Jon Q's - Notes from the Pastor

CRAZY LOVE 2

2011-11-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(John 1:1-14 NIV) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. {2} He was with God in the beginning. {3} Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. {4} In him was life, and that life was the light of men. {5} The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it………. {10} He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. {11} He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. {12} Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- {13} children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. {14} The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

WHO GOD IS..

WHAT COMES INTO YOUR MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF GOD?

THE BIBLE SAYS THAT….

a. GOD IS HOLY

b. GOD IS ETERNAL

c. GOD IS ALL-KNOWING

d. GOD IS ALL POWERFUL

e. GOD FAIR AND JUST

THESE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD CAUSE BOTH EXCITEMENT AND FEAR IN US…

- IF YOUR RESPONSE TO THESE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD CAUSES YOU TO FEAR FEARFUL OR CONCERNED… THEN YOU TRULY DON’T KNOW WHAT THESE ATTRIBUTES MEAN…

o THIS ILLUSTRATES HOW MUCH SPIRITUAL AMNESIA WE HAVE!

• GOD IS HOLY!

o LIE #1: “WHATEVER YOU BELIEVE ABOUT GOD IS FINE AS LONG AS YOU ARE SINCERE”

o LIE #2: “YOU HAVE A STANDARD AND I HAVE A STANDARD.. AS LONG AS WE ARE SINCERE BOTH STANDARDS ARE RIGHT”

 THAT’S RIDICULOUS..

 ILLUSTRATION: THAT’S LIKE DESCRIBING OSAMA BIN LADEN AS A KIND OLD GENTLEMAN

• THAT IS WHAT HE APPEARS TO BE..

• BUT THAT’S NOT WHAT HE IS!

o I HAVE TO GET TO KNOW GOD AGAIN.. BECAUSE I CONTINUALLY BRING HIM DOWN TO BE MORE LIKE ME..

o THIS IS A PICTURE OF GOD…

(Isa 6:1-3 NIV) "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. {2} Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. {3} And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

o “HOLY, HOLY HOLY”

 THE JEWS WOULD SAY THINGS THREE TIMES TO MEAN “PERFECTLY”

 GOD IS PERFECTLY “SET APART”

o GOD’S HOLINESS MEANS THAT HE IS “SET APART”

 GOD’S HOLINESS MEANS: THERE IS NO ONE TO COMPARE HIM TO..

 HE IS THE SOURCE OF “RIGHTNESS” AND “GOODNESS”

o THE FEAR OF GOD COMES UP IMMEDIATELY WHEN WE TALK ABOUT GOD’S HOLINESS…

 HE IS PERFECT… WE ARE COMMANDED TO BE PERFECT

• WE FEEL INCAPABLE AND UNABLE…. = FEAR

 FEAR IS A GOOD THING, IT LETS US KNOW WHERE OUR CONFIDENCE IS.. IF WE FEAR GOD, WE FEAR NOTHING ELSE..

• IF WE DON’T FEAR GOD… OUR LIVES ARE FULL OF FEARS OF ALL TYPES…

• WE FEAR LOSS, HARDSHIP, DIFFICULTY… ETC..

(1 John 4:18 NIV) "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. THE ONE WHO FEARS IS NOT MADE PERFECT IN LOVE."

o WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US..

 WE MUST CONFESS OUR SINFULNESS

 IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, ALL FLESH FALLS DOWN AND THE SINFULNESS IN US REQUIRES US TO BREAK.

 WHAT DOES THE FACT THAT HE IS PERFECT AND REQUIRES US TO BE LIKE HIM MEAN?

1. SUGGEST: THAT WE STOP TRYING TO USE OUR LIMITED UNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD AND NOT GOOD FOR US

a. MEANS: WE NEED TO CONNECT TO THE ETERNAL NATURE OF GOD… BEGIN TO ALLOW HIS CHARACTAR TO TRANSFORM US.

• GOD IS ETERNAL!

• GOD NEVER “STARTED”

(Gen 1:1 NIV) "In the beginning God.. created the heavens and the earth."

i. WHATEVER WAS HERE BEFORE THE “BIG BANG” – THAT WAS GOD!

ii. IMMENSITY: THE TIMELESSNESS OF GOD IS SO HARD TO COMPREHEND

1. ITS LIKE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE OCEAN BY TAKING HOME A BOTTLE FULL OF SEA WATER..

iii. OUR LIVES ARE SO SHORT AND INSIGNIFICANT COMPARED TO THE VASTNESS OF GOD

iv. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME TO REALIZE THAT LONG BEFORE I WAS HERE… AND LONG AFTER I AM GONE, GOD’S CREATIVE WORK AND PLANS HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE WORKED OUT.

1. SUGGEST: THAT WE GET OUT OF THE STREAM OF SELF-CENTEREDNESS AND GET IN THE ETERNAL STREAM OF HIS PURPOSES ON THE EARTH.

a. MEANS: IT’S TOTALLY WORTH IT TO SPEND YOUR LIFE SEEKING HIM..

• GOD IS ALL KNOWING!

• THIS IS SO INTIMIDATING

i. GOD KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO BEFORE YOU DO IT

1. HE DOESN’T MAKE YOU DO IT… HE JUST KNOWS YOU THAT WELL!

ii. ALL KNOWLEDGE STARTS AND ENDS WITH GOD

1. WE CAN’T KNOW (OR EVEN THINK OF) ANYTHING THAT GOD DOESN’T ALREADY KNOW

a. HE CREATED KNOWLEDGE

iii. SINCE THE GARDEN OF EDEN WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO KNOW GOOD AND EVIL WITHOUT SEEKING GOD

1. ADAM & EVE AT THE FRUIT FROM THE TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL

a. INSTEAD OF CONSULTING GOD THEY WANTED TO AS GOD, KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL

(Gen 2:16-17 NIV) "And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; {17} but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

iv. WHAT DOES GOD KNOWING EVERYTHING MEAN TO ME?

1. SCIENCE AND THE CHURCH HAVE BATTLED IN HISTORY

2. AUGUSTINE FIRST OPENED THE DOOR

a. SAID THAT STUDYING CREATION WAS A MEANS OF WORSHIP..

3. GOD’S CREATIVITY IS EXPRESSED IN CREATION

a. WHEN WE KNOW MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSE WE CANT HELP BUT WORSHIP

b. SIR ISAAC NEWTON (most profound scientist of all time) WAS A WORSHIPPER.

i. GOT HIS INSIGHT AND IDEAS FROM GOD

ii. ALSO WROTE 3 VOLUMES OF PROPHETIC INSIGHTS IN LATIN (CAN DOWNLOAD ON INTERNET)

c. ALBERT EINSTEIN (most profound modern scientist) was a worshipper

i. DIRECTLY GIVES GOD CREDIT FOR “E = M C2”

v. SUGGEST: INSTEAD OF PURSUING KNOWLEDGE BASED ON WHAT SEEMS RIGHT TO ME.. COULD I GAIN THE MIND OF GOD?

1. MEANS: I HAVE TO BE “OUT OF MY MIND” AND LEARN TO LISTEN, BELIEVE AND WALK IN THE “MIND OF CHRIST”

• GOD IS ALL POWERFUL!

• EVERYTHING WAS CREATED FOR GOD…

(Col 1:16-17 NIV) "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM AND FOR HIM. {17} He is BEFORE ALL THINGS, and IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER."

i. ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM

1. SCIENCE IS STILL TRYING TO CREATE MATTER

a. “Matter cannot be created or destroyed” LAW OF MATTER..

ii. ALL THINGS WERE CREATED FOR HIM

1. IT’S NOT ABOUT US…

2. WE ARE ALONG FOR THIS CRAZY WONDERFUL RIDE WITH GOD!

a. GOD HAS INVITED US TO PARTNER WITH HIM ON THE EARTH

b. GOD GAVE US LIMITED DOMINION BUT HE RETAINS OWNERSHIP!

iii. ALL THINGS CAME FROM HIM (“HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS”)

1. ALL OF CREATION REVEALS THE POWER AND CREATIVITY OF GOD… IT SCREAMS ABOUT HIS PERSONHOOD

2. “NATURAL REVELATION”

(Rom 1:19-20 NLT) "For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. {20} From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So THEY HAVE NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER FOR NOT KNOWING GOD."

iv. ALL THINGS ARE HELD TOGETHER BY HIM

1. IT’S SO AMAZING WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SPLIT AN ATOM.

a. THE STABILITY OF THE PLANET IS DEPENDANT ON THE POWER OF GOD TO HOLD THINGS TOGETHER

v. SUGGEST: GETTING UPSET THAT GOD DOESN’T DO THE THINGS THAT WE FEEL AS THOUGH HE SHOULD....

1. MEANS: WE NEED TO HAVE A WAY TO GET FAITH.. TO EXPERIENCE THE CRAZY LOVE OF GOD BY ASSOCIATION.. TO KNOW WHAT HE WANTS… THIS IS CALLED FAITH

(Rom 10:17 NASB) "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."

• GOD IS TOTALLY FAIR AND JUST!

• GOD IS TOTALLY FAIR AND JUST… THIS IS SCARY!

• GOD HATES SIN

i. WE HAVE LOST THE UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S DISTAIN FOR SIN IN OUR GENERATION..

ii. GOD HATES SIN AND HAS TO PUNISH IT..

1. EITHER YOU WILL ALLOW THE PUNISHMENT THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN GIVEN TO BE APPLIED BY BROKENNES AND REPENTANCE..

2. OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE PUNISHMENT THAT IS AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED AND ATTACHED TO SIN…

• NONE OF US ARE GOD..

i. Celebrate Recovery FIRST principle: “Realize that I am NOT God, and that I am powerless over my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable”

• DO WE KNOW WHAT TRUE JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS IS?

i. “JUSTICE: reward and penalty as deserved”

• DO WE REALLY WANT JUSTICE FOR OURSELVES OR OTHERS?

i. NO, WE REALLY ALL DESERVE DEATH

• DO WE REALLY WANT TO KNOW GOD - IF HE IS TOTALLY FAIR AND JUST?

i. IF WE ENCOUNTER JUSTICE… WE WILL EXPERIENCE LOSS

ii. IF WE ENCOUNTER GOD… WE WILL HAVE TO DIE TO SELF!

• IF WE EXPERIENCE THE JUSTICE OF GOD.. WE WILL NO LONGER LIVE, BUT GOD WILL LIVE IN US!

(Rom 5:17-21 NLT) "The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but ALL WHO RECEIVE GOD'S WONDERFUL, GRACIOUS GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. {18} Yes, Adam's one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness makes all people right in God's sight and gives them life. {19} Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But BECAUSE ONE OTHER PERSON OBEYED GOD, MANY PEOPLE WILL BE MADE RIGHT IN GOD'S SIGHT. {20} God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful kindness became more abundant. {21} So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now GOD'S WONDERFUL KINDNESS RULES INSTEAD, GIVING US RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD AND RESULTING IN ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD."

THIS IS A DEFINITION OF GOD’S JUSTICE!!

THIS IS AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW GOD SERVES JUSTICE ON US..

JESUS CAME TO FULFILL HIS JUSTICE!

THE CROSS IS GOD’S IDEA OF JUSTICE..

(Rom 5:8 NLT) "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

HOW IS GOD REVEALING HIS CRAZY LOVE FOR YOU BY HIS:

a. HOLINESS

a. WHAT ABOUT GOD’S PERSONHOOD AND STANDARD OF HOLINESS IS HE APPLYING TO YOUR LIFE?

b. ETERNAL NATURE

a. SUGGEST: THAT WE GET OUT OF THE STREAM OF SELF-CENTEREDNESS AND GET IN THE ETERNAL STREAM OF HIS PURPOSES ON THE EARTH.

b. MEANS: IT’S TOTALLY WORTH IT TO SPEND YOUR LIFE SEEKING HIM..

c. OMNICIENCE..

a. SUGGEST: INSTEAD OF PURSUING KNOWLEDGE BASED ON WHAT SEEMS RIGHT TO ME.. COULD I GAIN THE MIND OF GOD?

i. MEANS: I HAVE TO BE “OUT OF MY MIND” AND LEARN TO LISTEN, BELIEVE AND WALK IN THE “MIND OF CHRIST”

d. OMNIPOTENCE

SUGGEST: GETTING UPSET THAT GOD DOESN’T DO THE THINGS THAT WE FEEL AS THOUGH HE SHOULD....

MEANS: WE NEED TO HAVE A WAY TO GET FAITH.. TO EXPERIENCE THE CRAZY LOVE OF GOD BY ASSOCIATION.. TO KNOW WHAT HE WANTS… THIS IS CALLED FAITH

e. JUSTICE

MAYBE YOU DON’T KNOW JESUS.. YOU HAVENT GIVEN HIM YOUR LIFE…

GOD WANTS TO BE JUSTICE FOR YOU…

HE WANTS TO KEEP YOU FROM THE PRICE OF SIN!

CRAZY LOVE

2011-10-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(John 1:1-14 NIV) "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. {2} He was with God in the beginning. {3} Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. {4} In him was life, and that life was the light of men. {5} The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it………. {10} He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. {11} He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. {12} Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- {13} children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. {14} The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Something is wrong with the church..

We all know it, but we don’t quite know what it is.

WHAT DID JESUS COME TO EARTH DO DO?

WHAT DID JESUS DIE FOR?

DID HE COME SO THAT WE COULD ALL TRY TO “BE GOOD”

AND TRY TO “ACT NICE”..

- SAVE UP ENOUGH “GOOD” AND “NICE” POINTS TO GET INTO HEAVEN?

SOMETHING IS WRONG…

JESUS CAME TO BRING US INTO FULL CONTACT LIFE

(John 10:10 NLT) "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."

GOD IS A “GIVER”

GOD IS NOT A “TAKER”

TIME WILL END, SIN CORRUPTS AND THE FLESH WILL FAIL!

1. TIME ENDS…

- TIME STARTED WHEN GOD CREATED THE EARTH..

o Mortality is WITHIN our nature – it’s what makes us “NOT GOD”

o GOD is TIMELESS… He is immortal!

 Jesus came to give us ETERNAL LIFE

- THERE WILL BE AN END TO EVERYTHING WE SEE..

o It’s not God who ends things… It’s the nature of the created world

2. SIN CORRUPTS

- SIN STARTED IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN

o SIN = SEPERATION from God

 POTENTIAL OF SIN is within our nature

 It is not in the plan of God…

o GOD IS PERFECT – He does not sin..

 Jesus came to SAVE US from sin

3. FLESH WILL FAIL

- THE BODY IS WEAK..

o DEPENDANCE ON THE BODY AND MIND WILL LEAD TO FAILURE

 WE SUFFER BECAUSE OF PHYSICAL WEAKNESS AND PAIN

 WE SUFFER BECAUSE OF CHOICES WE HAVE MADE WITH OUR BODIES..

JESUS CAME TO BRING “FULL CONTACT” LIFE..

- NOTHING HELD BACK

- NO REGRETS

- NO ETERNAL LOSSES

- NO EMPTY PROMISES

- THE SITUATION WE ARE IN IS NOT IT… ITS BEING IN HIM THAT BRINGS LIFE!

1. THE SOURCE

AMERICANS HAVE ENTIRELY LOST THE ABILITY TO GET INPUT FROM THE SOURCE

o WE ARE RELENTLESSLY HAMMERED BY INPUT

 IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY WE ARE SURROUNDED BY INFORMATION

 WE ARE IN CONTACT WITH PEOPLE 24/7 – 365

 NO SILENCE EXISTS IN THIS CULTURE

 INSTEAD OF KNOWING… WE ARE CONSTANTLY QUESTIONING

THE PROMISE OF GOD…

(Jer 29:11-14 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.

(Isa 64:4-7 NIV) “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

GOD’S PLAN FOR US IS SO AMAZING THAT WE CANT EVEN IMAGINE IT!

“YOU HAVE KNOW IDEA HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU AND WHAT I WILL DO FOR YOU IF YOU JUST GET YOUR EYES OFF THE ISSUES AND KEEP THEM ON ME.. I WILL PROVIDE A SOLUTION THAT YOU HAVEN’T EVEN IMAGINED YET!”

RUNNING AHEAD AND NOT LISTENING TO A PARENT HAVE CAUSED THE DEATH OF MORE CHILDREN THAN ANY OTHER MISTAKE

- LEARNING HOW TO TRUST AND WAIT ON A LOVING PARENT IS A BASIC SURVIVAL SKILL FOR A CHILD.

- LEARNING HOW TO TRUST AND WAIT ON A LOVING GOD IS BASIC SURVIVAL SKILL FOR A FOLLOWER OF JESUS.

2. DISTRACTION

SPIRITUAL AMNESIA

IT CONFUSES US WHEN LOVING GOD IS HARD..

 But there is a reason for this!

- WE ARE SO CAUGHT UP IN OUR THOUGHTS AND DESIRES THAT WE HAVE NO SPACE FOR THE THOUGHTS AND DESIRES OF GOD.

- THERE ARE DAYS I DON’T FEEL LIKE LOVING GOD.

o WHY WOULD I FEEL THAT WAY?

- THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I DON’T WANT TO OBEY GOD.

o WHY DO I DO THAT?

- THERE ARE DAYS WHEN I DON’T SEEK TO PLEASE GOD

- THERE ARE EVEN TIMES WHEN I AM MAD AT GOD.

o WHY WOULD I EVER BE MAD AT SUCH A WONDERFUL & POWERFUL GOD?

IN OUR WORLD WHERE HUNDREDS THINGS DISTRACT US FROM GOD WE HAVE TO INTENTIONALLY REMIND OURSELVES OF HIM.

- WE HAVE TO INTENTIONALLY REMEMBER WHAT HE HAS DONE

- WE HAVE TO INTENTIONALLY HEAR HIS VOICE

- WE HAVE TO INTENTIONALLY SET ASIDE OUR DISTRACTIONS AND SEEK HIS FACE.

EXAMPLE:

HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THIS KIND OF AMNESIA WITH PEOPLE?

1. GET OUT THE PICTURES..

a. RECALL THE GOOD TIMES & WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH!

2. SPEND TIME WITH THEM..

a. GET TO KNOW WHAT IS IN THEIR MIND AND HEART!

ONCE YOU RECALL YOUR HISTORY

ONCE YOU REMEMBER WHO THEY ARE…

ONCE YOU CAN SEE THEIR HEART AND KNOW WHATS INSIDE..

THE AMNESIA DISSIPATES AND TRUE KNOWLEDGE SETS IN…

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS THE SAME AS ANY OTHER RELATIONSHIP..

- ONCE WE REMEMBER WHAT HE HAS DONE

- ONCE WE LEARN TO LOOK AT HIM ANEW AND HEAR HIS VOICE AGAIN

- ONCE WE GET TO KNOW HIS HEART..

o THEN WE WILL WALK IN THE FULLNESS OF WHO HE IS

o WE WILL DISCOVER HOW AND WHY HE CAM TO GIVE US ABUNDANT LIFE

o WE WILL DISCOVER AND WALK IN THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH WE WERE CREATED.

START HERE……………………………………………………………………

3. WHO GOD IS..

WHAT COMES INTO YOUR MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF GOD?

THE BIBLE SAYS THAT….

a. GOD IS HOLY

b. GOD IS ETERNAL

c. GOD IS ALL-KNOWING

d. GOD IS ALL POWERFUL

e. GOD FAIR AND JUST

THESE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD CAUSE BOTH EXCITEMENT AND FEAR IN US…

- IF YOUR RESPONSE TO THESE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD CAUSES YOU TO FEAR FEARFUL OR CONCERNED… THEN YOU TRULY DON’T KNOW WHAT THESE ATTRIBUTES MEAN…

o THIS ILLUSTRATES HOW MUCH SPIRITUAL AMNESIA WE HAVE!

• GOD IS HOLY!

o “WHATEVER YOU BELIEVE ABOUT GOD IS FINE AS LONG AS YOU ARE SINCERE”

 THAT’S RIDICULOUS.. THAT’S LIKE DESCRIBING OSAMA BIN LADEN AS A KIND OLD GENTLEMAN

• THAT MAY BE WHAT I WANT HIM TO BE

• BUT IT’S NOT WHAT HE IS!

o I HAVE TO GET TO KNOW GOD AGAIN.. BECAUSE I CONTINUALLY BRING HIM DOWN TO BE MORE LIKE ME..

o THIS IS A PICTURE OF GOD…

(Isa 6:1-3 NIV) "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. {2} Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. {3} And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

o “HOLY, HOLY HOLY”

 THE JEWS WOULD SAY THINGS THREE TIMES TO MEAN “PERFECTLY”

 GOD IS PERFECTLY “SET APART”

o GOD’S HOLINESS MEANS THAT HE IS “SET APART”

 GOD’S HOLINESS MEANS: THERE IS NO ONE TO COMPARE HIM TO..

 HE IS THE SOURCE OF “RIGHTNESS” AND “GOODNESS”

o THE FEAR OF GOD COMES UP IMMEDIATELY WHEN WE TALK ABOUT GOD’S HOLINESS…

 HE IS PERFECT… WE ARE COMMANDED TO BE PERFECT

• WE FEEL INCAPABLE AND UNABLE…. = FEAR

 FEAR IS A GOOD THING, IT LETS US KNOW WHERE OUR CONFIDENCE IS.. IF WE FEAR GOD, WE FEAR NOTHING ELSE..

• IF WE DON’T FEAR GOD… OUR LIVES ARE FULL OF FEARS OF ALL TYPES…

• WE FEAR LOSS, HARDSHIP, DIFFICULTY… ETC..

(1 John 4:18 NIV) "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. THE ONE WHO FEARS IS NOT MADE PERFECT IN LOVE."

o WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR US..

 WHEN WE BEGIN TO GET TO REALLY KNOW GOD

 WHAT DOES THE FACT THAT HE IS PERFECT AND REQUIRES US TO BE LIKE HIM MEAN?

1. SUGGEST: THAT WE STOP TRYING TO USE OUR LIMITED UNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD AND NOT GOOD FOR US

a. MEANS: WE NEED TO CONNECT TO THE ETERNAL NATURE OF GOD… BEGIN TO ALLOW HIS CHARACTAR TO TRANSFORM US.

• GOD IS ETERNAL!

• GOD NEVER STARTED

(Gen 1:1 NIV) "In the beginning God.. created the heavens and the earth."

i. WHATEVER WAS HERE BEFORE THE “BIG BANG” – THAT WAS GOD!

ii. IMMENSITY: THE TIMELESSNESS OF GOD IS SO HARD TO COMPREHEND

1. ITS LIKE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE OCEAN BY TAKING HOME A BOTTLE FULL OF SEA WATER..

iii. OUR LIVES ARE SO SHORT AND INSIGNIFICANT COMPARED TO THE VASTNESS OF GOD

iv. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME TO REALIZE THAT LONG BEFORE I WAS HERE… AND LONG AFTER I AM GONE, GOD’S CREATIVE WORK AND PLANS HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE WORKED OUT.

1. SUGGEST: THAT WE GET OUT OF THE STREAM OF SELF-CENTEREDNESS AND GET IN THE ETERNAL STREAM OF HIS PURPOSES ON THE EARTH.

a. MEANS: IT’S TOTALLY WORTH IT TO SPEND YOUR LIFE SEEKING HIM..

• GOD IS ALL KNOWING!

• THIS IS SO INTIMIDATING

i. GOD KNOWS WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO BEFORE YOU DO IT

1. HE DOESN’T MAKE YOU DO IT… HE JUST KNOWS YOU THAT WELL!

ii. ALL KNOWLEDGE STARTS AND ENDS WITH GOD

1. WE CAN’T KNOW (OR EVEN THINK OF) ANYTHING THAT GOD DOESN’T ALREADY KNOW

a. HE CREATED KNOWLEDGE

iii. SINCE THE GARDEN OF EDEN WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO KNOW GOOD AND EVIL WITHOUT SEEKING GOD

1. ADAM & EVE AT THE FRUIT FROM THE TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL

a. INSTEAD OF CONSULTING GOD THEY WANTED TO AS GOD, KNOWING GOOD AND EVIL

(Gen 2:16-17 NIV) "And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; {17} but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die."

iv. WHAT DOES GOD KNOWING EVERYTHING MEAN TO ME?

1. SCIENCE AND THE CHURCH HAVE BATTLED IN HISTORY

2. AUGUSTINE FIRST OPENED THE DOOR

a. SAID THAT STUDYING CREATION WAS A MEANS OF WORSHIP..

3. GOD’S CREATIVITY IS EXPRESSED IN CREATION

a. WHEN WE KNOW MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSE WE CANT HELP BUT WORSHIP

b. SIR ISAAC NEWTON (most profound scientist of all time) WAS A WORSHIPPER.

i. GOT HIS INSIGHT AND IDEAS FROM GOD

ii. ALSO WROTE 3 VOLUMES OF PROPHETIC INSIGHTS IN LATIN (CAN DOWNLOAD ON INTERNET)

c. ALBERT EINSTEIN (most profound modern scientist) was a worshipper

i. DIRECTLY GIVES GOD CREDIT FOR “E = M C2”

v. SUGGEST: INSTEAD OF PURSUING KNOWLEDGE BASED ON WHAT SEEMS RIGHT TO ME.. COULD I GAIN THE MIND OF GOD?

1. MEANS: I HAVE TO BE “OUT OF MY MIND” AND LEARN TO LISTEN, BELIEVE AND WALK IN THE “MIND OF CHRIST”

• GOD IS ALL POWERFUL!

• EVERYTHING WAS CREATED FOR GOD…

(Col 1:16-17 NIV) "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM AND FOR HIM. {17} He is BEFORE ALL THINGS, and IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER."

i. ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY HIM

1. SCIENCE IS STILL TRYING TO CREATE MATTER

a. “Matter cannot be created or destroyed” LAW OF MATTER..

ii. ALL THINGS WERE CREATED FOR HIM

1. IT’S NOT ABOUT US…

2. WE ARE ALONG FOR THIS CRAZY WONDERFUL RIDE WITH GOD!

a. GOD HAS INVITED US TO PARTNER WITH HIM ON THE EARTH

b. GOD GAVE US LIMITED DOMINION BUT HE RETAINS OWNERSHIP!

iii. ALL THINGS CAME FROM HIM (“HE IS BEFORE ALL THINGS”)

1. ALL OF CREATION REVEALS THE POWER AND CREATIVITY OF GOD… IT SCREAMS ABOUT HIS PERSONHOOD

2. “NATURAL REVELATION”

(Rom 1:19-20 NLT) "For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. {20} From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So THEY HAVE NO EXCUSE WHATSOEVER FOR NOT KNOWING GOD."

iv. ALL THINGS ARE HELD TOGETHER BY HIM

1. IT’S SO AMAZING WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SPLIT AN ATOM.

a. THE STABILITY OF THE PLANET IS DEPENDANT ON THE POWER OF GOD TO HOLD THINGS TOGETHER

v. SUGGEST: GETTING UPSET THAT GOD DOESN’T DO THE THINGS THAT WE FEEL AS THOUGH HE SHOULD....

1. MEANS: WE NEED TO HAVE A WAY TO GET FAITH.. TO EXPERIENCE THE CRAZY LOVE OF GOD BY ASSOCIATION.. TO KNOW WHAT HE WANTS… THIS IS CALLED FAITH

(Rom 10:17 NASB) "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."

• GOD IS TOTALLY FAIR AND JUST!

• GOD IS TOTALLY FAIR AND JUST… THIS IS SCARY!

• GOD HATES SIN

i. WE HAVE LOST THE UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S DISTAIN FOR SIN IN OUR GENERATION..

ii. GOD HATES SIN AND HAS TO PUNISH IT..

1. EITHER YOU WILL ALLOW THE PUNISHMENT THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN GIVEN TO BE APPLIED BY BROKENNES AND REPENTANCE..

2. OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE PUNISHMENT THAT IS AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED AND ATTACHED TO SIN…

• NONE OF US ARE GOD..

i. Celebrate Recovery FIRST principle: “Realize that I am NOT God, and that I am powerless over my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable”

• DO WE KNOW WHAT TRUE JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS IS?

i. “JUSTICE: reward and penalty as deserved”

• DO WE REALLY WANT JUSTICE FOR OURSELVES OR OTHERS?

i. NO, WE REALLY ALL DESERVE DEATH

• DO WE REALLY WANT TO KNOW GOD - IF HE IS TOTALLY FAIR AND JUST?

i. IF WE ENCOUNTER JUSTICE… WE WILL EXPERIENCE LOSS

ii. IF WE ENCOUNTER GOD… WE WILL HAVE TO DIE TO SELF!

• IF WE EXPERIENCE THE JUSTICE OF GOD.. WE WILL NO LONGER LIVE, BUT GOD WILL LIVE IN US!

(Rom 5:17-21 NLT) "The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but ALL WHO RECEIVE GOD'S WONDERFUL, GRACIOUS GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. {18} Yes, Adam's one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness makes all people right in God's sight and gives them life. {19} Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But BECAUSE ONE OTHER PERSON OBEYED GOD, MANY PEOPLE WILL BE MADE RIGHT IN GOD'S SIGHT. {20} God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful kindness became more abundant. {21} So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now GOD'S WONDERFUL KINDNESS RULES INSTEAD, GIVING US RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD AND RESULTING IN ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD."

THIS IS A DEFINITION OF GOD’S JUSTICE!!

THIS IS AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW GOD SERVES JUSTICE ON US..

JESUS CAME TO FULFILL HIS JUSTICE!

THE CROSS IS GOD’S IDEA OF JUSTICE..

(Rom 5:8 NLT) "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."

HOW IS GOD REVEALING HIS CRAZY LOVE FOR YOU BY HIS:

a. HOLINESS

a. WHAT ABOUT GOD’S PERSONHOOD AND STANDARD OF HOLINESS IS HE APPLYING TO YOUR LIFE?

b. ETERNAL NATURE

a. SUGGEST: THAT WE GET OUT OF THE STREAM OF SELF-CENTEREDNESS AND GET IN THE ETERNAL STREAM OF HIS PURPOSES ON THE EARTH.

b. MEANS: IT’S TOTALLY WORTH IT TO SPEND YOUR LIFE SEEKING HIM..

c. OMNICIENCE..

a. SUGGEST: INSTEAD OF PURSUING KNOWLEDGE BASED ON WHAT SEEMS RIGHT TO ME.. COULD I GAIN THE MIND OF GOD?

i. MEANS: I HAVE TO BE “OUT OF MY MIND” AND LEARN TO LISTEN, BELIEVE AND WALK IN THE “MIND OF CHRIST”

d. OMNIPOTENCE

SUGGEST: GETTING UPSET THAT GOD DOESN’T DO THE THINGS THAT WE FEEL AS THOUGH HE SHOULD....

MEANS: WE NEED TO HAVE A WAY TO GET FAITH.. TO EXPERIENCE THE CRAZY LOVE OF GOD BY ASSOCIATION.. TO KNOW WHAT HE WANTS… THIS IS CALLED FAITH

e. JUSTICE

MAYBE YOU DON’T KNOW JESUS.. YOU HAVENT GIVEN HIM YOUR LIFE…

GOD WANTS TO BE JUSTICE FOR YOU…

HE WANTS TO KEEP YOU FROM THE PRICE OF SIN!

CRAZY LOVE

2011-10-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE CHURCH.. WE ALL KNOW IT, BUT WE DON’T QUITE KNOW WHAT IT IS.

WHAT DID JESUS COME TO EARTH DO DO?

WHAT DID JESUS DIE FOR?

DID HE COME SO THAT WE COULD ALL TRY TO “BE GOOD”

AND TRY TO “ACT NICE”..

- SAVE UP ENOUGH “GOOD” AND “NICE” POINTS TO GET INTO HEAVEN?

SOMETHING IS WRONG…

THE CHURCH HAS PROPOSED A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PROBLEMATIC OPTIONS…

1. “FIGHT YOUR DESIRES IN ORDER TO PLEASE GOD?”

A. INEVITABLE FAILURE = GUILT AND DISTANCE FROM GOD

B. WHAT IF THE FULFILLMENT OF YOUR DESIRE CAME FROM A PERFECT SOURCE?

2. “JESUS DIED SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO FEEL BAD WHEN YOU SIN?”

A. INEVITABLE SIN = BAD & REAP THE CONSEQUENCES = DEATH

B. WHAT IF YOU COULD LIVE IN SUCH CONFIDENCE AND PEACE THAT SIN WOULD LOSE ALL ATTRACTION FOR YOU?

3. “JESUS CAME TO PROSPER US.. SO GAIN MATERIAL POSSESSIONS & ENJOY LIFE?”

A. GAIN MATERIAL POSSESSIONS = WE STILL ARE EMPTY AND BORED

B. PURSUE MATERIAL POSSESSIONS = WE ARE FRUSTRATED WITH GOD

C. WHAT IF WE COULD BE REASONABLY CONTENT AND FULFILLED ALL THE TIME - NO MATTER WHAT OUR CONDITION IS?

THE CHURCH HAS MISSED IT..

WE HAVE A POOR UNDERSTANDING AND EXPERIENCE IN CHURCH AND IN LIFE BECAUSE WE HAVE A POOR UNDERSTANDING AND EXPERIENCE OF GOD.

JESUS CAME TO BRING US INTO FULL CONTACT LIFE

(John 10:10 NLT) "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."

GOD IS A “GIVER”

GOD IS NOT A “TAKER”

TIME WILL END, SIN CORRUPTS AND THE FLESH WILL FAIL!

1. TIME ENDS…

- TIME STARTED WHEN GOD CREATED THE EARTH..

o Mortality is WITHIN our nature – it’s what makes us “NOT GOD”

o GOD is TIMELESS… He is immortal!

 Jesus came to give us ETERNAL LIFE

- THERE WILL BE AN END TO EVERYTHING WE SEE..

o It’s not God who ends things… It’s the nature of the created world

2. SIN CORRUPTS

- SIN STARTED IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN

o SIN = SEPERATION from God

 POTENTIAL OF SIN is within our nature

 It is not in the plan of God…

o GOD IS PERFECT – He does not sin..

 Jesus came to SAVE US from sin

3. FLESH WILL FAIL

- THE BODY IS WEAK..

o DEPENDANCE ON THE BODY AND MIND WILL LEAD TO FAILURE

 WE SUFFER BECAUSE OF PHYSICAL WEAKNESS AND PAIN

 WE SUFFER BECAUSE OF CHOICES WE HAVE MADE WITH OUR BODIES..

GOD IS A GIVER!

- God gave us life and breath

- God gives the sunrise

- God makes the rain come so that we have food

- God

SATAN IS A “TAKER”

- HIS PLAN IS TO

o STEAL: the plan of God for you by making you “run ahead” or “lag behind” the plan of God

o KILL: “Death” is caused by sinning – this kills your spirit and keeps you from abundant and eternal life

o DESTROY: This means to “obliterate” Satan wants to see you not experiencing life and end up in eternal separation..

(John 1:4-5 NIV) "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. {5} The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it."

JESUS CAME TO BRING “FULL CONTACT” LIFE..

- NOTHING HELD BACK

- NO REGRETS

- NO ETERNAL LOSSES

- NO EMPTY PROMISES

- THE SITUATION WE ARE IN IS NOT IT… ITS BEING IN HIM THAT BRINGS LIFE!

1. THE SOURCE

AMERICANS HAVE ENTIRELY LOST THE ABILITY TO GET INPUT FROM THE SOURCE

o WE ARE RELENTLESSLY HAMMERED BY INPUT

 IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY WE ARE SURROUNDED BY INFORMATION

 WE ARE IN CONTACT WITH PEOPLE 24/7 – 365

 NO SILENCE EXISTS IN THIS CULTURE

o WE HAVE TRADED PRAYING FOR TEXTING

 WE CAN’T BE STILL AND GET ATTACHED TO GOD BECAUSE WE ARE BUSY THINKING ABOUT WHAT SOMEONE ELSE SAID..

o WE HAVE TRADED WAITING ON GOD FOR GOOGLE

 INSTEAD OF STUDY, FASTING AND PRAYER WE HAVE INSTANT WORLDLY INPUT OF ANY TOPIC OF INTEREST.

 INSTEAD OF KNOWING… WE ARE CONSTANTLY QUESTIONING

THE PROMISE OF GOD…

(Jer 29:11-14 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.

(Isa 64:4-7 NIV) “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

GOD’S PLAN FOR US IS SO AMAZING THAT WE CANT EVEN IMAGINE IT!

WE LOOK AT THE WORLD AND SEE ONE OR TWO SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM

- WE CHOOSE ONE OR THE OTHER BASED ON OUR BEST INFORMATION

- WHAT THIS SCRIPTURE SAYS IS THIS:

o “YOU HAVE KNOW IDEA HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU AND WHAT I WILL DO FOR YOU IF YOU JUST GET YOUR EYES OFF THE ISSUES AND KEEP THEM ON ME.. I WILL PROVIDE A SOLUTION THAT YOU HAVEN’T EVEN IMAGINED YET!”

RUNNING AHEAD AND NOT LISTENING TO A PARENT HAVE CAUSED THE DEATH OF MORE CHILDREN THAN ANY OTHER MISTAKE

- LEARNING HOW TO TRUST AND WAIT ON A LOVING PARENT IS A BASIC SURVIVAL SKILL FOR A CHILD.

- LEARNING HOW TO TRUST AND WAIT ON A LOVING GOD IS BASIC SURVIVAL SKILL FOR A FOLLOWER OF JESUS.

2. DISTRACTION

“Men are never duly touched and impressed with conviction of their insignificance until they have contrasted themselves with the Majesty of God.” R.C. Sproul

- WE ARE SO CAUGHT UP IN OUR THOUGHTS AND DESIRES THAT WE HAVE NO SPACE FOR THE THOUGHTS AND DESIRES OF GOD.

o HIS THOUGHTS AND DESIRES FOR US ARE SOOO WONDERFUL

o HIS DESIRES AND PLANS FOR US WILL CHALLENGE, STRETCH AND THEN FINALLY FULFILL US ENTIRELY!!

SPIRITUAL AMNESIA

IT CONFUSES US WHEN LOVING GOD IS HARD..

 But there is a reason for this!

THERE ARE DAYS I DON’T FEEL LIKE LOVING GOD.

o WHY WOULD I FEEL THAT WAY?

- THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I DON’T WANT TO OBEY GOD.

o WHY DO I DO THAT?

- THERE ARE DAYS WHEN I DON’T SEEK TO PLEASE GOD

- THERE ARE EVEN TIMES WHEN I AM MAD AT GOD.

o WHY WOULD I EVER BE MAD AT SUCH A WONDERFUL & POWERFUL GOD?

IN OUR WORLD WHERE HUNDREDS THINGS DISTRACT US FROM GOD WE HAVE TO INTENTIONALLY REMIND OURSELVES OF HIM.

- WE HAVE TO INTENTIONALLY REMEMBER WHAT HE HAS DONE

- WE HAVE TO INTENTIONALLY HEAR HIS VOICE

- WE HAVE TO INTENTIONALLY SET ASIDE OUR DISTRACTIONS AND SEEK HIS FACE.

IT’S THE SAME WITH ALL OUR RELATIONSHIPS…

EXAMPLE:

- THERE ARE SOME DAYS THAT I DON’T FEEL LIKE LOVING MY WIFE.

o WHY DO I FEEL THAT WAY?

- THERE ARE SOME DAYS THAT I TAKE HER FOR GRANTED.

- I FORGET WHO SHE IS AND WHAT SHE HAS DONE FOR ME…

o WHY WOULD I EVER FEEL THAT WAY ABOUT SUCH A WONDERFUL WOMAN?

HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THIS KIND OF AMNESIA WITH PEOPLE?

1. GET OUT THE PICTURES..

a. RECALL THE GOOD TIMES & WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH!

2. SPEND TIME WITH THEM..

a. GET TO KNOW WHAT IS IN THEIR MIND AND HEART!

ONCE YOU RECALL YOUR HISTORY

ONCE YOU REMEMBER WHO THEY ARE…

ONCE YOU CAN SEE THEIR HEART AND KNOW WHATS INSIDE..

THE AMNESIA DISSIPATES AND

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS THE SAME AS ANY OTHER RELATIONSHIP..

- WE GET CAUGHT UP IN ALL THE DISTRACTIONS AND

LOOK AT THE REST OF THE PASSAGES WE READ EARLIER

(Jer 29:11-14 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.

{12} Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. {13} You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. {14} I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.""

(Isa 64:4-7 NIV) “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

{5} You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? {6} All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. {7} No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and made us waste away because of our sins."

3. WHO GOD IS

WHAT COMES INTO YOUR MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF GOD?

1. GOD IS HOLY!

2. GOD IS ETERNAL!

3. GOD IS ALL KNOWING!

4. GOD IS ALL POWERFUL!

5. GOD IS FAIR AND JUST!

WHEN YOU THINK OF THESE THINGS… YOU FEEL BOTH ATTRACTED AND PERHAPS REPELLED!

- IF ANY OF THESE IDEAS REPEL YOU… THEN YOU HAVE A WRONG IDEA OF WHAT THEY MEAN…

o ONCE WE REALLY GET OUT OF OUR IDEAS OF WHO GOD IS AND GET TO KNOW HIS:

 HOLINESS – AS HE DEFINES HOLINESS

 ETERNITY /TIME – AS HE DEFINES TIME

 TRUTH – AS HE IS TRUE AND DEFINES TRUTH

 POWER – AS HE IS POWERFUL

 JUSTICE – AS HE IS FAIR AND JUST

WE WILL BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH WE WERE CREATED

WE WILL BEGIN TO COME INTO THE FULFILLMENT OF OUR DESTINY IN GOD!

FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY 4

2011-10-04T08:01:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(Mark 3:13-15 KJV) "And he went up on the mountain, and called to him those He himself wanted: and they came unto him. {14} And he appointed twelve, that they MIGHT BE WITH HIM, and that he might send them out to preach, {15} And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out demons"

1. DISCERNMENT: Jesus spent the night in Prayer

(Luke 6:12-13 NIV) "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. {13} When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:"

2. CALLED MANY: All are called

a. Jesus called those who were interested in him

3. APPOINTED DISCIPLES

a. TO BE WITH HIM

b. TO PROCLAIM

c. TO HEAL

d. TO DELIVER

THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS WAS FOURFOLD

1. TO BE WITH HIM

GOD IS NOT ON A RESCUE MISSION TO SAVE US SO WE CAN KEEP OUR STUFF..

GOD IS ON A MISSION TO BRING US TO FULFILLMENT IN HIMSELF!

JESUS IS CLEAR ABOUT HIS PRIMARY CALL TO US…

(Luke 9:23-24 NIV) "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. {24} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."

YOUR CROSS IS WHERE YOU END.. AND HE BEGINS..

HE WANTS TO BRING YOU TO THE END OF YOURSELF SO THAT YOU WILL FIND HIM!

JESUS WANTS YOU…

HE IS NOT HIRING…

HE IS NOT TO ADOPT…

HE IS NOT COMING BACK FOR FOLLOWER…

JESUS IS PASSIONATELY PURSING A BRIDE!

THE FIRST BELIEVERS WERE KNOWN FOR ONE THING..

BUT THEY GAVE THEIR ATTENTION TO SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

“CHRISTIAN” – IS WHAT THEY CALL US…

(Acts 11:26 NIV) "and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. THE DISCIPLES WERE CALLED CHRISTIANS FIRST AT ANTIOCH."

“FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY” – IS WHAT WE DO…

THE CHURCH CALLED “DISCIPLES” OR “FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY”

(Acts 24:14 NIV) "However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,"

OTHER SCRIPTURES: Acts 9:2 19:9,23 24:14,22

2. TO PROCLAIM

(Rev 12:11 NIV) "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."

TESTIMONY: What has God done in your life?

- Can only been what you have experienced.

- Can’t be motivated to try and convince someone

- It must be from your own journey

IF ALL YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH PEOPLE ARE OTHERS PEOPLES STORIES THEN YOU DON’T HAVE A TESTIMONY

- YOU CANT SHARE FROM THE HEART UNLESS IT’S YOUR STORY!

- YOU CAN’T OVERCOME THE DEVIL WITH SOMEONE ELSES STORY..

A TESTIMONY IS MOTIVATED OUT OF LOVE..

o IT’S LIKE ONE BEGGER TELLING ANOTHER BEGGER WHERE TO FIND BREAD… NOT A JUDGE TRYING TO CONVINCE A JURY..

(Mat 18:18-20 NIV) ""I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. {19} "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. {20} For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

THE POWER OF AGREEMENT

1. WITH GOD = FAITH - JESUS HAS GIVEN US AUTHORITY WHEN WE AGREE WITH HIS PLANS FOR THE EARTH

2. WITH BELIEVERS= CORPORATE PRAYER - JESUS HAS GIVEN US AUTHORITY WHEN WE AGREE WITH OTHERS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

3. TO HEAL

KINGDOM REALITY… POWER!

(1 Cor 4:20 NIV) "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."

1. THE CHURCH TODAY DOES IS NOT LIVING IN THE KINGDOM

a. THE CHURCH TODAY IS A “RELIGIOUS SOCIETY”

b. THE CHURCH THAT JESUS IS LOOKING FOR IS A “PASSIONATE BRIDE”

2. THE CHURCH TODAY IS ABOUT TO COME UNDER A FIRE OF REFINING SO THAT WE CAN BE CHANGED INTO A KINGDOM REALITY

a. THE CHURCH THAT JESUS IS LOOKING FOR IS A CHURCH THAT WILL “PARTNER WITH HIM” TO DO BUSINESS ON THE EARTH

i. TO LET GO OF THE COMFORT ZONE

ii. TO GET REAL EXCLUSIVE WITH HIM (let go of idols)

iii. TO DO THE THINGS HE WANTS TO DO

iv. TO TAKE ON THE AUTHORITY AND POWER HE HAS

v. TO DO WHAT HE DID AND EVEN GREATER

(John 14:11-12 NIV) "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. {12} I tell you the truth, ANYONE WHO HAS FAITH IN ME WILL DO WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

WHY NO MIRACLES TODAY?

JESUS WAS POWERLESS ONCE!

(Mark 6:5-6 NIV) "HE COULD NOT DO ANY MIRACLES THERE, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. {6} And HE WAS AMAZED AT THEIR LACK OF FAITH. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village."

NO PARTNERING WITH GOD…. NO MIRACLES

NO TRUST IN GOD… N MIRACLES

NO DECLARATION IN AGREEMENT WITH GOD… NO MIRACLES

OUR PRIMARY CALLING – DEMONSTRATIONS OF GODS POWER

(Mark 16:17-18 NIV) "AND THESE SIGNS WILL ACCOMPANY THOSE WHO BELIEVE: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; {18} they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; THEY WILL PLACE THEIR HANDS ON SICK PEOPLE, and they will get well.""

WE KNOW THAT THE DISCIPLES WERE GIVEN POWER TO HEAL..

- JESUS GAVE ALL BELIEVERS THE POWER TO HEAL

- HEALING IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST PHYSICAL

(Luke 4:18-19 NIV) ""The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, {19} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.""

JESUS HEALING PLAN (BASED ON ISAIAH 62) – not just physical!!

1. PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS

a. Inform people of God’s plan for love & freedom

2. SET PRISONERS FREE

a. Freedom for those caught in sinful patterns

3. HEAL THE SICK

a. Physical healing

4. RELEASE THE OPPRESSED

a. People who are dealing with demonic oppression

5. PROCLAIM THE JUBILEE – TOTAL RESTORATION

a. Complete return of all that was lost to the enemy!

4. TO DELIVER

GOD GAVE US AUTHORITY ON THE EARTH

(Gen 1:26 NIV) "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

- GOD OWNS IT.. WE WERE GIVEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TAKING CARE OF IT!

o WE ARE IN CHARGE OF THE EARTH!

- WE HAVE ABDICATED OUR ROLE

o INSTEAD OF “THY KINGDOM COME.. THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

o WE HAVE DONE “OUR WILL”

 THE EARTH IS “restless” LONGING FOR THE SONS OF GOD TO BE REVEALED… (those who will partner w God)

(Rom 8:19 NIV) "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed."

JESUS MISSION IS NOW OURS

(1 John 3:8 NIV) "… The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work."

WE MUST PARTNER WITH JESUS!

WE BATTLE USING HIS WEAPONS AND HIS STRATEGY..

(2 Cor 10:3-5 NLT) We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. {4} WE USE GOD'S MIGHTY WEAPONS, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. {5} With these weapons we BREAK DOWN EVERY PROUD ARGUMENT THAT KEEPS PEOPLE FROM KNOWING GOD. With these weapons WE CONQUER THEIR REBELLIOUS IDEAS, and we TEACH THEM TO OBEY Christ.

BEING SUBMITTED TO GOD…

(James 4:7 NIV) "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

MAINTAINING OUR POWER..

(Eph 6:10-18 NLT) A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. {11} PUT ON ALL OF GOD'S ARMOR so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. {12} For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. {13} USE EVERY PIECE OF GOD'S ARMOR TO RESIST THE ENEMY in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.

SO SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS DONE BY

1. BEING IN CHRIST

2. RESISTING THE DEVIL – Sheild of Faith

a. HIS DECEPTION

b. HIS ACCUSATION

3. USING OUR MIGHTY WEAPONS & WEARIN OUR ARMOR

a. MAINTAINING OUR HOLINESS/ RIGHTEOUSNESS

b. SPEAKING THE TRUTH

c. WHOLENESS AND WALKING IN PEACE

d. SHEILDING AGAINST ATTACK BY BELIEVING GOD

1. IN THE BEGINNING MAN WAS GIVEN AUTHORITY OVER THE EARTH

AUTHORITY ON THE EARTH GIVEN TO HUMANKIND

(Gen 1:26-28 NIV) "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and LET THEM RULE OVER THE FISH OF THE SEA AND THE BIRDS OF THE AIR, OVER THE LIVESTOCK, OVER ALL THE EARTH, AND OVER ALL THE CREATURES THAT MOVE ALONG THE GROUND."

{27} So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. {28} God blessed them and said to them, "BE FRUITFUL AND INCREASE IN NUMBER; FILL THE EARTH AND SUBDUE IT. RULE OVER THE FISH OF THE SEA AND THE BIRDS OF THE AIR AND OVER EVERY LIVING CREATURE THAT MOVES ON THE GROUND."

1. GOD CREATED US IN HIS IMAGE – TO RULE/CARE FOR THE EARTH

A. WE FUNCTION AS WE SHOULD WHEN WE REIGN UNDER HIS AUTHORITY & PLAN

1. HIS PLAN IS NOT TO VIOLATE THE EARTH

2. HIS PLAN IS NOT TO LIVE IN SIN

C. WE WERE COMMISSED TO RULE OVER AND CARE FOR THE EARTH

1. WE HAVE RULED THE EARTH

2. WE HAVE DONE A POOR JOB CARING FOR THE EARTH

JESUS HAS BEEN GIVEN ALL AUTHORITY

(Mat 28:18-20 NIV) "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. {19} Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.""

1. THROUGH HIS DEATH AND RESSURECTION

(Rev 1:18 NIV) "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."

2. SATAN PLAN VS. JESUS PLAN

(John 10:10 NIV) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

a. GOD’S GOALS ARE ACHIEVED THROUGH MEN WHO ARE UNDER HIS CONTROL

NEXT WEEK: `````````````````````````````

SEVEN MOUNTAINS OF CULTURE

1. Family

- PRIORITY #1 - Relationship with God

– First Commandment: Love God with all your heart soul mind and strength

- PRIORITY #2 - Relationship with other people

- Second Commandment: Love your neighbor as you love yourself

- The Fear of God – The fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom

- Character VS. Efficiency – Must teach our children to do right.. not what I expedient

- Training in righteousness – Mentoring in righteous behavior

(Deu 6:6-9 NIV) "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. {7} Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. {8} Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. {9} Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."

2. Government

- Righteous leadership – leadership that will do what is right, not what is expedient

- INFILTRATE GOVERNMENT – don’t whine, get involved

- (Prov 14:34 NIV) "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."

- (Prov 21:1 NIV) "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases."

3. Media

-We are an entertainment culture

- Storytelling has been a tremendous influence in ALL CULTURES..

-Continuous influence on us.. it is the way that a culture communicates values

- Determines expectations and norms for behavior

4. Education

- Shapes the minds of the coming generations

- Whoever controls and leads our children

- Parents have abdicated their role as primary educators

- Must teach children the COUNTERCULTURE first.. IN THE CONTEXT OF CULTURE

- Christian Education, Home Schooling, Godly infiltration of our Liberal Agenda

- Western Albemarle – teaches that FOX NEWS is not real news

- WE NEED A GENERATION THAT WILL INFILTRATE THE MEDIA WITH POWERFUL RIGHTEOUS

ENTERTAINMENT

5. Arts and Entertainment

- Creative Expression is the fruit of Culture

- The CHURCH has had a 500 year prejudice against the ARTS

-before the reformation the church was the source of the arts

-after the reformation, the conservative/ protestant influence has resisted the arts

-We have a idea that MUSIC, VISUAL, WRITTEN ARTS ARE WRONG!!

- WE NEED A GENERATION THAT WILL INFILTRATE THE CULTURE WITH RIGHTEOUS ART

6. Religion (or the Church)

- THIS IS THE ORGANIZATION

- 78% of people in the U.S. Say that their religion plays a part in their daily lives

- 70% Say that they believe in God

- Only 28% of people report that they attend church

7. Business

- Most important aspect of our American culture

- Christian businesses leaders have been the Support for all other areas

- SUPPORT FOR ALL OTHER MOUNTAINS COMES FROM THIS ONE!!

3. THROUGH JESUS CHRIST WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN AUTHORITY AND THE CHARGE TO REIGN ON THE EARTH THROUGH THESE SEVEN MOUNTAINS

1. WILL YOU ENTER INTO YOUR GOD GIVEN CHARGE?

a. FAMILY – WILL YOU BE A RIGHTEOUS LEADER IN YOUR FAMILY

b. GOVERNMENT – WILL YOU BECOME ACTIVE & VOTE FOR RIGHTEOUS LEADERSHP

c. MEDIA – WILL YOU KEEP YOURSELF FROM BEING INFLUENCED BY UNGODLY MEDIA

i. WILL YOU SUPPORT GODLY MEDIA - TYLER PERRY

d. EDUCATION – WILL YOU SEEK GODLY TRAINING

i. WILL YOU RAISE UP YOUR CHILDREN IN THE ADMONITION OF THE LORD

e. ARTS – WILL YOU ALLOW YOUR CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS TO INFLUENCE FOR GOD

f. RELIGION – WILL YOU SERVE IN YOUR CHURCH TO DISCIPLE OTHER BELIEVERS

g. BUSINESS – WILL YOU LEAD YOUR BUSINESS FEARLESSLY UNDER GOD’S DIRECTION AND PLAN

FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY 3

2011-09-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(Mark 3:13-15 KJV) "And he went up on the mountain, and called to him those He himself wanted: and they came unto him. {14} And he appointed twelve, that they MIGHT BE WITH HIM, and that he might send them out to preach, {15} And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out demons"

1. DISCERNMENT: Jesus spent the night in Prayer

(Luke 6:12-13 NIV) "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. {13} When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:"

2. CALLED MANY: All are called

a. Jesus called those who were interested in him

3. APPOINTED DISCIPLES

a. TO BE WITH HIM

b. TO PROCLAIM

c. TO HEAL

d. TO DELIVER

THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS WAS FOURFOLD

1. TO BE WITH HIM

GOD IS NOT ON A RESCUE MISSION TO SAVE US SO WE CAN KEEP OUR STUFF..

GOD IS ON A MISSION TO BRING US TO FULFILLMENT IN HIMSELF!

JESUS IS CLEAR ABOUT HIS PRIMARY CALL TO US…

(Luke 9:23-24 NIV) "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. {24} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."

YOUR CROSS IS WHERE YOU END.. AND HE BEGINS..

HE WANTS TO BRING YOU TO THE END OF YOURSELF SO THAT YOU WILL FIND HIM!

JESUS WANTS YOU…

HE IS NOT HIRING…

HE IS NOT TO ADOPT…

HE IS NOT COMING BACK FOR FOLLOWER…

JESUS IS PASSIONATELY PURSING A BRIDE!

THE FIRST BELIEVERS WERE KNOWN FOR ONE THING..

BUT THEY GAVE THEIR ATTENTION TO SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

“CHRISTIAN” – IS WHAT THEY CALL US…

(Acts 11:26 NIV) "and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. THE DISCIPLES WERE CALLED CHRISTIANS FIRST AT ANTIOCH."

“FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY” – IS WHAT WE DO…

THE CHURCH CALLED “DISCIPLES” OR “FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY”

(Acts 24:14 NIV) "However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,"

OTHER SCRIPTURES: Acts 9:2 19:9,23 24:14,22

MARY OF BETHANY… FELL AT HIS FEET.. POURED OUT THE OIL..

- SHE WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO REALLY KNEW WHO JESUS WAS

WHAT WILL MAKE THE WORLD CALL US “CHRISTIAN”?

1. CHRIST-LIKE IN APPEARANCE?

a. Barna Statistics say that the church is statistically no different than the world

b. FOCUS BECOMES “LOOKING LIKE JESUS”

i. It becomes WORK.. trying to look like Jesus!

2. CHRIST LIKE IN CHARACTAR!!

a. We are the BODY OF CHRIST

b. We represent HIM here on the earth

c. IF JESUS IS THE HEAD.. (directing, protecting, guiding..)

i. THEN WE WILL BE CALLED “CHRISTLIKE!”

3. FOLLOWER OF JESUS means LOVER/PURSUER OF JESUS

a. WHEN WE ARE A FOLLOWER OF JESUS..

i. Transformation is what God does when we pursue Him

b. WE KEEP PROPER FOCUS – LOVING GOD!

i. LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL HEART, MIND , STRENGTH

ii. LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR AS WE LOVE OURSELVES

By being followers… we just listen and WAIT ON HIM….

IN FACT, WE CAN’T EVEN IMAGINE/CONCEIVE WHAT GOD HAS PLANNED FOR THOSE WHO WAIT… ARE SET APART FOR HIM!

(1 Cor 2:9-13 NIV) "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- {10} BUT GOD HAS REVEALED IT TO US BY HIS SPIRIT.

2. TO PROCLAIM

(Rev 12:11 NIV) "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."

TESTIMONY: What has God done in your life?

- Can only been what you have experienced.

- Can’t be motivated to try and convince someone

- It must be from your own journey

IF ALL YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH PEOPLE ARE OTHERS PEOPLES STORIES THEN YOU DON’T HAVE A TESTIMONY

- YOU CANT SHARE FROM THE HEART UNLESS IT’S YOUR STORY!

- YOU CAN’T OVERCOME THE DEVIL WITH SOMEONE ELSES STORY..

A TESTIMONY IS MOTIVATED OUT OF LOVE..

o IT’S LIKE ONE BEGGER TELLING ANOTHER BEGGER WHERE TO FIND BREAD… NOT A JUDGE TRYING TO CONVINCE A JURY..

(Mat 18:18-20 NIV) ""I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. {19} "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. {20} For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

THE POWER OF AGREEMENT

1. WITH GOD = FAITH - JESUS HAS GIVEN US AUTHORITY WHEN WE AGREE WITH HIS PLANS FOR THE EARTH

2. WITH BELIEVERS= CORPORATE PRAYER - JESUS HAS GIVEN US AUTHORITY WHEN WE AGREE WITH OTHERS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." (Mat 11:12 NIV)

1. 'FORCIBLY ADVANCING'= 'to urge, constrain, overpower by force; to press earnestly forward, to rush

2. 'FORCEFUL MEN' = 'one who uses violence, or is impetuous, one who is forceful in eager pursuit'.

a. MEANS “HUNTERS” “SEEKERS” THOSE WHO ARE “RELENTLESS” OR “PASSIONATE”

3. 'SEIZE IT' = take away by force, snatch away...to seize on with avidity, eagerly,

a. IT DESCRIBES HOW THOSE WHO ARE PASSIONATE ACT

b. THE ACTION OF THE PASSIONATE OR ZEALOUS: THEY “SEIZE” THE OBJECT OF THEIR DESIRE

i. ILLUSTRATION: LIKE A PERSON WAITING OVERNIGHT IN FRONT OF “BEST BUY” ON THE MORNING OF BLACK FRIDAY

(2 Cor 10:3-5 NIV) "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. {4} The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. {5} WE DEMOLISH ARGUMENTS AND EVERY PRETENSION THAT SETS ITSELF UP AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

SIR EDMUND BLAKE: IN RESPONSE TO THE SUCCESS OF THE NAZI’S IN WW2…

“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

- Edmund Blake

WHEN WE SPEAK THE TRUTH (WORD OF GOD) THE ENEMY IS REPELED!

- WE DON’T HAVE TO DEFEND THE TRUTH (WORD OF GOD)

- GOD IS OUR DEFENSE

- WE DON’T HAVE TO DEFEND TRUTH.. GOD DOES!

3. TO HEAL

KINGDOM REALITY… POWER!

(1 Cor 4:20 NIV) "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."

1. THE CHURCH TODAY DOES IS NOT LIVING IN THE KINGDOM

a. THE CHURCH TODAY IS A “RELIGIOUS SOCIETY”

b. THE CHURCH THAT JESUS IS LOOKING FOR IS A “PASSIONATE BRIDE”

2. THE CHURCH TODAY IS ABOUT TO COME UNDER A FIRE OF REFINING SO THAT WE CAN BE CHANGED INTO A KINGDOM REALITY

a. THE CHURCH THAT JESUS IS LOOKING FOR IS A CHURCH THAT WILL “PARTNER WITH HIM” TO DO BUSINESS ON THE EARTH

i. TO LET GO OF THE COMFORT ZONE

ii. TO GET REAL EXCLUSIVE WITH HIM (let go of idols)

iii. TO DO THE THINGS HE WANTS TO DO

iv. TO TAKE ON THE AUTHORITY AND POWER HE HAS

v. TO DO WHAT HE DID AND EVEN GREATER

(John 14:11-12 NIV) "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. {12} I tell you the truth, ANYONE WHO HAS FAITH IN ME WILL DO WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

“ECCLESIA” – CHURCH means “CALLED OUT ONES”

- CALLED OUT FOR WHAT?

o TO BE SET APART FOR GOD..

o TO DO BUSINESS FOR GOD..

 SIGNS AND WONDERS

 AUTHORITY OVER THE DEVIL

JESUS PUT HIMSELF ON THE LINE…

(John 14:11-12 NIV) "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.

I AM FROM GOD…

- IF I AM “IN GOD” THEN I HAVE DIVINE POWER

- IF I AM “IN GOD” THEN I WILL DO MIRACLES..

WHY NO MIRACLES TODAY?

JESUS WAS POWERLESS ONCE!

(Mark 6:5-6 NIV) "HE COULD NOT DO ANY MIRACLES THERE, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. {6} And HE WAS AMAZED AT THEIR LACK OF FAITH. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village."

NO PARTNERING WITH GOD…. NO MIRACLES

NO TRUST IN GOD… NO MIRACLES

NO DECLARATION IN AGREEMENT WITH GOD… NO MIRACLES

OUR PRIMARY CALLING – DEMONSTRATIONS OF GODS POWER

(Mark 16:17-18 NIV) "AND THESE SIGNS WILL ACCOMPANY THOSE WHO BELIEVE: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; {18} they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; THEY WILL PLACE THEIR HANDS ON SICK PEOPLE, and they will get well.""

WE KNOW THAT THE DISCIPLES WERE GIVEN POWER TO HEAL..

- JESUS GAVE ALL BELIEVERS THE POWER TO HEAL

HEALING IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST PHYSICAL

(Luke 4:18-19 NIV) ""The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, {19} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.""

JESUS HEALING PLAN (BASED ON ISAIAH 62) – not just physical!!

1. PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS

a. Inform people of God’s plan for love & freedom

2. SET PRISONERS FREE

a. Freedom for those caught in sinful patterns

3. HEAL THE SICK

a. Physical healing

4. RELEASE THE OPPRESSED

a. People who are dealing with demonic oppression

5. PROCLAIM THE JUBILEE – TOTAL RESTORATION

a. Complete return of all that was lost to the enemy!

4. TO DELIVER

GOD GAVE US AUTHORITY ON THE EARTH

(Gen 1:26 NIV) "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

- GOD OWNS IT.. WE WERE GIVEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TAKING CARE OF IT!

o WE ARE IN CHARGE OF THE EARTH!

- WE HAVE ABDICATED OUR ROLE

o INSTEAD OF “THY KINGDOM COME.. THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

o WE HAVE DONE “OUR WILL”

 THE EARTH IS “restless” LONGING FOR THE SONS OF GOD TO BE REVEALED… (those who will partner w God)

(Rom 8:19 NIV) "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed."

JESUS MISSION IS NOW OURS

(1 John 3:8 NIV) "… The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work."

WE MUST WORK WITH JESUS..

WE BATTLE USING HIS WEAPONS AND HIS STRATEGY..

(2 Cor 10:3-5 NLT) We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. {4} WE USE GOD'S MIGHTY WEAPONS, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. {5} With these weapons we BREAK DOWN EVERY PROUD ARGUMENT THAT KEEPS PEOPLE FROM KNOWING GOD. With these weapons WE CONQUER THEIR REBELLIOUS IDEAS, and we TEACH THEM TO OBEY Christ.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS DONE BY

1. BEING IN CHRIST

2. RESISTING HIS DECEPTION AND ACCUSATION

a. MAINTAINING OUR HOLINESS, OUR ARMOR..

3. SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

BEING SUBMITTED TO GOD…

(James 4:7 NIV) "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

MAINTAINING OUR POWER..

(Eph 6:10-18 NLT) A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. {11} Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. {12} For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. {13} Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.

WE WERE CREATED TO DO BUSINESS ON THE EARTH FOR HIM!

FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY 2

2011-09-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(Mark 3:13-15 KJV) "And he went up on the mountain, and called to him those He himself wanted: and they came unto him. {14} And he appointed twelve, that they MIGHT BE WITH HIM, and that he might send them out to preach, {15} And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out demons"

1. DISCERNMENT: Jesus spent the night in Prayer

(Luke 6:12-13 NIV) "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. {13} When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:"

2. CALLED MANY: All are called

a. Jesus called those who were interested in him

3. APPOINTED DISCIPLES

a. TO BE WITH HIM

b. TO PROCLAIM

c. TO HEAL

d. TO DELIVER

THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS WAS FOURFOLD

1. TO BE WITH HIM

GOD IS NOT ON A RESCUE MISSION TO SAVE US SO WE CAN KEEP OUR STUFF..

GOD IS ON A MISSION TO BRING US TO FULFILLMENT IN HIMSELF!

JESUS IS CLEAR ABOUT HIS PRIMARY CALL TO US…

(Luke 9:23-24 NIV) "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. {24} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."

YOUR CROSS IS WHERE YOU END.. AND HE BEGINS..

HE WANTS TO BRING YOU TO THE END OF YOURSELF SO THAT YOU WILL FIND HIM!

JESUS WANTS YOU…

HE IS NOT HIRING…

HE IS NOT TO ADOPT…

HE IS NOT COMING BACK FOR FOLLOWER…

JESUS IS PASSIONATELY PURSING A BRIDE!

THE FIRST BELIEVERS WERE KNOWN FOR ONE THING..

BUT THEY GAVE THEIR ATTENTION TO SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

“CHRISTIAN” – IS WHAT THEY CALL US…

(Acts 11:26 NIV) "and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. THE DISCIPLES WERE CALLED CHRISTIANS FIRST AT ANTIOCH."

“FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY” – IS WHAT WE DO…

THE CHURCH CALLED “DISCIPLES” OR “FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY”

(Acts 24:14 NIV) "However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,"

OTHER SCRIPTURES: Acts 9:2 19:9,23 24:14,22

MARY OF BETHANY… FELL AT HIS FEET.. POURED OUT THE OIL..

- SHE WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO REALLY KNEW WHO JESUS WAS

WHAT WILL MAKE THE WORLD CALL US “CHRISTIAN”?

1. CHRIST-LIKE IN APPEARANCE?

a. Barna Statistics say that the church is statistically no different than the world

b. FOCUS BECOMES “LOOKING LIKE JESUS”

i. It becomes WORK.. trying to look like Jesus!

2. CHRIST LIKE IN CHARACTAR!!

a. We are the BODY OF CHRIST

b. We represent HIM here on the earth

c. IF JESUS IS THE HEAD.. (directing, protecting, guiding..)

i. THEN WE WILL BE CALLED “CHRISTLIKE!”

3. FOLLOWER OF JESUS means LOVER/PURSUER OF JESUS

a. WHEN WE ARE A FOLLOWER OF JESUS..

i. Transformation is what God does when we pursue Him

b. WE KEEP PROPER FOCUS – LOVING GOD!

i. LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL HEART, MIND , STRENGTH

ii. LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR AS WE LOVE OURSELVES

By being followers… we just listen and WAIT ON HIM….

IN FACT, WE CAN’T EVEN IMAGINE/CONCEIVE WHAT GOD HAS PLANNED FOR THOSE WHO WAIT… ARE SET APART FOR HIM!

(1 Cor 2:9-13 NIV) "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- {10} BUT GOD HAS REVEALED IT TO US BY HIS SPIRIT.

2. TO PROCLAIM

(Rev 12:11 NIV) "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death."

TESTIMONY: What has God done in your life?

- Can only been what you have experienced.

- Can’t be motivated to try and convince someone

- It must be from your own journey

IF ALL YOU HAVE TO SHARE WITH PEOPLE ARE OTHERS PEOPLES STORIES THEN YOU DON’T HAVE A TESTIMONY

- YOU CANT SHARE FROM THE HEART UNLESS IT’S YOUR STORY!

- YOU CAN’T OVERCOME THE DEVIL WITH SOMEONE ELSES STORY..

A TESTIMONY IS MOTIVATED OUT OF LOVE..

o IT’S LIKE ONE BEGGER TELLING ANOTHER BEGGER WHERE TO FIND BREAD… NOT A JUDGE TRYING TO CONVINCE A JURY..

(Mat 18:18-20 NIV) ""I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. {19} "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. {20} For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

THE POWER OF AGREEMENT

1. WITH GOD = FAITH - JESUS HAS GIVEN US AUTHORITY WHEN WE AGREE WITH HIS PLANS FOR THE EARTH

2. WITH BELIEVERS= CORPORATE PRAYER - JESUS HAS GIVEN US AUTHORITY WHEN WE AGREE WITH OTHERS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." (Mat 11:12 NIV)

1. 'FORCIBLY ADVANCING'= 'to urge, constrain, overpower by force; to press earnestly forward, to rush

2. 'FORCEFUL MEN' = 'one who uses violence, or is impetuous, one who is forceful in eager pursuit'.

a. MEANS “HUNTERS” “SEEKERS” THOSE WHO ARE “RELENTLESS” OR “PASSIONATE”

3. 'SEIZE IT' = take away by force, snatch away...to seize on with avidity, eagerly,

a. IT DESCRIBES HOW THOSE WHO ARE PASSIONATE ACT

b. THE ACTION OF THE PASSIONATE OR ZEALOUS: THEY “SEIZE” THE OBJECT OF THEIR DESIRE

i. ILLUSTRATION: LIKE A PERSON WAITING OVERNIGHT IN FRONT OF “BEST BUY” ON THE MORNING OF BLACK FRIDAY

(2 Cor 10:3-5 NIV) "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. {4} The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. {5} WE DEMOLISH ARGUMENTS AND EVERY PRETENSION THAT SETS ITSELF UP AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

SIR EDMUND BLAKE: IN RESPONSE TO THE SUCCESS OF THE NAZI’S IN WW2…

“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

- Edmund Blake

WHEN WE SPEAK THE TRUTH (WORD OF GOD) THE ENEMY IS REPELED!

- WE DON’T HAVE TO DEFEND THE TRUTH (WORD OF GOD)

- GOD IS OUR DEFENSE

- WE DON’T HAVE TO DEFEND TRUTH.. GOD DOES!

3. TO HEAL

KINGDOM REALITY… POWER!

(1 Cor 4:20 NIV) "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."

1. THE CHURCH TODAY DOES IS NOT LIVING IN THE KINGDOM

a. THE CHURCH TODAY IS A “RELIGIOUS SOCIETY”

b. THE CHURCH THAT JESUS IS LOOKING FOR IS A “PASSIONATE BRIDE”

2. THE CHURCH TODAY IS ABOUT TO COME UNDER A FIRE OF REFINING SO THAT WE CAN BE CHANGED INTO A KINGDOM REALITY

a. THE CHURCH THAT JESUS IS LOOKING FOR IS A CHURCH THAT WILL “PARTNER WITH HIM” TO DO BUSINESS ON THE EARTH

i. TO LET GO OF THE COMFORT ZONE

ii. TO GET REAL EXCLUSIVE WITH HIM (let go of idols)

iii. TO DO THE THINGS HE WANTS TO DO

iv. TO TAKE ON THE AUTHORITY AND POWER HE HAS

v. TO DO WHAT HE DID AND EVEN GREATER

(John 14:11-12 NIV) "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. {12} I tell you the truth, ANYONE WHO HAS FAITH IN ME WILL DO WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

“ECCLESIA” – CHURCH means “CALLED OUT ONES”

- CALLED OUT FOR WHAT?

o TO BE SET APART FOR GOD..

o TO DO BUSINESS FOR GOD..

 SIGNS AND WONDERS

 AUTHORITY OVER THE DEVIL

JESUS PUT HIMSELF ON THE LINE…

(John 14:11-12 NIV) "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.

I AM FROM GOD…

- IF I AM “IN GOD” THEN I HAVE DIVINE POWER

- IF I AM “IN GOD” THEN I WILL DO MIRACLES..

WHY NO MIRACLES TODAY?

JESUS WAS POWERLESS ONCE!

(Mark 6:5-6 NIV) "HE COULD NOT DO ANY MIRACLES THERE, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. {6} And HE WAS AMAZED AT THEIR LACK OF FAITH. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village."

NO PARTNERING WITH GOD…. NO MIRACLES

NO TRUST IN GOD… NO MIRACLES

NO DECLARATION IN AGREEMENT WITH GOD… NO MIRACLES

OUR PRIMARY CALLING – DEMONSTRATIONS OF GODS POWER

(Mark 16:17-18 NIV) "AND THESE SIGNS WILL ACCOMPANY THOSE WHO BELIEVE: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; {18} they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; THEY WILL PLACE THEIR HANDS ON SICK PEOPLE, and they will get well.""

WE KNOW THAT THE DISCIPLES WERE GIVEN POWER TO HEAL..

- JESUS GAVE ALL BELIEVERS THE POWER TO HEAL

HEALING IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST PHYSICAL

(Luke 4:18-19 NIV) ""The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, {19} to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.""

JESUS HEALING PLAN (BASED ON ISAIAH 62) – not just physical!!

1. PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS

a. Inform people of God’s plan for love & freedom

2. SET PRISONERS FREE

a. Freedom for those caught in sinful patterns

3. HEAL THE SICK

a. Physical healing

4. RELEASE THE OPPRESSED

a. People who are dealing with demonic oppression

5. PROCLAIM THE JUBILEE – TOTAL RESTORATION

a. Complete return of all that was lost to the enemy!

4. TO DELIVER

GOD GAVE US AUTHORITY ON THE EARTH

(Gen 1:26 NIV) "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

- GOD OWNS IT.. WE WERE GIVEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TAKING CARE OF IT!

o WE ARE IN CHARGE OF THE EARTH!

- WE HAVE ABDICATED OUR ROLE

o INSTEAD OF “THY KINGDOM COME.. THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

o WE HAVE DONE “OUR WILL”

 THE EARTH IS “restless” LONGING FOR THE SONS OF GOD TO BE REVEALED… (those who will partner w God)

(Rom 8:19 NIV) "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed."

JESUS MISSION IS NOW OURS

(1 John 3:8 NIV) "… The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work."

WE MUST WORK WITH JESUS..

WE BATTLE USING HIS WEAPONS AND HIS STRATEGY..

(2 Cor 10:3-5 NLT) We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. {4} WE USE GOD'S MIGHTY WEAPONS, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. {5} With these weapons we BREAK DOWN EVERY PROUD ARGUMENT THAT KEEPS PEOPLE FROM KNOWING GOD. With these weapons WE CONQUER THEIR REBELLIOUS IDEAS, and we TEACH THEM TO OBEY Christ.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS DONE BY

1. BEING IN CHRIST

2. RESISTING HIS DECEPTION AND ACCUSATION

a. MAINTAINING OUR HOLINESS, OUR ARMOR..

3. SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

BEING SUBMITTED TO GOD…

(James 4:7 NIV) "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

MAINTAINING OUR POWER..

(Eph 6:10-18 NLT) A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. {11} Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. {12} For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. {13} Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.

WE WERE CREATED TO DO BUSINESS ON THE EARTH FOR HIM!

FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY

2011-09-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

Desperation for Spiritual Revival & Reformation

2011-09-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Are You Desperate To Experience The Glory Of God?

Revival is no more and no less than returning whole-heartedly to your first love of Jesus. Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will obey me." As you let God's Spirit search your heart, this is a love test. The good thing about God's tests is that He never lets you fail them. He keeps giving them to you until you pass.

Obedience:

-- Is Jesus Lord of all, nothing challenging His rule in any area?

-- Do you desire holiness above all else? Do you fear the Lord?

-- Do you deal with sin quickly, confessing to God and to others?

-- Will you repent of & renounce often-confessed-but-not-forsaken sin that has a strong hold over you?

-- Will you obey in the smallest detail, completely, instantly, joyously?

-- Will you please God only and not seek to please people?

-- Will you yield to Jesus your greatest love?

-- Will you give up conformity to the world, even to the opinions of your best Christian friends?

-- Will you be identified with all God's children, if the cross of Jesus unites you?

-- Will you go anywhere, do anything, say anything, with anybody, anytime that God asks?

-- Is your answer, "Yes, Lord," to everything He requires?

Honesty and transparency:

-- Will you let God search your motives?

-- Will you be honest, transparent, open, vulnerable, and real before God and others?

-- Will you acknowledge your true spiritual condition, your spiritual bankruptcy, unemployment, and

destitution?

-- Will you let God reveal your hypocrisy and renounce giving any impression of being better than you

are? -- Are you willing to be seen failing? Will you receptively share your failures?

-- Are you dedicated to 100 percent of the truth 100 percent of the time? -- Are you willing to let your

thoughts be read by all?

-- Are you morally pure in thought and deed? Is there anything about you that you would not want to

be shouted from the housetop?

-- Are you unswervingly faithful to your spouse if you are married? Or to purity of your body as the

Temple of the Lord, if you are single?

-- Will you sing songs of commitment (like "I Surrender All") only if they are true, or choose

immediately to let God make them true in your life?

Self and pride:

-- Is your entire life on open palms to God?

-- Will you give up all trace of self and pride?

-- Will you choose total genuine humility, even when it means humiliation?

-- Do you turn away from the adequacy of self-strength and soul-power?

-- Will you repent from dead works?

-- Will you be totally dependent on God alone?

-- Will you surrender all rights?

-- Will you give up your right to be right?

-- Are you teachable? Be honest, are you teachable by anybody no matter how they look, what their

level of education, their church label, gender, color, position, title, status?

-- Will you submit yourself to and/or receive correction from anybody that God directs?

-- Are you willing to be rejected?

-- Are you willing to be misunderstood, to have no reputation without self-justification?

-- Will you give up blaming others, making excuses, pointing fingers?

-- Will you crucify your drive to control, so the Holy Spirit can control?

-- Are you dedicated to edify others instead of put them down?

-- Is there any Christian that you scorn or hold in disdain or mock?

Forgiveness:

-- Will you forgive everybody everything without exception?

-- Have you sought to be reconciled with everybody you have offended and everybody who has

offended you?

-- Will you make restitution in every area of dishonesty or wronging another?

-- Does everybody have a clean slate in your ledger with no keeping account of wrongs?

Dependence:

-- Will you put away confidence in anything you have trusted in according to the flesh?

-- Will you trust, rest in God, wait on Him regardless?

-- Are you grateful and thankful at heart, content in all things?

-- Right now do you have total peace based on the formula "God plus zero equals peace"?

Spiritual desperation:

-- Do you desire deeper intimacy with Jesus, more than any earthly intimacy?

-- Are you desperate about your prayerlessness?

-- Can God trust you to pray His powerful prayers for desperate people?

-- Are you desperate about your own powerlessness?

-- Do you want power with God for His glory alone?

-- Will you give up any ministry, any program, any group, any tradition if it adds to or subtracts from

the simplicity of devotion to Jesus?

-- Are you desperate about your lack of Bible reading?

-- Will you let God give you tears?

-- Will you count all things loss compared with Jesus?

-- Will you give up worthless TV watching, worthless reading, idle conversation?

-- Will you choose greater passion for God's word than for the latest gossip, sports, the telephone,

shopping, entertainment, even eating?

-- Are you sick of using God, His name, His power, to validate your own ends?

-- Are you sick of head-knowledge and a cold heart?

-- Could God entrust you with leadership in real revival? Could God entrust you with 1000, 100, even

10 spiritual babies for you to nurture to maturity?

-- Are you sick of unbelief, doubt, discouragement, defeat, aimlessness?

-- Will you stand steadfast in prayer, for years if necessary, to see God bring the harvest of His glory in

revival and spiritual awakening?

In his new book, Francis Frangipane says, "The most essential commodity for stimulating revival is a tender, open heart before God. Is the door of your heart opened toward God? Can the Spirit of Jesus Christ come in and speak with you? Can you sense both His pleasure and displeasure? For us to become sensitive to divine realities we must live with the door of our hearts open. It is impossible to do the will of God otherwise." (From The House of the Lord by Francis Frangipane, pg 19. © Copyright 1991.)

Meditate on John 14:23-15:16, and let these words of Jesus sink deeply into your spirit. He wants you to live out His glory in the here and now. Commit to pray, "Show me Your glory," until Jesus is revealed afresh to you and is formed in you. (From Prayer Portions by Sylvia Gunter)

HOPE OF GLORY

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FOUR STRATEGIES

TEXT:

(Psa 63:1-3 NIV) " O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. {2} I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. {3} Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you."

IN OUR GENERATION:

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO THE APOSTLES' TEACHING and to THE FELLOWSHIP, to THE BREAKING OF BREAD and to PRAYER.

AS A RESULT…

{43} Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. {44} All the believers were together and had everything in common. {45} Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. {46} Every day they continued to meet together IN THE TEMPLE COURTS. They broke bread IN THEIR HOMES and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

AND THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."
Last Tuesday, August 23rd at 1:51pm an earthquake, magnitude 5.8 (on Richter scale) occurred in Mineral, Virginia..

- According to the Los Angeles Times.. It was the largest earthquake in Virginia in recorded history.

- The last earthquake of any consequence in Virginia was reported by John Quincy Adams in Feb. 1828

Last Night, Saturday August 27th, Hurricane Irene hit Virginia..

- According to the Richmond Times Dispatch it was the worst hurricane since Hurricane Agnes in 1972 (the worst hurricane in 39 years)

- IRENE MEANS “PEACE”

WE ARE LIVING IN A TIME OF GLOBAL TRANSITION

- THE BIBLE CALLS OUR GENERATION THE DAY OF THE LORD

IT IS THE MOST PROPHESIED GLOBAL TRANSITION IN THE BIBLE!!

-EVEN THOUGH THE BIBLE CALLS OUR GENERATION “DREADFUL”

-WE ALSO SEE THAT GOD INTENDS TO AMAZING THINGS

-THINGS THAT HAVE NEVER HAPPENED ON THE EARTH BEFORE!

-THE BIBLE SAYS THAT THE LIKES OF THESE DAYS HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN ON THE EARTH BEFORE AND WILL NEVER BE SEEN AGAIN!

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THESE DAYS!

(2 Tim 1:7 NIV) "For God did not give us a SPIRIT OF FEAR, but a SPIRIT OF POWER, OF LOVE AND OF SELF-DISCIPLINE."

SCRIPTURES THAT TALK ABOUT THE DAY OF THE LORD – 25 PLACES

ISA. 2:12,13:6,9, JER. 46:10, EZEK. 13:5,30:3, JOEL 1;15-3:14, AMOS 5:18,20, OBAD. 1:15, ZEPH. 1:14,14:1, MAL 4:5…. ACTS 2:20, I COR. 5:5, I THESS. 5:2, 2 PET. 3:10

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT GLOBAL TRANSITION – “DAY OF THE LORD”

(Joel 2:28-32 NIV) "'And afterward, I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL PEOPLE. Your sons and daughters will PROPHESY, your old men will dream DREAMS, your young men will see VISIONS. {29} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. {30} I will show WONDERS IN THE HEAVENS and ON THE EARTH, blood and fire and billows of smoke. {31} The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. {32} And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls." (Joel 3:1-2 NIV) "'In those days and at that time, WHEN I RESTORE THE FORTUNES OF JUDAH AND JERUSALEM, {2} I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land."

(Mat 24:3-14 NIV)

"As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and WHAT WILL BE THE SIGN OF YOUR COMING AND OF THE END OF THE AGE?""

"Jesus answered….

1. Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many.

2. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

3. There will be famines…

4. There will be earthquakes in various places.

“All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

5. You will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death…

6. Many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,

7. Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.

8. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,

“but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

and this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world

as a testimony to all nations….

AND THEN THE END WILL COME.

ACCORDING TO JESUS, WHAT EVENTS MARK THE END OF THE AGE?

1. FALSE MESSIAHS – many people with come claiming to “save the world..

2. WAR – dramatic increase in worldwide violence

a. More death and war on the planet now than ever before

b. NEWSPAPER – QUADAFI ON THE ROPES

3. FAMINE – many people dying of hunger

a. NEWSPAPER – CORN SUFFERS

4. EARTHQUAKES – massive devastating

a. NEWSPAPER - SHAKEN, STIRRED

b. CINDY JACOBS – prophesied that the places where earthquakes happen is the place where God will pour out his spirit in great measure

c. READ: THE 1906 SAN FRANCISCO EARTHQUAKE

5. PERSECUTION – Christians being persecuted and killed

a. NEWSPAPER – RELIGIOUS FREEDOM UNDER ATTACK

6. TURNING AWAY FROM GOD – Christians turning away and betraying other Christians

a. NEWS: WHILE 95% OF AMERICANS BELIEVE IN GOD

i. ONLY 18.7% OF AMERICANS ATTEND CHURCH

ii. 1 IN 5 BORN AGAIN BELIEVERS DO NOT ATTEND CHURCH

7. FALSE PROPHETS – prophets who accurately predict but are not of God

8. LOVE WILL GROW COLD – Many believers who turn away from loving God

“but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

THEN THE GOSPEL WILL BE PROCLAIMED IN ALL NATIONS

– THEN THE END WILL COME!

NEWPAPER: “RIPPLES TOUCH SPIRITUAL LIVES”

THE CURRENT GLOBAL TRANSITION

CHARACTARISTICS OF THIS TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

1. THE PEOPLE IN THIS CULTURE HAVE TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD IS LOOKING FOR A REMNANT WHO LOVE HIM.. (is that us??)

3. GOD HAS GIVEN US A “DIVINE STRATEGY” – A NEW COVENANT

a. WE MUST DISCOVER WHAT THE STRATEGY IS!

b. WE WILL DISCOVER THAT THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES DYING TO SELF

c. WE WILL DISCOVER THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

4. THIS “STRATEGY” WILL LOOK/SOUND FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE MOMENT THAT THE TRANSITION COMES WILL THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

5. WHEN THIS TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THE TRANSITION WILL BE READY

b. ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT ACCEPTED IT WILL BE LOST..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE STRATEGY FOR THIS GENERATION..

I WAS SEEKING THE LORD THIS WEEK FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION FOR THIS TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

I BELIEVE THAT THE STRATEGY FOR THIS GENERATION IS FOUND IN:

ACTS 2:41-47

REVELATION 2:1-3:22

HOW DO WE DO THIS?

READ: 1906 SAN FRANCISCO EARTHQUAKE

IN OUR GENERATION:

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO THE APOSTLES' TEACHING and to THE FELLOWSHIP, to THE BREAKING OF BREAD and to PRAYER.

AS A RESULT…

{43} Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. {44} All the believers were together and had everything in common. {45} Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. {46} Every day they continued to meet together IN THE TEMPLE COURTS. They broke bread IN THEIR HOMES and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

AND THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."

THE FULFILLMENT OF THE PRAYER OF JESUS IS FOUND THE DEVOTION OF THE EARLY CHURCH..

DEVOTION TO..

1. THE WORD OF GOD – The apostles teaching

2. JOINED LIVES – Unity and mutual ministry

3. WORSHIP – Unity in adoration and honor of Jesus

4. PRAYER – Intimate Communion with the Spirit of God
THE RESULT!

1. Amazing events – awe inspiring happenings

2. Signs and Wonders –

3. Unity – believers joined together

4. Large Group meetings

5. Home Group meetings

6. Worship & Praise to Jesus

7. Favor of the local community

8. MANY PEOPLE COMING TO JESUS

BENEFITS OF THE WILDERNESS

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TEXT:
(Neh 9:9-15,19-23 NIV) "You SAW THE SUFFERING of our forefathers in Egypt; you HEARD THEIR CRY at the Red Sea. {10} You sent miraculous signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his officials and all the people of his land, for you knew how arrogantly the Egyptians treated them. You made a name for yourself, which remains to this day. {11} You divided the sea before them, so that they passed through it on dry ground, but you hurled their pursuers into the depths, like a stone into mighty waters. {12} By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take. {13} "You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good. {14} You made known to them your holy Sabbath and gave them commands, decrees and laws through your servant Moses. {15} In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven and in their thirst you brought them water from the rock; you told them to go in and take possession of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand to give them….."

{19} “Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. {20} YOU GAVE YOUR GOOD SPIRIT TO INSTRUCT THEM. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. {21} For forty years you sustained them in the desert; THEY LACKED NOTHING, their CLOTHES DID NOT WEAR OUT nor did their feet become swollen. {22} "You gave them kingdoms and nations, allotting to them even the remotest frontiers. They took over the country of Sihon king of Heshbon and the country of Og king of Bashan. {23} You made their sons as numerous as the stars in the sky, and you brought them into the land that you told their fathers to enter and possess.”
WHAT INITIATED THE EXODUS FROM EGYPT

1. THE SUFFERING OF THE PEOPLE

2. THE CRY FOR GOD’S INTERVENTION
WHAT DID GOD DO?

THREE STEPS FOR ANY GOOD WORK GOD DOES….

1. HE DELIVERED THEM FROM BONDAGE

2. LED THEM IN TO THE WILDNERNESS

3. BROUGHT THEM INTO CAANAN
WHAT DID THEY LOSE…

LOSSES:

1. COMFORT

a. LOSS OF “IDOLS” – In the wilderness you lose your options for worship...

b. LOSS OF “DISTRACTIONS” – In the wilderness there is not much to do…

(Num 11:4-6 NLT) "Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt, and the people of Israel also began to complain. "Oh, for some meat!" they exclaimed. {5} "We remember all the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic that we wanted. {6} But now our appetites are gone, and day after day we have nothing to eat but this manna!""

c.

2. SELF-DIRECTION

a. LOSS OF “MY WILL” – In the wilderness you are not doing what you want..

b. LOSS OF “MY MIND” – In the wilderness God removes options for thinking..

(Exo 14:11-12 NIV) "They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? {12} Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!""

3. CLARITY

a. LOSS OF TEMPORAL DIRECTION – We don’t know what will happen next..

b. LOSS OF INTERNAL DIRECTION – We know little of how to plan for the future.

(Josh 5:6 NLT) "The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years until all the men who were old enough to bear arms when they left Egypt had died. For they had disobeyed the LORD, and the LORD vowed he would not let them enter the land he had sworn to give us--a land flowing with milk and honey."

4. BONDAGE

a. LOSS OF BONDAGE TO PEOPLE – lose our unhealthy attachments to people

b. LOSS OF BONDAGE TO THINGS – lose our unhealthy attachments to things

c. LOSS OF BONDAGE TO IDEAS – lose our attachments to ungodly thinking..

(Exo 3:7-10 NIV) "The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. {8} So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey--the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. {9} And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. {10} So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.""

BENEFITS

1. DELIVERANCE OF GOD (vs. comfort)

a. FROM WORLDLY DISTRACTION (the World)

i. You have a few choices

1. GOD = wholeness & peace

2. WORLD = distraction & turmoil

b. FROM SELF-DISTRACTION (the Flesh)

1. GOD = wholeness & peace

2. SELF = selfishness, distraction & turmoil

c. FROM SINFUL PATTERNS (the Devil)

(1 John 2:14-17 NLT) "I have written to you, children, because you have KNOWN THE FATHER. I have written to you who are mature because you know Christ, the one who is from the beginning. I have written to you who are young because you are STRONG WITH GOD'S WORD living in your hearts, and you have won your battle with Satan. {15} Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. {16} For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. {17} And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever."

2. PRESENCE OF GOD (vs. clarity)

a. PROVISION – JUST ENOUGH

i. NEEDS ARE MET

ii. SUPPLIES DON’T WEAR OUT

(Neh. 9:21) For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.

b. POWER OF GOD

i. SIGNS AND WONDERS

(Luke 10:17-20 NIV) "The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." {18} He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. {19} I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. {20} However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.""

c. PROTECTION

i. GOD DEFENDS YOU

(Isa 41:10-13 NIV) "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. {11} "All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. {12} Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. {13} For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

3. DIRECTION OF GOD (vs. self-direction)

a. WAITING ON GOD

i. LEARN TO DEPEND

ii. LEARN TO LISTEN

iii. LEARN TO OBEY

(Isa 64:4 NLT) "For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who WAIT for him!"

b. TIMING OF GOD

i. STEP BY STEP – JUST ENOUGH

ii. MOVE WITH THE FIRE AND CLOUD

4. TRANSFORMATION OF GOD (vs. bondage to self)

a. REVELATION OF HIS PROMISES & COVENANT

i. OT = ten commandments

ii. NT = power of the spirit, word of God

(Rom 12:2 NIV) "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. THEN YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TEST AND APPROVE WHAT GOD'S WILL IS his good, pleasing and perfect will."

b. ILLUMINATION

i. SHOWS YOU THINGS YOU DIDN’T SEE BEFORE

ii. SHOWS YOU THINGS THAT YOU WERE TO DISTRACTED TO SEE BEFORE

c. POWER

i. OVER WORLDLY TEMPTATIONS (the World)

1. The world holds not interest for us…

(1 John 4:4-7 NIV) "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

ii. OVER FLESHLY LUSTS (the Flesh)

1. The flesh has no power over us..

(Col 2:9-13 NIV) "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, {10} and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. {11} In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, {12} having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. {13} When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,"

iii. OVER SPIRITUAL RESISTANCE (the Devil)

1. WARFARE – OVERCOME ENEMIES

2. The Devil has no ability against us

(Rom 8:37-39 NIV) "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. {38} For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, {39} neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

OUR MISSION (should we choose to accept it..)

2011-08-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(Luke 9:23-24 NIV) "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

{24} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but WHOEVER LOSES HIS LIFE FOR ME WILL SAVE IT."

BOOK:

SEVEN LONGINGS OF THE HUMAN HEART - by MIKE BICKLE

These are the Longings that we have as Humans.. All pursuits are dependant on these longings..

1. The Longing to Be Enjoyed by God

2. The Longing for Fascination

3. The Longing for Beauty

4. The Longing for Greatness

5. The Longing for Intimacy Without Shame

6. The Longing to Be Wholehearted

7. The Longing to Make a Deep and Lasting Impact

REVIEW… HOW TO BE A MEMBER IN THE BODY OF CHRIST:

ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES…

1) BELIEVE in (PUT YOUR TRUST IN..) Jesus as Savior

- PERSONAL DEVOTION TO JESUS

- INITIATE A RELATIONSHIP

2) BE BAPTIZED IN WATER according to the EXAMPLE & TEACHING OF JESUS

- PUBLIC DEVOTION TO JESUS

- NO PRIVATE CHRISTIANS

(Mark 16:15-16 NIV) "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. {16} Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

3) FOLLOW JESUS AS A DISCIPLE (PURSUER)

- MEETS OUR LONGING TO PURSUE A DREAM, PERSON (something to chase after!)

(Luke 9:23-24 NIV) "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. {24} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."

4) ENTER INTO THE PROCESS OF SPIRITUAL REGENERATION by obedience to Jesus.

- MEETS OUR NEED TO GIVE OUR LIFE AWAY!

(2 Cor 3:17-18 NIV) "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. {18} And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

(Eph 4:22-24 NIV) "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to PUT OFF YOUR OLD SELF, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; {23} to be made new in the attitude of your minds; {24} and to PUT ON THE NEW SELF, CREATED TO BE LIKE GOD in true righteousness and holiness."

CHRISTIANS VS. FOLLOWERS OF JESUS

CHRISTIANS – Is what the world called the FOLLOWERS OF JESUS

1. The believers did not call themselves CHRISTIANS

(Acts 11:26 NIV) "and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. THE DISCIPLES WERE CALLED CHRISTIANS FIRST AT ANTIOCH."

2. THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CALLED THEMSELVES CHRISTIANS

a. They did not believe that they had become Christlike.. only that they were followers of Christ!

FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY – Is what PEOPLE OF GOD CALLED THEMSELVES

1. JESUS CALLED HIMSELF “THE WAY”

a. (John 14:6 NIV) "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

2. THE CHURCH CALLED “DISCIPLES” OR “FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY”

(Acts 24:14 NIV) "However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,"

OTHER SCRIPTURES: Acts 9:2 19:9,23 24:14,22

SHOULD WE BE CALLED CHRISTIANS?

1. CHRISTIAN means Christ-like in appearance

a. Are we really like Christ in appearance?

b. Barna Statistics say that the church is statistically no different than the world

c. FOCUS BECOMES “LOOKING LIKE JESUS”

i. It becomes a work of the flesh.. trying to look like Jesus!

2. FOLLOWER OF JESUS means pursuer of THE PERSON OF JESUS

a. WHEN WE ARE A FOLLOWER OF JESUS..

i. Transformation is what God does when we pursue Him

b. WE KEEP PROPER FOCUS – LOVING GOD!

i. LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL HEART, MIND , STRENGTH

ii. LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR AS WE LOVE OURSELVES

5) WALK IN THE AUTHORITY OF THE WORD OF GOD (the WORD - TRUTH)

- MEETS OUR LONGING FOR TRUTH

(John 15:10 NIV) "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love."

(Col 3:16 NIV) "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."

6) WALK IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (the SPIRIT – GRACE)

- MEETS OUR LONGING FOR POWER

(Acts 1:8 NIV) "But YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES ON YOU; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

(1 Cor 5:4 NIV) "WHEN YOU ARE ASSEMBLED in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and THE POWER OF OUR LORD JESUS IS PRESENT,"

(1 Cor 2:4-5 KJV) "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: {5} That your faith should not stand in the WISDOM OF MEN, but in the POWER OF GOD."

5) EMBRACE AND ENGAGE IN RELATIONSHIPS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

- MEETS OUR NEED FOR COMMUNITY (something bigger than ourselves)

(Rom 12:4-5 NIV) "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, {5} so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

- Serve and minister to other members in the body of Christ using time, talents, spiritual gifts, resources as God directs.

CORNERSTONE CHURCH

MISSION,VISION AND VALUES

(Revised July 2011)

OUR MISSION: TO MAKE MORE & BETTER DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST…

(To love God and others by passionately following Jesus and partnering with others to do the same.)

OUR VISION: TO EXPERIENCE CHURCH LIKE WE READ ABOUT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

OUR STRATEGY: TO WIN - CONNECT – DISCIPLE - SEND

1) WIN – To share Jesus and lead others to a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

2) CONNECT – To assist others to experience wholeness in attachment to God & the Body of Christ.

3) DISCIPLE - To teach others to passionately follow Jesus & be transformed into His image.

4) SEND – To reveal Jesus and minister in His name in our community and beyond.

OUR VALUES: BASED ON LOVE, ACCEPTANCE AND FORGIVENESS...

PURSUIT OF PRESENCE:

The Longing to Be Enjoyed by God

The Longing for Intimacy Without Shame

1 – PRAYER

Prayer is not preparation for the work of the church; it is the work of the church. In prayer, God’s heart and will is revealed. In prayer we are led and empowered to accomplish the purposes of God in our life, family, church, community and world.

The Longing for Fascination

The Longing for Beauty

2 - WORSHIP

We were created to worship God. (Rev. 4:11) Through worship we bless by giving Him the adoration and praise due His Name. We praise Him for who He is through singing and the spoken word. Our worship gatherings include celebration of our life in God, adoration of Jesus, proclamation of the Word of God and transaction with the presence of God.

PURSUIT OF TRUTH

3 – TRUTH

The Bible is God’s Word. It reveals the standard by which our attitudes and behavior are to be measured. We conform our lives to the Bible as Truth and do not attempt to adjust this Truth to conform to preferences. Biblical standards of truth supersede all other social and cultural standards.

PURSUIT OF POWER

The Longing for Greatness

4 – FAITH

As God’s Children, we are called to walk by faith, not by sight, being led by the direction of the Holy Spirit and the instructions of God’s word. We therefore value hearing Gods voice, obeying His directives, and applying the Word of God to our daily lives.

11 - THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit has been given to empower the church to fulfill the purpose and claim the destiny God has created us for. We therefore value and depend upon the Holy Spirit’s presence and power to guide and empower in every gathering and in all relationships.

PURSUIT OF COMMUNITY (larger than ourselves)

The Longing for Intimacy Without Shame

5 – COMMUNITY

The church is a place to belong. It is an extended family where each member lives in encouraging and accountable relationships. Members of the church family encourage, serve and care for one another in an atmosphere of love, acceptance and forgiveness and live their lives together in both small and large group settings.

6 – LEADERSHIP

Congregational leaders are given authority to lead the congregation by serving under the Lordship of Jesus Christ who is the head of the church. Instead of “doing” all the ministry, pastors are to serve the body of Christ by training, equipping and releasing members into the work of ministry. (Eph. 4:11)

12 – UNITY

Working together in the Body of Christ with unity of vision is essential if we are to be the Church and operate according to the plan of God for us. We therefore commit to unity in the Spirit with the larger Body of Christ and a unity of a common mission, vision and values as a local congregation.

PURSUIT OF PURPOSE (something to live and die for..)

The Longing to Make a Deep and Lasting Impact

7 – GIVING

The tithe (10%) is the foundation of biblical giving and is given and used in the local church. Faith Promise giving for missions, sacrificial giving for facilities and compassion giving for the needy are given above and beyond the tithe. While the tithe (10%) is given out of obedience to God, offerings above and beyond the tithe are optional and are to be given according to ability, desire and leading.

8 – OUTREACH

The main focus of the church is to be outward rather than inward. Reaching out to others is not simply one of the things that we do, but is the focus of everything we do as a church. Extending the Kingdom of God both at home and around the world must be at the forefront of our minds in every decision we make.

The Longing to Be Wholehearted

The Longing for Beauty

9 – LIFE TRANSFORMATION

Lives are transformed by the renewing of our minds. Believers must personally grow in intimate, transparent relationship with God. Through this relationship we experience wholeness: the forgiveness of sin, freedom from past hurts, and healing in our lives through the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit.

10 – EVERY MEMBER A MINISTER

Every member, including youth and children, is to be actively involved in ministering to one another to win, connect and disciple others to Jesus. Each member is called to minister to others by the power of the Holy Spirit and serve one another according to their spiritual gifting.

HOW WILL YOU FULFILL YOUR MISSION ON THE EARTH?

HOW WILL YOU FULFILL THE LONGINGS OF YOUR HEART?

HOW TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

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THOSE WHO DESIRE TO BECOME MEMBERS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST ARE ENCOURAGED TO:

1) Believe in and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

A) ACCEPT JESUS AS SAVIOR…

1) RESPOND TO HIS INVITATION

- THE HOLY SPIRIT IS DRAWING US.. WE HAVE AN EMPTY PLACE IN OUR SOUL

(John 6:44 NIV) ""No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day."

2) GIVE YOUR LIFE TO JESUS - Initiate relationship with Jesus.

(John 3:16-18 NIV) ""For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. {17} For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. {18} WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM IS NOT CONDEMNED, but WHOEVER DOES NOT BELIEVE STANDS CONDEMNED ALREADY because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."

(Rom 10:9 10 NIV) "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe {TRUST} in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. {10} For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

B. FOLLOW JESUS AS LORD…

1. SUBMIT TO HIM – this means that you tune your heart and life to his plan..

(Luke 6:46 NIV) ""Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?"

(John 14:15-17 NIV) ""If you love me, you will obey what I command. {16} And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- {17} the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."

Jesus Christ as Lord: Agree to accept His truth…Agree to become HIS DISCIPLE!!

2. DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS

“ABIDE” IN HIM..

(John 15:4-5 NIV) "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. {5} "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

IN CHRIST… A NEW CREATION!

(2 Cor 5:17-18 NIV) "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! {18} All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:"

3. BECOME A FOLLOWER… MAKE YOUR LIFE PURSUIT AFTER THE LOVER OF YOUR SOUL

(Luke 9:23 24 NIV) "Then he said to them all: "IF ANYONE WOULD COME AFTER ME, HE MUST DENY HIMSELF AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY AND FOLLOW ME. {24} For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it."

This means that we must not only accept the blessings of God but we also must accept the suffering and difficulties that following God will cause.

This means that we must follow Jesus swimming against the current of the world, the flesh and the Devil.

2) Be baptized in water according to the EXAMPLE & TEACHING OF JESUS “for the remission of sins.”

WHAT DOES REMISSION MEAN??

American Heritage Dictionary:

remit b. To pardon; forgive: remitted their sins. 3. To restore to a former condition or position.

To respond to God’s offer of forgiveness for sins.. To respond in obedience to the call of God to be baptized so that he can forgive sins and restore relationship.

BAPTISM IS THE PUBLIC SIGN OF SALVATION - A COMMUNITY EVENT

(Mark 16:15 16 NIV) "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. {16} Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

(Mat 28:19 NIV) "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,"

JUST LIKE...

1) A MARRIAGE CEREMONY

2) A “SWEARING IN” (of a president or a leader)

GOD & HUMANS NEED A “PUBLIC EVENT” TO SEAL OR CONFIRM A INWARD REALITY.

3) Enter into the process of Spiritual Regeneration (Transformation)

By walking in communion and obedience by the Holy Spirit!!

SPIRITUAL REGENERATION- TRANSFORMATION HAPPENS BY RENEWAL OF THE MIND

(Rom 12:2 NIV) "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

THE QUALITY OF OUR TRANSFORMATION IS DEMONSTRATED BY OUR LIFE....

(James 2:17 22 NIV) "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. {18} But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. {19} You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder. {20} You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ? {21} Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? {22} You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did."

4) WALK in the authority and instruction of the Scriptures (the Bible.)

THE SCRIPTURE IS A FOUNDATION FOR THE CHURCH!

(2 Tim 3:16 17 NIV) "All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, {17} so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

(Rom 6:17 18 NLT) "Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you have obeyed with all your heart the new teaching God has given you. {18} Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness."

COMPROMISE ON THE TRUTH & VALUE OF SCRIPTURE MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO ENCOURAGE, EXHORT AND CORRECT EACH OTHER AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS!!

5) Understand, embrace and engage in relationship with the BODY OF CHRIST.

(1 Cor 12:18-31 NIV) "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. {19} If they were all one part, where would the body be? {20} As it is, there are many parts, but one body. {21} The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" {22} On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, {23} and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, {24} while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, {25} so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. {26} If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. {27} Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. {28} And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. {29} Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? {30} Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? {31} But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way."

AS A BODY OF BELIEVERS WE HAVE A VISION…

- THE BIBLE… OUR VISION IS TO “EXPERIENCE CHURCH LIKE WE READ ABOUT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT!”

- WE HAVE A SPECIFIC STRATEGY… A VISION THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US FOR THIS PLACE AND TIME..

WITHOUT A VISION THE PEOPLE ARE UNRESTRAINED (without purpose)

(Prov 29:18 NASB) "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law (THE OLD COVENANT VISION)."

VISION “ REVELATION (something that GOD has revealed for us HERE and NOW)

- Vision is from God.. It is revealed BY GOD FOR A SPECIFIC PLACE AND TIME. IT IS A SPIRITUAL GOAL.. A to leadership and is understood and confirmed by the people.

UNRESTRAINED “ PURPOSELESS

- FRUSTRATION AND DISCOURAGMENT overwhelm a people where there is no common purpose!!

- VISION added to another type of VISION “ DIVISION

Serve and minister to other members in the body of Christ using time, talents, spiritual gifts, resourcesas God directs.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE BODY OF CHRIST HAS FOUR ASPECTS…

1) GOVERNED BY A NEW COVENANT BASED ON LOVE

Because GOD is the focus of the Christian community.. we can love each other

In the world there is no such thing as AGAPE LOVE…

- WHEN WE LOVE OTHERS BECAUSE GOD LOVES US.. IT IS SELFLESS

-BECAUSE THOSE WHO WE SERVE ARE TRULY NOT EXPECTED TO REPAY US…

-BECAUSE OUR EXPECTATION IN GOD.. WE CAN TRULY LIVE A SELFLESS LIFE… WITHOUT GOD.. THERE IS ONLY ONE PERSON (“When push comes to shove”) THAT WE CARE ABOUT..

2) COMMITTED TO “PRESENCE..”

a) GOD TELLS US.. “ I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU..”

b) LIVE IN COMMUNION WITH GOD…

C) HIS PRESENCE IS OUR GREAT REWARD

- ABRAHAM… “I am your great reward..”

- DAVID “One thing to I seek.. To fellowship with you in the sanctuary..”

- MARY “She has chosen the most important thing and it will not be taken from her..
D) WE ARE NON OPTIONALLY CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER…

(1 Cor 12:13-27 NIV) "For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. {14} Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. {15} If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. {16} And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. {17} If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? {18} But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. {19} If they were all one part, where would the body be? {20} As it is, there are many parts, but one body. {21} The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" {22} On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, {23} and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, {24} while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, {25} so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. {26} If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. {27} Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

(Col 3:12-17 NIV) "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. {13} Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. {14} And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. {15} LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE IN YOUR HEARTS, SINCE AS MEMBERS OF ONE BODY YOU WERE CALLED TO PEACE. And be thankful. {16} Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. {17} And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

3) ACCOMPLISHED BY SELF DENIAL..

a) JESUS SAID IF YOU WOULD BE MY DISCIPLE, YOU MUST TAKE UP YOUR CROSS DAILY AND FOLLOW ME…

b) WE LIVE TO PLEASE GOD…

(Mat 22:37-40 NIV) "Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' {38} This is the first and greatest commandment. {39} And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' {40} All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.""

BECAUSE OUR FOCUS IS UPON SERVING AND LOVING GOD.. WE ALL BECOME FULFILLED!

4) ABUNDANT LIFE IS THE RESULT!

(John 10:10 NLT) "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."

LIVING IN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

 LOVING HIM FIRST… Creates a life that is full and free.

 LOVING HIM FIRST.. Gives us a way to love others unconditionally..

 LOVING HIM FIRST.. Gives us freedom from the fear of death

(Rom 14:8 NIV) "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."

(Rom 8:35-39 NIV) "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? {36} As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." {37} No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. {38} FOR I AM CONVINCED THAT NEITHER DEATH NOR LIFE, NEITHER ANGELS NOR DEMONS, NEITHER THE PRESENT NOR THE FUTURE, NOR ANY POWERS, {39} NEITHER HEIGHT NOR DEPTH, NOR ANYTHING ELSE IN ALL CREATION, WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD."

ARE YOU A TRULY MEMBER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST?

HAVE YOU GIVEN YOUR LIFE TO JESUS.. (not just ACCEPTED JESUS)

- HAVE YOU COME TO THE CROSS.. BUT ARE NOT CARRYING IT..

- WE HAVE A WHOLE GENERATION OF CHRISTIANS WHO ARE STANDING BY THE CROSS.. BUT HAVE NOT TAKEN IT UP..

o THEY REFUSE TO DIE TO SELF.. BUT ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO GET GOD TO COMPROMISE ON HIS PLAN TO TRANSFORM US…

o TO KILL US AND REPLACE US WITH JESUS

HAVE YOU ATTACHED TO THE BODY OF CHRIST..

- DO YOU HAVE NON-OPTIONAL CONNECTIONS TO OTHER PEOPLE

- ARE YOU ALONE..

- DO YOU MAKE YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE AND RESPONSIBLE TO OTHERS

- DO YOU CARE FOR OTHERS OUTSIDE YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

CELL GROUPS AND PRAYER GROUPS ARE FOR THIS PURPOSE..

-WE DON’T JUST SIT AROUND AND DO BIBLE STUDY OR KEEP SUPERFICIAL..

THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD IN THIS GENERATION

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TEXT:
(Rev 3:14-22 NIV) ""To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. {15} I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! {16} So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. {17} You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. {18} I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. {19} Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. {20} Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. {21} To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. {22} He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.""

REVIEW:

1. WE ARE LIVING IN A TIME OF GLOBAL TRANSITION THE BIBLE CALLS “THE DAY OF THE LORD”

2. IT IS THE MOST ANTICIPATED, DREADED AND PROPHESIED ABOUT TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD.

3. ACCORDING TO THESE PROPHESIES THIS PERIOD OF TIME WILL BE CHARACTARIZED BY MANY TERRIBLE TRENDS AND EVENTS

HOWEVER…

4. THE BIBLE ALSO CLEARLY DECLARES THAT THIS TIME WILL BE CHARACTARIZED BY A WORLDWIDE SUPERNATURAL MOVE OF GOD WHEREBY GOD WILL

a. REVEAL HIS GLORY

b. EXTEND HIS KINGDOM ON THE EARTH

IN 1983 BOB JONES PROPHESIED..

“I INTEND TO ENTIRELY CHANGE THE EXPRESSION OF CHRISTIANITY IN ONE GENERATION..”

THIS IS NOT A DESCRIPTION OF REVIVAL..

IT IS A DESCRIPTION OF REFORMATION!

THIS IS BOTH…

1. A RESTORATION OF THE NEW COVENANT CHURCH (described in Acts)

2. A NEW EXPRESSION OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD ON THE EARTH.. (according to prophetic scriptures..)

GOD INTENDS TO BRING THE CHURCH INTO IT’S FINAL DESTINY..

AND HE INTENDS TO DO IT THROUGH US!!

THE GOAL OF GOD IN THIS GENERATION..

(Hab 2:14 NIV) "For THE EARTH WILL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD, AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA."

GOD INTENDS TO FULFILL THE LORD’S PRAYER:

“Let your kingdom come, let your will be done – ON EARTH – as it is in heaven..”

REVIEW…

1. SPECIFICALLY WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT

a. THE PROPHECY OF JOEL/PETER:

i. IN THE LAST DAYS.. I will pour out my spirit on all flesh

ii. Prophecy, dreams, visions, signs & wonders

(Joel 2:28-31 NIV) "'And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. {29} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. {30} I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. {31} The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD."

(Acts 2:16-21 NIV) "No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: {17} "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. {18} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. {19} I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. {20} The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. {21} And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"

b. THE PROPHECY OF JEREMIAH/JESUS/HEBREWS

i. In the last days.. A NEW COVENANT not like the old..

ii. I will write my commandments on the heart,

iii. I will speak to each person in their heart

iv. Spirit will live in each person

(Jer 31:33-34 NIV) ""This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. {34} No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

(John 14:16-17, 16:13-14 NIV) "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- {17} the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."(16:13-14) "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. {14} He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you."

(Heb 8:8-12 NIV) "But God found fault with the people and said : "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah……

{10} This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. {11} No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. {12} For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.""

c. THE PROMISE OF JESUS/PAUL:

i. All authority has been given..

ii. Signs and wonders shall follow those who believe

iii. Holy Spirit is manifest by gifts, signs and healing

(Mark 16:15-17, 20 NIV) "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. {16} Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. {17} And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;" (Mark 16:20 NIV) "Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and CONFIRMED HIS WORD BY THE SIGNS THAT ACCOMPANIED IT."

(Heb 2:2-4 NIV) "For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, {3} how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. {4} God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will."

d. THE PROPHECY OF AMOS/JAMES:

i. The restoration of the tabernacle of David

ii. Immediate access to the presence of God by worship & prayer

iii. The Current Prayer Movement

(Amos 9:11-15 NIV) "IN THAT DAY (THE LAST DAYS) I WILL RESTORE DAVID'S FALLEN TENT. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be,

(Acts 15:14-18 NIV) "Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. {15} The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: {16} "After this I will return and rebuild DAVID'S FALLEN TENT. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, {17} THAT THE REMNANT OF MEN MAY SEEK THE LORD, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' {18} that have been known for ages."

TODAY …..

WE WANT TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT GOD INTENDS TO DO IN THE COMING DAYS..

THE AMERICAN CHURCH:

(Rev 3:14-22 NIV) ""To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. {15} I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! {16} So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. {17} You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. {18} I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. {19} Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. {20} Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. {21} To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. {22} He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.""

THE COMING PURGING OF THE CHURCH

(Hosea 2:8-13 NIV)

1. "SHE HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT I WAS THE ONE WHO GAVE HER THE GRAIN, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold-- which they used for Baal. {9} "Therefore

2. I will take away my grain when it ripens, and my new wine when it is ready.

3. I will take back my wool and my linen, intended to cover her nakedness. {10} So now

4. I will expose her lewdness before the eyes of her lovers; no one will take her out of my hands. {11}

5. I will stop all her celebrations: her yearly festivals, her New Moons, her Sabbath days--all her appointed feasts. {12}

6. I will ruin her vines and her fig trees, which she said were her pay from her lovers; I will make them a thicket, and wild animals will devour them. {13}

7. I will punish her for the days she burned incense to the Baals; she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but me she forgot," declares the LORD."

(Hosea 2:14-20 NIV) ""Therefore

1. I am now going to allure her;

2. I will lead her into the desert and

3. speak tenderly to her. {15} There

4. I will give her back her vineyards, and

5. will make the Valley of Achor {TROUBLE} a door of hope.

6. There she will RESPOND as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. {16}

7. "In that day," declares the LORD, "you will call me 'my husband'; you will no longer call me 'my master.' {17}

8. I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips; no longer will their names be invoked. {18}

9. In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air and the creatures that move along the ground.

10. Bow and sword and battle I will abolish from the land, so that all may lie down in safety. {19}

11. I will betroth you {SET YOU APART} to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. {20}

12. I will betroth you {SET YOU APART} in faithfulness, and YOU WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THE LORD."

THIS IS A TIME WHEN GOD IS GOING TO REMOVE ALL THE DISTRACTIONS FROM THE CHURCH AND REMOVE US “UNTO HIMSELF” SO THAT WE WILL LEARN ABOUT HIS LOVE AND HIS PURPOSES FOR US..

1. ALLURING US – it wont be optional.. we will be removed from our comforts into his presence or we will rebel and run

2. THE DESERT – a place of discomfort, dryness and seemingly “nothing” – nothing except the presence of God – our lover!

3. SPEAKING TENDERLY – God intends to get rid of all distractions so that we can hear his sweet voice.

4. RESTORE VINEYARDS – give us back fruitfulness and fulfillment

5. VALLEY OF ACHOR – DOOR OF HOPE.. “Achor” means “trouble” –turn trouble into anticipation.. hopefulness.. make lemonade out of lemons..

6. RESPOND – we will learn again how to be excited by his presence alone.. not the rituals and the distracting things that we have contrived to impress him..

7. FROM MASTER TO HUSBAND – We will regain our “FIRST LOVE” relationship with God.. not what we have now… task master… “Divine Being” idea

8. REMOVE THE BAALS – Remove the distracting idol pursuits

9. RENEW THE COVENANT – get married again

10. BETROTHED TO GOD – that we will be wholly devoted to him.. (as a fiancé!) no other lovers in the picture!

11. ACKNOWLEDGE THE LORD – We will love and listen to him and know who we are and what we are here for!!

THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD IN THIS GENERATION

2011-07-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(John 14:15-17 NIV) ""If you love me, you will obey what I command. {16} And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- {17} the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."

(John 14:25-26 NIV) ""All this I have spoken while still with you. {26} But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

(John 16:12-15 NIV) ""I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. {13} But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. {14} He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. {15} All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."

(1 Cor 2:9-16 NIV) "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- {10} but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. {11} For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. {12} We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. {13} This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. {14} The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. {15} The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: {16} "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ."

THE SPIRIT OF JESUS REVEALS & EMPOWERS THIS GENERATION..

(Heb 1 NIV) "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, {2} but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe….

(Heb 2:1-4 NIV) "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. {2} For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, {3} how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. {4} God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will."

WE ARE LIVING IN A TIME OF GLOBAL TRANSITION

- THE BIBLE CALLS OUR GENERATION THE DAY OF THE LORD

- IT IS A TIME WHEN GOD IS RELEASING THE FULL POWER & PURPOSE OF HIS HOLY SPIRIT..

- THIS POWER IS THE ONLY WAY THAT WE WILL ENDURE.. NOT ONLY ENDURE.. THIS WILL BE A PERIOD OF POWER AND TRUTH..

IT IS THE MOST PROPHESIED GLOBAL TRANSITION IN THE BIBLE!!

- DURING THE COMING DAYS GOD INTENDS TO AMAZING THINGS

-GOD INTENDS ON REVEALING HIMSELF ON THE EARTH

-THINGS THAT HAVE NEVER HAPPENED ON THE EARTH BEFORE!

-THE BIBLE SAYS THAT THE LIKES OF THESE DAYS HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN ON THE EARTH BEFORE AND WILL NEVER BE SEEN AGAIN!

THE PROMISE FOR THIS GLOBAL TRANSITION – “DAY OF THE LORD”

(Joel 2:28-32 NIV) "'And afterward (IN THE LAST DAYS), I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL PEOPLE. Your sons and daughters will PROPHESY, your old men will dream DREAMS, your young men will see VISIONS. {29} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. {30} I will show WONDERS IN THE HEAVENS and ON THE EARTH, blood and fire and billows of smoke. {31} The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. {32} And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls." (Joel 3:1-2 NIV) "'In those days and at that time, WHEN I RESTORE THE FORTUNES OF JUDAH AND JERUSALEM, {2} I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land."

IN 1983 BOB JONES PROPHESIED..

“I INTEND TO ENTIRELY CHANGE THE EXPRESSION OF CHRISTIANITY IN ONE GENERATION..”

THIS IS NOT A DESCRIPTION OF REVIVAL..

IT IS A DESCRIPTION OF REFORMATION!

GOD INTENDS TO BRING THE CHURCH INTO IT’S FINAL DESTINY..

AND HE INTENDS TO DO IT THROUGH US!!

THE GOAL OF GOD IN THIS GENERATION..

(Hab 2:14 NIV) "For THE EARTH WILL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD, AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA."

GOD INTENDS TO FULFILL THE LORD’S PRAYER:

“Let your kingdom come, let your will be done – ON EARTH – as it is in heaven..”

HOW DOES GOD REVEAL HIS GLORY ON THE EARTH?

THROUGH THE CHURCH!!

(Eph 3:20-21 NASB) "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, {21} TO HIM BE THE GLORY IN THE CHURCH and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS GLORY TO BE REVEALED IN US

(John 17:22-24 NIV) "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: {23} I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity TO LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT YOU SENT ME AND HAVE LOVED THEM EVEN AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME. {24} "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."

GOD’S INTENTION IS TO BE REVEALED ON THE EARTH THROUGH YOU!

(Rom 8:11 NLT) "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as he raised Christ from the dead, HE WILL GIVE LIFE TO YOUR MORTAL BODY BY THIS SAME SPIRIT LIVING WITHIN YOU."

GOD INTENDS TO REVEAL HIS GLORY THROUGH HIS PEOPLE ON THE EARTH!!

YOU ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST!

INVITATION:

• As we have communion this morning.. will you say “spirit come” be revealed in me.. I give myself to you to be the revelation of God on the earth!!

• During this time I do not agree with the spirit of fear.. I agree with the plan of God for me to overcome!

THE DAY OF THE LORD - FOUR STRATEGIES

2011-06-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

IN OUR GENERATION:

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO THE APOSTLES' TEACHING and to THE FELLOWSHIP, to THE BREAKING OF BREAD and to PRAYER.

AS A RESULT…

{43} Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. {44} All the believers were together and had everything in common. {45} Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. {46} Every day they continued to meet together IN THE TEMPLE COURTS. They broke bread IN THEIR HOMES and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

AND THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."

WE ARE LIVING IN A TIME OF GLOBAL TRANSITION

- THE BIBLE CALLS OUR GENERATION THE DAY OF THE LORD

IT IS THE MOST PROPHESIED GLOBAL TRANSITION IN THE BIBLE!!

-EVEN THOUGH THE BIBLE CALLS OUR GENERATION “DREADFUL”

-WE ALSO SEE THAT GOD INTENDS TO AMAZING THINGS

-THINGS THAT HAVE NEVER HAPPENED ON THE EARTH BEFORE!

-THE BIBLE SAYS THAT THE LIKES OF THESE DAYS HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN ON THE EARTH BEFORE AND WILL NEVER BE SEEN AGAIN!

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THESE DAYS!

(2 Tim 1:7 NIV) "For God did not give us a SPIRIT OF FEAR, but a SPIRIT OF POWER, OF LOVE AND OF SELF-DISCIPLINE."

SCRIPTURES THAT TALK ABOUT THE DAY OF THE LORD – 25 PLACES

ISA. 2:12,13:6,9, JER. 46:10, EZEK. 13:5,30:3, JOEL 1;15-3:14, AMOS 5:18,20, OBAD. 1:15, ZEPH. 1:14,14:1, MAL 4:5…. ACTS 2:20, I COR. 5:5, I THESS. 5:2, 2 PET. 3:10

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CURRENT GLOBAL TRANSITION – “DAY OF THE LORD”

(Joel 2:28-32 NIV) "'And afterward, I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL PEOPLE. Your sons and daughters will PROPHESY, your old men will dream DREAMS, your young men will see VISIONS. {29} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. {30} I will show WONDERS IN THE HEAVENS and ON THE EARTH, blood and fire and billows of smoke. {31} The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. {32} And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls." (Joel 3:1-2 NIV) "'In those days and at that time, WHEN I RESTORE THE FORTUNES OF JUDAH AND JERUSALEM, {2} I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land."

(Mat 24:3-14 NIV)

"As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and WHAT WILL BE THE SIGN OF YOUR COMING AND OF THE END OF THE AGE?""

"Jesus answered….

1. Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many.

2. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

3. There will be famines…

4. There will be earthquakes in various places.

“All these are the beginning of birth pains.”

5. You will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death…

6. Many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,

7. Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.

8. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,

“but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world

as a testimony to all nations….

AND THEN THE END WILL COME.

ACCORDING TO JESUS, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE AT THE END OF THE AGE?

1. FALSE MESSIAHS – many people with a savior complex

2. WAR – dramatic increase in worldwide violence

3. FAMINE – many people dying of hunger

4. EARTHQUAKES – massive devastating

5. PERSECUTION – Christians being persecuted and killed

6. TURNING AWAY FROM GOD – Christians turning away and betraying other Christians

7. FALSE PROPHETS – prophets who accurately predict but are not of God

8. LOVE WILL GROW COLD – Many believers who turn away from loving God

“but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

THEN THE GOSPEL WILL BE PROCLAIMED IN ALL NATIONS

– THEN THE END WILL COME!

THE CURRENT GLOBAL TRANSITION

CHARACTARISTICS OF THIS TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

1. THE PEOPLE IN THIS CULTURE HAVE TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD IS LOOKING FOR A REMNANT WHO LOVE HIM.. (is that us??)

3. GOD HAS GIVEN US A “DIVINE STRATEGY” – A NEW COVENANT

a. WE MUST DISCOVER WHAT THE STRATEGY IS!

b. WE WILL DISCOVER THAT THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES DYING TO SELF

c. WE WILL DISCOVER THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

4. THIS “STRATEGY” WILL LOOK/SOUND FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE MOMENT THAT THE TRANSITION COMES WILL THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

5. WHEN THIS TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THE TRANSITION WILL BE READY

b. ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT ACCEPTED IT WILL BE LOST..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE STRATEGY FOR THIS GENERATION..

I WAS SEEKING THE LORD THIS WEEK FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION FOR THIS TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

SINCE WE LIVE IN THE MOST PROPHESIED GENERATION IN HISTORY – IT WASN’T DIFFICULT!

I BELIEVE THAT THE STRATEGY FOR THIS GENERATION IS FOUND IN:

JOHN 17:20-26

ACTS 2:41-47

REVELATION 2:1-3:22

JESUS PRAYS FOR US…(John 17:20-26 NIV)

THE PRAYER OF JESUS FOR THIS GENERATION IS ESSENTIAL

1. UNITY - GOD IS DELIVERING THE CHURCH FROM FRAGMENTATION

a. GOD IS BRINGING THE CHURCH OUT OF RELIGIOUS FORMS

b. GOD IS BRINGING THE CHURCH INTO COMPLETE RELEVENCE

c. GOD IS BRINGING US INTO REFORMATION

i. THIS IS NOT REVIVAL, RENEWAL OR AWAKENING

ii. THE VERY STRUCTURE & FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH IS CHANGING

2. WITNESS – CHURCH WILL BE COUNTER-CULTURAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL

a. GOD IS PRESENT ON THE EARTH BY THE WITNESS OF THE CHURCH

i. LOVE – motivated by the deep & powerful love of God

ii. PRESENCE – HOSTING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

1. In our personal lives

2. In our marketplace practices

3. In our corporate meetings

iii. ORDER – living under God’s authority and His delegated authority

iv. FRUITS & GIFTS –

v. SIGNS & WONDERS

3. GLORY OF GOD – GOD IS REVEALING HIS FULLNESS

a. GOD’S WORKS

i. LIKE WE READ ABOUT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

1. MIRACLES

a. GOD IS REVEALING HIMSELF IN THE WORLD BY HEALING

2. SIGNS & WONDERS

a. GOD IS REVEALING HIMSELF BY PHYSICAL/SUPERNATURAL SIGNS IN & ON THE EARTH

3. GIFTS -

a. THE RELEASE OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT IN THE 60-70’S

b. GOD’S CALLINGS-

i. THE RESTORATION OF THE FIVE FOLD MINISTRY

1. TEACHERS - Reformation in the 1500

2. PASTOR – 1600’s

a. Congregationalism, Seperatism, Quakers,

3. EVANGELIST – 1730-, 1830-

1. Revivals in 1730’s & 1830’s

2. Missionary Movements late 1800

REVIVALS PRODUCE CHANGE IN NATIONAL POLICY…

FIRST GREAT AWAKENING – 1730 -1765

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE -1776

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

SECOND GREAT AWAKENING – 1830 -1860’s

ABOLITION – CIVIL WAR

In the late 1820s and 1830s a religious revival called the Second Great Awakening had a strong impact on pre- Civil War American religion and reform. Of the major reforms four stand out greatly. They are temperance, rehabilitation, abolitionism and women’s rights. Revival particularly among the Methodist and Baptist movements produced an amazing surge in social consciousness. The success of the Methodism and the Baptists lay for the most part in their reliance on traveling preachers who brought a message that not only converted many, but produced a desire for holy living, equality and benevolence in society. During this period of time Protestants and upper middle class women led the charge, making this one of the most important reformation periods in American history.

MANIFEST DESTINY - 1839

Journalist John L. O'Sullivan, an influential advocate for the Democratic Party, wrote an article in 1839 about "Manifest Destiny", voicing a common fervor among political leaders. This article would come to be a defining statement of Manifest Destiny. The article clearly expresses that Democratic political leaders believed in a "divine destiny" for the United States based upon values such as equality, rights of conscience, and personal enfranchisement-- "to establish on earth the moral dignity and salvation of man". O'Sullivan predicted that the United States would be one of a "Union of many Republics" sharing those values.

4. PROPHET – mid 1900’s – present

a. Modern Prophets

i. Rick Joyner

ii. David Wilkerson

iii. Mike Bickle

iv. Bob Jones

v. Chuck Pierce

b. CHARISMATIC RENEWAL –

i. Renewal of GIFTS

ii. Renewal of Worship

c. PRAYER MOVEMENT

i. Renewal of the Tent of David

5. APOSTLE – late 1900’s - present

a. TORONTO BLESSING

b. BROWNSVILLE

c. NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCHES (VINEYARD, IHOP, Cstone)

4. PRESENCE OF JESUS

a. PRESENCE MOVEMENT

i. TENT OF DAVID RESTORATION

1. I CHRON. 16:1-6 –“David set up the ark in a tent and for 30 years hired preist and levites to pray and worship in the tent.

2. AMOS 9:11-15 – “In that day I will restore David’s fallen tent”

3. ACTS 15:16 – taking from the nations a people prepared for Himself.. I will restore David’s fallen tent..

b. WORSHIP MOVEMENT – 1960’s - Present

i. INTIMACY IN WORSHIP GROWING..

1. From general thanks & praise to INTIMATE ADORATION

ii. UNITY OF THE CHURCH EXPRESSED IN UNIFIED ADORATION

1. HEARTS UNITED

2. WORDS UNITED

3. VOICES UNITED

c. PRAYER MOVEMENT

i. INTIMACY GROWING

1. FROM TALKING TO LISTENING

2. FROM HEARING TO COMMUNION

3. FROM SPORADIC TO 24/7

The Worldwide Prayer Movement

Since about 1970, a powerful movement has been growing across the globe. It has no political ideology and few leaders - but millions of followers. The movement can be organized but seems best suited to flare up by spontaneous combustion in unlikely venues. The tenets of the movement are ancient, and have been practiced for centuries around the world. There is nothing new about it - yet it carries with it the freshness of tomorrow morning’s rising tide. Wherever this movement occurs there are social and cultural ramifications, and people who come into contact with it are dramatically changed. It appears to be occurring everywhere – in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, in South America and in North America. It is the worldwide prayer movement.

C. Peter Wagner, a former missionary and seminary professor has written extensively on prayer and 15 years ago wrote, “In recent years the expansion of the prayer movement has been exponential. Quality of prayer is increasing along with quantity of prayer. Flames of prayer are being lit in virtually every denomination on every continent. Pastors are giving prayer a higher priority… and prayer movements and prayer ministries are proliferating….”

In the early 1990’s David Bryant, former chairman of the National Prayer Committee wrote that three hundred leaders representing 160 denominations and para church organizations met for 24 hours of prayer “to inaugurate a new initiative in spiritual leadership for prayer across the Body of Christ.” He went on to say, “Since then, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in national prayer events, initiatives, ministries and coalitions, serving the national prayer movement."

In 2001, as a result of a South African businessman’s vision of prayer, 45,000 people gathered for repentance and prayer at a Rugby Stadium in Capetown. The vision grew. By 2010, a total of 220 nations participated in The Global Day of Prayer as hundreds of millions of Christians gathered in venues around the world for the largest unified prayer gathering in history. Something undeniable is clearly happening. It cannot be viewed as isolated, the prayer movement is real.

The branches of the contemporary worldwide prayer movement may have their roots in the prayer ministries of 20th century South Korea. In 1973 David Yonggi Cho, Pastor of the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea, established Prayer Mountain with night and day prayer. Prayer Mountain was soon attracting over a million visitors per year, as people would spend retreats in the prayer cells provided on the mountain. Cho had a commitment to continuous prayer, to faith and to establishing small discipleship cells in his church. Perhaps as a result, Cho’s church rapidly expanded to become the largest church congregation on the globe, with membership now over 780,000.

On September 19, 1999, the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri, started a prayer and worship meeting that has continued for twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week ever since. With a similar vision to Zinzendorf, that the fire on the altar should never go out, there has never been a time when worship and prayer has not ascended to heaven since that date.

At the same time, in many other places around the world, God placed desires and plans for 24/7 prayer in the fabric of diverse ministries and in the hearts of leaders. This has resulted in 24/7 houses of prayer and prayer mountains being established in every continent of the earth. Currently HOUSES OF PRAYER are being established in many major cities in the United States and around the globe.

BOB JONES PREDICTED in 1988 THAT IN THIS AGE THERE WOULD BE A PRAYER MOVEMENT UNDER THE MODEL OF DAVIDS FALLEN TENT!

5. REVELATION OF THE HEART OF GOD

a. GOD IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCH

b. SUPERNATURAL PRESENCE & MINISTRY

c. MINUTE BY MINUTE REVELATION OF GOD’S PRESENCE

i. RHEMA - WORD FOR THE MOMENT

ii. GOD SPEAKING THROUGH US

6. LOVE AS THE FOUNDATION OF ALL

a. ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE

b. THE LOVE OF GOD - LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, FORGIVENESS

FILLED WITH JESUS

c. JESUS IN US.. THE HOPE OF GLORY

HOW DO WE DO THIS?

IN OUR GENERATION:

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "THEY DEVOTED THEMSELVES TO THE APOSTLES' TEACHING and to THE FELLOWSHIP, to THE BREAKING OF BREAD and to PRAYER.

AS A RESULT…

{43} Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. {44} All the believers were together and had everything in common. {45} Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. {46} Every day they continued to meet together IN THE TEMPLE COURTS. They broke bread IN THEIR HOMES and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

AND THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."

THE FULFILLMENT OF THE PRAYER OF JESUS IS FOUND THE DEVOTION OF THE EARLY CHURCH..

DEVOTION TO..

1. THE WORD OF GOD – The apostles teaching

2. JOINED LIVES – Unity and mutual ministry

3. WORSHIP – Unity in adoration and honor of Jesus

4. PRAYER – Intimate Communion with the Spirit of God

THE RESULT!

1. Amazing events – awe inspiring happenings

2. Signs and Wonders –

3. Unity – believers joined together

4. Large Group meetings

5. Home Group meetings

6. Worship & Praise to Jesus

7. Favor of the local community

8. MANY PEOPLE COMING TO JESUS

THIS GLOBAL TRANSITION

2011-06-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

JESUS PRAYS FOR US…(John 17:20-26 NIV)

THIS IS FOR US..

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also FOR THOSE WHO WILL BELIEVE IN ME THROUGH THEIR MESSAGE,

1. {21} 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

2. SO THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE SENT ME.

3. {22} I HAVE GIVEN THEM THE GLORY THAT YOU GAVE ME, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE ONE: {23} I in them and you in me. MAY THEY BE BROUGHT TO COMPLETE UNITY TO LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT YOU SENT ME AND HAVE LOVED THEM EVEN AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME.

4. {24} "Father, I WANT THOSE YOU HAVE GIVEN ME TO BE WITH ME WHERE I AM, AND

5. TO SEE MY GLORY, THE GLORY YOU HAVE GIVEN ME BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME BEFORE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. {25} "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.

6. {26} I HAVE MADE YOU KNOWN TO THEM, AND

7. WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE YOU KNOWN IN ORDER THAT

8. THE LOVE YOU HAVE FOR ME MAY BE IN THEM AND THAT

9. I MYSELF MAY BE IN THEM.""

WE ARE LIVING IN A TIME OF GLOBAL TRANSITION

- THE BIBLE CALLS OUR GENERATION THE DAY OF THE LORD

IT IS THE MOST PROPHESIED GLOBAL TRANSITION IN THE BIBLE!!

-EVEN THOUGH THE BIBLE CALLS OUR GENERATION “DREADFUL”

-WE ALSO SEE THAT GOD INTENDS TO AMAZING THINGS

-THINGS THAT HAVE NEVER HAPPENED ON THE EARTH BEFORE!

-THE BIBLE SAYS THAT THE LIKES OF THESE DAYS HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN ON THE EARTH BEFORE AND WILL NEVER BE SEEN AGAIN!

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THESE DAYS!

(2 Tim 1:7 NIV) "For God did not give us a SPIRIT OF FEAR, but a SPIRIT OF POWER, OF LOVE AND OF SELF-DISCIPLINE."

SCRIPTURES THAT TALK ABOUT THE DAY OF THE LORD – 25 PLACES

ISA. 2:12,13:6,9, JER. 46:10, EZEK. 13:5,30:3, JOEL 1;15-3:14, AMOS 5:18,20, OBAD. 1:15, ZEPH. 1:14,14:1, MAL 4:5…. ACTS 2:20, I COR. 5:5, I THESS. 5:2, 2 PET. 3:10

CURRENT GLOBAL TRANSITION – “DAY OF THE LORD”

(Joel 2:28-32 NIV) "'And afterward, I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL PEOPLE. Your sons and daughters will PROPHESY, your old men will dream DREAMS, your young men will see VISIONS. {29} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. {30} I will show WONDERS IN THE HEAVENS and ON THE EARTH, blood and fire and billows of smoke. {31} The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. {32} And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls." (Joel 3:1-2 NIV) "'In those days and at that time, WHEN I RESTORE THE FORTUNES OF JUDAH AND JERUSALEM, {2} I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land."

THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT OTHER TIMES OF GLOBAL TRANSITIONS

1. CREATION - ADAM & EVE

a. Creation – fellowship with mankind was established

b. God set up a way that his children could get to know him

c. Relationship based on FULFILLMENT OF THE COVENANT

-OBEDIENCE TO THE INSTRUCTIONS OF GOD (COVENANT)

2. DAYS OF NOAH TRANSITION

CHARACTARISTICS OF THE TRANSITIONAL GENERATION IN NOAHS TIME…

1. THE PEOPLE IN THE CULTURE HAD TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD FOUND A REMNANT PEOPLE (Noah & his family) WHO LOVED HIM..

3. GOD GAVE HIS PEOPLE A “COVENANT” – “DIVINE INSIGHT”

a. MAKE AN ARK

b. TELL THE PEOPLE TO GET INSIDE..

c. GET INSIDE BECAUSE I AM BRINGING A FLOOD

4. NOAH OBEY THE STRATEGY NO MATTER WHAT!

a. BUILDING AN ARK INVOLVED DYING TO SELF

b. BUILDING AN ARK INVOLVED LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

5. BUILDING AN ARK LOOKED FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE FLOOD CAME DID THE COVENANT MAKE SENSE

6. WHEN THE FLOOD CAME…

a. ALL THOSE WHO GOT IN THE ARK GOD WERE READY FOR THE TRANSITION

b. ALL THOSE WHO DO NOT GET IN THE ARK WERE LOST..

IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR SURVIVAL THAT NOAH & FAMILY FOLLOWED ALL OF THE RULES OF THE COVENANT!

3. DAYS OF MOSES TRANSITION

CHARACTARISTICS OF THE TRANSITIONAL GENERATION IN MOSES TIME…

THE PEOPLE IN THE CULTURE HAD TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

GOD FOUND A REMNANT PEOPLE (MOSES/ISRAEL) WHO LOVED HIM..

GOD GAVE HIS PEOPLE A “COVENANT” – “DIVINE INSIGHT”

TEN COMMANDMENTS

GET THE PEOPLE UP ON THE MOUNTAIN

ANIMAL SACRIFICE FOR SIN

MOSES OBEY THE STRATEGY NO MATTER WHAT!

DELIVERING PEOPLE INVOLVED DYING TO SELF

TEN COMMANDMENTS INVOLVED LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

TEN COMMANDMENTS LOOKED FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

GOD’S PEOPLE SET APART FOR HIM

HOLINESS IS NOT FUN

THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THE COVENANT..

BLESSED & PROSPERED

WALK IN THE GOODNES OF GOD

4. JOHN THE BAPTIST – A GLOBAL TRANSITION

JOHN ANNOUNCED THE TRANSITION

(Mark 1:4-8 NIV) " And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching A BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE for the forgiveness of sins. {5} The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. {6} John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. {7} And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. {8} I BAPTIZE YOU WITH WATER, BUT HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT."

JOHN PROCLAIMED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSITION

(Luke 3:16-18 NIV)

{16} JOHN ANSWERED THEM ALL, "I BAPTIZE YOU WITH WATER. BUT ONE MORE POWERFUL THAN I WILL COME, THE THONGS OF WHOSE SANDALS I AM NOT WORTHY TO UNTIE. HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WITH FIRE.

JESUS COMMENTED ON THE DAYS OF JOHN

(Mat 11:10-17 NIV) "This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' {11} I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. {12} From the days of John the Baptist until now, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HAS BEEN FORCEFULLY ADVANCING, and forceful men lay hold of it. {13} For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. {14} And if you are willing to accept it, HE IS THE ELIJAH WHO WAS TO COME. {15} He who has ears, let him hear. {16} "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: {17} "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.'"

OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY ABOUT THE TRANSITIONAL GENERATION OF JOHN

(Mal 4:5-6 NIV) ""See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD COMES. {6} He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.""

NEW TESTAMENT CONFIRMATION OF JOHN

(Luke 1:17 NIV) "And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--TO MAKE READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD.""

THOSE WHO ACCEPTED THE STRATEGY MADE THE TRANSITION

(Luke 7:29-35 NIV) "All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN BAPTIZED BY JOHN. {30} But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, BECAUSE THEY HAD NOT BEEN BAPTIZED BY JOHN.

THEN JESUS GIVES AN ILLUMINATING ILLUSTRATION…

{31} "To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? {32} They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.'

CHARACTARISTICS OF THE TRANSITIONAL GENERATION IN THE DAYS OF JOHN…

1. THE PEOPLE IN THE CULTURE HAD TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD FOUND A MAN (JOHN) WHO LOVED HIM (GOD FOUND FAVOR)..

3. GOD GAVE HIS PEOPLE THE COVENANT =“DIVINE STRATEGY”

a. REPENT

b. BE BAPTIZED

c. TURN AWAY FROM YOUR CORRUPT PATTERNS

4. SOME PEOPLE OBEYED THE COVENANT NO MATTER WHAT!

a. THIS COVENANT INVOLVES DYING TO SELF (REPENT – BAPTISM)

b. THIS COVENANT INVOLVES LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

i. LYING, CHEATING, STEALING…

5. THIS “COVENANT” LOOKS/SOUNDS FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL JESUS COMES DOES THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

6. WHEN THE TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO ACCEPTED JOHNS COVENANT WERE READY FOR JESUS

b. ALL THOSE WHO DID NOT ACCEPT JOHNS COVENANT WERE LOST..

IT WAS ESSENTIAL IN THE TIME OF JOHN TO KNOW THE STRATEGY OF THE NEW COVENANT AND FOLLOW IT EXPLICITLY..

(REPENT, BAPTIZED, LIVE MORALLY/ETHICALLY)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THEN THE EVENT WE ARE ALL WAITING FOR!!

THE CURRENT GLOBAL TRANSITION

JEREMIAH’S DESCRIPTION

(Jer 31:33-34 NIV) ""This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I WILL PUT MY LAW IN THEIR MINDS AND WRITE IT ON THEIR HEARTS. I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY WILL BE MY PEOPLE. {34} NO LONGER WILL A MAN TEACH HIS NEIGHBOR, OR A MAN HIS BROTHER, SAYING, 'KNOW THE LORD,' BECAUSE THEY WILL ALL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST OF THEM TO THE GREATEST," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.""

JOELS DESCRIPTION

(Joel 2:28-32 NIV) "'And afterward, I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL PEOPLE. Your sons and daughters will PROPHESY, your old men will dream DREAMS, your young men will see VISIONS. {29} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. {30} I will show WONDERS IN THE HEAVENS and ON THE EARTH, blood and fire and billows of smoke. {31} The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. {32} And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls." (Joel 3:1-2 NIV) "'In those days and at that time, WHEN I RESTORE THE FORTUNES OF JUDAH AND JERUSALEM, {2} I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land."

JESUS DESCRIPTION – (Mat 24:3-42 NIV)

- ALL OF THE SIGNS ARE THERE.. THE ONLY ONE THAT IS LEFT IS THAT THE GOSPEL BE PREACHED TO ALL ETHNIC GROUPS..

o THEN THE END WILL COME!

THE GOOD NEWS

1. ASIA

a. CHINA – largest church in the world… very faithful with signs & wonders

i. Over 1 million are coming to know Jesus per month

b. KOREA – 50% are believers (up from 15% in the 50’s)

i. The Prayer movement started in Seol

ii. Prayer mountain… the whole culture has changed

c. INDONESIA – government says 15% “other” and 85% Muslim

i. Revivals have been sweeping over

ii. Local officials say that in places 80% are believer

iii. Overall conservatively 40% are believers

2. AFRICA

a. GHANA – 2/3 are believers

b. UGANDA – The president gave the country to Jesus in 1991

c. Mozambique – rapidly becoming Christian… Heidi Baker 30% up from 3%

d. KENYA – 90% Christian (revivals in 80’s & 90’s)

e. NIGERIA – 70% and growing

3. AMERICA

a. COLUMBIA - Sweeping revivals in the late 80”s are starting again

b. BRAZIL – 80% are believers… signs and wonders… Miracles

c. GUATAMALA – Revivals in the 90”s are igniting again… after civil unrest

4. MUSLIM NATIONS

a. IRAN – 2 million young people in revival

b. Covert infiltrations in towns all through the 1040 window

SO… HERE WE ARE… IN A TRANSITIONAL GENERATION

CHARACTARISTICS OF THIS TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

1. THE PEOPLE IN THIS CULTURE HAVE TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD IS LOOKING FOR A REMNANT WHO LOVE HIM.. (is that us??)

3. GOD HAS GIVEN US A “DIVINE STRATEGY” – A NEW COVENANT

a. WE MUST DISCOVER WHAT THE STRATEGY IS!

b. WE WILL DISCOVER THAT THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES DYING TO SELF

c. WE WILL DISCOVER THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

4. THIS “STRATEGY” WILL LOOK/SOUND FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE MOMENT THAT THE TRANSITION COMES WILL THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

5. WHEN THIS TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THE TRANSITION WILL BE READY

b. ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT ACCEPTED IT WILL BE LOST..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE STRATEGY FOR THIS GENERATION..

I WAS SEEKING THE LORD THIS WEEK FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION FOR THIS TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

SINCE WE LIVE IN THE MOST PROPHESIED GENERATION IN HISTORY – IT WASN’T DIFFICULT!

I BELIEVE THAT THE STRATEGY FOR THIS GENERATION IS FOUND IN:

JOHN 17:20-26

ACTS 2:41-47

REVELATION 2:1-3:22

THE IMPORTANCE OF JOHN 17…

1. IT IS THE PINNACLE OF NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE

2. IT WAS WRITTEN BY AN EYE-WITNESS AND CLOSEST DISCIPLE OF JESUS

3. IT IS THE PRAYER OF JESUS

a. IF YOU WANT TO HEAR THE HEART OF SOMEONE – LISTEN TO THEM PRAY!

4. IT IS JESUS PRAYING FOR US..

a. WHAT JESUS PRAYS FOR US IS AT THE CENTER OF HIS HEART

b. WHAT JOHN RECORDED JESUS SAY ABOUT US IS CENTRAL

5. WHAT JESUS PRAYS FOR US IS AMAZING.. IT IS NOTHING YOU WOULD THINK!

JESUS PRAYS FOR US…(John 17:20-26 NIV)

THIS IS FOR US..

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also FOR THOSE WHO WILL BELIEVE IN ME THROUGH THEIR MESSAGE,

10. {21} 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

11. SO THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE SENT ME.

12. {22} I HAVE GIVEN THEM THE GLORY THAT YOU GAVE ME, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE ONE: {23} I in them and you in me. MAY THEY BE BROUGHT TO COMPLETE UNITY TO LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT YOU SENT ME AND HAVE LOVED THEM EVEN AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME.

13. {24} "Father, I WANT THOSE YOU HAVE GIVEN ME TO BE WITH ME WHERE I AM, AND

14. TO SEE MY GLORY, THE GLORY YOU HAVE GIVEN ME BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME BEFORE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. {25} "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.

15. {26} I HAVE MADE YOU KNOWN TO THEM, AND

16. WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE YOU KNOWN IN ORDER THAT

17. THE LOVE YOU HAVE FOR ME MAY BE IN THEM AND THAT

18. I MYSELF MAY BE IN THEM.""

THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH IS TO REVEAL THE GLORY OF GOD…

THE PRAYER OF JESUS REVEALS HIS HEART FOR OUR GENERATION

1. UNITY - GOD IS DELIVERING THE CHURCH FROM FRAGMENTATION

a. GOD IS BRINGING THE CHURCH OUT OF RELIGIOUS FORMS

i. GOD IS BRINGING THE CHURCH INTO CONNECTION BASED ON LOVE NOT DOCTRINE

b. GOD IS BRINGING THE CHURCH INTO COMPLETE RELEVENCE

i. NOT TRYING TO MAKE SINNERS BE GOOD

ii. BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKNESS.. PRESENCE OF GOD INTO ABSENCE

c. GOD IS BRINGING US INTO REFORMATION

i. THIS IS NOT REVIVAL, RENEWAL OR AWAKENING

ii. THE VERY STRUCTURE & FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH IS CHANGING

iii. BUILDINGS ARE OPTIONAL

iv. PRAYER/WORSHIP IS PRIMARY

2. WITNESS – THE CHURCH WILL LOOK, ACT AND SMELL DIFFERENT THAN THE WORLD

a. BARNA STATISTICS – THE CHURCH IS NO MEASUREABLY DIFFERENT THAN THE WORLD

b. GOD IS SEPERATING US TO HIMSELF-

i. BY LOVE

ii. BY DEVOTION TO JESUS

iii. BY HONOR FOR GOD’S AUTHORITY

iv. BY OPENNESS TO THE GIFTS AND CALLINGS OF GOD

v. BY ABIDING IN HIM – TO BEAR MUCH FRUIT

3. GLORY OF GOD – GOD IS REVEALING HIS FULLNESS

a. THE FULLNESS OF JESUS

b. THE HOLY SPRIT REVEALING THE HEART OF JESUS (JOHN 16)

c. THE CHARACTAR OF JESUS – LOVE, GRACE & TRUTH

d. LIKE WE READ ABOUT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

i. MIRACLES

1. GOD IS REVEALING HIMSELF IN THE WORLD BY HEALING

ii. SIGNS & WONDERS

1. GOD IS REVEALING HIMSELF BY PHYSICAL/SUPERNATURAL SIGNS IN & ON THE EARTH

iii. GIFTS -

1. THE RELEASE OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT IN THE 60-70’S

iv. CALLINGS

1. REFORMATION OF THE CALLING OF PASTOR (1900-30’S)

a. THE LOCAL CHURCH WAS THE PLACE TO EXPERIENCE GOD

b. WATCHMAN NEE - PASTORS

2. REFORMATION OF THE CALLING OF EVANGELIST (40-50’S)

a. SWEEPING WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

b. BILLY GRAHAM & OTHERS IN THE US

3. REFORMATION OF THE CALLING OF THE TEACHER (60-70’S)

a. THE CHARISMATIC RENEWAL

b. BOB MUMFORD, DEREK PRINCE,

4. REFORMATION OF THE CALLING OF PROPHET (70 -80’S)

a. GREAT MINISTRY BY PROPHETIC PEOPLE

5. REFORMATION OF THE CALLING OF APOSTLE (80-2000)

a. TORONTO BLESSING

b. BROWNSVILLE

c. NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCHES (VINEYARD, IHOP, Cstone)

4. PRESENCE OF JESUS

a. JESUS PRESENCE – SEEK HIS FACE!

i. Not just his word, his actions, his mind…

b. WORSHIP FOCUS

i. Whole focus of worship is on intimate communication

c. PRAYER FOCUS

i. Whole focus of prayer is on hearing God

ii. Listening much more than speaking

5. REVELATION OF THE HEART OF GOD

a. GOD IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCH

b. SUPERNATURAL PRESENCE & MINISTRY

c. MINUTE BY MINUTE REVELATION OF GOD’S PRESENCE

i. RHEMA - WORD FOR THE MOMENT

ii. GOD SPEAKING THROUGH US

6. LOVE AS THE FOUNDATION OF ALL

a. ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE

b. THE LOVE OF GOD - LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, FORGIVENESS

FILLED WITH JESUS

c. JESUS IN US.. THE HOPE OF GLORY

TRANSITIONAL GENERATIONS

2011-06-08T05:59:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(Hab 2:14 NIV) "For THE EARTH WILL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD, AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA."

THE GLORY OF THE LORD HAS BEEN REVEALED (IN MEASURE) TO EACH GENERATION:

VERY GENERATION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT THEY DO WITH THE REVELATION OF GOD’S GLORY…

1. IF THEY HEAR…

a. THEY ARE PREPARED

b. THEY MAKE THE TRANSITION

c. THEY ARE BLESSED AND LIVE IN THE POWER & PURPOSES OF GOD

2. IF THEY DO NOT HEAR & MAKE THE TRANSITION

a. THEY ARE NOT PREPARED

b. THEY DON’T MAKE THE TRANSITION

c. THEY ARE DESTROYED OR SUFFER LOSS

d. THEY DO NOT WALK IN THE POWER & PURPOSES OF GOD

GOD’S DESIRE IS TO BE FULLY REVEALED ON THE EARTH…

IN THE LAST DAYS…

THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS GLORY WILL COVER THE EARTH!!

WE LIVE IN A TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

GOD INTENDS TO FULFILL THE LORD’S PRAYER:

“Let your kingdom come, let your will be done – ON EARTH – as it is in heaven..”

I BELIEVE THAT GOD INTENDS TO FULFILL THIS PRAYER IN OUR NATION…

THE GENERATION THAT WE LIVE IN TODAY IS THE MOST PROPHESIED ABOUT GENERATION IN THE BIBLE!

THE BIBLE CALLS OUR GENERATION THE DAY OF THE LORD

SCRIPTURES THAT TALK ABOUT THE DAY OF THE LORD – 25 PLACES

ISA. 2:12,13:6,9, JER. 46:10, EZEK. 13:5,30:3, JOEL 1;15-3:14, AMOS 5:18,20, OBAD. 1:15, ZEPH. 1:14,14:1, MAL 4:5…. ACTS 2:20, I COR. 5:5, I THESS. 5:2, 2 PET. 3:10

JOEL’S DESCRIPTION..

(Joel 2:11-32 NIV) "….. THE DAY OF THE LORD IS GREAT; it is dreadful. Who can endure it? {12} 'Even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' {13} Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

{15} Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. {16} Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. {17} Let the priests, who minister before the LORD, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, 'Spare your people,..

{18} Then the LORD will be jealous for his land and take pity on his people. {19} The LORD will reply to them: 'I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations.

{23} Be glad, O people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. {24} The threshing floors will be filled with grain; the vats will overflow with new wine and oil. {25} 'I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten-- the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm -- my great army that I sent among you. {26} You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. {27} Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed.

{28} 'AND AFTERWARD, I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL PEOPLE. YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS WILL PROPHESY, YOUR OLD MEN WILL DREAM DREAMS, YOUR YOUNG MEN WILL SEE VISIONS. {29} EVEN ON MY SERVANTS, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT IN THOSE DAYS.

{30} I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. {31} The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

{32} AND EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls."

THERE HAVE BEEN CULTURAL AND GLOBAL TRANSITIONS BEFORE…

IN FACT, IN DESCRIBING THE TRANSITIONAL GENERATION WE LIVE IN JESUS REFERS TO NOAH AND LOT...

(Luke 17:26-30 NIV) "JUST AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, SO ALSO WILL IT BE IN THE DAYS OF THE SON OF MAN. {27} People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

{28} "IT WAS THE SAME IN THE DAYS OF LOT. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. {29} But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. {30} "IT WILL BE JUST LIKE THIS ON THE DAY THE SON OF MAN IS REVEALED."

1. NOAH – A GLOBAL TRANSITION..

(Gen 7:1 NIV) "THE LORD THEN SAID TO NOAH, "GO INTO THE ARK, YOU AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY, BECAUSE I HAVE FOUND YOU RIGHTEOUS IN THIS GENERATION."

THEN NOAH PROCLAIMED THAT A FLOOD WAS COMING FOR 120 YEARS!

(2 Pet 2:5 NIV) "IF HE DID NOT SPARE THE ANCIENT WORLD WHEN HE BROUGHT THE FLOOD ON ITS UNGODLY PEOPLE, BUT PROTECTED NOAH, A PREACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND SEVEN OTHERS;"

CHARACTARISTICS OF THE TRANSITIONAL GENERATION IN NOAHS TIME…

1. THE PEOPLE IN THE CULTURE HAD TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD FOUND A REMNANT PEOPLE (Noah & his family) WHO LOVED HIM..

3. GOD GAVE HIS PEOPLE A “COVENANT” – “DIVINE INSIGHT”

a. MAKE AN ARK

b. TELL THE PEOPLE TO GET INSIDE..

c. GET INSIDE BECAUSE I AM BRINGING A FLOOD

4. NOAH OBEY THE STRATEGY NO MATTER WHAT!

a. BUILDING AN ARK INVOLVED DYING TO SELF

b. BUILDING AN ARK INVOLVED LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

5. BUILDING AN ARK LOOKED FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE FLOOD CAME DID THE COVENANT MAKE SENSE

6. WHEN THE FLOOD CAME…

a. ALL THOSE WHO GOT IN THE ARK GOD WERE READY FOR THE TRANSITION

b. ALL THOSE WHO DO NOT GET IN THE ARK WERE LOST..

IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR SURVIVAL THAT NOAH & FAMILY FOLLOWED ALL OF THE RULES OF THE COVENANT!

2. LOT – A TRANSITIONAL GENERATION

(Gen 19:15-26 NIV)

(ANGELS CAME TO SODOM & GOMORRAH TO PREACH REPENTANCE.. INSTEAD THEY WERE ASSAULTED…)

{14} "So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, "Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!" BUT HIS SONS-IN-LAW THOUGHT HE WAS JOKING."

{17} As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, "FLEE FOR YOUR LIVES! DON'T LOOK BACK, AND DON'T STOP ANYWHERE IN THE PLAIN! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!""

{24} THEN THE LORD RAINED DOWN BURNING SULFUR ON SODOM AND GOMORRAH--from the LORD out of the heavens.

{26} But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."

LOT’S SON-IN-LAWS DIED – THE PLAN LOOKED RIDICULOUS TO THEM

LOT & HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTERS OBEYED THE COVENANT (leave and don’t look back)

LOT’S WIFE WAS TRANSITION CHALLENGED… (she looked back..)

- IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW & FOLLOW THE COVENANT!

CHARACTARISTICS OF THE TRANSITIONAL GENERATION IN LOTS TIME…

1. THE NATION WAS CORRUPT/ PERVERED & TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD FOUND A REMNANT PEOPLE- LOT & HIS FAMILY- WHO LOVED HIM..

3. GOD GAVE HIS PEOPLE “COVENANT” (LEAVE & DON’T LOOK BACK & I WILL SAVE)

a. GOD’S PEOPLE OBEY THE COVENANT NO MATTER WHAT!

b. THIS COVENANT INVOLVES DYING TO SELF

i. LEAVE EVERYTHING

ii. DON’T LOOK BACK!

c. THIS COVENANT INVOLVED LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

4. THIS “STRATEGY” LOOKS/SOUNDS FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE FIRE CAME DID THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

5. WHEN THE TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO ACCEPTED & LEFT WERE READY FOR THE TRANSITION

b. ALL THOSE WHO DID NOT ACCEPT IT WERE LOST..

i. LOTS WIFE WHO LOOKED BACK WAS LOST…

2. JOHN THE BAPTIST – A GLOBAL TRANSITION

JOHN ANNOUNCED THE TRANSITION

(Mark 1:4-8 NIV) " And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching A BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE for the forgiveness of sins. {5} The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. {6} John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. {7} And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. {8} I BAPTIZE YOU WITH WATER, BUT HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT."

THOSE WHO ACCEPTED THE STRATEGY MADE THE TRANSITION

(Luke 7:29-35 NIV) "All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN BAPTIZED BY JOHN. {30} But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, BECAUSE THEY HAD NOT BEEN BAPTIZED BY JOHN.

CHARACTARISTICS OF THE TRANSITIONAL GENERATION IN THE DAYS OF JOHN…

1. THE PEOPLE IN THE CULTURE HAD TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD FOUND A MAN (JOHN) WHO LOVED HIM (GOD FOUND FAVOR)..

3. GOD GAVE HIS PEOPLE THE COVENANT =“DIVINE STRATEGY”

a. REPENT

b. BE BAPTIZED

c. TURN AWAY FROM YOUR CORRUPT PATTERNS

4. SOME PEOPLE OBEYED THE COVENANT NO MATTER WHAT!

a. THIS COVENANT INVOLVES DYING TO SELF (REPENT – BAPTISM)

b. THIS COVENANT INVOLVES LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

i. LYING, CHEATING, STEALING…

5. THIS “COVENANT” LOOKS/SOUNDS FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL JESUS COMES DOES THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

6. WHEN THE TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO ACCEPTED JOHNS COVENANT WERE READY FOR JESUS

b. ALL THOSE WHO DID NOT ACCEPT JOHNS COVENANT WERE LOST..

IT WAS ESSENTIAL IN THE TIME OF JOHN TO KNOW THE STRATEGY OF THE NEW COVENANT AND FOLLOW IT EXPLICITLY..

(REPENT, BAPTIZED, LIVE MORALLY/ETHICALLY)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE NATURE OF THE TRANSITIONAL GENERATION WE ARE IN…

(Mat 24:3-42 NIV) "As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and WHAT WILL BE THE SIGN OF YOUR COMING AND OF THE END OF THE AGE?""

"Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. {5} For

1. many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. {6}

2. {7} Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

The Most Violent Century of Human History - By Steve Cornell

3. There will be famines and

According to the World Health Organization, hunger is the single gravest threat to the world's public health...

4. There will be earthquakes in various places.

Since the mid-70’s there have been twice as many deadly earthquakes on the earth than since recorded history!

{8} All these are the beginning of birth pains.

5. you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

65% of all Christian Martyrs took place in the last century – associated press

The two currents that fuel the persecution of Christians today are Communism and Muslim fundamentalism.

SOCCI SAID THAT PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IS CURRENTLY MOST SEVERE IN SUDAN.

{10} At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,

6. many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. {12}

THE BALTIMORE PROPHET - May 21st 2011 was the most recent..

7. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,

Time magazine article April 9th “The rise and fall of Christianity in America”: reported that:

1. church goers are down 30%

2. unaffiliated with any particular faith 16 percent.”

3. Those who are atheist /agnostic increased from 1 million in 1990 to 3.6 million today.

{13} but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

{14} And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. {15}

THIS IS WHERE WE ARE IN THIS TRANSITIONAL GENERATION..

THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN YET!

Wycliff reports that all “nations” (ethnic groups) will have the Bible in their language as early as 2013

Our own Rick and Angie Zook are primary missionaries to the Lusi People in Pau Pau New Guinea!

THEN THE EVENT WE ARE ALL WAITING FOR!!

{37} As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. {38} For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; {39} and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

THE GOOD NEWS

1. ASIA

a. CHINA – largest church in the world… very faithful with signs & wonders

i. Over 1 million are coming to know Jesus per month

b. KOREA – 50% are believers (up from 15% in the 50’s)

i. The Prayer movement started in Seol

ii. Prayer mountain… the whole culture has changed

c. INDONESIA – government says 15% “other” and 85% Muslim

i. Revivals have been sweeping over

ii. Local officials say that in places 80% are believer

iii. Overall conservatively 40% are believers

2. AFRICA

a. GHANA – 2/3 are believers

b. UGANDA – The president gave the country to Jesus in 1991

c. Mozambique – rapidly becoming Christian… Heidi Baker 30% up from 3%

d. KENYA – 90% Christian (revivals in 80’s & 90’s)

e. NIGERIA – 70% and growing

3. AMERICA

a. COLUMBIA - Sweeping revivals in the late 80”s are starting again

b. BRAZIL – 80% are believers… signs and wonders… Miracles

c. GUATAMALA – Revivals in the 90”s are igniting again… after civil unrest

4. MUSLIM NATIONS

a. IRAN – 2 million young people in revival

b. Covert infiltrations in towns all through the 1040 window

SO… HERE WE ARE… IN A TRANSITIONAL GENERATION

CHARACTARISTICS OF THIS TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

1. THE PEOPLE IN THIS CULTURE HAVE TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD IS LOOKING FOR A REMNANT WHO LOVE HIM.. (is that us??)

3. GOD HAS GIVEN US A “DIVINE STRATEGY” – A NEW COVENANT

a. WE MUST DISCOVER WHAT THE STRATEGY IS!

b. WE WILL DISCOVER THAT THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES DYING TO SELF

c. WE WILL DISCOVER THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

4. THIS “STRATEGY” WILL LOOK/SOUND FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE MOMENT THAT THE TRANSITION COMES WILL THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

5. WHEN THIS TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THE TRANSITION WILL BE READY

b. ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT ACCEPTED IT WILL BE LOST..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE STRATEGY / COVENANT FOR THIS GENERATION..

I WAS SEEKING THE LORD THIS WEEK FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION FOR THIS TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

SINCE WE LIVE IN THE MOST PROPHESIED GENERATION IN HISTORY – IT WASN’T DIFFICULT!

I BELIEVE THAT THE STRATEGY FOR THIS GENERATION IS FOUND IN:

JOHN 17:20-26

ACTS 2:41-47

REVELATION 2:1-3:22

THE IMPORTANCE OF JOHN 17…

1. IT IS THE PINNACLE OF NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE

2. IT WAS WRITTEN BY AN EYE-WITNESS AND CLOSEST DISCIPLE OF JESUS

3. IT IS THE PRAYER OF JESUS

a. IF YOU WANT TO HEAR THE HEART OF SOMEONE – LISTEN TO THEM PRAY!

4. IT IS JESUS PRAYING FOR US..

a. WHAT JESUS PRAYS FOR US IS AT THE CENTER OF HIS HEART

b. WHAT JOHN RECORDED JESUS SAY ABOUT US IS CENTRAL

5. WHAT JESUS PRAYS FOR US IS AMAZING.. IT IS NOTHING YOU WOULD THINK!

JESUS PRAYS FOR US…(John 17:20-26 NIV)

THIS IS FOR US..

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also FOR THOSE WHO WILL BELIEVE IN ME THROUGH THEIR MESSAGE,

1. {21} 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

2. SO THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE SENT ME.

3. {22} I HAVE GIVEN THEM THE GLORY THAT YOU GAVE ME, THAT THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE ONE: {23} I in them and you in me. MAY THEY BE BROUGHT TO COMPLETE UNITY TO LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT YOU SENT ME AND HAVE LOVED THEM EVEN AS YOU HAVE LOVED ME.

4. {24} "Father, I WANT THOSE YOU HAVE GIVEN ME TO BE WITH ME WHERE I AM, AND

5. TO SEE MY GLORY, THE GLORY YOU HAVE GIVEN ME BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME BEFORE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. {25} "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.

6. {26} I HAVE MADE YOU KNOWN TO THEM, AND

7. WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE YOU KNOWN IN ORDER THAT

8. THE LOVE YOU HAVE FOR ME MAY BE IN THEM AND THAT

9. I MYSELF MAY BE IN THEM.""

THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH IS TO REVEAL THE GLORY OF GOD…

THE PRAYER OF JESUS REVEALS HIS HEART FOR OUR GENERATION

1. UNITY - GOD IS DELIVERING THE CHURCH FROM FRAGMENTATION

a. GOD IS BRINGING THE CHURCH OUT OF RELIGIOUS FORMS

i. GOD IS BRINGING THE CHURCH INTO CONNECTION BASED ON LOVE NOT DOCTRINE

b. GOD IS BRINGING THE CHURCH INTO COMPLETE RELEVENCE

i. NOT TRYING TO MAKE SINNERS BE GOOD

ii. BRINGING LIGHT INTO DARKNESS.. PRESENCE OF GOD INTO ABSENCE

c. GOD IS BRINGING US INTO REFORMATION

i. THIS IS NOT REVIVAL, RENEWAL OR AWAKENING

ii. THE VERY STRUCTURE & FUNCTION OF THE CHURCH IS CHANGING

iii. BUILDINGS ARE OPTIONAL

iv. PRAYER/WORSHIP IS PRIMARY

2. WITNESS – THE CHURCH WILL LOOK, ACT AND SMELL DIFFERENT THAN THE WORLD

a. BARNA STATISTICS – THE CHURCH IS NO MEASUREABLY DIFFERENT THAN THE WORLD

b. GOD IS SEPERATING US TO HIMSELF-

i. BY LOVE

ii. BY DEVOTION TO JESUS

iii. BY HONOR FOR GOD’S AUTHORITY

iv. BY OPENNESS TO THE GIFTS AND CALLINGS OF GOD

v. BY ABIDING IN HIM – TO BEAR MUCH FRUIT

3. GLORY – GOD IS REVEALING HIS FULLNESS

a. MIRACLES

i. GOD IS REVEALING HIMSELF IN THE WORLD BY HEALING

ii.

b. SIGNS & WONDERS

i. GOD IS REVEALING HIMSELF BY PHYSICAL/SUPERNATURAL SIGNS IN & ON THE EARTH

c. GIFTS -

i. THE RELEASE OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT IN THE 60-70’S

d. CALLINGS

i. REFORMATION OF THE CALLING OF PASTOR (1900-30’S)

1. THE LOCAL CHURCH WAS THE PLACE TO EXPERIENCE GOD

2. WATCHMAN NEE - PASTORS

ii. REFORMATION OF THE CALLING OF EVANGELIST (40-50’S)

1. SWEEPING WORLDWIDE MISSIONARY MOVEMENT

2. BILLY GRAHAM & OTHERS IN THE US

iii. REFORMATION OF THE CALLING OF THE TEACHER (60-70’S)

1. THE CHARISMATIC RENEWAL

2. BOB MUMFORD, DEREK PRINCE,

iv. REFORMATION OF THE CALLING OF PROPHET (70 -80’S)

1. GREAT MINISTRY BY PROPHETIC PEOPLE

2.

v. REFORMATION OF THE CALLING OF APOSTLE (80-2000)

1. TORONTO BLESSING

2. BROWNSVILLE

3. NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCHES (VINEYARD, IHOP, Cstone)

4. PRESENCE OF JESUS

a. WORSHIP FOCUS

b. PRAYER FOCUS

5. SEE THE FULLNESS (GLORY) OF JESUS

a. THE FULLNESS OF JESUS

b. THE HOLY SPRIT REVEALING THE HEART OF JESUS (JOHN 16)

c. THE CHARACTAR OF JESUS – LOVE, GRACE & TRUTH

d. LIKE WE READ ABOUT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

6. REVELATION OF GOD’S PRESENCE

a. GOD IN THE MIDST OF HIS CHURCH

b. SUPERNATURAL PRESENCE & MINISTRY

7. MINUTE BY MINUTE REVELATION OF GOD’S PRESENCE

a. RHEMA - WORD FOR THE MOMENT

b. GOD SPEAKING THROUGH US

8. FILLED WITH LOVE

a. ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE

b. THE LOVE OF GOD - LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, FORGIVENESS

9. FILLED WITH JESUS

a. JESUS IN US.. THE HOPE OF GLORY

THE REQUIRMENTS FOR THIS TRANSITION ARE IMMENSE:

Basically these scriptures show that three things are essential to the end of the age for us:

1. PRESENCE of Jesus

a. Being able to hear and be unified (to be in) Christ

2. UNITY of the church

a. Attached to each other because of God not preferences

3. GLORY of God

a. Revelation of the fullness of God’s supernatural power (miracles, signs and wonders..)

b. Revelation of the fullness of God’s supernatural gifts and callings (

c. Full function of the New church (mir

4. LOVE as a foundation for everything

a. Full of the Love of God

b. Rooted and grounded in love

5. REVELATION of God’s Word

a. God making His word known to us (Rhema word of God)

b. Hearing God’s word & obeying it

TRANSITIONAL GENERATIONS

2011-06-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(Hab 2:14 NIV) "For THE EARTH WILL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD, AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA."

THE GLORY OF THE LORD HAS BEEN REVEALED (IN MEASURE) TO EACH GENERATION:

EVERY GENERATION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT THEY DO WITH THE REVELATION OF GOD’S GLORY…

1. IF THEY HEAR…

a. THEY ARE PREPARED

b. THEY MAKE THE TRANSITION

c. THEY ARE BLESSED AND LIVE IN THE POWER & PURPOSES OF GOD

2. IF THEY DO NOT HEAR & MAKE THE TRANSITION

a. THEY ARE NOT PREPARED

b. THEY DON’T MAKE THE TRANSITION

c. THEY ARE DESTROYED OR SUFFER LOSS

d. THEY DO NOT WALK IN THE POWER & PURPOSES OF GOD

GOD’S DESIRE IS TO BE FULLY REVEALED ON THE EARTH…

IN THE LAST DAYS…

THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS GLORY WILL COVER THE EARTH!!

(Hab 2:14 NIV) "For THE EARTH WILL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD, AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA."

WE LIVE IN A TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

GOD INTENDS TO FULFILL THE LORD’S PRAYER:

“Let your kingdom come, let your will be done – ON EARTH – as it is in heaven..”
I BELIEVE THAT GOD INTENDS TO FULFILL THIS PRAYER IN OUR NATION…

THERE HAVE BEEN CULTURAL AND GLOBAL TRANSITIONS BEFORE…

IN FACT, JESUS REFERS TO NOAH AND LOT...

(Luke 17:26-30 NIV) "JUST AS IT WAS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, SO ALSO WILL IT BE IN THE DAYS OF THE SON OF MAN. {27} People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

{28} "IT WAS THE SAME IN THE DAYS OF LOT. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. {29} But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. {30} "IT WILL BE JUST LIKE THIS ON THE DAY THE SON OF MAN IS REVEALED."

1. NOAH – A GLOBAL TRANSITION..

(Gen 6:5-9 NIV) "The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. {6} The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain. {7} So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth--men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air--for I am grieved that I have made them." {8} But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. {9} This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God."

(Gen 6:13-22 NIV) "So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. {14} So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. {15} This is how you are to build it: ……..

{18} But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark--you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you. {19} You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you……

{22} Noah did everything just as God commanded him."

(Gen 7:1 NIV) "THE LORD THEN SAID TO NOAH, "GO INTO THE ARK, YOU AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY, BECAUSE I HAVE FOUND YOU RIGHTEOUS IN THIS GENERATION."

CHARACTARISTICS OF A TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

1. PEOPLE IN A CULTURE HAVE TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD FINDS A REMNANT PEOPLE WHO LOVE HIM..

3. GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE “DIVINE STRATEGY” – “DIVINE INSIGHT”

a. GOD’S PEOPLE OBEY THE STRATEGY NO MATTER WHAT!

b. THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES DYING TO SELF

c. THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

4. THIS “STRATEGY” LOOKS/SOUNDS FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE REVELATION OF GOD COMES DOES THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

5. WHEN THE TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO ACCEPT THE WISDOM OF GOD ARE READY FOR THE TRANSITION

b. ALL THOSE WHO DO NOT ACCEPT IT ARE LOST..

2. LOT – A TRANSITIONAL GENERATION

(Gen 18:20-33 NIV) "Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous {21} that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know." {22} The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD. {23} Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? {24} What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it….

(Gen 19:1-26 NIV) "The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground.

{12} The two men said to Lot, "Do you have anyone else here--sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, {13} because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it." {14} So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, "Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!" But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. {15} With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished." {16} When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them….

{24} Then the LORD rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah--from the LORD out of the heavens. {25} Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities--and also the vegetation in the land. {26} But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."

CHARACTARISTICS OF A TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

1. PEOPLE IN A CULTURE HAVE TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD FINDS A REMNANT PEOPLE WHO LOVE HIM..

3. GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE “DIVINE STRATEGY” – “DIVINE INSIGHT”

a. GOD’S PEOPLE OBEY THE STRATEGY NO MATTER WHAT!

b. THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES DYING TO SELF

c. THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

4. THIS “STRATEGY” LOOKS/SOUNDS FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE REVELATION OF GOD COMES DOES THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

5. WHEN THE TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO ACCEPT THE WISDOM OF GOD ARE READY FOR THE TRANSITION

b. ALL THOSE WHO DO NOT ACCEPT IT ARE LOST..

2. JOHN THE BAPTIST – A GLOBAL TRANSITION

(Mark 1:1-8 NIV) "The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. {2} It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"-- {3} "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" {4} And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching A BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE for the forgiveness of sins. {5} The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. {6} John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. {7} And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. {8} I BAPTIZE YOU WITH WATER, BUT HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.""

(Luke 3:7-18 NIV) “John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? {8} Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. {9} The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." {10} "What should we do then?" the crowd asked. {11} John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same." {12} Tax collectors also came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" {13} "Don't collect any more than you are required to," he told them. {14} Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" He replied, "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely--be content with your pay." {15} The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. {16} John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. HE WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WITH FIRE.

(Luke 7:29-35 NIV) "All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN BAPTIZED BY JOHN. {30} But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, BECAUSE THEY HAD NOT BEEN BAPTIZED BY JOHN.

THEN JESUS GIVES AN ILLUMINATING ILLUSTRATION…

{31} "To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? {32} They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.'

CHARACTARISTICS OF A TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

1. PEOPLE IN A CULTURE HAVE TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD FINDS A REMNANT WHO LOVE HIM..

3. GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE “DIVINE STRATEGY” – “DIVINE INSIGHT”

a. THEY OBEY THE STRATEGY NO MATTER WHAT!

b. THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES DYING TO SELF

c. THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES LAYING ASIDE OTHER “INTERESTS”

4. THIS “STRATEGY” LOOKS/SOUNDS FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE REVELATION OF GOD COMES DOES THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

5. WHEN THE TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO ACCEPT THE WISDOM OF GOD ARE READY FOR THE TRANSITION

b. ALL THOSE WHO DO NOT ACCEPT IT ARE LOST..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE NATURE OF THE TRANSITIONAL GENERATION WE ARE IN…

(Mat 24:3-42 NIV) "As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and WHAT WILL BE THE SIGN OF YOUR COMING AND OF THE END OF THE AGE?""

"Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. {5} For

1. many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. {6}

RELIGIONS THAT CLAIM THEIR LEADER IS THE WORLDS MESSIAH:

ISLAM, BAHAI, Jim Jones, David Koresh, Hogan Fukenaga, Sergei Torop..

2. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. {7} Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

The Most Violent Century of Human History - By Steve Cornell

The progress made in the 20th century is staggering. The advancements in science, medicine and technology alone have brought incalculable benefits to human beings. Yet a much darker side of the 20th century cannot be ignored. For all its progress, the 20th century was the most violent one of human history. Over 100 million people were killed in two world wars. Many smaller wars claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. An estimated 170 million civilians were murdered by their own governments. Places like Afghanistan, Rwanda, Kuwait, Bosnia, Kosovo, Yugoslavia, Chechnya, along with others, experienced unimaginable violence and bloodshed. Words like holocaust, genocide, terrorism, abortion and mass suicide became well-known in the 20th century.

In the later portion of the 20th century, America witnessed a dramatic increase in violence. From 1960 to1993, violent crime increased by 560 percent. In 1987, the Department of Justice estimated that eight out of ten people will be victims of violent crimes at least once in their lives. Even more alarming violent crimes committed by children ages 10 to 17 increased 400 percent.

3. There will be famines and

According to the World Health Organization, hunger is the single gravest threat to the world's public health... Six million children die of hunger every year.[3]Figures on actual starvation are difficult to come by, but according to the FAO, the less severe condition of undernourishment currently affects about 925 million people, or about 14 % of the world population.[4]

4. There will be earthquakes in various places. {8}

Since the mid-70’s there have been twice as many deadly earthquakes on the earth than since recorded history!

All these are the beginning of birth pains.

5. you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. {10}

20th Century Saw 65% of Christian Martyrs – associated press
ROME, (Zenit.org).- The 20th century may have been the most striking in the annals of Christian martyrdom, and a new book shows it with numbers.

In two millennia of Christian history, about 70 million faithful have given their lives for the faith, and of these, 45.5 million -- fully 65% -- were in the last century, according to "The New Persecuted" a book by Antonio Socci

Italian journalist Antonio Socci presented his work today during a conference on "Anti-Christian Persecution in the 20th Century" held at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical Athenaeum.

"I handed in the draft of the book in January; since then the martyrdom of Christians has had no letup," the author noted. "Suffice it to think of what is happening in Colombia and Indonesia."

It includes the Molucca Islands of Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, East Timor, Cuba, the former Soviet republics, Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries, Vietnam, China and others.

According to the author, the two currents that fuel the persecution of Christians today are Communism and Muslim fundamentalism.

SOCCI SAID THAT PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IS CURRENTLY MOST SEVERE IN SUDAN.
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other,

6. many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. {12}

just recently a prophet from Baltimore declared that the end of the world would occur on May 21st 2011 (last Saturday) the worldwide trend is staggering..

7. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, {13}

Time magazine article April 9th “The rise and fall of Christianity in America”: that the percentage of Americans who identify themselves as unaffiliated with any particular faith has “doubled in recent years, to 16 percent.” He also thinks it quite noteworthy that the number of those who describe themselves as atheist or agnostic has increased from 1 million in 1990 to 3.6 million today.

but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. {14}

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. {15}

THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN YET!

THEN THE REALLY BAD STUFF HAPPENS..

8. {15} So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- {16} then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. {17} Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. {18} Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. {19} How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! {20} Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. {21}

{21} For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now--and never to be equaled again.

{22} If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. {23} At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. {24}

9. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. ……

10. "'the sun will be darkened, and

11. the moon will not give its light;

12. the stars will fall from the sky, and

13. the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'

THEN THE EVENT WE ARE ALL WAITING FOR!!

{30}"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.

{37} As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. {38} For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; {39} and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. {40} Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. {41} Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. {42} "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."

THE GOOD NEWS…

GOD SPIRIT IS MOVING - LIKE NEVER BEFORE- ALL OVER THE WORLD!

1. ASIA

a. CHINA – largest church in the world… very faithful with signs & wonders

i. Over 1 million are coming to know Jesus per month

b. KOREA – 50% are believers (up from 15% in the 50’s)

i. The Prayer movement started in Seol

ii. Prayer mountain… the whole culture has changed

c. INDONESIA – government says 15% “other” and 85% Muslim

i. Revivals have been sweeping over

ii. Local officials say that in places 80% are believer

iii. Overall conservatively 40% are believers

2. AFRICA

a. GHANA – 2/3 are believers

b. UGANDA – The president gave the country to Jesus in 1991

c. Mozambique – rapidly becoming Christian… Heidi Baker 30% up from 3%

d. KENYA – 90% Christian (revivals in 80’s & 90’s)

e. NIGERIA – 70% and growing

3. AMERICA

a. COLUMBIA - Sweeping revivals in the late 80”s are starting again

b. BRAZIL – 80% are believers… signs and wonders… Miracles

c. GUATAMALA – Revivals in the 90”s are igniting again… after civil unrest

4. MUSLIM NATIONS

a. IRAN – 2 million young people in revival

b. Covert infiltrations in towns all through the 1040 window

SO… HERE WE ARE… IN A TRANSITIONAL GENERATION

CHARACTARISTICS OF THIS TRANSITIONAL GENERATION…

1. THE PEOPLE IN THIS CULTURE HAVE TURNED AWAY FROM GOD…

2. GOD IS LOOKING FOR A REMNANT WHO LOVE HIM.. (is that us??)

3. GOD HAS GIVEN US A “DIVINE STRATEGY” – (“DIVINE INSIGHT”)

a. WE WILL OBEY THE STRATEGY NO MATTER WHAT!

b. THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES DYING TO SELF

c. THIS STRATEGY INVOLVES LAYING ASIDE ALL OTHER “INTERESTS”

4. THIS “STRATEGY” LOOKS/SOUNDS FOOLISH TO THE WORLD

a. NOT UNTIL THE REVELATION OF GOD COMES DOES THE “STRATEGY” MAKE SENSE

5. WHEN THIS TRANSITION COMES..

a. ALL THOSE WHO HAVE ACCEPTED WILL MAKE THE TRANSITION

b. ALL THOSE WHO HAVE NOT ACCEPTED IT WILL BE LOST..

NEXT WEEK… THE DIVINE STRATEGY FOR THIS GENERATION…

I BELIEVE THAT THE STRATEGY FOR THIS GENERATION IS FOUND IN:

JOHN 17:20-26

ACTS 2:41-47

REVELATION 2:1-3:22

THE GLORY ROAD

2011-05-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

GLORY IN THE OLD COVENANT

ISRAEL & MOSES AT MOUNT SINAI

(Exo 24:15-18 NIV) "When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, {16} AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD SETTLED ON MOUNT SINAI. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. {17} TO THE ISRAELITES THE GLORY OF THE LORD LOOKED LIKE A CONSUMING FIRE ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN. {18} Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights."

THE GLORY OF GOD LOOKS LIKE A CONSUMING FIRE…

- THE GLORY OF GOD IS SCARY

- THE GLORY OF GOD APPEARS TO CAUSE DEATH..

SO, THE PEOPLE OF GOD REFUSE TO GO UP TO MEET WITH GOD..

- THEY ARE AFRAID TO DIE… SO THEY DON’T DRAW CLOSE TO GOD!

BUT MOSES DIDN’T STAY AWAY… MOSES WENT INTO THE FIRE!

- MOSES WAS CALLED: “THE MOST HUMBLE MAN THAT EVER LIVED!”

o BECAUSE HE CONTINUALLY SOUGHT GOD’S FACE

o BECAUSE HE CONTINUALLY BROUGHT HIS WILL UNDER GOD’S

o HE CHOSE TO DIE TO SELF… TO ENCOUNTER THE GLORY OF GOD!

NOT ONLY DOES MOSES MEET WITH GOD ON THE MOUNTAIN..

- HE BEGS FOR MORE….

MOSES BEGS GOD FOR A DEEPER REVELATION OF HIS GLORY!

(Exo 33:18-23 NIV) "THEN MOSES SAID, "NOW SHOW ME YOUR GLORY." {19} And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. {20} But," he said, "YOU CANNOT SEE MY FACE, FOR NO ONE MAY SEE ME AND LIVE." {21} Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. {22} WHEN MY GLORY PASSES BY, I WILL PUT YOU IN A CLEFT IN THE ROCK AND COVER YOU WITH MY HAND UNTIL I HAVE PASSED BY. {23} Then I will remove my hand and YOU WILL SEE MY BACK; BUT MY FACE MUST NOT BE SEEN.""

WHY DID GOD SAY… “YOU CANNOT SEE MY FACE..”

- THE FLESH CANNOT BEAR TO BE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD..

- ANGELS IN HEAVEN COVER THEIR FACES WITH THEIR WINGS..

- THE GLORY OF GOD WAS STRONG LIKE A FIRE..

BUT MOSES WANTED MORE… TO STAND “FACE TO FACE” WITH GOD!

WHY DID GOD SHOW HIMSELF TO MOSES??

- BECAUSE MOSES SOUGHT AFTER GOD’S FULLNESS.. HIS GLORY!

IN FACT, ONE OF GOD DEEPEST DESIRES IS TO BE REVEALED TO ALL MEN!

- GOD’S ORIGINAL INTEN WAS TO MAKE A WAY SO THAT ALL HUMANKIND COULD SEE HIM IN HIS GLORY (FULLNESS)

GOD EXPRESSES HIS DESIRE TO BE REVEALED TO HIS PEOPLE…

(Lev 9:3-8 NIV) "Then say to the Israelites: 'Take a male goat for a sin offering, a calf and a lamb--both a year old and without defect--for a burnt offering, {4} and an ox and a ram for a fellowship offering to sacrifice before the LORD, together with a grain offering mixed with oil. For today the LORD will appear to you.'" {5} They took the things Moses commanded to the front of the Tent of Meeting, and the entire assembly came near and stood before the LORD. {6} Then Moses said, "This is what the LORD has commanded you to do, SO THAT THE GLORY OF THE LORD MAY APPEAR TO YOU." {7} Moses said to Aaron, "Come to the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering and make atonement for yourself and the people; sacrifice the offering that is for the people and make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded." {8} So Aaron came to the altar and slaughtered the calf as a sin offering for himself."

THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE, GOD CONTINUALLY MAKES A WAY FOR THE SEEKERS (THE HUMBLE & HUNGRY) TO ENCOUNTER HIM!

THE GLORY OF GOD IS HIS FULLNESS.. HIS NATURE..

MORE GLORY = MORE FULLNESS

- MORE GLORY = REVELATION

- MORE GLORY = MORE POWER

- MORE GLORY = MORE PRESENCE

- MORE GLORY = MORE TRUTH, VIRTUE, RIGHTEOUSNESS

- MORE GLORY = MORE OF GOD’S PRESENCE.. THE FULFILLMENT OF MAN!

THE ORIGINAL NATURE OF GOD INTENDED FOR US..

(Gen 1:26 NIV) "Then God said, "Let us make man in OUR IMAGE, in OUR LIKENESS, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

THE DEEP DESIRE OF GOD IS TO BE REVEALED….

- GOD’S NATURE IS THAT HE WANTS TO BE KNOWN..

- GOD’S HEART’S DEEPEST DESIRE IS TO BE SOUGHT AFTER..
IN THE GARDEN… AND EVER SINCE THE GARDEN, GOD’S DESIRE IS TO REVEAL HIS PRESENCE (HIS GLORY) TO US!!

THE GLORY OF MAN..

THE BIBLE SAYS…

(Gen 2:25 NIV) "The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame."

GOD CREATED US TO LIVE IN FULL REVELATION..

- ADAM AND EVE WERE NOT ASHAMED TO BE FULLY REVEALED BEFORE GOD..

THIS DEEP DESIRE FOR GLORY IS CREATED WITHIN EACH ONE OF US…

- TO KNOW AND TO BE FULLY KNOWN…

o THIS IS WHY JESUS COMPARES MARRIAGE TO HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHURCH…

WE WERE CREATED TO LIVE FULLY REVEALED AND UNASHAMED BEFORE GOD…

THE GLORY OF GOD

(Hab 2:14 NIV) "For THE EARTH WILL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF THE LORD, AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA."

GOD’S DESIRE IS TO BE FULLY REVEALED ON THE EARTH…

THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS GLORY WILL COVER THE EARTH!!

JESUS IS THE REVELATION OF GOD’S GLORY (THE FULLNESS OF GOD)

(John 1:14 NIV) "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. WE HAVE SEEN HIS GLORY, THE GLORY OF THE ONE AND ONLY, WHO CAME FROM THE FATHER, full of grace and truth."

(Heb 1:3 NIV) "THE SON IS THE RADIANCE OF GOD'S GLORY and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."

JESUS IS THE GLORY… JESUS IS GOD’S GLORY REVEALED IN FLESH!!

IT WAS A PROCESS… GOD REVEALED HIS GLORY THROUGH JESUS LIFE & ACTIONS

FIRST REVELATION: JESUS TURNS WATER INTO WINE….AND THE RESPONSE??

(John 2:1-11 NIV) "On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, {2} and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. {3} When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine." {4} "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come." {5} His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." {6} Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. {7} Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. {8} Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, {9} and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside {10} and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now." {11} This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. HE THUS REVEALED HIS GLORY, AND HIS DISCIPLES PUT THEIR FAITH IN HIM."

MIRACLES REVEAL THE FULLNESS OF GOD…

RESULT: PEOPLE PUT THEIR TRUST IN GOD BECAUSE GOD IS REVEALED!

RAISED LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD..

(John 11:2-4 NIV) "This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. {3} So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." {4} When he heard this, Jesus said, "THIS SICKNESS WILL NOT END IN DEATH. NO, IT IS FOR GOD'S GLORY SO THAT GOD'S SON MAY BE GLORIFIED THROUGH IT.""

JESUS HEALS TO REVEAL THE FULLNESS OF GOD…

- TO SHOW THE WORLD WHO GOD IS AND WHAT HE DOES…

JESUS PROPHESIES ABOUT THE GLORY ROAD

(Mark 10:35-40 NIV) "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." {36} "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. {37} They replied, "Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory." {38} "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said. "Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?" {39} "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, {40} but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared."

THE GLORY ROAD IS PAVED WITH HUMILITY

- THE GLORY COMES BY DEATH TO SELF

- THE GLORY OF GOD IS REVEALED BY IDENTIFICATION WITH JESUS..
JESUS ENTERED INTO HIS GLORY BY SUFFERING…

(Luke 24:25-26 NIV) "He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! {26} Did not the Christ have to suffer these things AND THEN ENTER HIS GLORY?"
JESUS ENTERED INTO “HIS GLORY” BY HUMBLE SELF-SACRIFICE

- THE NATURE OF GOD IS REVEALED WHEN THE FLESH IS BROUGHT UNDER THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT!

JESUS REVEALS THE GLORY ROAD FOR HIMSELF…. AND THEN FOR US!

(John 12:23-32 NIV) "Jesus replied, "THE HOUR HAS COME FOR THE SON OF MAN TO BE GLORIFIED. {24} I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. {25} THE MAN WHO LOVES HIS LIFE WILL LOSE IT, WHILE THE MAN WHO HATES HIS LIFE IN THIS WORLD WILL KEEP IT FOR ETERNAL LIFE. {26} WHOEVER SERVES ME MUST FOLLOW ME; AND WHERE I AM, MY SERVANT ALSO WILL BE. MY FATHER WILL HONOR THE ONE WHO SERVES ME. {27} "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. {28} Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." {29} The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. {30} Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. {31} Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. {32} But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.""

JESUS REVEALS THAT “CROSS-BEARING” =DEATH TO SELF, IS THE GLORY ROAD!

WE REVEAL GOD’S GLORY WHEN WE WALK ON THE ROAD THAT JESUS WALKED ON!

THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH… REVEALING THE FULLNESS (GLORY) OF GOD

MOST IMPORTANT VERSE…

(2 Cor 4:16-5:4 NASB) "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. {17} FOR MOMENTARY, LIGHT AFFLICTION IS PRODUCING FOR US AN ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY FAR BEYOND ALL COMPARISON, {18} while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

{5:1}"FOR WE KNOW THAT IF THE EARTHLY TENT WHICH IS OUR HOUSE IS TORN DOWN, WE HAVE A BUILDING FROM GOD, A HOUSE NOT MADE WITH HANDS, ETERNAL IN THE HEAVENS. {2} For INDEED IN THIS HOUSE WE GROAN, LONGING TO BE CLOTHED WITH OUR DWELLING FROM HEAVEN; {3} INASMUCH AS WE, HAVING PUT IT ON, SHALL NOT BE FOUND NAKED.

{4} FOR INDEED WHILE WE ARE IN THIS TENT, WE GROAN, BEING BURDENED, BECAUSE WE DO NOT WANT TO BE UNCLOTHED, BUT TO BE CLOTHED, IN ORDER THAT WHAT IS MORTAL MAY BE SWALLOWED UP BY LIFE."

WHEN WE CARRY THE CROSS, COME UNDER THE REFINING WORK OF GOD IT WORKS IN US A GLORY THAT IS BEYOND ALL COMPARISON!

WE GROAN IN THE BODY… WE WANT TO BE GLORIFIED… TO REVEAL GOD’S GLORY

(Rom 8:22-30 NIV) "WE KNOW THAT THE WHOLE CREATION HAS BEEN GROANING AS IN THE PAINS OF CHILDBIRTH RIGHT UP TO THE PRESENT TIME. {23} NOT ONLY SO, BUT WE OURSELVES, WHO HAVE THE FIRSTFRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, GROAN INWARDLY AS WE WAIT EAGERLY FOR OUR ADOPTION AS SONS, THE REDEMPTION OF OUR BODIES. {24} For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? {25} But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. {26} In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. {27} And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. {28} And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. {29} For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. {30} AND THOSE HE PREDESTINED, HE ALSO CALLED; THOSE HE CALLED, HE ALSO JUSTIFIED; THOSE HE JUSTIFIED, HE ALSO GLORIFIED."

THE GROANING (THE INWARD LONGING) THAT ALL HUMANITY FEELS…

- THE DRIVE TO SEEK DRUGS (EXPERIENCE MORE..)

- THE DRIVE TO EAT (FEEL FULL..)

- THE DRIVE TO HAVE SEX (FEEL INTIMATE… FULFILLED.. ETC…)

THE GROANING (THIS INWARD LONGING) IS ACTUALLY A LONGING FOR GOD’S FULLNESS TO BE REVEALED IN US!!

IT WAS PLACED IN US BY GOD SO THAT WE WOULD SEEK HIM!

THE LAST CHAPTER… THE WEDDING FEAST… THE FULLNESS OF GOD

(Rev 22 NIV) "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb {2} down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the HEALING OF THE NATIONS. {3} No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. {4} THEY WILL SEE HIS FACE, AND HIS NAME WILL BE ON THEIR FOREHEADS. {5} THERE WILL BE NO MORE NIGHT. THEY WILL NOT NEED THE LIGHT OF A LAMP OR THE LIGHT OF THE SUN, FOR THE LORD GOD WILL GIVE THEM LIGHT. AND THEY WILL REIGN FOR EVER AND EVER. {6} The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place." {7} "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." {8} I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. {9} But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!" {10} Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. {11} Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy." {12} "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. {13} I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. {14} "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. {15} Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. {16} "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." {17} THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, "COME!" AND LET HIM WHO HEARS SAY, "COME!" WHOEVER IS THIRSTY, LET HIM COME; AND WHOEVER WISHES, LET HIM TAKE THE FREE GIFT OF THE WATER OF LIFE. {18} I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. {19} And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. {20} He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. {21} The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen."

YOU SEE… THE LONGINGS THAT WE HAVE FOR LOVE, ACCEPTANCE AND FORGIVENESS WILL FINALLY BE FULFILLED IN THE END!

SEEKING THE REVELATION OF GOD’S GLORY

o BY DYING TO SELF:

o BEING THE SEED THAT EXPERIENCES “BEING BURIED/PLANTED”

o PICKING UP YOUR CROSS TO FOLLOW HIM

o BY LAYING DOWN YOUR LIFE TO FIND IT

o BY SEEKING TO DO THE WILL OF GOD!

LIVING IN THE REVEALED NATURE (GLORY) OF GOD BRINGS…

1. KNOWING WHO YOU ARE (CHILD OF GOD, BRIDE OF CHRIST)

2. KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE HERE FOR.. (TO REVEAL THE GLORY OF GOD)

3. WALKING IN A LIFESTYLE SUPERNATURAL EVENTS/ MIRACLES

4. IN THE MIDST OF SUFFERING/TESTING TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND DEMONSTRATE THE CHARACTAR & NATURE OF GOD HIMSELF

5. A KNOWLEDGE THAT AT THE END OF TIME… ALL OF OUR DEEPEST DESIRES WILL BE MET IN HIM!

MUCH FORGIVEN, MUCH LOVED

2011-05-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

The Story of Mary of Bethany

TEXT:

(Luke 7:36-50 NIV) "Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. {37} When A WOMAN who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, {38} and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. {39} When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner." {40} Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. {41} "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. {42} Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" {43} Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. {44} Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. {45} You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. {46} You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. {47} Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. BUT HE WHO HAS BEEN FORGIVEN LITTLE LOVES LITTLE." {48} Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." {49} The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" {50} Jesus said to the woman, "YOUR FAITH HAS SAVED YOU; GO IN PEACE."

MARY – THE BROKEN FOLLOWER OF JESUS!!

Mary was the only follower of Jesus who KNEW who Jesus REALLY WAS..

1. At every opportunity, Mary responded to Jesus as LORD of ALL!

THE BROKEN ALABASTER JAR… Mary RECOGNIZED JESUS AND WORSHIPED HIM!

(Mat 26:6-13 NIV) "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, {7} a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. {8} When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. {9} "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." {10} Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. {11} The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. {12} When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. {13} I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

THE ANOINTING BY THE SINFUL WOMAN;

1. HAPPENED IN BETHANY…MARY’S HOME TOWN!!

MARY WAS THE WOMAN WITH THE ALABASTER JAR

(John 11:1-2 NIV) "Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. {2} This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair."

THE WOMAN WHO ANOINTED JESUS FEET:

1. SHE IS CALLED MARY

2. SHE IS LAZARUS SISTER

LUKE’S STORY.. THE “SINFUL WOMAN” WHO ANOINTED JESUS…

(Luke 7:36-50 NIV) "Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. {37} When A WOMAN who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, {38} and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. {39} When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner." {40} Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. {41} "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. {42} Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" {43} Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. {44} Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. {45} You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. {46} You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. {47} Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. BUT HE WHO HAS BEEN FORGIVEN LITTLE LOVES LITTLE." {48} Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." {49} The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" {50} Jesus said to the woman, "YOUR FAITH HAS SAVED YOU; GO IN PEACE."

THE “WOMAN”;

1. HAD LIVED A SINFUL LIFE

2. WAS SAVED BY HER FAITH…

SIX VERSES LATER…..

MARY (FIRST CALLED MAGDALENE) BECOMES A FOLLOWER OF JESUS…

(Luke 8:1-2 NIV) "After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, {2} and also SOME WOMEN who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;"

MARY BECOMES A FOLLOWER OF JESUS..

NOTE:

1. SHE IS A FORMER SINFUL WOMAN

2. SHE HAD SEVEN DEMONS CAST OUT OF HER

3. SHE IS CALLED MAGDALENE..

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT MARY MAGDALENE IS MARY OF BETHANY?

PROTESTANT COMMENTARIES

“Magdalene has been interpreted since the Reformation as the birthplace of Mary however the word “Magdala” in Aramaic simply means “TOWER” (Migdol in Hebrew) Magdalene is an adjectival ending like the –ene ending on Nazarene. Mary’s Magadala has been identified with Migdol Nûnîya which was situated about three miles north of Tiberias near the Sea of Galilee”

ANCIENT TRADITION: THE LATIN CHURCH FATHERS AND EARLY CHURCH BELIEVED THAT…

MARY OF BETHANY IS MARY MAGDELENE..

EARLY CHURCH FATHERS

“In the tradition of the Latin church fathers, Mary of Bethany is identified as Mary Magdalene (of whom more is recorded in the gospels as well as in later traditions), while in Eastern Orthodox and Protestant traditions they are considered separate persons.”

Catholic Encyclopedia

“In the view we have advocated the series of events forms a consistent whole; the "sinner" comes early in the ministry to seek for pardon; she is described immediately afterwards as Mary Magdalen "out of whom seven devils were gone forth"; shortly after, we find her "sitting at the Lord's feet and hearing His words." At a later period Mary and Martha turn to "the Christ, the Son of the Living God", and He restores to them their brother Lazarus; a short time afterwards they make Him a supper and Mary once more repeats the act she had performed when a penitent. At the Passion she stands near by; she sees Him laid in the tomb; and she is the first witness of His Resurrection. In our view, then, there were two anointings of Christ's feet--it should surely be no difficulty that St. Matthew and St. Mark speak of His head--the first (Luke 7) took place at a comparatively early date; the second, two days before the last Passover. But it was one and the same woman who performed this pious act on each occasion.

IF THE FOREGOING ARGUMENT HOLDS GOOD, MARY OF BETHANY AND THE "SINNER" ARE ONE AND THE SAME. BUT AN EXAMINATION OF ST. JOHN'S GOSPEL MAKES IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DENY THE IDENTITY OF MARY OF BETHANY WITH MARY MAGDALEN. FROM ST. JOHN WE LEARN THE NAME OF THE "WOMAN" WHO ANOINTED CHRIST'S FEET PREVIOUS TO THE LAST SUPPER.

REASONS TO BELIEVE THAT MARY OF BETHANY IS MARY MAGDALENE:

1. THEY NEVER APPEAR SIDE BY SIDE..

2. BOTH WERE ARDENT FOLLOWERS OF JESUS

3. BOTH WERE DESCRIBED AS “SINFUL WOMEN”

4. MARY MAGDALENE IS OFTEN JUST REFERRED TO AS “MARY”

5. MAGDALENE MEANS “TOWER” AND MAY NOT REFER TO A PLACE BUT BE A TITLE

OFTEN WE SAY “IF I WERE THERE, I WOULD HAVE KNOWN WHO JESUS WAS..”

THERE WAS ONLY ONE PERSON WHO REALLY DID THIS… MARY of BETHANY…

WHO I BELIEVE IS ALSO MARY MAGDELENE..

MARY THE WORSHIPPER..

THE WOMAN WHO WAS FORGIVEN MUCH… LOVED MUCH…

(Luke 7:44-50 NIV) Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. {45} You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. {46} You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. {47} Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. BUT HE WHO HAS BEEN FORGIVEN LITTLE LOVES LITTLE." {48} Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." {49} The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" {50} Jesus said to the

MARY THE LISTENER…

(Luke 10:38-42 NIV) "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. {39} SHE HAD A SISTER CALLED MARY, WHO SAT AT THE LORD'S FEET LISTENING TO WHAT HE SAID. {40} But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" {41} "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, {42} BUT ONLY ONE THING IS NEEDED. MARY HAS CHOSEN WHAT IS BETTER, AND IT WILL NOT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HER.""

MARY THE BELIEVER…

AT THE RAISING OF LAZARUS….

MARY KNEW JESUS COULD HAVE KEPT LAZARUS FROM DYING

(John 11:32 NIV) "When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

MARY THE WITNESS…

MANY WHO CAME TO SEE MARY BELIEVED IN JESUS

(John 11:43-45 NIV) "When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" {44} The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." {45} THEREFORE MANY OF THE JEWS WHO HAD COME TO VISIT MARY, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him."

MARY, WITNESS OF THE CRUCIFIXION

MARY WAS AT THE CROSS WITH JESUS MOTHER

(John 19:25 KJV) "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene."

Mary Magdalene witnessed most of the events surrounding the crucifixion. She was present at the mock trial of Jesus; she heard Pontius Pilate pronounce the death sentence; and she saw Jesus beaten and humiliated by the crowd. She was one of the women who stood near Jesus during the crucifixion to try to comfort Him. The earliest witness to the resurrection of Jesus, she was sent by Jesus to tell the others (John 20:11-18). Although this is the last mention of her in the Bible, she was probably among the women who gathered with the apostles to await the promised coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14).

MARY, THE BELIEVER… BELIEVES THAT JESUS WILL RISE!!

MARY WAS THE FIRST TO SEE JESUS AT THE TOMB

(Mark 16:1-10 NIV) "When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. {2} Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb {3} and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" {4} But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. {5} As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. {6} "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. {7} But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" {8} Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. {9} When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. {10} She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping."

MARY BRINGS THE TESTIMONY TO THE DISCIPLES…

(John 20:1-12 NIV) "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. {2} So she came running to Simon Peter and the OTHER DISCIPLE, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" {3} So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. {4} Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. {5} He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. {6} Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, {7} as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. {8} Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. {9} (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) {10} Then the disciples went back to their homes, {11} but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb {12} and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. {13} They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." {14} At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. {15} "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." {16} Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). {17} Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" {18} Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her."

THE RESPONSE OF THE FORGIVEN:

1. WORSHIP

2. ADORATION

3. SEEKING & LISTENING

4. BELIEVING

5. EXPECTATION OF FULFILLMENT

6. WITNESS

THE ANOINTING OF JESUS FEET HAPPENED IN BETHANY – MARY’S HOMETOWN

(Mat 26:6-13 NIV) "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, {7} A WOMAN came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. {8} When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. {9} "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." {10} Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. {11} The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. {12} When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. {13} I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."

1. THE WOMAN ANOINTED JESUS FEET IN BETHANY

2. BETHANY WAS MARY’S HOMETOWN

WOMAN who anointed Jesus feet had lived a sinful life

(Luke 7:36-50 NIV) "Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. {37} When A WOMAN who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, {38} and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

{39} When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner." {40} Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. {41} "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. {42} Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" {43} Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. {44} Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. {45} You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. {46} You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. {47} Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." {48} Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." {49} The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" {50} Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace.""

1. WOMAN WHO ANOINTS JESUS FEET IS IDENTIFIED AS

a. “HAD LIVED A SINFUL LIFE”

b. SHE IS “SAVED” BY HER FAITH – JESUS SAYS…

SIX VERSES LATER…..

MARY FIRST CALLED MAGDALENE BECOMES A FOLLOWER OF JESUS…

(Luke 8:1-2 NIV) "After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, {2} and also SOME WOMEN who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;"

MARY BECOMES A FOLLOWER OF JESUS..

NOTE:

1. She is a former sinful woman

2. SHE HAD SEVEN DEMONS CAST OUT OF HER

3. SHE IS CALLED MAGDALENE..

IS IT POSSIBLE THAT MARY MAGDALENE IS MARY OF BETHANY?

THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT - THE PURPOSE OF DIFFICULTIES

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ON THE CROSS… THE BODY OF CHRIST TORN OPEN FOR US

(Heb 10:19-22 NIV) "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, {20} by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, {21} and since we have a great priest over the house of God, {22} let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."

JESUS.. THE DOOR.. THE CURTAIN

(John 10:7-9 NIV) "Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. {8} All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. {9} I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture."
JESUS BODY WAS THE CURTAIN…

- THE CURTAIN WAS OPENED AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD WAS RELEASED ON THE EARTH!
JESUS DEATH BROUGHT ABOUT ACCESS TO GOD

1. THE VEIL

a. THE VEIL WAS THE ACCESS POINT FOR THE PRIESTS TO ENCOUNTER GOD

b. THE VEIL WAS THE ONLY THING THAT SEPERATED THE FACE OF MAN AND THE FACE OF GOD

c. BIBLE SAYS THAT THE VEIL WAS TORN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

d. GOD TORE OPEN THE VEIL TO MAKE A WAY TO ENCOUNTER HIS SPIRIT

2. JESUS

a. JESUS WAS THE ONLY BEGOTTON SON OF GOD – IT WAS THE WAY THAT WE COULD ENCOUNTER (SEE, TOUCH AND HEAR) GOD

b. JESUS’ BODY WAS LIKE THE VEIL, IN THAT WHEN HIS BODY WAS TORN, WE WERE ALLOWED ACCESS TO GOD.

c. THE BIBLE SAYS THAT JESUS WAS MARRED BEYOND RECOGNITION

d. JESUS CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH WAS THE ONLY WAY THAT WE COULD ENCOUNTER –RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

JESUS: “IT IS GOOD THAT I GO AWAY… THEN I WILL SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT!”

(John 16:7-15 NIV) "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. {8} When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: {9} in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; {10} in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; {11} and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. {12} "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. {13} But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. {14} He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. {15} All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN US… GOD ACTIVE ON THE EARTH..

(John 14:16-20 NIV) "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- {17} the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. {18} I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. {19} Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. {20} On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you."

THE HOLY SPIRIT - JESUS SPIRIT IN US… THE HOPE OF GLORY!

(Col 1:27 NIV) "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

KNOWING JESUS… POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION & FELLOWSHIP OF SUFFERINGS,

(Phil 3:10-11 NIV) "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, {11} and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

UNITED WITH HIM IN DEATH… UNITED IN HIM IN HIS LIFE

(Rom 6:5-10 NIV) "If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

THE SEED THAT DIES…

THE SEED

(John 12:23-27 NIV) "Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. {24} I tell you the truth, UNLESS A KERNEL OF WHEAT FALLS TO THE GROUND AND DIES, IT REMAINS ONLY A SINGLE SEED. BUT IF IT DIES, IT PRODUCES MANY SEEDS. {25} The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. {26} Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. {27} "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour."

LIFE IS IN THE GRAIN OF THE SEED

- BEFORE OUR SALVATION WE ARE NOT ALIVE

- AFTER OUR SALVATION THE “GERM OF LIFE” IS PLACED IN US..

- SALVATION.. LIFE IS IN US… IT IS PLACED THERE BY GOD

THE SEED CONTAINS THE LIFE IN HARD SHELL

- THE SHELL IS SOFTENED BY THE MOISTURE OF THE COLD DARK SOIL

- THE CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE CAUSE THE SEED TO SPLIT

- THE SEED DIES… AS IT DEGRADES.. IT PRODUCES FERTILIZER FOR THE NEW LIFE
THE DEAD SEED… BECOMES A LIVING PLANT

- THE PLANT SPRINGS OUT OF THE BROKEN SEED..

- THE PLANT IS A COMPLETELY NEW THING.. NOT A GERM, NOT A SEED

THE PLANT PRODUCES MANY SEEDS!

- 30 – 60 – 100 TIMES AS MANY NEW LIVES!!

(Mark 4:8 NIV) "Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.""

THE SEED IS US….

(Mat 13:24-53 NIV) "Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. {25} But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. {26} When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. {27} "The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' {28} 'An enemy did this,' he replied. The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?' {29} "'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. {30} Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" {31} He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. {32} Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches." {33} He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough." {34} Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. {35} So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world." {36} Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field." {37} He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. {38} The field is the world, and THE GOOD SEED STANDS FOR THE SONS OF THE KINGDOM. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, {39} and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. {40} As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. {41} The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. {42} They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. {43} Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
DIFFICULTIES PRODUCE IN US A RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT…

- WE BECOME FRUITFUL LIFE PRODUCING FOLLOWERS OF JESUS!
A PROMISE….

(2 Tim 2:11-12 NIV) "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; {12} if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;"
(2 Cor 4:16-5:11 NIV) "THEREFORE WE DO NOT LOSE HEART. THOUGH OUTWARDLY WE ARE WASTING AWAY, YET INWARDLY WE ARE BEING RENEWED DAY BY DAY. {17} FOR OUR LIGHT AND MOMENTARY TROUBLES ARE ACHIEVING FOR US AN ETERNAL GLORY THAT FAR OUTWEIGHS THEM ALL. {18} SO WE FIX OUR EYES NOT ON WHAT IS SEEN, BUT ON WHAT IS UNSEEN. FOR WHAT IS SEEN IS TEMPORARY, BUT WHAT IS UNSEEN IS ETERNAL."

(5:1-11) "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. {2} Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, {3} because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. {4} FOR WHILE WE ARE IN THIS TENT, WE GROAN AND ARE BURDENED, BECAUSE WE DO NOT WISH TO BE UNCLOTHED BUT TO BE CLOTHED WITH OUR HEAVENLY DWELLING, SO THAT WHAT IS MORTAL MAY BE SWALLOWED UP BY LIFE.

{5} NOW IT IS GOD WHO HAS MADE US FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE AND HAS GIVEN US THE SPIRIT AS A DEPOSIT, GUARANTEEING WHAT IS TO COME. {6} Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. {7} We live by faith, not by sight. {8} We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. {9} So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. {10} For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. {11} Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience."
INVITATION:

• ALLOW THE SPIRIT TO BE RELEASED IN YOU!

• LIKE JESUS… UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THAT “NOW IS THE TIME THAT I AM GLORIFIED” WHEN FACING DIFFICULTIES AND TRIALS!

• ACCEPT LIKE PAUL… AND PRAY FOR: “ THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS…” SO THAT YOU MAY RECEIVE.. “THE POWER OF HIS RESSURECTION!

• LET A “THE VEIL” OF YOUR FLESH TO BE TORN… SO THAT THE SPIRIT CAN BE RELEASED AND REVEALED TO THE WORLD AROUND YOU!

The Veil

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“THE VEIL”

a resurrection message

THE RESURRECTION STORY:

(Mat 27:62-66 NIV) "The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. {63} "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' {64} So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." {65} "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." {66} So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard."

(Mat 28:1-10 NIV) "After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. {2} There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. {3} His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. {4} The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. {5} The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. {6} He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. {7} Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." {8} So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. {9} Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. {10} Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.""

HAVE YOU EVER….

Started a job thinking that it could be done easily…

Then you discovered that it would take MUCH longer… so you continued to work Then you found out that you had “bitten off more than you can chew”

Then you discovered that perhaps you would never even get the project completed!!

THAT WAS MY EXPERIENCE WHEN I BEGAN TO DO MY RESEARCH FOR THIS MESSAGE…

- IT STARTED WHEN I WAS READING THE PASSAGE IN MATT. 27:51 ABOUT THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE

- SOMETHING AMAZING HAPPENED WHEN THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE WAS TORN

LET’S READ ABOUT IT!

TEXT FOR THE MESSAGE:

(Matt 27:46-53 NIV) " About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" {47} When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." {48} Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. {49} The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him." {50} And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. {51} At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. {52} The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. {53} They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people."
(Luke 23:44-47 NIV) " It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, {45} for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. {46} Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. {47} The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."

THE VEIL

(Exo 26:30-33 NIV) ""Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain. {31} "Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman. {32} Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. {33} Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place."
THE PRESENCE OF GOD – THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS ALWAYS PRESENT WITH THE PEOPLE OF GOD

- THE HOLY SPIRIT (biblical term: “THE SPIRIT/PRESENCE OF GOD”) WAS HIDDEN FROM THE SIGHT OF THE PEOPLE FOR 364 DAYS A YEAR

- THE PREIST WAS PERMITTED TO MEET WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD AT THE ALTAR OF INCENSE IN FRONT OF THE VEIL!! BUT HE COULD NOT GO IN!!
(Exo 30:6 NIV) "Put the altar in front of the curtain that is before the ark of the Testimony--before the atonement cover that is over the Testimony--where I will meet with you."
ONLY ONCE A YEAR COULD THE HIGH PREIST ENTER INTO THE TEMPLE AND WITNESS THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT…

o THIS WAS THE SAME HOLY SPIRIT THAT HOVERED OVER THE WATERS OF CREATION

o THIS WAS THE SAME SPIRIT THAT MET MOSES ON SINAI..

THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT ON THE EARTH HAD NOT TAKEN PLACE !

- AS LONG AS THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE WAS INTACT, THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS UNSEEN, UNTOUCHED AND SEPERATED FROM THE PEOPLE

- IT WAS BECAUSE OF SIN..

o ONCE A YEAR A PURE AND SPOTLESS LAMB WAS BROUGHT TO THE TEMPLE

o ONCE A YEAR THE SPIRIT OF GOD COULD BE EXPERIENCED AND PERMITTED

THE VEIL SEPERATED THE FACE OF GOD AND THE FACE OF MAN

- IN THE OLD COVENANT THERE WAS NO FELLOWSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!

A VEIL STOOD BETWEEN THE FACE OF GOD AND THE FACE OF MAN!

AND IT WAS NO LITTLE THING……

Talmud

“Veils before the Most Holy Place were 40 cubits (60 feet) high, and 20 (30 feet) wide, of the thickness of the palm of the hand, and wrought in 72 squares, which were joined together. When replaced by layer 300 priests were required to manipulate each layer.”

IT WAS A NO SMALL CURTAIN.. IT WAS THICK AND HEAVY!!

Josephus:

“Before these doors there was a veil of equal largeness with the doors. It was a Babylonian curtain, embroidered with blue, and fine linen, and scarlet, and purple, and of a contexture that was truly wonderful. Nor was this mixture of colors without its mystical interpretation, but was a kind of image of the universe; for by the scarlet there seemed to be enigmatically signified fire, by the fine flax the earth, by the blue the air, and by the purple the sea; two of them having their colors the foundation of this resemblance; but the fine flax and the purple have their own origin for that foundation, the earth producing the one, and the sea the other. This curtain had also embroidered upon it all that was mystical in the heavens, excepting that of the [twelve] signs, representing living creatures. (Wars 5.5.4)

THE VEIL WAS AN IMMENSELY HEAVY AND BEAUTIFUL – EVEN MYSTICAL CURTAIN!!

THE VEIL COULD NOT HAVE BEEN RIPPED BY ANY HUMAN FORCE!!

- IT could not have been rent in twain by a mere earthquake or the fall of the lintel!

- IT COULD HAVE ONLY BEEN TORN OPEN BY THE POWER OF GOD

THE OLD COVENANT WAS A POWERFUL YET INSUFFICIENT WAY FOR GOD TO DWELL AMONG MEN AS HE ALWAYS INTENDED IN THE GARDEN….

AND… AS HE WANTED AT THE FOOT OF SINAI..

(Exo 20:18-24 NIV) "When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance {19} and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die." {20} Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." {21} The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. {22} Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites this: 'You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: {23} Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold. {24} "'Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you."

THE TEMPLE WAS A COVENANT TO BRING THE PEOPLE IN AS CLOSE AS THEY WERE COMFORTABLE WITH!!

- IT WAS A CONCESSION TO THE FEAR OF MAN!

THE NEW COVENANT PROPHESIED

(JER 31:31-34 NIV) ""THE TIME IS COMING," DECLARES THE LORD, "WHEN I WILL MAKE A NEW COVENANT WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AND WITH THE HOUSE OF JUDAH. {32} IT WILL NOT BE LIKE THE COVENANT I MADE WITH THEIR FOREFATHERS WHEN I TOOK THEM BY THE HAND TO LEAD THEM OUT OF EGYPT, BECAUSE THEY BROKE MY COVENANT, THOUGH I WAS A HUSBAND TO THEM, " DECLARES THE LORD. {33} "THIS IS THE COVENANT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THAT TIME," DECLARES THE LORD. "I WILL PUT MY LAW IN THEIR MINDS AND WRITE IT ON THEIR HEARTS. I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY WILL BE MY PEOPLE. {34} NO LONGER WILL A MAN TEACH HIS NEIGHBOR, OR A MAN HIS BROTHER, SAYING, 'KNOW THE LORD,' BECAUSE THEY WILL ALL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST OF THEM TO THE GREATEST," DECLARES THE LORD. "FOR I WILL FORGIVE THEIR WICKEDNESS AND WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE."

THE PROMISE OF THE NEW COVENANT DOES NOT INVOLVE A VEIL!!

SOMETHING TOTALLY UNIQUE HAPPENED WHEN JESUS “GAVE UP THE GHOST” ON CALVARY

(Mat 27:50-53 NIV) "And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. {51} At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. {52} The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. {53} They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people."

1. AND EARTHQUAKE

2. DARKNESS OVER THE WHOLE LAND (LIKE NIGHT!)

3. THE ROCK SPLIT APART

4. THE VEIL WAS TORN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

5. TOMBS BROKE OPEN

6. HOLY MEN AND WOMEN WERE RAISED TO LIFE

WHAT WAS SPIRITUALLY GOING ON WHEN AT THIS MOMENT!!

THE VEIL WAS OPENED AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS RELEASED!

THE VEIL WAS TORN OPEN AND ACCESS TO GOD WAS GRANTED!

THE VEIL – THE BODY OF CHRIST TORN OPEN FOR US

(Heb 10:19-22 NIV) "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, {20} by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, {21} and since we have a great priest over the house of God, {22} let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."

JESUS.. THE DOOR.. THE CURTAIN

(John 10:7-9 NIV) "Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. {8} All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. {9} I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture."

JESUS BODY WAS THE CURTAIN…

- THE CURTAIN WAS OPENED AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD WAS RELEASED ON THE EARTH!

JESUS DEATH BROUGHT ABOUT ACCESS TO GOD

1. THE VEIL

a. THE VEIL WAS THE ACCESS POINT FOR THE PRIESTS TO ENCOUNTER GOD

b. THE VEIL WAS THE ONLY THING THAT SEPERATED THE FACE OF MAN AND THE FACE OF GOD

c. BIBLE SAYS THAT THE VEIL WAS TORN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

d. GOD TORE OPEN THE VEIL TO MAKE A WAY TO ENCOUNTER HIS SPIRIT

2. JESUS

a. JESUS WAS THE ONLY BEGOTTON SON OF GOD – IT WAS THE WAY THAT WE COULD ENCOUNTER (SEE, TOUCH AND HEAR) GOD

b. JESUS WAS THE ONLY WAY THAT

c. THE BIBLE SAYS THAT JESUS WAS MARRED BEYOND RECOGNITION

d. JESUS CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH WAS THE ONLY WAY THAT WE COULD ENCOUNTER –RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT

UNVEILED FACES

(2 Cor 3:14-18 NIV) "But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, BECAUSE ONLY IN CHRIST IS IT TAKEN AWAY. {15} Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. {16} BUT WHENEVER ANYONE TURNS TO THE LORD, THE VEIL IS TAKEN AWAY. {17} NOW THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT, AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS FREEDOM. {18} AND WE, WHO WITH UNVEILED FACES ALL REFLECT THE LORD'S GLORY, ARE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO HIS LIKENESS WITH EVER-INCREASING GLORY, WHICH COMES FROM THE LORD, WHO IS THE SPIRIT."

NOW THE VEIL IS REMOVED AND WE HAVE ACCESS

JESUS RESURRECTION BROUGHT ABOUT THE RELEASE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

JESUS PROPHESIED!:

IT IS GOOD THAT I GO AWAY… THEN I WILL SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT!!

(John 16:7-15 NIV) "But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. {8} When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: {9} in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; {10} in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; {11} and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. {12} "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. {13} But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. {14} He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. {15} All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."

THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL BE RELEASED WHEN JESUS ASCENDS

(John 14:16-20 NIV) "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- {17} the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. {18} I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. {19} Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. {20} On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you."

JESUS SPIRIT IN US… THE HOPE OF GLORY

(Col 1:27 NIV) "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

WE CELEBRATE… THE VEIL HAS BEEN OPENED…

WE NOW ENTER INTO HIS GLORY BY MEANS OF THE CROSS!

THE SPIRIT IS RELEASED IN US… THE VEIL IS OPEN..

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOW RELEASED… TO BE WITH US!!

KNOWING JESUS… POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION & FELLOWSHIP OF SUFFERINGS,

(Phil 3:10-11 NIV) "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, {11} and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."

UNITED WITH HIM IN DEATH… UNITED IN HIM IN HIS LIFE

(Rom 6:5-10 NIV) "If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

WE CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT… THE ACCESS WE HAVE TO HIM!!

THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT PART II

2011-04-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT

TEXT:

(2 Cor 4:16-18 NIV) "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. {17} For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us AN ETERNAL GLORY that far outweighs them all. {18} So we fix our eyes NOT on what is SEEN, but on what is UNSEEN. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM..

THE INNER MAN VS. THE OUTER MAN

(Rom 7:22-25 NIV) "For in my inner being I delight in God's law; {23} but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. {24} What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? {25} Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."

1. OUR SPIRIT TAKES DELIGHT IN SERVING GOD

2. OUR SOUL & BODY ARE EASILY DISTRACTED AND HINDER THE FUNCTION OF THE SPIRIT

NEE:

“The ‘outer man’ hinders us from being fully alive in the ‘inner man.’…”

“Revival, zeal, pleading and religious activity are all a waste of time. There is just one basic dealing that can enable a person to be useful before God: brokenness..”

The key to the serving God and living in the abundant life is dealing with the outer man.

NEE:

WHEN OUR OUTER MAN IS BROKEN…

THE CONTENTS OF THE INNER MAN CAN BE A RELEASED

THIS IS WHAT WE CALL THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT..

NEE

“The basic difficulty of the servant of God lies in the failure of the inner man to break through the outer man.”

STEPS TO THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT (STEPS 1 & 2 ARE REVIEW)

1. RECOGNIZE (BEFORE GOD) THAT THE FIRST DIFFICULTY IS NOT IN OTHERS BUT IN OURSELVES..

(Rom 7:22-25 NIV) "For in my inner being I delight in God's law; {23} but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.

WE ARE WRAPPED IN A “COVERING” OF SELF INTEREST AND PRESERVATION THAT PROHIBITS OUR SPIRIT FROM BEING TRANSFORMED AND RELEASED.

BARNA POLLS SHOW THAT THE CHURCH IS NOT MEASUREABLY DIFFERENT FROM THE WORLD IN ANY MEASUREABLE WAY…

2. SEEK GOD FOR A REVELATION OF HIS PRESENCE (LOVE) OF GOD

(Eph 3:16-20 NIV) "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, {17} so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, {18} may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, {19} and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED TO THE MEASURE OF ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD. {20} Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,"

ATTRACTING THE SPIRIT OF GOD THIS HAS BEEN OUR CONSTANT DISCIPLINE HERE AT CORNERSTONE FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS..

MY GOAL AS YOUR PASTOR HAS BEEN TO PROVIDE BASIC AND ADVANCED OPPORTUNITIES TO

1. LEARN HOW TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD

2. ENTER INTO WORSHIP AND COMMUNION WITH GOD

3. BE TRANSFORMED BY ENCOUNTER WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD

4. AND TO BE RENEWED BY EXPOSURE TO THE WORD OF GOD

IT IS MY FIRM BELIEF THAT ALL OF OUR “ZEAL, PLEADING AND RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY ARE A WASTE OF TIME” (AGREE WITH NEE) WITHOUT LOVE = THE PRESENCE OF GOD

IN FACT, PAUL ALSO AGREES…

(1 Cor 13:1-3 NASB) "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. {2} And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. {3} And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing."

WE MAINTAIN AN EMPHASIS ON WORSHIP, PRAYER AND HOLINESS…

BECAUSE…

- JESUS IS COMING FOR

o A BRIDE… NOT A BUNCH OF “PROGRAM DRIVEN HYPOCRITICAL DO-GOODERS”

o THOSE WHO HAVE WRITTEN THE FIRST COMMANDMENT ON THEIR HEARTS

 “TO LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL OUR HEART SOUL MIND AND STRENGTH..”

THE CHURCH OVERALL IS DISTRACTED..IT MUST REPENT OF A “MARTHA SPIRIT”

- JESUS CALLED MARTHA “DISTRACTED”

o SHE WAS IN THE KITCHEN TRYING TO DO THINGS FOR JESUS WHEN IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO BE SITTING AT HIS FEET LISTENING!

o JESUS SAID THAT MARY WAS DOING THE “ONLY THING NECESSARY!”

IN FACT…

MARY WAS THE ONLY PERSON WHO TRULY UNDERSTOOD WHO JESUS WAS..

(John 12:1-8 NIV) "Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. {2} Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. {3} Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. {4} But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, {5} "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." {6} He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. {7} "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. {8} You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me."

(Mark 14:5-9 NIV) "It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. {6} "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. {7} The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. {8} SHE DID WHAT SHE COULD. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. {9} I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.""

BEING “WITH JESUS” ALLOWS US NOT TO ENJOY HIS PRESENCE..

- WE ACTUALLY HEAR HIS VOICE!!

- KNOW WHAT HE WANTS US TO DO!!

- WALK IN THE POWER OF HIS SPIRIT TO DO IT!!

MOST OF THE CHURCH IS TRYING TO DO SOMETHING FOR JESUS

- WITHOUT HEARING HIS VOICE

- WITHOUT KNOWING HIS HEART

- WITHOUT A SPIRITUAL CAPACITY TO DO WHAT HE SAYS!!

WE ARE TRYING TO BE GOOD SERVANTS..

BUT JESUS IS LOOKING FOR A BRIDE!

3. HUMBLE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE AND PURPOSES OF GOD

(James 4:6-10 NIV) "…..God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." {7} Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. {8} Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. {9} Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. {10} HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD, AND HE WILL LIFT YOU UP."

WHAT DOES “MAKING WAY” FOR HIS PRESENCE DO??

(Isa 40:3-5 NIV) "A voice of one calling: "In the desert PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD ; MAKE STRAIGHT IN THE WILDERNESS A HIGHWAY FOR OUR GOD. {4} Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. {5} AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD WILL BE REVEALED, AND ALL MANKIND TOGETHER WILL SEE IT. FOR THE MOUTH OF THE LORD HAS SPOKEN."

GOD SHOWS UP WHEN WE MAKE ROOM FOR HIM BY BROKENNESS..

THE GREATEST HINDRANCE TO EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CHURCH ON THE EARTH IS

NOT THE WORLD… SINNERS SIN!

THE GREATEST HINDRANCE TO EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CHURCH ON THE EARTH IS

NOT GOD… GOD RELEASED HIS SPIRIT AT PENTECOST!

THE GREATEST HINDRANCE TO THE RELEASE OF GOD’S SPIRIT ON THE EARTH TODAY

IS THE WILLFULLNESS OF THE CHURCH..

IT IS OUR UNWILLINGNESS TO DIE TO SELF… TO BE BROKEN..

AND THE RELEASE THE SPIRIT ON THE EARTH IS ONLY ACCOMPLISHED BY BROKENNESS..

THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS..

(Phil 2:5-11 NIV) "YOUR ATTITUDE SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THAT OF CHRIST JESUS: {6} Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, {7} but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. {8} And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! {9} THEREFORE GOD EXALTED HIM TO THE HIGHEST PLACE AND GAVE HIM THE NAME THAT IS ABOVE EVERY NAME, {10} that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, {11} and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

TWO SITUATIONS (TESTING) THAT PERMIT THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT

1. DIFFICULT SITUATIONS (TRIALS)

(1 Pet 4:12-14 NIV) "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. {13} But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. {14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you."

- THE RESULT OF THE TRIALS IN OUR LIFE IS THE ABIDING PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

o IT IS NOT FOR OUR COMFORT THAT WE EXPERIENCE TRIALS

o IT IS NOT PRIMARILY FOR THE SHAPING OF OUR CHARACTAR THAT WE EXPERIENCE TRIALS

o ULTIMATELY, THE PURPOSE OF TRIALS IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER IS TO REVEAL THE GLORY OF GOD ON THE EARTH

(1 Pet 1:6-9 NIV) "In this you GREATLY REJOICE, THOUGH NOW FOR A LITTLE WHILE YOU MAY HAVE HAD TO SUFFER GRIEF IN ALL KINDS OF TRIALS. {7} These have come SO THAT YOUR FAITH--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--MAY BE PROVED GENUINE AND MAY RESULT IN PRAISE, GLORY AND HONOR WHEN JESUS CHRIST IS REVEALED. {8} Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, YOU BELIEVE IN HIM AND ARE FILLED WITH AN INEXPRESSIBLE AND GLORIOUS JOY, {9} FOR YOU ARE RECEIVING THE GOAL OF YOUR FAITH, THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOULS."

O GOD USES THESE SITUATIONS TO CREATE A WAY FOR THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO BE MADE ALIVE IN US.. AND RELEASED THROUGH US!!

O GOD USES THESE SITUATIONS TO RELEASE HIS GLORY ON THE EARTH THROUGH THE CHURCH…

 THROUGH OUR LIFESTYLE

 THROUGH OUR INFLUENCE

 THROUGH OUR TESTIMONY

O WHEN WE ARE “SQUEEZED” IT’S THE LOVE OF GOD THAT COMES OUT!

IN THE COMING DAYS THERE WILL BE TREMENDOUS TIMES OF TESTING AND DIFFICULTY…

O WE MUST PREPARE OURSELVES BY HUMBLENESS

O WE MUST BE READY TO BE MINISTERS – TO RELEASE THE SPIRIT..

2. TEMPTATIONS (THE BIBLE CALLS THIS “TESTING”)

O THE RESPONSE TO TEMPTATION PRODUCES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BROKENNESS

 WILL YOU BOW TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD… OR…

 WILL YOU YOU DO CONTINUE ON AS YOU PLEASE…

O TEMPTATION IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BROKENNESS

 TO CHOOSE TO PLEASE GOD OVER PLEASING YOURSELF

O THIS BROKENNESS PRODUCES A RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD

 WHEN THE FLESH TAKES ON SPIRIT…THE GLORY OF GOD IS REVEALED

• IN WORD

• IN THOUGHT

• IN DEED

• IN DEMONSTRATIONS OF SPIRITUAL POWER

4. THE DISCIPLINE OF OBEDIENCE & REPENTANCE

(Psa 51:10-12 NIV) " Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. {11} Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. {12} Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Read the forward from “The Phenomenon of Obedience”:

“Perhaps nothing is needed more urgently in Gods people today than obedience. One old timer a Sunday school teacher tells how “we used to sit around together in church and argue about what the Bible meant. One day we went out to live like the Bible people did.. then we found out!”

The heroes of the old testament have often strained the sensibilities of milder Christian temperaments. It seems strange that such men are held up and remembered for the closeness of their walk with God… Most of them were polygamists, men with blood on their hands.. some were cowards others drunkards on occasion others were deceitful, selfish or disappointingly unlike heros, fully revealed in their total humanness.

But these men were also men whose lives were marked by miracles. God spoke to them, angels visited them, children were born to them in their old age, fire fell from heaven on their behalf. Through them the sick were healed and the dead raised. Even the normal operation of the solar system was suspended for their sake.

And the modern Christian says..” Why?? Why would God show such favor to men like this?”

The scriptures show again and again that God chooses brokenness over striving. THESE MEN NOT ONLY BELIEVED GOD BUT WHEN HE SPOKE TO THEM, THEY DID WHAT HE SAID… It is the phenomenon of obedience.

5. THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT- TRANSFORMATION BY BROKENNESS
(2 Cor 4:16-18 NIV) "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. {17} For OUR LIGHT AND MOMENTARY TROUBLES ARE ACHIEVING FOR US AN ETERNAL GLORY THAT FAR OUTWEIGHS THEM ALL. {18} So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. FOR WHAT IS SEEN IS TEMPORARY, BUT WHAT IS UNSEEN IS ETERNAL."

RESPONSE:

GOD CALLS ALL WHO ARE WEARY TO TAKE A YOKE UPON THEM…

(Mat 11:28-30 NIV) ""Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.""

GOD LEADS THE HUMBLE IN HIS WAYS

(Psa 25:9 NIV) "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."

GOD HONORS THE HUMBLE

(Isa 66:2 NIV) "Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."

GOD RESISTS THE PROUD

(James 4:6-10 NIV) "…..God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

GOD MULTIPLIES THE BROKEN..

(John 12:24-26 NIV) "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. {25} The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. {26} WHOEVER SERVES ME MUST FOLLOW ME; AND WHERE I AM, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

WILL YOU TAKE THE YOKE OF HUMBLENESS & BROKENNESS..

WILL YOU CHOOSE TO WALK IN OBEDIENCE & SEE THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT?

(Rom 8:18-19, 22-25 NIV) "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. {19} The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed….

{22} "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. {23} Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. {24} For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? {25} But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

(1 Pet 4:12-13 NIV) "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. {13} But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."

THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT

2011-04-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(Isa 57:15 NIV) "For this is what the high and lofty One says-- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."

THE NATURE OF RESISTANCE TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD

(Rom 7:22-25 NIV) "For in my inner being I delight in God's law; {23} but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. {24} What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? {25} Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin."

1. OUR SPIRIT TAKES DELIGHT IN SERVING GOD

2. OUR SOUL & BODY ARE EASILY DISTRACTED AND HINDER THE FUNCTION OF THE SPIRIT

THE GREATEST HINDRANCE TO SERVING GOD IS NOT OTHERS BUT IS WITHIN YOURSELF.

NEE:

“The ‘outer man’ hinders us from being fully alive in the ‘inner man.’”

“The ordinary function of the spirit to know God’s voice (word), discern the spiritual condition of another and speak the messages of God under an anointing and receive Gods revelation. However due to the distractions of the soul and body the spirit does not seem to function properly.”

“Revival, zeal, pleading and religious activity are all a waste of time. There is just one basic dealing that can enable a person to be useful before God: brokenness..”

The key to the serving God and living in the abundant life is dealing with the outer man.

BROKENNESS IS THE KEY TO RENEWAL & TRANSFORMATION

(2 Cor 4:16-18 NIV) "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. {17} For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. {18} So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

WHEN OUR OUTER MAN IS BROKEN, DETHRONED…

BROUGHT UNDER THE INNER MAN…

THAN THERE CAN BE A RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT..

BEING “IN CHRIST” = NO CONDEMNATION & FREEDOM FROM SIN & DEATH

(Rom 8:1-4 NIV) "Therefore, THERE IS NOW NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, {2} because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. {3} For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, {4} in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully MET IN US, WHO DO NOT LIVE ACCORDING TO THE SINFUL NATURE BUT ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT."

BEING IN CHRIST MEANS…

= The “outer being” (soul & body) are subject to the “inner being” (transformed spirit)

NEE

“The basic difficulty of the servant of God lies in the failure of the inner man to break through the outer man.”

STEPS TO THE RELEASE OF THE SPIRIT

1. RECOGNIZE (BEFORE GOD) THAT THE FIRST DIFFICULTY IS NOT IN OTHERS BUT IN OURSELVES..

(Rom 7:22-25 NIV) "For in my inner being I delight in God's law; {23} but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.

a. Confess that you are wrapped in a “covering” of self interest and preservation that prohibits your spirits from being transformed and released.

2. SEEK GOD FOR A REVELATION OF HIS PRESENCE (LOVE) OF GOD

(Eph 3:16-20 NIV) "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, {17} so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, {18} may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, {19} and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--THAT YOU MAY BE FILLED TO THE MEASURE OF ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD. {20} Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,"

3. HUMBLE YOURSELF IN THE PRESENCE AND PURPOSES OF GOD

(James 4:6-10 NIV) "…..God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." {7} Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. {8} Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. {9} Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. {10} HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD, AND HE WILL LIFT YOU UP."

- SITUATIONS THAT TEST US.. (TEMPTATIONS) AND DIFFICULT SITUATIONS (TRIALS) ARE MEANS BY WHICH GOD CREATES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BROKENNESS..

O GOD USES THESE SITUATIONS TO CREATE A WAY FOR THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO BE MADE ALIVE IN US.. AND RELEASED THROUGH US!!

- IN THE COMING DAYS THERE WILL BE TREMENDOUS TIMES OF TESTING AND DIFFICULTY…

O WE MUST PREPARE OURSELVES BY HUMBLENESS

O WE MUST BE READY TO BE MINISTERS – TO RELEASE THE SPIRIT..

4. THE DISCIPLINE OF OBEDIENCE & REPENTANCE

(Psa 51:2-12 NIV) "Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. {3} For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. {4} Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge…….{10} Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. {11} Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. {12} Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Read the forward from “The Phenomenon of Obedience”:

“Perhaps nothing is needed more urgently in Gods people to day than obedience. One old timer at Sunday school teacher tells how we used to sit around together in church and argue about what the Bible meant. One day we went out to live like the Bible people did.. then we found out!

The heroes of the old testament have often strained the sensibilities of milder Christian temperaments. It seems strange that such ment are held up and remembered for the closeness of their walk with God… Most of them were polygamists, men with blood on their hands.. some were cowards others drunkards on occasion others were deceitful, selfish or disappointingly unlike the heros, fully revealed in their total humanness.

But these men were also men whose lives were marked by miracles. God spoke to them, angels visited them, children were born to them in their old age, fire fell from heaven on their behalf. Through them the sick were healed and the dead raised. Even the normal operation of the solar system were suspended for their sake.

And the modern Christian says..” Why?? Why would God show such favor to men like this?”

It is the phenomenon of obedience. The scriptures show again and again that God choses to honor brokenness over striving. THESE MEN NOT ONLY BELIEVED GOD BUT WHEN HE SPOKE TO THEM, THEY DID WHAT HE SAID…

HOW CAN YOU MEASURE THE FULFILLMENT OF GOD’S WORK IN YOU

1. Not by “productivity” – God defines “productivity” in entirely different ways

a. OBEDIENCE TO THE VOICE OF GOD

i. VS. suspension of Gods plan to do what I want

b. FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

i. vs. WORKS OF THE FLESH

c. THE COMMUNION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

GOD CALLS ALL WHO ARE WEARY TO TAKE A YOKE UPON THEM…

(Mat 11:28-30 NIV) ""Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.""

GOD LEADS THE HUMBLE IN HIS WAYS

(Psa 25:9 NIV) "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."

GOD HONORS THE HUMBLE

(Isa 66:2 NIV) "Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."

GOD RESISTS THE PROUD

(James 4:6-10 NIV) "…..God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

THE SPIRIT GIVES LIFE

2011-03-29T06:45:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(Rom 8:11 NASB) "But 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 indwells you."

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD!!

THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS “GOD ACTIVE”

- The Spirit of God is “GOD WITH US”

- The New Testament Word for GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT “HOLY WIND”

 “HAGIOUS PNEUMA”

GOD WAS ACTIVE IN THE OLD COVENANT

GOD’S SPIRIT GAVE GUIDANCE THROUGH PROPHETS

(Neh 9:30 NIV) "For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples."

(Zec 7:12 NIV) "They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry."

HOLY SPIRIT DEMONSTRATED HIS POWER THROUGH LEADERS

GIDEON – counsel, comfort and power by the Holy Spirit
Gideon was not a bold man… He was hiding in a winepress when the messenger of the Lord spoke…

(Judg 6:12 NIV) "When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.""

Gideon was obedient but it wasn’t until the Spirit came that he was bold & strong..

(Judg 6:34 36 NIV) Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. {35} He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them. {36} Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised—

[Gideon then defeated the Midianites with 300 men some pots and trumpets]

THREE THINGS THE SPIRIT OF GOD BRINGS:

1) COUNSEL - THE COUNSELOR BRINGS INSIGHT AND HIS COUNSEL

2) COMFORT - THE COMFORTER BRINGS HIS COMFORT & CONFIDENCE

3) POWER - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS THOSE HE FILLS TO DO GOD’S WORK

DAVID – counsel, comfort and power by the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit came upon David at a young age…

Samuel the prophet came to his home…

(1 Sam 16:13 18 NIV) So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. {14} Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.....{17} So Saul said to his attendants, "Find someone who plays well and bring him to me." {18} One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine looking man. And the LORD is with him."

David did spiritual warfare and ministered by the Spirit of God

DAVID WAS USED TO OPERATING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHEN HE FOUGHT GOLIATH

(1 Sam 17:33-37 NIV) "Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth."

{34} But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, {35} I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. {36} Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. {37} THE LORD WHO DELIVERED ME FROM THE PAW OF THE LION AND THE PAW OF THE BEAR WILL DELIVER ME FROM THE HAND OF THIS PHILISTINE." Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you."

THREE THINGS THE SPIRIT OF GOD BRINGS:

1) COUNSEL - THE COUNSELOR BRINGS INSIGHT AND HIS COUNSEL

2) COMFORT - THE COMFORTER BRINGS HIS COMFORT & CONFIDENCE

3) POWER - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS THOSE HE FILLS TO DO GOD’S WORK

GOD’S PROMISE TO BRING A NEW COVENANT…

NEW COVENANT PROMISED BY JEREMIAH

(Jer 31:31-34 NIV) ""The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. {32} It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, " declares the LORD. {33} "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. {34} No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.""

THE NEW COVENANT: THE HOLY SPIRIT POURED OUT PROMISED BY JOEL

(Joel 2:28 29 NIV) "'And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. {29} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."

THE NEW COVENANT: JESUS FORTOLD – IN HIMSELF!!

(John 7:37-39 NIV) "On the last and greatest day of the Feast [Feast of Tabernacles], Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. {38} Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." {39} By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

JESUS TOLD THEM SPECIFICALLY WHAT TO DO!

(Acts 1:3 8 NIV) After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. {4} On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. {5} For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." {6} So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

{7} He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. {8} But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

(Acts 1:14 15 NIV) They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. {15} In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)

WHAT SPECIFICALLY DID JESUS INSTRUCT THE DISCIPLES TO DO??

1. WAIT FOR THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

o Put time and attention in to this… (ended up being almost 10 days)

2. WAIT FOR POWER

o “You will receive power..”

3. WAIT FOR GUIDANCE

- Because they were asking questions that the Spirit would answer!!

JESUS GAVE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT HOW TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT!!

1) WAIT… IT MAY TAKE SOME TIME.. EVEN DAYS..

- HOLY SPIRIT COMES WHEN WE ARE READY.. Not when we say we are ready

- LISTENING & Seeking God is the key! (not hoping for an experience)

2) PRAY.. – GOD IS GENTLE.. YOU MUST ASK HIM..

(Luke 11:13 NIV) "If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!""

- PETITION AND EXPECT

- DON’T KEEP SPEAKING… LISTEN

3) BE EXPECTANT.. – DON’T GIVE RESISTANCE TO WHAT GOD IS DOING..

o IF SOMEONE IS GOING TO GIVE A WONDERFUL GIFT.. YOU LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING IT!

o THE GIFT MAY INCLUDE SOME THINGS THAT YOU DIDN’T ASK FOR

 THESE ARE THE GRACINGS (GIFTINGS) THAT YOU NEED!

WHAT THEY NEEDED!!

1) They lacked GUIDANCE – NEEDED TO KNOW THINGS..

2) They lacked CONFIDENCE – WHAT TOD DO.. WHERE TO GO..

3) They lacked POWER – THEY COULDN’T OPERATE IN THEIR OWN STRENGTH..

THREE THINGS THE SPIRIT OF GOD BROUGHT:

1) COUNSEL - THE COUNSELOR BRINGS INSIGHT AND HIS GUIDANCE

2) COMFORT - THE COMFORTER BRINGS HIS COMFORT & CONFIDENCE

3) POWER - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS THOSE HE FILLS TO DO GOD’S WORK

THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

(Acts 2:1 6 NIV) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together [in unity] in one place. {2} Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. {3} They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. {4} All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. {5} Now there were staying in Jerusalem God fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. {6} When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

THE SPIRIT OF GOD WAS POURED OUT ON THE CHURCH & BROUGHT:

1) IN COUNSEL - THE COUNSELOR POURED OUT HIS COUNSEL & INSIGHT

2) IN COMFORT - THEY RECIEVED GOD’S CONFIDENCE TO MINISTER

3) POWER - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS THOSE WITH SUPERNATURAL MINISTRY

PETER’S BOLD MESSAGE.. THIS IS THE EVENT THAT JOEL PREDICTED!

(Acts 2:15 18 NIV) "These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! {16} No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: {17} "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. {18} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy."

THIS HOLY SPIRIT IS ALL FOR ALL GENERATIONS

(Acts 2:38 39 NLT) "Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. {39} This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles all who have been called by the Lord our God.""

GOD RELEASED HIS SPIRIT AUPON ALL FLESH..@

1) HIS COUNSEL... WISDOM AND THE PASSION OF HIS HEART

2) HIS COMFORT.. THE CONFIDENCE TO DO BE WHAT HE CALLED THEM TO BE

3) HIS POWER.. THE ABILITY TO DO MIRACULOUS THINGS BY THE POWER OF GOD.. TO BECOME GOD’S HANDS AND FEET ON THE EARTH!

AND NOT JUST ONCE!!

SAME BELIEVERS WERE “RE-BAPTIZED” IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

(Acts 4:23 31 NIV) "On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. {24} When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. {25} You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: "'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? {26} The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' {27} Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. {28} They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. {29} Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. {30} Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." {31} After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."

THE FUNCTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH:

WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT “COMES UPON” OR FILLS.............

1) THE HOLY SPIRIT DWELLS “WITHIN” AND TAKES CONTROL

(John 14:15 21 NIV) ""If you love me, you will obey what I command. {16} And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor COMFORTER to be with you forever {17} the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. {18} I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU AS ORPHANS; I WILL COME TO YOU. {19} Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. {20} On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

2) THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES ILLUMINATION AND REVELATION

(John 14:25 26 NIV) ""All this I have spoken while still with you. {26} But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will 1) TEACH YOU ALL THINGS and will 2) REMIND YOU OF EVERYTHING I HAVE SAID TO YOU."

(John 16:13 14 NIV) "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes,2) he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and 1) he will tell you what is yet to come. {14} He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you."

THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS REVELATION AND ILLUMINATION

REVELATION - To uncover a reality (spiritual or physical) that we are not yet aware of!

ILLUMINATION - Revealing the true nature of something that we are already aware of!

3) THE HOLY SPIRIT TELLS US THE WILL (TESTIMONY) OF GOD

(John 15:26 NIV) ""When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me."

4) THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES SPIRITUAL POWER TO DO THE WORK HE HAS CALLED US TO DO!!

(Acts 1:6 8 NIV) "So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" {7} He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. {8} But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.""

YOU CAN BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!!

TO RECEIVE: 1) HIS COUNSEL - to hear the voice of God

2) HIS COMFORT - his confidence & peace

3) HIS POWER - the ability to do business for God!!

PRE-REQUISITES IN PREPARATION FOR THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT OF

1. WAIT UPON THE LORD FOR HIS GIFT, IN HIS WAY

2. PRAY

3. BE EXPECTANT

a. WILLINGNESS TO ALOOSE CONTROL@ OVER ONES LIFE’S

b. A WILLINGNESS TO BE POSSESSED OF A HOLY SPIRIT….

c. WILLINGNESS TO SURRENDER TO THE PROMPTINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OBEDIENCE..

THE SPIRIT GIVES LIFE

2011-03-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(Rom 8:11 NASB) "But 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 indwells you."

THIS VERSE MENTIONS THE HOLY SPIRIT THREE TIMES!

- CAN YOU SEE WHERE?

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD!

WHENEVER WE READ ABOUT GOD DOING SOMETHING ON THE EARTH..

THIS IS GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT!

IN THE BEGINNING..

(Gen 1:1-2 NIV) "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. {2} Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."

THE PLACE TO FIND GOD:

THE FATHER

(Isa 66:1 NIV) "This is what the LORD says: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be?"

THE SON

(Rom 8:34 NIV) "Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."

THE SPIRIT

(John 14:16-17 NIV) "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- {17} the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."

THE SPIRIT OF GOD IS “GOD ACTIVE”

- The Spirit of God is “GOD WITH US”

- The New Testament Word for GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT “HOLY WIND”

 “HAGIOUS PNEUMA”

GOD WAS ACTIVE IN THE OLD COVENANT.. BUT ONLY WITH LEADERS

MOSES

(Num 11:17,25-26,29 NIV) I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.

(Num 11:25 29 NIV) {25}Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again.

THREE THINGS THE SPIRIT OF GOD BRINGS:

1) COUNSEL - THE COUNSELOR BRINGS INSIGHT AND HIS COUNSEL

2) COMFORT - THE COMFORTER BRINGS HIS COMFORT & CONFIDENCE

3) POWER - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS THOSE HE FILLS TO DO GOD=S WORK

GIDEON

(Judg 6:34 36 NIV) Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. {35} He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them. {36} Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised

[Gideon then defeated the Midianites with 300 men some pots and trumpets]

THREE THINGS THE SPIRIT OF GOD BROUGHT:

1) COUNSEL - THE COUNSELOR BRINGS INSIGHT AND HIS COUNSEL

2) COMFORT - THE COMFORTER BRINGS HIS COMFORT & CONFIDENCE

3) POWER - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS THOSE HE FILLS TO DO GOD=S WORK

DAVID

(1 Sam 16:13 18 NIV) So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. {14} Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.....{17} So Saul said to his attendants, "Find someone who plays well and bring him to me." {18} One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine looking man. And the LORD is with him."

(1 Sam 16:23 NIV) Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

THREE THINGS THE SPIRIT OF GOD BROUGHT:

1) COUNSEL - THE COUNSELOR BRINGS INSIGHT AND HIS COUNSEL

2) COMFORT - THE COMFORTER BRINGS HIS COMFORT & CONFIDENCE

3) POWER - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS THOSE HE FILLS TO DO GOD=S WORK

GOD=S PROMISE TO BRING A NEW COVENANT…

NEW COVENANT PROMISED BY JEREMIAH

(Jer 31:31-34 NIV) ""The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. {32} It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, " declares the LORD. {33} "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. {34} No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.""

THE SPIRIT POURED OUT PROMISED BY JOEL

(Joel 2:28 29 NIV) "'And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. {29} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."

TEXT:

(John 7:37-39 NIV) "On the last and greatest day of the Feast [Feast of Tabernacles], Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. {38} Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." {39} By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

JESUS TOLD THEM SPECIFICALLY WHAT TO DO!

(Acts 1:3 8 NIV) After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. {4} On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. {5} For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." {6} So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" {7} He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. {8} But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

(Acts 1:14 15 NIV) They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. {15} In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)

1) WAIT… (IT ENDED UP BEING 10 DAYS!)

2) PRAY.. (THAT IS WHAT THEY ENDED UP DOING..)

3) BE EXPECTANT.. (DON’T BE IN A HURRY!)

WHAT WAS THE CONDITION OF JESUS FOLLOWERS BEFORE PENTECOST?

- ONE WORD DESCRIPTIONS…. (get answers..)

WHAT THEY NEEDED!!

1) They lacked GUIDANCE

2) They lacked CONFIDENCE

3) They lacked POWER

THREE THINGS THE SPIRIT OF GOD BROUGHT:

1) COUNSEL - THE COUNSELOR BRINGS INSIGHT AND HIS GUIDANCE

2) COMFORT - THE COMFORTER BRINGS HIS COMFORT & CONFIDENCE

3) POWER - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS THOSE HE FILLS TO DO GOD=S WORK

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

(Acts 2:1 6 NIV) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together [in unity] in one place. {2} Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. {3} They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. {4} All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. {5} Now there were staying in Jerusalem God fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. {6} When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

THE SPIRIT OF GOD WAS POURED OUT ON THE CHURCH & BROUGHT:

1) IN COUNSEL - THE COUNSELOR POURED OUT HIS COUNSEL & INSIGHT UPON THE BELIEVERS –

HIS GUIDANCE..

2) IN COMFORT - THEY RECIEVED GOD=S CONFIDENCE TO MINISTER COMFORTER BRINGS HIS COMFORT & CONFIDENCE FOR MINISTRY

3) POWER - THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS THOSE TO MINISTER AND TO DO GOD=S WORK

PETER=S BOLD MESSAGE.. THIS IS THE EVENT THAT JOEL PREDICTED!

(Acts 2:15 18 NIV) "These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! {16} No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: {17} "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. {18} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy."

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ALL FOR ALL GENERATIONS

(Acts 2:38 39 NLT) "Peter replied, "Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. {39} This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles all who have been called by the Lord our God.""

GOD RELEASED HIS SPIRIT AUPON ALL FLESH..@

1) HIS COUNSEL... WISDOM AND THE PASSION OF HIS HEART

2) HIS COMFORT.. THE CONFIDENCE TO DO BE WHAT HE CALLED THEM TO BE

3) HIS POWER.. THE ABILITY TO DO MIRACULOUS THINGS BY THE POWER OF GOD.. TO BECOME GOD=S HANDS AND FEET ON THE EARTH!

AND NOT JUST ONCE!!

SAME BELIEVERS WERE ARE-BAPTIZED@ IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

(Acts 4:23 31 NIV) "On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. {24} When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. {25} You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: "'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? {26} The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.' {27} Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. {28} They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. {29} Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. {30} Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." {31} After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."

THE FUNCTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH:

WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT ACOMES UPON@ OR FILLS.............

1) THE HOLY SPIRIT DWELLS A WITHIN@ AND TAKES CONTROL

(John 14:15 21 NIV) ""If you love me, you will obey what I command. {16} And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor COMFORTER to be with you forever {17} the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. {18} I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU AS ORPHANS; I WILL COME TO YOU. {19} Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. {20} On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

2) THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES ILLUMINATION AND REVELATION

(John 14:25 26 NIV) ""All this I have spoken while still with you. {26} But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will 1) TEACH YOU ALL THINGS and will 2) REMIND YOU OF EVERYTHING I HAVE SAID TO YOU."

(John 16:13 14 NIV) "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes,2) he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and 1) he will tell you what is yet to come. {14} He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you."

THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS REVELATION AND ILLUMINATION

REVELATION - To uncover a reality (spiritual or physical) that we are not yet aware of!

ILLUMINATION - Revealing the true nature of something that we are already aware of!

3) THE HOLY SPIRIT TELLS US THE WILL (TESTIMONY) OF GOD

(John 15:26 NIV) ""When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me."

4) THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES SPIRITUAL POWER TO DO THE WORK HE HAS CALLED US TO DO!!

(Acts 1:6 8 NIV) "So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" {7} He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. {8} But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.""

INVITATION

DO YOU WANT THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO RESIDE IN YOU?

(Rom 8:11 NASB) "But 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 indwells you."

DO YOU WANT TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD?

(John 14:26 NIV) "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

YOU CAN BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!!

TO RECEIVE: 1) HIS COUNSEL - to hear the voice of God

2) HIS COMFORT - his confidence & peace

3) HIS POWER - the ability to do business for God!!

PRE-REQUISITES IN PREPARATION FOR THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD:

1) WILLINGNESS TO WAIT UPON THE LORD FOR HIS GIFT, IN HIS WAY

2) WILLINGNESS TO ALOOSE CONTROL@ OVER ONES LIFE=S

- A WILLINGNESS TO BE POSSESSED OF A HOLY SPIRIT….

3) WILLINGNESS TO SURRENDER TO THE PROMPTINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OBEDIENCE..

MINISTRY TIME:

1) SPEND TIME WAITING UPON THE LORD...

2) ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOU.. TO POSESS YOU... RELEASE CONTROL OF YOURSELF TO GOD..

3) ALLOW HIM TO FILL YOU WITH HIMSELF... AND GIVE YOU HIS COMFORT, COUNSEL & POWER

PREPARATION FOR REFORMATION 5: GETTING FROM “ORGANIZATION” TO “ORGANISM”

2011-03-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

TEXT:

(Rom 12:1-2 NIV) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. {2} Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

REVIEW:

History:The Early Church

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

RESULTS….

1. Everyone was FILLED WITH AWE, and

2. many WONDERS AND MIRACULOUS SIGNS were done by the apostles.

3. All the BELIEVERS WERE TOGETHER and had everything in common.

a. THEY GAVE TO ANYONE AS HE HAD NEED.

4. EVERY DAY THEY CONTINUED TO MEET TOGETHER

a. in the temple courts.

b. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

5. PRAISING GOD and

6. ENJOYING THE FAVOR OF ALL THE PEOPLE AND

7. THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."

1. The TRUE CHURCH BECAME A TRANSFORMING COUNTER CULTURE!

a. IT TRANSFORMED THE ECONOMICS OF THE PEOPLE WHO LOVED GOD

i. THE NEEDY WERE SUPPORTED

b. IT TRANSFORMED SCIENCE AND THE LIMITS OF WHAT WAS POSSIBLE

i. THE SUPERNATURAL BECAME NATURAL

c. IT TRANSFORMED THE SOCIAL SYSTEM & INFLUENCED LEADERS

i. A COUNTERCULTURAL SOCIETY

ii. EACH PERSON HAD GIFTS AND CALLINGS

iii. EACH PERSON MINISTERED TO THOSE AROUND THEM

iv. KINGS AND LEADERS CAME TO KNOW JESUS

1. THEY RULED WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS

2. IN 325 CONSTANTINE TOOK CONTROL OF THE CHURCH

a. In 325 A.D. Constantine called the Nicean Council and Presided as Father “Pope”

3. The Medieval RELIGION (500 AD. – 1300’s)

a. RELIGIOUS LEADERS TOOK CONTROL OF TRADE (ECONOMICS)

b. RELIGIOUS LEADERS TOOK CONTROL OF SCIENCE

c. RELIGIOUS LEADERS TOOK CONTROL OF SOCIETY & POLITICS

4. THE WESTERN WORLD WAS PLUNGED THE WORLD INTO THE DARK AGES..

5. FOR 150 YEARS THE “TRUE CHURCH” EXPERIENCED THE INFILTRATION OF RELIGION, SYNCRETISM & PAGANISM

a. IN THE END, THE RELIGIOUS SUBJECTED THE SPIRITUAL

i. MARY, MOTHER OF GOD – CHANGE:

1. THE HOLY TRINITY BECOMES A PANTHEON ( mother, father, son, saints =are spiritual helpers etc…)

ii. CRUSADES – KILLING PEOPLE IN THE NAME OF JESUS

iii. INQUISITION – KILLING PEOPLE WHO OPPOSED THE RELIGIOUS

THE WORD “CHRISTIAN” MEANS “CHRISTLIKE”…

- BUT THOSE WHO WERE CALLED “CHRISTIAN” BORE LITTLE RESEMBLANCE TO THE PERSON AND CHARACTAR OF JESUS CHRIST.

- THE CHURCH WAS LED BY CARNAL MEN WITH SELFISH AMBITIONS

- POPES AND PREISTS WERE KNOWN TO BE MORALLY CORRUPT.. AND STILL MAINTAINED OFFICE

THE WORD “SAINT” MEANS “PURE/HOLY ONE”

- HOWEVER “SAINTHOOD” WAS RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO WERE A MEMBER OF A HOLY ORDER OR MET CERTAIN UNREALISTIC CRITERIA

- CHURCH LEADERS EVEN POPES HAD NOTORIOUS SINFUL LIFESTYLES

- IN 1263 A DOG – A GREYHOUND WAS SAINTED IN LYON, FRANCE

THE WORD “CHURCH” MEANS “SET APART FOR GOD” (OR “BETROTHED”)

- BUT THE ORGANIZATION THAT WAS CALLED “THE CHURCH” WAS NOT SET APART FOR GOD..

- THE CHURCH WAS AN ORGANIZATION NOT AN ORGANISM..

READ: “CHRIST’S BODY OR PROSTITUTE” by David Ryser

GRACE WHICH MEANS “UNMERITED FAVOR” WAS MADE A COMMODITY

- EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE BIRTHRIGHT OF EVERY CHILD OF GOD, MEN CUT IT UP INTO SEVEN SACRAMENTS

- FOR ALMOST 1000 YEARS PEOPLE WHO WANTED GRACE WERE MADE TO PARTICIPATE LIKE CATTLE IN PASSIVE RITUALS TO GAIN THE FAVOR OF GOD...

1. Baptism – show up & get sprinkled

2. Confirmation – take a class & then get “confirmed”

3. Eucharist – watch the priests eat the bread & drink the wine

4. Confession – confess to the priest, the priest declares “Forgiven”

5. Matrimony – Marriage mass (can only marry if preist does it)

6. Holy Orders – You can become a monk or nun…

7. Anointing for Healing (last rites)

SALVATION THAT WAS SOLD FOR MONEY OR PHYSICAL PAIN.

- RELIGIOUS LEADERS TAUGHT THAT:

o “GOD IS ANGRY WITH YOU!”

o THE ONLY WAY TO PLEASE GOD IS THROUGH PUNISHING YOURSELF..

o GOD WILL LOVE YOU IF YOU PAY MONEY TO THE CHURCH

- SINNERS WERE CONSTANTLY REMINDED OF HELL TO FORCE THEM TO GIVE MONEY OR PERFORM SERVICE FOR THE RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION.

- THE DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY WAS ADDED SO THAT YOU COULD WORK EVEN HARDER TO GET YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS OUT OF HELL

o “PENNANCE” WAS INVENTED TO KEEP THE MASSES WORKING FOR THEIR SALVATION.

- “INDULGENCES” WAS INVENTED TO FUND BUILDING PROJECTS AND PROVIDE AN EXTRAVAGANT LIFESTYLE FOR RELIGIOUS LEADERS!

o LUTHER READ THE BIBLE AND DISCOVERED THAT INDULGENCES WERE UNBIBLICAL – HE DISCOVERED “THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH!”

o OPPOSITION TO THE SELLING OF INDULGENCES SPARKED THE 1ST REFORMATION!)

THE POWERFUL NEW TESTAMENT COMMUNITY WAS REPLACED WITH A RELIGION.

- BELIEVERS WERE NOT A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

- GOD’S INTENTION – Members who minister and care for each other…

ROMANS 12:4-5 "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, {5} so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

1 CORINTHIANS 12:27 "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

THE FIRST REFORMATION (1300-1700)

1. THE RENAISSANCE BROKE UP THE MONOPOLY OF THE CHURCH

a. THE BIBLE WAS STUDIED BY HUNGRY HEARTS

b. GOD BEGAN TO MOVE IN THOSE WHO SOUGHT HIM BY READING THE BIBLE

2. REFORMERS REINTRODUCED DOCTRINES THAT REFORMED THEY RELIGIOUS SYSTEM..

a. John Wycliffe (1310) England –

b. John Huss (1374-1415)- Prague -

c. Erasmus(1469-1536)- Dutch

d. Calvin (1509-1564 - Switzerland -

e. Luther (1513-1550) – Germany

f. John Knox -(mid 1500's) Scotland.

3. THE CHURCH SEPERATED FROM POLITICS

- THE CHURCH SEPERATED FROM THE STATE

- THE CHURCH KEPT IT’S RITUALS AND MANY OF IT’S TRADITIONS

- REVIVALS HAVE BEEN BREAKING DOWN DEAD TRADITIONS..

4. THE CHURCH SEPERATED FROM ECONOMICS

- BUT EVEN TODAY RELIGION IS FOR SUNDAY BUSINESS IS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK…

5. THE CHURCH SEPERATED FROM SCIENCE

- NOW RELIGION AND SCIENCE COMPETE AS DEFINERS OF THE WORLD

a. RESULT: TWO IDEAS THAT SCIENCE DEFINES OUR EXISTENCE

i. DARWINISM:

1. HUMANITY IS THE RESULT OF “RANDOM MUTATION”

2. THE ADVANCEMENT OF MANKIND IS “SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST” (basis of Hitler, Stalin, Mao Zedong killings..)

3. INTELLIGENT DESIGN – IS WHAT THE BIBLE PROPOSES

a. OBJECTIVE SCIENTISTS (who are not caught up in the ARE BEGINNING TO ACKNOWLEDGE INTELLIGENT DESIGN

ii. HUMANISM

1. “HUMANITY IS GOOD AND HAS THE ABILITY TO SAVE ITSELF!”

2. “SCIENCE WILL CURE THE PROBLEMS OF SOCIETY”

3. “ONLY THROUGH SCIENTIFIC METHOD (WHAT WE CAN SEE, HEAR, TOUCH AND TASTE) CAN WE KNOW WHAT IS ‘REAL’!”

4. “HUMANS ARE MADE UP OF A BODY & A MIND ONLY!”

a. THERE IS NO “SPIRITUAL MAN”

i. NO ROOM FOR THE SUPERNATURAL!!

ii. SPIRITUAL THINGS ARE “PARANORMAL” AND EVERYTHING ELSE “NORMAL”

5. “GOD IS IRRELEVANT – THE BIBLE IS A FAIRY TALE..”

a. THE BIBLE IS UNTRUE, NON- HISTORICAL

b. THE BIBLE CONTAINS “OUTDATED” WISDOM

i. NOT RELEVANT OR HELPFUL FOR ME!

6. “I CAN SET MY OWN DESTINY WITHOUT GOD..”

a. I CAN HAVE A FRUITFUL LIFE WITHOUT GOD

i. “I AM WHO I SAY I AM”

ii. I KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR ME”

THE FINAL REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH HAS BEGUN..

THE CHURCH IS BEING RESTORED TO IT’S ORIGINAL ORDER AND FUNCTION…

- JUST LIKE PETER QUOTED WHEN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH WAS BEING BIRTHED….

(Joel 2:28-29 NIV) "'And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. {29} Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."

(Jer 31:33-34 NIV) "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. {34} No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

GOD IS RESTORING THE NEW TESTAMENT COVENANT…

THE CHURCH IS REDISCOVERING THE FOUR DISCIPLINES OF THE NEW COVENANT!

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "They devoted themselves to

1. the APOSTLES' TEACHING and to

2. the FELLOWSHIP, to

3. the BREAKING OF BREAD and to

4. PRAYER.

WE ARE BEGINNING TO SEE THE DIRECT RESULTS….

1. Everyone was FILLED WITH AWE, and

2. many WONDERS AND MIRACULOUS SIGNS were done by the apostles.

3. All the BELIEVERS WERE TOGETHER and had everything in common.

a. THEY GAVE TO ANYONE AS HE HAD NEED.

4. EVERY DAY THEY CONTINUED TO MEET TOGETHER

a. in the temple courts.

b. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

5. PRAISING GOD and

6. ENJOYING THE FAVOR OF ALL THE PEOPLE AND

7. THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."

THREE BONDAGES THAT THE COMING REFORMATION

IS OVERTHROWING…

1. THE SPIRIT OF LEGALISM

A. FALSE IDEA: “DOMINATION AND SERVITUDE”

I. HE IS MAD AT YOU

II. HE DOES NOT WANT A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU

III. HE WANTS YOU TO SERVE HIM – SERVANT ROLE..

B. TRUE INTENTION: “REDEMPTION & PARTNERSHIP”

I. DOING WHAT IS RIGHT COMES FROM A LOVE RELATIONSHIP

II. LOVE IS THE MOTIVATION, ACCEPTANCE IS THE NORM

1. FEAR IS NOT WHAT MOTIVATES US..

(Isa 43:1-2 NIV) "But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. {2} When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

2. SPIRIT OF SEPERATION

(SEPERATION BETWEEN “SACRED” & “SECULAR”)

A. FALSE IDEA: “SEPERATION OF SACRED AND SECULAR”

I. GOD IS NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR LIFE

II. GOD IS IMPERSONAL – HE IS A RELIGIOUS FIGURE HEAD

III. WHAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN IS NOT WHAT I LIKE..

B. TRUE INTENTION: “REDEMPTION & PARTNERSHIP”

I. GOD OWNS EVERYTHING

II. GOD HAS GIVEN US EVERY PROVISION

III. GOD HAS GIVEN US THE EARTH TO MANAGE AND ENJOY!

iv. NOTHING MATERIAL IS UNHOLY…

1. ALL THINGS ARE MEANT TO BE UNDER THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS.. NOT REJECTED AS “UNSPIRITUAL”

(1 Tim 4:1-4 NIV) "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. {2} Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. {3} They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. {4} For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,"

3. THE SPIRIT OF CONFORMITY

TEXT:

(Rom 12:1-2 NIV) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. {2} Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

1. THE LIE: GODS WORD COMES THROUGH THE HIRED HOLY MAN

a. ACTUALLY, GOD IS ABLE TO DIRECT & LEAD EACH BELIEVER!

(Jer 31:33-34 NIV) ""This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. {34} No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

2. THE LIE: THE CALLING OF GOD IS FOR MINISTERS AND THOSE IN “SPIRITUAL OFFICE”

EVERYONE IS CALLED TO MUTUAL MINISTRY!

(1 Cor 12:7-14 NIV) "Now to EACH ONE the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. {8} To one there is given through the Spirit the

1. message of wisdom, to another the

2. message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, {9} to another

3. faith by the same Spirit, to another

4. gifts of healing by that one Spirit, {10} to another

5. miraculous powers, to another

6. prophecy, to another

7. distinguishing between spirits, to another

8. speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the

9. Interpretation of tongues.

ALL THESE ARE THE WORK OF ONE AND THE SAME SPIRIT, AND HE GIVES THEM TO EACH ONE, JUST AS HE DETERMINES. {12}

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. {13} For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. {14} Now the body is not made up of one part but of many."

3. TRUTH: THE TRUE CHURCH IS A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO LOVE JESUS AND ARE EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

4. TRUTH: AUTHORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO LEADERS TO SERVE AND EQUIP THE CHURCH FOR MINISTRY…

(Eph 4:11-12 NIV) "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, {12} TO PREPARE GOD'S PEOPLE FOR WORKS OF SERVICE, SO THAT THE BODY OF CHRIST MAY BE BUILT UP"

5. FALSE IDEA: THE CHURCH SETS UP BRANCH OFFICES TO PRODUCE CHRISTIANS WHO ARE “THE SAME”

a. DOCTRINALLY

b. DRESS CODE

c. DOING THE SAME THINGS

6. TRUTH: GOD IS RELEASING HIS CHURCH TO BE ENTEPRENUERIAL IN THEIR LIFE AND MINISTRY

FROM PRAYER ON WEDNESDAY:

“THE TIME YOU SPEND WITH ME WILL BE EVERYTHING THAT YOU STAND ON!”

QUOTE:

“ALL OF US HAVE BEEN BORN AN ORIGINAL BUT MOST OF US WILL DIE A COPY!”

GOD DID NOT MAKE US TO BE A COPY OF SOMEONE ELSE!

GOD IS CALLING US TO LIVE HIS POWER AND GRACE BY….

a. TRANSFORMING YOUR WORKPLACE

b. IMPROVING YOUR LIFE’S CALLING

c. IMPACTING THOSE AROUND YOU

i. SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY

ii. SHOW OTHERS WHAT GOD IS TEACHING YOU

iii. PRAY FOR OTHERS & SEE GOD MOVE ON THEIR BEHALF

d. DOING SPIRITUAL WARFARE – BECAUSE YOU CAN!!

i. RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE

THE ENTEPRENEUREAL FUNCTION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

(1 Cor 14:26-31 NIV) "What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, EVERYONE has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. {27} If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. {28} If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. {29} Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. {30} And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. {31} For you can ALL prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged."

DISPLACEMENT PRINCIPLE

- THE OLD IS FLOWING OUT AS THE NEW IS COMING IN!

- ALLOW THE FILLING OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD TO DISPLACE THE OLD MAN… BECOME RENEWED EVERYDAY!

PREPARATION FOR REFORMATION 4: Closing the Gap

2011-03-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

TEXT:

(Mat 11:12 NIV) "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "They devoted themselves to; 1) the apostles' teaching and to 2) the fellowship, to 3) the breaking of bread and to 4) prayer.

(AS A RESULT…) {43} 1) Everyone was filled with awe, and 2) many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 3) All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods 4) , they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day 5) they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They 5) broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 6) praising God and 7) enjoying the favor of all the people.

(FINALLY.. ) AND THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."

History:

The Early Church

- Led by Apostles who demonstrated a lifestyle of holiness..

- They PROCLAIMED WHAT JESUS DID AND TAUGHT (Became the New Testament)

- They PERFORMED MIRACULOUS SIGNS & HEALED THE SICK

- The believers were UNITED

1. The TRUE CHURCH BECAME A TRANSFORMING COUNTER CULTURE

a. IT TRANSFORMED THE ECONOMICS OF THE PEOPLE WHO LOVED GOD

b. IT TRANSFORMED SCIENCE AND THE LIMITS OF WHAT WAS POSSIBLE

c. IT TRANSFORMED SOCIAL SYSTEM & AFFECTED LEADERS

i. WHEN JESUS IS LORD, THERE IS NO DESIRE TO RULE OTHER

ii. WHEN JESUS IS LORD, THERE IS MUTUALITY, BLESSING AND ORDER

2. IN 325 CONSTANTINE TOOK CONTROL OF THE CHURCH

a. In 325 A.D. Constantine called the Nicean Council and Presided as Father “Pope”

3. FOR 150 YEARS THE CHURCH STRUGGLED WITH THE INFILTRATION OF RELIGION

a. IN THE END, THE RELIGIOUS SUBJECTED THE SPIRITUAL

b. PLUNGED THE WORLD INTO THE DARK AGES..

The Medieval RELIGION (500 AD. – 1300’s)

4. The RELIGIOUS PEOPLE TOOK CONTROL OF ECONOMICS

a. BOUGHT LAND – TOOK CONTROL OF TRADE

5. THE RELIGIOUS PEOPLE TOOK CONTROL OF SCIENCE

a. DID NOT ALLOW SCIENTISTS TO FREELY EXPLORE THE NATURAL WORLD AND DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD BY DISCOVERY

b. INSTEAD THEY ADDED MAGICAL THINKING TO THEIR RELIGION

c. THEY REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE FINDINGS OF SCIENTISTS WHO DISCOVERED ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE TRADITIONAL VIEW OF THEIR RELIGION

6. THE RELIGIOUS PEOPLE TOOK POLITICAL CONTROL OF POLITICS

a. BY FORCE, BY GAINING POWER, TITLE AND LAND

THE CHURCH THAT WAS CALLED CHRISTIAN BORE LITTLE RESEMBLANCE TO THE PERSON AND CHARACTAR OF JESUS CHRIST.

7. THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS TOOK CONTROL OF SPIRITUAL COMMODITIES

a. SALVATION

i. THE DEPRAVITY OF MAN WAS EMPHASIZED

ii. THE PREIST WAS NEEDED TO RECEIVE SALVATION

iii. MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH WAS THE ONLY WAY TO BE SAVED

iv. DOCTRINE OF PURGATORY WAS ADDED

v. SALVATION WAS OBTAINED BY DOING REPETITIVE RITUALS

1. ENDLESS RITUALS KNOWN AS PENNANCE

2. INFLICTING PAIN ON THE BODY WAS TAUGHT TO ADVANCE THE SOUL..

b. GRACE

i. DISPENSED BY SEVEN SACRAMENTS

ii. ATTENDANCE AT EVENTS BECAME THE WAY TO GET GRACE

1. IT DIDN’T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IF YOU UNDERSTOOD WHAT WAS GOING ON OR NOT

2. A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD WAS RESTRICTED TO PREISTS

iii. SEVEN SACRAMENTS – DISPENSATIONS OF GRACE

1. Baptism – show up & get sprinkled

2. Confirmation – take a class & then get “confirmed”

3. Eucharist – watch the priests eat the bread & drink the wine

4. Confession – confess to the priest, the priest declares

5. Matrimony – Marriage mass (the church must bless the union - only catholics)

6. Holy Orders – You can become a monk or nun…

7. Anointing for Healing (last rites)

8. THE ONE TO ANOTHER MINISTRY WAS REPLACED WITH RELIGION

9. THE POWER AND AUTHORITY GIVEN TO ALL BELIEVERS SEEMED TO BE IN THE HANDS OF JUST THE PRIESTHOON

THE FIRST REFORMATION (1300)

1. THE RENAISSANCE BROKE UP THE MONOPOLY OF THE CHURCH

a. THE BIBLE WAS STUDIED BY HUNGRY HEARTS

b. GOD BEGAN TO MOVE IN THOSE WHO SOUGHT HIM BY READING THE BIBLE

2. THE CHURCH SEPERATED FROM POLITICS

a. SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

b. CHURCH FOCUSED ON CORE IDEALS AGAIN

c. DID NOT RETURN TO IT’S COUNTERCULTURAL DESIGN

3. THE CHURCH SEPERATED FROM ECONOMICS

a. POPES NO LONGER CONTROLED TRADE

b. MEN WHO FOLLOWED BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES DID WELL

c. RELIGION AND THE MARKETPLACE STILL REMAINED SEPARATE

i. SUNDAY IS SACRED…. MONDAY IS SECULAR…

4. THE CHURCH SEPERATED FROM SCIENCE

a. NEWTON – SEEKER OF GOD = CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST

i. TRANSFORMED SCIENCE BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE FOR GOD

ii. ADVANCED SCIENCE BECAUSE OF HIS DESIRE TO DESCRIBE CREATION

b. BUT OVERALL.. RELIGION CONTINUES TO OPPRESS SCIENCE…

i. SCIENCE BECAME ANTAGONISTIC TO “RELIGION”

ii. THIS ANTAGONISM STILL EXIST!

c. SCIENE HAS NOW ENTERED INTO TRYING TO TRYING TO DEFINE THE COSMOS INSTEAD OF DESCRIBING IT! THE FINAL REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH HAS BEGUN..

5. THE CHURCH IS BEING RESTORED TO IT’S ORIGINAL ORDER AND FUNCTION…

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

RESULTS….

{43} Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. {44} All the believers were together and had everything in common. {45} Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. {46} Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

AND THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."

THREE BONDAGES THAT THE COMING REFORMATION

WILL OVERTHROW…

The church has suffered from three perversions/spirits that have kept us from freedom in fellowship with the Holy Spirit:

1. THE SPIRIT OF LEGALISM

(WE TALKED ABOUT THIS LAST WEEK..)

IT IS THE ATTEMPT TO IMPRESS GOD WITH OUR ACTIONS..

TO MAKE GOD LOVE US BECAUSE OF WHAT WE DO…

TODAY…

We want to look at the SECOND SPIRITUAL OPPRESSION THAT KEEPS THE CHURCH FROM ENTERING INTO IT’S SPIRITUAL DESTINY!!

2. SPIRIT OF SEPERATION

(SEPERATION BETWEEN “SACRED” & “SECULAR”)

FROM THE “VOW OF POVERTY…”

a. TRUTH: GOD OWNS EVERYTHING – HUMANITY HAS BEEN GIVEN THE PRIVELAGE TO MANAGE AND ENJOY CREATION

i. NOTHING IS UNHOLY… ALL THINGS ARE MEANT TO BE UNDER THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS.. NOT REJECTED AS “UNSPIRITUAL”

(1 Tim 4:1-4 NIV) "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. {2} Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. {3} They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. {4} For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,"

B. THE PERVERSION: “THERE IS A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE MATERIAL AND THE SPIRITUAL WORLD.” (STOICISM)

c. TRUTH: THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS MEANS..

I. STEWARDSHIP OF GOD’S CREATION IS NECESSARY!

ii. GOD HAS GIVEN US GOOD THINGSTO:

1. MEET OUR NEEDS

a. RESPONSIBLY USE AND CULTIVATE

(Gen 1:28 NIV) "God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

b. WE HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH MANAGING THE EARTH

c. WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN AUTHORITY ON THE EARTH

d. WE ARE TO ENJOY AND STEWARD THE CREATION OF GOD

2. AND MINISTER TO OTHERS

(1 Pet 4:9-10 NIV) "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. {10} Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

iii. GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US THESE THINGS TO;

1. WASTE

(Gen 9:5 NIV) "And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man."

2. HOARD

(Mat 6:19-21 NIV) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. {20} But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. {21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

3. ABUSE & MISUSE

D. THE PERVERSION: MATERIAL POSSESSIONS ARE EVIL OR NOT IMPORTANT – IN ORDER TO PLEASE GOD:

i. I must abstain from dealing with money or possessions (Stoicism)

ii. I don’t need to properly use my resources for extention of the kingdom of God.

e. Perversion: Poverty pleases God --- Food & possessions are evil

f. Perversion: Management of My material possessions is not important

g. IF WE FOLLOW THE PERVERSION..:

i. A lifestyle of Religious Stoicism

1. We are not to enjoy what God has given us

2. God is spiritual so he doesn’t care about the “secular”

3. A lifestyle of selfish hoarding (non-communal) living

4. Selfish individualism – I am not my brothers keeper

ii. A lifestyle of Unfaithfulness with God’s material gifts.

1. MISUSE – not using the creation for our common good

2. ABUSE – Wasting what God has given us

3. MISMANAGEMENT – not taking seriously the call to manage

h. Correction: God gave the earth into the charge of humanity

(Gen 1:27-28 NIV) "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. {28} God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

i. Humanity will have to answer for our management of the earth

3. THE COMING REFORMATION – KINGDOM OF GOD RESTORED

a. RESTORATION OF THE KINGDOM IS THE NEXT SCHEDULED END TIME EVENT!

(Luke 17:20-21 NIV) "Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, {21} nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you.""

i. IT IS THE RESTORATION OF THE PRESENCE OF JESUS ON THE EARTH THROUGH HIS BODY

1. A REVELATION OF JESUS IN HEART MIND AND LIFESTYLE

II. IT IS THE BODY OF CHRIST WITH AUTHORITY ON THE EARTH TO DO BUSINESS FOR HIM

1. NOT TAKING OVER POLITICS, SCIENCE OR ECONOMICS

A. BUT TRANSFORMING EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE!

B. THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH IN POWER & PURPOSE!

ACTS 2:43 “ Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. {44} All the believers were together and had everything in common. {45} Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. {46} Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

4. AND THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS A COUNTERCULTURAL COMMUNITY

a. IT IS THE PROPER USE OF OUR MATERIAL, EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL POSSESSIONS TO BUILD THE KINGDOM OF GOD

i. BECAUSE JESUS GAVE US AUTHORITY & HI PRESENCE IS WITH US!

ii. THE PREISTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER WILL BE RESTORED

1. EVERY SAINT WILL BE A MINISTER

iii. THE FIVE FOLD EQUIPPING MINISTRY WILL BE FULLY RESTORED

iv. SAINTS WILL BE ACTIVATED IN THE MARKETPLACE TO BRING REVIVAL AND REFORMATION IN ALL FACETS OF SOCIETY

v. THERE WILL BE MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS JUST AS JESUS PROPHESIED

(John 14:12-14 NIV) "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. HE WILL DO EVEN GREATER THINGS THAN THESE, because I am going to the Father. {13} And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. {14} You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

THE KINGDOM OF GOD HAS BEEN GIVEN AND IT WILL BE REINSTATED..

(Mat 28:18-20 NIV) "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. {19} Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

RESPONSE….

HOW HAVE YOU SEPERATED GOD FROM YOUR LIFESTYLE??

- WHAT IDOLS IN YOUR LIFE DISTRACT YOUR PURSUIT OF GOD?

o TELEVISION/ ENTERTAINMENT

o INTELLECTUAL PURSUITS

o COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/ ACTIVITIES

- IS THE LORD CALLING YOU TO REFUSE ALLOW THESE THINGS TO SEPARATE YOU FROM YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD?

- RESPOND TO THE LORD BY LAYING DOWN THESE “IDOLS!”

PREPARATION FOR REFORMATION 3: Losing our Religion

2011-03-01T07:29:00.000-08:00

TEXT:

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. {43} Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. {44} All the believers were together and had everything in common. {45} Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. {46} Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

History:

The Early Church

- Led by Apostles who demonstrated a lifestyle of holiness..

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

RESULTS….

{43} Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. {44} All the believers were together and had everything in common. {45} Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. {46} Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

AND THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."

1. The TRUE CHURCH TRANSFORMED ECONOMICS

a. Revealed the plan of God to MANAGE MATERIAL POSESSIONS

b. Revealed the plan of God to Work Faithfully unto the Lord

c. Revealed the Plan of God to Care for One ANOTHER

2. THE TRUE CHURCH TOOK CONTROL OF SCIENCE

a. Followers of Jesus discovered and described the Natural World

b. Cared for the Created environment

3. THE RELIGIOUS CHURCH TRANSFORMED SOCIAL SYSTEM - & LEADERS

a. THE RIGHTEOUS SOCIETY

b. FOLLOWERS OF THE WAY

Constantine (IN 312…)

1. In Before the battle of the Milvian Bridge outside Rome in 312 A.D., Constantine claimed to have seen a cross in the sky with this inscription: IN HOC SIGNO VINCES or IN THIS SIGN CONQUER.

2. On October 28, 312 A.D. Constantine removed the EAGLE as the symbol for Rome and replaced it with the CROSS!

3. In February 313 A.D. Constantine Made Christianity Legal in the Roman Empire

4. In 325 A.D. Constantine called the Nicean Council and Presided as Father “Pope” over the meeting…

5. It would take another 150 years ( In 476 A.D.) before New Testament Christianity would become infiltrated with paganism and immobilized by RITUALISM.

6. The “civilized world” was plunged into the Dark Ages..

The Medieval Church (500 AD. – 1300’s)

4. Only the preists had access to the bible

5. The RELIGIOUS CHURCH TOOK CONTROL OF ECONOMICS

a. Repressed free trade and turned profits to itself..

6. THE RELIGIOUS CHURCH TOOK CONTROL OF SCIENCE

a. Repressed those who desired to discover the creatity of God in creation

7. THE RELIGIOUS CHURCH TOOK POLITICAL CONTROL OF POLITICS

a. By force, bribery etc

8. The Seven sacraments were developed

a. EACH SACRAMENT WAS PROPOSED TO BE A “DISPENSATION OF GRACE”

b. ATTENDANCE at the sacrament was the only requirement to receive GRACE

i. Sacraments

1. Baptism – show up & get sprinkled

2. Confirmation – take a class & then get “confirmed”

a. Protestants – “Church membership”

3. Eucharist – watch the priests eat the bread & drink the wine

a. Protestants – “communion”

4. Confession – confess to the priest, the priest declares “Forgiven”

a. Protestants (none)

b. Try – Rededicate your life – multiple salvations

5. Matrimony – Marriage mass (the church must bless the union - only catholics)

a. Protestants – marriage ceremony

6. Holy Orders – You can become a monk or nun…

a. Protestants – Serve as an Elder or Member of Presbytery

7. Anointing for Healing (last rites)

a. Protestants – (none)

9. Mass was performed in Latin

a. Not until Vatican 4 (1962) was the Mass allowed in the vernacular

b. Douay–Rheims Bible (1582)

10. The “Sermon” section of the Mass was minimized or excluded

THE RENAISSANCE (1300 -1600’s)

a. THE RELIGIOUS CHURCH BEGAN TO LOSE CONTROL OF SCIENCE

b. SCIENTISTS BEGAN TO HAVE FREEDOM TO DISCOVER CREATION

i. NEWTON – A PRAYER DRIVEN GOD SEEKER

THE FIRST REFORMATION (1400-1700’s)

1. Martin Luther nailed his 95 THESIS to the door of the Cathedral in Wittenburg, Germany on October 31, 1517.

a. Martin Luther single-handedly started brought the Church out of the dark ages into the GREAT REFORMATION.

b. 30 YEARS WAR – Followed…

c. Many Reformers followed..

i. Calvin – Geneva

ii. Baptists

iii. Zwingli - Zurich

iv. Anabaptists…

2. THE CHURCH WAS SEPERATED FROM POLITICS

a. Became instrospected.. NOT TRANSFORMING OF SOCIETY

3. THE CHURCH SEPERATED FROM ECONOMICS/ BUSINESS –

a. DID NOT SERVE AS A TRANSFORMATION AGENT FOR BUSINESS

4. THE CHURCH SEPERATED FROM SCIENCE

a. BECAME ANTAGONISTIC TO SCIENCE

b. THE COMPETITION BETWEEN SCIENCE AND “RELIGION” STILL EXISTS

i. ENTER THE “MODERN” AGE WHERE SCIENCE DEFINES EVERYTHING

1. THE MODERN DREAM WAS THAT “SCIENCE” WILL SOLVE ALL OUR PROBLEMS…

ii. SCIENE HAS NOW ENTERED INTO TRYING TO TRYING TO DEFINE THE COSMOS INSTEAD OF DESCRIBING IT!

iii. SCIENCE NOW HAS BIRTHED HUMANISM

1. THIS IS THE CIVIL RELIGION OF AMERICA

2. “I AM WHO I SAY I AM” “ I AM ONLY LIMITED BY MYSELF” I CAN DO WHAT I THINK IS BEST” – The idea of God is irrelevant

THE FINAL REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH HAS BEGUN..

THE CHURCH IS BEING RESTORED TO IT’S ORIGINAL ORDER AND FUNCTION…

(Acts 2:42-47 NIV) "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

RESULTS….

{43} Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. {44} All the believers were together and had everything in common. {45} Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. {46} Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, {47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

AND THE LORD ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER DAILY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED."

THREE SPIRITS THAT REMAIN FROM THE Medieval CHURCH

The church has suffered from three perversions/spirits that have kept us from freedom in fellowship with the Holy Spirit:

1. “Vow of Celibacy” - THE SPIRIT OF LEGALISM

WHERE DID THIS “SPIRIT” COME FROM…

(1 Cor 7:8-9 NIV) "Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. {9} But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion."

BEING HOLY AND SET APART FOR GOD BECAME MEASURED BY CELEBACY

- Preists and people who wanted to be “HOLY” would choose celibacy

- This kind of lifestyle was seen as a definition of “HOLY”

o Most believers could not comply with this “REQUIREMENT”

TRUTH:

Jesus and Paul were the only New Testament leaders that were celebate

None of the other early church leaders were!

WHAT IS THE BALANCE:

(Eph 5:31-33 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." {32} This is a profound mystery--but I am talking about Christ and the church. {33} However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

GOD HAS CALLED US TO LIVE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER AND WITH HIM…

- It’s not about abstaining from marriage

- It’s not about whether SEX is good or bad

- THIS STANDARD OF “HOLINESS” WAS APPLIED TO ALL “FLESHLY ACTS”

a. TRUTH: GOD IS HOLY AND REQUIRES US TO BE HOLY

b. TRUTH: Purity is essential for the wellbeing of humanity

c. The Perversion: “There is a separation between what I want and what God wants.”

d. The Perversion: Having fun is bad therefore God is not fun – does not want us to have fun.

e. The Perversion: The Spirit is Holy --- The Body is Bad

f. Implications: People develop a lifestyle of personal warfare with the flesh “trying to get it right” – “Trying to please God”

g. Perverted idea: “Doing the right thing is PRIMARILY WHAT GOD WANTS FROM ME”

h. Correction: “Seek first the kingdom.. and these things will be added to you!”

(Gal 5:16-23 NIV) "So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. {17} For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. {18} But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. {19} The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; {20} idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions {21} and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. {22} But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

(Mat 6:31-33 NIV) "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' {32} For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. {33} But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

i. God’s Intention: HOLINESS – means to be set apart for God (this makes us “GOOD”) Being set apart for Him is what he requires.. This produces PURITY FOR THE RIGHT REASON.

(Heb 12:14-16 NIV) "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. {15} See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. {16} See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son."

i. HOLINESS IS NOT DOING THE RIGHT THING ONLY

ii. IT IS THE FRUIT OF BEING SET APART TO GOD!

J. God’s Intention: “REDEMPTION & PARTNERSHIP”

(Isa 43:1-2 NIV) "But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. {2} When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

(Rev 3:20-22 NIV) "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. {21} To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. {22} He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.""

NEXT WEEK….

2. The “VOW OF POVERTY” SPIRIT REMAINS ON THE CHURCH

(Mat 6:24-25 NIV) ""No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. {25} "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?"

(1 Tim 6:9-12 NIV) "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. {10} For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. {11} But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. {12} Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

THE SPIRIT SHOWS UP… THE PLAN OF GOD BECOMES CLEAR

3. The “VOW OF OBEDIENCE” SPIRIT REMAINS ON THE CHURCH

(Rom 12:1-2 NIV) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. {2} Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

(Gal 5:22-25 NIV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. {24} Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. {25} Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."