians 6:7 (ESV) Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

The NOW determines the NEXT

You are not just serving the seasons, you are planting for the next.

The Now Is Not Always Pretty

The grind of a thing
The disappointment of a thing - outcomes vs. faithfulness
The the failing of a thing
The victory of a thing
The end of a you thing

What you do now matters.

NOW Sets The Tone For NEXT

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Luke 6:20 (ESV) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you…

Skipping Over…

Luke 5:27-31 - Calling of Levi
Luke 5:33-39 - Discussion on Fasting
Luke 6:1-5 - Discussion on Sabbath Rules
Luke 6:6-11 - Healing of Withered Hand
Luke 6:12-16 - Selection of Apostles from Disciples
Greek word that describes representatives in Roman culture who stayed in a conquered territory to establish Roman culture.

Looking Ahead…

Luke 6:17-19 - Jesus Speaks To A Large Crowd
Luke 6:20-49- Sermon on Mount
Luke 6:20-23 - The Beatitudes
Not a term in the Bible
English origin around the 15th century, and added to titling of this portion of scripture, most often 20-23
State of supreme blessedness and happiness

This portion of scripture is often spoken on with a 70’s beatnic, love not war, poetic, passive blend of christianity that welcomes any/all pushbacks that life can bring, because living a life under a mountain of struggle will be rewarded in heaven after we die. That is not the intention of this portion of scripture.

Luke 6:20 (ESV) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you

He lifted up his eyes on his disciples
It is a gesture of prayer
It is a gesture of blessing
It connects heaven and earth in view and in words
View - it sees above and beyond the natural
Words - it resources the earth with the bounty of heaven
Illus: vacuum transfer at the bank as a kid
Jesus is not teaching, He is prophesying to his disciples
It’s more than information, it is a deposit with an invitation to access

BLESS(ED): The deposit of tangible deposits from heaven that add increasing value into one’s life until they reach full maturity in heaven.

The deposit of tangible deposits from heaven that add increasing value into one’s life until they reach full maturity in heaven.

As disciples we become citizens of Heaven. We have stepped into the Kingdom of God/Heaven as though we still live lives in this world. To be BLESSED, or walking in BLESSING, is the process of accessing heaven's value while living within earth’s limitations. Blessing someone else is the process of access and depositing heaven’s value into their life.

The believer/follower/disciple/citizen who fails to see, access or transfer heaven’s value is to needlessly go without those things that have been freely provided.

Ephesians 1:3–10 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Philippians 3:12 (NIV) Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Luke 6:20–23 (ESV) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

The poor (those lacking anything) can access supply
The hungry (those lacking anything) can access food
Those who weep can access consolation and joy
Those who experience hatred, smile, it will be rewarded.

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Luke 5:17 (ESV) On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.

This is not “Jesus Power”
This is the “Lord’s Power”
Acts 1:8 (ESV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Luke 5:18 (ESV) And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus,

Paralyzed - what happened?
What was the accident/trauma?

We all have experienced accident/trauma * PARALYSIS is the state of being stuck + Physical + Emotional + Spiritual

BED is symbolic of where you are stuck.
Some beds are visible
Some beds are invisible
All beds have an impact.
FRIENDS who were “seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus,”

Luke 5:19 (ESV) but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus.

Solutions take work
Ministry will cost you something - this was Jesus’ house.
Mark 2:1–2 (ESV) And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.
Illus: sacrifice for being in ministry
“God is not limited by my sacrifice, or my circumstance.”

Luke 5:20 (ESV) And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

Your miracle is not contingent upon just your faith!
Why does he need to be forgiven… what about the people who caused his paralysis
The greatest paralysis is not what was inflicted upon us, but our reaction too often becomes our sin.
The man did not ask for forgiveness.
Jesus/We can offer forgiveness without people asking
John 20:23 (ESV) If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
The greatest form of paralysis is our own sense of unforgiveness.
Declare forgiveness over people

Luke 5:23–25 (ESV) Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.

We get excited about supernatural answers to prayer
Forgiveness is something we really grapple with to believe
Pick up your mat
You will always carry with you the memory, but it doesn’t have to debilitate you.
Isaiah 1:18 (ESV) “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

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Luke 5:1–11 (ESV) On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Jesus: “Follow Me.”

He Is Always Inviting, Drawing (body, soul & spirit)
helkuo - to tug, draw or drag, metaphorically by an inward power
To His Disciples
To Everyone He Met
Through His Disciples To Others
After His Resurrection
His Disciples After His Ascension
Through His Church
Into Modern Day
It’s The Defining Mark Of Christianity
More Than Liking
More than Attending
More Than Believing
FOLLOWING

He Is Always Drawing, In General:

John 12:32 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will DRAW all people to myself.”
John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Matthew 11:28 (ESV) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
The Crowd:
Jesus is speaking, Lake of Gennesaret
Fisherman, merchants and customers
People who have come to hear Jesus

BUT Individually:

Matthew 11:27 (ESV) All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
John 6:44 (ESV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
John 6:65 (ESV) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
Peter:
Night fishing, nothing caught, washing nets, end of shift
Jesus requested to get into Peter’s boat, requests that he push out
Jesus teaches the crowd but Peter is trapped to listen.
Jesus does what He always does - “trust me” - “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
Requires obedience
Make no sense - “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing!
Obedience unlocks the miracle - But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.
That moment is the miracle that DRAWS
That moment REQUIRES a RESPONSE
Rejection
Likeability
Belief
Follow
FOLLOW: they left everything and followed him.

This is not a natural encounter, interaction and decision.

It unlocks everything

Leave everything and follow.

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Luke 4:31–37 (ESV) And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

Where are all the demons today? Why don’t we see them being cast out as in Biblical times?

They Are Common And All Around Us.
We Identify Them In Scientific, Medical And Sociological Terms.
Mark 9:17–18 (ESV) “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute.
Luke 13:11 (ESV) And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.
Mark 9:17–18 (ESV) “And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid.
Matthew 17:15 (ESV) For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.
Mark 5:4–5 (ESV) for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.
Luke 8:27 (ESV) For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs.
Supernatural Activity (voices) - Acts 16:16–17 (ESV) As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”
Addicts, Crazy, Homeless, Suicidal, Out Of Control, Evil
Instead Of Evicting Them, We Treat Their Host. Counseling. Drugs. Incarceration.
We Don’t Recognize Our Authority And Lack Power.

Luke 4:36 (ESV) And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”

AUTHORITY: the legal right to give orders
Ex: wedding officiant, property title, law enforcement
Failure to take authority allows presence
POWER: the strength to enforce obedience
Some things are simple to enforce, others harder
A persona can gain in power or call in reinforcements

Job 1:9–10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

Job 1:1–5 (ESV)
Jobwas blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.
His sons and daughters used to “feast and drink”
Job would consecrate them, rise early and offer burnt offerings. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.

Mark 3:14–15 (ESV)

And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.

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Luke 4:31–33 (ESV) And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority2. And in the synagogue1 there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice3,

Jesus ministry is often viewed taking place in a field or at a lake but it was daily in the synagogue or temple
Luke 19:47 (ESV) And he was teaching daily in the temple.
This is important as Jesus/disciples presence and emphasized the importance
Acts 2:46–47 (ESV) And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Jesus teaching included the unique ingredients, authority and power (see next week)
Jesus came in contact with a man, in the synagogue who had the spirit of an unclean demon
The spirit was active in the life of a follower of Biblical Judaism, in the synagogue, the early version of the church
The spirit was triggered by Jesus' presence, teaching with authority causing an extreme response.

Luke 4:34–35 (ESV) “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus1 of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?2 I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!”3 And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.4

Demons/spirits recognized Jesus. No other names of recognition were mentioned.
Demons/spirits recognized Jesus’ role in a future judgement or destruction they would face.
Matthew 8:29 (ESV) And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?”
Jesus was demonstrating and implementing an unexpected judgement by kicking them out of peoples lives.
Jesus typically told demons/spirits what to do; and refused to allow them to speak.
He did not ask the Father to do it, nor did He ask the demon to comply. He commanded.
Anti-sensational approach. One time he asked question, “what is your name” but allowing them to speak was atypical.
The demon did not harm the man him but did throw him down
Typically demons/spirits function was focused on individual limitation or harm
Mark 9:25 (ESV) And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”
Matthew 17:15 (ESV) said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.
Mark 5:5 (ESV) Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.
This encounter was minimized.

Luke 4:36–37 (ESV) And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power1 he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” And reports about him went out into every place2 in the surrounding region.

Authority and power defined Jesus ministry, the ministry of his disciples, and the function of the New Testament Church.
Auhtoirty/Power at work generates good news. I believe that there is deficiency in fact based evangelism that is not partnered with power and authority. This is the Church of America’s biggest problem.

Key Facts About Demons/Spirits

Spiritual Beings With Unknown Origins
They Oppose God - demons are spiritual entities aligned against God’s authority. They are often associated with Satan, the adversary.
Matthew 12:24-26 – “But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.’ … If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself.”
They Negatively Impact People To The Level They Are Allowed
Mark 5:3–4 (ESV) He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.
Their Presence Is Marked By Self Harm
Mark 5:5 (ESV) Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.
They Cause Physical Ailments
Matthew 9:32–33 (ESV) As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.”
They Lie & Deceive
They don’t just deceive others, they deceive you about them.
Most subtle - they are not real
Even more subtle - Rosemary’s Baby
John 8:44 (ESV) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
They Impact Adults & Children
Mark 7:25 (ESV) But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet.
They Gain Access By Invitation, Proximity & Attack
Invitation - partnering with the spirit world, sex with many people
Proximity - around you and allowed to stay, family tree, things you’ve agreed with
Attack - most of
Job 1:8–10 (ESV) And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Ephesians 4:27 (NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.
1 Corinthians 6:15–18 (ESV) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
They Are Alive And Well Today
Demons tend to be a fringe topic for the modern American church and personal recognition tend to be even more so. They are alive and well. We give them medical and genetic assignments and live with them often medicating them. They are present during
Night tremors
Addictions
Self Destructive Behaviors
Disease
Suicide
Self Harm/Mutilation

1 John 3:8 (ESV) The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

Mark 3:14–15 (ESV) And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.

Mark 16:17–18 (ESV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

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Luke 4:14–15 (ESV) And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

The Affirmation Journey Of Jesus…

Luke 2:40 (ESV) And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2:52 (ESV) And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Luke 3:22 (ESV) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 4:14–15 (ESV) And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
glorified: 1) to believe, to hold, to give praise, to laud, to value, to honour, 2) to be famous
Luke 4:22 (ESV) And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”

And Then It All Changed…

Luke 4:23–27 (ESV) And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘ “Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’ ” And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
Luke 4:28–30 (ESV) When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF IDENTITY/VALUE:

CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says
BELIEVED - What You Think
PROJECTED - What You Say
PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say

JESUS’ FOUNDATION REVEALED

CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says
Luke 3:22 (ESV) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
BELIEVED - What You Think
John 8:58 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.
PROJECTED - What You Say
Luke 8:56 (ESV) And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say
John 2:24–25 (ESV) But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

WHICH FOUNDATION ARE YOU BUILDING ON?

CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says
BELIEVED - What You Think
PROJECTED - What You Say
PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say

Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Psalm 139:13–18 (ESV) For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

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Luke 4:3 (ESV) The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God…

TITLE: Identity Crisis Security

Luke 4:1–2 (ESV) And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.

THE Attack (TEMPTING) ON Jesus...

Luke 4:3 (ESV) The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”
Luke 4:5–7 (ESV) And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”
Luke 4:9-11 (ESV) And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”

THE Attack (TEMPTING) ON MANKIND…

Genesis 3:4–6 (ESV) But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

EVERY ATTACK (TEMPTATION) YOU EXPERIENCE WILL BE FOCUSED ON YOUR IDENTITY.

THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR IDENTITY:

CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says
BELIEVED - What You Think
PROJECTED - What You Say
PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say

JESUS: IDENTITY SECURITY

CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says
Luke 3:22 (ESV) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
BELIEVED - What You Think
John 8:58 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.
PROJECTED - What You Say
Luke 8:56 (ESV) And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say
John 2:24–25 (ESV) But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

WHO ARE YOU?

CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says
BELIEVED - What You Think
PROJECTED - What You Say
PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say
Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

John 12:46 (ESV) I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

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Luke 3:16 (ESV) John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Jesus Became JESUS After His Holy Spirit Baptism

He Was Limited As A Man - Philippians 2:5–7 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
He Could Not Raise Himself From The Dead - Romans 8:11 (ESV) If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Jesus Baptizes Us For Similar Purpose & Function

Joel 2:28–29 (ESV) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
Ezekiel 36:27–28 (ESV) And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.
He Concentrates Our Relationship
He Leads/Guides Us
He Reveals Truth
He Activates & Empowers Supernatural Spiritual Function
He Creates Next-Level Anything/Everything

Engage The Holy Spirit For Similar Experience/Outcomes

Galatians 5:16 (ESV) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Daily Invitation/Declaration
Situational Request
Seasonal Engagements

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SCRIPTURE: Luke 3:21–22 (ESV) Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The Holy Spirit From The Beginning

Hovering Over The Waters - Genesis 1:1–2 (ESV) In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Ruach - breath, wind, spirit, air
This signifies that before creation, God's spirit was actively present over a formless, chaotic earth, poised to bring order and life, demonstrating the Spirit’s function and power to shape and transform the world from a state of nothingness into order.
Exhaled Into Man To Bring Life - Genesis 2:7 (ESV) then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
Job 33:4 (ESV) The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
Living Being
Interaction with God
Sin - Death
Illus: Ballooon/Air
Filled The Tabernacle During The Exodus - Exodus 40:34–38 (ESV) Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
Filled The Temple In Jerusalem - 1 Kings 8:10–11 (NIV) When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud filled the temple of the LORD. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled his temple.
Came Upon Prophets For Miraculous Moments - 1 Samuel 10:10 (ESV) When they came to Gibeah, behold, a group of prophets met him, and the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied among them.
Came Upon Jesus Permanently - Matthew 3:16 (ESV) And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;
Jesus was a man
The Spirit elevated his relationship with the Father
The Spirit enabled him to step into the supernatural
The Spirit in your life is the key to both
Required To Interact With God Fully - John 4:23–24 (ESV) But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Promised For Us By John - Luke 3:16 (ESV) John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Promised In Us By Jesus - John 14:16–17 (ESV) 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.
Received By Believers - Acts 2:1–4 (ESV) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 13:52 (ESV) And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

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Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

The Word Of The Lord - Divine communication and guidance delivered to man.

The Word Of The Lord Is Common. Hearing The Word Of The Lord Is Not.

Few are aware of the reality
Few are listening to hear Him speak
Few listen when He speaks

You Are Listening. You Will Hear. You Will Respond.

The Word Of The Lord In Action:

Abraham: Genesis 15 - a son in his old age who will inherit a land of promise
Samuel: 1 Samuel 15 - God had rejected Saul as King for his disobedience.
Elijah: 1 Kings 17 - God was bringing a drought over Israel but would supply for Elijah in the wilderness.

John The Baptist: Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

There are a bunch of different ways to hear from God

Biblical principle
Circumstantial affirmation
A sense of confirmation in your spirit
Prophetic word

The Word of the Lord is higher.

7 Nuances Of The Word Of The LordIt Comes Unexpectedly At Times, But Can Be Sought.

Abraham was not seeking - Gen 15
Daniel was seeking - Daniel 10 - more frequent
Frequency in life for the general person is low

It Is Guidance For The Macro.

A true Word for you is not just for you. It is a word, through you, beyond you. You are simply a catalyst to activate the Word.
There are life Words and seasonal Words.
It is change oriented, but doesn’t always require change.
Samuel: Saul is not king
Don’t make major life changes without this

It Is The Revelation Of God’s Truth

1 Kings 17:24 (ESV) And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”
Psalm 119:160 (ESV) The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
John 17:17 (ESV) Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Delivered so that you will know for sure
Key details that you need to know
Sometimes it confirms, often cuts against the grain

It Requires Your Yes To Receive It

Luke 1:38 (ESV) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Your amen is required.
You must embrace it as God’s Word to you.
You must put it on like a coat
Otherwise it will become a testimony against you.

Ongoing Action Is Required For Its Fulfillment.

It Will Be Tested
Psalm 105:19 (ESV) until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.
Temptation for substitutes or to quit
Everything in this world will oppose God’s Best in your life.

Authority and Power Are Embedded Within.

The word comes with authority and power woven into the fabric.
Luke 4:32 (ESV) and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.
Joseph - Genesis 41:38–40 (ESV) And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”

It Transforms As It Rests Upon You.

Jacob the Deceiver became Israel, he who struggles with God and overcomes.
1 Samuel 10:6 (ESV) Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

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Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

The Word Of The Lord - Divine communication and guidance delivered to man.

The Word Of The Lord Is Common. Hearing The Word Of The Lord Is Not.

Few are aware of the reality
Few are listening to hear Him speak
Few listen when He speaks

You Are Listening. You Will Hear. You Will Respond.

The Word Of The Lord In Action:

Abraham: Genesis 15 - a son in his old age who will inherit a land of promise
Samuel: 1 Samuel 15 - God had rejected Saul as King for his disobedience.
Elijah: 1 Kings 17 - God was bringing a drought over Israel but would supply for Elijah in the wilderness.

John The Baptist: Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

There are a bunch of different ways to hear from God

Biblical principle
Circumstantial affirmation
A sense of confirmation in your spirit
Prophetic word

The Word of the Lord is higher.

7 Nuances Of The Word Of The LordIt Comes Unexpectedly At Times, But Can Be Sought.

Abraham was not seeking - Gen 15
Daniel was seeking - Daniel 10 - more frequent
Frequency in life for the general person is low

It Is Guidance For The Macro.

A true Word for you is not just for you. It is a word, through you, beyond you. You are simply a catalyst to activate the Word.
There are life Words and seasonal Words.
It is change oriented, but doesn’t always require change.
Samuel: Saul is not king
Don’t make major life changes without this

It Is The Revelation Of God’s Truth

1 Kings 17:24 (ESV) And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”
Psalm 119:160 (ESV) The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
John 17:17 (ESV) Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Delivered so that you will know for sure
Key details that you need to know
Sometimes it confirms, often cuts against the grain

It Requires Your Yes To Receive It

Luke 1:38 (ESV) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Your amen is required.
You must embrace it as God’s Word to you.
You must put it on like a coat
Otherwise it will become a testimony against you.

Ongoing Action Is Required For Its Fulfillment.

It Will Be Tested
Psalm 105:19 (ESV) until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.
Temptation for substitutes or to quit
Everything in this world will oppose God’s Best in your life.

Authority and Power Are Embedded Within.

The word comes with authority and power woven into the fabric.
Luke 4:32 (ESV) and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.
Joseph - Genesis 41:38–40 (ESV) And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”

It Transforms As It Rests Upon You.

Jacob the Deceiver became Israel, he who struggles with God and overcomes.
1 Samuel 10:6 (ESV) Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

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Matthew 2:1–2 (ESV) Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Once we experience the Jesus, we see the world in binary colors

God’s Kingdom, the kingdom of the world
God’s plan, the enemies plan
The people God uses and the people the devil uses.

We tend to draw lines around ourselves to box in the “good” and box out the “bad”

The Bible is filled with unsaved people that God blessed, empowered, anointed and used for His glory.

And the role they will play in your life and your story is significant.

Wise Men:

Astrologers
Scientists
Teachers
Magicians
Idloaters
Pagan
Non-Citizens

How God Used Them:

Recognized God’s plan/people
Believed God’s plan/people
Sacrificed for God’s plan/people
Honored God’s plan/people
Funded God’s plan/people
Risked their lives to protect God’s plan/people

GOD IS ALWAYS AT WORK IN ALL PEOPLE

John 6:44 (ESV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
John 12:32 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Matthew 2:2 (ESV) saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

RELATIONSHIP ALLOWS OUR BLESSING’S IMPACT

Laban Was Impacted By Jacob’s Blessing Genesis 29
Pharoah/Egypt Impacted By Joseph’s Blessing Genesis 41
The House of Obed-edom Impacted By Ark 2 Samuel 6
Matthew 2:11 (ESV) And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.

OUR CONFIDENCE: HE SATISFIES COMPLETELY

Psalm 34:8 (ESV) Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Psalm 23:6 (ESV) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Proverbs 10:22 (ESV) The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Matthew 2:11–12 (ESV) Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Closing - Matthew 5:16 (ESV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

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Luke 2:7 (ESV) And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Life will reveal vulnerability, fragility, weakness:

Health
Success
Finances
Business (2-3 best years, suddenly lay off 15 people)
Relationships
Finances (Longview, mill shuts down, whole town reels)
The wellbeing of a child
Life

Weakness, fragility, vulnerability is a FACT of life.

It is a reality that will settle upon you often.

It will often feel like “this thing is hanging by a thread.”

For some:

This is the moment to give in and quit
For people of faith, this is the moment where God shows up

Never more weakness in God’s plan to save man than is Luke 2!

A baby
In a woman’s womb
Born in a world 2000 years ago
During Roman occupation
During a census
People who had to travel
No hospital, no hotel
A manger in a stable
Wrapped in a blanket???
Announcement of a King when there’s no King but Caesar
The decree to exterminate all male children

I would not have forged this plan - it is as fragile as they get

You will live in this tension more often than not.

It can be one of the best places to live.

Weakness Reveals Our Need For Him

I don’t like to feel weak or appear weak.
Especially as a Christian
Too often we live in the power of our own strength
We do strive to do our part, be the best we can be
In limitations, we try to compensate, muscle through
Recognizing our limitations identifies our need for God
This works best when it is formal.
Mark 6:34–44 (ESV) When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”
What do you have? “NOT ENOUGHT”
Recognizing my “not enough” invites God to fill that gap

Declaring Weakness Invites His Strength

Jesus could have just performed a miracle
Defining how little they had was a formal declaration
“How bad is it” is important
Matthew 14:18–21 (ESV) And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

He Protects What We Trust Him With

Luke 1:34–38 (ESV) And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

The Discomfort Of Weakness Builds Faith If We Lean In

“It’s been great, I haven’t had to trust God for anything lately” might be the worst admission you could ever make.
Trusting doesn’t make you stronger
Trusting strengthens your confidence in Him
The need to trust is a gift

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Christmas Up Close

Romantic, sanitary Christmas cards
A closer look, and it’s messier
A close up look is more practical because your life is messy

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:6–7 (ESV) And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Resourced By Heaven

As we see Jesus in the manger we see:

God’s eternal plan unfolding
Less than ideal timing
Roman occupiers imposing their will
Census
Transportation and housing issues

God’s plan for our lives takes place amidst OBSTACLES

Resources will be needed

They are practical

Jesus talked about resources more than any other topic

Resourced With “Left Overs”

Luke 2:6–7 (ESV) And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

There is a beauty in these moments

Quiet desperation seeking the bare minimum

No amount of planning could have provided here

There is value in grinding out these situations

The durability built is remarkable

It prepares you for the journey ahead

Resourced By Hard Work

Matthew 13:55 (ESV) Is not this the carpenter’s son?

Mark 6:3 (ESV) Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary…

Tekton - building and construction of items ranging from furniture to municipal buildings and in mediums ranging from wood to stone.
The economy of Rome during the New Testament was strong and their occupation of Israel was in full swing. A skilled tradesman would have been lucratively compensated
In 1st century Jewish culture, fathers taught their sons their trade at by age 12,

This was a hard working family. While he was born in a manger, the family had a home. By the time the Maji arrived to present gift to Jesus, they were no longer staying in a barn as a result of the census, but living in a home -

Matthew 2:11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

While they moved several times, one would assume that home ownership would have continued.

After Joseph passed away, Jesus would have inherited the property and responsibility for the family.

Jesus was likely a homeowner:

Mark 2:1–4 (ESV) And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.
Mark 2:13–15 (ESV) He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

Resourced By Earned Favor

Luke 8:1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

Jesus worked hard and had an impact in the lives of those he served.

Good, hard work for others produces a favor.

Resourced By Unexpected Favor

Matthew 2:11 (ESV) …and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

Magi (magician) a blurry line between occult experiments and legitimate science
Astrologist, studying the stars and likely the zodiac. After discovering the star identifying the birth of “the King of the Jews,” they left their home to find Him, a journey likely to nearly two years, based on Herod’s resulting decision to kill all male Israeli children two years and younger (Matthew 2:16
Men of means, travelling in a caravan large enough to be noticed by the general population and stir up commoner and politician alike with their mission (Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him)
The Magi came bearing treasures for the King of the Jews. These gifts were appropriate in substance, and no doubt quantity. They included:
gold, the appropriate gift for a King.
frankincense, the gift for Deity.
myrrh, a valued spice, especially for those who suffer

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Be The Strong Man

Scripture: Luke 11:20–22 (ESV) But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.

A Non-Resister Is An Open Door

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Unbelievers Are Unaware
The Vulnerable Are Overrun - Mark 9:17–18 (ESV) And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.”
Participators Are Captured - 1 Samuel 16:14–23 (ESV) Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him. And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.” So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.” One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him.” Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.” And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul. And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.” And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.

A Weak Man Is Easy To Overpower

Luke 4:13 (ESV) And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.
Genesis 4:7 (ESV) If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”
Luke 22:31–32 (ESV) “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Strength matters
We can grow our strength
We are stronger in numbers
Kingdom momentum is hard to disrupt

A Strong Man Can Be Outmaneuvered And Overcome

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Job 1:8–10 (ESV) And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

A Vigilant Strong Man Is A Locked Door

1 Peter 5:8–9 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

2025 Strategic Response

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

What Are Three Repeated Effective Strategies Of The Enemy In My Life In 2024?
What Are Three Simple Effective Strategic Responses To Thwart His Efforts?
What Would 2025 Look Like If I Enforce Those Strategic Responses?

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2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

2025 Strategic Response

My Concerns:

We don’t respect the reality of our adversary
We reconcile less than best situations as, “that’s just life”
We learn to live with the limitations our adversary enforces
We don’t recognize our enemies repeated effective strategy in our lives
We don’t recognize how our wins/losses impact the experience of others

You Have An Active Adversary

This is universal a universal truth
There is no buffer
Not even spirituality.
He is continually prowling looking for weaknesses
He functions in many different forms
Whispers, circumstances, people
He is looking to devour
Resistance requires standing firm (strength) in faith
Strength has levels
It can be increased.

Your Adversary Takes Topography

Ephesians 4:27 (NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.

Give - didomi - give vs surrender
Foothold - Topos - topography, ground

You Can Strategically Overcome Your Adversary - Job 1:6–12 (ESV) Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

This can be done spiritually - Job 1:5 (ESV) And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
This can be done practically -
What Are Three Repeated Effective Strategies Of The Enemy In My Life
What Are Three Simple Effective Strategic Responses To Respond In Advance
What Would 2025 Look Like If You Enforced That Response?

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2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

2025 Strategic Response

My Concerns:

We don’t respect the reality of our adversary
We reconcile less than best situations as, “that’s just life”
We learn to live with the limitations our adversary enforces
We don’t recognize our enemies repeated effective strategy in our lives
We don’t recognize how our wins/losses impact the experience of others

You Have An Active Adversary

This is universal a universal truth
There is no buffer
Not even spirituality.
He is continually prowling looking for weaknesses
He functions in many different forms
Whispers, circumstances, people
He is looking to devour
Resistance requires standing firm (strength) in faith
Strength has levels
It can be increased.

Your Adversary Takes Topography

Ephesians 4:27 (NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.

Give - didomi - give vs surrender
Foothold - Topos - topography, ground

This can be done spiritually - Job 1:5 (ESV) And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
This can be done practically -
What Are Three Repeated Effective Strategies Of The Enemy In My Life
What Are Three Simple Effective Strategic Responses To Respond In Advance
What Would 2025 Look Like If You Enforced That Response?

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Participating IN Novemberfast 2024

Tune In More Clearly
Realign With The Lord
Get A Sense Of What God Has For 2025
Personally/Family
Church/Ministry
Career/Business

Jeremiah 33:1–3 (NKJV) Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the prison, saying, “Thus says the LORD who made it, the LORD who formed it to establish it (the LORD is His name): ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Title: Finders Keepers

Matthew 13:44–46 (ESV) “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

This Parable Reveals That Treasure/Pearls

Exists
Is Hidden
Is Discoverable

This is one of the most incredible/exciting parts of following Jesus.

Every day, every season is a treasure hunt.

A follower of Jesus takes dominion over the life God intends by searching, discovering and taking possession of the treasure that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Novemberfast = Discovery

2 Kings 6:15–17 (ESV) When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

The young man had eyes to see the natural
The natural reveals the facts, but not the truth.
The Spirit reveals Truth.

There are things I can’t see and I know it.

These are undiscoverable in the natural.

But I am not limited to the natural

Hidden Things Are Exposed By

SLIDE Divine Revelation - 1 Corinthians 2:9–10 (ESV) But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
SLIDE Prophetic Utterance - Isaiah 42:9 (ESV) Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
SLIDE Devotional Pursuit - Jeremiah 29:11–14 (ESV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD…

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ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

In Matthew 6 we see Jesus demonstrate for his disciples (both those with him at the time and for those to come like us) how to pray…

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven…

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: Aligning Ourselves
Starts with Repentance

Before we can align anything around us with heaven, we must first make sure we’re aligned!

Isaiah 59:1-2 (ESV) Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

The work of redemption was completed by Christ Jesus but His offer of grace must be accepted by faith.
Those already following Christ still live with a sin nature in a sinful world. As such, sin will always be a threat to prayer’s effectiveness and must be addressed.

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: Aligning Ourselves…

Prioritizes Kingdom Over Comfort

Isaiah 58:3-11 (ESV) Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD? "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.' If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

Fasting is NOT…
Asceticism: self-denial or self-punishment for the purpose of attaining status or favor with God.
Strategic leverage to persuade or force God into action (i.e. hunger strike)
Religious ritual or hypocritical showmanship
Fasting is…
An exercise of control over our mental, emotional, and physical craving to chase one self-gratification after another.
A time of concentrated, intentional engagement with the Holy Spirit through prayer, meditation on scripture, and praise.
A refocus on the priorities that God has called us to rather in lieu of self-fulfillment.

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: Aligning Circumstances

Accurately identifying what SHOULD BE compared to what currently IS.

Does scripture support the need for change?
What change will bring the most glory to God?
What’s in the way of that happening?

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: Aligning Circumstances

Declare War

Eph 6:12 (ESV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Spiritual warfare is not optional. God’s best on this earth is under attack so we can choose to fight and win or we can choose to give territory to the enemy.

“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing” - unknown

Ignoring the gap between what is and what should be is a dereliction of The Great Commision that Jesus gave us.

Matthew 28:18-20 “...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Luke 10:9,17-20 Jesus sends out the 72
John 17:18-20 Jesus prays for all believers

We fight from a place of victory, but we must still fight.

Anticipate Resistance:

Luke 8:28b-29a (ESV) "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.

Other Biblical examples of pushback:

Mark 8:23-25 Jesus lays hands on blind man twice
Mark 9:17-29 Disciples unable to cast out demon

The enemy will try to convince us to accept “what is” whenever we don’t see results.

Don't give in to, “I guess that’s just the way it’s supposed to be”, “maybe this is God’s plan”, or “This doesn’t work”.

Surround yourself with faith filled people who will join your fight - Who you’re around matters!
Mark 6:4-6 Jesus unable to perform many miracles in his home town due to unbelief
Return to the Lord for clarity to identify what’s “off” and adjust

Fight with Expectation:

1 John 5:14-15 (ESV) And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him

Mark 9:17-29 (ESV) “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

We may be unclear on when or how, but the question is never, “If?”
Approach the King with confidence. We’re fighting for His will to be done, so like a general that’s been given an objective:
We can ask for the resources needed
Identify the battle fronts we need support on
Present our plan to the King for approval or revision

We will relentlessly pursue God’s best until we see His will done on earth as it is in heaven.

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Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

No such thing as:

Nihilism - Job 19:25–27 (ESV) For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!
Soul Sleep - 2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Returning As Ghosts - Leviticus 19:31 (ESV) “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers (familiar spirits); do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.
Reincarnation - Buddhism/Hinduism - Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

The Soul Departs From The Body

Genesis 35:18 (ESV) And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
Luke 16:22–23 (NLT) “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

Believers Are Judged

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT) For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
1 Corinthians 3:13–15 (ESV) each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Non-Believers Are Judged

Revelation 20:11–12 (ESV) Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

Believers Enter Into Heaven

John 14:2–3 (ESV) In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Non-Believers Enter Hell, Lake Of Fire

Matthew 25:41 (ESV) “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Revelation 20:14–15 (ESV) Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

New Heaven & Earth, New Jerusalem

Revelation 21:1–4 (ESV) Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

1 Corinthians 2:9–10 (ESV) But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

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Matthew 24:3 (ESV) As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

The End Told From The Beginning

Genesis 3:15 (ESV) I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Acts 2:16–21 (ESV) But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “ ‘And in the last days…
John 6:40 (ESV)…and I will raise him up on the last day.” (x3)
2 Timothy 3:1 (ESV) But understand this, that in the last days…
2 Peter 3:3 (ESV) …scoffers will come in the last days…

SIGNS: False Saviors - Matthew 24:5 (ESV) For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.

More than spiritual, this is also political

SIGNS: Increased Wars - Matthew 24:6–7 (ESV) And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,

SIGNS: Increased Natural Disasters: Matthew 24:7 (ESV) …and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

SIGNS: Increased Persecution For Believers - Matthew 24:9 (ESV) “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.

SIGNS: Departure From Faith

Matthew 24:10 (ESV) And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.
2 Timothy 3:1–5 (ESV) But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

SIGNS: Increased Deception - Matthew 24:11-13 (ESV) And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

This is not just the church
Prophets OT delivered the news on behalf of God
Modern Day - news

SIGNS: Increased Knowledge - Daniel 12:4 (ESV) But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”

SIGNS: Gospel Preached Worldwide - Matthew 24:14 (ESV) And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

SIGNS: Restoration, Regathering of Israel, Rebuilding of Temple

Ezekiel 38-39; Zechariah 12-14, Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; Revelation 11:1-2

SIGNS: Mark of the Beast - Revelation 13:16–18 (ESV) Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

SIGNS: One World Government - Revelation 13:6–8 (ESV) It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

1 Corinthians 15:24 (ESV) Then comes the end…

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Matthew 28:1–7 (ESV) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

Jesus Wasn’t The Only Or The First Resurrection

The Shunammite's Son - 2 Kings 4:33–35 (ESV) So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the LORD. Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm. Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
The Unnamed Man & Elisha’s Grave - 2 Kings 13:20–21 (ESV) So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year. And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.
Jairus’ Daughter - Mark 5:41–42 (ESV) Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.
Lazarus - John 11:43–44 (ESV) When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
The Graveyard Near Golgotha - Matthew 27:50–53 (ESV) And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.
Dorcas (Tabitha) - Acts 9:40–41 (ESV) But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

ONE DIFFERENCE: Every one of these went on to die again.

Jesus’ Resurrection Was Different

He Wasn’t Easily Recognized - John 20:14–16 (ESV) Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
He Was Able To Appear/Disappear - Luke 24:36 (ESV) As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”
He Maintained His Scars - John 20:27–28 (ESV) Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
He Didn’t Die But Ascended Into Heaven - Acts 1:9 (ESV) And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
He Promised To Return By Descending - Acts 1:10–11 (ESV) And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Our Future:

Resurrection or… - 1 Corinthians 15:21–23, 47-49 (ESV) For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

Transformation - 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (ESV) Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

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John 19:29–30 (ESV) A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Jesus WAS before He was BORN

He Existed Before He Was Born - John 8:53–59 (ESV) Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
He Died Before He Was Born - Revelation 13:8 (KJV) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Christophanies/Theophanies In The Old Testament - The Angel of The Lord // The Angel, The Lord, allows himself to be worshiped.

He Is Credited For Creation - Colossians 1:15–17 (ESV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
He Walked With Adam - Genesis 3:8 (ESV) And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
He Appeared To Abraham (several times) - Genesis 18:1–3 (ESV) And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.
He Wrestled Jacob - Genesis 32:30 (ESV) So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”
He Spoke Out Of The Burning Bush To Moses - Exodus 3:4 (ESV) When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”
He Appeared to Joshua - Joshua 5:13-15 as the commander of the army of the Lord before the battle of Jericho.
He Appeared to Gideon in Judges 6:11-24 as an angel, speaking on behalf of God.
He Appeared to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:25 as one like a son of God, walking with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace.
He Appeared To Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-8 when he saw a vision of God on his throne.
He Appeared To Ezekiel - el throughout his book through various visions and encounters with God's glory.

JESUS Was Born Fully MAN*

Philippians 2:5–8 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Set divinity aside
He had access but refrained.
Limitations of all men
Baby, vulnerable
Grew in status with men
Tired, weary, hungry, frustrated, angry

Jesus’ Power Came From The Holy Spirit

If Jesus was just a man, where did his power come from?

Luke 3:21–22 (ESV) Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

When Jesus Did Miracles, He Wasn’t “Proving Who He Was” Or “Showing Off.” He Simply Recognized Things Out Of Alignment With Heaven And Demonstrated “How To!”

Your Power Comes From The Same Spirit - Romans 8:11 (ESV) If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Was Tempted, Suffered And Crucified In Every Way By/For Sin.

We are tempted/sin in every way - Body, Soul Spirit

We SIN on all Levels

Jesus Suffered On All Levels, For Our Sin

Body - John 19:16–18 (ESV) So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.
Soul - Luke 22:41–44 (ESV) And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Spirit - Matthew 27:46 (ESV) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
He Suffered During Temptation - Hebrews 2:18 (ESV) For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
He Did Not Sin - Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
He Became Sin - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

He Died*

John 3:14–15 (NLT) And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

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Jesus WAS before He was BORN

He Existed Before He Was Born - John 8:53–59 (ESV) Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
He Died Before He Was Born - Revelation 13:8 (KJV) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Christophanies/Theophanies In The Old Testament - The Angel of The Lord // The Angel, The Lord, allows himself to be worshiped.

He Is Credited For Creation - Colossians 1:15–17 (ESV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
He Walked With Adam - Genesis 3:8 (ESV) And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
He Appeared To Abraham (several times) - Genesis 18:1–3 (ESV) And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.
He Wrestled Jacob - Genesis 32:30 (ESV) So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”
He Spoke Out Of The Burning Bush To Moses - Exodus 3:4 (ESV) When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”
He Appeared to Joshua - Joshua 5:13-15 as the commander of the army of the Lord before the battle of Jericho.
He Appeared to Gideon in Judges 6:11-24 as an angel, speaking on behalf of God.
He Appeared to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:25 as one like a son of God, walking with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace.
He Appeared To Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-8 when he saw a vision of God on his throne.
He Appeared To Ezekiel - el throughout his book through various visions and encounters with God's glory.

JESUS Was Born Fully MAN*

Philippians 2:5–8 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Set divinity aside
He had access but refrained.
Limitations of all men
Baby, vulnerable
Grew in status with men
Tired, weary, hungry, frustrated, angry

Jesus’ Power Came From The Holy Spirit

If Jesus was just a man, where did his power come from?

When Jesus Did Miracles, He Wasn’t “Proving Who He Was” Or “Showing Off.” He Simply Recognized Things Out Of Alignment With Heaven And Demonstrated “How To!”

Was Tempted, Suffered And Crucified In Every Way By/For Sin.

We are tempted/sin in every way - Body, Soul Spirit

We SIN on all Levels

Jesus Suffered On All Levels, For Our Sin

Body - John 19:16–18 (ESV) So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.
Soul - Luke 22:41–44 (ESV) And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Spirit - Matthew 27:46 (ESV) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
He Suffered During Temptation - Hebrews 2:18 (ESV) For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
He Did Not Sin - Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
He Became Sin - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

He Died*

John 3:14–15 (NLT) And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.

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Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more 2 Kings 20:1 (ESV)‬‬ In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.’ ”

About Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

The Bible is the inspired book of TRUTHS The LORD wants you to know. It is not the entirety of TRUTH, but it is absolute TRUTH.

It is similar to a box filled with unconnected puzzle pieces that when properly fit reveal the big picture of TRUTH consisting of smaller scenes of associated TRUTHS.

Bad practice picks favorites pieces, ignores others and even manufactures pieces to create a desired picture. Good practice assembles the pieces as they fit together allowing the pieces to reveal the picture of the TRUTH that HE declares.

We Are Created By God To Live Eternally

Psalm 139:13–16 (ESV) For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
Job 19:26–27 (NIV) And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Luke 16:22–23 (NLT) “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

This is why abortion is so wrong.

Rape (1%)
Elaine
Two wrongs don’t make a right.

My body, my choice - what about suicide? What about when it affects another?

Every miscarried child will be in heaven
Every aborted child will be in heaven

We Will All Die* Because Of Sin -

Genesis 2:16–17 (NIV) And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

Constant Death:

Spirit
Soul
Body

Because Of:

Your sin
Other’s sin
The presence of sin

Final Death - Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

Days Can Be Lengthened Or Shortened -

Proverbs 10:27 (ESV) The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be short.
2 Kings 20:5–7 (ESV) “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord, and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David’s sake.” And Isaiah said, “Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover.”

There Are A Few Exceptions:

Enoch - Genesis 5:24 (NIV) Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.
Elijah - 2 Kings 2:11–12 (ESV) And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
Rapture???
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (ESV) Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
Luke 17:34–35 (ESV) I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.”

Prophecy is easy to interpret after the prophecy is fulfilled.

If Someone You Love Dies:

Death Is The Enemy Of God - 1 Corinthians 15:26 (ESV) The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Love People, Rely On God
Be Thankful For Time You Had Not Bitter For Time You Don't

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Mark 13:1–5 (ESV) And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray.

Mark 13, Matthew 24, Luke 21

When will the temple be torn down?
What are the signs the temple will be torn down?
What will be the sign of your coming (Mt 24:2)
What will be the sign of the end of the age (Mt 24:2)
They are asking about MANY ENDINGS
End of Jesus’ life
End of following Jesus around
End of their temple
End of their nation
End of all nations
End of separation from Jesus
End of this age

Anticipate The End.

We tend to look forward to specific moments as if they are fixed destinations in life, but they are not.

We tend to try to hold on to them beyond their expiration date.

Reality: you are going to experience The End, over and over

Some can be seen a long way off
Some are abrupt and sudden like the end of a job
Some will make sense
Some will make no sense

Seasons Are Multi-Layered

Personal Seasons
Family Seasons
Career/Business/Economy Seasons
Social Seasons
Community/National
Kingdom/Ecclesiastical

Sometimes a change in one category impacts all categories.

God’s purposes will prevail overall.

His purposes are experienced by those who follow Him.

Be On Guard During The End.

Mark 13:5–9 (ESV) And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. “But be on your guard.

THE ENDS are key times with much at stake

An attempt to deceive
An attempt to react emotionally
An attempt to take something for you

Collateral damage impacts everyone, including you.

You always carry how you end a thing into the next thing.

Follow Jesus Through The End.

Matthew 9:9 (ESV) As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

He is not going to stop leading.

Following must be active.

Matthew 11:15 (ESV) He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (x13)

Galatians 5:16 (ESV) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

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1 Peter 3:7 (ESV) Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Effective Prayer

spoken words
Reconnect heaven/earth
Realign heaven/earth

Hindered Prayer - Obstacles and impedances - from the military practice of making slits in the street to hold up a pursuing enemy

The hindrances are not necessarily created by God. They can be the byproduct of a life/actions out of alignment with the word of God and it creates a misfire.

Inconsistent - one of the biggest obstacles to effective prayer is inconsistency which leads to shame. For many, avoiding prayer altogether is the alternative.

Mark 1:35 (ESV) And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Luke 11:1–2 (ESV) Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.
I have found that a less formalized prayer time during seasons when that is impossible and an ongoing conversation throughout the day keeps me tapped in.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV) pray without ceasing,

Lack of Faith - many pray not expecting to hear His Voice, sense His Presence or see His Hand in action. This repeated activity replaces faith in God with something else = IDOLATRY.

Do you really pray with expectation?
Your prayer time experiences callouses
It becomes an obligation
You become Immune
Zero Expectation
IDOLATRY
Your circumstances are more powerful than God
Your enemy is more powerful than God
God does for others but not for you
Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”
James‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ ‭‭“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” ‭

Lack of Works

Almost every effective prayer requires action on the part of the person praying, beginning with the prayer itself, followed by the actions necessary to see the prayer answered.
At minimum, faith demonstrated in the way you pray.
Willingness to be the conduit
Willingness to humble yourself
Willingness to change
‭‭James‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬, ‭17‬, ‭22‬, ‭26‬ ‭( ESV)‬‬ “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”

Wrong Motives - it is possible to desire a good outcome for very wrong motives, which will hinder the answer from coming.

James‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭(ESV) ‬‬“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” ‭‭

Poor Treatment of Others - even though they are two different conversations, our treatment of others impacts our ability to connect with God in prayer

Matthew 25:40 (ESV) And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
1 Peter 3:7 (ESV) Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

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James 5:16

(NIV) The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
(NKJV) The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
(NASB95) The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
(MSG) The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.
(ESV) The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
(NLT) The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Effective Prayer: Begins With The Spoken Word

God speaks
Man speaks
Unlimited audiences:
God
Man
Spiritual/natural realm
First Words - Genesis 1:3 (ESV) And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Key Words - Genesis 1:26 (ESV) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
God didn’t just speak, he fashioned with His hands.
Genesis 2:18 (ESV) Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
Genesis 2:21–23 (ESV) So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
Normative Words - Genesis 3:8 (ESV) And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day…
Heaven and earth is connected, aligned
Contested Words - Genesis 3:23–24 (ESV) therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

From that moment on, prayer was no longer easy communication. It became lost, difficult, skewed, perverted, unsuccessful, questionable, illegal, contested, punished, ineffective

Combat Ineffective Prayer: PRAY/READ OUT LOUD!

Personal prayer time
Praying for others
Talking to circumstances

Effective Prayer Reconnects Heaven And Earth

The Reality Of Disconnection: a byproduct of sin, a strategy of the enemy, a condition you will experience your entire life, regardless of your spiritual condition.

Daniel 10:12–13 (ESV) “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days…
Matthew 4:1–3 (ESV) Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness.... And after fasting forty days and forty nights… the tempter came and said to him, “If..”
Deuteronomy 28:23 (ESV) And the heavens over your head shall be bronze…
Psalm 22:1–2 (ESV) My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.
Isaiah 59:1–2 (ESV) Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

Prayer Reconnects

Genesis 4:26 (ESV) To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.
Genesis 28:16–17 (ESV) Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
Jeremiah 29:12–14 (ESV) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD,
Acts 4:31 (ESV) And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Combat Ineffective Prayer: PRAY INTO PRESENCE

Effective Prayer Realigns Heaven And Earth

This step is contingent upon the last step.

God’s Presence Catalyzes Alignment.

Stop Praying For Alignment Without Presence!

Matthew 6:9–10 (ESV) Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
1 John 5:14–15 (ESV) And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
Mark 9:28–29 (KJV) And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Bringing Alignment In More Than Just The Area Prayer For

Personal alignment
Internal kingdom alignment
External kingdom alignment

Combat Ineffective Prayer: Fast For Power

(NIV) ...prayer... is powerful
(MSG) ...prayer... is something powerful to be reckoned with.
(ESV) ...prayer... has great power as it is working.
(NLT) ...prayer... has great power and produces wonderful results

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2 Corinthians 4:16-18 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits

are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long.

Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!! So we don’t look at

the troubles we can see right now, rather we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the

troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever!!

Hannah - A dream follower

1st Samuel 1-2

Opposition to the Dream - NO control elements

road-block to the dream in place - God closed Hannah’s womb (1 Sam 1:6)
made fun of by family members for inabilities (1 Sam 1:6)
well Intentioned but unsupportive loved ones (1 Sam 1:8)
wrongly accused of poor behavior - by a well respected authority (1 Sam 1:12-14)

Hannah’s Control Elements

showing great emotion (1 Sam 1:10, 11) -Pslams 34:17 & 18
defends herself (1 Sam 1:15-16) & DOES NOT lean in to offense (vs.18) Eph 4:32 Prov 15:1 Luke 6:27
immediate agreement and belief in promise (vs 18) Romans 5:8-10 - Tim 4:10 John 14:10

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Mark 4:35-41 NIRV

When evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” They left the crowd behind. And they took him along in a boat, just as he was. There were also other boats with him. A wild storm came up. Waves crashed over the boat. It was about to sink. Jesus was in the back, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him up. They said, “Teacher! Don’t you care if we drown?” “Yes, I care. I gave you the authority to take care of it.” He got up and ordered the wind to stop. He said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down. And it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Don’t you have any faith at all yet?” They were terrified. They asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Mark 3:13-15 (NIRV)

Jesus went up on a mountainside. He called for certain people to come to him, and they came. He appointed 12 of them so that they would be with him. He would also send them out to preach. And he gave them authority to drive out demons.

Could this have been a test for the disciples? An opportunity to flex their authority? Jesus selected 12 to go out to preach and gave them authority to cast out demons.

38… “Yes, I care. I gave you the authority to take care of it.” - to resist opposing circumstances

Ephesians 6:10-12 CEV

10 Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.

Revelation 12 - War In Heaven - authority from God

Genesis 3 - The Fall Of Mankind - authority God gave to man

Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus - authority from Jesus

Revelation 12:12b - “But woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”

3 Steps To Resisting Opposing Circumstances

1. Pray As You Align Your Thoughts (With Heaven)

37 A wild storm came up. Waves crashed over the boat. It was about to sink. 38 Jesus was in the back, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him up. They said, “Teacher! Don’t you care if we drown?”

Our circumstances show up and that’s all we see - emotions - see truth

Matthew 6:9-10 NIV

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Mark 11:22-24 CEV

esus told his disciples: Have faith in God! If you have faith in God and don't doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith.

Post on Psycology Today, “...some sources suggest that the average person makes an eye-popping 35,000 choices per day. Assuming that most people spend around seven hours per day sleeping and thus blissfully choice-free, that makes roughly 2,000 decisions per hour or one decision every two seconds.

2. Pray As You Respond And Move

38… “Yes, I care. I gave you the authority to take care of it.”

Israel was delivered - they saw their circumstance - panicked - Moses reminds them:

Exodus 14:14-18 CEV

he Lord will fight for you, and you won't have to do a thing.” The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you keep calling out to me for help? Tell the Israelites to move forward. Then hold your walking stick over the sea. The water will open up and make a road where they can walk through on dry ground.

James 2:26 CEV

“Anyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!”

Hebrews 11:2- Faith chapter (Noah, Gideon, Rahab, etc.) “It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God.”

3. Pray As You Declare God’s Truth

Mark 4:39, “He got up and ordered the wind to stop. He said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down. And it was completely calm.”

Genesis 1:27 NIRV

“So God created human beings in his own likeness. He created them to be like himself.”

Quote from Randy Clark, Authority From God, How and Why You Can Kick the Devil Out of Your Life, “When God speaks a word of command He also supplies the power to accomplish what He said to do.”
Psalm 119:89 NKJV, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.”Settled has the Hebrew meaning as when an army takes land or territory and sets guards to protect it.
Matthew 18:18 CEV, “I promise you God in heaven will allow whatever you allow on earth, but God will not allow anything you don't allow.”

“We're gonna see the strongholds bow. We're gonna see the things of Heaven here, right now”

“Light of the world, Lamb that was slain. Lion who roars, mighty to save. The fullness of God won’t be kept in a grave. Darkness, your hour is over.”

“This is our hope; the cross it has spoken. Death is no more, Christ is the Lord, this is our hope.”

Ephesians 6:10 NLT

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

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Mark 4:35-41 NIRV

Mark 3:13-15 (NIRV)

Could this have been a test for the disciples? An opportunity to flex their authority? Jesus selected 12 to go out to preach and gave them authority to cast out demons.

38… “Yes, I care. I gave you the authority to take care of it.” - to resist opposing circumstances

Ephesians 6:10-12 CEV

Revelation 12 - War In Heaven - authority from God

Genesis 3 - The Fall Of Mankind - authority God gave to man

Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus - authority from Jesus

Revelation 12:12b - “But woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”

3 Steps To Resisting Opposing Circumstances

1. Pray As You Align Your Thoughts (With Heaven)

Our circumstances show up and that’s all we see - emotions - see truth

Matthew 6:9-10 NIV

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Mark 11:22-24 CEV

Post on Psycology Today, “...some sources suggest that the average person makes an eye-popping 35,000 choices per day. Assuming that most people spend around seven hours per day sleeping and thus blissfully choice-free, that makes roughly 2,000 decisions per hour or one decision every two seconds.

2. Pray As You Respond And Move

38… “Yes, I care. I gave you the authority to take care of it.”

Israel was delivered - they saw their circumstance - panicked - Moses reminds them:

Exodus 14:14-18 CEV

James 2:26 CEV

“Anyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!”

Hebrews 11:2- Faith chapter (Noah, Gideon, Rahab, etc.) “It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God.”

3. Pray As You Declare God’s Truth

Mark 4:39, “He got up and ordered the wind to stop. He said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down. And it was completely calm.”

Genesis 1:27 NIRV

“So God created human beings in his own likeness. He created them to be like himself.”

Quote from Randy Clark, Authority From God, How and Why You Can Kick the Devil Out of Your Life, “When God speaks a word of command He also supplies the power to accomplish what He said to do.”
Psalm 119:89 NKJV, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.”Settled has the Hebrew meaning as when an army takes land or territory and sets guards to protect it.
Matthew 18:18 CEV, “I promise you God in heaven will allow whatever you allow on earth, but God will not allow anything you don't allow.”

“We're gonna see the strongholds bow. We're gonna see the things of Heaven here, right now”

“Light of the world, Lamb that was slain. Lion who roars, mighty to save. The fullness of God won’t be kept in a grave. Darkness, your hour is over.”

“This is our hope; the cross it has spoken. Death is no more, Christ is the Lord, this is our hope.”

Ephesians 6:10 NLT

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

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Luke 4:16–21 (ESV) And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, TO PROCLAIM THE YEAR OF THE LORD’S FAVOR.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

FAVOR: Pleasure, Presence, Help

GOD FAVORS YOU

Luke 4:19 (ESV) to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Genesis 37:3 (ESV) Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.

This World Will Do Everything To Destroy Your Sense Of His Favor

Time/imperfections led to deception: I am tolerated by God.

This world will attempt to rob you of His Favor.

Genesis 37:4, 23-24 (ESV) But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.

Leaning Into His Favor Releases His Favor

Assuming God’s displeasure/disfavor impacts you powerfully

How you see yourself
Your Posture in all things
Flavors every experience

Matthew 9:28–30 (ESV) When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.”

but…

Luke 15:17–24 (NIV) “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

His favor in your best moments, but not because of your best

His favor in your worst moments, in spite of the worst.

Put your coat on.

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Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Submission To God Unlocks Access & Resources

There are some things that God has for you that you will never experience until you say yes to him.

Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Forgiveness
Peace
Self worth
Purpose
Love

Your macro submission will leads to micro opportunities

Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths

Where He leads He will resource.

Can’t afford to get married
Can’t afford to tithe
Can’t afford to go on a mission trip

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you

Discipleship Will Focus Your Aim

Saying YES to Jesus will place you in the right zip-code, but engaging in discipleship will help you find the right neighborhood and the right address.

Discipleship: Actively Following Jesus

Prayer
Jeremiah 29:12–14 (ESV) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD
“Have your way in me.”
Bible reading/study
Psalm 119:103–105 (ESV) How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Obedience
Active in church family
Serving
Giving
Submitting

It allows all of your spiritual senses to be attuned:

Hear clear commands
Discern dangers
Recognize lies

Take Advantage Of The Reset Button

Sometimes we find ourselves in the wrong place.

Adjustments lead us farther away.

Decisions that have lead you off track
Opposition you have yielded to
Attacks that you have surrendered to
Bad attitudes that are sin (complaining)
Unbelief: I can’t/Your cant do this

The supernatural reset: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV) if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

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Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

It Is Embedded In Who You Are

Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

○ These generalities are true of every person

○ You are not a windup toy released to see what happens

○ There is design

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

○ Intelligent design reveals purpose

○ Like a tool on the shelf, a closer look reveals purpose.

We tend to look outward for His will to be revealed when so often it can be discovered by looking more closely at who we are. Not all of it, but the shadows are there.

It Can Be General, Permissive Or Specific

Romans 12:2 that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
- Good - General - Zip Code
  - Everyone Saved
  - Everyone Involved In Discipleship
  - Everyone Builds His Kingdom
  - Everyone Walks In Kingdom Favor/Provision - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 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 hope and a future.
    - Acceptable - Permissive - Neighborhood
  - Career
  - Spouse
  - Car
  - Specific Church
    - Perfect - Specific - Address
  - Micro moments of right wrong
  - Micro decisions that unlock destiny
    - Widow who gave prophet last of oil and flour
    - Woman who anointed Jesus for burial
    - Region vs opportunity - Micro Calling

So which one is it?

Testing Over Time Will Enable You To Discern Which Applies

You will make poor decisions.

Some you will have to live with.

Others you can launch from.

It Can Go Unfulfilled

1 Timothy 2:3–4 (ESV) This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Mark 16:16 (ESV) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Reasons:

ignorance
Rebellion
Desire Things Outside Of It
Failure To Discern It
Failure to seek
Get Pushed From it

○ Outside influences

○ Lack strength/understanding

○ Fall victim

○ Submit

Wrong decision for “right” reason
Failure To Enforce It

○ Lack the understanding

○ Lack the strength/faith

○ Submission to “less-than”

View Details

It Is Embedded In Who You Are

Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

○ These generalities are true of every person

○ You are not a windup toy released to see what happens

○ There is design

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

○ Intelligent design reveals purpose

○ Like a tool on the shelf, a closer look reveals purpose.

We tend to look outward for His will to be revealed when so often it can be discovered by looking more closely at who we are. Not all of it, but the shadows are there.

It Can Be General, Permissive Or Specific

Romans 12:2 that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
- Good - General - Zip Code
  - Everyone Saved
  - Everyone Involved In Discipleship
  - Everyone Builds His Kingdom
  - Everyone Walks In Kingdom Favor/Provision - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 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 hope and a future.
    - Acceptable - Permissive - Neighborhood
  - Career
  - Spouse
  - Car
  - Specific Church
    - Perfect - Specific - Address
  - Micro moments of right wrong
  - Micro decisions that unlock destiny
    - Widow who gave prophet last of oil and flour
    - Woman who anointed Jesus for burial
    - Region vs opportunity - Micro Calling

So which one is it?

Testing Over Time Will Enable You To Discern Which Applies

You will make poor decisions.

Some you will have to live with.

Others you can launch from.

It Can Go Unfulfilled

1 Timothy 2:3–4 (ESV) This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Mark 16:16 (ESV) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Reasons:

ignorance
Rebellion
Desire Things Outside Of It
Failure To Discern It
Failure to seek
Get Pushed From it

○ Outside influences

○ Lack strength/understanding

○ Fall victim

○ Submit

Wrong decision for “right” reason
Failure To Enforce It

○ Lack the understanding

○ Lack the strength/faith

○ Submission to “less-than”

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‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭8‬, ‭13‬ ‭(NIV‬‬) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

4 Greek Words For Love

Storge - familial love or natural affections, especially between parents and children
Phileo - deep friendship or brotherly love
John 11:34–36 (ESV) And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
Eros - (not in the NT) - romantic or passionate love
Agape - highest form of love referring to sacrificial love seeking the well-being of others (referring to God’s love for us and the love Christians are called to have for one another)

Experiencing The Love Of God Equips You To Give/Receive True Love

1 John 4:19 (ESV) We love because he first loved us.
Parents, children, spouse, friends, neighbors and enemies
True love for God is possible in response to His love
Religion is created when we try to love God without the revelation of his love.
“God grant me a revelation of your love for me.”
The revelation of God’s love is something we walk in. It is a status, It is something we wear. It is like a superpower
Romans 8:35, 38-39 (ESV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Self love is a poor substitute for the revelation of God’s love.
The revelation of God’s loves enables us to love correctly
The love you have experienced prior to that is incomplete, possibly even poisoned.
Loving others out of a broken experience will be limited.
In choosing a potential spouse, choose someone who loves God first
Matthew 10:37 (ESV) Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

LOVE: The Sacrificial DECISION To Seek The Well-Being Of Others

1 Peter 2:4 (ESV) As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.
God chose to love you.
God would not command you to do something that you could not choose
Matthew 22:39 (ESV) And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 5:44–46 (ESV) But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Falling into love leads to falling out of love
That type of love is emotion
That type of love is attraction
“You can’t help who you love” is not a true statement. “You can’t help who you are attracted to” is the correct response.
Attraction is often impacted by brokenness and traumatic experiences
Childhood trauma
Broken relationships
Grooming
In marriage, attraction is important, but the decision to love is paramount.
Fall in love means you can fall out of love.
At moments it will feel like being trapped.
The decision will unlock the emotion

LOVE: The SACRIFICIAL Decision To Seek The Well-Being Of Others

John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 15:13 (ESV) Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
LOVE empties its vault to increase the value of someone else.
Anyone who demands things under the umbrella of love is likely manipulation.
If you loved me then you would….
God will deal with your narcissism through others.
“Oh, this is how you feel God…”

LOVE: The Sacrificial Decision To Seek The WELL-BEING Of Others

1 Corinthians 13:6 (NIV) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
“Well Being: God’s Best
Some forms of love are out of alignment with AGAPE
Care for feelings
Care for comfort
Care about being liked
Care about being accepted
Ex: During the pandemic, riots, and current woke agendas “how will that show the world the love of God?”
Love in spite of sin, but we can never affirm sin
Illus: the man sinking because of the concrete block he is holding needs someone to love him without affirming the block.
True love does not pull people out of the boundaries of God’s Word. True love seeks to center others within God’s Word, sometimes at the expense of:
Their feelings
Their comfort
Their cultural
There are more important things than how people feel
Rejoices with the truth
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

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4 Greek Words For Love

Storge - familial love or natural affections, especially between parents and children
Phileo - deep friendship or brotherly love
John 11:34–36 (ESV) And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
Eros - (not in the NT) - romantic or passionate love
Agape - highest form of love referring to sacrificial love seeking the well-being of others (referring to God’s love for us and the love Christians are called to have for one another)

Experiencing The Love Of God Equips You To Give/Receive True Love

1 John 4:19 (ESV) We love because he first loved us.
Parents, children, spouse, friends, neighbors and enemies
True love for God is possible in response to His love
Religion is created when we try to love God without the revelation of his love.
“God grant me a revelation of your love for me.”
The revelation of God’s love is something we walk in. It is a status, It is something we wear. It is like a superpower
Romans 8:35, 38-39 (ESV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Self love is a poor substitute for the revelation of God’s love.
The revelation of God’s loves enables us to love correctly
The love you have experienced prior to that is incomplete, possibly even poisoned.
Loving others out of a broken experience will be limited.
In choosing a potential spouse, choose someone who loves God first
Matthew 10:37 (ESV) Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

LOVE: The Sacrificial DECISION To Seek The Well-Being Of Others

1 Peter 2:4 (ESV) As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.
God chose to love you.
God would not command you to do something that you could not choose
Matthew 22:39 (ESV) And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 5:44–46 (ESV) But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Falling into love leads to falling out of love
That type of love is emotion
That type of love is attraction
“You can’t help who you love” is not a true statement. “You can’t help who you are attracted to” is the correct response.
Attraction is often impacted by brokenness and traumatic experiences
Childhood trauma
Broken relationships
Grooming
In marriage, attraction is important, but the decision to love is paramount.
Fall in love means you can fall out of love.
At moments it will feel like being trapped.
The decision will unlock the emotion

LOVE: The SACRIFICIAL Decision To Seek The Well-Being Of Others

John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 15:13 (ESV) Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
LOVE empties its vault to increase the value of someone else.
Anyone who demands things under the umbrella of love is likely manipulation.
If you loved me then you would….
God will deal with your narcissism through others.
“Oh, this is how you feel God…”

LOVE: The Sacrificial Decision To Seek The WELL-BEING Of Others

1 Corinthians 13:6 (NIV) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
“Well Being: God’s Best
Some forms of love are out of alignment with AGAPE
Care for feelings
Care for comfort
Care about being liked
Care about being accepted
Ex: During the pandemic, riots, and current woke agendas “how will that show the world the love of God?”
Love in spite of sin, but we can never affirm sin
Illus: the man sinking because of the concrete block he is holding needs someone to love him without affirming the block.
True love does not pull people out of the boundaries of God’s Word. True love seeks to center others within God’s Word, sometimes at the expense of:
Their feelings
Their comfort
Their cultural
There are more important things than how people feel
Rejoices with the truth
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

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patriot - a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 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 hope and a future.”

America: 1776 AD - 246 Years Old

Iran 3200 BC - 5224
Egypt 3100 BC - 5124
Vietnam 2879 BC - 4903
Armenia 2492 BC - 4516
North Korea 2333 BC - 4357
China 2070 BC - 4094

Immigration - everyone wants to come here.

America 50.6 million foreign born people
Germany 15.8
Saudi Arabia 13.5
Russia 11.6
United Kingdom 9

2.6 people legally immigrate to the US per year, with close to the same number entering illegally every year.

Largest economy in the world - Gross domestic product

US 25 trillion
China 18.5 trillion
Germany 4.5 trillion
Japan 4.11 trillion
India 3.9

Pull China out and our GDP is higher than the following 8 nations combined.

Per capita, we are #7 but the 6 above us are tiny nations.

We are facing an election like none other ever seen

Election between two who have already been president
Two who are in their 80’s
One with a lifetime in politics and the other who the only office he held was the one he won
Wealth
When Joe biden left the vice presidency his net worth was essentially zero but has surged to 8 million with book deals
Trumps value dropped by 700 million to 2.3 billion
One who is facing 88 criminal charges and 54 felonies.

We Are EXILES - Kingdom First!

Jeremiah 29:1 (ESV) These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.

While we live here, we are exiles!!!

This is not our home, this is not our destination.

There has been an beginning and ending to every earthly kingdom

John 18:36 (ESV) Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
Philippians 3:20–21 (ESV) But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

This is the Kingdom He resides over

This is the Kingdom we prioritize

This is the Kingdom we are building

There is a future government coming

Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

We Are Here, Now, On Mission For Our King

Jeremiah 29:4 (ESV) “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:

Acts 17:26–27 (ESV) And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,

Here and now is different for many other believers in the world. But it’s the same mission.

We Are To Thrive While Here

Jeremiah 29:5 (ESV) Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.
Jeremiah 29:6 (ESV) Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.
Jeremiah 29:11 - …plans to prosper you…

As crazy as that sounds, we are to thrive.

We are not to:

Live in defense mode
Live in fear of this world getting on us
Not get involved in anything
Multiply, not only in number but in culture/values
3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

We Are To Help Here & Now To Thrive

Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV) But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Seek the welfare

Health
Happiness
Fortunes

Greek word

Completeness
Soundness
Peace

We have to participate in that.

Never at the expense of our homeland

Live
Vote
Participate
Give voice

“God doesn’t have a guy, you have a choice”

Often its the best of two bad choices
Biblical policy over Biblical lifestyle
“I like where the ball lands” on other issues

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Here & Now

Released in 2018 by the band, Elevation Worship who are the music leaders for Elevation Church in NC.

It provides opportunities for us to do several things:

To acknowledge the hard place we often find ourselves, in-between where we’ve been and what God has said will be… and then, to lay that struggle, our emotions, our plans, our effort at the feet of the Lord as an offering of trust.
For us to glorify the faithfulness of God, recognizing that regardless of how we feel or whether or not we sense His presence, and no matter what happens, He has pursued us our whole lives, has not abandoned us in our place of discomfort, and WILL see us through to the very best He has for us.
For us to establish and pursue our relationship with Jesus as the most important thing. Above our comfort, above our desired outcomes, above any godly pursuit, this is our declaration to pursue God Himself first.

Submission Facilitates Victory

Can’t go back to the beginning, Can’t control what tomorrow will bring, Let your love rise above every fear, In my weakness your glory appears

Life is full of difficult spots

Loss of idyllic past
Inability to control envisioned future
Lamenting failures or sin
Dealing with trauma from the sin of others

These places in between “what was” and “what will be” are spiritual battlefields.

Enemy will sow everything from bitterness, resentment, fear, discontentment, pride… all things that will rob us of the abundant life Jesus bought for us.

James 4:7 (ESV) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Submission means both “yielding control of” AND “presenting or offering”
Acknowledge the hard place we often find ourselves, in-between where we’ve been and what God has said will be… and then, lay that struggle; our emotions, our plans, our effort at the feet of the Lord as an offering of trust.
Submit yourself to God and the enemy will retreat.

When we sing these words, offer to the Lord everything weighing you down. Every pain, scar, fear, hope, and plan.

Surrender to God’s plans for your future and redemption of your past.
Commit to stop looking in the rear view mirror and start looking forward.
Thank the Lord for breakthroughs that are coming.

Never Alone in the Process

As I walk now through the valley, Not for a minute was I forsaken, Dry bones awaken, The Lord is in this place

Regardless of how we feel, whether we sense His presence or not, and no matter what happens, He has not abandoned us and WILL see us through to His very best for us.

2 Sam 14:14 (NLT) All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.

God has always been, and always will be working to draw us closer to Himself.

Doesn’t depend on our awareness
Extends beyond our acknowledgement
Is a result of His character and the value He’s placed on us: the life of His only son

Like David, encourage yourself in the Lord when you feel alone.

Acknowledge and give thanks for the ways He’s been faithful in the past.
Evaluate the following and respond to the Lord accordingly:
Facts: You don’t FEEL Him, SEE Him working, or UNDERSTAND His plan. Maybe you’re even struggling to believe He cares or is even there.
Lies: He’s abandoned you. You’re too broken. He was never really there at all.
Truth: God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He demonstrated His love for you in that while you were still embracing sin, He died to justify you in the presence of God the Father and for the CHANCE that you might choose to trust Him for that. There is nothing outside of you or inside of you that can separate you from His love.

When we sing these words, praise God for His character of faithfulness and love.

Reject the lies the enemy has told you,
Embrace the truth of what God says,
Regardless of the facts of your circumstance.

King First, Kingdom Second

All I want is all you are, Come Holy Spirit, I’m not enough unless you come, Will you meet me here again

The Kingdom of God is built around and for the glory of God. He is central to all aspects of it.

Declaration that we want Him over anything else
Invitation for Him to take His rightful place as the King of our lives

Daniel 3:17-18 (NLT) “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. 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.”

It’s easy to develop a relationship with Jesus where we pursue the things He’s promised as a priority over pursuing Him.

Establish (or reestablish) and pursue our relationship with Jesus as the most important thing. Above our comfort, above desired outcomes, above any godly pursuit; this is our declaration to pursue God Himself first.

When we sing these words make them a personal expression from you to Jesus.

Invite Him to meet you right where you're at
Ask Him to change your heart
Ask Him to heal your unbelief

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shachah (hebrew) - to bow down.
proskuneo (greek) - to kiss, to show reverence, to bow down

Worship is an issue of priority, affection, reverence, elevation, honor, submission.

GENERAL WORSHIP - 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
INTENTIONAL WORSHIP: 2 Samuel 6:12–15 (ESV) So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.

Intentional worship is the combination of words and actions intended to bring praise, honor and glory to God.

Singing - Psalm 9:2 (ESV) I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Shouting - Psalm 47:1 (ESV) Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
Lifting Hands - Psalm 63:4 (ESV) So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Bowing/Kneeling - Psalm 95:6 (ESV) Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
Clapping - Psalm 47:1 (ESV) Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
Praising - Psalm 9:11 (ESV) Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!
Dancing - Psalm 149:3 (ESV) Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Thanksgiving - Psalm 100:4 (ESV) Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Music - Psalm 150:3–5 (ESV) Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Intentional worship is catalytic in nature.
As we participate, powerful outcomes are unlocked.

Intentional: Declaration

Declaration: a formal announcement, binding when made by an authoritative representative.
God declared: Genesis 22:16–18 (ESV) and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
Psalm 51:15 (ESV) O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 92:1–3 (ESV) It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.
Your declaration informs:
God
Yourself
Those listening
Your circumstances
The spiritual realm around you.
Your declaration is binding

Intentional: Magnification

God is already big, but He shrinks in our eyes. Intentional worship brings our focus on God causing everything else to be reduced in His Presence.
Psalm 34:3 (ESV) Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
Psalm 69:30 (ESV) I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Luke 1:46–47 (ESV) And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Intentional: Invitation

Intentional worship is the acceptance of God’s invitation to come close and enjoy the benefits of His Presence.
James 4:8 (ESV) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Psalm 100:4 (ESV) Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
1 Samuel 16:23 (ESV) And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.
Acts 16:25–34 (ESV) About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and 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 bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open…, he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.

Just Because We Call It Worship Doesn’t Mean It Is

Just because we gather,
Just because a song is played,
Just because people sing,
Just because we sit, stand, bow our heads,
Just because we raise our hands,

Without INTENTION, it is not worship. In fact, being around the components of focused worship without actually participating in focused worship can actually immunize you from experiencing.

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THE TRUTH ABOUT: WORSHIP

SCRIPTURE: Luke 4:5–8 (ESV) And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’ ”

Worship was not something I recognized growing up.

Sadly, attended church for 6+ years, never observing worship
Illus: Gilligan and tiki god seemed like worship

THE TRUTH ABOUT WORSHIP

1. Worship Establishes FIRST; FIRST Demands Worship

HB shachah - to bow down; GK proskuneō - to kiss (embrace), to show reverence, to bow down.
Worship is an issue of priority, affection, reverence, elevation, honor, submission.

2.Everyone Worships; Everyone Has A FIRST

Adam/Eve, GOD as FIRST was by design - Genesis 1:31 (ESV) And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
Adam/Eve chose another FIRST, impacting design

Genesis 3:6 (ESV) So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

Genesis 3:24 (ESV) He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

Psalm 51:5 (ESV) Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Everyone is worshiping
Ignorant worshippers
Intentional worshippers
People
Objects
Positions
Ideas, Truths, Concepts
Ideologies

FIRST is impacted by influences followed by decisions.

So important to influence others
Because of Design, when GOD is FIRST, life is in sync

3.FIRST Impacts Experiences & Outcomes

First Impacts This Life - Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
First Impacts Eternal Life -
- Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
- 2 Corinthians 5:9–10 (ESV) So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

4.Everything We Do Can Be Worship

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

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SLIDE THE TRUTH ABOUT: COVERING

SCRIPTURE: Job 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

Coverings Protect, Amenitize and Expose

Sun glasses; polarization; harmful plastic
Clothing; fashion; poor construction
Home; air conditioning; breach in roof
Military; confidence; bought by an interest

Matthew 23:37–39 (ESV) “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate.

Psalm 17:8–9 (ESV) …hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
Psalm 27:5 (ESV) For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
Psalm 61:4 (ESV) Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Psalm 32:7 (ESV) You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.

4 Critical Coverings

Impacting Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Financial, Social

Family

Job 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

“Church” or religion

Church is your most influential social group that worships something
Christian Churches
People treat churches like they are stores they shop from, when in reality they are covenantal families that bring covering, amenities and breaches
Philadelphia: Revelation 3:8–10 (ESV) “ ‘I know your works… I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
Ephesus: Revelation 2:4,5 (ESV) …you have abandoned the love you had at first…. Repent… If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place…

State/Nation

Psalm 33:12 (ESV) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV) But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Kingdom

The World/Kingdom of Heaven
John 10:9–11 (ESV) I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Review Your Current Coverings & Adjust

Are you fully engaged in coverings?
Are you strengthening your coverings?
Get involved in your school district, local city council.
Do you have an unintended or unhealthy coverings
Certain negative atmospheres that I can’t impact, I limit.
Some coverings you trade

You Are A Covering: Recognize And Adjust As Needed

Job 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Protect, amenities and expose
You build your coverings strength with spiritual disciplines and obedience
You weaken/create breaches by your ignorance, lack of discipline and sin
Be blessed so they can be blessed

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SLIDE THE TRUTH ABOUT: COVERING

Coverings Protect, Amenitize and Expose

Sun glasses; polarization; harmful plastic
Clothing; fashion; poor construction
Home; air conditioning; breach in roof
Military; confidence; bought by an interest

Psalm 17:8–9 (ESV) …hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
Psalm 27:5 (ESV) For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
Psalm 61:4 (ESV) Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Psalm 32:7 (ESV) You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.

4 Critical Coverings

Impacting Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Financial, Social

Family

Job 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

“Church” or religion

Church is your most influential social group that worships something
Christian Churches
People treat churches like they are stores they shop from, when in reality they are covenantal families that bring covering, amenities and breaches
Philadelphia: Revelation 3:8–10 (ESV) “ ‘I know your works… I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
Ephesus: Revelation 2:4,5 (ESV) …you have abandoned the love you had at first…. Repent… If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place…

State/Nation

Psalm 33:12 (ESV) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV) But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

Kingdom

The World/Kingdom of Heaven
John 10:9–11 (ESV) I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Review Your Current Coverings & Adjust

Are you fully engaged in coverings?
Are you strengthening your coverings?
Get involved in your school district, local city council.
Do you have an unintended or unhealthy coverings
Certain negative atmospheres that I can’t impact, I limit.
Some coverings you trade

You Are A Covering: Recognize And Adjust As Needed

Job 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Protect, amenities and expose
You build your coverings strength with spiritual disciplines and obedience
You weaken/create breaches by your ignorance, lack of discipline and sin
Be blessed so they can be blessed

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SCRIPTURE: Daniel 3:4–7 (ESV) And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Compromise:

Good: to settle a dispute by mutual concession
Bad: to accept standards that are lower than desirable
Very Bad: to embrace standards below God’s expressed will

COMPROMISE IS MORE THAN A SIN. SIN IS AN ACTION, WHILE COMPROMISE IS A COURSE OF ACTION.

Daniel 3,4 - Babylon lead by Nebuchadnezzar

Spiritually dark time.
Like America, the King's world was influenced by corrupt politicians, business leaders, social elites, judges, dark priests, and people from academia with a few godly people in the mix.
In Babylon were people of Israel, human trafficked into Babylon by the government. Some of their finest were elevated to political prominence
Daniel 2:49 (ESV) Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court.
God will promote you and use you to influence your world in spite of the evil around you!
Their presence made influential people jealous, but more likely, agitated the demons that influenced the people of influence.
Neb set up an image ninety feet tall
Daniel 3:4 Gathered the nation so when the music kicked on, everyone was to bow down and worship the image.
People participated on various levels:
As a group, everyone participated wholeheartedly.
Internally, people participated for various reasons
All in on idolatry
Afraid of losing job
Desire for promotion
Meet the expectations of their sub-group
Crowd pressure
Virtue signaling - good people do this
Afraid of the furnace
There were hold-outs, and hold-outs were dealt with.
Daniel 3:8 (ESV) Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews.
Daniel 3:12 (ESV) There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Brought before Neb
Daniel 3:13 (ESV) Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king.
Daniel 3:15 (ESV) Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”

The Furnace: A Place Of Decision

A demand for compromise leading to safety from destruction
And invitation for obedience the leads to promotion

Common Furnaces Of Compromise:

Individuals, groups, organizations and communities.
Instead of influencing them, they influence you
Require ongoing compromise
They strip you bare.
You may survive but you will not thrive.
Activities contrary to scripture
Addictions
Anger
Unforgiveness
Cultural attitudes, values and practices
Things our culture embraces that occasionally demand our participation and celebration.
I would not attend a ceremony to celebrate someone committing suicide
I would not attend a ceremony to celebrate someone having an abortion
I would not attend a ceremony to celebrate two men getting married.
I would not attend
Circumstances
Miserable marriage
Poverty finances
Poor health
Family Torment
Generational sin

Compromise Will

Provide escape from the furnace, offer quick rewards that will not last

Invite and permit unforeseen trappings to reside in your life * damage your relationship with God, micro at first, macro when it is in full bloom * Corrupt, over time, things He’s already done/given you * Limit future experiences/promotions * Camouflage the touch of God on your life + His touch, his presence makes you different than others + It makes you attractive to others + It makes people want what you have + Compromise causes you to blend in

Things That Will Not Break The Stronghold Of Compromise:

Wishing for something different
Praying for things to be different
Admission of Mistakes
Sorrow For Sin
Asking For Forgiveness

Facing Compromise: DECLARE // RENOUNCE

Daniel 3:16–18 (ESV) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Isaiah 43:1–3 (ESV) But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

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THE TRUTH ABOUT: TRIALS

John 16:33 (ESV) …In the world you will have tribulation.
John 16:33 (NIV) …In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33 (MSG) …In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.

The Facts About Trials

TRIAL - a person, situation or thing that tests, reveals, proves another

TRIALS were not intended for our origin story.

We were made in the image of God, in His likeness, with his logo and nothing was needed to test, reveal or prove because we were established perfectly.
Genesis 1:31 (ESV) And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Very - meod - muchness, force, abundance
Good - tob - pleasing, agreeable, good
With God’s authority, we tested all things, but needed not be tested ourselves. In fact, nothing could test us.
Genesis 1:26 (ESV) And let them have dominion… over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

TRIALS began when sin cursed our world.

Genesis 3:17–19 (ESV) And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground (world) because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
In this world…
John 16:33 (ESV) …In the world you will have tribulation.
John 16:33 (NIV) …In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33 (MSG) …In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.

TRIALS will permeate our lives until the end.

James 1:2 (ESV) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
James 1:12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial…
1 Peter 1:6 (ESV) …you have been grieved by various trials,
1 Peter 4:12 (ESV) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Corinthians 15:26 (ESV) The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

The Lies About Trials

LIE: God is the source of trials (temptations)
“This is happening, it must be meant to be” - NO
James 1:13–15 (ESV) Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
God doesn't start tem
God doesn’t prolong them
God rarely shortens them.
God typically doesn’t doesn’t end them
LIE: Trials are a byproduct of God’s displeasure
Luke 13:1–4 (ESV) There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?
Jesus was speaking against the idea that bad things happen to bad people. Bad things just happen.
An absence of trials is not proof of His pleasure.
An abundance of trials are not a sign of his displeasure nor a lack of faith.
LIE: Trials are predetermined and must be endured until they end.
This lie assumes that there is no way to avoid trials and once they begin, there's nothing we can do but ride them out.
Trials are not predetermined.
We can actually create them. We can lengthen them. We can shorten them.
Galatians 6:7–9 (ESV) Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
We can do much more than endure! We can grow!
James 1:3–4 (ESV) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
We can do much more than endure! We can overcome
1 John 5:4–5 (ESV) For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
LIE: Your trials define you.
This is to submit to your trial and to be limited by your trial and become its victim
Genesis 50:20 (MSG) Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.

The TRUTH About TRIALS

Discerning A Trial’s Source Allows You To Navigate A Straight Path Through

Trials can be caused by you, others, the devil, and life circumstances in general. Knowing the source determines your posture and methodology to navigate through.
Job 2:7 (ESV) So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
Matthew 26:14–16 (ESV) Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
Jeremiah 2:14–17 (ESV) “Is Israel a slave? Is he a homeborn servant? Why then has he become a prey? The lions have roared against him; they have roared loudly. They have made his land a waste; his cities are in ruins, without inhabitant. Moreover, the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head. Have you not brought this upon yourself by forsaking the LORD your God, when he led you in the way?

Your Attitude During Trials Will Impact Their Length, Next Steps & Destination.

Numbers 11:1–3 (ESV) And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD burned among them.

Trials Have A Secondary Purpose - Your Maturity

The primary purpose of the trial is to derail you.
The secondary purpose (God’s allowance) is to prepare you for His best.
James 1:3–4 (ESV) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Our Greatest Trials Are Launching Points Into His Best

God is a god of justice, so he makes up for the trouble we experience:
Romans 12:19–20 (ESV) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
He will add 1/5
Leviticus 5:16 (ESV) He shall also make restitution for what he has done amiss in the holy thing and shall add a fifth to it and give it to the priest. And the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and he shall be forgiven.
He launches you into destiny
Genesis 41:39–40 (ESV) Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”

James 1:12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

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THE TRUTH ABOUT: TRIALS

John 16:33 (ESV) …In the world you will have tribulation.
John 16:33 (NIV) …In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33 (MSG) …In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.

The Facts About Trials

TRIAL - a person, situation or thing that tests, reveals, proves another

TRIALS were not intended for our origin story.

We were made in the image of God, in His likeness, with his logo and nothing was needed to test, reveal or prove because we were established perfectly.
Genesis 1:31 (ESV) And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Very - meod - muchness, force, abundance
Good - tob - pleasing, agreeable, good
With God’s authority, we tested all things, but needed not be tested ourselves. In fact, nothing could test us.
Genesis 1:26 (ESV) And let them have dominion… over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

TRIALS began when sin cursed our world.

Genesis 3:17–19 (ESV) And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground (world) because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
In this world…
John 16:33 (ESV) …In the world you will have tribulation.
John 16:33 (NIV) …In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33 (MSG) …In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.

TRIALS will permeate our lives until the end.

James 1:2 (ESV) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
James 1:12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial…
1 Peter 1:6 (ESV) …you have been grieved by various trials,
1 Peter 4:12 (ESV) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Corinthians 15:26 (ESV) The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

The Lies About Trials

LIE: God is the source of trials (temptations)
“This is happening, it must be meant to be” - NO
James 1:13–15 (ESV) Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
God doesn't start tem
God doesn’t prolong them
God rarely shortens them.
God typically doesn’t doesn’t end them
LIE: Trials are a byproduct of God’s displeasure
Luke 13:1–4 (ESV) There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?
Jesus was speaking against the idea that bad things happen to bad people. Bad things just happen.
An absence of trials is not proof of His pleasure.
An abundance of trials are not a sign of his displeasure nor a lack of faith.
LIE: Trials are predetermined and must be endured until they end.
This lie assumes that there is no way to avoid trials and once they begin, there's nothing we can do but ride them out.
Trials are not predetermined.
We can actually create them. We can lengthen them. We can shorten them.
Galatians 6:7–9 (ESV) Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
We can do much more than endure! We can grow!
James 1:3–4 (ESV) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
We can do much more than endure! We can overcome
1 John 5:4–5 (ESV) For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
LIE: Your trials define you.
This is to submit to your trial and to be limited by your trial and become its victim
Genesis 50:20 (MSG) Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.

The TRUTH About TRIALS

Discerning A Trial’s Source Allows You To Navigate A Straight Path Through

Trials can be caused by you, others, the devil, and life circumstances in general. Knowing the source determines your posture and methodology to navigate through.
Job 2:7 (ESV) So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
Matthew 26:14–16 (ESV) Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
Jeremiah 2:14–17 (ESV) “Is Israel a slave? Is he a homeborn servant? Why then has he become a prey? The lions have roared against him; they have roared loudly. They have made his land a waste; his cities are in ruins, without inhabitant. Moreover, the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head. Have you not brought this upon yourself by forsaking the LORD your God, when he led you in the way?

Your Attitude During Trials Will Impact Their Length, Next Steps & Destination.

Numbers 11:1–3 (ESV) And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD burned among them.

Trials Have A Secondary Purpose - Your Maturity

The primary purpose of the trial is to derail you.
The secondary purpose (God’s allowance) is to prepare you for His best.
James 1:3–4 (ESV) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Our Greatest Trials Are Launching Points Into His Best

God is a god of justice, so he makes up for the trouble we experience:
Romans 12:19–20 (ESV) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
He will add 1/5
Leviticus 5:16 (ESV) He shall also make restitution for what he has done amiss in the holy thing and shall add a fifth to it and give it to the priest. And the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and he shall be forgiven.
He launches you into destiny
Genesis 41:39–40 (ESV) Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”

James 1:12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

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“Look at the flowers

In all of their beauty

I don’t have to wonder

You know what you’re doing

So why would I worry at all

You’re faithful to supply”

“Look at the sparrow

Lacking for nothing

No fear of tomorrow

And what it will bring

If I have you I have enough

Cause your love will satisfy”

To those who struggle with exhaustion: Does God even hear me? I’ve tried, but nothing happened. Is it ever going to happen? It’s been so long since God promised. Nothing is changing. I give up. I can’t do this anymore.”

“You Know What You’re Doing”
Job synopsis - he lost his 10 children, his possessions, his health (sores), his wife
Job 42:1-6 “The Job replied to the Lord: ‘I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I–and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.’”
The Lord then blessed him x2, second half of his life
Job 23:2, 10-12 “My complaint today is still a bitter one, and I try hard not to groan aloud. 10 But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.”

“Everything I need everything I need

My father has it my Father has it

Every single time the Lord will provide

My father has it my Father has it”

To those who struggle with self-doubt: Am I enough? Am I doing this well? I don’t feel equipped for this. I don’t know what to do. This is too much to handle. I can’t do this.

“My Father Has It”
Moses & Israelites synopsis - they were about to cross the sea, saw 600 egyptians chariots chasing them, and Israelites thought that they were going to die
(Slide 1) Exodus 14:13-14 “Moses answered the people. He said, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm. You will see how the Lord will save you today.
(Slide 2) Exodus 14:15, 19-20 “Then the Lord spoke to Moses. He said, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people of Israel to move on. Hold out your walking stick. Reach out your hand over the Red Sea to divide the water. Then the people can go through the sea on dry ground.’ 19 The angel of God had been traveling in front of Israel’s army. Now he moved back and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved away from in front of them. Now it stood behind them. It came between the armies of Egypt and Israel. All through the night the cloud brought darkness to one side and light to the other. Neither army went near the other all night long.”
Israelites made it safely to the other side

“Seek first the Kingdom and its treasures

Everything else it will be added

All that I’m needing

I know the Lord will provide

I know my God’s not empty handed

He gives us blessings upon blessings

I’m still believing

I know the Lord will provide”

To those who struggle with settling: Life doesn’t look the way I thought it would. This is how it’s going to be I guess. There’s no changing them. It’s always been like that. I’ve always had to deal with this. This is a part of who I am. It’s a part of life. I just don’t see how it could get any better.

“My God’s Not Empty Handed”
Solomon synopsis: Solomon was the wisest and richest person to ever have lived, God was honored by the way he led and lived, and God promised to fulfill his promise of living amongst the Israelites if Solomon obeyed. But Solomon followed in the footsteps of his father, settling for less.
1 Kings 11:1-4, 9-13 ”Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. The Lord had clearly instructed the people of Israel, “You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.” Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the Lord. In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been. The Lord was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the Lord’s command. So now the Lord said to him, “Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants. But for the sake of your father, David, I will not do this while you are still alive. I will take the kingdom away from your son. And even so, I will not take away the entire kingdom; I will let him be king of one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, my chosen city.”“
Solomon settled for less.
Settle for immediate gratification, minimal effort, believing that things can’t change, you don’t want to face the fact that you have things you need to work on, you don’t believe you deserve better.
He has blessings in his hands ready to give you, so do not settle for anything less than what’s in his hands.

Last Encouragement: Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.” AND Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need. He lets me lie down in fields of green grass. He leads me beside quiet waters. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths for the honor of his name. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a feast for me right in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head. My cup runs over. I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

The Lord will provide. He already has or He will. Seek first the kingdom and its treasures and everything will be added.

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Mark 9:43–48 (ESV) And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’

The Facts About HELL

The Bible refers to the idea of hell some 54 times.
OT references use the word Sheol & Hades
11 out of 12 times Jesus used the phrase Gehenna
NT "Gehenna
OT "Hinnom," a valley south of Jerusalem
The History Of The Valley Of Hinnom:
Reign of King Ahaz - (2 Chronicles 28, 33) the valley was used by Baal worshipers to offer their children in their furnaces to their god Molech.
Ministry of Jeremiah - (Jeremiah 7, 19) referred to the valley as "The Valley of Slaughter."
Reign of King Josiah - (2 Kings 23:10) proclaimed "defiled" and no one was allowed to use it for any purpose.
Ministry of Jesus - valley evolved into a garbage dump. Trash was burned around the clock, as well as the bodies of dead animals, criminal corpses. It was a well known hangout for lepers and the sick. There was continual smoke, stench, maggots and flies. At night, dogs could be heard fighting over the trash.

The Lies About HELL/AFTERLIFE

Hell Does Not Exist
The Dead Cease To Exist - the atheistic belief that man, upon death, forever ceases to be and quietly rots into nothingness.
Annihilationism - the belief that all the ungodly will be annihilated by God.
Restorationism - The belief that all men will be given a second chance to make the choice for God that they did not make during this life.
Purgatory - the belief that all those who die at peace with the church but are not perfect must undergo penal and purifying sufferings in order to go to heaven.
Reincarnation - the belief that individuals return to life again in a form determined by the quality of life previously lived.
Universal Heaven – the belief that everyone who believed in something arrives at heaven with everyone else who believed in something.

The TRUTH About HELL

Hell Is Happening Right Now
Luke 16:19–20, 22-23 (ESV) “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side
Hell Includes Memories Of This Life
Luke 16:27–28 (ESV) And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’
Hell Will Take Anyone – it will try to claim good and bad, religious and non-religious, black and white, rich or poor, sick or healthy… it will even take you
Matthew 7:22–23 (ESV) On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Hell Is A Place Of Torment
Matthew 25:30 (ESV) And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Hell Has No Holidays - no breaks, timeouts, holidays, day off’s, no future starting point to wait for or stopping point to bring comfort.
Mark 9:48–49 (ESV) ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ For everyone will be salted with fire.
Hell Is A Fixed Destination
Luke 16:26 (ESV) And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
Hell Is Eternal Separation From God
2 Thessalonians 1:9 (ESV) They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
You Deserve Hell
Ezekiel 18:20 (ESV) The soul who sins shall die.
Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Christ Paid Our Price To Escape Hell
Isaiah 53:5–6 (ESV) But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Acts 2:38–39 (ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
You Can Impact The Future Destination Of Others
Mark 16:15–16 (ESV) And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Jude 21-23 "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."

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SCRIPTURE: Genesis 4:6–7 (ESV) The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted (a lifting up of your face)? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

FACTS: the accurate personal assessment informing practical next steps leading to natural outcomes.
LIES: the deceived assessment demanding destructive next steps leading to “less-than” outcomes.
THE TRUTH: the revelation of God’s assessment inviting faith-filled obedient participation in next steps leading to supernatural “more-than” outcomes.

Do not be limited by facts. Don’t be deceived by lies. Hear from Heaven and act.

The Facts About SIN

Ezekiel 18:20 (ESV) The soul who sins shall die.

Hebrew:

Chata: to miss the mark of God’s Word
Avon: to intentionally disobey God’s Word
Pesha: to rebel against God’s authority

Greek

Hamartia: to miss the mark of God’s Word
Paraptoma: to intentionally disobey God’s Word
Anomia: to knowingly disobey God’s Word without remorse
Opheilema: the consequences and obligations of sin

The Lies About SIN

Non-Believers:

I define sin.
I am God
Anything I want is right.
Anything I don’t want is wrong.
The same act can be right/wrong depending on how it impacts me.
Sin is relative.
It is defined by my needs
You must CELEBRATE my standard.
Not argue, ignore, tolerate or acknowledge..
Failure to do so and you will be punished

Believers:

Believing = Immunity
Believing trumps all
Grace covers all
Good actions outweigh bad
All I have to do is ask for forgiveness
Sin Is Irresistible
God knows we are weak and can’t resist
It’s God’s fault for allowing temptation
Sin is Relative
I know it’s wrong, but…
Adjusted by the voices of opportunity, culture and science*
justified by circumstantial outcomes
Outcomes validate sin/righteousness
Some Sin Is Beyond Payment
I deserve this
They don’t deserve that

Sin Is Defined by God Alone

His Word
His Spirit - Romans 14:5–7 (ESV) One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.
His/Your Family - Jeremiah 35:13–14 (ESV) “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the LORD. The command that Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father’s command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me.

It pulls all the guesswork out of it.

I no longer have an opinion.

Gods Best Is Within Reach

God want your best - TRUST

His WORDS are for your BEST

Sin offers a substitute with hidden consequences.

Deuteronomy 28:1–15 (ESV) “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And he will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways. And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them, and if you do not turn aside from any of the words that I command you today, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. “But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you.

Sin Is A Transaction That Jesus Paid In Full

There’s no such thing as forgiveness, ONLY PAYMENT
Isaiah 53:5–6 (KJV) But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Payment was provided but must be appropriated
Cause and effects
To self
To others
Luke 5:23–25 (ESV) Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.
1 Corinthians 15:3 (ESV) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
Hebrews 9:26 (NIV) But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Following Jesus Leads To Transformation

John 3:3 (ESV) Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Romans 8:1–2 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Acts 9:26–28 (ESV) And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.
Hebrews 13:20–21 (ESV) Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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Matthew 4:8–10 (ESV) It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.

FACTS: the accurate personal assessment informing practical next steps leading to natural outcomes.
LIES: the deceived assessment demanding destructive next steps leading to “less-than” outcomes.
THE TRUTH: the revelation of God’s assessment inviting faith-filled obedient participation in next steps leading to supernatural “more-than” outcomes.

Do not be limited by facts.

Don’t be deceived by lies.

Hear from Heaven and act.

The Facts About Jesus Death

Assessment: Dead
Unexpected!
Matthew 4:8–10 (ESV) It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
Next Steps: Burial
We see, we act. We rarely take the time to listen.
Luke 23:50–56 (ESV) Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Outcome: Return To Old Life
“He’s dead. There’s no changing that”
“I guess it wasn’t meant to be”
John 21:2–3 (ESV) Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

SLIDE: The Lies About Jesus Death

Assessment: He’s Not God, He’s Just A Man
Matthew 27:39–44 (ESV) And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
Next Steps: Conspiracy
Matthew 28:11–15 (ESV) While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
Outcome: Unbelief
2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV) In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

SLIDE The Truth About Jesus Death

God’s Assessment: He’s Alive
John 10:17–18 (MSG) This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father.”
John 21:4–8 (ESV) Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
Next Steps: Embrace & Obey
John 21:7–8 (ESV) When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
Acts 1:4–5 (ESV) And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Outcome: Power Like Jesus
Acts 2:1–2 (ESV) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

Where are you with God?

Do not be limited by facts.
Don’t be deceived by lies.
Hear from Heaven and act.

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Psalm 8:3–6 (ESV) When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,

DISTINCT: recognizably different from the group

Genesis 1:24 (ESV) And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds…
Genesis 2:7 (ESV) then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
Genesis 1:26 (ESV) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

Adam was an Apostle: representative, messenger, colonizer on behalf of his kingdom

Adam was an Exile: because he’s away from the kingdom of his citizenship

REALITY: Adam Failed As An Apostilic Exile

Instead of representing, delivering the message or colonizing he was flipped and surrendered his citizenship

Genesis 3:23–24 (ESV) therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

As Adam was exiled, many of his distinctions were silenced, through the generations some of his distinctions were fanned into flame. Glimmers. Shadows. Reflections. Until Jesus… and with His coming, our roles as Apostolic Exiles has been reestablished.

DISTINCTION REVISITED: HIS SPIRIT WITHIN, HIS PRESENCE WITHOUT

ADAM/SPIRIT - Genesis 2:7 (ESV) then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
REVISITED: Acts 2:1–4 (ESV) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
ADAM/PRESENCE - Genesis 3:8 (ESV) And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
REVISITED: Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) …for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

DISTINCTION REVISITED: HIS CALLING, AUTHORITY & POWER

ADAM: Genesis 1:26–28 (ESV) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
REVISITED: Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

DISTINCTION REVISITED: SUPERNATURAL RELATIONSHIPS

ADAM - Genesis 2:20–24 (ESV) The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
REVISITED John 17:20–23 (ESV) “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

DISTINCTION REVISITED: SUPERNATURAL EXPERIENCE

ADAM - Genesis 1:31 (ESV) And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
REVISITED John 14:12–14 (ESV) “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

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The Kingdom Mindset

John 17:15–18 (ESV) I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Mindset: This Is Not My Kingdom

I am not a citizen here. This is not my home

Philippians 3:20–21 (ESV) But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Exiled From Eden
Exiled In Egypt
Israel Exiled in Assyria
721 BC Assyrian King Shalmanessar 2 Kings 17:6 (ESV) In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria, and he carried the Israelites away to Assyria and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
Judah Exiled in Babylon
King Jehoiakim failed to pay tribute to Nebuchadnezzar
Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Judah
Solomon’s Temple destroyed
Israel was deported fro Judah to Babylon in 597 BC.
Jesus Exiled To Earth
John 3:17 (ESV) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
John 8:23 (ESV) He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
John 14:30 (ESV) I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me,
You & I
John 17:20–23 (NIV) “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:20–23 (NIV) “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
1 John 3:1 (ESV) See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:13 (ESV) Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.
1 Corinthians 7:31 (ESV) …For the present form of this world is passing away.

This is not my home.

This place is not my focus

This world story is not my story

My story may be celebrated here on some level,

I have a kingdom story

There is a kingdom bigger celebration of my story

Revelation 20:12 (ESV) And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

We don't want to become so occupied in winning battles (marriage, career, home, survival, kids, college) that we lose the war (healing, salvation, kingdom advancement)

SLIDE: Kingdom Mindset: I Have Immunity

We are so worried about the world infecting us

This is not my kingdom
This king is not my king
These laws are not my laws
This economy is not my economy
This culture is not my culture
This worlds limitations are not my limitations
Healing, resources, favor, supernatural distinction.
Matthew 7:7–11 (ESV) “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
These punishments are not my punishment
You can’t put me in jail -
Isaiah 54:17 (NASB95) “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.
I can enjoy my Kingdom benefits NOW

SLIDE: Kingdom Mindset: I Am Here To Conquer

I will not be conquered

I will not just survive

I will thrive!

Joshua 1:3–6 (ESV) Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
Matthew 11:12 (ESV) From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.

Build Kingdom

Share Kingdom

Advance Kingdom

Add To Kingdom

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Mark 10:46-52 (ESV) And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.

This took place a week before Jesus’ death, being his last miracle. The beggar called out, “Son of David, have mercy on me,” indicating His royal origin Messianic title describing Jesus Christ as man, a savior of His people. This is who the beggar believed Jesus to be.

Isaiah 11:1-3a (NIV) “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.”

Jesus responds to my faith. “There is a sound I love to hear It’s the sound of the Saviour’s robe As He walks into the room where people pray Where we hear praises He hears faith”

Jewish people believed illness and disability was a punishment from God because of personal sin committed. “Be silent”, was their response. In their opinion, he didn’t deserve to have Jesus listen to him.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) For we live by faith, not by sight.
James 2:17 (NIRV) It is the same with faith. If it doesn’t cause us to do something, it’s dead.

Praise is an expression of our faith. Faith causes us to act on what we know, not on what is seen. Ill. Dylan jumping off a stump.

Jesus responds to my posture. “Awake my soul and sing Sing His praise aloud sing His praise aloud Oh awake my soul and sing Sing His praise aloud sing His praise aloud. There is a sound that changes things The sound of His people on their knees Oh wake up you slumbering It’s time to worship Him”

Now why is it amazing that he throws off his cloak? Well, for most people living in first century Palestine, a person’s cloak was their most valuable possession. Cloaks were expensive, thick, heavy garments, and the average person could only afford one. They weren’t simply outer garments meant to be worn outdoors, nor were they fashion statements. Cloaks were functional, multipurpose garments. In addition to functioning as a coat in cold weather, they were also used as a blanket at nighttime. And, for a blind beggar like Bartimaeus, he most likely spread his cloak out in front of him during the daytime to collect any coins or loose change that passerbys might toss his way.

His cloak represented a way of life for him. He had learned to cope and survive in an existence devoid of intimacy, connection, kindness and care. He leaves his cloak on the ground, trusts

Jesus fully to heal him. The road is crowded and he is blind. He will be in dire straits if his cloak is kicked along or stolen.

My attention is drawn to the posture of Bartimaeus in two ways:

1.Heart Posture “Awake my soul and sing” * Hebrews 13:15 (ESV) Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. * Psalm 71:8 (ESV) My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. * Isaiah 25:1 (ESV) O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. * Psalm 103:1 (ESV) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Physical Posture “The sound of His people on their knees” Quote: “Your heart is caught up in the experience of the moment, which causes your body to respond outwardly. We were created as holistic beings with intellects, emotions, and bodies all working in concert with one another to express ourselves.”

Kneeling Psalm 95:6 (ESV) Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
Lifting Up Hands Psalm 63:3-4 (ESV) Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as live;in your name I will lift up my hands.
Dancing Psalm 149:3 (NIRV) Let them praise his name with dancing. Let them make music to him with harps and tambourines.
Clapping Hands Psalm 47:1 (NIV) Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
Shouting Psalm 71:23 (NIRV) My lips will shout with joy when I sing praise to you. You have saved me.
Praising In Tongues 1 Corinthains 14:1-2 (ESV) Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
Laying Prostrate Numbers 20:6 (ESV) Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them Revelation 7:11 (ESV) And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God Matthew 26:39 (ESV) And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

We value the presence of God in this house. Why do you think we invite you to join us up front to worship?

Jesus responds to my request. “And when He moves and when we pray Where stood a wall now stands a way Where every promise is amen (it is so) And when He moves make no mistake The bowels of hell begin to shake All hail the Lord all hail the King”

Luke 18:40 “And when he came near, he asked him

Atmosphere/circumstances shift through worship inspired by our faith and posture.

1 Corinthians 24-5 (NIV) 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
Ephesians 3:20 (NIRV) God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us.
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

FAITH IS POWER!

Revelation 5:11-14 (NIRV) Then I looked and heard the voice of millions and millions of angels. They surrounded the throne. They surrounded the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying, “The Lamb, who was put to death, is worthy! He is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength! He is worthy to receive honor and glory and praise!” All creatures in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and on the sea were speaking. The whole creation was speaking. I heard all of them say, “Praise and honor belong to the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb! Glory and power belong to God for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

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SLIDE APOSTOLIC EXILES - Violent Then & Now Attacks

Matthew 11:12 (ESV) From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.

biazo: forceful behavior intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone/something

The Kingdom of Heaven:

Established Eternally, Extended to Earth
Unknown Events Brought Chaos To Kingdom On Earth
Earth Was Reformed With A Renewed Kingdom Presence
Adam Was Heaven’s Apostle To Colonize Earth
The Other Kingdom’s King Attacked The Kingdom/Garden

SATAN’S VISIT WAS NOT AN OPPORTUNISTIC TRICK. It was an intensely violent attack against the Kingdom’s Presence on Earth, the Kingdom’s Apostolic Leader, the Kingdom’s Citizens, the Kingdom’s Mission on Earth, and ultimately the King Himself.

IT’S THE SAME VIOLENT ATTACK. YOU ARE ADAM.

7 Then & Now Violent Attacks

“In the beginning, God”

the violent attack against the reality of God/His Kingdom
Notice it’s an attack on The God, not on all gods.
Culture shows respect all religions except Christianity
In HR Hirings, there tends to be a welcoming of anything outside of Christianity
Fashionable to attack Judaism/Christianity - protests
If Christians protest anything - white extremists
Mock Jesus, but not Allah or Muhammad his prophet
No limit to using Jesus as a curse word
Mental Health Facilities - people cursing Jesus

We are to establish the reality of God/His Kingdom in our world.

“And God said, “Let there be…”

the violent attack on the creative work of God to establish Heaven/Earth
This attack started with the introduction of Darwinism into the school system in the late 1800’s. Traditionally, science was taught from a Biblical creation perspective. During WW1 there was another push, and many states made it illegal to teach evolution. In 1968 the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned the laws that had banned the teaching of evolution and most schools leaned into the “Equal Time” approach. The issue was again examined by the U. S. Supreme Court in the 1980's where the courts determined 1) Creation Science is religion; 2) to teach religion in the public schools is illegal; and 3) Creation Science is not science...
They ignore the scientific reality of Mathematical Impossibility: right time, place, chemicals, for us to have the exact gravity to stick to earth, but not so much that our blood isn’t trapped in our ankles.
Science ignored - Laws of Entropy - most evolution tends to deformity not improvement
Intelligent Design is completely ignored
Fossils are covered in the Gap Theory

We are to continue to establish the creative work of God here on earth as we take dominion.

“He said to the woman…”

The violent attack on God’s Apostles, representatives of His Kingdom created to take ground from the other Kingdom.
While all people are under siege, God’s Apostolic people are alway under attack
Adam, The Lineage Of Abraham, The Jewish Nation, Christianity.
It’s subtle but it's tangible.
Pandemic:
Bars/strip clubs were open, church gatherings closed.
Casinos were open, prayer meetings were not allowed.
Football players on the field, churches fined
Historical Attacks: Foxe's Book of Martyrs
Today Attacks: The Voice of the Martyrs
https://www.iamnevent.com/?_source_code=GSA24B1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2pyuBhBKEiwApLaIO0HIap-oCBLzgKQ1d4jyh99O_fJYa5JqjNoFFLrGyA25YlBTJBqwpRoCjfgQAvD_BwE
Free online event March 8, 8PM
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German protestant pastor and theologian known for his opposition to National Socialism and treatment of Jews. Initially he was silent, but when pastors were required to agree to Nazi propaganda in the pulpits, he left Germany to be safe and to attend the Union Theological Seminary in New York.
“I have come to the conclusion that I made a mistake in coming to America this time. I must live through this difficult period in our national history along with the people of Germany. I will have no right to participate in the reconstruction of Christian life in Germany after the war if I do not share the trials of this time with my people ... Christians in Germany will have to face the terrible alternative of either willing the defeat of their nation in order that a future Christian civilization may survive, or else willing the victory of their nation and thereby destroying our civilization and any true Christianity. I know which of these alternatives I must choose but I cannot make that choice from a place of security.
Aa man who saw the execution: I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer... kneeling on the floor praying fervently to God. I was most deeply moved by the way this lovable man prayed, so devout and so certain that God heard his prayer. At the place of execution, he again said a short prayer and then climbed the few steps to the gallows, brave and composed. His death ensued after a few seconds. In the almost fifty years that I worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God.
Later he was convicted for his ties to the July 20, 1944, conspiracy to overthrow the Nazi regime led to his execution in 1945. His theological writings are regarded as classics throughout the Christian world.
We will openly confront social and political propaganda from the pulpit.
We refuse to repeat lies, even if our safety comes into play.
We will refuse to participate in social activities that are wrong:
No forced Vaccine or Vaccine Checks
Nuremberg medical trials 1946: never again use humans as medical lab-rats
Helmuth Vetter, an Auschwitz camp physician, SS captain and employee of the Bayer group within IG Farben conducted medical experiments on inmates at Auschwitz and at the Mauthausen concentration camp. In one study of an anaesthetic, the company paid for the use of 150 female inmates of Auschwitz. A Bayer employee wrote to Rudolf Höss, the Auschwitz commandant: "The transport of 150 women arrived in good condition. However, we were unable to obtain conclusive results because they died during the experiments. We would kindly request that you send us another group of women to the same number and at the same price.

As God’s Apostles, representatives of His Kingdom, we need to continue to take ground from the other Kingdom.

“Did God actually say”

the violent attack focused on reading, possessing, and declaring God/King’s Word
Why is the Bible so heavily mocked and every other publication promoted
Why do our schools carry sexually charged materials for 5th graders and if we demand their removal, we are book banners, but many schools have removed only bibles, and students with bibles must have them covered. Religious apparel is not allowed but Pride Day has turned into Pride Year. Students are required to participate and pledge to the pride flag

We need to continue reading, possessing, and declaring God/King’s Word in the world,

“God created man in his image… male and female

The violent attack on God implanted identity attack on God’s role in conception
The premise that it is just a biology
The attack on identity
God’s image bearer
Apostolic purpose
The reality of male/female
Gender confusion shows up through many different vehicles but those are disguises. It’s always an attack on the Kingdom
The beauty of complementary roles of man woman
Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV ‬‬”“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’“
Removal of male and female is an attack on Kingdom

“Man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

the violent attack against covenantal marriage
Free Sexuality
Issue of 50’s - pregnancy
Issue of 80’s - AIDS
Issue all along - demons
1 Corinthians 6:16–19 (ESV) Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
One of the greatest areas of onboarding demonic activity is sexuality, especially traumatic (forced) sexuality
Guard your sexuality - you have only one gift of virginity to give to another
Failure To Marry
This was a route I had full intentions to pursue.
Proverbs 18:22 (ESV) He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
Not every marriage is covenantal marriage
Civil unions are not Biblical Marriages
Biblical-Covenantal Marriage is an agreement between three entities
Mark‬ 10‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ”‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”“
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (NIV) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Malachi 2:13–16 (MSG) And here’s a second offense: You fill the place of worship with your whining and sniveling because you don’t get what you want from GOD. Do you know why? Simple. Because GOD was there as a witness when you spoke your marriage vows to your young bride, and now you’ve broken those vows, broken the faith-bond with your vowed companion, your covenant wife. GOD, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that’s what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don’t cheat on your spouse. “I hate divorce,” says the GOD of Israel. GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies says, “I hate the violent dismembering of the ‘one flesh’ of marriage.” So watch yourselves. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t cheat.
Divorce -‭‭ Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ”When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”“

“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth

the violent attack against procreation that has defined Kingdom purposes
The attack comes in all sorts of disguises but ultimately this is the most violent attack of all attacks.
Violence focused on God’s Apostles before they have their intended impact.
Violence via: abortion or miscarriage
Abortion is modern day Molech worship: the promise of a better life if we kill the child.
Having kids is viewed as as negative, large families are mocked, traditionally celebrated
LIES: the earth can’t support it
LIES: what kind of evil brings a child into this suffering
LIES: we can’t afford that
Ploy to keep kingdom expansion limited
‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬”When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.“
Malachi 2:13–16 (MSG) And here’s a second offense: You fill the place of worship with your whining and sniveling because you don’t get what you want from GOD. Do you know why? Simple. Because GOD was there as a witness when you spoke your marriage vows to your young bride, and now you’ve broken those vows, broken the faith-bond with your vowed companion, your covenant wife. GOD, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that’s what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don’t cheat on your spouse. “I hate divorce,” says the GOD of Israel. GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies says, “I hate the violent dismembering of the ‘one flesh’ of marriage.” So watch yourselves. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t cheat

View Details

SLIDE APOSTOLIC EXILES - Violent Then & Now Attacks

Matthew 11:12 (ESV) From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.

biazo: forceful behavior intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone/something

The Kingdom of Heaven:

Established Eternally, Extended to Earth
Unknown Events Brought Chaos To Kingdom On Earth
Earth Was Reformed With A Renewed Kingdom Presence
Adam Was Heaven’s Apostle To Colonize Earth
The Other Kingdom’s King Attacked The Kingdom/Garden

IT’S THE SAME VIOLENT ATTACK. YOU ARE ADAM.

7 Then & Now Violent Attacks

“In the beginning, God”

the violent attack against the reality of God/His Kingdom
Notice it’s an attack on The God, not on all gods.
Culture shows respect all religions except Christianity
In HR Hirings, there tends to be a welcoming of anything outside of Christianity
Fashionable to attack Judaism/Christianity - protests
If Christians protest anything - white extremists
Mock Jesus, but not Allah or Muhammad his prophet
No limit to using Jesus as a curse word
Mental Health Facilities - people cursing Jesus

We are to establish the reality of God/His Kingdom in our world.

“And God said, “Let there be…”

the violent attack on the creative work of God to establish Heaven/Earth
This attack started with the introduction of Darwinism into the school system in the late 1800’s. Traditionally, science was taught from a Biblical creation perspective. During WW1 there was another push, and many states made it illegal to teach evolution. In 1968 the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned the laws that had banned the teaching of evolution and most schools leaned into the “Equal Time” approach. The issue was again examined by the U. S. Supreme Court in the 1980's where the courts determined 1) Creation Science is religion; 2) to teach religion in the public schools is illegal; and 3) Creation Science is not science...
They ignore the scientific reality of Mathematical Impossibility: right time, place, chemicals, for us to have the exact gravity to stick to earth, but not so much that our blood isn’t trapped in our ankles.
Science ignored - Laws of Entropy - most evolution tends to deformity not improvement
Intelligent Design is completely ignored
Fossils are covered in the Gap Theory

We are to continue to establish the creative work of God here on earth as we take dominion.

“He said to the woman…”

The violent attack on God’s Apostles, representatives of His Kingdom created to take ground from the other Kingdom.
While all people are under siege, God’s Apostolic people are alway under attack
Adam, The Lineage Of Abraham, The Jewish Nation, Christianity.
It’s subtle but it's tangible.
Pandemic:
Bars/strip clubs were open, church gatherings closed.
Casinos were open, prayer meetings were not allowed.
Football players on the field, churches fined
Historical Attacks: Foxe's Book of Martyrs
Today Attacks: The Voice of the Martyrs
https://www.iamnevent.com/?_source_code=GSA24B1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2pyuBhBKEiwApLaIO0HIap-oCBLzgKQ1d4jyh99O_fJYa5JqjNoFFLrGyA25YlBTJBqwpRoCjfgQAvD_BwE
Free online event March 8, 8PM
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German protestant pastor and theologian known for his opposition to National Socialism and treatment of Jews. Initially he was silent, but when pastors were required to agree to Nazi propaganda in the pulpits, he left Germany to be safe and to attend the Union Theological Seminary in New York.
“I have come to the conclusion that I made a mistake in coming to America this time. I must live through this difficult period in our national history along with the people of Germany. I will have no right to participate in the reconstruction of Christian life in Germany after the war if I do not share the trials of this time with my people ... Christians in Germany will have to face the terrible alternative of either willing the defeat of their nation in order that a future Christian civilization may survive, or else willing the victory of their nation and thereby destroying our civilization and any true Christianity. I know which of these alternatives I must choose but I cannot make that choice from a place of security.
Aa man who saw the execution: I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer... kneeling on the floor praying fervently to God. I was most deeply moved by the way this lovable man prayed, so devout and so certain that God heard his prayer. At the place of execution, he again said a short prayer and then climbed the few steps to the gallows, brave and composed. His death ensued after a few seconds. In the almost fifty years that I worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God.
Later he was convicted for his ties to the July 20, 1944, conspiracy to overthrow the Nazi regime led to his execution in 1945. His theological writings are regarded as classics throughout the Christian world.
We will openly confront social and political propaganda from the pulpit.
We refuse to repeat lies, even if our safety comes into play.
We will refuse to participate in social activities that are wrong:
No forced Vaccine or Vaccine Checks
Nuremberg medical trials 1946: never again use humans as medical lab-rats
Helmuth Vetter, an Auschwitz camp physician, SS captain and employee of the Bayer group within IG Farben conducted medical experiments on inmates at Auschwitz and at the Mauthausen concentration camp. In one study of an anaesthetic, the company paid for the use of 150 female inmates of Auschwitz. A Bayer employee wrote to Rudolf Höss, the Auschwitz commandant: "The transport of 150 women arrived in good condition. However, we were unable to obtain conclusive results because they died during the experiments. We would kindly request that you send us another group of women to the same number and at the same price.

As God’s Apostles, representatives of His Kingdom, we need to continue to take ground from the other Kingdom.

“Did God actually say”

the violent attack focused on reading, possessing, and declaring God/King’s Word
Why is the Bible so heavily mocked and every other publication promoted
Why do our schools carry sexually charged materials for 5th graders and if we demand their removal, we are book banners, but many schools have removed only bibles, and students with bibles must have them covered. Religious apparel is not allowed but Pride Day has turned into Pride Year. Students are required to participate and pledge to the pride flag

We need to continue reading, possessing, and declaring God/King’s Word in the world,

“God created man in his image… male and female

The violent attack on God implanted identity attack on God’s role in conception
The premise that it is just a biology
The attack on identity
God’s image bearer
Apostolic purpose
The reality of male/female
Gender confusion shows up through many different vehicles but those are disguises. It’s always an attack on the Kingdom
The beauty of complementary roles of man woman
Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV ‬‬”“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’“
Removal of male and female is an attack on Kingdom

“Man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

the violent attack against covenantal marriage
Not every marriage is covenantal marriage
Civil unions are not Biblical Marriages
Biblical Covenantal Marriage is an agreement between three entities
Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ”‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”“
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (NIV) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Malachi 2:13–16 (MSG) And here’s a second offense: You fill the place of worship with your whining and sniveling because you don’t get what you want from GOD. Do you know why? Simple. Because GOD was there as a witness when you spoke your marriage vows to your young bride, and now you’ve broken those vows, broken the faith-bond with your vowed companion, your covenant wife. GOD, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that’s what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don’t cheat on your spouse. “I hate divorce,” says the GOD of Israel. GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies says, “I hate the violent dismembering of the ‘one flesh’ of marriage.” So watch yourselves. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t cheat.
Divorce -‭‭ Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ”When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”“
Marital Rates dropping, “try it out” leads to nothing good.

“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth

the violent attack against procreation that has defined Kingdom purposes
The attack comes in all sorts of disguises but ultimately this is the most violent attack of all attacks.
Violence focused on God’s Apostles before they have their intended impact.
Violence via: abortion or miscarriage
Abortion is modern day Molech worship: the promise of a better life if we kill the child.
Having kids is viewed as as negative
Large families are mocked, traditionally celebrated
LIES: the earth can’t support it
LIES: what kind of evil brings a child into this suffering
LIES: we can’t afford that
Ploy to keep kingdom expansion limited
‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬”When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.“
Malachi 2:13–16 (MSG) And here’s a second offense: You fill the place of worship with your whining and sniveling because you don’t get what you want from GOD. Do you know why? Simple. Because GOD was there as a witness when you spoke your marriage vows to your young bride, and now you’ve broken those vows, broken the faith-bond with your vowed companion, your covenant wife. GOD, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that’s what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don’t cheat on your spouse. “I hate divorce,” says the GOD of Israel. GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies says, “I hate the violent dismembering of the ‘one flesh’ of marriage.” So watch yourselves. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t cheat.

View Details

FIRM FOUNDATION

Song by Cody Carnes
Released December 2021
Written during a “shaky season” - (covid, political unrest, riots, etc.)
Based on what Jesus teaches us in: Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus tells this parable at the end of the sermon on the mount
Sermon that teaches people how to live.

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Sand Castle - crumbling from below when the water hits
A solid foundation, like a rock, stays put and everything built upon it stays strong
Build your house on GOD

GOD IS OUR FOUNDATION

“Christ is my firm foundation” ~ “The Rock on which I stand” ~ “My house is built on you”

“I’m standing strong on you” ~ “I’ve built my life on Jesus” ~ “I’m safe with You”

Isaiah 26:4 (ESV) Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Psalm 62:6 (ESV) He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 18:2 (ESV) The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold

Don’t know what we’ve put our faith in until we weather a storm
We can see how solid our foundation is when we go through a storm
2020 revealed that for a lot of people

THERE WILL BE STORMS

“When everything around me is shaking” ~ “Joy in chaos” ~ “Rain came, wind blew”

John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Storms are promised
Caused by: the enemy - since the Garden of Eden
Others - impacted by their selfish motivations
Ourselves - Not doing what God tells us - Doing the opposite
Jesus experienced storms - metaphorically and literally
In the boat with the disciples - sleeping during the storm - Matthew 8:24-27 “Suddenly a furious storm came up… waves swept over the boat. Save us! We’re gonna drown! You of little faith. Why are you afraid?”
Walking on water to meet his disciples - Matthew 14:22-33 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.Calls Peter out of the boat - when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Walked through the storm on water - a firm foundation because of his faith
Don’t doubt the one who you are putting your faith in.

James 1:2-3 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

This doesn’t make sense until you go through something and experience the joy of drawing closer to God.

James 1:6 (NIV) But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Don’t look at the storm or your circumstances.
Look to the one who can save you
Speak God’s promises over your life, over your situation

GOD IS WITH YOU

“He’s faithful through generations” ~ “I’ve got peace that makes no sense” ~ “I’m gonna make it through”

Psalm 100:5 NIV For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV

Bible story after story of God’s faithfulness - from beginning to end
Garden of Eden to Revelations
Bible full of stories of people messing up
Forgives us - gives us chance after chance
God makes a way - sent Jesus

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.

Peace that makes no sense
The feeling of the holy spirit wrapping his arms around me
Storm didn’t end, but everything was going to be alright

Joshua 1:9 NIV …Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Stand on the rock of Christ - not crushed by fear.
Faith in the one who made you - not fear in the storm around you!

Hebrews 13:5 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV

We put our faith in a lot of things.
Money- too much, too little
The bridges we drive over. - person who welded or bolted
The tires on our cars - blow off
The roof over our heads - crashes down
Ourselves - disappointment - wrong expectations
Our family, friends - death or betrayal - disappointment
Our health - failing
Speak God’s promises over your life. Speak God’s truth!

PUT YOUR FAITH IN JESUS

“I’ve never been more glad that I put my faith in Jesus” ~ “He’s never let me down” ~ “He won’t (fail)”

James 4:8 NIV Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Why do I have faith in Jesus?
As I have drawn nearer to God, he has drawn nearer to me.
As I seek him, he is there.
You need to seek him. Faith without works is dead. Believe through your actions. Not just your words.
He has shown up in the storms of my life.

1 John 5:4 ESV For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

I have experienced what the bible talks about. Victory from the storm
Those moments are anchor points for me.
My foundation (faith) is firm and growing.

Ephesians 2:8 ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God

It is not by my own doing but through the grace of God who has saved me.
He’s never let me down.
I have let myself down, others have let me down, but not God.
Not always the way I thought he’d bring me through
But always faithful!

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

The basis of my foundation is this!
I believe Jesus came and died for our sins.
I believe in his resurrection power
I sing because Jesus died for me.
He alone is worthy of praise. - GREAT ARE YOU LORD!

View Details

SLIDE APOSTOLIC EXILES - Violent Then & Now Attacks

Matthew 11:12 (ESV) From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.

biazo: forceful behavior intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone/something

The Kingdom of Heaven:

Established Eternally, Extended to Earth
Unknown Events Brought Chaos To Kingdom On Earth
Earth Was Reformed With A Renewed Kingdom Presence
Adam Was Heaven’s Apostle To Colonize Earth
The Other Kingdom’s King Attacked The Kingdom/Garden

IT’S THE SAME VIOLENT ATTACK. YOU ARE ADAM.

7 Then & Now Violent Attacks

“In the beginning, God”

the violent attack against the reality of God/His Kingdom
Notice it’s an attack on The God, not on all gods.
Culture shows respect all religions except Christianity
In HR Hirings, there tends to be a welcoming of anything outside of Christianity
Fashionable to attack Judaism/Christianity - protests
If Christians protest anything - white extremists
Mock Jesus, but not Allah or Muhammad his prophet
No limit to using Jesus as a curse word
Mental Health Facilities - people cursing Jesus

We are to establish the reality of God/His Kingdom in our world.

“And God said, “Let there be…”

the violent attack on the creative work of God to establish Heaven/Earth
This attack started with the introduction of Darwinism into the school system in the late 1800’s. Traditionally, science was taught from a Biblical creation perspective. During WW1 there was another push, and many states made it illegal to teach evolution. In 1968 the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned the laws that had banned the teaching of evolution and most schools leaned into the “Equal Time” approach. The issue was again examined by the U. S. Supreme Court in the 1980's where the courts determined 1) Creation Science is religion; 2) to teach religion in the public schools is illegal; and 3) Creation Science is not science...
They ignore the scientific reality of Mathematical Impossibility: right time, place, chemicals, for us to have the exact gravity to stick to earth, but not so much that our blood isn’t trapped in our ankles.
Science ignored - Laws of Entropy - most evolution tends to deformity not improvement
Intelligent Design is completely ignored
Fossils are covered in the Gap Theory

We are to continue to establish the creative work of God here on earth as we take dominion.

“He said to the woman…”

The violent attack on God’s Apostles, representatives of His Kingdom created to take ground from the other Kingdom.
While all people are under siege, God’s Apostolic people are alway under attack
Adam, The Lineage Of Abraham, The Jewish Nation, Christianity.
It’s subtle but it's tangible.
Pandemic:
Bars/strip clubs were open, church gatherings closed.
Casinos were open, prayer meetings were not allowed.
Football players on the field, churches fined
Historical Attacks: Foxe's Book of Martyrs
Today Attacks: The Voice of the Martyrs
https://www.iamnevent.com/?_source_code=GSA24B1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA2pyuBhBKEiwApLaIO0HIap-oCBLzgKQ1d4jyh99O_fJYa5JqjNoFFLrGyA25YlBTJBqwpRoCjfgQAvD_BwE
Free online event March 8, 8PM
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German protestant pastor and theologian known for his opposition to National Socialism and treatment of Jews. Initially he was silent, but when pastors were required to agree to Nazi propaganda in the pulpits, he left Germany to be safe and to attend the Union Theological Seminary in New York.
“I have come to the conclusion that I made a mistake in coming to America this time. I must live through this difficult period in our national history along with the people of Germany. I will have no right to participate in the reconstruction of Christian life in Germany after the war if I do not share the trials of this time with my people ... Christians in Germany will have to face the terrible alternative of either willing the defeat of their nation in order that a future Christian civilization may survive, or else willing the victory of their nation and thereby destroying our civilization and any true Christianity. I know which of these alternatives I must choose but I cannot make that choice from a place of security.
Aa man who saw the execution: I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer... kneeling on the floor praying fervently to God. I was most deeply moved by the way this lovable man prayed, so devout and so certain that God heard his prayer. At the place of execution, he again said a short prayer and then climbed the few steps to the gallows, brave and composed. His death ensued after a few seconds. In the almost fifty years that I worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God.
Later he was convicted for his ties to the July 20, 1944, conspiracy to overthrow the Nazi regime led to his execution in 1945. His theological writings are regarded as classics throughout the Christian world.
We will openly confront social and political propaganda from the pulpit.
We refuse to repeat lies, even if our safety comes into play.
We will refuse to participate in social activities that are wrong:
No forced Vaccine or Vaccine Checks
Nuremberg medical trials 1946: never again use humans as medical lab-rats
Helmuth Vetter, an Auschwitz camp physician, SS captain and employee of the Bayer group within IG Farben conducted medical experiments on inmates at Auschwitz and at the Mauthausen concentration camp. In one study of an anaesthetic, the company paid for the use of 150 female inmates of Auschwitz. A Bayer employee wrote to Rudolf Höss, the Auschwitz commandant: "The transport of 150 women arrived in good condition. However, we were unable to obtain conclusive results because they died during the experiments. We would kindly request that you send us another group of women to the same number and at the same price.

As God’s Apostles, representatives of His Kingdom, we need to continue to take ground from the other Kingdom.

“Did God actually say”

the violent attack focused on reading, possessing, and declaring God/King’s Word
Why is the Bible so heavily mocked and every other publication promoted
Why do our schools carry sexually charged materials for 5th graders and if we demand their removal, we are book banners, but many schools have removed only bibles, and students with bibles must have them covered. Religious apparel is not allowed but Pride Day has turned into Pride Year. Students are required to participate and pledge to the pride flag

We need to continue reading, possessing, and declaring God/King’s Word in the world,

“God created man in his image… male and female

The violent attack on God implanted identity attack on God’s role in conception
The premise that it is just a biology
The attack on identity
God’s image bearer
Apostolic purpose
The reality of male/female
Gender confusion shows up through many different vehicles but those are disguises. It’s always an attack on the Kingdom
The beauty of complementary roles of man woman
Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV ‬‬”“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’“
Removal of male and female is an attack on Kingdom

“Man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

the violent attack against covenantal marriage
Not every marriage is covenantal marriage
Civil unions are not Biblical Marriages
Biblical Covenantal Marriage is an agreement between three entities
Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ”‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”“
Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (NIV) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Malachi 2:13–16 (MSG) And here’s a second offense: You fill the place of worship with your whining and sniveling because you don’t get what you want from GOD. Do you know why? Simple. Because GOD was there as a witness when you spoke your marriage vows to your young bride, and now you’ve broken those vows, broken the faith-bond with your vowed companion, your covenant wife. GOD, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that’s what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don’t cheat on your spouse. “I hate divorce,” says the GOD of Israel. GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies says, “I hate the violent dismembering of the ‘one flesh’ of marriage.” So watch yourselves. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t cheat.
Divorce -‭‭ Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ”When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”“
Marital Rates dropping, “try it out” leads to nothing good.

“Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth

the violent attack against procreation that has defined Kingdom purposes
The attack comes in all sorts of disguises but ultimately this is the most violent attack of all attacks.
Violence focused on God’s Apostles before they have their intended impact.
Violence via: abortion or miscarriage
Abortion is modern day Molech worship: the promise of a better life if we kill the child.
Having kids is viewed as as negative
Large families are mocked, traditionally celebrated
LIES: the earth can’t support it
LIES: what kind of evil brings a child into this suffering
LIES: we can’t afford that
Ploy to keep kingdom expansion limited
‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬”When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.“
Malachi 2:13–16 (MSG) And here’s a second offense: You fill the place of worship with your whining and sniveling because you don’t get what you want from GOD. Do you know why? Simple. Because GOD was there as a witness when you spoke your marriage vows to your young bride, and now you’ve broken those vows, broken the faith-bond with your vowed companion, your covenant wife. GOD, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that’s what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you. Don’t cheat on your spouse. “I hate divorce,” says the GOD of Israel. GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies says, “I hate the violent dismembering of the ‘one flesh’ of marriage.” So watch yourselves. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t cheat.

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Apostle: messenger, representative, ambassador, colonizer
Exile: the state of being absent from one's native country or kingdom, typically for political or punitive reasons
Apostolic Exile: An ambassadorial representative who is to colonize another kingdom or country

SCRIPTURE: John 10:7–10 (NIV) Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

The Gate For American Citizenship

Apply

Receive Green Card

Receive a green card which recognizes employment, family sponsorship, refugee/asylee status, or other eligible categories.
Reside in the U.S. as a Permanent Resident

Meet Eligibility Criteria:

Demonstrate good moral character.
Be proficient in English and knowledgeable about U.S. government and history.

Submit Form N-400 & Pay Filing Fee

Biometrics Appointment: provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature.

Naturalization Interview Notice

Formal Notice for a naturalization interview.
Study for the civics and English language test.
Gather required documents (e.g., Green Card, IDs, tax returns).

Attend Naturalization Interview:

Attend the interview with a USCIS officer.
Answer questions about the application and take the civics and English test.

Receive Decision: If approved, attend a ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance.

Receive Certificate of Naturalization: proof of U.S. citizenship.

Update Social Security and other Records

Register to Vote In Your State

Register to vote in your state.

Citizenship In The Kingdom Of Eden

Genesis 2:15 (ESV) The LORD God took the man and PUT him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
Genesis 3:24 (ESV) He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

Citizenship In The Kingdom of Israel

‭‭Genesis 15:5–6 (ESV) And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
Genesis 17:9–14 (ESV) And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”
Exodus‬ ‭19‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ”Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”“

Citizenship In The Kingdom Of Heaven

Matthew 4:17 (ESV) From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Luke 5:27–28 (ESV) After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.
John 3:3 (ESV) Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:22 (ESV) After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.
Acts 2:38 (ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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SLIDE APOSTOLIC EXILES - QR/NOTES

SLIDE The Kingdom Suffers Violence

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11:12 (ESV) From the days of John the

Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.

● biazo: forceful behavior intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone/something

PRAYER

Recap:

Two Kingdoms: Kingdom Of Heaven & Kingdoms Of This World

We focused on the Kingdom of Heaven

SLIDE The Kingdom Established Eternally, Extended to Earth

SLIDE Unknown Events Brought Chaos To Earth/Kingdom

SLIDE Earth Was Reformed With A Renewed Kingdom Presence

● Genesis 1:3-2:3 - 7 Days Of Creation

● Genesis 1:26 (ESV) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over... every ... thing ...on the earth.”

● Genesis 2:8 (ESV) And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.

● Genesis 1:28 (ESV) “Be fruitful and multiply and fill (replenish) the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over ... every living thing that moves on the earth.” (not just Eden)

ADAM Was Heaven’s Apostle To Earth:

representative, messenger, ambassador, colonizer, king by proxy

SLIDE The Other Kingdom’s King Attacked The Kingdom/Garden

● Genesis 3:1 (ESV) Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”

● Genesis 3:4 (ESV) But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.

● Genesis 3:6 (ESV) So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

SLIDE

The Garden/KIngdom Suffered Violence

● biazo: forceful behavior intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone/something

● 2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) ...the serpent (disguised) deceived Eve by his cunning (the art of doing something with a high level of craftiness and skill)...

○ Revelation 12:9 - the deceiver of the whole world

○ Revelation 20:3 - the deceiver of the nations

○ False Propaganda

● 2 Corinthians 11:14 (ESV) And no wonder, for even Satan disguises (to change one’s appearance) himself as an angel of light (sagad - to prostrate in worship to God)

SLIDE: SATAN’S VISIT WAS NOT AN OPPORTUNISTIC TRICK.

Satan’s visit was an intensely violent attack (forceful behavior intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone/something) against the Kingdom’s Presence on Earth, the Kingdom’s Apostolic Leader (representative, messenger, ambassador, colonizer, king by proxy), the Kingdom's Citizens (Eve & children), the Kingdom’s Mission on Earth (God’s command to be fruitful, multiply, fill (replenish) the earth, subdue it, have dominion over EVERY living thing (including Satan) that moves on the earth (not just within Eden), and ultimately the King Himself. IT’S THE SAME VIOLENT ATTACK. YOU ARE ADAM.

SLIDE: 7 Contemporary Violent Garden Attacks

“In the beginning, God”

○ the violent attack against the reality of God/His Kingdom

○ Attack on God, not on all gods.

○ We have to respect all religions,

○ Fashionable to attack Judaism/Christianity

○ Mock Jesus, but not Allah or Muhammad his prophet

○ No limit to using Jesus as a curse word

○ Mental Health Facilities - people cursing Jesus

2. “And God said, “Let there be...”

○ the violent attack on the creative work of God to establish Heaven/Earth

○ Mathematical impossibility: right time, place, chemicals, for us to have the exact gravity to stick to earth,

-but not so much that our blood isn’t trapped in our ankles.

○ Science ignored - Laws of Entropy

○ Intelligent Design ignored

3. “He said to the woman...”

○ The violent attack focused on God’s Apostles

○ God has apostolic people, alway under attack

○ The Jewish Nation historically, Auschwitz and today

○ Christianity historically, Nero, and today

○ Why were riots allowed but church gatherings closed.

○ Why were liquor/cannabis stores open, not churches?

○ Football continues, but not prayer meetings

4. “Did God actually say”

○ the violent attack focused on reGod/King’s Word

○ Why is the Bible so heavily mocked and every other publication promoted

○ School literature selections

5. “God created man in his image... male and female

○ The violent attack on God implanted identity attack on God’s role in conception

■ The premise that it is just a biology

○ The attack on identity

■ God’s image bearer

■ Apostolic purpose

○ The reality of male/female

■ Gender confusion shows up through many different vehicles but those are disguises. It’s always an

attack on the Kingdom

○ The beauty of complementary roles of man woman

6. “Man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

○ the violent attack against covenantal marriage

○ Biblical Marriage covenant between three entities

○ Civil unions are not Biblical Marriages

7. “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth

○ the violent attack against procreation that has defined Kingdom purposes

■ The attack comes in all sorts of disguises but ultimately this is the violent attack of all attacks.

■ Violence focused on God’s Apostles before they have their intended impact.

■ Violence via: abortion or miscarriage

■ Abortion is modern day Molech worship: the promise of a better life if we kill the child.

■ Having kids is viewed as as negative

■ Large families are mocked, traditionally celebrated

■ LIES: the earth can’t support it

■ LIES: what kind of evil brings a child into this suffering

■ LIES: we can’t afford that

■ Ploy to keep kingdom expansion limited

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Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more The Kingdom Of Heaven

Matthew 4:8–10 (ESV) Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”

The concept of a Kingdom is foreign, even almost anti-American. We rebelled against a tyrannical king. The colonists in America felt that they were being taxed by the British government without having a say in that government. Several key factors contributed to this perception:

No Representation in Parliament: The American colonies did not have direct representation in the British Parliament. Decisions about taxes and other policies affecting the colonies were being made in London without the input of the colonists.
Opposition to Taxation: Colonists argued that since they had no representatives in Parliament, it was unjust for the British government to impose taxes on them. Phrases like "No taxation without representation" became rallying cries for those who felt their rights were being violated.
Tax Acts and Policies: Specific acts, such as the Stamp Act (1765) and the Townshend Acts (1767), imposed taxes on various goods and activities in the colonies. These acts were met with resistance and protests from the colonists.
Writs of Assistance: The British government issued Writs of Assistance, which allowed officials to search private property for smuggled goods without a specific warrant. This was seen as a violation of colonial privacy and fueled resentment.
Perception of Economic Exploitation: Many colonists believed that the economic policies of the British government were designed to benefit England at the expense of the colonies. Trade restrictions and mercantilist policies were viewed as exploitative.

America Is A KINGDOM, One Of The Many “Kingdoms Of This World”

Matthew 4:8–10 (ESV) Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ”

There Are Only Two Kingdoms: The Kingdom Of Heaven, and The Kingdoms Of This World

The Kingdom Of Heaven: Established Eternally, Extended to Earth

Genesis 1:1 (ESV) In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 14:22 (ESV) …the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth,
Exodus 19:5 (ESV) … all the earth is mine;
1 Corinthians 10:26 (ESV) For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”

Something Unknown Brought Chaos To Earth

Genesis 1:1–2 (ESV) In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth WAS without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
hayah - to fall out or come to pass
Matthew 1:18 (KJV) …she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 10:17–18 (ESV) The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

Earth Was Reformed With A Kingdom Presence

Genesis 1:3-2:3
Light
Expanse Separating Earth Called Heaven or Sky
Waters gathered from land - seed/vegetation
Established seasons (time) using sun, moon, stars. planets
Fish, birds
Animals/Man
Rest (Peace) - as opposed to what was going on previously and elsewhere on the earth.
Genesis 1:26 (ESV) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over… every … thing …on the earth.”
Genesis 2:8 (ESV) And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Genesis 1:28 (ESV) “Be fruitful and multiply and fill (replenish) the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over … every living thing that moves on the earth.” (not just Eden)

ADAM Was Heaven’s Apostle To Earth: representative, messenger, ambassador, colonizer, king by proxy

Another King Entered The Garden

Genesis 3:1 (ESV) Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”
Genesis 3:4 (ESV) But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.
2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) …the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning…
Revelation 12:9 - the deceiver of the whole world
Revelation 20:3 - the deceiver of the nations
Genesis 3:6 (ESV) So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

Adam Went From Apostle To Exile

Genesis 3:17 (ESV) And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of _____________, cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;
Genesis 3:23–24 (ESV) therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.
EXILE - the state of being absent from one's native country or kingdom, typically for political or punitive reasons

Jesus Was Exiled To Become His/Our Apostle

Genesis 3:21 (ESV) And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.
Philippians 2:5–11 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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Luke 2:10-11 (CSB) But the angel said to them...11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the

Messiah, the Lord...15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one

another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to

us.”

The message was given to the shepherds
They were is the right place to hear
They accepted and responded

Who is this Savior for?

*1. A Savior For Your Children.*Luke 2:39-41 (NLT) When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him. Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.

Psalm 78:4;7 (CSB) e will not hide them from their children, but will tell a future generation the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, his might, and the wondrous works he has performed...They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God’s works, but keep his commands.

Take every opportunity to include your child in a God moment

2.A Savior For Your Family.Hallmark Quotes:

“The best Christmas gift is not wrapped in ribbons and found waiting under the tree. It’s the love that we give and the love we receive. The best gift is family.”
“As long as we have family, we have everything.”

As followers of Jesus, we can not lose sight of the main goal: A Savior was born for our family!

Acts 4:12 (CSB) There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.
Mattthew 1:21 (CSB) She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

How Can I Pray For My Unsaved Loved Ones?, is the title of a blog posted by Amy Swanson on

Christianity.com

We need to approach prayer for our unsaved loved ones (family/friends) with the right mind set, in spite of

what we see or are told.

Therefore, let us come boldly to the throne of our King in petition for the souls of our loved ones knowing He hears our prayer (1 Peter 3:12)
He equips us for such a time as this (2 Timothy 3:17)

Key Prayer:

That unsaved loved ones would be given a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26).
That unsaved loved ones would be given a renewed mind (Romans 12:2).
That unsaved loved ones would be given the sight Jesus has recovered (Luke 4:18).
That unsaved loved ones would have ears to hear (Matthew 11:15).
To be a light that shines among others (Matthew 5:16).
To never cease in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Luke 2:15...“Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to

us.”

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Many believe that Jesus was able to be JESUS and do JESUS things because He was JESUS. In reality, He emptied himself of all deistic privilege, power and protection, becoming vulnerable in every way to the challenges humanity faces.

Philippians 2:6–7 (NLT) Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.

(MSG) he set aside the privileges of deity
(ESV) but emptied himself
(NIV) he made himself nothing
(NKJV) made Himself of no reputation

Jesus Was Vulnerable…

Survival - Jesus had at least a 35% chance of dying by the time he was 24 years old: Miscarriage rate reported by Mayo Clinic is close to 20%. Global death rates for children five and under in 1990 were close to 10%. Death rates for ages 5-24 was nearly 5%.
Birthplace/Birth-Setting Dangers
Family Challenges
Daily Challenges
Accidents/Trauma
Temptation
Crime
Satanic Attack

Why Was Jesus So Intentionally Vulnerable?

1.Payment For Sin Required It

2.To Compassionately Help You From His Experience.

“But you don’t understand what I am going through” is something you will never be able to say to Jesus.
Hebrews 2:18 (ESV) For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 4:15–16 (ESV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

3.To Show You How To Be And Do.

Jesus was able to be JESUS and do JESUS things, not to prove that He was JESUS.... but because he wanted to show you how to BE and DO the exact same things.
1 Peter 2:21 (ESV) For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Partnership with the Father & Spirit - Luke 3:22 (ESV) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

4.To Demonstrate Antifragile Living

Fragility recognizes the reality of adversity and the potential impact

Adversity Is All Around Us - 3 Responses

fragile: broken & ineffective
survivor: significantly impacted but ongoing
antifragile: strengthened by adversity

Jesus faced adversity and yet it made him stronger:

Luke 2:40 (ESV) And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2:52 (ESV) And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Prokopto - to cut or strike forward

We long for adversity in life to be removed, but adversity is the thing that makes us strong.

The Biosphere 2 project in Oracle Arizona was created as a research tool for scientists to study Earth’s living systems, and it allowed scientists to play with farming and innovation in a way that didn’t harm the planet. One of the most profound discoveries made by the scientists had nothing to do with a cure for some new disease or a new way of farming land. Rather, the discovery had to do with the wind’s role in a tree’s life. The trees inside Biosphere 2 grew rapidly, more rapidly than they did outside of the dome, but they also fell over before reaching maturation. After looking at the root systems and outer layers of bark, the scientists came to realize that a lack of wind in Biosphere 2 caused a deficiency of stress wood. Stress wood helps a tree position itself for optimal sun absorption and it also helps trees grow more solidly. Without stress wood, a tree can grow quickly, but it cannot support itself fully. It cannot withstand normal wear and tear, and survive. In other words, the trees needed stress in order to thrive in the long run.

Hebrews 11:32–34 (ESV) And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

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Matthew 1:20–22 (ESV) But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

DESTINY IS ENCODED BY GOD AT CONCEPTION

CULTURE: destiny is encountering pre-planned circumstances.

BIBLE: destiny is impacting circumstances with the “Encoded Us.”

Psalm 139:13–17 (ESV) For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Ecclesiastes 6:10 (NLT) Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny.

Destiny doesn’t happen to people. Destiny happens through people.

Destiny is not pushed in from the outside. Destiny is within and is pushed out.

We don’t change our stars. We step into the full measure of who we are.

Destiny does not happen to us. Destiny happens because of us.

Every child is a child of destiny. Just like Jesus.

This Child Jesus:

Isaiah 7:14 (ESV) Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:22 (ESV) … you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Revelation 13:8 (NIV) the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.

Destiny is encoded within you. Destiny is encoded in the lives around you. It’s what makes life sacred from the moment of conception.

DESTINY’S ENCODING IS HERE/NOW SPECIFIC

We are fixated about the circumstances a life is brought into.

Why would I bring a child into this dark world?
Why would I bring a child into potential suffering?
Why would I bring a child into my difficult circumstances?
Why would I bring a child into this overpopulated world?
WHy would I bring a child into the morally depravity I see?
Why would I bring an accidental pregnancy into this world?

Because that life is designed to impact circumstances!

Acts 17:26–27 (ESV) And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place…
Esther 4:14 (ESV) ...And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Lives are encoded by God to impact circumstances for the better.
Destiny comes into play as we stop trying to find better circumstances, but discover God’s purpose for us in our circumstances.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) 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 hope and a future.

Circumstances don’t limit your destiny. They are the canvas for destiny to play out. Circumstances are a big part of why you are here.

Jesus’ circumstances were less than ideal:

Born to a unmarried teenager
Born in a stable
Born in an occupied nation
Travel by animal
No sound systems
No social media

And Yet:

Galatians 4:4 (ESV) But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman…
Romans 5:6 (NIV) You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Do not allow your circumstances to limit your destiny. Unleash destiny on your circumstances.

DESTINY RELIES ON RELATIONSHIPS TO ACTIVATE ENCODING

Parents
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Luke 2:40 (ESV) And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
John 2:3–5 (ESV) When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Kingdom Relationships
Luke 2:46–49 (ESV) After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
Luke 19:47 (ESV) And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him,
Matthew 26:55 (ESV) At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me.
Acts 2:46 (KJV 1900) And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
A Relationship With The Holy Spirit
Matthew 3:16–17 (ESV) And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 4:1 (ESV) Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

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Proverbs 18:20–21 (ESV) From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

1. SEED - the event that happened, is happening or will happen.

2. MODIFICATION - the story we compose regarding the event.

The events are the events but we filter the events based on the posture of our heart and this impacts the narrative that comes out of our mouth.

Opportunity Or Injustice
Faith In God’s Promises/Word
Our Internal Code of Honor

3. PLANTING - The modified story we repeat to ourselves and others.

Our Words Are Prophetic
Our Words Marinate Create Atmospheres Impacting Our/Others Lives
David was discouraged that His son was killed in battle and it impacted his soldiers.
David encouraged himself in the Lord and it impacted His discouraged army

4. HARVEST - The residual events we experience resulting from the story we told.

What story are you telling and how is it impacting you?

Heart Filters:Opportunity/Injustice - it inappropriately magnifies my problem.

Psalm 37:23–24 (ESV) The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.
Numbers 13:25–29 (ESV) At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land…They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land… It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. HOWEVER, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large…

Heart Filters: Faith/Unbelief

Numbers 13:30–33 (ESV) But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”

Heart Filters: Honor/Dishonor

Numbers 14:1–3 (ESV): Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?”
Psalm 51:10 (ESV) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
James 4:8 (ESV) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

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SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:26–29 (ESV) “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

SHAKING IS GUARANTEED

Matthew 7:24–27 (ESV) “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
David - 1 Samuel 30:3–6 (ESV) And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep…. And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters.
Sources Of Our Shaking:
God (never to hurt us - purify, grow and promote.)
The Devil/Others
Circumstances (ENTROPY)
Finances
Relationships
Expectations
Death (THE DEVIL)

YOU ARE GOING TO BE SHAKEN - DON’T WASTE THE SHAKE!

TREAT SHAKING AS A TEST

It’s important to acknowledge the storm
It’s important to navigate the storm with the right voices.
“You never know what’s on the inside until something happens to force it to come out.”
1 Corinthians 3:11–15 (ESV) For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
Hebrews 12:28 (ESV) Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

ALLOW SHAKING TO EXPOSE YOUR TRUSTS

This test is not for God, but for you to make an informed evaluation.
We take some tests to prove what we know, but this type of testing reveals who we are and how well we are.
The shaking will bring about responses that reveal who/what your trust.
Lean into God or replacements/addictions/pain relievers
Leans into God or idols
Lean into God or blame
Lean into praise or bitterness/unforgiveness
1 Samuel 18:7–11 (ESV) And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” And Saul eyed David from that day on. The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David evaded him twice.
1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV) And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

ALLOW THE SHAKE TO PERFECT YOU

Better priorities - back to basics
Smoother travel - less baggage
Redemption - evil shaking that is rewarded.
James 1:2–4 (ESV) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Romans 8:28–29 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

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Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more Ephesians 6:10–18 (ESV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance...

We are instructed to put on the full armor of God.

Ephesians 6:16 (ESV) In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

“All the flaming darts...”

Annoying pesky darts of irritation
Black eyes
“Take you out” missiles

The more threatening you become, the more strategic the darts.

For flaming darts to be effective:

Fear - beyond initial reaction, can become a posture
Penetratration - the ability to stick to something
Flammability - the ability to burn and cosume surroundings

While some have no shield at all, the quality of the shield chosen determines quality of protection.

Shields That Fail:

Avoidance - dodging darts will keep you running from the

battle and away from the good things God has for you * Belief in God - believing in God repels evil from your life * Knowledge of Biblical Truth - knowing truths mean they somehow apply to you. * Christian Karma - previous good behavior guarantees good outcome, a form of self righteousness. * Shield of Self Confidence * Faith in my Faith - while it is important to have confidence in your ability to handle the shield of faith, your faith cannot be in your ability to handle the shield, but must be in the shield.

The Shield of FAITH: An Active Revelation Of Him

Information vs. Revelation
A Revelation Of God: Unlocking and Expanding Truths
- Ephesians 6:10 (ESV) Finally, be strong (strengthened) in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
  - Strength in Him
  - Strength in His power.
  - Time spent in the Word, Prayer, Presence
  - FAITH is a trust in who God is and what He says.
  - The shields of FAITH is actually God: He Is Our Shield
- Genesis 15:1 (NIV) "After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: 'Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield...'"
- Psalm 3:3 (NIV) "But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high."
- Psalm 28:7 (NIV) "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
- Psalm 33:20 (NIV) "We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield."
- Psalm 84:11 (NIV) "For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
- Proverbs 30:5 (NIV) "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
- Psalm 18:30 (NIV) "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."

The Shield of FAITH: An Active Declaration

Metaphoric shield
The power of declaration
- Jeremiah 23:29 (ESV) Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?
- Balaam - Numbers 22:38 (ESV) The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak.”
- I declare God’s Word to Inform myself, my atmosphere, my circumstances, the spiritual realm, my enemy
- 1 Samuel 17:42–47 (ESV) And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.”

The Shield of FAITH: An Active Participation In The Battle

1 Samuel 17:51 (ESV) Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
Stepping into dart vs. flee
Locking shields with others

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