Podcasts about desire earnestly

FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?”  “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?”  “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?”  “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people.   Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.   TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality   TODAYS MESSAGE - BIBLE INTERPRETATION, CHURCH COMMUNITY & RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNBELIEVERS   1.  HEARING FROM GOD How do you know if something is really GOD’S LEADING or just YOUR OWN THOUGHTS?   FLUX CAPACITER FOR GUIDANCE Scriptural Authority “Seeking” Attitude Shepherd’s Counsel Stages:  Ways, Paths & Steps Screen Promptings   CHECK IT OUT! mylifepointe.com/LISTEN    2.  PENTECOSTAL LifePointe says it's a "non-denominational Christian Church," and yet it is PENTECOSTAL. What does this mean, and why does it play an important role at our church?   ACTS 2:1-4 KJV And when the DAY OF PENTECOST was fully come… 4 And they were all FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, and began to SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES, as the SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE.   1 CORINTHIANS 12:1, 31 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL [gifts] (things pertaining to and of the Holy Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT: ... 31 But EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts… 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39-40 NKJV Therefore, brethren, DESIRE EARNESTLY to PROPHESY, and DO NOT FORBID to SPEAK WITH TONGUES. 40 Let all things be done DECENTLY and in ORDER.   CONSIDERATIONS We are commanded to DESIRE HOLY SPIRIT GIFTS Not one SCRIPTURE implies ANY MIRACLE GIFTS passed away, including DEVOTIONAL “TONGUES” Church history is FILLED with the CONTINUATION of “TONGUES” The HOLY SPIRIT and HIS GIFTS have radically impacted my EXPERIENCE with Christ   CHECK IT OUT pointe.info/TONGUES HOLY SPIRIT WORKSHOP - pointe.info/WORKSHOPS mylifepointe.com/REPRESSED   3.  MIRACLES Why don’t we see more Bible-type spectacular MIRACLES today?   JOHN 14:12 NKJV [Jesus said] Most assuredly, I say to you, he who BELIEVES in Me, the WORKS THAT I DO HE WILL DO ALSO; and GREATER [WORKS] than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  MARK 16:17-18, 20 NKJV [Jesus said] And these SIGNS will follow those who believe: IN MY NAME they will CAST OUT DEMONS; they will speak with NEW TONGUES; 18 they will TAKE UP SERPENTS; and if they DRINK ANYTHING DEADLY, it will by no means hurt them; they will LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, and they will recover. ... 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the LORD WORKING WITH [THEM] and CONFIRMING THE WORD through the accompanying SIGNS. Amen.   CONSIDERATIONS UNBELIEF (Ignorance & Rebellious Attitudes) This generation is LESS INTENTIONAL We are MEDICINE DEPENDENT There is great CHRISTIAN SKEPTICISM/OPPOSITION EMOTIONAL DYSFUNCTION/STRESS = 90% of disease   4.  HEALING Is it appropriate to refer to a person’s DEATH as their ULTIMATE HEALING?   CONSIDERATIONS EVERY “HEALING” PROMISE in both the Old and New Testaments clearly refer to physical recovery JESUS performed and spoke of “HEALING” MIRACLES, yet NEVER is DEATH referred to as “HEALING” APOSTLES performed and spoke of “HEALING” MIRACLES, yet NEVER is DEATH referred to as “HEALING”   UPCOMING WEEKS IN FAQ  JUNE 23 WOMEN PREACHERS AND FEMINISM PEOPLE LEAVING CHURCHES INTOLERANCE, YET EMBRACING A BELIEF SOUL TIES DATING AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS   JUNE 30 / JULY 7 & 14 END TIMES CHRISTIAN / PUBLIC SCHOOLS DEMON MOVIES BREAKING CIVIL LAWS HOROSCOPES ALCOHOL DE-SENSITIZED BY CULTURE MARIJUANA & CBD DEPRESSION MEDICATION PREMARITAL SEX DIVORCE DEATH PENALTY ABORTION (WILL NOT BE LIVE-STREAMED OR RECORDED FOR PUBLIC VIEWING) LGBTQ (WILL NOT BE LIVE-STREAMED OR RECORDED FOR PUBLIC VIEWING)

TODAY’S PREACHING 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-21 KJV QUENCH (extinguish) NOT the (HOLY) SPIRIT. 20 DESPISE (displace or set aside, regard lightly, or not esteem) NOT prophesyings. 21 PROVE ALL THINGS; hold fast that which is good. JOHN 16:7 NKJV [Jesus said] Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to YOUR ADVANTAGE that I go away; for if I do not go away, the HELPER (Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 MSG The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP of the HOLY SPIRIT, be with all of you.   DESIRE FOR HIM 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1, 31 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL [gifts] (things pertaining to and of the Holy Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT: ... 31 But EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts… 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39-40 NKJV Therefore, brethren, DESIRE EARNESTLY to prophesy, and DO NOT FORBID to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. EARNESTLY DESIRE (covet) comes from the Greek word root ZELOS which means to be ZEALOUS or have warmth of feeling towards.  It is an intense desire! Here it refers to a positive energy pocket.   CATEGORIES OF GIFTS 23 SPIRITUAL GIFTS 5 MINISTRY – OFFICES (FUNCTIONAL) 9 MOTIVATIONAL – GRACE TALENTS (FUNCTIONAL) 9 MIRACLE EMPOWERMENTS – CHARISMA – GRACE GIFTS (OPERATIONAL)   FUNCTIONAL GIFTS God designed you to fulfill a specific “function” in the church and gifted you accordingly. The MOTIVATIONAL and MINISTRY GIFTS that you POSSESS. These are gifts that are YOURS. They ARE PART OF WHO YOU ARE, a part of your personality. You operate in them all the time, intentionally or unintentionally. 14 FUNCTIONAL GIFTS 5 MINISTRY OFFICES (FUNCTIONAL) - Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor & Teacher 9 MOTIVATIONAL GRACE TALENTS (FUNCTIONAL) - Administration, Encouragement, Giving, Helps, Hospitality, Intercession, Leadership, Mercy, Service   OPERATIONAL GRACE GIFTS The operational gifts are available to all believers as opportunities arise. If God determines there is a need, and you are available, then God will partner with you in one of these gifts. YOU DO NOT “OWN” OPERATIONAL GIFTS. THEY ARE NOT PART OF YOUR MAKE-UP. THEY ONLY HAPPEN AS GOD SOVEREIGNLY WILLS (positive sovereignty). 3 REVELATION GIFTS Word of Knowledge Word of Wisdom Discerning of Spirits  3 POWER GIFTS Special Faith Gifts of Healings Working of Miracles 3 COMMUNICATION GIFTS Prophecy Tongues Interpretation of Tongues   1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL GIFTS (operations of the Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT… 4 There are DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS, but the same SPIRIT... 7 But the MANIFESTATION of the SPIRIT is given to EACH ONE for the profit of all:  8 for to one is given the WORD OF WISDOM through the Spirit, to another the WORD OF KNOWLEDGE through the same Spirit, 9 to another (SPECIAL) FAITH by the same Spirit, to another GIFTS OF HEALINGS by the same Spirit, 10 to another the WORKING OF MIRACLES, to another PROPHECY, to another DISCERNING OF SPIRITS, to another different kinds of TONGUES, to another the INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES. 11 But one and the same SPIRIT WORKS all these things, distributing to EACH ONE individually AS HE WILLS (as he determines – NIV).   COVET THESE GIFTS 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1, 31 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL [gifts] (things pertaining to and of the Holy Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT: ... 31 But EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts… 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39-40 NKJV Therefore, brethren, DESIRE EARNESTLY to prophesy, and DO NOT FORBID to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.   TIME TO ACTIVATE GENUINELY DESIRE all that the Holy Spirit is (no prejudice) LEARN about the Holy Spirit & His Gifts (LifePointe Workshops) TAKE STEPS of faith to encounter Him (LifePointe Revivals)

TODAY’S PREACHING 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-21 KJV QUENCH (extinguish) NOT the (HOLY) SPIRIT. 20 DESPISE (displace or set aside, regard lightly, or not esteem) NOT prophesyings. 21 PROVE ALL THINGS; hold fast that which is good. JOHN 16:7 NKJV [Jesus said] Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to YOUR ADVANTAGE that I go away; for if I do not go away, the HELPER (Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 MSG The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP of the HOLY SPIRIT, be with all of you.   DESIRE FOR HIM 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1, 31 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL [gifts] (things pertaining to and of the Holy Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT: ... 31 But EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts… 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39-40 NKJV Therefore, brethren, DESIRE EARNESTLY to prophesy, and DO NOT FORBID to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. EARNESTLY DESIRE (covet) comes from the Greek word root ZELOS which means to be ZEALOUS or have warmth of feeling towards.  It is an intense desire! Here it refers to a positive energy pocket.   THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN The primary work of the Holy Spirit WITHIN YOU is to SUPPORT you in your own personal life; guidance, joys, peace, refreshment, help, counsel, comfort, etc. JOHN 14:16-17 KJV [Jesus said] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  17 … for he dwelleth with you, and SHALL BE IN YOU. 2 CORINTHIANS 6:16 KJV [Paul said] …as God hath said, I WILL DWELL IN THEM, and WALK IN THEM; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 1 JOHN 4:4 KJV [John said] … greater is HE that is IN YOU, than he that is in the world.   THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON The primary work of the Holy Spirit UPON YOU is to EMPOWER you in WITNESSING Christ to your network of relationships. One of the most provocative, profound and heart-hitting statements used in Scripture about the Holy Spirit is “baptized with the Holy Spirit.”  ACTS 1:4-5 NKJV And being assembled together with them, (Jesus) He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the PROMISE of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me;  5 for John truly BAPTIZED with water, but you shall be BAPTIZED with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."   MATTHEW 3:11-12 NIV (John the Baptist said) I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will BAPTIZE you with the HOLY SPIRIT and with FIRE. ACTS 2:1-4 KJV And when the DAY OF PENTECOST was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it SAT UPON each of them. 4 And they were all FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, and began to speak with other tongues, as the SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE.  Here we have another expression, “FILLED with the Holy Spirit,” used synonymously with “BAPTIZED with the Holy Spirit.”  ACTS 10:44-46 NKJV While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit FELL upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been POURED OUT on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Peter himself describing this experience in Jerusalem, told the story in this way… ACTS 11:15-17 NKJV And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit FELL UPON them, AS UPON US at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be BAPTIZED with the Holy Spirit.'  17 If therefore God gave them the SAME GIFT as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?" Here Peter distinctly called the experience which came to Cornelius and his household, being “BAPTIZED with the Holy Spirit.”  Thus we see that these expressions are all synonymous. “…FILLED with the Holy Spirit…” (ACTS 2:4) “…the Holy Spirit FELL…” (ACTS 10:44) “…BAPTISM with the Holy Spirit…” (ACTS 11:16) “ …God gave them the SAME GIFT…” (ACTS 11:17) Other expressions are also used to describe this blessing, such as … “…RECEIVE the Holy Spirit…” (ACTS 2:38; 19:2-3), “…the Holy Spirit CAME UPON them…” (ACTS 19:2-6) “…the GIFT of the Holy Spirit…” (HEB 2:4; 1 COR 12:4, 11, 13) “I send THE PROMISE of my Father upon you…” (LUKE 24:49; ACTS 1:4) And “CLOTHED WITH POWER from on high…” (LUKE 24:49)   BENEFITS OF “TONGUES” It is a distinct communication with God Insightful praying about God’s plan for life Builds up, sharpens and edifies the inner life Expands worship to God Stimulates faith Along with several more spiritual benefits.   HOW TO ACTIVATE Genuinely desire all that the Holy Spirit is (no prejudice). Ask God for the baptism in the Holy Spirit and all His gifts. Take steps of faith to encounter Him (like you see in Scripture).  

TODAY’S EPISODE NOTES:   PRINCIPLE: As we grow in increased EXPECTATION FROM the relationship, we are pressed for increased DEFINITION WITHIN the relationship.    PRINCIPLE: We aren’t prepared to COMMIT to a relationship if we aren’t prepared to CLARIFY the DTR question.   REAL REASONS WE DON’T DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP (DTR) Unsure of what we really want Fear of commitment Unacknowledged desire for secular things Fear of failure Fear of other’s opinions Fear it isn’t really real Emotional connections are too difficult Fear of weirdness   2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 NKJV The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the COMMUNION of the HOLY SPIRIT [be] with you all. Amen. 2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 MSG The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.   WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? HE’S A PERSON JOHN 14:16-20 NKJV [Jesus said] And I will pray the Father, and He will give you ANOTHER HELPER (Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, and Standby) , that HE may ABIDE WITH YOU FOREVER-- 17 the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees HIM nor knows HIM; but you know HIM, for HE dwells WITH you and will be IN you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. 19 A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I [am] in My Father, and YOU IN ME, and I IN YOU.  HE HAS A PERSONALITY KNOWLEDGE 1 CORINTHIANS 2:11 For what man KNOWETH the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the SPIRIT OF GOD. FEELING – EMOTION ISAIAH 63:10 But they rebelled, and VEXED his HOLY SPIRIT EPHESIANS 4:30 And GRIEVE not the HOLY SPIRIT of God ROMANS 15:30 and for the LOVE of the SPIRIT, 1 THESSALONIANS 1:6 having received the word in much affliction, with JOY of the HOLY GHOST: WILL 1 CORINTHIANS 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame SPIRIT, dividing to every man severally as HE WILL.  HE HAS ACTIONS THAT ARE DESCRIPTIVE OF A PERSON Here the Holy Spirit is set before us, not as an impersonal enlightenment that comes to our mind, but as a person who searches and whispers out of the depths of His own wisdom. KNOW THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A PERSON 2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 NKJV The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the COMMUNION of the HOLY SPIRIT [be] with you all. Amen. 2 CORINTHIANS 13:14 MSG The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.   HUNGER FOR HIM 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19-21 KJV QUENCH (extinguish) NOT the SPIRIT. 20 DESPISE (displace or set aside, regard lightly, or not esteem) NOT prophesyings. 21 PROVE ALL THINGS; hold fast that which is good. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1, 31 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL [gifts] (things pertaining to and of the Holy Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT: ... 31 But EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts… 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39-40 NKJV Therefore, brethren, DESIRE EARNESTLY to prophesy, and DO NOT FORBID to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. EARNESTLY DESIRE (covet) comes from the Greek word root ZELOS which means to be ZEALOUS or have warmth of feeling towards.  It is an intense desire! Here it refers to a positive energy pocket.   BE ATTUNED TO HIM - HAVE EARS TO HEAR REVELATION 2:7 NKJV (Jesus said) He who has an ear, let him hear WHAT THE (HOLY) SPIRIT SAYS to the churches… MATTHEW 13:14-16 NKJV (Jesus said) And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: “HEARING you will hear and shall not understand, And SEEING you will see and not perceive; 15 For the HEARTS of this people have grown DULL. [Their] ears are HARD OF HEARING, And their EYES THEY HAVE CLOSED, Lest they should SEE with [their] eyes and HEAR with [their] ears, Lest they should UNDERSTAND WITH [THEIR] HEARTS and turn, So that I should heal them.” 16 But blessed [are] your eyes for they SEE, and your ears for they HEAR;   REAL REASONS WE DON’T DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP (DTR) - HOLY SPIRIT Unsure of what we really want Fear of commitment Unacknowledged desire for secular things Fear of failure Fear of other’s opinions Fear it isn’t really real Emotional connections are too difficult Fear of weirdness   TIME TO ACTIVATE - DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP TODAY  Unknown God Distant Acquaintance Close Acquaintance General Friend Close Friend Covenant God

SUPERNATURAL LOVE – More than who you are. More than what you’ve seen. Sunday Feb. 21 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 PURSUE: Chase, Follow After, Track Down, Hunt Down, Attack, Pursue, Persecute. LOVE: agape - An image of God defined as perfect, divine, unconditional, love for me. An image of ourselves imitating, practicing, and becoming that love for someone else. God’s love using me to build a bridge between someone and what God wants to do for them. God’s love deposited in me as the resources and raw materials He uses to answer prayers and create miracles. DESIRE EARNESTLY: zēlóō - An onomatopoetic word, imitating the sound of boiling water. Used properly, to bubble over because so hot (boiling); (figuratively) "to burn with zeal" SPIRITUAL GIFTS: Literally - The Spirituals, Spiritual Gifts. Thoughts, opinions, precepts, maxims, ascribable to the Holy Spirit working in the soul. Effects produced by the sole power of God himself without natural instrumentality. Supernatural. SUPERNATURAL: Power Over Sin - Power To Minister. More (LOVE) Than Who You Are. More (LOVE) Than What You’ve Seen. FIVE FINGERS FOR KNOCKING ON HEAVEN’S DOOR: 1. We will a seek God’s face through a voluntary, rotating, church-wide, fast for 40 days. 2. We will offer the Body and Blood of Christ represented in communion to all who desire to receive. 3. We will offer prayer for people to be emptied of self and filled with God’s Spirit. 4. We will ask God to give us new supernatural gifts to be used to extend His kingdom. 5. We will pray and believe God for physical healing for our members. WARNING: DESPERATION AND RISK-TAKING FAITH AHEAD.