C3 Church Southwest WA

“Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14 CSBJesus is speaking to his disciples after the Passover Feast - the last supper - and he's telling them he's leaving but they can't follow him yet. Thomas says, “We don't know where you are going? How can we know the way?” John 14:5Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. If you know me, you will also know my father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6Jesus, “The words I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who lives in me does His works. Believe me that I am in the father and the father is in me. Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.” John 14:10-11“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”Philippians 2:5-8(ESV)All that Jesus did, God did through him. Jesus is telling us that we have access to the Father through Him, and in Him we can do greater works than even Jesus did. Do you feel qualified? God Qualifies the Called“God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” Mark Batterson, The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest FearsWe see this throughout scripture. Here are just a few examples: Joseph - A despised younger brother sold into slavery then imprisoned. Genesis 37, 39 God helps him interpret dreams - saves his family and Egypt from a famine. Gen. 39, 41Moses - Not eloquent, slow of speech and tongue - killed someone Exodus 4:10-12 2:1-12 God calls him to lead the people out of Egypt. Exodus 3:10-12David - A shepherd boy and the youngest son. 1 Samuel 16:11 God gives him strength and courage to kill a giant - becomes King 1 Samuel 17:45-47The First Disciples - Fishermen, a tax collector, other unspecified jobs - Matt. 3:18-21 Jesus calls them to be fishers of men. Matthew 4:19 Jesus commissions them to make disciples of all nations. Matt. 28:16-20 Jesus sends them to preach, to have authority to cast out demons. Mark 3:14-15Saul/Paul - Persecuted early Christians and tried to destroy the church Gal. 1:13 Preaches that Jesus is the Son of God and spreads the gospel to gentiles Acts 9:20 Romans 3:23 NIV “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God Qualified Peter to do the Miraculous Fisherman turned disciple - Matt. 4:18-20Walked on water - Matt. 14:28-31Renamed Peter (Rock) from Simon - John 1:42 Matt. 16:18Confesses Jesus is the Messiah - Matt. 16:18Rebuked Jesus and was corrected - Matt. 16:21-23 Saw Jesus Transfigured - Matt. 17:1-5Cut off the servant's ear - John 18:10Denied knowing Jesus 3 times - Matt. 26:69–75, Mark 14:66–72, Luke 22:55–62, and John 18:15-27Restored by Jesus (Feed my sheep) - John 21:15-19-------------------------------- Preached at Pentecost- first sermon - 3,000 people come to believe - Acts 2 Healed a lame man - Acts 3:1-10Preached in Solomon's Colonnade - second sermon - 5,000 believe - Acts 3:11- Acts 4:4Arrested and testified about Jesus before the Sanhedrin - Acts 4:1-22 Judgment resulting in death of Ananias and Sapphira - Acts 5:1-10Healed the sick and those with “unclean spirits” - Acts 5:12-16Arrested, put on trial and flogged - Acts 5:17-42Healed a paralyzed man, Aeneas - Acts 9:32-35Raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead - Acts 9:36-43Received a vision, then defended the gospel being for Gentiles too- Acts 10 - Acts 11:18 Imprisoned again then rescued by an angel - Acts 12:1-18 Writes 1 & 2 Peter Crucified around 66 yrs. OldNotes From Time Before Jesus Ascended: During his time as a disciple of Jesus, Peter saw many miracles and experienced some directly - walking on water - coin in the fish's mouth - mother-in-law healed. Disciples were given authority to heal and cast out demons. Matt. 10, Luke 9Reasonable to think Peter had done miracles while Jesus was alive too. The specific miracles Peter does begin in Acts, after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Notes About Peter's Specific Miracles First sermon: after the Holy Spirit descended upon them and they started speaking in different tongues. Some sneered and tried to say they were drunk. Peter spoke up and and rebuke them and gave his first sermon. Takes a lot to speak in front of a large group. Jerry Sinfield joke: people would rather be the one in the coffin than giving the eulogy. 3,000 people were baptized after his message! Healed a lame man: A man who couldn't walk since birth was carried to the temple so he could beg as people came by. Peter and John walked by and he asked them for money. Peter said, “I don't have silver or gold but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk! Then, taking him by the right hand he raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong.” Acts 3:6-7 Peter was doing as Jesus did! BY FAITH: Acts 3:16 Peter tells the people, “By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong…” Judgment resulting in death of Ananias and Sapphira: Acts 5:1-10Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold some property but decided to keep some for themselves. Shows Peter had supernatural knowledge of the actual amount Ananias and Sapphira sold their property for. When Ananias came in and lied to the Holy Spirit he died. After Sapphira came in and lied about the amount too, Peter prophesied she would die too. Healed the sick and those with “unclean spirits”: Acts 5:12-16Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon's Colonnade. 13 No one else dared to join them, but the people spoke well of them. 14 Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers—multitudes of both men and women. 15 As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 In addition, a multitude came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.Healing Aeneas a paralyzed and bedridden man of 8 years.Acts 9:34 “Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed, and immediately he got up.” Raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead! Dorcas was a disciple - a follower of Jesus She became sick and diedTwo other disciples went and got Peter who was in a nearby town.He sent everyone out of the room. He knelt, prayed and told her to get up! Peter went from being a fisherman to a fisher of men! Jesus called Peter and Peter followed him until the day Peter died around 66 years old. God Calls Us to Follow Him And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24 "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" John 8:12 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" John 10:27 "If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also" John 12:26 Notes: Peter started off as a fisherman. He was called to follow Jesus and he did.Through walking and talking with Jesus and watching and listening, Peter learned who Jesus was. After 3 years, it didn't stop him from making mistakes. Called out many times He kept believing and learning and growing. He kept followingAfter Jesus ascended into Heaven and the disciples were in the upper room, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and then Peter started to lead.Do as Jesus did! Matthew 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember I am with you always to the end of the age.” We've been commissioned to go out into the world to do miraculous things. Leading people into the fullness of forgiveness and redemption and who they are called to be in Christ is no less than miraculous! Jesus dying, defeating death, and redeeming us from our sins is a miracle! The fullness of that miracle won't fully be realized until we die but there is nothing more miraculous than being made clean and living with our creator. God Equips Us With different gifts Romans 12:6-8 Prophesying, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving, Leading, Showing Mercy“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully”Through the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:7-11A message of wisdom, a message of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”Through the grace given to us through Jesus 2 Timothy 1:9-10“…not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace….”“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”With qualities that keep us from being unfruitful 2 Peter 1:3-8 Faith, Goodness, Self-Control, Endurance, Godliness, Brotherly Affection, Love“His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, 6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, 7 godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”John 15:1-8 Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Those who remain in him will produce much fruit, because we can do nothing without him. Romans 8:11 “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.”If the Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you - (Romans 8:11) then you don't have to do this in your own strength. You have the strength of God with you. No matter how strong you are on your own, you are not strong enough without the power of God living inside you. He's given us everything we need to live for Him! God is calling you to follow Him! As you step out in faith and obedience, he equips you with what you need and qualifies you for what he calls you to do. Acts 4:13 NIV - When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Overcoming Family Dysfunction Scripture: ‭‭‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.””Family Dysfunction In This Chapter‭‭Genesis 37:4 (ESV) But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV ‬‬“Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more.”Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV ‬‬“His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.”‭‭‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭11‬ ‭“And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.”Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him.”‭‭‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.””Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.”‭‭‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him.”‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭31‬-‭33‬ ‭ESV ‬‬“Then they took Joseph's robe and slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. And they sent the robe of many colors and brought it to their father and said, “This we have found; please identify whether it is your son's robe or not.” And he identified it and said, “It is my son's robe. A fierce animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces.””Generational Dysfunction Before This Chapter1. Abraham's GenerationDeception/Lying: Abraham twice claimed his wife, Sarah, was only his sister out of fear for his own life, putting Sarah in danger (Genesis 12:10–20; Genesis 20:1–18).Sexual Sin/Lack of Faith: Sarah encouraged Abraham to sleep with her maidservant, Hagar, to produce an heir, an act outside of God's original plan for marriage, leading to significant strife (Genesis 16).2. Isaac's GenerationFavoritism: Both Isaac and Rebekah practiced favoritism toward their sons, which laid the foundation for future division and conflict in the family.Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed his wild game, while Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:28).3. Jacob's GenerationDeception/Lying: Rebekah and Jacob conspired to deceive Isaac, who was old and blind, so that Jacob could steal the spiritual and material blessing intended for his older brother, Esau (Genesis 27).Sibling Rivalry/Malice: The deception led to intense hatred, causing Esau to vow to kill Jacob, forcing Jacob to flee the land (Genesis 27:41).4. Jacob (Israel)'s Sons' GenerationViolence and Malice: Simeon and Levi committed a treacherous act of murder against the entire male population of Shechem in revenge for the rape of their sister, Dinah (Genesis 34). Jacob later condemned their anger and violence on his deathbed (Genesis 49:5–7).Sexual Sin/Violation of Authority: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, slept with his father's concubine, Bilhah. This gross violation of patriarchal authority and sexual purity resulted in him losing his preeminence and birthright (Genesis 35:22; Genesis 49:3–4).Favoritism, Hatred, and Violence:Jacob repeated the sin of his parents by practicing blatant favoritism, loving Joseph more than his other sons and giving him the famous "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3).The brothers' jealousy and hatred grew, leading them to plot to kill Joseph and ultimately selling him into slavery to passing traders (Genesis 37:4, 18–28).Deception/Lying: To conceal their crime, the brothers dipped Joseph's robe in goat's blood and lied to their father, causing him prolonged grief (Genesis 37:31–35).Deception and Sexual Sin (Judah): Judah, one of the brothers, had his own history of sexual sin when he mistakenly slept with his widowed daughter-in-law, Tamar, who disguised herself as a prostitute after he had refused to give her his third son in marriage (Genesis 38).DYSFUNCTION: Misalignment With God's WordWe All Unknowingly Grow Up In A Level Of DysfunctionWe Recognize It When It “Gets On Us”We Struggle To Recognize When It “Gets In Us”Part Of Discipleship Is The Transformation Of Our DysfunctionOvercoming Family Dysfunction: Live In The WordThe Word Brings Spiritual Life - Matthew 4:3–4 (ESV) And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “ ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' ”Manna - Exodus 16:19–21 (ESV) And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. Morning by morning they gathered it, each as much as he could eat; but when the sun grew hot, it melted.The Word Reveals Dysfunction Within You - James 1:23–25 (ESV) For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.Following Jesus, some of it will just fall offThe Word will reveal a manageable load at a time that is still attacjedDaily reading is like the finest of sandpaper - it hurts lessBeing in a Bible preaching/teaching church will expose chunksPodcasts/Books will help to fine tuneThe Word Reveals Dysfunction Around You - Hebrews 4:12–13 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.Lies believed will influence behaviorWe are being lied to on a level that is shockingIt is more effective now because of SM proximityDouble Speak - The phrase "double speak" is a general term often associated with, and influenced by, George Orwell's famous dystopian novel, Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984).In modern usage, "doublespeak" is an unofficial, umbrella term used to describe language that deliberately obscures, disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words. It is commonly used as a way to make the bad seem good, the negative appear positive, or to avoid taking responsibility for actions.Pro-Choice - a forced choice to embrace the death of a childInclusivity - the exclusion of Biblical principles, and the celebration of things disallowedGender affirming care - Gender RejectionAffirmative Action - Opposition ActionUndocumented IndividualsOvercoming Family Dysfunction: Live In The Holy SpiritFour Types Of Followers: Positional, Cerebral, Emotional or SpiritualPositional - admission of Jesus' LordshipCerebral - arguing Jesus' LordshipEmotional - feeling Jesus' LordshipSpiritual - engaging Jesus' LordshipThe Holy Spirit will reveal, guide, and empower you.Spiritual Revelation: 1 Corinthians 2:10 (NIV) - "These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."Guidance and Truth: John 16:13 (NIV) - "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the 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."Teaching and Remembering: John 14:26 (NIV) - "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."Prayer Directed At The ISSUE (Intercession): Romans 8:26 (NIV) - "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 through wordless groans."Freedom/Transformation ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

Scripture: Genesis 37:4 (ESV) But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.DYSFUNCTION: Misalignment With God's WordWe All Unknowingly Grow Up In A Level Of DysfunctionWe Begin To Recognize It As It “Gets On Us”We Struggle To Recognize When It's Gotten Inside Of UsGod Wants To Remove It With Our ParticipationFamily Dysfunction In This Chapter‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV ‬‬“Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more.”Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭8‬ ‭ESV ‬‬“His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.”‭‭‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭11‬ ‭“And his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.”Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him.”‭‭‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. Then we will say that a fierce animal has devoured him, and we will see what will become of his dreams.””Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.”‭‭‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And his brothers listened to him.”‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭31‬-‭33‬ ‭ESV ‬‬“Then they took Joseph's robe and slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. And they sent the robe of many colors and brought it to their father and said, “This we have found; please identify whether it is your son's robe or not.” And he identified it and said, “It is my son's robe. A fierce animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn to pieces.””Generational Dysfunction Before This Chapter1. Abraham's GenerationDeception/Lying: Abraham twice claimed his wife, Sarah, was only his sister out of fear for his own life, putting Sarah in danger (Genesis 12:10–20; Genesis 20:1–18).Sexual Sin/Lack of Faith: Sarah encouraged Abraham to sleep with her maidservant, Hagar, to produce an heir, an act outside of God's original plan for marriage, leading to significant strife (Genesis 16).2. Isaac's GenerationFavoritism: Both Isaac and Rebekah practiced favoritism toward their sons, which laid the foundation for future division and conflict in the family.Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed his wild game, while Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:28).3. Jacob's GenerationDeception/Lying: Rebekah and Jacob conspired to deceive Isaac, who was old and blind, so that Jacob could steal the spiritual and material blessing intended for his older brother, Esau (Genesis 27).Sibling Rivalry/Malice: The deception led to intense hatred, causing Esau to vow to kill Jacob, forcing Jacob to flee the land (Genesis 27:41).4. Jacob (Israel)'s Sons' GenerationViolence and Malice: Simeon and Levi committed a treacherous act of murder against the entire male population of Shechem in revenge for the rape of their sister, Dinah (Genesis 34). Jacob later condemned their anger and violence on his deathbed (Genesis 49:5–7).Sexual Sin/Violation of Authority: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, slept with his father's concubine, Bilhah. This gross violation of patriarchal authority and sexual purity resulted in him losing his preeminence and birthright (Genesis 35:22; Genesis 49:3–4).Favoritism, Hatred, and Violence:Jacob repeated the sin of his parents by practicing blatant favoritism, loving Joseph more than his other sons and giving him the famous "robe of many colors" (Genesis 37:3).The brothers' jealousy and hatred grew, leading them to plot to kill Joseph and ultimately selling him into slavery to passing traders (Genesis 37:4, 18–28).Deception/Lying: To conceal their crime, the brothers dipped Joseph's robe in goat's blood and lied to their father, causing him prolonged grief (Genesis 37:31–35).Deception and Sexual Sin (Judah): Judah, one of the brothers, had his own history of sexual sin when he mistakenly slept with his widowed daughter-in-law, Tamar, who disguised herself as a prostitute after he had refused to give her his third son in marriage (Genesis 38).Can You Identify Family Dysfunction On/In HYou?Affectionless RelationshipsDemeaning CommentsParents Who Undermine One AnotherPoor Financial DecisionsAddictions That Rob The FamilyViolenceHelicopter Parents"Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times."Identity via Child - manipulate children, outcomes are “theirs”Virtue via Child - manipulate children, valuations are theirsStockholm syndromeCrossdressing syndromeWhy Is It There Family Dysfunction?Lack Of KnowledgeEntrenched Dysfunction (not mental health)External Influence (relational, cultural or spiritual)A Failure To Lead Overcoming Family DysfunctionFollow Jesus Engaged With The Holy SpiritFollowing Jesus gives you and your family to best chance of abundant lifeFour Types Of Followers: Positional, Cerebral, Emotional or SpiritualThe Holy Spirit will reveal, guide, and empower you.Spiritual Revelation: 1 Corinthians 2:10 (NIV) - "These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."Guidance and Truth: John 16:13 (NIV) - "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the 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."Teaching and Remembering: John 14:26 (NIV) - "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."Prayer Directed At The ISSUE (Intercession): Romans 8:26 (NIV) - "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 through wordless groans."Freedom/Transformation ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

Daniel 3:24-25 (ESV)24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”Today, I will be taking my story out of the book of Daniel. We will be looking at the specific posture of faith these men took that positioned them for God's intervention.Summarizing the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego:Jerusalem was taken captive by BabylonKing Nebuchadnezzar wanted to educate their best youth in the literature and language of the Chaldeans (highly educated class of men who serve the king)Three of the youths we know as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; who were later appointed over affairs of the provinceKing Nebuchadnezzar decided to make a statue of gold for all in Babylon to worshipShadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to obey the king's commandThe Chaldeans maliciously accused the Jews of being insubordanate to the king's orderThe king was furious at this and threatened them Nebuchadnezzar had the three Hebrews thrown into the fiery furnaceHe looked and saw four men walking around, unharmedNebuchadnezzar declared the God of Shadrrach, Meshach and Abednego delivered his servants who trusted in Him3 Faith Postures In My “Fiery Furnace” Experience1. Faith Obeys God Even Under PressureDaniel 3:16-18Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the golden image, even though disobedience meant death in the fiery furnace.Key truth: Biblical faith chooses obedience to God over cultural pressure, fear, or consequences.Acts 5:29 (ESV)“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”Romans 12:2 (ESV)“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”Cliche -”WWJD?” - But I find myself asking that often.2. Faith Trusts God's Power—But Submits to His WillDaniel 3:17-18“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us… but if not, we will not serve your gods” Key truth: Faith believes God can act but also trusts Him even if He doesn't act the way we hope.Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”Matthew 26:39 (ESV)“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'”2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV)“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”3. Faith Experiences God's Presence in the FireDaniel 3:24-25God didn't keep them out of the fire—He met them in it. A fourth figure appeared with them, and they were unharmed.Key truth:Faith does not promise the absence of trials, but the presence of God in them.Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”Psalm 66:10–12 (ESV)“For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried.11 You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; 12 you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.”Matthew 28:20 (ESV)“And behold, I am with you always…”Hebrews 11:11-12 (ESV)11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

The Fight For Family FirstGenesis 37:4 (ESV) But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.Today's Goals: Recognize where family falls in God's list of prioritiesReview your prioritiesPut family back where it belongs, second only to JesusFamily Is God's Primary FocusAfter Creating Man, God Established Family With/For HimGenesis 2:18, 24 (ESV) Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.Genesis 1:28 (ESV) And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”The Priority of Family is seen in Biblical Lineages/TribesThe Priority of Family is seen in the New Testament LanguageMatthew 6:9 (ESV) Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.Galatians 6:10 (NIV) Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.1 Corinthians 4:14–15 (ESV) I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.We tend as young adults to:Take good family experience for granted and long to go off to the bigger and betterIt is a checkmark in the list of things to do and starting our family becomes a checkmark of things to do.Take a bad family experience and want to escape itWe separate from our families - God is a god of reconciliationIn trying to be nothing like them we end up carrying our trauma into our familiesWe often become the very thing we said we would never becomeCreating Family is the first thing God didCalling us to create our families is the second.Everything else in life is for the sake of the first and second thing.Everything Works To The Demise Of FamilyThe Enemy's Subtle Attack On Her Husband - Genesis 3:1 (ESV) Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?”Genesis 2:15–17 (ESV) The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”Genesis 3:12 (ESV) The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”The Impact: Genesis 3:23–24 (ESV) therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.Joseph's FamilyDad was tricked when he Got married Leah/RachelPromised children, but barren Rachel suggested concubinesMom died giving birth to his brotherDad favored him to the detriment of his family relationshipsGenesis 37:3–4 (ESV) Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him.Genesis 37:23–24 (ESV) So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.Genesis 37:28 (ESV) Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt.Genesis 37:31–32 (ESV) Then they took Joseph's robe and slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. And they sent the robe of many colors and brought it to their father and said, “This we have found; please identify whether it is your son's robe or not.”Genesis 37:36 (ESV) Meanwhile the Midianites had sold him in Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the guard.Do you understand that it's more than good/bad people and good/bad decisions, THE ENEMY IS ATTACKING THE FAMILY IN CONCEPT AND IN EXPERIENCE?One man, one woman, for a lifetime… children?Cultural thoughts to the contrary are an evil agendaDangerous food, party culture, abortions, DINK Culture, Same sex marriage, Bill Maher Evil actions that impact your experience, view and pursuit Food For ThoughPeople Who Make Bad Decisions Are Influenced By More Than You Realize - Luke 23:34 (ESV) And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” A Bad Experience Does Not Negate The Value Of ____. Family/Church/RelationshipsConcept of Family/Church/RelationshipYou Are God's Agent For Restoration/RedemptionMalachi 4:5–6 (ESV) “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”Boundaries not wallsGenesis 45:7–8 (ESV) And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.Injuries become strengths

2 Kings 4:14–20 (ESV) And he said, “What then is to be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.” He said, “Call her.” And when he had called her, she stood in the doorway. And he said, “At this season, about this time next year, you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant.” But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her. When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. And he said to his father, “Oh, my head, my head!” The father said to his servant, “Carry him to his mother.” And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died.Exceptional Promises Are The Norm For Kingdom Participants.Belief in God is goodFollowing Jesus is the starting pointThat will take you into a Journey of Kingdom ParticipationWe still live in the worldWe have a new KingWe have a new lawWe have a new way of livingWe have a new familyWe have a new missionWe have a new economyWhile the decision to follow Jesus unlocks salvation but participation in Kingdom, and taking Kingdom ground unlocks a next level experience in all arenas of life.2 Kings 4:8–10 (ESV) One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”Matthew 16:16–19 (ESV) Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”Promises Received Are Promises At Risk.2 Kings 4:20 (ESV) And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died.“God… I thought you were giving me this amazing promise and now you are taking it away???” Your promise is always at risk and you must protect it.The Attacks You Will Face:Pushback Of This WorldSin & StupidityAttack By Worldly HatersAttacks On Kingdom PlayersThe Same Kingdom Participation It Took To Receive The Promise Is The Same Kingdom Participation It Will Take To Maintain The PromiseShe could have given up, appreciative for what was done, surrendering the full promise for a full life.She should have become an emotional disaster and added to the problemShe could have called for natural help2 Kings 4:22–25 (ESV) Then she called to her husband and said, “Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.” And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.” Then she saddled the donkey, and she said to her servant, “Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.” So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Look, there is the Shunammite.She could have leaned on her own spiritual strengthInstead she tapped into the flow of what brought the promise in the first place.Hebrews 10:39 (ESV) But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.Philippians 3:16 (ESV) Only let us hold true to what we have attained.Elisha's ability to deliver results required him to be a Kingdom participant

Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭43‬-‭45‬ (‭ESV) ‬‬“And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.”Who would want to kill Jesus?Why would they want to kill Jesus?Luke 13:31–35 (ESV) At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' ”In our lifetime, there have been assassinations.Charlie Kirk is the first spectacle/murderRecorded live/high def while streamingCan be replayed infinitelyThe arguments about his message are typicalUnlike other assassinations, we can go back and review his message unlike any other. Something different:He was political, but was doing more than arguing politics He was smart, but more than arguing factsHe regularly declared TRUTH - preacher/prophetic/apostolicHe had influence in the highest spheres: culture, finance, politics and church.Shockingly, no scandals (though people are doing everything to create them.His funeral was a first ever in my lifetimeLargest funeral in our timeWho's who of finance and politicsPowerful worship, for hoursHours of the Gospel being preached - JESUSA gospel that doesn't reach all spheres of society, including our leaders in government, is an ineffective gospel.Our message isn't for these four walls - it's for this zip code, for this region, for our nation, for the world.“The church should stay out of politics!” I agree to the point that we have to be careful about trying to get specific candidates elected under the banner of “God's Man.” Politics is attempting to influence morality and Christians are attempting to influence morality, Christians have to speak into politics. Moses appealed not only to the Israelites, but also to Pharaoh Prophets spoke directly to Kings - Elijah/Ahab/Jezebel1 Kings 18:1 (ESV) After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.”Jesus was before Pontus PilatePaul/Silas preached to their jailerPaul preached to Publius and eventually appealed to Rome Acts 19:21 (ESV) Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”A version of this is playing out in American right now.?A nation/states founded on biblical principles We have the highest population of non-Christian's trying to throw off our Christian-based frameworkThis will be more defined than ever in your lifetime.People will be involved. The spiritual realm will be very active THERE IS ASSAULT ON TRUTHThis is not an attack on facts, but TRUTH2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning…TRUTH is under attackGenesis 1:1 (ESV) In the beginning, Godcreated the heavens and the earth.Genesis 1:26 (ESV) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion…Genesis 1:27 (ESV) male and female he created them.Genesis 1:28 (ESV) And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”Genesis 2:15 (ESV) The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.Genesis 2:16–17 (ESV) And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”Genesis 3:4–5 (ESV) But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”THERE IS AN ASSAULT ON TRUTH TELLERSGod is the ultimate truth teller - his WORDS created lifeTRUTH tellers declare, deposit and reinforce LIFEYou are not a threat based on what you believeYou become a threat by what you declare with your life and especially with your WORDSAdam/Eve were the original TRUTH tellers - the moment that they sinned, they were deceived and their role changedCain killed AbleGenesis 4:3–8 (ESV) In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.1 John 3:12 (ESV) We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.Saul tried to kill DavidSaul killed priests - 1 Samuel 22:17 (ESV) And the king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.” Jezebel killed the ProphetsHerodias killed John the Baptist Mark 6:17–20 (ESV) For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.Mark 6:23–25 (ESV) And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”Pharisees killed Stephen - Acts 7:54–59 (ESV) Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”JesusEvery apostle but John There is going to be an attack on Christianity on a new level. Not just individuals, but Christianity will be the new racismTHERE IS AN ASSAULT TO BE SILENT ABOUT, TOLERATE, AFFIRM & ULTIMATELY CELEBRATE ANTI-TRUTHPeople become deceived - believe the lies2 Thessalonians 2:7–12 (ESV) For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.War on Words:Gender Affirming CarePlanned ParenthoodSocial Pressures - Go along to get alongRedefining of LOVE - Love without truth is not LOVEJohn 14:6–7 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”John 8:31–32 (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭43‬-‭45‬ (‭ESV) ‬‬“And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.”Who would want to kill Jesus?Why would they want to kill Jesus?Luke 13:31–35 (ESV) At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' ”In our lifetime, there have been assassinations.Charlie Kirk is the first spectacle/murderRecorded live/high def while streamingCan be replayed infinitelyThe arguments about his message are typicalUnlike other assassinations, we can go back and review his message unlike any other. Something different:He was political, but was doing more than arguing politics He was smart, but more than arguing factsHe regularly declared TRUTH - preacher/prophetic/apostolicHe had influence in the highest spheres: culture, finance, politics and church.Shockingly, no scandals (though people are doing everything to create them.His funeral was a first ever in my lifetimeLargest funeral in our timeWho's who of finance and politicsPowerful worship, for hoursHours of the Gospel being preached - JESUSA gospel that doesn't reach all spheres of society, including our leaders in government, is an ineffective gospel.Our message isn't for these four walls - it's for this zip code, for this region, for our nation, for the world.“The church should stay out of politics!” I agree to the point that we have to be careful about trying to get specific candidates elected under the banner of “God's Man.” Politics is attempting to influence morality and Christians are attempting to influence morality, Christians have to speak into politics. Moses appealed not only to the Israelites, but also to Pharaoh Prophets spoke directly to Kings - Elijah/Ahab/Jezebel1 Kings 18:1 (ESV) After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.”Jesus was before Pontus PilatePaul/Silas preached to their jailerPaul preached to Publius and eventually appealed to Rome Acts 19:21 (ESV) Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”A version of this is playing out in American right now.?A nation/states founded on biblical principles We have the highest population of non-Christian's trying to throw off our Christian-based frameworkThis will be more defined than ever in your lifetime.People will be involved. The spiritual realm will be very active THERE IS ASSAULT ON TRUTHThis is not an attack on facts, but TRUTH2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning…TRUTH is under attackGenesis 1:1 (ESV) In the beginning, Godcreated the heavens and the earth.Genesis 1:26 (ESV) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion…Genesis 1:27 (ESV) male and female he created them.Genesis 1:28 (ESV) And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”Genesis 2:15 (ESV) The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.Genesis 2:16–17 (ESV) And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”Genesis 3:4–5 (ESV) But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”THERE IS AN ASSAULT ON TRUTH TELLERSGod is the ultimate truth teller - his WORDS created lifeTRUTH tellers declare, deposit and reinforce LIFEYou are not a threat based on what you believeYou become a threat by what you declare with your life and especially with your WORDSAdam/Eve were the original TRUTH tellers - the moment that they sinned, they were deceived and their role changedCain killed AbleGenesis 4:3–8 (ESV) In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.1 John 3:12 (ESV) We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.Saul tried to kill DavidSaul killed priests - 1 Samuel 22:17 (ESV) And the king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.” Jezebel killed the ProphetsHerodias killed John the Baptist Mark 6:17–20 (ESV) For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.Mark 6:23–25 (ESV) And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”Pharisees killed Stephen - Acts 7:54–59 (ESV) Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”JesusEvery apostle but John There is going to be an attack on Christianity on a new level. Not just individuals, but Christianity will be the new racismTHERE IS AN ASSAULT TO BE SILENT ABOUT, TOLERATE, AFFIRM & ULTIMATELY CELEBRATE ANTI-TRUTHPeople become deceived - believe the lies2 Thessalonians 2:7–12 (ESV) For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.War on Words:Gender Affirming CarePlanned ParenthoodSocial Pressures - Go along to get alongRedefining of LOVE - Love without truth is not LOVEJohn 14:6–7 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”John 8:31–32 (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Luke 9:18–20 (ESV) Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” Matthew 16:13–17 (ESV) Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. What Is Revelation?General Revelation: disclosure of truth through nature, history, and the human conscience. Supernatural Revelation: the uncovering through the spirit.2 Kings 6:15–17 (ESV) When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.Why Is Revelation Necessary?General Revelation Leads To OpinionsAnd they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.”Jesus Impact Is Obvious - General Revelation/Opinions:Religion: Christianity, the religion founded on the teachings of Jesus, is the largest religion in the world, with approximately 2.3 billion adherents, making up nearly one-third of the global population.Global Recognition: Jesus is recognized not only in Christianity but also in other religions like Islam, where he is regarded as a prophet. This highlights his broader historical and cultural impact across different belief systems.Art and Literature: Jesus has been a central figure in Western art, literature, and music for centuries. Countless works in these fields have been inspired by his life and teachings, including masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.Holidays and Festivals: Christmas and Easter, two of the most widely celebrated holidays globally, commemorate Jesus's birth and resurrection, respectively, highlighting his cultural significance.Influence on Laws and Ethics: Many modern legal systems and ethical frameworks are influenced by Christian values derived from Jesus's teachings, such as the emphasis on compassion, forgiveness, and the sanctity of life.Social Movements: Jesus's teachings on love, justice, and equality have inspired numerous social movements, including the abolition of slavery, civil rights movements, and contemporary social justice efforts.Phrases and Sayings: Many common phrases in English and other languages stem from Jesus's teachings (e.g., "turn the other cheek," "the Good Samaritan"), demonstrating his impact on language and moral discourse.Education and Healthcare: Many universities, hospitals, and charitable organizations were founded by Christians inspired by Jesus's teachings, which have had a lasting positive effect on society.Continued Relevance: His teachings and parables are referenced in diverse contexts, from philosophy and ethics to psychology and conflict resolution. Many people across various cultures find relevance in his messages, irrespective of religious beliefs.A Supernatural Revelation Is Necessary To Know GodJohn 6:44 (ESV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.How Does Revelation Happen? Proverbs 20:27 (ESV) The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.Genesis 1:2 (ESV) The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.John 12:32 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”John 14:26 (ESV) But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.Revelation ≠ Response1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.James 2:17 (ESV) So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.Romans 10:9 (ESV) because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.Revelation 20:12, 15 (ESV) And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done… And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

CONVINCED: The Book Of LukeLuke 9:10–17 (ESV) On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And whatwas left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.Unlock Natural ProvisionLearn These Principless To Unlock Throughout Your Lifetime Unlock Supernatural ProvisionGlorifies GodWill Far Exceed The Natural ProvisionProvides A Powerful TestimonyDraws Others To HimPowerful Gift To The Next GenerationLuke 9:11 (ESV) When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.Kingdom & Kingdom PrinciplesHe's about to demonstrate one of themThis story has a part two, smaller crowd, more leftoversGod rarely does the same thing twice That would to trusting a formula, not Kingdom principles - FAITHVISION FOR A GOOD THING - Luke 9:12 (ESV) Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.”A GOOD THING BECOMES A GOD THINGLuke 9:13 (ESV) But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.”Not all good things are God thingsThe Kingdom currency faith, but it can't be faith unless God speaksYou can't walk on water unless he invites or you or you function at a gift of faith leveSometimes we act on:EmotionsPersonal commitmentsPeer pressureWe were convinced to buy somethingWrong: evangelist asking for your last dollar to unlock your miracleRight: god asking for your last meal to unlock your abundant provisionGod is not obligated to act on a good thingLearn to hear God speak about a good thing and turn it into a God thingESTABLISH THE NATURAL GAPLuke 9:13 (ESV) They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.”Make no efforts to solve the issue in the fleshENGAGE OBEDIENCE & SACRIFICELuke 9:14–16 (ESV) For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.Sit down in groupsHe took what they hadHe blessed themHe broke the loavesWhen you have a GOD need, and you're believing for aSUPERNATURAL OUTCOME, sacrificial giving to GOD unlocksHis FLOW of provision2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (ESV) The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.ENJOY SUPERNATURAL PROVISIONLuke 9:17 (ESV) And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.

Luke 9:1–6 (ESV) And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.Wrong Emphasis - CALLED TO DOSpecific FollowersSpecific GiftingSpecific PlaceSpecific OutcomeBiblical Emphasis - CALLED “TO BE”Every Follower‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬ After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.How did the 12 disciples feel when the 72 were sent?How did the 72 feel when the crowds were sent?YOU are called - there is no caste system.Biblical Emphasis - CALLED “TO BE”Every Action1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.Yes, gifting, but it doesn't make you more important, just unique!Biblical Emphasis - CALLED “TO BE”Every Place Not just churchMark 16:15 (ESV) And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Moments with specific destinations - Acts 16:6–10 (ESV) And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.Home, work, friends, hobbies, community, politicsBiblical Emphasis - CALLED “TO BE”Every Outcome - Kingdom!“to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal”Matthew 6:9–10 (ESV) Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Luke 8:4–8 (ESV) And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”Luke 8:9–11 (ESV) And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.' Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.Kingdom of God (Heaven)Intended Kingdom vs Kingdom of this WorldGod Is King vs Satan Is KingGod's Citizens Abundant Life vs Steal Kill & DestroyGod's Word/Truth Is Law vs Lies and Deception ThrivingGod's Economy Of More vs Steal Kill and DestroyTrumps The Kingdom Of This WorldGod's Word Unlocks These Realities.YOU ARE SOIL.CIRCUMSTANCES ATTACK, ATTEMPTING TO LESSEN SOIL CONDITIONS.GOD'S SEED IS SENT TO PURIFY SOIL FOR ABUNDANCE.LOGOS: written Word, rightly interpreted and appliedRHEMA: right now Word, Spirit empoweredSOIL'S RESPONSE TO GOD'S WORD DETERMINES FUTURE FRUIT.Hard Soil - ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” SOIL, hardened by frequent weight, impactHardened by life experienceExodus 7:13 Yet Pharaoh's heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.”Sun on clay vs. waxHardened by decisionPsalm 95:8 - "Do not harden your hearts, as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness."Especially true of Christians who are bombarded with God's Word but do not treasure it. They almost become inoculated.Ezekiel 11:19. “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”Rocky Soil - ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.”Things allowed into the soil that should not be there - Proverbs 25:26 (ESV) Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.Sometimes there is an immediate growth, excitement, but testing comes and it withers.Specific seed sent by God to deal with specific rock - refusal to embrace truthCongested Soil - ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.”The WORD is one of many things valued, like a book in the library that completes the collection, but not the primary source.1 John 2:15–17 (NLT) Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.GOOD SOIL - Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭15‬ ‭ESV ‬‬“As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.”‭‭Hold Fast - Sailors - “Hold Fast” is a nautical term that refers to securing a rope or a line tightly to prevent it from slipping. In a broader sense, it conveys the idea of holding on firmly in the face of adversity. For sailors, this phrase served as both a practical reminder and a moral encouragement to remain steadfast, especially during difficult times at sea.Prioritizing God's Word above all else, securing it in one's soil of life.Patience = Fruit

Luke 7:36–50 (ESV) One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”Illus: In 1987, Jessica McClure, better known as "Baby Jessica." fell into a abandoned well in Midland, Texas, while playing in her aunt's backyard. The rescue effort was televised across the nation and people were riveted by the heroism of the rescuers. After Jessica fell into the well, rescuers worked tirelessly for 58 hours to extricate her. The operation was complicated and required careful planning to ensure her safety while attempting to pull her out. Many firefighters, medical personnel, and volunteers were involved in the rescue, demonstrating remarkable bravery and determination. When she was finally rescued, Jessica was pulled from the well and rushed to the hospital, where she made a full recovery. The story of her rescue was broadcast on national television, and Jessica quickly became a symbol of hope and resilience. In the years that followed, Jessica often spoke about the incident and expressed her profound gratitude for the efforts of the rescuers who saved her life. As she grew older, she became an advocate for children's safety and awareness, sharing her story to help inform and educate others about the importance of safety measures. The tale of Baby Jessica's rescue touched millions and brought a sense of unity to those who followed her story, reinforcing the idea of community, heroism, and the impact of saving a life.This is a story that riveted a nation, even the world, but did not include a miracle. Understand that the miracles Jesus did were captivating, on an even higher level due to their miraculous nature.Jesus greatest miracle…What Makes SIN a SIN?GOD'S COMMAND - His Written Word, Properly InterpretedDeuteronomy 11:26–28 (ESV) “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other gods that you have not known.PERSONAL CONVICTION - His Spoken Word, To An IndividualRomans 14:5–6 (NIV) One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.FAMILY STANDARD - His Spoken Word, For A FamilyJeremiah 35:6 (NIV) But they (Rekabites) replied, “We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jehonadab son of Rekab gave us this command: ‘Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine.These are for your wellbeing and lifeExample: “Thou shall not lie”DeceptionContrary to Gods natureContrary to the world he created Contrary to your natureDamages your relationship with GodDamages your relationship with selfDamages the hearer, steals from them, known or notCreates a wrongCreates fear of being caughtRequires additional liesGets found outDamages the relationship Damages your situationGod doesn't want that injected into the world he has createdAnd yet we have, over and overSin against self, others, surroundings and GodPsalm 51:3–4 (ESV) For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.Consider All Who Are Present - Which One Are You?Sinless Jesus“Righteous” PhariseesReligious Rule FollowersDidn't Do Sinful Things“God's People”Levels of righteousness based on achievementSinful Woman Came to a gathering she would be rejected inWeeping on his feet, wiped with her hairKissed his feetBrought and poured perfume on his feetREVELATION: I am a sinner, and Jesus can forgive sin.Luke 7:50 (ESV) And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”Undecided CrowdThe greatest miracle - forgivenessMost other miracles are temporary Forgiveness is active, all encompassing, impacts eternityIt requires faithIt requires revelation of your sin

Luke 7:1–10 (ESV) After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,' and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,' and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.Miracles Require 3 Things:Declared NeedPeople are to proud to ask or reveal weaknessRelationshipsRelationship with GodRelationship with peopleEffective FaithJames 5:16 (NASB) The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.Live “People Before _______________ ”Luke 7:2 (ESV) Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.See yourself on MISSION in all things.There has always been and will always be sticky times, sticky politics, sticky social situationsJews, Centurions, Servants…Democrats, Republicans, Democrats, LiberalsRefuse titlesSee People “Worthy Of His Help” - Luke 7:3–5 (ESV) When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”Recognize The “I Need Your Jesus” MomentLuke 7:2 (ESV) Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.This may require discernmentThis may require reading the hintsThis may require seeing people in spite of task.But it will come.1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,Grow Your FaithLuke 7:9–10 (ESV) When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.Grow In FaithPut yourself in situations to grow your faithLean into authorityHebrews 11:1 (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Pentecost EVERYdayActs 2:1–13 (ESV) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”Acts 2:41–47 (ESV) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.God's Presence, Inside UsA constant theme is “God With Us”Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV) It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.Emmanuel, yet He's leaving….John 14:18 (ESV) “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.John 14:16–17 (ESV) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for HE DWELLS WITH YOU AND WILL BE IN YOU.God's Power, In UsGod's power, observed in JesusGod's promise, you will function in similar fashionJohn 14:12–14 (ESV)“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.But how?Acts 1:8 (ESV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”This is available to all.Acts 2:16–19 (ESV) But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;Acts 2:43 (ESV) And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.God's Transformation, Through UsSo often we feel like we have to convince people of the reality of Jesus.Peter was previously ineffective in convincing others because he was all over the map in his own convincing.Acts 2:41 (ESV) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.The Spirit came upon him… and he simply shared the truth, but that truth is empowered by the Spirit within him.John 12:32 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (ESV) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Numbers 13:2 (ESV) “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.”Moses/12 SpiesMoses killed menMoses FledBurning BushMoses ReturnsPlaguesNight of Death - FleePursuit to the SeaMiraculous Deliverance2 Years of Desert PreppingSeemingly SurvivingSee The Shift From Now To NextEcclesiastes 3:1–8 (ESV) For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.None of these seasons is a forever seasonRealizing it is not forever is criticalSensing the shift is critical* Shifting seasons* A Change In Circumstances* Defined By A Finish* Change In Fruitfulness* Sometimes Planned* Often Unexpected - Unexpected has a tendency to land us in survival mode. That's OK for a short time, but it can turn into a posture, which is absolutely unacceptable.1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.Ephesians 5:10 (ESV) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.Win The Now Numbers 13:2 (ESV) “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.”Numbers 13:17–20 (ESV) Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.Galatians 6:7 (ESV) Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.The NOW determines the NEXTYou are not just serving the seasons, you are planting for the next.The Now Is Not Always PrettyThe grind of a thingThe disappointment of a thing - outcomes vs. faithfulnessThe the failing of a thingThe victory of a thingThe end of a you thing What you do now matters.NOW Sets The Tone For NEXT

Luke 6:20 (ESV) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you…Skipping Over…Luke 5:27-31 - Calling of LeviLuke 5:33-39 - Discussion on FastingLuke 6:1-5 - Discussion on Sabbath RulesLuke 6:6-11 - Healing of Withered HandLuke 6:12-16 - Selection of Apostles from DisciplesGreek word that describes representatives in Roman culture who stayed in a conquered territory to establish Roman culture.Looking Ahead…Luke 6:17-19 - Jesus Speaks To A Large CrowdLuke 6:20-49- Sermon on MountLuke 6:20-23 - The BeatitudesNot a term in the BibleEnglish origin around the 15th century, and added to titling of this portion of scripture, most often 20-23State of supreme blessedness and happinessThis portion of scripture is often spoken on with a 70's beatnic, love not war, poetic, passive blend of christianity that welcomes any/all pushbacks that life can bring, because living a life under a mountain of struggle will be rewarded in heaven after we die. That is not the intention of this portion of scripture. Luke 6:20 (ESV) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you He lifted up his eyes on his disciplesIt is a gesture of prayerIt is a gesture of blessingIt connects heaven and earth in view and in wordsView - it sees above and beyond the naturalWords - it resources the earth with the bounty of heavenIllus: vacuum transfer at the bank as a kidJesus is not teaching, He is prophesying to his disciplesIt's more than information, it is a deposit with an invitation to accessBLESS(ED): The deposit of tangible deposits from heaven that add increasing value into one's life until they reach full maturity in heaven.The deposit of tangible deposits from heaven that add increasing value into one's life until they reach full maturity in heaven.As disciples we become citizens of Heaven. We have stepped into the Kingdom of God/Heaven as though we still live lives in this world. To be BLESSED, or walking in BLESSING, is the process of accessing heaven's value while living within earth's limitations. Blessing someone else is the process of access and depositing heaven's value into their life.The believer/follower/disciple/citizen who fails to see, access or transfer heaven's value is to needlessly go without those things that have been freely provided.Ephesians 1:3–10 (ESV) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.Philippians 3:12 (NIV) Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.Luke 6:20–23 (ESV) And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.The poor (those lacking anything) can access supplyThe hungry (those lacking anything) can access food Those who weep can access consolation and joyThose who experience hatred, smile, it will be rewarded.

Luke 5:17 (ESV) On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.This is not “Jesus Power”This is the “Lord's Power”Acts 1:8 (ESV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Luke 5:18 (ESV) And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus,Paralyzed - what happened?What was the accident/trauma?We all have experienced accident/traumaPARALYSIS is the state of being stuckPhysicalEmotionalSpiritualBED is symbolic of where you are stuck.Some beds are visibleSome beds are invisibleAll beds have an impact.FRIENDS who were “seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus,” Luke 5:19 (ESV) but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus.Solutions take workMinistry will cost you something - this was Jesus' house.Mark 2:1–2 (ESV) And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.Illus: sacrifice for being in ministry“God is not limited by my sacrifice, or my circumstance.”Luke 5:20 (ESV) And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”Your miracle is not contingent upon just your faith!Why does he need to be forgiven… what about the people who caused his paralysisThe greatest paralysis is not what was inflicted upon us, but our reaction too often becomes our sin.The man did not ask for forgiveness.Jesus/We can offer forgiveness without people askingJohn 20:23 (ESV) If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”The greatest form of paralysis is our own sense of unforgiveness.Declare forgiveness over peopleLuke 5:23–25 (ESV) Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, ‘Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.We get excited about supernatural answers to prayerForgiveness is something we really grapple with to believePick up your matYou will always carry with you the memory, but it doesn't have to debilitate you.Isaiah 1:18 (ESV) “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

Luke 5:1–11 (ESV) On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.Jesus: “Follow Me.”He Is Always Inviting, Drawing (body, soul & spirit)helkuo - to tug, draw or drag, metaphorically by an inward powerTo His DisciplesTo Everyone He MetThrough His Disciples To OthersAfter His ResurrectionHis Disciples After His AscensionThrough His ChurchInto Modern DayIt's The Defining Mark Of ChristianityMore Than LikingMore than AttendingMore Than BelievingFOLLOWINGHe Is Always Drawing, In General:John 12:32 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will DRAW all people to myself.”John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.Matthew 11:28 (ESV) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.The Crowd:Jesus is speaking, Lake of GennesaretFisherman, merchants and customersPeople who have come to hear JesusBUT Individually:Matthew 11:27 (ESV) All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.John 6:44 (ESV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.John 6:65 (ESV) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”Peter:Night fishing, nothing caught, washing nets, end of shiftJesus requested to get into Peter's boat, requests that he push outJesus teaches the crowd but Peter is trapped to listen.Jesus does what He always does - “trust me” - “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Requires obedienceMake no sense - “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! Obedience unlocks the miracle - But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. That moment is the miracle that DRAWSThat moment REQUIRES a RESPONSERejectionLikeabilityBeliefFollowFOLLOW: they left everything and followed him.This is not a natural encounter, interaction and decision.It unlocks everythingLeave everything and follow.

Luke 4:31–37 (ESV) And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.Where are all the demons today? Why don't we see them being cast out as in Biblical times?They Are Common And All Around Us.We Identify Them In Scientific, Medical And Sociological Terms.Mark 9:17–18 (ESV) “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. Luke 13:11 (ESV) And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.Mark 9:17–18 (ESV) “And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid.Matthew 17:15 (ESV) For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.Mark 5:4–5 (ESV) for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.Luke 8:27 (ESV) For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs.Supernatural Activity (voices) - Acts 16:16–17 (ESV) As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”Addicts, Crazy, Homeless, Suicidal, Out Of Control, EvilInstead Of Evicting Them, We Treat Their Host. Counseling. Drugs. Incarceration.We Don't Recognize Our Authority And Lack Power.Luke 4:36 (ESV) And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”AUTHORITY: the legal right to give ordersEx: wedding officiant, property title, law enforcementFailure to take authority allows presencePOWER: the strength to enforce obedienceSome things are simple to enforce, others harderA persona can gain in power or call in reinforcementsJob 1:9–10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.Job 1:1–5 (ESV) Jobwas blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. His sons and daughters used to “feast and drink”Job would consecrate them, rise early and offer burnt offerings. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.Mark 3:14–15 (ESV) And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.

Luke 4:31–33 (ESV) And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority2. And in the synagogue1 there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice3,Jesus ministry is often viewed taking place in a field or at a lake but it was daily in the synagogue or templeLuke 19:47 (ESV) And he was teaching daily in the temple. This is important as Jesus/disciples presence and emphasized the importanceActs 2:46–47 (ESV) And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.Jesus teaching included the unique ingredients, authority and power (see next week)Jesus came in contact with a man, in the synagogue who had the spirit of an unclean demonThe spirit was active in the life of a follower of Biblical Judaism, in the synagogue, the early version of the churchThe spirit was triggered by Jesus' presence, teaching with authority causing an extreme response.Luke 4:34–35 (ESV) “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus1 of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?2 I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!”3 And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.4Demons/spirits recognized Jesus. No other names of recognition were mentioned.Demons/spirits recognized Jesus' role in a future judgement or destruction they would face.Matthew 8:29 (ESV) And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?”Jesus was demonstrating and implementing an unexpected judgement by kicking them out of peoples lives.Jesus typically told demons/spirits what to do; and refused to allow them to speak.He did not ask the Father to do it, nor did He ask the demon to comply. He commanded.Anti-sensational approach. One time he asked question, “what is your name” but allowing them to speak was atypical.The demon did not harm the man him but did throw him downTypically demons/spirits function was focused on individual limitation or harmMark 9:25 (ESV) And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”Matthew 17:15 (ESV) said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.Mark 5:5 (ESV) Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.This encounter was minimized.Luke 4:36–37 (ESV) And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power1 he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” And reports about him went out into every place2 in the surrounding region.Authority and power defined Jesus ministry, the ministry of his disciples, and the function of the New Testament Church.Auhtoirty/Power at work generates good news. I believe that there is deficiency in fact based evangelism that is not partnered with power and authority. This is the Church of America's biggest problem.Key Facts About Demons/SpiritsSpiritual Beings With Unknown OriginsThey Oppose God - demons are spiritual entities aligned against God's authority. They are often associated with Satan, the adversary.Matthew 12:24-26 – “But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.' … If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself.”They Negatively Impact People To The Level They Are AllowedMark 5:3–4 (ESV) He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.Their Presence Is Marked By Self HarmMark 5:5 (ESV) Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.They Cause Physical AilmentsMatthew 9:32–33 (ESV) As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.”They Lie & DeceiveThey don't just deceive others, they deceive you about them.Most subtle - they are not realEven more subtle - Rosemary's BabyJohn 8:44 (ESV) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.They Impact Adults & ChildrenMark 7:25 (ESV) But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet.They Gain Access By Invitation, Proximity & AttackInvitation - partnering with the spirit world, sex with many peopleProximity - around you and allowed to stay, family tree, things you've agreed withAttack - most ofJob 1:8–10 (ESV) And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.Ephesians 4:27 (NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.1 Corinthians 6:15–18 (ESV) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.They Are Alive And Well TodayDemons tend to be a fringe topic for the modern American church and personal recognition tend to be even more so. They are alive and well. We give them medical and genetic assignments and live with them often medicating them. They are present during Night tremorsAddictionsSelf Destructive BehaviorsDiseaseSuicideSelf Harm/Mutilation1 John 3:8 (ESV) The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.Mark 3:14–15 (ESV) And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.Mark 16:17–18 (ESV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Luke 4:14–15 (ESV) And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. The Affirmation Journey Of Jesus…Luke 2:40 (ESV) And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.Luke 2:52 (ESV) And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.Luke 3:22 (ESV) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”Luke 4:14–15 (ESV) And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.glorified: 1) to believe, to hold, to give praise, to laud, to value, to honour, 2) to be famousLuke 4:22 (ESV) And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph's son?”And Then It All Changed…Luke 4:23–27 (ESV) And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘ “Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.' ” And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”Luke 4:28–30 (ESV) When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away.THE FOUNDATIONS OF IDENTITY/VALUE:CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/SaysBELIEVED - What You ThinkPROJECTED - What You SayPERCEIVED - What Others Think/SayJESUS' FOUNDATION REVEALEDCONCEIVED - What God Thinks/SaysLuke 3:22 (ESV) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”BELIEVED - What You ThinkJohn 8:58 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.PROJECTED - What You SayLuke 8:56 (ESV) And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.PERCEIVED - What Others Think/SayJohn 2:24–25 (ESV) But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.WHICH FOUNDATION ARE YOU BUILDING ON?CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/SaysBELIEVED - What You ThinkPROJECTED - What You SayPERCEIVED - What Others Think/SayProverbs 23:7 (KJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.Psalm 139:13–18 (ESV) For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

Luke 4:3 (ESV) The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God…TITLE: Identity Crisis SecurityLuke 4:1–2 (ESV) And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.THE Attack (TEMPTING) ON Jesus...Luke 4:3 (ESV) The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”Luke 4:5–7 (ESV) And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”Luke 4:9-11 (ESV) And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.' ”THE Attack (TEMPTING) ON MANKIND…Genesis 3:4–6 (ESV) But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.EVERY ATTACK (TEMPTATION) YOU EXPERIENCE WILL BE FOCUSED ON YOUR IDENTITY.THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR IDENTITY:CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/SaysBELIEVED - What You ThinkPROJECTED - What You SayPERCEIVED - What Others Think/SayJESUS: IDENTITY SECURITYCONCEIVED - What God Thinks/SaysLuke 3:22 (ESV) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”BELIEVED - What You ThinkJohn 8:58 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.PROJECTED - What You SayLuke 8:56 (ESV) And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.PERCEIVED - What Others Think/SayJohn 2:24–25 (ESV) But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.WHO ARE YOU?CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/SaysBELIEVED - What You ThinkPROJECTED - What You SayPERCEIVED - What Others Think/SayProverbs 23:7 (KJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.John 12:46 (ESV) I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

Luke 3:16 (ESV) John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.Jesus Became JESUS After His Holy Spirit BaptismHe Was Limited As A Man - Philippians 2:5–7 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.He Could Not Raise Himself From The Dead - Romans 8:11 (ESV) If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.Jesus Baptizes Us For Similar Purpose & FunctionJoel 2:28–29 (ESV) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.Ezekiel 36:27–28 (ESV) And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.He Concentrates Our RelationshipHe Leads/Guides UsHe Reveals TruthHe Activates & Empowers Supernatural Spiritual FunctionHe Creates Next-Level Anything/EverythingEngage The Holy Spirit For Similar Experience/OutcomesGalatians 5:16 (ESV) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.Daily Invitation/DeclarationSituational RequestSeasonal Engagements

Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.The Word Of The Lord - Divine communication and guidance delivered to man.The Word Of The Lord Is Common. Hearing The Word Of The Lord Is Not.Few are aware of the realityFew are listening to hear Him speakFew listen when He speaksYou Are Listening. You Will Hear. You Will Respond.The Word Of The Lord In Action:Abraham: Genesis 15 - a son in his old age who will inherit a land of promiseSamuel: 1 Samuel 15 - God had rejected Saul as King for his disobedience.Elijah: 1 Kings 17 - God was bringing a drought over Israel but would supply for Elijah in the wilderness.John The Baptist: Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.There are a bunch of different ways to hear from GodBiblical principleCircumstantial affirmationA sense of confirmation in your spiritProphetic wordThe Word of the Lord is higher.7 Nuances Of The Word Of The LordIt Comes Unexpectedly At Times, But Can Be Sought.Abraham was not seeking - Gen 15Daniel was seeking - Daniel 10 - more frequentFrequency in life for the general person is lowIt Is Guidance For The Macro.A true Word for you is not just for you. It is a word, through you, beyond you. You are simply a catalyst to activate the Word. There are life Words and seasonal Words.It is change oriented, but doesn't always require change.Samuel: Saul is not kingDon't make major life changes without thisIt Is The Revelation Of God's Truth1 Kings 17:24 (ESV) And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”Psalm 119:160 (ESV) The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.John 17:17 (ESV) Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.Delivered so that you will know for sureKey details that you need to knowSometimes it confirms, often cuts against the grainIt Requires Your Yes To Receive ItLuke 1:38 (ESV) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.Your amen is required.You must embrace it as God's Word to you.You must put it on like a coatOtherwise it will become a testimony against you.Ongoing Action Is Required For Its Fulfillment. It Will Be Tested Psalm 105:19 (ESV) until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.Temptation for substitutes or to quitEverything in this world will oppose God's Best in your life.Authority and Power Are Embedded Within.The word comes with authority and power woven into the fabric.Luke 4:32 (ESV) and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.Joseph - Genesis 41:38–40 (ESV) And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”It Transforms As It Rests Upon You.Jacob the Deceiver became Israel, he who struggles with God and overcomes.1 Samuel 10:6 (ESV) Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.The Word Of The Lord - Divine communication and guidance delivered to man.The Word Of The Lord Is Common. Hearing The Word Of The Lord Is Not.Few are aware of the realityFew are listening to hear Him speakFew listen when He speaksYou Are Listening. You Will Hear. You Will Respond.The Word Of The Lord In Action:Abraham: Genesis 15 - a son in his old age who will inherit a land of promiseSamuel: 1 Samuel 15 - God had rejected Saul as King for his disobedience.Elijah: 1 Kings 17 - God was bringing a drought over Israel but would supply for Elijah in the wilderness.John The Baptist: Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.There are a bunch of different ways to hear from GodBiblical principleCircumstantial affirmationA sense of confirmation in your spiritProphetic wordThe Word of the Lord is higher.7 Nuances Of The Word Of The LordIt Comes Unexpectedly At Times, But Can Be Sought.Abraham was not seeking - Gen 15Daniel was seeking - Daniel 10 - more frequentFrequency in life for the general person is lowIt Is Guidance For The Macro.A true Word for you is not just for you. It is a word, through you, beyond you. You are simply a catalyst to activate the Word. There are life Words and seasonal Words.It is change oriented, but doesn't always require change.Samuel: Saul is not kingDon't make major life changes without thisIt Is The Revelation Of God's Truth1 Kings 17:24 (ESV) And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”Psalm 119:160 (ESV) The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.John 17:17 (ESV) Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.Delivered so that you will know for sureKey details that you need to knowSometimes it confirms, often cuts against the grainIt Requires Your Yes To Receive ItLuke 1:38 (ESV) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.Your amen is required.You must embrace it as God's Word to you.You must put it on like a coatOtherwise it will become a testimony against you.Ongoing Action Is Required For Its Fulfillment. It Will Be Tested Psalm 105:19 (ESV) until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.Temptation for substitutes or to quitEverything in this world will oppose God's Best in your life.Authority and Power Are Embedded Within.The word comes with authority and power woven into the fabric.Luke 4:32 (ESV) and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.Joseph - Genesis 41:38–40 (ESV) And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”It Transforms As It Rests Upon You.Jacob the Deceiver became Israel, he who struggles with God and overcomes.1 Samuel 10:6 (ESV) Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.