Words to Grow Right - with Jimmie Hicks Jr.: Recent Episodes
Rev. Dr. Jimmie Hicks Jr , Senior Pastor of Start Right Church
Jimmie Hicks. Jr founded the first Church of God in Christ located in the City of Cleveland Heights. Start Right Church of God in Christ began on Sept. 17, 2006, because he believed that regardless of whoever his audience is, young or old, black or white, male or female if the Word of God is taught with clarity and in a thought-provoking manner, there will be understanding.
Our mission is to be a church where people get saved and stay saved because they understand the word of God and are taught how to apply it to their lives.
Our Vision: If you Start Right and you Grow Right, you can Stay Right
Have you ever wondered what would happen if millions of people suddenly vanished without a trace? Pastor Jimmie takes us on a gripping journey through the aftermath of what believers recognize as the Rapture, painting a vivid picture of a world plunged into confusion and desperate for answers. As governments scramble to explain the inexplicable "global anomaly" and scientists search for rational explanations, the truth remains hidden in plain sight: Jesus had returned for His faithful followers. Through powerful storytelling, Pastor Jimmie reveals how this unprecedented event creates a perfect storm of fear, instability, and spiritual hunger across the globe. He masterfully connects biblical prophecy to unfolding events, warning that this disappearance isn't the end but rather the beginning of sorrows—a time when nations will clash, famines will spread, and a charismatic but dangerous leader will emerge from the chaos. Drawing from Revelation's imagery of the beast rising from the sea, Pastor Jimmie urgently calls us to recognize the signs of these times and understand that humanity's desperate search for answers will make many vulnerable to deception. His compelling message challenges us to examine our own spiritual readiness and stand firm in biblical truth before it's too late.
What if everything you knew changed in the blink of an eye? Pastor Jimmie takes us on a chilling journey through what many believe could be the rapture—a moment when millions of people simultaneously vanish without warning or explanation. In this gripping narrative, he paints a vivid picture of an ordinary day transformed into history's most extraordinary moment: empty clothes falling to sidewalks, pilotless planes in mid-flight, and abandoned vehicles creating chaos on highways across the globe. Through this powerful sermon, Pastor Jimmie masterfully connects biblical prophecy to a scenario that feels frighteningly possible, reminding us that Scripture warns of a time when believers will be suddenly taken up to meet the Lord. His unique perspective draws parallels between this event and the urgency of spiritual preparedness, challenging the congregation to consider their own readiness for Christ's return. As mysterious forces lurk beneath the surface, waiting to exploit humanity's vulnerability, Pastor Jimmie's message resonates with a clear call to action: we must strengthen our faith and share the gospel while there is still time, for no one knows the day or hour when everything could change forever.
Have you ever wondered how to face life's toughest moments without losing your faith? In this powerful message, Pastor Jimmie delivers a stirring reminder that our help comes from the Lord, not from temporary solutions or worldly comforts. Drawing from Romans 12:1 and Ephesians 6:10-12, he illuminates how Jesus not only cleanses us from sin but also equips us with the Holy Spirit as our constant helper in spiritual warfare. With passionate conviction, Pastor Jimmie shares that while we face evil spirits and life's challenges, we have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead. He poignantly addresses grief through the lens of Jesus weeping for Lazarus, affirming that while Christians mourn differently, we still feel pain – yet with the comfort of knowing we'll see our loved ones again through Christ. The message culminates in an urgent call to wipe our tears and live as true ambassadors for God, reminding us that our presentation to God matters more than our appearance to the world.
What if your most intimate relationship wasn't with your spouse, but with God Himself? Pastor Jimmie delivers a powerful message on spiritual adultery, revealing how our covenant with God must be our primary relationship. Drawing from Romans 12:1 and various Scripture passages, he explains how breaking our spiritual covenant precedes all other forms of unfaithfulness. Through vivid examples and biblical truth, Pastor Jimmie shows how the spirit of whoredom first attacks our relationship with God before manifesting in physical compromise. His unique perspective emphasizes that casual approaches to sin and "cheap grace" mindsets actually send us back to square one with God - we can't simply pick up where we left off after breaking covenant. The message resonates deeply with today's challenges, urging believers to guard their hearts, minds and bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Jimmie concludes with an urgent call to stop compromising and fully commit to God's ways, because our relationship with Him determines the health of all other relationships.
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be "all in" with God? In this powerful sermon, Pastor Jimmie tackles the challenging topic of spiritual adultery through Romans 12, revealing how divided loyalties can silently erode our relationship with God. Drawing from the dramatic story of Jehoshaphat, he illustrates how praising God in the midst of battle activates divine intervention, while warning that casual Christianity—treating faith like a part-time commitment—deeply grieves the heart of God. Pastor Jimmie passionately explains that just as a spouse wouldn't accept divided affections, God requires our complete devotion: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." Through vivid examples from everyday life, he shows how seemingly innocent compromises—from workplace flirtations to superstitious practices—can constitute spiritual unfaithfulness. The sermon culminates in an urgent call for believers to examine their hearts and choose decisively whom they will serve, reminding us that God's blessings flow not from casual acquaintance but from wholehearted commitment to Him alone.
What if the very spiritual battles weighing you down were actually doorways to freedom? In this powerful message, Pastor Jimmy unveils how the spirit of heaviness manifests through guilt, shame, grief, and fear - but more importantly, how Christ provides the antidote. Drawing from Romans 12:1 and personal examples like his journey of purchasing a church building, he illustrates that while life's burdens are real, Christians aren't meant to carry them alone. Pastor Jimmy emphasizes that Jesus came to lift our heavy loads, pointing to Luke 4:18 where Christ promises to free the oppressed and release captives. Through vivid biblical insights and vulnerable stories about losing his own father, he shows how giving our burdens to God transforms overwhelming weights into opportunities for victory. The urgent call rings clear: Stop condemning yourself and start living in the liberating truth that "nothing can separate us from God's love" – even in our heaviest moments. Will you choose today to exchange your spirit of heaviness for Christ's crown of beauty?
What happens when the weight of life threatens to crush your spirit? In this powerful sermon, Pastor Jimmy explores the insidious nature of the "spirit of heaviness" - a force that seeks to rob Christians of their joy through depression, despair, and isolation. Through vivid examples from Scripture, including Jesus' own battle with heaviness in Gethsemane, he reveals how unconfessed sin and doubt can become doorways for this spiritual attack. But there's hope: Pastor Jimmy emphasizes that God's love is stronger than any burden, pointing to Romans 8:38 as proof that nothing can separate us from His care. The key is being "convinced" of God's love and choosing to maintain our joy despite circumstances. He challenges believers to stop carrying unnecessary weights and instead embrace their royal identity in God's kingdom, where everyone is born into spiritual royalty through Christ. Through vulnerable personal stories and passionate biblical teaching, Pastor Jimmy calls Christians to resist heaviness by confessing sin promptly, staying connected to fellow believers, and choosing to declare "I still have my joy" even in life's toughest moments.
Have you ever wondered what happens when perversion distorts God's truth? In this powerful message, Pastor Jimmy delves into the critical gift of discerning spirits, focusing on the perverse spirit that seeks to normalize sin and twist God's truth into lies. Drawing from Romans 12:1, he reveals how this spirit doesn't just tempt people to do wrong—it convinces them that wrong is right, effectively blocking their path to repentance and forgiveness. Through vivid analogies and Scripture, including 1 John 1:5-9, Pastor Jimmy emphasizes that true Christian living requires unwavering adherence to God's word, not societal norms. He challenges believers to shine as bright lights in a perverse world, maintaining their distinct identity as Christ-followers rather than conforming to cultural pressures. The message concludes with an urgent call for Christians to speak truth in love while growing more like Christ, reminding us that we're called to win souls, not arguments, in these increasingly challenging times.
What happens when we choose to ignore the subtle ways evil tries to infiltrate our lives? In a powerful message on discerning spirits, Pastor Jimmie illuminates how perverse spirits work to normalize sin and blur the lines between right and wrong. Drawing from Romans and 1 Corinthians, he explains that while we shouldn't judge non-believers, we have a biblical responsibility to lovingly confront fellow Christians who persist in sin. Through vivid examples like Halloween celebrations and changing church doctrines, Pastor Jimmie demonstrates how perverse spirits gradually chip away at our convictions until wrong seems right. His urgent call challenges believers to stand firm on God's unchanging truth rather than adapting it to match cultural preferences. The message stresses that true love means upholding God's standards while showing compassion - we must choose to walk across the bridge to heaven through obedience rather than compromising our way to destruction. Will you commit to testing every spirit against Scripture and lovingly holding fellow believers accountable?
Have you ever wondered what holds you back from experiencing the fullness of God's power in your life? Pastor Jimmy delivers a powerful message about the critical importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit after salvation. Drawing from Matthew 12:44, he warns that when evil spirits find a "cleaned but empty house" - representing a saved but Spirit-unfilled believer - they return with even greater force. Through vivid examples and urgent teaching, Pastor Jimmy emphasizes that salvation through Jesus cleanses us, but being filled with the Holy Spirit provides the power to live victoriously and resist returning to old patterns. He particularly focuses on the "spirit of perversion" that tries to normalize sin and compromise in believers' lives, from dress to relationships. The message culminates in a call for Christians to reject perverse thinking that divides and limits us, and instead embrace our full identity as heirs of Abraham's promise through Christ. This teaching challenges believers to move beyond mere salvation to complete submission to the Lordship of Christ through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
What happens when jealousy creeps into our hearts? Through a powerful examination of Cain and Abel's story, Pastor Jimmie reveals how the spirit of jealousy destroys relationships and hinders God's work. Like Cain who became angry when his offering wasn't accepted, we often let comparison and resentment poison our perspective. The pastor shares a striking insight: God doesn't accept what we think is right unless it aligns with what He says is right.Drawing from examples like King Saul's jealousy of David and the religious leaders' envy of Paul's ministry, Pastor Jimmy shows how this destructive spirit manifests through suspicion, resentment, and division. He emphasizes that each person has a unique calling from God - "I'm the best Jimmy Hicks Jr. anyone can be, and you're the best you anyone can be." The key is staying focused on God's specific plan for your life rather than comparing yourself to others.The sermon concludes with an inspiring testimony of how God's faithfulness exceeded all expectations in the church's ministry, from paying off the building to community development projects. The message calls believers to celebrate others' victories while trusting God's unique purpose for their lives. "Where God guides, He provides," Pastor Jimmie affirms.
Are you ready to transform your spiritual journey and deepen your connection with God? In Pastor Jimmy Hicks Jr.'s impactful sermon, he emphasizes that being a true disciple means fully committing to the Word and living out that commitment in our everyday lives. Drawing from the Great Commission, Pastor reminds us that we can't make disciples if we ourselves aren’t deeply disciplined followers of Christ. He challenges us to reflect on our lives: Are we witnessing the goodness of God, or are we spreading negativity? Encouraging self-examination, he warns against allowing spirits of jealousy and discontentment to cloud our relationships and hinder our mission. The pastor passionately invites each of us to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit in our lives, reminding us that only then can we be effective witnesses for Christ. As we leave today, let’s actively pursue God with 100% of our lives and invite the Holy Spirit to fill us anew. Will you take that first step towards a vibrant faith, becoming a beacon of light to those around you? Now is the time—don’t wait!
Have you ever felt like life’s challenges are insurmountable? Pastor brings hope in his powerful message, declaring that while "many are the afflictions of the righteous," God promises to deliver us from them all. Instead of focusing on our struggles, Pastor encourages us to thank God for His past faithfulness and trust in His future deliverance. He emphasizes that it’s easy to get bogged down by personal woes, but we must shift our attention to God’s eternal promises and the blessings available to us as heirs in Christ. He calls out particular initiatives, urging men to come together once a month for fellowship—acknowledging that together we become stronger and build a legacy for our children. Pastor challenges us to reject worldly standards and embrace our true identity as children of God, reminding us that true blessings come from obedience. Don’t miss out—commit today to not only attend meetings but to actively seek God, allowing Him to fill you with His Spirit. Step out of complacency and into the fullness of life Christ offers; act now and let His promises take roo
Are you living a life that truly reflects the goodness of God? In a powerful sermon, Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. illustrates the importance of presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, echoing Romans 12:1, urging us to fill our lives with the Holy Spirit to truly embody holiness and acceptance before God. He passionately emphasizes that being a Christian means being anointed, filled with the Spirit, and separate from worldly ways. The pastor highlights the dangers of familiar and divining spirits that seek to deceive and distract us from our divine purpose. He reminds us that spiritual warfare is real; we need discernment to navigate between the Holy Spirit and the adversary's cunning traps. Pastor Jimmie's heartwarming message calls us not just to identify as believers, but to actively seek a deeper connection with God, reflecting His love in our daily lives while engaging our communities. As we step out into the week, let this be a clarion call to actively seek the Spirit’s guidance and to live boldly transformed lives, making sure there's no space for anything but God in our hearts. Will you respond to the call and let Him fill you?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life and unsure of how to regain your strength? In today’s sermon, Pastor speaks powerfully about the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit into our lives, emphasizing that without this divine empowerment, we cannot navigate the challenges and distractions surrounding us. Drawing from Romans 12:1, Pastor encourages us to present ourselves as living sacrifices—holy and acceptable to God—reminding us that genuine faith cannot exist apart from the Word and the Spirit. He passionately cautions against the traps of familiar spirits and worldly distractions, like psychics and crystals, which can lead us away from God’s grace and towards spiritual separation. The pastor invites the congregation to reflect on what influences they’ve allowed into their lives and challenges us to prioritize filling ourselves with the Spirit. As he extends the invitation for salvation, he passionately urges everyone to accept Jesus and embrace the power He offers. Don’t wait—this is your moment to engage fully with God’s purpose and power; raise your hand, receive salvation, and experience transformative change today!
Have you ever pondered what it truly means to be reborn and filled with the Spirit? In this powerful sermon by Pastor, he emphasizes the miraculous transformation that occurs when we accept Jesus, moving from mere resolutions to a profound renewal of spirit. Drawing from Romans 12:1-2, Pastor unveils the essential call to present ourselves as living sacrifices, urging us to focus not on our feelings but on what God deems holy and acceptable. He highlights the vital role of the Holy Spirit, proclaiming that it is through this divine power we are set apart to live abundantly and joyfully. Pastor connects this message to our everyday lives, reminding the congregation that true faith requires action—filling our lives with Spirit, not worldly distractions. As he delves into discerning spirits, he warns against empty hearts that can easily become homes for evil influences, encapsulating the urgent need for spiritual vigilance. This message challenges us to assess our spiritual fullness and invites everyone to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. Don’t miss the chance to explore this vital message—watch or listen now and embark on your journey of spiritual enrichment!
Are you living as a true sacrifice for God, or are you simply going through the motions? In his powerful sermon, Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. reminds us of the significance of being a "living sacrifice," as outlined in Romans 12:1. He emphasizes that our sacrifices must be holy and acceptable to God, contrasting them with the Old Testament's dead sacrifices. Pastor calls the congregation to examine their lives, urging them to discard personal desires and fully embrace the transformative power of Jesus Christ. His unique perspective illustrates that choosing Jesus is more than just a decision; it's a continual commitment to make choices that glorify God. Pastor challenges us to discover and utilize our spiritual gifts—not just for our benefit, but to serve others and build His kingdom. As he passionately stresses, every Christian must navigate spiritual warfare with discernment, or risk being drawn back into the world's temptations. He calls for urgent action: it’s time to choose life over death, to fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit and get involved in church initiatives that make a difference. Are you ready to step into your divine purpose? The time is now!
In his recent sermon, Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. emphasized the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of maintaining a sound mind in a world filled with challenges and mental health struggles. He reflected on the unconditional love and forgiveness of God, urging the congregation to let go of grudges and embrace the strength that comes from forgiving others, as God has forgiven them. Stressing that mental illness can significantly impact one’s quality and length of life, Pastor encouraged believers to recognize the spiritual battles at play and the need for a mind renewed through Christ. He underscored the importance of prayer and fasting as tools to combat fear and doubt, which can lead to instability and mental distress.Through scripture and personal anecdotes, Pastor highlighted how faith is an essential component of overcoming life's difficulties. He urged the congregation to focus on the teachings of Christ and to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, reminding them that they are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. Pastor concluded by calling on the faithful to create a daily practice of seeking God, maintaining spiritual health through worship and the word, and fostering a community that reflects the love of Christ. The sermon resonated with themes of resilience, hope, and the necessity of living as a sacrifice for God, emphasizing that life is about more than material existence; it is a journey towards eternal life with Him.
In his sermon, Pastor emphasizes the importance of living life with expectation and the transformative power of actively applying God's Word. He encourages his congregation to move beyond merely reading the Bible to incorporating its teachings into their daily lives, asserting that obedience to God's Word brings blessings and healing. Using scriptural references, Pastor discusses the concept of faith as the application of God's knowledge in one's life, noting that genuine faith is crucial for receiving God's gifts, particularly the gift of healing.Focusing on the gift of healing, Pastor outlines two main types: healings that enhance the quality of life and those that extend life. He emphasizes that healing requires personal engagement and action, calling for believers to stop being "spiritual cowards" and instead actively seek the gift of healing to make a real difference in others' lives. Through examples from the Bible, like the healings performed by Jesus and the life extension granted to Hezekiah, Pastor inspires the congregation to request healing not just for themselves but to serve as conduits of God's grace and mercy to others. Ultimately, he reminds them that even as they seek healing, they must also strive for eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate form of healing and hope.
In Pastor Jimmie's sermon, he emphasizes the profound love of God as revealed through His word and encourages the congregation to prioritize Scripture over other church traditions and slogans. He asserts that God's word is guaranteed to accomplish its purpose and serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth. The pastor introduces the theme of spiritual gifts in relation to the resurrected life, highlighting Romans 12:1, which calls for presenting oneself as a living sacrifice to God. He then discusses the importance of spiritual gifts, specifically focusing on the gift of healing and its significance in overcoming fear and doubt, which often hinder believers from fully embracing their spiritual potential.Pastor Jimmie underlines that healing is a means for believers to utilize God's power to aid others, bringing glory to Him. He cites various scriptures to illustrate that all healing ultimately comes from God, urging the congregation to have faith when seeking healing, whether for quality of life or extended life issues. Through personal anecdotes and biblical examples, he stresses the need for believers to actively step out in faith and use the gifts God has provided. The message culminates in calling the congregation to recognize and give glory to God for their healing experiences while encouraging them to operate as conduits of God's love and power in the world.
In today's sermon, Pastor spoke passionately about the significance of living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the idea of being a "living sacrifice" as outlined in Romans 12:1. He referenced the importance of recognizing the Holy Spirit's resurrecting power, which not only raised Jesus from the dead but also transforms believers into a new creation. Pastor highlighted that true faith is not merely knowing scripture, but allowing it to guide one's life. Using scriptures from Acts, Romans, and Philippians, he illustrated how Jesus' resurrection signifies a shift from the old self to a new life, urging listeners to embrace the Holy Spirit's power for living a life that is pleasing to God.Throughout the sermon, Pastor emphasized the need for self-examination and intentionality in one's actions and responses, particularly in challenging situations. He shared personal anecdotes to illustrate the importance of humility, forgiveness, and compassion in interactions with others. Pastor concluded by reminding the congregation that accepting Christ is just the beginning; believers must actively pursue their spiritual growth and live a life that reflects Christ’s teachings, transforming any former ways of living into a life marked by the joy and purpose found in faith.
In his Palm Sunday sermon, Pastor emphasizes the significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as a profound act of living sacrifice. He reflects on Romans 12:1, which urges believers to present themselves as living sacrifices to God, linking this command to Jesus' intentional journey to the cross. Pastor shares that Jesus, fully aware of his impending death, embraced his sacrificial role with humility and love, offering a powerful example for Christians to follow. He reminds the congregation that Jesus' sacrifice was not only physical but also involved laying down personal desires and preferences for a greater divine purpose.Throughout the message, Pastor calls for a deep understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a follower of Christ. He urges believers to reject the notion of a comfortable faith, highlighting that true discipleship may require discomfort and sacrifice for the sake of others. He cites Jesus' compassion for those who rejected him, illustrating that, like Jesus, Christians should strive to reflect love and mercy, even when faced with challenges. Ultimately, Pastor encourages everyone to actively live as holy and acceptable sacrifices, carrying the light of Christ into the world, so that others may see the transformative power of God's love.
In his latest sermon, Pastor emphasizes the importance of living a life that is holy and acceptable to God, drawing from Romans 12:1. He encourages the congregation to present themselves as living sacrifices to God, reminding them that the approbation of others is irrelevant when it comes to their standing with God and entrance to heaven. The sermon explores the notion that being a Christian entails embracing one's identity as a chosen and royal priesthood, called to showcase God's goodness to the world. Pastor discusses the gifts of the Spirit, explaining the significance of utilizing these gifts in a way that aids others and magnifies God’s glory, rather than simply for personal recognition.Pastor further elaborates on the necessity of seeking spiritual wisdom and knowledge, highlighting that these gifts are essential for a faithful Christian life. He asserts that true faith and understanding come from God, not from human teaching or tradition. Throughout the sermon, he emphasizes that Christians must actively seek to align their lives with God's will, urging them to recognize their role as conduits for God's message and gifts to the world. He concludes by stressing the importance of sincerity and humility in their walk with God, illustrating that the true measure of faith is how it translates into actions that honor God and help
In this sermon, Pastor emphasizes the importance of individual commitment to God and how personal responsibility is foundational for collective change in the church. He points out that while scripture addresses groups, it also calls for individual actions where each person must humble themselves, seek God, and turn from sin. Citing Romans 12:1, he urges congregants to present their bodies as living sacrifices, highlighting that true service comes from individual choices and dedication to God.Throughout the message, Pastor discusses the significance of teaching as a spiritual gift and the necessity of being diligent in studying the Word of God. He claims that every believer should desire to teach others and shares that teaching requires preparation and accountability, warning that those who teach will be held to a higher standard. Pastor encourages the congregation to actively engage in spreading the Gospel, highlighting love, obedience, and total commitment to God as keys to a fulfilling life. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper relationship with Christ, urging listeners to pursue their spiritual gifts and serve others in the light of their faith.
In his sermon, Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. emphasizes the incredible power that resides within believers through the Holy Spirit, proclaiming that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead lives inside of us. He urges the congregation to recognize their inherent strength and to strive beyond their perceived limitations, encouraging them to pursue a deeper relationship with God. Using biblical references, he highlights the importance of pressing forward, recognizing that what may seem impossible can be made possible through faith in Christ. Pastor further emphasizes the significance of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, as outlined in Romans 12:1, framing this as a reasonable expectation from God.Pastor Jimmie also discusses the various spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers for the purpose of serving one another. He explains that these gifts, given by the Holy Spirit, are not merely for individual gain but are meant to help the community flourish. Throughout his message, he insists that individuals must overcome fear and hesitation to utilize their God-given talents, asserting that wisdom is key to discerning how to apply these gifts in daily life. Concluding with a call to action, he invites listeners to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior, reminding them of the transformative impact of faith and the celebration in heaven when one turns to God.
In his sermon, Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. emphasizes the importance of presenting ourselves as living sacrifices to God, as outlined in Romans 12:1. He challenges the congregation to recognize that every interaction in their lives represents a presentation to God, and encourages them to ensure that these presentations are holy and acceptable. He underscores the idea that our bodies serve as battlegrounds for spiritual warfare, noting that the devil attacks our identity and self-worth to hinder our relationship with God. Pastor Hicks passionately reminds the listeners that they possess the power of the Holy Spirit, which enables them to walk in the blessings of God and fulfill their divine purpose.Pastor Hicks also addresses the various gifts from the Holy Spirit and encourages believers to utilize these gifts not for personal gain but to help others, indicating that true leadership and generosity stem from love and a desire to serve. He stresses the importance of mercy, advising that genuine acts of compassion reflect God's grace in our lives. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize the commitment required in the Christian walk, emphasizing that a relationship with God is an everyday endeavor that demands continuous faith and application of His Word. By doing so, believers will be able to impact the world positively and discover their true identities in Christ.
Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to recognize the importance of presenting themselves as living sacrifices to God. He underscores that receiving the Holy Spirit comes simply through faith in Jesus, not through personal merit or works. The sermon encourages believers to use their gifts selflessly to serve others, highlighting that these gifts are divinely bestowed for building up the community rather than for personal gain. Ultimately, Pastor stresses the need for encouragement and unity within the body of Christ, urging listeners to point others to Jesus rather than focusing solely on church attendance.
Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. reflects on the importance of living each day with the mindset of a win, whether we wake or meet Jesus. He emphasizes the necessity of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God, drawing from Romans 12:1, and reminds us that being a living sacrifice requires the power of the Holy Spirit. The pastor encourages believers to recognize and utilize their spiritual gifts in service to God and others, as these gifts help in creating a proper presentation of ourselves. Ultimately, living for God involves understanding our divine purpose and using our gifts to honor Him, leading to a richer and more fulfilling Christian life.
Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. emphasizes the divine plan involving the Father’s vision, the Son's example, and the Holy Spirit's empowering presence, asserting that true growth in Christ requires following this framework. He highlights the importance of presenting oneself as a living sacrifice, which involves letting go of past behaviors and being obedient to God to receive blessings. The pastor also stresses that our sacrifices and actions should reflect our faith, demonstrating service to others and honoring God in all we do. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God and live out their faith actively, ensuring that their lives testify to His abundant goodness.
Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. emphasized the significance of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, drawing a parallel with Old Testament sacrifices and highlighting that true commitment to God requires presenting oneself as a living sacrifice. He stressed the importance of obedience over mere verbal declarations of faith, asserting that genuine love for God manifests through actions and adherence to His commandments. Pastor encouraged the congregation to live holy lives, making daily sacrifices that honor God and showcasing the joy and gratitude for His blessings. Ultimately, he reminded everyone of the eternal choices we face, urging them to focus on the goal of reaching heaven through faithful living.
In his sermon, Pastor emphasizes the importance of living as a holy and acceptable sacrifice to God, which is essential for experiencing His abundant blessings. He highlights that true obedience is better than mere sacrifices and encourages followers to seek God first, rather than pursuing worldly desires. By presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, we become vessels through which God can work, providing us the strength to resist temptations driven by fleshly desires. Ultimately, Pastor reassures that through faith and dedication to God, we can receive blessings that far exceed our earthly expectations.
In today's sermon, Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. emphasizes the importance of presenting ourselves as living sacrifices to God, grounded in Romans 12:1. He explains that true transformation comes from being dead to our old selves and nurturing a relationship with God, which empowers us against worldly temptations. Pastor Jimmie encourages believers to actively seek understanding through the Word, rely on the Holy Spirit for strength, and maintain a covenant with God, highlighting the necessity of self-examination before taking communion. Ultimately, he affirms that our obedience and sacrifices lead to divine blessings, reinforcing our connection with God and our purpose as Christians.
Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. emphasizes the importance of presenting ourselves as living sacrifices to God, based on Romans 12:1. He contrasts this with Old Testament dead sacrifices, highlighting that true sacrifice involves being obedient to God and living in accordance with His will. The sermon outlines that this commitment includes cultivating a spirit of gratitude and seeking God's favor in our lives through actions that reflect our faith. Ultimately, he calls on believers to recognize their relationship with God hinges on being fully devoted and living out their faith authentically.
In his sermon, Pastor emphasizes the importance of being a living sacrifice, urging the congregation to present themselves to God in a way that is holy and acceptable. He explains that this concept contrasts with the traditional practice of dead sacrifices and highlights that true sacrifice involves surrendering personal desires to fulfill God's will. Throughout his message, Pastor underscores that our daily actions serve as a presentation of our faith to the world and that genuine commitment to living for God results in visible blessings. Ultimately, he encourages individuals to carefully consider how their choices reflect their relationship with God, reminding them that their actions can greatly impact their witness to others.
Romans 12:1 KJVI beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Ephesians 3:20 (KJV):“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”Romans 12:1 KJV12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Matthew 1:20-23 NLT20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel , which means ‘God is with us.’”
James 1:6-7 NLT"But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
Hebrews 11:6 NLT6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
1 Corinthians 9:21-22 NLT21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
Romans 1:16 (NLT)"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile."
Isaiah 55:11 (NLT)"It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it."
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires."
2 Timothy 4:10 KJV 10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
2 Timothy 4:10 NLT10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.
Hebrews 6:4-6 NLT 4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— 6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
Colossians 3:10 (NLT)"Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him."
2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
Psalm 1:1-3 NLT1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
Joshua 5:13-15 (NLT)13 When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” 14 “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the LORD’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?”
Joshua 5:13-15 (NLT)13 When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?” 14 “Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the LORD’s army.” At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?”
Luke 6:32-36 NLT 32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return. 35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid.
James 2:14-17 (NIV)**: "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
1 John 4:20-21 NLT 20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.
1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT 10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.
1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 NLT7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Romans 5:4-6 NLT 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
James 5:10-11 NLT10 For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
Proverbs 25:28 NLT28 A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
2 Peter 1:1-8New Living TranslationGreetings from Peter1 This letter is from Simon[a] Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ.I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness[b] of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior.2 May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.Growing in Faith3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 12:2 NLT2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
2 Peter 1:4-18 KJV4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
James 4:7New Living Translation7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The Gracious God- Every act of grace.. is not an act of mercy, …but every act of mercy ….is an act of grace
Radio interview about the book release of The Spiritual Vital Signs of A Christian Marriage
The Spiritual Vital Signs of a Christian Marriage equips you to take a pulse of your marriage in order to ensure it doesn’t fail.
Marriage is a pillar of society, and it is also the relationship God uses to display His nature, His design, and His love for humanity. Yet, too often, we fall into what we believe is “love” and then wrongly think seedling love will be able to carry us through a life-long commitment.
As our marital relationship continues, we forget to routinely check its spiritual vital signs—which in turn leads to a broken, dysfunctional, or failed marriage. But God shows us a better way.
Rev. Dr. Jimmie Hicks Jr. is the founder of Start Right Ministries and has been involved with countless ministries in various capacities throughout his life. He has been married to his wife, Lynda, for thirty-one years and is passionate about seeing marriages thrive the way God designed.
From Rev. Dr. Hicks’ years of experience walking in Jesus’ abundant life with his wife, you’ll learn:
The value of spiritual vital signs in assessing the health of your marriage The different types of power and how they benefit marriage The characteristics of true love from God’s Word The roles within marriage as defined by God God’s plan for marriage At the end of each chapter, workbook sections and action points will help you assess the vital signs in your marriage.
The fleeting romance portrayed in the world will never be enough to sustain your marriage through all the ups and downs of life.
But God, through His Holy Spirit, offers you the strength for a successful marriage!
Buy a copy of The Spiritual Vital Signs of a Christian Marriage today, on AMAZON.COM and you’ll be equipped to take a pulse of your marriage and to ensure it doesn’t fail.
NO ONE GETS TO DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER, UNLESS YOU LIVE BY GOD’S STANDARD
THE LORD HAS ROADS FOR US TO FOLLOW AND IN THIS CASE IT… LEADS US TO STILL WATERS, A DRAMA FREE ZONE
Romans 8:28 NLT And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST STATEMENTS IN THE BIBLE THAT SPEAKS DIRECTLY TO ALL THE PROMISES IN THE BIBLE
BUT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING YOU GET BECAUSE YOU SING THE SONG, ALL THINGS ARE WORKING FOR MY GOOD
THIS YEAR WE WILL SEE HOW THIS SCRIPTURE SPEAKS TO EVERYTHING ……THAT WE LOOK FOR GOD TO DO IN OUR LIVES
THIS SPEAKS TO THE PROMISE OF THINGS WORKING OUT IN OUR LIVES
John 14:6 (NLT) 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
THE WAY IS, …….THE WAY TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD
THE LIFE IS THE CONSISTANT RIGHTEOUS WAY OF LIFE THAT YOU LIVE IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
THE TRUTH IS IN BETWEEN THE 2
THE TRUTH IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WAY AND THE LIFE
YOU CANNOT LIVE KINGDOM LIFE BY ALTERING THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD
YOU CANNOT MAKE YOUR TRUTH COMPATIBLE WITH GOD’S WORD
John 14:6 (NLT) 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
THE WAY IS, …….THE WAY TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD
THE LIFE IS THE CONSISTANT RIGHTEOUS WAY OF LIFE THAT YOU LIVE IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
THE TRUTH IS IN BETWEEN THE 2
THE TRUTH IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WAY AND THE LIFE
• YOU GET THE HOW-TO • YOU GET THE FAITH TO • YOU GET THE POWER TO • THEN THE REST IS UP TO YOU…TO DO, TO LIVE RIGHT
IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, THE WAY OF LIFE EXAMPLE OF JESUS DOMINATES OVER…. THE WORLDS WAY
OUR EVERYDAY DESTINATION IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
THE TRUTH IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WAY AND THE LIFE
WHAT ELSE DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
• THERE ARE SECRETS TO BE LEARNED
• THOSE THAT ENTER, DO SO BY DOING THE WILL OF THE FATHER IN HEAVEN
• THERE ARE THOSE WHO ENTER WHO ARE THE LEAST
• THERE ARE THOSE WHO ENTER WHO ARE THE GREATEST
John 14:6 (NLT) 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
THE WAY IS, …….THE WAY TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD
THE LIFE IS THE CONSISTANT RIGHTEOUS WAY OF LIFE THAT YOU LIVE IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
THE TRUTH IS IN BETWEEN THE 2
THE TRUTH IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WAY AND THE LIFE
• YOU GET THE HOW-TO • YOU GET THE FAITH TO • YOU GET THE POWER TO • THEN THE REST IS UP TO YOU…… TO DO
IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, THE WAY OF LIFE EXAMPLE OF JESUS DOMINATES OVER…. THE WORLDS WAY
OUR EVERYDAY DESTINATION IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN __________________________________________________________
Matthew 5:1-3 (NLT) 5 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
YOU CANNOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN WITHOUT TRUTH
Matthew 7:21 (NLT) 21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. CALLING JESUS LORD LORD,… BUT NOT DOING THE WILL OF GOD ……
IS THE DEFINITION OF LIVING A ALTERED TRUTH
IN THIS SCRIPTURE WE SEE
1) THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS A PLACE TO ENTER
2) AND THE ENTRANCE FEE, IS DOING THE WILL OF THE FATHER IN HEAVEN
LOVE HIM, OBEY HIM, TOTALLY COMMIT TO HIM
3) YOU HAVE TO DO MORE THAN CALL HIM LORD LORD
Matthew 7:22-23 (NLT) 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
ON JUDGEMENT DAY, PEOPLE WILL TALK ABOUT THEIR AGENDA, IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, BUT NOT GOD’S STANDARD
THE CHOICE FOR LIFE …….IS A CHOICE FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, …….THROUGH THE KINGDOM OF GOD
KINGDOM - a realm or area of activity in which something is allowed to dominate
WHEREVER THE KINGDOM IS ALLOWED, IT IS SUPPOSED TO DOMINATE
IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD…….. GOD’S DESIRES DOMINATES OVER MY DESIRES
IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, THE WAY OF LIFE EXAMPLE OF JESUS DOMINATES OVER…. THE WORLDS WAY
John 14:6 (NLT) 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
JESUS IS
THE WAY IS, …….THE WAY TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD
AND WE KNOW WHAT THE WAY IS
LOVE GOD, OBEY GOD, BE TOTALLY COMMITTED TO GOD.
THIS IS GOD’S WAY OF DOING THINGS, WHICH ALLOWS US TO BE BLESSED
THE LIFE IS THE WAY OF LIFE THAT YOU LIVE IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
DOING THINGS GOD’S WAY,
BUT DOING THEM, ALL THE TIME, AS A NORMAL WAY OF LIFE
IN BETWEEN THE 2 IS….. THE TRUTH
REMEMBER JESUS WOULD SAY I TELL YOU THE TRUTH
WHY DO WE NEED THE TRUTH?
BECAUSE ANYTHING ELSE WILL PREVENT US FROM GOING FROM THE KINGDOM OF GOD TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
BELIEVING THE TRUTH …..ALLOWS US TO TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH FROM KNOWING WHAT TO DO, ……TO DOING IT EVERYDAY AS A WAY OF LIFE
THE SEVENTH LEVEL IS THE SOLID GROUND GOD WILL FORGIVE MY SIN AND HEAL MY LAND
GOD SAID - then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (The New Living says Restore)
BECAUSE WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS ENTIRE SCRIPTURE IS A GROUP CALL FOR INDIVIDUAL PURPOSE….
WE KNOW THAT OBEYING GOD MAKES THE RESULTS WE RECEIVE FROM HIM PERSONAL ……….
THE FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS ….AND NOW THE HEALING OF OUR LAND
MY SINS ARE FORGIVEN BECAUSE GOD HEARD SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT ME FROM HEAVEN,……..AND NOW, MY LAND IS HEALED FOR THE SAME REASON
AND WHEN MY SINS ARE FORGIVEN AND MY LAND IS HEALED,……. I AM ON SOLID GROUND.
Psalm 40:2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along
I DO THE FIRST 4 LEVELS BECAUSE I LOVE GOD NOT BECAUSE I WANT MY SINS FORGIVEN,
BUT BECAUSE I SHOW THAT I LOVE GOD IN MY ACTIONS, ….MY SINS ARE FORGIVEN AS A RESULT
I HAVE PROVEN TO HEAVEN THAT I AM SINCERE …….ABOUT MY REPENTANCE
AND AS A RESULT……… GOD FORGIVES MY SIN
GOD SAYS, (then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin)
IN THE PROVING GROUND, I CONTINUE TO SHOW THAT WHAT HEAVEN SAID ………ABOUT ME IS TRUE.
AND I NEVER FORGET………. THAT MY FORGIVENESS IS BECAUSE OF HEAVEN’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF MY ACTIONS
The most important level that we need to reach is……….. The higher ground.
The reason it is called the higher ground, is because our actions are witnessed ……..and talked about on a higher plain other than here on earth
Our actions…….. Are witnessed in heaven 1
So it is critical that we follow the actions of the first 4 levels,
Those levels as a whole, lead us to a change
Everyone that comes to God has a problem with wickedness, ………..and the only way to identify it in yourself, is to seek God and understand who he is.
Because when you do the battle is on
Isaiah 55:7(KJV) 7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
This is a battle where I must lose……. In order to win
The third level is the Common Ground Pray and seek my face
This is the time where we seek to go beyond the reverence of God, to relationship with God
There is an atmosphere of prayer that happens when you seek the face of God, that cannot happen when you first learn to humble yourself and pray.
When we are learning how to be humbled and how you should pray. We are just like the disciples when they asked Jesus how to pray, He told them what to do based upon where they were, but not where they were supposed to stay
It started at reverence ……but it ended at the relationship
Luke 11:1-4 (NLT)
We see 2 Chron 7:14, that there is a point where god still calls us his people , Even though we are not committed to loving, obeying or even being committed to him
God makes this call and gives us a road map back to him And again here he gives us a choice …….and a promise of a blessing …….connected to the choice
This is a personal journey back to God…
One that can eventually affect our entire community.
But we cannot commit to this as a group,
Because this is needed to repair the broken relationship between God and his people , one person at a time.
When we choose Jesus, we choose a path that takes us to peace, and to a worry free existence
John 14 :1-2 (nlt) 14 “don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in god, and trust also in me. 2 there is more than enough room in my father’s home.[a] if this were not so, would I have told you that i am going to prepare a place for you?[b]
Troubled – anxious, distressed, worried, lacking an inner calm , or experiencing psychological difficulties
Because of our understanding of this scripture, we can choose to make the declaration, that we will not be troubled Not , …by the trouble that comes our way or continue to be troubled by our past
Why? Because my choice for Jesus comes with peace
To not have peace is like having a missing part out of a puzzle,…….you can never be complete
No Jesus , no peace, know Jesus, know peace John 16:33 (kjv) 33 these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
A heart that is not troubled is a peaceful heart
John 14 :8-11 (NLT) 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.
The way that Jesus showed a relationship with God Having a spiritual connection with God Allowing God to: • Live in him • Speak through him • Work through him
The father does his work through Jesus. The work Jesus did is work that he allowed the father to do through him
We can get troubled and taken away from the work God wants to accomplish through us
Acts 1:8 (nlt) 8 but you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
A Christian who will not receive and walk in deliverance, cannot walk in the power to be a witness for jesus
You have no confidence….. Because you keep telling yourself that you are a work in progress When you accept Jesus as your lord and savior, you are a finished work….. That needs only to be submitted All finished work needs to be submitted, in order to receive acknowledgement for the work
Luke 9:55 (NKJV) ”55 But He turned and rebuked them, [d]and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of”.
The manner is the dominant (behavior /conduct) the way of the spirit you are of.
There is a behavior and conduct that is directly related to the spirit that we are of.
luke 8:2 and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, mary called magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, __________________________________________________________________________ The conduct and behavior that we display, must be in tuned with the Spirit of God The conduct and behavior we display must be based on spiritual influence
• The spirit that seeks revenge and destruction on your enemies, is not mannor of the spirit that you are of. Rejection is not a reason to retaliate and negative responses are for people who need the law
Luke 9:56 (nkjv) 56 [e]for the son of man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.
The manner of the spirit that we are of is love. We don’t walk with jesus to live in sin. We walk with jesus to live in love
What you seek to do and how you respond is a reflection of the spirit that is in you
Matthew 5:17-18 (NLT) 17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.
It makes you think that it saying that not even the smallest detail of gods law will ever disappear But it says until……. Its purpose is achieved
Remember the purpose of God’s law was to bring his people closer to him
To give them ways they could love him… obey him and be totally committed to him
To fulfill the key to life ________________________________________________________________________________________________ So Jesus said he had come to accomplish the purpose of the law ,…………without the law,
Because Jesus said that he came to accomplish the purpose of the law
And then when he died, he said ,…….. It is finished .
We can assume that he was saying mission accomplished / …………I did what I came to do Jesus was born to save his people from their sins
And sin was the biggest enemy keeping the law from accomplishing its purpose
The biggest problem people have with sanctification is that it seems too hard
It’s too intrusive
It requires too much change, too fast,
And the change ……is required for as long as we desire to keep the choice we made for Jesus
• For some, it becomes uncomfortable because we feel like we are not allowed to do what we want to do.
• We cant show love and affection to others the way that we want to
• We cant enjoy some of the activities that we use to enjoy before we chose life
• It becomes necessary to be careful of what we expose ourselves to
• And so some get tired of the thought that people are telling me how to live my life
And so in the process of applying the word of god to our lives, …….. We become uncomfortable,
And we forget that the purpose of sanctification is holiness , and holiness is what god requires
Saved sanctified and filled with the precious holy ghost, are only words ……if there is no life change
SANCTIFICATION IS NOT KILLING SIN…. JESUS DID THAT
Romans 6:10-11 (NLT) 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus
SANCTIFY - TO MAKE SOMETHING HOLY (COMPLETELY LOYAL TO GOD AND HIS WORD
SALVATION DOES NOT MAKE YOU HOLY, SALVATION ALLOWS YOU TO BECOME HOLY AND TO LIVE A RESURRECTED LIFE
ONLY A RESURRECTED PERSON CAN LIVE A HOLY LIFE
Hebrews 12:14 (NLT) 14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
THE WORK THAT WE DO TO BECOME HOLY IS SANCTIFYING OURSELVES
IT IS A PERSONAL MANDATE FOR EACH OF US TO DO, BECAUSE THE WORD SAYS
What do we know about the resurrection
To resurrect – is to bring back to life
And Jesus was brought back to life but it was not about coming back to life and being rescued out of the tomb it was about coming back to life and being delivered out of hell
When Jesus took on our sins, he became a candidate for hell
And when Jesus died , He went to hell before his body came down from the cross
But his dying on the cross with our sin had a purpose
Hebrews 2:14 (nlt) 14 because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.
As we celebrate and look at the events of Palm Sunday,
We can ask ourselves this question
What choice did the people make as the shouted hosanna?
Did they really choose Jesus…… or did they just want something to change?
John 12:12-13 (kjv) 12 on the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, hosanna: blessed is the king of Israel that cometh in the name of the lord.
Hosanna is a word that means save now
One week before Jesus went to the cross, crowds of people were crying out to Jesus
Hosanna – save us now _____________________________________________________________ Unknowingly, they were calling for Jesus to do what he was born to do
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Jesus was born to save his people
But not from what they wanted to be saved from
So it is important to see that, we can be saying something that sounds like it is agreeing with the word of god
but still be far away from its intended meaning
Salvation, when we receive it, does not save us from everything
For the Christian ….. After salvation ………..
The goal is Holiness ……through Sanctification ,
Not the Elimination of all problems
God has placed the world and especially Christians in a spiritual time out
He is using this time to remind us that although he loves us,
He does not need us, we need him.
Governments all over the world are looking and asking for a miracle
And at the same time ……..God is looking for and asking us, Christians, his people. To be who we say that we are.
God is no longer going to allow us to apply our lives to his word
When he intended for us to apply his word to our lives
We are voting in churches whether or not we will obey his word or allow sin to operate freely in the church
We are sitting quietly allowing a women’s right to choose death to be placed over God’s authority in creating life
And we have made people believe that their salvation was in coming to church and not in living the Christian life
And God is not pleased
And so no matter what scripture you are using as we are going through this crisis,
The power needed to operate the word in your life is connected to the life that you are living and the choice you have made
Holy or Holiness – comes from the word whole
Whole – entire, undivided ,complete, including all parts or aspects, with nothing left out
It is whole-ness or complete –ness
All of who we are, …………is immersed into all of who God is
Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied, “‘you must love the LORD your god with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
With everything , undivided
Holiness is a complete loyalty to God
Romans 11:17-22 17 But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. 18 But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root. 19 “Well,” you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.” 20 Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. 21 For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. 22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. ________________________________________________ We allow sin in our lives like we understand God
We are careless with our relationship with God like we have the secret formula to forgiveness
We think that we are better than the Jews who could’t keep the law and kept having to give sacrifices
Yet we keep sinning and going back and forth to the sacrifice
1 John 4:7-10 (NLT) 7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.
Mark 12:31-34 (NLT) 32 The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. 33 And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law.” 34 Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV) 22 it is of the LORD's Mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 they are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
I like that mercy is available, but if every morning I need mercy… Then everyday I am sinning
The hospital opens up every morning, but I don’t need the hospital every morning unless I am sick
Remember mercy is needed when I have punishment coming because of sin.
Romans 3:24 (Nlt) yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
Romans 6:1-2 (Nlt) Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?
God shows us grace……. Because of sin
So if we are not sinning, because we have died to sin, then there is no need for grace
If you need grace, then you have sin in your life The goal for us is not mercy and grace
The goal is for us to be blessed ________________________________________________
When we put mercy and grace in proper perspective, we must understand that.
To receive mercy and grace in our situations does not mean ……..God is happy that you did not meet his standard
And because we are not consumed. God is not lowering his standards to give us mercy and grace
Mercy and grace gives us an opportunity to get back up and get it right
John 10:10 (nlt) the thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
.........If Jesus is there to help us with the choice for life
Then it is fair to say, that Satan is there to kill steal and destroy the choice …we have made for life, ________________________________________________ he wants your choice to fail But he cannot make your choice fail
He wants your promise to be an empty one with no substance
But he can not make you not love , obey and commit to God ________________________________________________ We give the devil too much credit and power,
Because he cannot even stop the blessings of God
James 4:7-8 (nlt) 7 so humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between god and the world.
.............Within the life we are living for God, we have the ability resist the devil and make him flee
The choice for life does not put me in a position to be blessed, I am blessed when I live the choice that I make
Luke 11:27-29 (nlt) 27 as he was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, “God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!” 28 Jesus replied, “but even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
I do not have to ask the Lord to bless me, ……just like I don’t ask the Lord to curse me.
To hear and put into action is the same as belief
We are waiting around to be blessed, because we refuse to put the word of God into practice
Genesis 22:17-18 (nlt) 17 I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. 18 and through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.”
All the blessings that we will ever want or need are locked inside the word of God but you have the key to unlock the door
Ephesians 1:3 all praise to God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
Every spiritual blessing that comes from the heavenly realm to us ……has already been given to us
Ask yourself this question are you one of those, any way you bless me lord I’ll be satisfied, Christians
Or are you ready to be an every way you bless me Lord I’ll be expecting it, because I obey your word… Christian
Deuteronomy 30:20 (nlt) 20 you can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. this is the key to your life. and if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
THIS IS A COMMANDMENT, NOT AN OPTION
THIS IS THE ONLY WAY THAT YOU CAN MAKE THE CHOICE FOR LIFE
ANY OTHER PRIORITIES IS……. A CHOICE FOR DEATH
DON’T CONFUSE CHOICE WITH AMBITION OR POSITION
DON’T CONFUSE CHOICE WITH TRADITION OR OBLIGATION
THE CHOICE FOR LIFE ONLY COMES BY
LOVING GOD OBEYING GOD COMMITTING YOURSELF TO GOD
THIS IS THE KEY TO LIFE THAT OPENS THE DOOR
John 10:9 nlt I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (TERRITORY)
THIS IS A LEVEL A SUCCESS THAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU ENTER IN AND ARE SAVED
THIS SUCCESS IS FOUND IN HIM (IN JESUS)
John 14:6 kjv Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me.
Deuteronomy 30:1 (nlt) 30 “In the future, when you experience all these blessings and curses i have listed for you, and when you are living among the nations to which the LORD your god has exiled you, take to heart all these instructions. ________________________________________________ So before God gives the choice between life and death, he already realizes .in the future , after our choice has been made between life and death that there will be some people who will …….
Believe that they have chosen life,
• But will want what God says they cannot have
• Or will do what God said they cannot do
They will want to receive life …while walking the path of death
They want to :
• Serve God and not obey God
• Obey God and not serve God
• Come to church but not give according to the word
• Give according to the word but not come to church
They learn that a partial commitment to the lord is the same as being double minded
And so they experience a mixed life of blessings and cursings
Obedience to some word brings some blessing and Disobedience brings curses
And when that topsy tervy , mixed up world you live in gets to much to bear, and if the double minded , unstable nature of you life is getting worse
Take to heart these instructions
THE CHOICE FOR LIFE …….IS NOT THE LIFE THAT YOU WOULD CHOOSE ABSENT OF GOD
Deuteronomy 30:20 (NLT) 20 You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
WHY IS THE KEY TO LIFE IMPORTANT?
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 14:6 KJV Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
A CHOICE FOR JESUS IS A CHOICE FOR THE ONLY WAY TO GOD
WHEN WE CHOOSE JESUS , WE CHOOSE THE WAY TO END OF ALL LIFE CHANGING OR LIFE ALTERING CHOICES
THESE ARE CHOICES THAT WOULD BRING SIN BACK INTO OUR LIVES
JESUS BECOMES OUR ANSWER TO LIFE ALTERING CHOICES AND LIFES DEFINING CHOICES
WE NEED TO ASK
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO WHAT WOULD JESUS SAY WHAT HAS JESUS SAID WHAT IS JESUS SAYING
WHEN WE CHOOSE JESUS, WE CHOOSE THE WAY - TO GOD THE TRUTH – ABOUT GOD THE LIFE – IN GOD JESUS SAID I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE WAY
OUR STUGGLES IN LIFE COME FROM NOT KNOWING
THE RIGHT WAY THE RIGHT TRUTH THE RIGHT LIFE
JESUS SAYS CHOOSE ME AND IF YOU DO , NOT ONLY WILL YOU
FIND YOUR WAY BUT YOU WILL DISCOVER THE TRUTH AND YOU WILL LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE
YOU WILL DO ALL THIS ON A PATH THAT WILL LEAD YOU NOT ONLY TO GOD, BUT TO ABUNDANT LIVING AND ETERNAL LIFE
After 20 years of work , the change was already in Jacob, But he could only identify with his past So he held on to God and would not let go until he blessed him. Even though the encounter, was painful he would not let go And God blessed him by changing what he was called, What he responded to
God changed his name from Jacob to isreal From grabber and deciever to one who has power with God
He was blessed at birth but needed a name change to believe it
We have names attached to us based on our behavior And when we get called to be saved We like Jacob are still wrestling with God • We wrestle with the word • We wrestle with holiness • We wrestle with righteousness And in the middle of our wrestling match with God, When we are begging God to bless us
God ask us…. What is your name?
This time of the year should be hard for some Christians to take Really consider … what your world acts like during this time And then imagine what our world might be like, If the love and light shown during christmas time was lived in everyone……. Continuously. The giving and acts of kindness and the niceness In the world it is called the christmas spirit But for us it should be the fruit of the spirit that motivates us from within and not the time of year _____________________________________________________ It should be disappointing for Christians, That so much of the love and kind feelings expressed at this time of year are only….. Fleeting …….indications Of a quality of life that will not be maintained throughout the year. (by choice)
To some……. Christmas is like the vacation we go on to get away from the cares of the world, But when it is over, we go back to business as usual.
Discouragement - makes somebody feel less motivated, confident, or optimistic
When you give in to yours fears, you make the world that you live in an environment of discouragement.
You become less motivated to do the things that you know you should do. That you use to do confidently
Many of our brothers and sisters are not here because they became discouraged
Discourage means to take away courage.
For Christians courage is the complete control of fear using the word of God,
It is the place where fear and faith meet
The Holy Spirit is there to give us courage,
John 14:26 kjv 26 but the comforter, which is the holy ghost, whom the father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever i have said unto you.
Understanding the word, brings not just courage but good courage
Psalm 27:14 kjv Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, i say, on the LORD.
Fear – an unpleasant feeling of anxiety or apprehension caused by the presence or anticipation of danger
Fear is a needed emotion provided by God… so that we could be wise enough to protect ourselves from the realities of the day.
It provides us with sudden bursts of strength and speed when we need it (adrenaline)
It is what we need in a bad situation for fight or flight .the responses needed to deal with problems in the moment
It is a basic survival instinct and a good thing as long as does not get out of control
This is not the spirit of fear
2 Timothy 1:7(kjv) 7 for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Worry –to feel anxious or fearful about something unpleasant in the future that might happen It does not mean…. “ be concerned” or don’t plan
The worrier has a mind, torn between the real and the possible
Always fighting life on two fronts and always living an unstable reality
The worrier lives in the future …..getting so stuck in ..what if … that they lose touch with …what is
The Christian must realize that…. It is a mistake to deal with the issues of today while dwelling on questions about tomorrow
1 Peter 5:7 (nlt) 7 give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
We need all our energy and concentration on today.
Because, it is what I actually do today that will effect my tomorrow
Therefore to worry negatively about the future affects my peace of mind and contradicts the plan of God
Worry –to feel anxious or fearful about something unpleasant in the future that might happen
The worrier has a mind, torn between the real and the possible
The immediate and the potential –
Always fighting life on two fronts and always setting yourself up for an unstable reality
James 1:8 (kjv) 8 a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
The worrier trys to live in the future
They get so stuck in what if … that they lose touch with …what is
And so when that happens…… the heaviness of worry begins to slow us down
Because, the future isn’t here nor is the future ours
The future is unknown, uncontrollable and belongs to god
And therefore to worry about it,…. Negatively affects our peace of mind
Paul talked about people preaching out of jealousy, rivalry, with selfish ambition and without pure motives.
There are people who build their brand, their reputation, fame and even ministry out of rivalry because of jealousy
Why is it that when someone has something that you percieve is better that what you have,
We become jealous , and treat them now as a rival competitor or enemy ?
Because , this emotion is out of control the second you feel it
Jealousy – feeling bitter and unhappy because of another's advantages, possessions, or blessings
This is an emotion that instantly brings heaviness
This emotion is out of control the second you feel it
This feeling of jealousy is simular to that of resentment,
However resentment comes from what someone does to you directly or indirectly
Jealousy comes from knowing what someone else has, and feeling a negative way about it
Jealousy is the root to all coveting behavior
The heaviness of failing comes from the importance we and others give a single failed event.
We allow ourselves to be negatively affected when called a failure by others, a loser,
We start to think of ourselves as a failure,
We allow the thought of failing to become a part of our decision-making process
It is then that it becomes a weight that holds us back
emotionally, we start to feel like a failure and we start to expect and accept failing
It makes you feel like you will always fall short of whatever is required and whatever is expected
Hebrews 12:14-15 (NLT) 14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
Resentment - the feeling of displeasure or offence caused by a sense of having been treated badly by some act, remark, person, etc., that causes injury or insult. It is unresolved negative emotions. Resentment is a silent emotion that can easily get out of control when ignored.
You begin with a minor grudge, that should be dealt with right away but if you don’t and you feed it, the minor grudge grows into powerful Resentment.
Then it has a life of its own, you can’t help thinking about it, feeding it, nurturing it. Ultimately until it’s no longer something you own, its something that owns you.
WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT WHEN WE MESS UP, WE NEED TO GO TO GOD IN PRAYER AND CONFESS WHAT WE DID , WHY, HOW, NOW WHAT?
THIS RECONNECTS US BACK WITH GOD AND GIVES US THE POWER WE NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR ACTIONS AND DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES
GOING TO GOD DOES NOT RELEASE US FROM DEALING WITH OUR CONSEQUENCES, IT GIVES US THE STRENGTH TO DO IT
In the world, guilt is an emotion that we try to hide, cover-up and deny we even have it
We blame others, we blame our situation in life.
We blame stress, or society or even an unhappy childhood or marriage
We create life, with plenty of scapegoats. Minimizing our responsibility by saying…. It was not a big deal
what we don't know is that ..to push away guilt and not deal with it and not take responsibility
Guarantees that it goes nowhere and eventually gets out of control
THERE ARE SOME LONELY MOMENTS IN LIFE THAT ARE NOT ISOLATED, NOR HEAVY.
THEY ARE AN INTEGRATED, PART OF WHO WE WANT TO BE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THEY ARE A PART OF WHO GOD CREATED US TO BE.
AS A CHRISTIAN, GET READY TO FEEL LONELY IN A RELATIONSHIP, IN A CROWDED ROOM, EVEN AMONG FRIENDS
LONELINESS COMES WITH THE JOB DESCRIPTION AND CANNOT BE A REASON TO STOP BEING WHO YOU SAY THAT YOU ARE
WE ALL KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO FEEL LONELY. IT’S A HOLLOW EMPTINESS, A FEELING OF ISOLATION AND DISCONNECTION.
AND WE DON’T EVEN HAVE TO BE… BY OURSELVES TO EXPERIENCE IT.
WE CAN FEEL LONELY IN A RELATIONSHIP, IN A CROWDED ROOM, EVEN AMONG FRIENDS.
A LOT OF SUICIDAL AND DEPRESSED PEOPLE STRUGGLE WITH LONELINESS
IT’S A SICK FEELING IN THE STOMACH, THAT A TUMS WON’T CURE.
IT’S AN ANXIETY THAT DOESNT GO AWAY, BUT REMAINS WITH YOU ALL THE TIME
IT’S A SHARP PAIN THAT GOES THROUGH YOU WHEN YOU HEAR AN OLD SONG OR THINK OF AN OLD MEMORY.
IT’S A SUBTLE STRESS THAT QUIETLY WEARS YOU DOWN UNTIL YOU HAVE NO ENERGY OR ENTHUSIASM.
Romans 5:17 (NLT) 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. ________________________________________________________ AS WITNESSES FOR JESUS…. WE CAN LIVE VICTORIOUS OVER SIN AND DEATH THROUGH HIM
ITS REALLY MEANS WE WILL TRIUMPH OVER SIN AS IT PRESENTS ITSELF TO US IN OUR LIVES…. UNTIL WE DIE
The original sin brought actions and attitudes that need to be identified and guarded against in our present lives
Nowhere in the bible especially in the New Testament is there any reference to pleading the Blood. This practice is a religious tradition that has been put higher than actual scripture.
Throughout our Christian life, there are 3 stages that we are always on: THE TRAINING GROUND THE BATTLE GROUND THE PROVING GROUND
and 1 that we need to get off THE PLAY GROUND
Throughout our Christian life, there are 3 stages that we are always on: THE TRAINING GROUND THE BATTLE GROUND THE PROVING GROUND and 1 that we need to get off THE PLAY GROUND
Throughout our Christian life, there are 3 stages that we are always on: THE TRAINING GROUND THE BATTLE GROUND THE PROVING GROUND
and 1 that we need to get off THE PLAY GROUND