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Sunday Morning Expositional Message
The giants or mighty men, took wives for themselves of all whom "they chose", in other words the women had nothing to say about it. They engaged as fallen angels, the sons of God, saw that the daughters of men that they were beautiful and they took wives for themselves. In other words they were engaging in abduction and kidnapping and seducing and enslaving.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:1 Samueal 20, 23Genesis 6:1-4Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
The end time is here. Mankind on the earth, civilization itself, is in a position where it needs to be supernaturally rescued from what is coming upon the earth as the great deception of the new age, which is not a new age at all but which is from the pit of hell and which I will prove to you as we continue this series, if you will stay tuned in.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Genesis 1:1-2Genesis 6:2-62 Peter 2:52 Peter 3:5-6Jeremiah 4:23-26Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
What we see here is a move of God in the end time to bring forth the latter day rain which is for the purpose of bringing forth one of the greatest evangelical harvests of the end time; to pour out God's spirit upon all flesh.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:James 5:7-8Hosea 6:3Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
Preacher: Dustin RatcliffText: John 16:7In this stand-alone sermon, Dustin preaches about the work of the Holy Spirit.
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The 1st rain was Pentacost, and when it says His due season, it's referring to the moves of the Holy Spirit. It's the Holy Spirit who is on the earth. So when it talks about His first due season (Pentacost), and then it says the first rain and the latter rain that you may gather in your corn and your wine and your oil. Corn, Wine, and Oil refer to "Harvest". And so the latter rain is in regard to the last harvest and the last great move of the Holy Spirit across the earth before the second coming of Christ. And so the significance of the latter rain, is that it heralds the second coming of Christ. And therefore it is of great importance to us when we start seeing moves of the Holy Spirit worldwide, because He is not a respecter of persons and we start seeing the manifestations of the Spirit and of the gifts of the Spirit in power and seeing the greatest harvest of evangelism that the world has ever known. For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Deuteronomy 11:14Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
God leads us through our wilderness experience into our Canaan land, into our promised land. And he shows us how to fight and get the victory.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Jeremiah 29:11-13Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
Send us a textOut of the Pit: The Power of Waiting on God – Psalm 40The Bible Feeling stuck in life's miry clay? In this soul-stirring episode, we dive into the timeless truth of Psalm 40, where David cries out, “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.”If you're battling financial pressure, relationship struggles, chronic illness, mental fatigue, or emotional isolation—this message is for you. With heartfelt teaching and passionate prayer, we explore what it means to wait patiently on God when you feel buried by life's burdens. You'll hear that God not only hears your cry—He responds, lifting you from the mud and placing your feet on solid ground.We don't stop at the surface. This episode draws a powerful contrast between religion and relationship, reminding us that what we need isn't more routine—it's more of Jesus. The Spirit of God, promised in John 14, is our Comforter, Counselor, and constant companion, even in our loneliest moments.Whether you're sitting in traffic, walking through grief, or wiping away tears in secret, this message delivers a clear and compassionate truth: God is with you. He sees you. He will not leave you in the pit.The episode concludes with a deeply personal communion moment, reminding listeners that Jesus is present wherever you are—even “33,000 feet in the heavens.” It's not about location or tradition—it's about a living, breathing relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit.What Psalm 40 teaches about patience and deliveranceHow to recognize the difference between religion and relationshipThe personal presence of God in your darkest momentsThe role of the Holy Spirit as Advocate and ComforterWhy waiting on God leads to spiritual breakthroughPsalm 40:1–3 – “He lifted me out of the slimy pit…”John 14:16–18 – “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper…”Isaiah 40:31 – “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…”Find this episode on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Buzzsprout, and all major platforms. Visit: www.pastorbencooper.co.uk Are you ready to rise from the pit and stand on the Rock? Listen now, share with someone in need of hope, and subscribe for weekly messages that bring real change through real faith.Psalm 40 explained, waiting on God, out of the slimy pit, Christian podcast 2025, Spirit-filled life, difference between religion and relationship, Holy Spirit John 14, Christian encouragement podcast, overcoming spiritual depression, communion with Jesus anywhere - The Bible Support the showhttps://www.pastorbencooper.co.uk/https://www.rbchristianradio.net/ buymeacoffee.com/reverendbencooper
Micah Klutinoty in week 53 of the Behold the Lamb series in John 16:4-15 The Holy Spirit is a supernatural helper who empowers believers with conviction, guidance, and a Christ-glorifying life, offering even greater advantage than Christ's physical presence. His work may be quiet, but it is deeply transformative, as seen in the early church's Spirit-filled witness that transcended language and culture.
This story of the conquest of Canaan is a metaphor for our life and how to conquer and get victory in our life; how to get victory over our enemies, how to take our cities, and how to possess the land.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Joshua 5:13 Joshua 6:2Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
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John 16:1-15 English Standard Version 16 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. The Work of the Holy Spirit “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?' 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Proverbs 11:29-12:7, Judges 14:1-15:20, John 7:14-44. It is a God-shaped hole It is a spiritual hunger and thirst for God which Jesus told us could only be filled by his wonderful Holy Spirit (John 7:37)
Proverbs 11:30, Judges 15:14, John 7:14-41. It is a God-shaped hole It is a spiritual hunger and thirst for God which Jesus told us could only be filled by his wonderful Holy Spirit (John 7:37)
Proverbs 11:30, Judges 15:14, John 7:14-41. It is a God-shaped hole It is a spiritual hunger and thirst for God which Jesus told us could only be filled by his wonderful Holy Spirit (John 7:37)
In a world full of competing values, conflicting voices, and endless theological opinions, how can we focus on what truly matters? In this episode, we explore how Jesus brings clarity to complexity—not through formulas, but through the essential truths of the gospel. Drawing from the sermons in Acts and the resurrected Christ in John 20, we discover the core convictions that unite true followers of Jesus.The Six Essentials of Biblical Christianity: God Exists and Can Be Known (Hebrews 11:6) Jesus Is Lord (Romans 10:9) Jesus Is the Risen Savior (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith (Ephesians 2:8–9) We Must Be Born Again by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3; John 20:22) Faith Must Persevere to the End (Hebrews 3:14)These essentials invite us to live with convicted civility—graciously holding fast to gospel truth while loving those who seek. Whether you're deeply rooted in church or spiritually curious on the margins, this message offers clarity, hope, and mission.
We learn from the scripture that we need to be like Joshua, and Joshua pursued the vision by faith.If we are going to take possession of our vision and our purpose in God, the things that God promises for us and to use us for. Then we are going to have to walk by faith and not by sight. The whole book of Joshua, which is the Old Testament's manual of spiritual warfare, gives us insight into how we are to take possession of our personal vision that God gives us for our purpose in Him, for His purpose of our life.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Joshua 1 Joshua 3:10Joshua 4:18Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
Color: White Old Testament: Ezekiel 37:1–14 Psalm: Psalm 33; antiphon: v. 6 Epistle: 1 John 5:4–10 Gospel: John 20:19–31 Introit: Psalm 81:1, 7a, 10, 16b; antiphon: 1 Peter 2:2a Verse: Matthew 28:7b; John 20:26a, c The Wounds of Christ Give Us Life “For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood” (1 John 5:7). These three point to Christ and flow from Christ. Jesus shows His disciples His hands side, from which blood and water flowed, saying “Peace be with you.” He presents the wounds which turn our fear to gladness and which restore us to the Father. Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:23). His breath, His words are Spirit and life. They raise up our dry, dead bones and give us new and everlasting life (Ezek. 37:1–14). Christ now gives His ministers to speak His forgiving, Spirit-filled words to the penitent in His stead. Our Lord continues to come to His people, presenting His wounds to us in the Sacraments of water and blood. He bids us to touch His side at His table, to receive His risen body and blood in true faith, that believing we may have life in His name. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
God gives you a revelation of your calling in Him. And don't think for a moment that anything is insignificant to God. If you fall prey to cafeteria Christians or spiritual rebels or people who are tuned out, your vision that God has given you and your purpose that God has given you for your life is likely to be trampled. Don't put yourself in that position folks. Hold onto your vision. Know, confirm, that it is from God.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Galatians 1:10 Exodus 12:38Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
Envisioning is the ability to picture something for God's purpose and glory and to take it to yourself to walk in it. That's what the definition of what the word "Envisioning" means, to take something to yourself. And of course, what we pray for first is that God will show us his purpose for our life to his glory.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or if you would like to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Proverbs Matthew 11:12Ecclesiastes 11:1Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
The world knows all about envisioning and people who practice it are called "go getters" or "entrepreneurs", but to pursue the vision you must have understanding and it must be a Godly understanding. And the vision you purse must be in line with God's word which is his will. And that understanding must come from God's spirit alone. For the vision to manifest to completion, Jesus must do it in you and through you. You must permit Him to live his life in you and through you.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Philipians 4:131 Corinthians 4:19Matthew 9:29Mark 11:23Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
Do you have a vision in line with God's word and God's will? Do you have a vision of your purpose in Christ, and if you do not, should you not? Many people never get ahead in their walk of faith in this world because their vision is too small. Or they simply do not want to consider the fact that God may put them in a position to go forward, but in order to go forward they have to get out of their comfort zone.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Matthew 141 Samuel 17:32-47Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
You can lose out on the things that God has for you, if your vision is not purposeful, if your vision is not in line with God's word, which is his will. If your vision is not in line with God's purpose for your life. And the whole gist of the teaching is to show you that it is through envisioning that faculty of the imagination by which we grasp the understanding and the wholeness and the imagery of what God's purpose for us is, and we envision and picture it and take it to ourselves by faith which empowers it. What is the end result?For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Joshua 1Mark 11:23Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
Todaywe celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.. This morning, we'llreflect on seven incredible truths that reveal the depth of God's love andgrace toward us—truths that change everything TheAmazing Truth That God Loves Us – John 3:16 John 3:16 isn't just a verse; it's the heartbeat of thegospel. God loves you—personally, deeply, eternally. Before we go further, letthat sink in. The Creator of the universe loves you. That's the foundation ofHis amazing grace. TheAmazing Truth That God Became Flesh – John 1:1, 14 “In the beginning wasthe Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word becameflesh and dwelt among us.” This is the miracle of the incarnation. The eternal Goddidn't stay distant—He stepped into our world, taking on human flesh. Why? To bridge the gap between a holy God and a broken humanity. God's Amazing Grace came down to us in the person of Jesus Christ.The Amazing Truth of Jesus Christ and His Virgin Birth – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew1:18-25 Thevirgin birth isn't just a detail—it's a cornerstone of God's plan. Jesus wasn'tborn with a sinful nature like us; He was holy from the start. This set Himapart as the perfect Savior, born to be “God with us.” God's Amazing Graceentered the world through a humble manger. TheAmazing Truth of Jesus Christ and His Sinless Life – 2 Corinthians 5:21;Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22 Jesuslived a life none of us could—a sinless life. Hebrews says He was tempted inevery way, yet without sin. Peter declares He committed no sin, nor was deceitfound in His mouth. Jesus' sinless life qualified Him to be oursubstitute. That's amazing grace—He lived the life we couldn't live. TheAmazing Truth of Jesus Christ and His Vicarious Death – 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter3:18; Hebrews 10:10 On the cross, Jesustook our place. The word “vicarious” means He died for us—the innocent for theguilty. Every sin we've committed, every failure, every shame—He carried itall. The cross is the ultimate display of amazing grace: Jesus paid the price we owed, so we could be forgiven and free. TheAmazing Truth of Jesus Christ and His Victorious Resurrection – Matthew 28:5-8 Eastermorning changed everything! The tomb is empty, death is defeated, and Jesus isalive! The resurrection proves that Jesus' sacrifice was accepted, that sin anddeath have no power over Him—or us. Grace doesn't end at the cross; it bursts forth in victory at the empty tomb. TheAmazing Truth of God's Holy Spirit – John 16:13-15; John 16:8-9 God's amazing gracedoesn't leave us to figure things out alone. The Spirit convicts us of our sin, showing usour need for a Savior (John 16:8). He reveals the truth about Jesus and guidesus into a life of faith. Without the Spirit's work, we'd never see our need forgrace. Even today, the Spirit is drawing us closer to God'samazing truth. ClosingThought: Thismorning many of us will observe the sun rising over the ocean or thehorizon. But here's a thought: the sun isn't really rising. It appears to be,but the truth is, the earth is turning toward it. In the same way, for us tosee the Son of God—Jesus—rising in our lives, we need to turn. The Bible callsthis repentance: turning away from our sin and turning toward God and His grace. This Easter morning, will you turn to Christ? Will you believe His amazing truth andreceive His amazing grace? It's not about being good enough—it's about trustingin what Jesus has already done. If you've never surrendered to Him, or if youneed to recommit your life, now is the moment. Let's pray together. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace. Thank You for loving us, for sendingJesus to live, die, and rise again for us. Thank You for Your Spirit, who opensour eyes to Your truth. Right now, we turn to You. Forgive our sins, fill uswith Your grace, and help us live for You.
Take Home Message: It is better for me that Jesus left, because He has sent the Spirit. The Work of the Holy Spirit | John 16:4-15It is better that Jesus left, because… The Spirit is now with me (4-7). The Holy Spirit… Makes me new and holy Convicts me of sin Comforts me in hardship Teaches me what is true Intercedes for me in my prayers Equips me with spiritual gifts Seals me for eternal life in Christ The Spirit convicts the world (8-11). The Holy Spirit convicts the world… Of sin, because they do not believe in me (9).Of righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer (10).Of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged (11). The Spirit has delivered the truth for me (12-15). Message: The Work of the Holy Spirit | John 16:4-15 Scripture: John 16:4-15 Simple. Authentic. Jesus. Prairiebible.org
Part of the ABIDE – The Gospel of John series. Sermon by Pastor Nathan Alley The post The Promise of the Holy Spirit – John 14:15-27 first appeared on Applewood Community Church.
The soul; is the mind, will and emotions. And the scripture says that the imagination rises out of the soul, and out of the thought life of man. And God knows our imaginations, and we are to govern our imaginations. And as we will see, as we go on in our study, we will learn that the imagination needs to be sanctified because it is a part of the soul, and the soul is presently undergoing a continual sanctification in it's perfection.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:1 Chronicles 28:9Isaiah 1:18Ezekiel 1:15Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
The soul; is the mind, will and emotions. And the scripture says that the imagination rises out of the soul, and out of the thought life of man. And God knows our imaginations, and we are to govern our imaginations. And as we will see, as we go on in our study, we will learn that the imagination needs to be sanctified because it is a part of the soul, and the soul is presently undergoing a continual sanctification in it's perfection.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:1 Chronicles 28:9Isaiah 1:18Ezekiel 1:15Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Tuesday morning, the 1st of April, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Romans 3:23:”for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,…” All of us! You see we are faced with temptation. I want to say to you that the sin is not temptation. No, no. Jesus Himself was tempted in the desert, remember? He came up against the devil with the word of God - “It is written…” Temptation is not sin but when you look at somebody first maybe a beautiful young girl, maybe a very handsome man, the first time you see them they are very beautiful. We are created to appreciate beauty but if you turn around and you look at them a second time, as it were, then lust starts to come in and sin, that seed is born. King David who was the apple of the Lord's eye, a man after God's own heart, stood on the verandah that one evening and looked down and saw Bathsheba, a very, very beautiful woman. She was bathing. Now he could have turned around and walked away, but he didn't and he looked the second time, he lusted after her and that was the beginning of the end of his wonderful career because that sin, that temptation, caused him to commit adultery and then murder and we know the end of the sad story. We need to be so careful.I can hear a young man or a young lady say, “No, no, I can handle this!” I want to say to you that human willpower will only last for a certain time, and then after that, it will crumble. We need Jesus Christ to help us. You know that even one of the giants of our faith, Paul, the Apostle, says in the Book of Romans 7:19, he says: “…for the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.” Then we go down to verse 24: “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Now, here is the key - he says in verse 25: “I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” We can only do it through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. You don't just wake up one morning and decide, "Today I am going to steal some money” or “Today I am going to have an affair with my secretary in the office.” No, it starts off with a thought and then you start to feed that thought, it germinates and it grows into a tree until you can't contain it and then you fall. Yes, God will forgive us, nobody knows that better than me, that is what grace is about - undeserved loving kindness. We have been saved by grace by faith and not of ourselves - but the scar remains. Please don't do it. Stop it today. Cancel that text. Say “no more!” and look to the Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7) and He will help you overcome.Jesus bless you and goodbye.
This Sunday, Pastor Scott Dyer continues our "Come Holy Spirit" series with a powerful message on the work of the Holy Spirit. Through Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, we'll see how the Spirit prepares us to believe in Jesus, empowers us to live for Him, and assures us of eternity with Him.Scott DyerMarch 30, 2025John 3:1-21Come Holy Spiritwww.newnorth.church
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
March 31, 2025
God does not separate in the scripture, the Holy from the secular. There are several places where this is demonstrated within scripture because God uses Imagination to communicate his glory to others that other people may see his glory, not only in the Holy but in the secular as well. There are three areas in particular that the scripture touches upon, and these areas are; Art, Music, and Literature. For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Numbers 21:16-18Romans 11:361 Kings 7:13Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity. As such we do not refer to the Spirit as “it” or “that”, but rather Him! Wherever the Holy Spirit is, the Father and Son are also present because they are one (John 14v18-23). The Ministry of the Holy Spirit What is the ministry of the Holy Spirit and His relationship with you as a Christian Disciple? 1. Glorify Christ: His prime role is that He will glorify Jesus Christ the Son of God (John 16v13-14). He does this by testifying (John 15v26) and witnessing for (Acts 1v8) Jesus Christ. 2. The Paraclete – Comforter: He stands alongside (John 14v16) and lives in all believers (John 16v7). 3. Declares God’s Word: For you, the Holy Spirit interprets and illuminates the Bible, as you submit to Him and the Bible (John 16v12-15; 1 Corinthians 2v10-16)! 4. Convicts: The Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16v8) 5. Salvation: As Christian Disciple, you are born of the Holy Spirit (John 3v3-8). For without the Holy Spirit, nobody can be a Christian Disciple (Romans 8v9; Gal 2v20; Colossians 1v25-27) 6. Sealing / Ownership: The Holy Spirit indwelling you is assured proof of you being God’s possession (2 Corinthians 1v22; Ephesians 1v3), for the Holy Spirit is a deposit, guaranteeing your future redemption, salvation and inheritance (Ephesians 1v13; 2 Corinthians 1v22). 7. Filling: This speaks of the Holy Spirit’s control or domination of your life. The imperative here is that we are to be filled, and go on being filled (Ephesians 5v18). 8. Sanctification: As you walk, live in, and are led by the Holy Spirit, you are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 7-18), (Galatians. 5v16; Romans 8v13). 9. Baptism: While this Holy Spirit baptism usually occurs at your conversion, it does sometimes after afterwards! The Biblical accounts show both of these occurrences. As Billy Graham once said “I don’t care how you get Him – get Him!” 10. Service: The Holy Spirit equips you for service by giving you spiritual gifts and working in you to will and to act according to His purpose (Philippians 2v13). Finally, how is the Spirit seen? The Spirit’s work is in greatest evidence, where people’s lives become more holy and more like Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12v3; 2 Corinthians 13v7). Look back on your life and see how the Holy Spirit has been working in and transforming you since your conversion. Then ask Him to reveal to you the areas you still need transforming. Click or tap here to download as a mp3
God does not separate in the scripture, the Holy from the secular. There are several places where this is demonstrated within scripture because God uses Imagination to communicate his glory to others that other people may see his glory, not only in the Holy but in the secular as well. There are three areas in particular that the scripture touches upon, and these areas are; Art, Music, and Literature. For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Numbers 21:16-18Romans 11:361 Kings 7:13Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
We learned that there can be good imaginations and there can be bad imaginations, and therefore the imagination is a function of our soul life or our soul. Some people refer to the soul as the soul man because we are tripartite. That is there are three of us; We have a spirit man, a soul man, and a physical man. And our identification is with our spirit or our spirit man. We are a spirit, we have a soul, we live in a body, but we are a spirit. And when Christ comes to in-dwell us, when we are saved Christians, he in-dwells us in our spirit man, and we become what is called in the spirit man, a new creation. All things are made new, old things passed away.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Hosea 4:6Proverbs 29:18Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
In This weeks Sunday School Lesson Recap, we will study John 20:19-23. Jesus leaves the Holy Spirit for the disciples so they could be equipped to continue His work. #sundayschool #cogic #holyspirit
The blessing is used by God to equip you to walk your walk through life and to walk your faith walk that you may carry out God's purpose for your life and live under the Abrahamic covenant blessings. So the blessing has to be a confession. And it is an activation by spirit filled words that bring forth a manifestation in the life of the individual over whom those words are spoken. So it ends up being an impartation by speech and by the laying on of hands. The important thing is that it is an activation leading to a manifestation in that person's life.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:James 3:8-10Galatians 3:141 Peter 3:9Proverbs 18:21Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
Faith filled words have to be directed. They have to have a target. And if you understand that and you apply that, and you back your words by faith, then you will understand how the blessing operates.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Genesis 12:2Proverbs 18:21Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
This is the message from our weekend service on 3/23/2025 with Pastor Chet Lowe.
Pastor Rob Hall kicks off our new series, Come Holy Spirit, by introducing us to the person of the Holy Spirit through John 14:15-27. The Holy Spirit is not just a force—He is a person who helps us know and follow Jesus. If you are a Christian, His presence already dwells in you. But to live with power and purpose, we must be filled and refilled with the Spirit daily.Rob HallMarch 16, 2025John 14:15-27Come Holy Spiritwww.newnorth.church
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The power of the tongue is to produce seed. The seed produced by the power of the tongue are faith filled words. And it is faith that activates those words, so words of faith rhema words from your mouth, (the word rhema means the happening) that which is spoken by the living voice, that which is the voice of the Holy Spirit who prompts you and puts it on your heart what to say to begin with. So what you see then is that when that faith filled word comes out of your mouth, the happening is in the word that is spoken. That's why prophecy comes true. That's why prayers are answered when they are prayed aloud.For more Free books, Sunday teachings and bible studies, or to make a love offering, please visit us at: https://www.walkinginpower.orgThis program references scripture:Proverbs 18:21Dr. Bern Zumpano is a Pastor and Teacher of the Word of God who has authored several books on Spirit-filled living through relationship with Jesus Christ and walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Bern has not only been a born-again believer for nearly the past 40 years, but also dedicated 31 years of his life to the study and clinical practice of medicine and surgery in the fields of psychiatry and brain surgery. He has held medical school professorships in psychiatry and neurosurgery and worked in private practice in both areas. Bern has an immense background in understanding the physical body, as well as the soul - the mind, will, and emotions - not only from a medical standpoint but also from a spiritual standpoint. With his background and training, he has been led by the Holy Spirit to teach "the Deep Things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10) with an emphasis on Spiritual Warfare (Jer. 51:20), Breaking Generations' Curses (Ex. 20:5; Lev. 26:40-44), walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:12; 1 Cor. 4:20; Luke 17:21) and "the Restoration of All Things" (Acts 3:21). We at Word of Faith Ministries International-Miami hope and pray that these teachings of the Holy Spirit through Bern will edify and regenerate your spirit to gain a deeper understanding of God's Word and His truths so you can have a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. May God bless you all!!
The Gospel of John | Ministry of the Holy Spirit | John 16:1-15 | Ethan Henderson
A sermon delivered by C.H. Spurgeon, Lord's day morning, 12th June 1864.Spurgeon was never afraid to handle unusual subjects. Here he supposes that there could be a choice between the continued presence of the Lord Jesus upon earth, or the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The preacher seeks to show the infinite wisdom of God in choosing the latter course. We long to see our Lord, and to walk with Him; but while here below God communicates the presence and blessings of Christ through the Holy Spirit.Read by: Gavin Childress
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God's purpose is for us to be Temples of God, revealed through His earthly Temples, patterned after His heavenly Temple (Dwelling Place), all pictures of His ultimate eternal Temple (redeemed man in Christ). All Temples (earthly & heavenly) reveal different aspects of His ultimate Temple, revealing how we are to function to His glory. Jesus was the 1st functioning human Temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit (John 1:14, 2:19-21, 4:21-24). Although man was made to be God's Temple, sin resulted in his spiritual death, so God couldn't indwell him. But Christ made it possible for our spirit to be born again & His Spirit to indwell us, making us His temples. God's earthly Temples are built according to a heavenly blueprint (Heb 8:5), so God's Heavenly Temple, the Father's House, the New Jerusalem gives the clearest revelation about the shape of His ultimate Temple. When God shows John where He'll dwell with His People (Bride) for all eternity (His heavenly Temple), He showed him the New Jerusalem, shaped like a great Mountain, Mt Zion, shining with His glory (Rev 21:2-3,9-11). The peak is the holiest place, the holy of holies, His Throne Room, the centre of all authority, down from which flows the river of life alongside its golden streets (Rev 22:1,2). Its 4-square design means the river divides & flows in 4 main directions to water the city (holy place), and then flows out the gates to the land beyond (outer court). Height represents holiness, so holy places are built on high ground to signify their closeness to God. Thus, God's Throne is at the peak of his holy Mount (Rev 22:1-2). Mountain signifies Kingdom. The river flows downhill from the throne, so the throne must be at the peak (Rev 22:1). This describes us as temples of God. Our highest place is our spirit (Eph 2:6), like a mountain peak. It's where God's authority, glory & presence dwells in the Holy Spirit (the holy of holies), the throne room where Christ is enthroned in us, if we've received Him as Lord. God, the Fountain of living waters, lives in our spirit (Jer 2:13, John 4:14), and desires His river of life to flow out of our spirit (John 7:38), down into our soul, imparting life, authority, power, wisdom, love, health to it, so it can express His life & nature to God's glory. The fact the New Jerusalem, the heavenly City & Temple of God is shaped like a pyramid Mountain is confirmed by Heb 12:22-24. As the daughter of the heavenly Zion (Zech 9:9, Gal 4:26), earthly Zion is made after the image of its mother, so earthly Mt Zion is named after the heavenly Mt Zion (Temple Mount), so if the image of the heavenly Mt Zion is a mountain, so too the heavenly Temple. God's original template for His Dwelling Place (Temple) design is a pyramid mountain City. The whole heavenly Temple (the 3rd Heaven) is also described as ‘Eden, the Garden of God' = Paradise (Ezek 28:12-13, 2Cor 12:4), so earthly Eden was its image. Both have a garden, tree of life (Gen 2:9, Rev 2:7, 22:2,14), river of life (Gen 2:10-14, Rev 22:1-2) & cherubim, who often appear in temples as guardians of the throne (Gen 3:24, Rev 4:6-8, Ezek 28:14). Thus, Eden was God's 1st earthly Temple. Lucifer was originally a cherub in Eden, on the holy heavenly Mountain of God, before he was cast down to earth (Ezek 28:12-14,16-17, Isa 14:12-15, Rev 12:4, Luke 10:18). So, the centre of Eden (God's heavenly Temple) is the holy Mountain, Mt Zion, the New Jerusalem, a Garden City, shaped like a Pyramid. As a cherub, Lucifer lived in this Mount and ministered in the throne room, but in pride tried to ascend within Heaven and establish his own throne above all the angels in God's Throne Room (Holy of Holies), to sit enthroned on the Mount alongside the Most High, but was cast down to the earth (Isa 14:13-15). This confirms God's Throne is at the highest point of this Mount, for he tried to ascend & exalt his throne to the highest place in Heaven, when God was enthroned, to be like (equal in authority to) the Most High. As Eden is a name for the whole Heavenly Temple, centred on a Mountain, so it's the name for the whole original earthly Temple, centred on a Mountain, with (1) its Peak on the west side of Eden (holy of holies), where an underground spring was the source of a great river flowing down into (2) the Garden (holy place) on a plateau on the mountain's east side, with the tree of life, where man lived & walked with God, where it divided into 4 rivers, which watered the whole earth (Gen 2:8-14). So, Eden was on higher ground than the rest of the earth (water flows downhill), signifying its holiness as God's temple. After the fall, man was cast out of the Garden, and (3) went further east (3:24-25), onto lower ground at the base of the Mount, but still within Eden (the outer court), a place of God's Presence (4:16), with an ordained place of sacrifice (4:4), for Cain was cast out of Eden into another land, east of Eden, away from God's special Temple Presence (4:16).
Have you ever had someone tell you that the motive behind their decision(s) was that God was leading them? Did you ever wonder how it was that they knew God was leading them? What if He is not leading you and you make that claim? On some level, does that make you guilty of breaking the 9th Commandment? In case you have forgotten what that commandment states, here it is: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor (Exod. 20:16). Is it also possible that by using Gods name as an excuse for your choices in life, that you are also guilty of violating the 3rdcommandment, which states: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain (Exod. 20:7). You need to understand that God is holy, and He is serious about how we treat His name and how we approach Him. So, how do you know what the will of God is and when is it okay to make the bold declaration that God is leading you...? Get some clue how to know Gods will from Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:56). But what do you do with all the factors that affect how we humans make decisions such as: Cognitive biases: What happens when our decisions are shaped by our biases and affirmed by information and media that confirms our existing beliefs. Emotional state: How we are feeling can have a tremendous effect on our ability to reason and make decisions. Cultural factors: The culture you grew up in or the one that surrounds you today can affect your perception of truth and how you make decisions. Situational factors: Your physical atmosphere, social environment, time constraints, and circumstances that have brought you to your decision all shape the decision-making process. We have so many things competing for our hearts and it can be very difficult to discern what part of the decision-making process is Gods will and leading, and what part is our feelings and wants. So, how can you decern what the will of God is for your life and choices? I believe Acts 20:17-38 is helpful in that it shows us five things Paul practiced that helped him understand what Gods will was for his life regardless of his feelings and the circumstances that surrounded him. Paul was Concerned About What Gods Word Said About Everything (vv. 20-21, 27). The reason why Paul spent over two years in Ephesus was for the same reason he completed three missionary journeys, and that was to declare, ...the whole purpose of God. Paul declared the full counsel of Gods Word while in Ephesus. Jesus commanded His followers: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations... teaching them to follow all that I commanded you... (Matt. 28:19-20), and Paul took that command very seriously. All that Paul had to offer and give to the Ephesians was the Jesus of the Holy Scriptures. Listen, Paul did not just teach and preach the Bible, his life and choices were governed by the Word of God. How does one get to the place where he or she is able to declare all that is beneficial from the Word of God without first being in the Word of God privately? What is the goal of being in Gods word? Paul answered that question in his epistle to the Philippians: That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead (Phil. 3:10-11). You will not get to know Jesus if you are not listening to His voice through His word, and if you are not listening to His voice, you will not know His will. Step #1 for knowing the will of God: What does the word of God say about it? Paul Made Sure His Choices Lined Up with the Mission of God (vv. 17-19, 24) What is the mission of God? For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name shall be great among the nations, and in every place frankincense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name shall be great among the nations, Declares the Lord (Mal. 1:11)! John piper wrote in his book, Let the Nations be Glad: Missions exist because worship doesnt and he was right! Paul came to Ephesus because the Ephesians worshiped all kinds of idols, but they did not worship God because they did not know Jesus. Paul entered Ephesus with a desire to serve the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials because his purpose in life was to make Jesus known first and foremost! Paul did not think he was better than the Ephesians, but because he had a great and accurate view of who God is, he was willing to die to self for the purpose of living for Jesus. This is what he said in verse 24, But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of Gods grace. For Paul, his mission would include bringing the gospel to the gentiles (see Acts 9:1-19). For you, Gods mission may look different, but the one thing that it does have in common with Pauls mission is to make Jesus known where He is not known. If you are a Christian, you have been called into the mission of God. That does not mean that you must become a missionary, although it may. What the mission of God means for you is simply this: God has called you to your world, which includes your family, neighborhood, work, and church to use your talents and gifts to reach the lost and partner with your local church to accomplish the mission Jesus gave His Church. Wherever you find yourself, Jesus said of your redeemed life: You are the salt of the earth.... you are the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-14). You are Jesus ambassador in your home, in your neighborhood, among your friends, where you work, and as a part of a community of Jesus followers within His Church. Step #2 for knowing the will of God: Will my decision allow me to continue to participate in Gods mission? Paul Was Sensitive to the Holy Spirits Leading (vv. 22-23) Paul was sensitive to the Holy Spirit for two primary reasons: His head and heart were affected by the time he spent in the Word of God, and he strived to walk in a manner worthy of his calling (Eph. 4:1). The fruit of listening to Gods word and obedience to it, is the filling of the Holy Spirit. From the moment you are born again, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-24; 16:7), you are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14), and you are baptized by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). But with the filling of the Holy Spirit comes power and a sensitivity to His leading; this is what Paul wrote to the Ephesian Church and practiced: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Eph. 4:30) And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit... (Eph. 5:18) Jesus promised that to every true Christian who sets their hearts to follow Jesus in faith and trust will receive the Holy Spirit Whom He called, The Helper (John 14:16-17). Jesus promised that the ministry of the Holy Spirit will be to, guide you into all the truth... (John 16:13). This is exactly what Paul experienced throughout his lifetime even when others had a hard time understanding it (as we will see in Acts 21:7-14). This is why he called the elders together before he left Ephesus to tell them how the Holy Spirit was leading him: And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me (Acts 20:2223). For Paul, the compulsion he had from the Holy Spirit did not mean that he understood or was aware what the total outcome would be for choosing to leave Ephesus, but the call was clear, and he had to go. Paul also understood that he would not be able to come back: And now behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face (v. 25). Sometimes the will of God is a call to leave what is stable and comfortable to a place of uncertainty and danger. Tony Merida, in his commentary on Acts, made the following observation: The goal of life is not to have a long life but a full life, one lived to the glory of Jesus Christ. For some Christians such faithfulness will involve hardship, persecution, and even martyrdom. Pauls example here shows how one can endure such experiences: We must value Jesus above everything, and we must rely on the Spirit.[1] Step #3 for knowing the will of God: Am I walking in step with the Holy Spirit and is He leading me in the decision-making process? Paul Understood God Was Greater than His Mission (vv. 32-34) Paul understood two critically important things that are worth considering regarding the will of God: First, God loved the Ephesian Christians infinitely more than Paul ever could. Second, God didnt need Paul but chose to use him and would use others in his place after he left. What was required of Paul and the elders of the Ephesian Church was to trust the God, Who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number (Job 5:8-9). With Pauls departure there would be dangers for the Ephesian Christians, so he warned the elders; he warned them that savage wolves would creep in among them with the intent to destroy them (see vv. 28-31). Just because God was leading Paul into another season of life and ministry, did not mean that the ministry God used him to establish was safe. However, for three years, Paul was preparing the elders and the church for the day when God would lead him elsewhere. Paul also understood that God would provide the church what was needed in the wake of his departure, so he was confidently able to assure them: And now I entrust you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (v. 32). What they needed most, Paul gave them... and that was God and His Word. Step #4 for knowing the will of God: Understand and trust that God is infinitely bigger than you are and is capable of doing great and unsearchable things... without your involvement. Paul Was Committed to Prayer (vv. 36-38) Paul and the elders did not end with hugs and handshakes, but fervent prayer together as brothers committed to the same mission! It is critically important to note that before there were any goodbyes, before the decision was official, before Paul got on the boat, he and the leaders of the church prayed. Verses 36-38 are such a touching conclusion to Acts 20 as it is a reminder that there is no point in going anywhere if God is not leading you and although He may be leading you, it does not mean that it will be easy; consider these verses again: When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they all began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship. This was not the first time Paul, and the elders, prayed about where God was leading, based on what we know of Pauls life, prayer was the culture of his life. Because it was the culture of his life, he was not getting on any boat before they prayed together! Ephesians 6:18-19 gives us a glimpse into the prayer life of the apostle: With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints... (Eph. 6:18). Regarding his departure, Paul prayed all the time, with all persistence, for the glory of God and the good of Christs Church! It is important to also understand that Paul did not pray alone but prayed with those his decision affected most. Step #5 for knowing the will of God: Bathe your life and choices with prayer with a willingness to die to what you want for the purpose of living for God and His mission for your life. Conclusion You should know that when you follow the will of God for your life, it may not always be easy, comfortable, or agreeable for those in your life and world. It will be hard on both those who love you and agitating for those who do not share your love for God and Christ-centered world view. The safest and most secure pathway forward is to follow Jesus. When Paul arrived at Ptolemais, he stayed with Philip and while with him, a prophet by the name Agabus took Pauls belt and bound his own feet and said, This is what the Holy Spirit says: In this ways the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles (Acts 21:7-11). When everyone in the house heard what Agabus said to Paul, they begged him not to go up to Jerusalem because they loved him. Agabus did not say anything Paul did not already know, but it was painful for those who loved Paul to hear and accept. Pauls response was both tender and firm: What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13). At this point Pauls decision was affirmed by the Word of God, the mission of God for his life, the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit, a confidence in Gods sovereignty and power, and a decision bathed in prayer, so he was sure of what Gods will was for his life and he could not be persuaded. Those who loved Paul saw this: And since he would not be persuaded, we became quiet, remarking, The will of the Lord be done! (v. 14). So, before you declare that God is leading you to take that new job, enter into a relationship or marriage, or to move from anywhere to anywhere be sure to check what you are considering against the same five checkpoints we see in Pauls life: What does the Word of God say about your decision? If Gods word speaks against it, then it is not Gods will for your life. Will my decision allow me to continue to participate in Gods mission? If your decision will further remove you from Gods mission and His people, then it may not be the will of God for your life. Are you sure the Holy Spirit is leading you? If you are not living in obedience to God, your perspective of what Gods will for your life may be severely perverted. Do you really believe that God can do great and unsearchable things... without your involvement but wants to use you anyway and that He is about His glory for your good? Did you pray with open hands before God almighty concerning His will for your life related to whatever is before you? Pauls decision to leave Ephesus ultimately resulted in his martyrdom in Rome, but if he did not leave, he would not have written Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus... and those glorious epistles would not have been included in our Bibles as holy Scripture. [1] Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Acts (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017), 315.
Have you ever had someone tell you that the motive behind their decision(s) was that God was leading them? Did you ever wonder how it was that they knew God was leading them? What if He is not leading you and you make that claim? On some level, does that make you guilty of breaking the 9th Commandment? In case you have forgotten what that commandment states, here it is: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor (Exod. 20:16). Is it also possible that by using Gods name as an excuse for your choices in life, that you are also guilty of violating the 3rdcommandment, which states: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain (Exod. 20:7). You need to understand that God is holy, and He is serious about how we treat His name and how we approach Him. So, how do you know what the will of God is and when is it okay to make the bold declaration that God is leading you...? Get some clue how to know Gods will from Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:56). But what do you do with all the factors that affect how we humans make decisions such as: Cognitive biases: What happens when our decisions are shaped by our biases and affirmed by information and media that confirms our existing beliefs. Emotional state: How we are feeling can have a tremendous effect on our ability to reason and make decisions. Cultural factors: The culture you grew up in or the one that surrounds you today can affect your perception of truth and how you make decisions. Situational factors: Your physical atmosphere, social environment, time constraints, and circumstances that have brought you to your decision all shape the decision-making process. We have so many things competing for our hearts and it can be very difficult to discern what part of the decision-making process is Gods will and leading, and what part is our feelings and wants. So, how can you decern what the will of God is for your life and choices? I believe Acts 20:17-38 is helpful in that it shows us five things Paul practiced that helped him understand what Gods will was for his life regardless of his feelings and the circumstances that surrounded him. Paul was Concerned About What Gods Word Said About Everything (vv. 20-21, 27). The reason why Paul spent over two years in Ephesus was for the same reason he completed three missionary journeys, and that was to declare, ...the whole purpose of God. Paul declared the full counsel of Gods Word while in Ephesus. Jesus commanded His followers: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations... teaching them to follow all that I commanded you... (Matt. 28:19-20), and Paul took that command very seriously. All that Paul had to offer and give to the Ephesians was the Jesus of the Holy Scriptures. Listen, Paul did not just teach and preach the Bible, his life and choices were governed by the Word of God. How does one get to the place where he or she is able to declare all that is beneficial from the Word of God without first being in the Word of God privately? What is the goal of being in Gods word? Paul answered that question in his epistle to the Philippians: That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead (Phil. 3:10-11). You will not get to know Jesus if you are not listening to His voice through His word, and if you are not listening to His voice, you will not know His will. Step #1 for knowing the will of God: What does the word of God say about it? Paul Made Sure His Choices Lined Up with the Mission of God (vv. 17-19, 24) What is the mission of God? For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name shall be great among the nations, and in every place frankincense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name shall be great among the nations, Declares the Lord (Mal. 1:11)! John piper wrote in his book, Let the Nations be Glad: Missions exist because worship doesnt and he was right! Paul came to Ephesus because the Ephesians worshiped all kinds of idols, but they did not worship God because they did not know Jesus. Paul entered Ephesus with a desire to serve the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials because his purpose in life was to make Jesus known first and foremost! Paul did not think he was better than the Ephesians, but because he had a great and accurate view of who God is, he was willing to die to self for the purpose of living for Jesus. This is what he said in verse 24, But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of Gods grace. For Paul, his mission would include bringing the gospel to the gentiles (see Acts 9:1-19). For you, Gods mission may look different, but the one thing that it does have in common with Pauls mission is to make Jesus known where He is not known. If you are a Christian, you have been called into the mission of God. That does not mean that you must become a missionary, although it may. What the mission of God means for you is simply this: God has called you to your world, which includes your family, neighborhood, work, and church to use your talents and gifts to reach the lost and partner with your local church to accomplish the mission Jesus gave His Church. Wherever you find yourself, Jesus said of your redeemed life: You are the salt of the earth.... you are the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-14). You are Jesus ambassador in your home, in your neighborhood, among your friends, where you work, and as a part of a community of Jesus followers within His Church. Step #2 for knowing the will of God: Will my decision allow me to continue to participate in Gods mission? Paul Was Sensitive to the Holy Spirits Leading (vv. 22-23) Paul was sensitive to the Holy Spirit for two primary reasons: His head and heart were affected by the time he spent in the Word of God, and he strived to walk in a manner worthy of his calling (Eph. 4:1). The fruit of listening to Gods word and obedience to it, is the filling of the Holy Spirit. From the moment you are born again, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-24; 16:7), you are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14), and you are baptized by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). But with the filling of the Holy Spirit comes power and a sensitivity to His leading; this is what Paul wrote to the Ephesian Church and practiced: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Eph. 4:30) And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit... (Eph. 5:18) Jesus promised that to every true Christian who sets their hearts to follow Jesus in faith and trust will receive the Holy Spirit Whom He called, The Helper (John 14:16-17). Jesus promised that the ministry of the Holy Spirit will be to, guide you into all the truth... (John 16:13). This is exactly what Paul experienced throughout his lifetime even when others had a hard time understanding it (as we will see in Acts 21:7-14). This is why he called the elders together before he left Ephesus to tell them how the Holy Spirit was leading him: And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me (Acts 20:2223). For Paul, the compulsion he had from the Holy Spirit did not mean that he understood or was aware what the total outcome would be for choosing to leave Ephesus, but the call was clear, and he had to go. Paul also understood that he would not be able to come back: And now behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face (v. 25). Sometimes the will of God is a call to leave what is stable and comfortable to a place of uncertainty and danger. Tony Merida, in his commentary on Acts, made the following observation: The goal of life is not to have a long life but a full life, one lived to the glory of Jesus Christ. For some Christians such faithfulness will involve hardship, persecution, and even martyrdom. Pauls example here shows how one can endure such experiences: We must value Jesus above everything, and we must rely on the Spirit.[1] Step #3 for knowing the will of God: Am I walking in step with the Holy Spirit and is He leading me in the decision-making process? Paul Understood God Was Greater than His Mission (vv. 32-34) Paul understood two critically important things that are worth considering regarding the will of God: First, God loved the Ephesian Christians infinitely more than Paul ever could. Second, God didnt need Paul but chose to use him and would use others in his place after he left. What was required of Paul and the elders of the Ephesian Church was to trust the God, Who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number (Job 5:8-9). With Pauls departure there would be dangers for the Ephesian Christians, so he warned the elders; he warned them that savage wolves would creep in among them with the intent to destroy them (see vv. 28-31). Just because God was leading Paul into another season of life and ministry, did not mean that the ministry God used him to establish was safe. However, for three years, Paul was preparing the elders and the church for the day when God would lead him elsewhere. Paul also understood that God would provide the church what was needed in the wake of his departure, so he was confidently able to assure them: And now I entrust you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (v. 32). What they needed most, Paul gave them... and that was God and His Word. Step #4 for knowing the will of God: Understand and trust that God is infinitely bigger than you are and is capable of doing great and unsearchable things... without your involvement. Paul Was Committed to Prayer (vv. 36-38) Paul and the elders did not end with hugs and handshakes, but fervent prayer together as brothers committed to the same mission! It is critically important to note that before there were any goodbyes, before the decision was official, before Paul got on the boat, he and the leaders of the church prayed. Verses 36-38 are such a touching conclusion to Acts 20 as it is a reminder that there is no point in going anywhere if God is not leading you and although He may be leading you, it does not mean that it will be easy; consider these verses again: When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they all began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship. This was not the first time Paul, and the elders, prayed about where God was leading, based on what we know of Pauls life, prayer was the culture of his life. Because it was the culture of his life, he was not getting on any boat before they prayed together! Ephesians 6:18-19 gives us a glimpse into the prayer life of the apostle: With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints... (Eph. 6:18). Regarding his departure, Paul prayed all the time, with all persistence, for the glory of God and the good of Christs Church! It is important to also understand that Paul did not pray alone but prayed with those his decision affected most. Step #5 for knowing the will of God: Bathe your life and choices with prayer with a willingness to die to what you want for the purpose of living for God and His mission for your life. Conclusion You should know that when you follow the will of God for your life, it may not always be easy, comfortable, or agreeable for those in your life and world. It will be hard on both those who love you and agitating for those who do not share your love for God and Christ-centered world view. The safest and most secure pathway forward is to follow Jesus. When Paul arrived at Ptolemais, he stayed with Philip and while with him, a prophet by the name Agabus took Pauls belt and bound his own feet and said, This is what the Holy Spirit says: In this ways the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles (Acts 21:7-11). When everyone in the house heard what Agabus said to Paul, they begged him not to go up to Jerusalem because they loved him. Agabus did not say anything Paul did not already know, but it was painful for those who loved Paul to hear and accept. Pauls response was both tender and firm: What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13). At this point Pauls decision was affirmed by the Word of God, the mission of God for his life, the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit, a confidence in Gods sovereignty and power, and a decision bathed in prayer, so he was sure of what Gods will was for his life and he could not be persuaded. Those who loved Paul saw this: And since he would not be persuaded, we became quiet, remarking, The will of the Lord be done! (v. 14). So, before you declare that God is leading you to take that new job, enter into a relationship or marriage, or to move from anywhere to anywhere be sure to check what you are considering against the same five checkpoints we see in Pauls life: What does the Word of God say about your decision? If Gods word speaks against it, then it is not Gods will for your life. Will my decision allow me to continue to participate in Gods mission? If your decision will further remove you from Gods mission and His people, then it may not be the will of God for your life. Are you sure the Holy Spirit is leading you? If you are not living in obedience to God, your perspective of what Gods will for your life may be severely perverted. Do you really believe that God can do great and unsearchable things... without your involvement but wants to use you anyway and that He is about His glory for your good? Did you pray with open hands before God almighty concerning His will for your life related to whatever is before you? Pauls decision to leave Ephesus ultimately resulted in his martyrdom in Rome, but if he did not leave, he would not have written Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus... and those glorious epistles would not have been included in our Bibles as holy Scripture. [1] Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Acts (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017), 315.