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2020-08-05 EVERY BELIEVER
Ephesians 4:11-12: And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Promise Keepers.org
Benham brothers – Wanted to be in “full time ministry.”
The Holy Spirit told them to “Go to work.”
Started a real estate business, teaching Christian principles, realized they were in full time ministry.
Three truths they emphasize:
a. Every believer is a minister
b. Every believer is on a mission
c. Work is an act of worship
Tonight: Every Believer is a Minister
4 key words from Ephesians 4:12
1. SAINTS
Who are the saints?
How would the world answer that question?
How would some Christians answer that question?
How does the Word answer that question?
A saint is a believer in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:1 – To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus
Saint is literally set apart ones, holy people.
We are declared holy and righteous through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit is our helper who helps us grow in who we are in Christ.
Che Han – The Lord spoke to him at 17 years old, “Throw away your drugs, never take them again. Leave this concert and follow Me.”
2. MINISTER
What is a minister?
Minister – A servant
Who are the ministers at Joy Church?
To Minister is to serve God and to serve people.
What are some acts of ministry? What does ministry look like?
Every believer is a minister of Jesus Christ!
Phil Chain – Missionary – I felt the God of Heaven and Earth use me, and I discovered that there is nothing in the world like that.
3. EQUIPPING
Equipping – to put a broken bone back into place
Equipping – To mend a broken fishing net.
When we see ourselves as disqualified, it puts holes in the gospel net.
Gospel Net – The whole church reaching the whole world with the whole Gospel.
In Acts 9:10 Ananias was just a disciple but he ministered to the Apostle Paul.
4. EDIFY
What does edify mean?
Edify means to build up.
What happens when every believer becomes a minister and serves God and serve people?
The Body of Christ is built up.
The Body of Christ will grow spiritually, relationally, and numerically.
Acts 2:45 – And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
2020-08-02-RECOVERING GOD’S DIRECTION
Position yourself for His direction:
1. Physically
Matthew 4: 1-10
Isaiah 58
Acts 2, 4, and 13
1 Timothy 2:8 – I want men in every place to pray lifting up holy hands without wrath(anger) and dissension (rebellion; disagreement)
2. Emotionally
Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart, it is the wellspring of life.
Exodus 28:30b – In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:23a(MSG) – May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body
Hebrews 4:12(NLT) – For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
3. Spiritually
Isaiah 40:31(NASB) – Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
Psalm 27:14(NKJV) – Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Lamentations 3:25-26 – The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
It’s good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord
Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God
Psalm 130:5(NKJV) – I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.
Psalm 130:5(NIV) – I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope.
Questions for discussion and reflection:
1. When was the last time you received direction from God? What form did it take?
2. Can you share a time when you struggled to discern God’s direction, perhaps between your spirit and your emotions?
3. Do you struggle to wait on the Lord? Why?
4. What needs to change in your life so that you are better positioned (consistently) to receive God’s direction?
2020-07-29 KINGDOM ADVANCE
The weapons of our warfare are not just to protect us, they are to advance the Kingdom of God.
Matthew 16:18 – And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
The gates of hell cannot hold back the advance of the Kingdom of God!
Jesus is calling us to advance, to go forward with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Acts 16 – Paul and Silas are advancing the Kingdom with the weapons of the Holy Spirit.
Four Key Weapons of Kingdom Advance
1. The Power of Prophetic Vision
We need to know where the Holy Spirit is leading us.
The Holy Spirit called us to Matthews.
Acts 16:6 – Now when they had gone through Phyrgia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.
Acts 16:9 – And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
Acts 16:10 – Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
2. The Power of Jesus Name
Acts 16:18 – And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
Jesus came to set the captive free and He has called us to partner with him in this ministry.
Acts 3:16 – And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know.
3. The Power of Sacrificial Praise
Acts 16:23 – And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely.
Acts 16:24 – Having received such a charge, he put them in the inner prison and fastened their feet in stocks.
Acts 16:25 – But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:26 – Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
The sacrifice of praise opens the door for the miracles working power of God to operate in any impossible situation.
4. The Power of the Gospel
Acts 16:28 – But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
Acts 16:29 – Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.
Acts 16:30 – And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Acts 16:31 – So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
All of us are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
a. We pray for boldness. Acts 4:31
b. We pray for divine appointments. Colossians 4:3
c. We pray for the lost to come to Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
2020-07-26 RECOVER STREGTH IN THE LORD
1 Samuel 30:6 – Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
1 Samuel 30:6 – David was greatly distressed – oppressed, troubled, anxious, frustrated
1 Samuel 30:6(NKJV) – But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
1 Samuel 30:6(NLT) – David found strength in the Lord his God.
1 Samuel 30:6(KJV) – But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
Literally – David made himself strong in the Lord
Strengthen – Make strong, have courage, be victorious, be encouraged, be fortified.
How do we encourage ourselves in the Lord our God?
1. REMEMBER THE GOODNESS OF GOD
Psalm 42:6 – O my God, my soul is cast down within me, therefore I will remember You.
Psalm 42:11 – Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.
Psalm 27:13 – I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Hebrews 13:5 – I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Isaiah 49:16 – See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.
Romans 8:31 – If God is for us, who can be against us?
Psalm 56:9 – This I know because God is for me.
2. LIFT UP YOUR VOICE AND OFFER A SACRIFICE OF PRAISE TO GOD
Psalm 34:1 – I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:3 – Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.
Nigerian Pastor – When we make God bigger, our troubles seem smaller.
Hebrews 13:15 – Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Acts 16:25 – But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.
3. BE RENEWED IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Psalm 22:3 – But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Acts 16:26 – Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were loosed.
Psalm 16:11 – In Your Presence is fullness of Joy.
Nehemiah 8:10 – For the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Praise ushers us into His Presence. In His Presence we find His Joy, and in His Joy, we find His strength.
1 Samuel 30:6 – But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Discussion Questions
1. 1 Samuel 30:6 tells us that David was greatly distressed, anxious and troubled. Are you going through a time in your life like that right now? Could you share what you are going through?
2. In the midst of crisis, David strengthened himself in the Lord. How do you think he did that?
3. Is it difficult for you to remember the goodness of God when you are going through a difficult time? Why is that?
4. Can you share a time in your life when you have offered to God a sacrifice of praise? What happened when you did?
5. Why do the powers of darkness want to rob us of our joy in the Lord? How can we stop that from happening?
2020-07-22 THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD
2 Chronicles 20:1 – It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat.
A great army is coming against King Jehoshaphat, just as a great army has come against America, each of us. We are in a great battle. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless.
2 Chronicles 20:3 – And Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord.
Four weapons the people of Israel used in this battle.
1. The Weapon of Fasting
2 Chronicles 20:3 – And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
Fasting was used by Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Jesus, the Apostle Paul, the early church
Nehemiah 1:4 – I was fasting and praying before the God of Heaven.
Matthew 17:21 – However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
England calling for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting in 1756. The French were turned away.
2 Chronicles 20:4 – So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the lord.
2. The Weapon of Prayer
Fasting plus prayer is an atomic weapon in the Kingdom of God.
Fasting positions us for powerful prayer.
Jehoshaphat began to pray. He began to call upon the Lord.
2 Chronicles 20:6 – O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power?
2 Chronicles 20:12 – O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.
Miracle of Dunkirk – National Day of Prayer: three miracle, water calm, Germans stop, storm holds back German Air Force
3. The Weapon of Prophecy
2 Chronicles 20:14 – The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah….Thus says the Lord to you: Do not be afraid nor be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.
The prophetic word brings hope. The prophetic word drives away despair.
My coming to Matthews, becoming discouraged. Prophetic word at Pastor’s gathering.
2 Chronicles 20:17 – You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them for the Lord is with you.
4. The Weapon of Praise
2 Chronicles 20:21 – And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: Praise the Lord, for His Mercy endures forever.
2 Chronicles 20:22 – Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.
Praise opened the door to the miracle working power of God.
Praise brought the Manifest Presence who then brought confusion into the enemy’s camp.
2020-07-19 RECOVER NEW LIFE
1 Samuel 30:3-4 – When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep.
How do I walk through grief?
1. Recognize it is a process.
John 11:35 – “Jesus wept”…
Deuteronomy 31:6b – for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
2. Remember, “I am not alone.”
Psalm 107:1(NLT) – Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5(Palmer’s translation) “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all coming alongside, who comes alongside us in our troubles, so that we can come alongside those in any trouble with the coming alongside we ourselves have received from God.”
Psalm 9:9 – The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 18:2 – The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
John 20:21 – As the Father has sent Me, so I send you
2 Corinthians 5:21 – we are ambassadors for Christ
Donhoeffer – “only the suffering God can help”
3. Receive His Hope and Healing
Psalm 107: 26-30(NLT) – Their ships were tossed to the heavens
and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror.
27 – They reeled and staggered like drunkards
and were at their wits’ end.
28 – “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
29 – He calmed the storm to a whisper
and stilled the waves.
30 – What a blessing was that stillness
as he brought them safely into harbor!
2 Corinthians 12:9 – Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Psalm 30:5b(NLT) – Weeping may last through the night,
but joy comes with the morning.
Questions for Reflection or Discussion
1. What feelings or past experiences came to mind during this message?
2. What are key steps for walking out of grief into new life that you have experiences in your life?
3. What does holding on to the tube look like for you in times of loss?
4. Have you ever felt alone in grief? Thinking back, do you think you were truly alone or you pushed others away and isolated yourself?
5. Take time to discuss significant losses you may be walking through right now, individually or as a family?
2020-07-15 THE WEAPON OF PRAYER
Prayer is deliberate intentional communication with God. God speaking to us and us speaking to God.
Prayer helps us to abide in His Presence. Everything that we learn about God ultimately comes from the place of prayer and the place of abiding.
Psalm 91:1 NKJV
Prayer helps us to recognize the power of our God. We do not have to do things in our own strength. He will help us. David encouraged himself in the Lord
1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV, Psalm 34
Prayer helps us to know our identity in Christ and we pray from that position.
Ephesians 2:6 NKJV
Prayer helps me to realize that God has given us spiritual weapons.
Ephesians 6:12 NKJV and 2 Cor 10:4 NKJV
Prayer helps me to realize our purpose in the earth. Purpose can be unfolding.
Proverbs 19:21 ESV
Intercession reveals the heart mandate that God has given us for men, women, boys, and girls.
Luke 4:18 NKJV
Intercession makes the heart tender towards the desires of God and creates a space in our heart to grow.
Romans 8:26 NKJV
Intercession makes us realize that we have a part to play and that we are on the winning side.
Luke 10:19 NKJV
Intercession that involves fasting is a powerful weapon
Nehemiah 1:1-4 NKJV
Intercession changes men’s hearts and gives God an opportunity to work.
Psalm 103: 20-21 NKJV
2020-07-08 THE WEAPON OF PRAISE
Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 10:4 – For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.
Psalm 149:6 – Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two- edged sword in their hands.
When you think of people in the Bible discovering praise as a weapon, who do you think of?
PRINCIPLES OF PRAISE
1. Praise Silences the enemy
Psalm 8:2(NIV) – Through the praise of children and infants You have established a stronghold against Your enemies to silence the foe and the avenger.
Matthew 21:16 – And Jesus said to them, “Yes, have you never read, out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise?”
How do we silence the voice of the enemy oppressing our mind?
According to Psalm 8:2, we silence the enemy through child-like praise.
2. Praise Enthrones the Presence of God in Whatever Situation We Face
Psalm 22:3 – But You are Holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Psalm 22:4 – Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them.
Jack Hayford – The Presence of God’s Kingdom power is directly related to the practice of God’s praise.
Jack Hayford – Wherever God’s people exalt His Name, He is ready to manifest His Kingdom’s power in the way most appropriate.
3. Praise Brings Confusion to the Enemy’s Camp
2 Chronicles 20:21 – And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.
2 Chronicles 20:22 – Now when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.
4. Praise Opens Prison Doors
Acts 16:25 – But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:26 – Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.
How Do We Employ the Weapon of Praise?
1. Make Praise and Worship a Part of Our Daily Lives
Psalm 149:5 – Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds.
2. Make a Choice to Praise the Lord
Isaiah 61:3 – to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
3. Open Your Mouth and Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
2020-07-05 RECOVER AMERCA
Joel 2:12 – Now therefore, says the Lord, Turn to me with all your heart.
Isaiah 30:18 – Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you.
1 Samuel 30:8 – Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.
YWAM – God has a redemptive destiny for every nation
Three areas the Holy Spirit wants to help us recover so that we can walk forward together in the fullness of our nation’s destiny
1. RECOVER THE FEAR OF THE LORD
The fear of the Lord is deep honor, respect, and reverence for His Holy Presence.
Psalm 33:8 – Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
Joy Dawson – The fear of the Lord is deep respect for and understanding of the Holiness of God.
Isaiah 6:3 – Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory
Isaiah 6:5 – Woe is me, for I am undone.
Psalm 36:1 – There is no fear of God before his eyes.
Proverbs 8:13 – The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.
Joy Dawson – The level of our repentance of sin will depend upon the degree to which we see sin as God sees it and hate sin as He hates it.
Psalm 86:11 – Unite my heart to fear Your Name.
2. RECOVER THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE
Psalm 11:3 – If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
John 19:38 – What is truth?
Do you believe there is an absolute truth that is true of all people of all time?
Answers: Truth is whatever you believe. There is no absolute truth. If there was such a thing as absolute truth, how could we know it?
Jesus declared in John 17:17 – Your Word is truth.
John 14:6 – I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me
66% of adults in America do not believe in absolute truth.
Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:27 – Male and female He created them.
Genesis 2:24 – Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
1 Corinthians 6:18 – Flee sexuality immorality
John 13:34 – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you…
Romans 13:13-14: Not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
3. RECOVER THE IMAGE OF GOD
Genesis 1:27 – So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them.
Declaration of Independence – 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.
Every person is to be treated with dignity, respect and honor, because every person is created in the image of God.
The unborn child in the womb is to be treated with honor, respect, and dignity. They too are created in the image of God.
Racial prejudice and bigotry dishonor the image of God.
Abortion dishonors the image of God.
Father God wants every person, of every ethnicity, of every age, to be blessed, to be free, and to be empowered to walk in their God-given destiny.
WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!
Our nation can be healed. Our nation can be free. We can walk into the fullness of our destiny!
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think America needs to recover in order to walk in the fullness of her destiny?
2. How would you describe the Fear of the Lord?
3. What areas of your life need to come under the authority of Scripture and the Lordship of Jesus?
4. Are there any people, or people groups that you have been treating with dishonor or lack of respect? If so, how is the Holy Spirit asking you to change?
2020-07-01 THE WEAPON OF THE NAME OF JESUS
Philippians 2 :9 – Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.
Philippians 2:10 – That at the name of Jesus every knee should be bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and those under the earth,
Philippians 2:11 – and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Matthew 1:21 – And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
Jesus – Yeshua – He shall save, Yehoshua, Joshua, The Lord is salvation
The name of Jesus is a powerful weapon for the believer:
1. There is salvation in the Name of Jesus
Romans 10:13 – For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21
2. There is healing in the Name of Jesus
Acts 3:6 – Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”
3. There is freedom and deliverance in the name of Jesus
Acts 16:18 – But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you un the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour.
4. There is safety and protection in the name of Jesus
Proverbs 18:10 – The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.
How do we wage war with the weapon of the Name?
1. There is power in the Name for those who know the person of the Name.
Acts 19:15 – And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?”
Acts 19:17 – This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
2. There is power in the Name for those who abide in the Person of the Name
John 15:7 – If you abide in Me and My words I abide in you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
John 16:23 – Most assuredly I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My Name He will give you.
3. There is power in the Name for those who call upon the Name.
Psalm 50:15 – Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
Matthew 14:30 – Lord save me!
4. There is power in the Name for those who receive the authority of the Name.
Luke 10:19 – Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
We receive a delegated power of attorney in the Name of Jesus.
2020-06-28 RECOVER PEACE
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
“Peacemakers repair breeches where brokenness exists, mainly by inserting themselves and their resources into the gap.” - Doug Fields
1 Samuel 25:3 – This man’s name was Nabal, and his wife, Abigail, was a sensible and beautiful woman. But Nabal, a descendant of Caleb, was crude and mean in all his dealings.
1 Samuel 25:14 – Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s servants went to Abigail and told her, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed insults at them. These men have been very good to us, and we never suffered any harm from them. Nothing was stolen from us the whole time they were with us.
In fact, day and night they were like a wall of protection to us and the sheep. You need to know this and figure out what to do, for there is going to be trouble for our master and his whole family. He’s so ill-tempered that no one can even talk to him!”
As she was riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming toward her. David had just been saying, “A lot of good it did to help this fellow. We protected his flocks in the wilderness, and nothing he owned was lost or stolen. But he has repaid me evil for good.
May God strike me and kill me if even one man of his household is still alive tomorrow morning!”
When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed low before him. She fell at his feet and said, “I accept all blame in this matter, my lord. Please listen to what I have to say. I know Nabal is a wicked and ill-tempered man; please don’t pay any attention to him. He is a fool, just as his name suggests. But I never even saw the young men you sent.
David replied to Abigail, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands.
1. The Priority of Peace
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3
Romans 14:19(NIV) – “Make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
2. The Price of Peace
1 Samuel 25:24a – She fell at his feet and said “My lord, let the blame be on me alone”
3. The Payoff of Peace
1 Samuel 25:32-33 – David replied to Abigail, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
1. Can you identify with David in this story? (not meaning necessarily that you wanted to kill someone....)
2. Can you identify with Abigail in this story, have you ever tried to insert yourself into a situation to bring peace?
3.Share an example of broken peace you have witnessed and or experienced?
4. Did peace-making happen... or did brokenness remain?
5. Share ideas about how you might could have inserted yourself into this broken place to help bring about peace?
6. What are some steps you could take toward peace-making in the midst of the brokenness being witnessed around us right now?
2020-06-21 PURSUE FAMILY
1 Samuel 30:1 – Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire.
1 Samuel 30:2 – And had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way.
1 Samuel 30:3 – So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive.
1 Samuel 30:8 – So David inquired of the Lord saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”
Pursue – Go after, strive, try to do something with considerable effort, intensity, and focus.
How do we pursue healthy families?
1. WAKE UP
Romans 13:11 – And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
Ephesians 5:14 – Awake you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.
2. STEP UP
Joshua 24:15 – As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
3. REACH OUT
Ephesians 5:16 – Redeeming the time because the days are evil.
Psalm 90:12 – So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
4. REACH UP
Luke 1:37 – For with God nothing will be impossible
2 Corinthians 12:9 – My grace is sufficient for you.
God’s grace is His power doing in us and through us what we could never do ourselves.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE!
2020-06-10 LOVE- THE WEAPON OF GOD
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 NKJV
One definition:
In a broader context, weapons may be construed to include anything used to gain a tactical strategic material or mental advantage over an adversary or enemy target.
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:10
He heals the By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16 NKJV
brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147 ESV
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27 NKJV
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 NKJV
2020-06-07 REPAIRERS OF THE BREACH
Isaiah 58:12 – Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell in.
A Breach is a gap in the wall. The Hebrew speaks of a wall that is broken down, cracked and crumbling.
To Repair – to rebuild, to restore, to build back
How do we fulfill this overwhelming calling as the Body of Christ?
1. PRAY AND REPENT
Ezekiel 22:30 – So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found no one.
Psalm 139:23-24: Search me O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
2. LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND
Proverbs 18:13 – He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.
Proverbs 19:27 – Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
James 1:19 – Let every man be swift to hear and slow to speak.
3. LOVE ONE ANOTHER
John 13:34 – A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you that you also love one another.
John 13:35 – By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
Discussion Questions
1. During this time of heart searching in our nation, are there areas in your own heart the Holy Spirit is speaking to and calling you to repent? Are you willing to let the Holy Spirit bring change?
2. The Holy Spirit seems to be calling the Body of Christ into a time of being willing to listen to one another, especially someone of a different ethnicity or culture. Are you willing to take that step?
3. When you listen, do you usually listen to argue or listen to understand?
4. We are commanded by Jesus Christ to love one another. How is the Holy Spirit calling you to live out that commandment?
2020-06-03 THE WEAPON OF UNITY – THE POWER OF TOGETHER
Psalm 133:1 – Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Unity releases anointing – like the precious oil upon the head: Psalm 133:2
Unity releases refreshing and renewal and blessing – Psalm 133:3
Acts 2:1(NASB) – When the day of Pentecost had come, they all together in one place.
The Azusa Street Revival flowed out of a place of unity.
The enemy wants to divide us relationally, racially, socially, spiritually, locally, nationally, internationally
Jesus has called believers to live in unity – so the world will believe and come to Him.
John 17:21 – That they may all be one, as You Father, are in Me and I in You; that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
How do we live out the call to unity?
1. REMEMBER WHO WE ARE
Ephesians 2:5 – Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.
Ephesians 2:6 – And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
True unity is only in Christ!
Ephesians 2:22 – In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
2. MAKE UNITY A PRIORITY
Ephesians 4:3 – Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Endeavoring – Make every effort, give diligence, be zealous, do all you can
3. WALK IN HUMILITY AND MEEKNESS
Ephesians 4:2 – with all lowliness and gentleness
Lowliness – Humble- mindedness, the absence of arrogance and conceit
Gentleness – Meekness, Even-tempered, passion under control.
Meekness is not weakness, but power under control
4. GROW IN PATIENT ENDURANCE
Ephesians 4:2 – With longsuffering: patient endurance, literally a long temper
Makrothumia - A person who can exercise revenge, but chooses not to do so
1 Corinthians 13:4 – Love is patient and kind
5. FORGIVE AND ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER AS WE ARE
Ephesians 4:2 – bearing with one another in love
Bearing – Putting up with one another, tolerating one another
The Holy Spirit wants to help us love one another and forgive one another.
2020-05-31 PERSONAL PENTECOST
Acts 2:1 – When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 2:2 – And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:3 – Then there appeared to them divided tongues as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:4 – And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 1:8 – But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
What happened to those disciples on the day of Pentecost can happen to every believer.
How do we experience a Personal Pentecost?
1. BELIEVE JESUS WANTS TO BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!
Acts 2:12 – So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”
a. It means the ancient prophecy of Joel is being fulfilled:
Acts 2:16 – But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
Acts 2:17 – And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams.
Acts 2:18 – And on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophecy.
b. It means Jesus is Alive, He is at the right hand of the Father, He is the Baptizer with the Spirit
Acts 2:32 – This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.
Acts 2:33 – Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear
c. It means Jesus is the Messiah and He is Lord
Acts 2:36 – Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Pentecost is a sign that Jesus is Lord.
2. STEP UNDER THE WATERFALL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Get drenched in the Glory of God! Get saturated with the Holy Spirit!
Acts 2:37 – Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter, and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said to them, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
a. Repent – Turn away from anything we are doing, saying, or thinking that dishonors the Lord.
Joel 2:12 – Turn to Me with all your heart.
b. Be Baptized – Let your past be buried with Christ
Romans 6:4 – Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
c. Receive the Holy Spirit – Welcome Him and surrender to Him as a Divine Person
John 7:38 – He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you experienced a Personal Pentecost? Could you share how it happened?
2. Are you living in a daily flow of the River of Life? If not, what could be some of the barriers holding back the flow of the Holy Spirit in your life?
3. Why are we sometimes fearful of surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing His gifts to flow through us?
4. Would you be willing to surrender afresh and anew to the Holy Spirit today?
2020-05-27 THE WORD
Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 10:4 – For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.
Ephesians 6:17 – And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
1. WHAT IS THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT?
Hebrews 4:12 – For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Logos – The whole of Scripture
Rhema – God’s personal word to you from the Written Word, highlighted for us by the Holy Spirit.
Logos is the whole Bible: Rhema is the single promise or promises from the Word brought to our mind by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 4:12 uses the word logos. Ephesians 6:17 uses the word rhema
2. HOW DO WE GET A RHEMA WORD?
Psalm 119:18 – Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.
Psalm 119:130 – The entrance of Your words gives light.
Psalm 119:105 – Your Word is a lamp to my feel and a light to my path.
Three Rhema words given to the body of Christ during this pandemic:
Psalm 91:9-10: Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand
2Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.
3. WHAT DO WE DO WITH A RHEMA WORD?
We believe it. We receive it. We thank God for it.
Billy Graham – God said it in His word, I believe it in my heart, and that settles it in my mind
1 Thessalonians 2:13 – For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
We speak the word of God.
Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.
Two edged literally means a two mouthed sword.
Jesus speaks the Word into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. We declare that word with our mouths spoken into our hearts.
We speak with our mouths, the Word spoken into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 49:2 – And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword.
Revelation 1:16 – Out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.
Jesus showed us how to do this in His battle in the wilderness:
Matthew 4:3 – Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Matthew 4:4 – But He answered and said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:11 – Then the devil left Him, and behold angels came and ministered to Him.
Revelation 19:15 – Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword that with it He should strike the nations.
2020-05-24 RESTORE ME
Joel 2:25 – So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.
Joel 1:6(NLT) – A vast army of locusts has invaded my land, a terrible army too numerous to count.
Joel 1:7(NLT) – It has destroyed my grapevines and ruined my fig trees, stripping their bark and destroying it, leaving the branches white and bare.
Joel 1:2 – Has anything like this happened in your days, or even the days of your fathers?
What would the Lord say to us in the midst of this coronavirus crisis?
1. RETURN TO THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART
Joel 2:12 – “Now therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
Joel 2:13 – So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.
Isaiah 53:6 – All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way.
Joel 2:12 – Turn to Me with all your heart.
2. EXPERIENCE HIS RESTORATION IN EVERY AREA OF LIFE
Joel 2:26 – So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.
Psalm 23:3 – He restores my soul.
James Robison – When something is restored in Scripture it is always increased, multiplied, or improved.
3. RECEIVE HIS OUTPOURED POWER
Joel 2:28 – And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, your old men shall dream dreams, you young men shall see visions.
Joel 2:29 – And also on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
Joel 2:32 – And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Discussion Questions
1. What holds us back from turning to the Lord and surrendering to Him with all of our heart?
2. Is there an area of your life that you need to give to Jesus Christ?
3. What are some of the parts of your life or family that need God’s restoration?
4. Have you asked Him to restore you? Why or why not?
5. Have you been baptized with the Holy Spirit? If not, would you like to be?
2020-05-20 THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE
We are in a battle with an invisible enemy. President Trump
We know we are fighting an invisible virus, but we are also fighting an invisible spiritual enemy.
Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
We are in a wrestling match against the powers of darkness. The word is hand to hand combat.
We fight from a place of victory already won through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:15 – Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (in the cross)
We have also been given powerful weapons to defeat the enemy and enforce the victory of the cross.
2 Corinthians 10:4 – For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.
Over the next several weeks we want to look at some of those weapons.
Tonight, we want to look at the Power of the Blood of Jesus Christ!
Revelation 12:11 – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
This verse speaks of the weapon of the Blood. How do we use this powerful weapon?
1. WE BELIEVE THE POWER OF THE BLOOD
Faith is believing God and His word
Romans 10:17 – So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Our first step is to see what the Word says about the Blood of Jesus.
Leviticus 17:11 – For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.
Hebrews 12:24 – To Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
How does the blood of Jesus speak? Through us, through our testimony
2. WE DECLARE THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST
Derek Prince – As believers we must testify personally to what the Word says that the blood does for us.
Derek Prince – Our testimony is like the hyssop that took the blood of the Lamb out of the basin and placed it upon the door of each Hebrew family.
Revelation 12:11 – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Our declaration flows out of relationship with Him.
We declare with our mouth, what the Word declares about the Blood.
Six Scripture Declarations about the Power of the Blood:
1. I am protected by the Blood of Jesus Christ
Exodus 12:13 – Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
Billie Brim – Ministry of Judd Montgomery protected in Oakland by California Earthquake in early 1900’s
2. I am redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ
Ephesians 1:7 – In Him we have redemption through His blood
To Redeem – to rescue, to set free, for someone to pay a price for your freedom
Squanto – Native American captured, sold into slavery, redeemed by a Christian, later came back to America and helped the Pilgrims
3. I am forgiven and cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ
1 John 1:7 – But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
4. I am justified by the Blood of Jesus Christ
Romans 5:9 – Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
5. I am declared holy, set apart, by the blood of Jesus Christ
Hebrews 13:12 – Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.
6. I have access to the Father, through the blood of Jesus Christ
Hebrews 10:19 – Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus….
Derek Prince – When we testify to the blood of Jesus, the Holy Spirit bears witness to His work of redemption in our lives. It is our testifying that releases the operation of the blood in our lives.
2020-05-17 - A HOPE FILLED FUTURE
Jeremiah 29:11(NLT) – “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11(NKJV) – For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
1. BELIEVE THAT WE ARE ON HIS MIND
Jeremiah 29:11(NKJV) – For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace (Shalom)
Psalm 139:17(NLT) – How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered.
2. FIND YOUR HOME IN HIM
Jeremiah 29:5(NLT) – Build houses and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat their fruit they produce.
Jeremiah 29:7 – And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.
Jeremiah 29:14 – “I will be found by you,“ says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
3. DISCOVER HIS PLANS AND PURPOSE
Jeremiah 29:11- “I know the plans I have for you.”
4. STEP INTO A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST
Jeremiah 29:12-13(NLT) – In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
James 4:8 – Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Questions for discussion/ reflection
1. Share some losses you have experienced personally or as a family during this crisis.
2. How have you dealt with these losses?
3. Do you find yourself striving for a future home in Christ or do you currently live from your home in Christ? Why?
4. Share what you sense about your purpose/ calling and different ways it might be fulfilled?
Wednesday 2020/05/13 - Christ in Crisis Pt. 2
Mark 4:35-41 & Matthew 14
-Only Peter exercises faith to press in closer to Jesus in the midst of crisis
Discoveries:
1. External crisis can function to stir up places of deeply hidden internal crisis
2. Jesus sees it as opportunity to heal and grow us up in Him
James 1:2-4 “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it’s perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Go after roots!
Philippians 2:12-13 “…work had to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”
Triggers- An event that triggers a specific automatic emotional reaction based on similar painful experiences and resulting beliefs.
Respond is choosing how you will mindfully approach a specific situation or relational experience. Reaction is an automatic self-protective behavior to a specific situation or relational experience.
GIFT- When I react to what they said, did it cause me to feel: Guilty, Insecure/Inadequate, Fear, Trauma
Renew Your Mind with Biblical Meditation- speak truth consistently over yourself particularly over broken places.
The goal of life is not to avoid pain but to gain ground in intimate relationship which is what we were created for.
John 16:33 “I have told you all of this so that in me you may have peace. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”