Every Christian has the Holy Spirit, but too often the Holy Spirit is dormant in their lives. This message explains the ministry of the Holy Spirit and gives the keys to unleash the power of the Holy Spirit in your life and ministry. God never called anyone to do His work without His power, and you can have the power of the Holy Spirit operating in your life!

This message, which was delivered at New Life Fellowship in Tolna, North Dakota is like a fireside chat about the work of the Holy Spirit. There are many illustrations, stories, and testimonies set upon a biblical framework in a very relaxed, informal, intimate and transparent way. This message comes from many years of walking with the Holy Spirit in life and ministry.

This lesson focuses on how to activate the Holy Spirit in your ministry, especially through praying on other tongues. Many people are confused about speaking in other tongues. This message defines the different biblical ways that tongues are used and emphasizes the value to praying in tongues for personal edification.

I believe that this lesson will help you to gain a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. There are some nuggets of truth in this lesson that will help you to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and to see a greater release of His comfort, power, and guidance in your life and ministry.

This lesson is a part of our Online Believer’s School of Ministry>>>

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. (2Corinthians 4:7, NKJV).

The purpose of this lesson is to impress upon the believer the need to rely on the Holy Spirit for ministry, and to teach how to activate the Holy Spirit in a greater way in your life. 

This is a more advanced lesson. Recommend “BSOM105: Receiving Power to Change the World” for basic training on the power of the Holy Spirit.

THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US IN LIFE!

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — (John 14:16, NKJV).

Another—one of the same kind; like Jesus, He, the Holy Spirit, conveys heaven’s blessings from the Father and the Son. See John 14:12-30

Seven-fold Helper…

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor — Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever — (John 14:16, Amp15).

The Holy Spirit is absolutely essential to live the victorious Christian life.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:4-5, NKJV).

But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. (1Corinthians 6:17, NKJV).

The Holy Spirit helps us to live in victory so we can help others.

Stengthened with might. Filled with the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:14-21, John 1:16

The also helps us to walk in love and the fruit of the spirit so we can BE a witness. Galatians 5:16-26, Acts 1:8, Rom 5:5

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. (Hebrews 12:12-13, NKJV).

Tom’s story. Don’t be condemned, but use the tools.

THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US IN MINISTRY

God never intended for you to do work without His power. Mt 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Acts 4:23-31. The purpose of the power—to reach people. Some charismatics and pentecostals are like a tea pot. They’re always blowing off steam but not getting much done. We need to be a like a steam locomotive. Using the power to get moving for God.

Holy Spirit is the power behind the expansion of the church in the book of Acts. (Acts 2, 3, 4, etc.

Guidance Acts 16:6-10

Gifts of the Holy Spirit for the profit of all. 1 Cor. 12:7-11

Ability to fulfill an office of ministry. Eph. 4:11-12

Kenneth Hagin story about a pastor counseling a church member. 

Ability to fulfill your mission as a believer. 

To minister to one another…

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1Peter 4:10, NKJV).

To witness for Christ…

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NKJV).

ACTIVATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Focusing on tongues here, but there are other avenues for activating the Holy Spirit:

Tongues is like the trunk of an elephant. It’s not all there is to an elephant but it is definitely a part. 

If I didn’t speak in tongues, I wouldn’t worrry about it. I would ask for the gift and trust God and just get caught up in worshipping God. It will come. When I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, I just spoke a few syllables and prophesied. But it has developed. Man starts out with “Abba.” Develops later.

Story of pastor who had a word of knowledge and didn’t even know it. Doesn’t speak in tongues. But speaking in tongues would help anyone because he that speaks in tongues edifies himself.

By praying in other tongues 1 Cor 14:1-5,14-15, 39

Tongues as a sign, Tongues as a message, Tongues for intercessory prayer, Tongues for devotional prayer.

This verse in context is about the ministry of speaking in tongues as a message:

Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? (1Corinthians 12:30, NKJV).

Paul shortly after says that he wishes everyone in the church would speak in tongues but even more prophecy, because prophecy edifies the church:

 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. (1Corinthians 14:5, NKJV).

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. (1Corinthians 14:1-4, NKJV).

Paul is emphasizing prophecy to a church that was good at speaking in tongues. In fact, they had an imbalance in this area. But at the same time we can learn about speaking in tongues here. 

v2 When you speak in tongues, you speak mysteries (divine secrets). Notice:

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1Corinthians 2:12, NKJV).

We can receive intellectual knowledge by reading the Bible, but we need the Holy Spirit to receive revelation knowledge in our hearts.

v4 He that speaks in tongues edifies himself.

v14 When you pray in tongues, your spirit prays

v15 We need both!

v39 do not forbid to speak in tongues.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21, NKJV).

Keep yourself in balance with the entire word of God. Keep walking in love, and keep your focus on eternal life. Stay in the Word. 

I once spoke to a man who was against speaking in tongues. He said, “See, the Bible says that he that speaks in tongues builds himself up. That’s not good.” He thought building yourself up meant building yourself up in pride. 

Illustration: Athlete builds himself up to help the team. That’s good!

Tom when a pastor as a discipline prays in tongues one hour a day as a pastor. Result was sermon preparation became extremely easy.

Story of Missionary Jackie Pullinger. Book: “Chasing the Dragon.” Also, Dave Roberson.

Tom’s recent experience with praying in tongues. Using a notebook. He brings to remembrance. Evolution of devotional time. Interpretation. Singing in the Spirit, not mechanical. He’s a person. He does different things. Sometimes:

Some of us have a tongues deficit. In other words, we need to speak in tongues more. Once we get that in line, we need make sure to have the other things too. Reading the Word. Focusing on the message of salvation. Walking in love and the fruits of Spirit. 

Praying in tongues is a gateway to the gifts and the operation of the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Discussion Questions

Online Believer’s School of Ministry

God is Pouring Out His Spirit [Audio & Video]

Activate the Holy Spirit: Is Jesus Asleep in Your Boat?

We put so much thought and effort into this present life, but the truth is, we are only here for a few moments. Once our bodies are worn out, we will leave this earth and either be with the Lord in heaven or we will spend eternity separated from him.

The Scripture says, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:13-14, NKJV).

One day your physical body will fail and you will meet the Lord. Our time on this earth is just a wisp of time, but eternity is forever and ever.

This message is full of biblical truth and testimonies of people who have experienced the joy of salvation once they decided to follow Jesus.

Enjoy this message and share with someone who needs to receive eternal life.

Discovering New Life In Christ [Audio and Video]

Jesus, Okay: Saying Yes to the Lord!

Is Repentance Necessary for Salvation?

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep . . . “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. (John 10:11, 27-29, NKJV). 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1Timothy 6:12, NKJV).

MT: We tend to think about and put our energy into the things of this present world, but Jesus came to give us eternal life. 

ABOUT ETERNAL LIFE (without beginning or end, vitality, animated, vigor)

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (James 4:13-14, NKJV).

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1John 2:17, NKJV)

For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2Corinthians 4:18, NKJV).

2 Cor. 5:1-7

No matter how great your health is…

No matter how prosperous you are…

No matter how many accolades you receive or how many awards…

One day your physical body will fail and you will meet the Lord

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NKJV). 

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,  whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (2Corinthians 4:3-4, NKJV).

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:2-3, NKJV).

“He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25, NKJV).

“Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” (John 6:27, NKJV).

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, NKJV).

You earn death, but eternal life is a gift.

And this is the promise that He has promised us — eternal life. (1John 2:25, NKJV).

Titus 1:2 promised eternal life before time began.

Revelation 13:8 Jesus is the lamb slain from the foundation of the earth.

Before time began, God had a plan.

Before Adam sinned, in the mind of God, Jesus was slain for our sins. 

Before Abraham offered Isaac on Mt. Moriah, God had a plan. Jesus was that lamb caught in the thicket. 

Before God gave Moses the plan for the tabernacle in the wilderness, God had a plan.

Before animal sacrifices were offered for the sins of the people, God had a plan.

JESUS GIVES ETERNAL LIFE

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29, NKJV).

John—transitional ministry. 

“The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. (Luke 16:16, NKJV).

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:31-33, NKJV). 

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:14-16, NKJV).

Eternal life is now! We enter into fellowship with God which continues into eternity. (John 17:3, ! John 1:3,7, John 14:6)

God’s Plan of Redemption. Heb. 9:1-14, once a year, now we have access to God. Heb. 4:16, 10:19)

Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:12-14, NKJV).

OUR PART IS TO RECEIVE THE KING

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12, NKJV).

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15, NKJV).

Tom’s Experience: Turn from the things of the world. “Yes, Lord!” “Precious is the blood of the Lamb. I give you a new life, free from the bonds of iniquity. Live a holy life. Israel is here!”

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:25-29, NKJV).

CONCLUSION: Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Live in recognition of eternity.

America needs a new heart!

We can get new leaders. We can see laws changed. But the real need is for a change of heart—and only God can do that.

The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Ezekiel:

‭“I will give‭‭ you a new‭ heart‭ and put‭‭ a new‭ spirit‭ within‭ you; I will take‭‭ the heart‭ of stone‭ out of your flesh‭ and give‭‭ you a heart‭ of flesh‭.‭ ‭“I will put‭‭ My Spirit‭ within‭ you and cause‭‭ you to walk‭‭ in My statutes‭, and you will keep‭‭ My judgments‭ and do‭‭ ‭them‭.‭ (Ezekiel 36:26-27, NKJV).

“Pray for the Heart of America” looks at the need to focus our prayers, not just on the upcoming election, but also on the need to pray for souls.

I hope you will take a few minutes to watch or listen to the message and consider what it means in your life.

God bless you!

Healing the Heart of America

Re-digging the Wells of Revival

Jesus, Okay: Saying Yes to the Lord!

Tom and Susan at a pastors conference in India 2015.

In August, I shared a message by Skype with a church in Secunderabad, India based on the story of the church at Ephesus from Acts 19:1-20 called “Finding the Purpose for Your Church.” I thought you might enjoy the audio from the meeting with translation into Telugu, one of the 122 major languages of India. I was preaching here at 12:30 a.m. and it was 11 p.m. there.

Every local church has its own personality and unique purpose in the mind of God. The key to finding the purpose of your church is following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has the best strategies and will always make us a success if we follow His directions.

We see this in the book of Acts as the various churches walked into their destiny. The church at Jerusalem, for example, had the Pentecostal fire which ignited the work of God through evangelistic preaching and signs and wonders.

The church at Antioch, which was made up of people from various ethnic groups, became a missionary sending center, which launched the world-changing ministry of the Apostle Paul, who planted many churches and wrote much of the New Testament.

On the other hand, the church at Ephesus began when Paul baptized a dozen disciples and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. This amazing church became an apostolic training center (a Bible School) where Paul taught the Word daily. As a result of His ministry in that one city, “all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:10)

Think of it! As a result of the teaching ministry of one man, enough believers and ministers were ignited and released to reach the entire region of Asia Minor (roughly the area that is now Turkey) Asia Minor was about 750,000 sq. kilometers which was home to between 8-15 million people.

Apparently, this all took place without Paul traveling to hold crusades or plant other churches. It was simply the fruit of his ministry being multiplied through teaching the Word along with a unique sign-gifted ministry of anointed handkerchiefs and aprons which were taken from his body and effected cures of diseases and demonic torment.

Here are four principles that I shared for “Finding the Purpose of Your Church.”

As a result we are told, ‭”So the word of the Lord powerfully grew and spread.”‭ (Acts 19:20, MEV).

May God develop your church into a powerhouse for Him as you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus came to reveal the Father and make a way for us to come to Him. As He was preparing His disciples for the time of His departure, He said:

On that day you will ask Me nothing. Truly, truly I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give it to you.‭ ‭Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full‭ . . . ‭On that day you will ask in My name. I am not saying to you that I shall ask the Father on your behalf.‭ ‭For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came from God.‭ (John 16:23-24, 26-27, MEV).

The Father Himself loves you! The Greek word there means an affectionate love, or to kiss. Think of it. The God that created the universe, the God that dwells in the high and holy place loves you with an affectionate love.

Jesus died to make the way for you to come to the Father, not just when you die, but now. In fact, Jesus said that eternal life is knowing God the Father and the Son. So I want to encourage you. You CAN come to God, in Jesus’ name. You can know Him. You can experience His love in this life. Come to the Father!

Enjoy this 8-minute message!

Your Heavenly Father Loves You!

Everyone Needs a Father!

Father God’s Amazing Love!

Do you ever feel like you are not quite good enough for God? That your life does not quite messure up?

If so, this message is for you because your acceptance is not dependent on your performance. It is based on what Jesus did for you on the cross.

The Scripture says, “‭But‭ if‭ we walk‭‭ in‭ the light‭, as‭ he‭ is‭‭ in‭ the light‭, we have‭‭ fellowship‭ one with another‭‭, and‭ the blood‭ of Jesus‭ Christ‭ his‭ Son‭ cleanseth‭‭ us‭ from‭ all‭ sin‭.‭” (1John 1:7, KJV).

Did you notice that He said ALL sin. Not some sin. Not even 99.9 percent of all sin, but ALL sin.

That tells me that through the blood of Jesus I am totally cleansed and made righteous.

Listen to this message today! It will bless your life!

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:7-9, KJV).

“Precious is the blood of the lamb, which was shed for you.”

MT: Jesus is the lamb is without spot, who cleanses us from ALL sin.

Illustration: Cleansing agents. How effective is the blood. 

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29, KJV).

We need to agree with God. He takes away our sin.

1 What can wash away my sin? 

Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

What can make me whole again? 

Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

Refrain:

O precious is the flow 

that makes me white as snow; 

no other fount I know; 

nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18, KJV).

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7, KJV).

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10, KJV).

A PERFECT SACRIFICE

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1Peter 1:18-19, KJV).

OT sacrifices were to be spotless. Perfect. Picture of Christ. 

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2Corinthians 5:21, KJV).

WALKING IN THE LIGHT

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (John 3:16-21, KJV).

CLEANSE YOUR CONSCIENCE

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:13-14, KJV).

The blood enables you to fellowship with God and receive His power and grace. When you have a guilty conscience, you cannot fellowship with God. Therefore you cannot serve God. True holiness comes out of relationship with God by the power of the Holy Spirit.

HOW TO BE MADE RIGHTEOUS

And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:9-14, KJV).

Beware of a Pharisee self-righteous attitude. Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1Timothy 1:15, KJV).

Just as I am, without one plea

But that Thy blood was shed for me

And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee

Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come

Admit you are a sinner.

Believe that Jesus died for your sins.

Confess that Jesus is Lord of your life.

Grace Helps Us to Live Right [Audio & Video]

Nothing but the Blood

The Triumph of the Cross

Why is the Blood of Christ Precious? [Audio & Video]

Who are you following?

And, the second question, where are you going? Because you are going wherever the person you are following is going.

We are living in a time when millions of people are following celebrities on social media. There are those who have a great influence on others through their Instagram, TikTok, FaceBook, Twitter (X), or YouTube accounts.

It’s a good time to ask: who are you following? Who has the greatest influence on your life? Is is a popular singer, actor, or politician? Is it a fellow student or worker or someone in your family? Are you making your own decisions, or are you a puppet to other people’s opinions?

Jesus says: ‭My‭ sheep‭ hear‭‭ my‭ voice‭, and I‭ know‭‭ them‭, and‭ they follow‭‭ me‭:‭ ‭And I‭ give‭‭ unto them‭ eternal‭ life‭; and‭ they shall‭‭ never‭‭‭ perish‭‭, neither‭‭ shall‭‭ any‭ ‭man‭ pluck‭‭ them‭ out of‭ my‭ hand‭.‭ (John 10:27-28, KJV).

When we follow Jesus, we receive eternal life, but when we follow the spirit of this age, we reap death.

Jesus has a wonderful plan for your life. Follow Him and reap all that He has for you!

Christianio Ronaldo 738 M

Justin Bieber 502 M

Taylor Swift 461 M

To be a follower you just have to push a button. It’s not a huge commitment. However, many “followers” are following very closely. That’s why these people are called “influencers” and are in high demand by commercial interests. For some, their posts are worth millions of dollars, because people will follow their recommendations. 

Who are you following? 

Politician, Intellectual, Actor, Kids a school, people at work, strong personality.

Music superstar (politicians were afraid that Taylor Swift would endorse a candidate, because they knew her recommendation would carry a lot of weight. 

Can you think for yourself, or are you a puppet to other’s opinions? 

Whoever you are following, you are going where they are going. 

Or maybe you’re following the spirit of this age.

And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God]. Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of human nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses] of the [sinful] mind. We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind]. (Ephesians 2:1-3, Amp15).

Vision of people in graveyard going into the abyss.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14, KJV).

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 16:25, KJV).

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came to lead us into life.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:10-11, KJV).

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28, KJV).

What does it mean to follow Jesus? Is it just to push a button? Is it to join a church or go through a ceremony? Is it to sign a card?

Tom’s experience. Nothing changed until I made Jesus Lord. 

To follow Jesus is to make Him Lord of your life. It’s to follow His teaching, his example, His Spirit. It is a choice.

Adam and Eve made a choice to rebel against God, and it cost them their relationship with Him. As a result sin and death passed on the human race. But God in His mercy sent Jesus to bring us back to God. 

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12, KJV).

When you follow Jesus, you are following the light. 

Why should I follow Jesus? 

He gives eternal life.

He is the only Savior.

He calls you to follow Him. 

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. (Mark 8:34-35, KJV).

Make a choice today to follow Jesus.

Susan: Following the Good Shepherd

Is Repentance Necessary for Salvation?

Good News for Everyone!

History proves that Jesus rose from the dead 2,000 years ago. It confirmed everything that He said and proves that he is the Son of God.

But what does it mean to us today? Is there power for us today because of this historical event?

The scriptures tell us emphatically YES! His resurrection is our resurrection, and when we receive Christ, there is great power in our lives because of the resurrection. Join us for this powerful teaching as we explore God’s Word for revelation of the greatness of His power towards us who believe according to mighty power which God wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.

Scriptures referenced in this message:

Ephesians 1:15-23

John 14:19

Rev. 1:5

1 Corinthians 15:45

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Peter 1:4

Ephesians 2:1-10

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Why Should I Be Baptized? [Audio & Video]

Resurrection Power: It Changes Everything!

What do you need from the Lord? Maybe you have a physical issue that the doctors can’t fix. Or a financial quagmire with no solution. Or a child gone astray. Perhaps it’s a need that consumes your days with worry.

A woman in the Bible had a problem as well—an issue of blood draining the very life out of her body for 12 long years. Draining her finances, too, as she looked in every corner for an answer. She was a social outcast, too, because her condition required that she go about crying, “Unclean! Unclean!” everywhere she went.

But then she heard about Jesus, how He made the lame to walk and the blind to see. Hope was born in her. She said, “I’m going to get something from the Lord! Today is my day! If I can just touch His garment, I will be made whole.” Her whole being went out in pursuit of Him. She went after the mighty power that was in His life. Stretching. Reaching. Yearning. Pressing. She pushed her way through the crowd and touched Him, and it happened! Power went out of Him! He felt it. She know she was healed. She hid in fear. He asked, “Who touched Me?” He showed mercy and sent her away HEALED!

That same power is available to you today! Jesus went back to heaven, and sent that power back to His Church. That same miracle-working power, that same anointing is here today. We, too, must press through the crowd … the doubt and unbelief, past everyone who says that healing is not for today … and get ahold of the garment of Jesus. Latch hold and don’t let go, until the power flows into you! The price has been paid on Calvary. The way is made. it’s time to receive what God has for you through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Mark 5:25-34

And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” (Mark 5:30, NKJV).

MT You can get what you need from the Lord by drawing on His power by fatih.

She kept saying. “I’m going to get what I need from the Lord!!!”

“For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. (Mark 11:23, NKJV).

She pursued the anointing. Came the press behind.

She would not be detered. She opened her spirit to recieve from the Lord.

“Your faith has made you whole.” Substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11:1

She heard it. She saw it. She said it. She did it! Action.

He felt the anointing. The tangible substance of the Lord. Who toched me? Everybodiy’s touching ylou Jesus! Somebody touched me with the touch of faith.

Woman in Winnepeg applies this scripture and begiins to pull upon the Lord. She was healed of cancer,

HIS POWER IS AVAILABLE TO YOU TODAY!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV).

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:38-39, NKJV).

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8, NKJV).

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalms 34:8, NKJV).

Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:3-4, NKJV).

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. (Psalms 36:7-9, NKJV).

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns — broken cisterns that can hold no water. (Jeremiah 2:13, NKJV).

COME AND DRINK

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17, NKJV).

Your Faith Will Make You Well!

Jesus Has Time for You! [Audio & Video]

God is Pouring Out His Spirit [Audio & Video]

Today, we are looking at Using Wisdom in Your Speech. Words are powerful! They can be used for good or evil. Sometimes, without realizing it, we are serving the devil by the things that we say. In this video, we look at using godly wisdom in the things that we say in order to produce peace and healing. This is a vital message for all Christians, especially if we want to live a long healthy life. Good speech doesn’t come automatically. We need to guard our heart, renew our mind, and as God to put a guard on our mouth.

MT: The tongue is an expression of the condition of the heart, and can be used for good or evil. Make a decision to use your tongue to make peace and bring healing.

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:1-2, KJV).

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TONGUE

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. (Proverbs 12:18, KJV).

11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. (Proverbs 10:11-12, KJV).

-Older man with supernaturally good health would not say anything bad about anyone,

For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: (1Peter 3:10, KJV).

MURDER IN YOUR HEART

But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (Matthew 5:22, AV).

-Hitler… wisdom from beneath… supernatural power based on hate. Moved people. 6 million Jews. People went along with it. 

We need a discerning heart.

GODLY VS. NATURAL WISDOM

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:13-18, KJV).

Earthly, sensual (natural, soulish, animal like) demonic.

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (1Corinthians 3:3, KJV).

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (Matthew 12:34, KJV).

Rom 12:1,2 Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

WE ARE CALLED TO BE PEACEMAKERS

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9, AV).

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35, AV).

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14, AV).

He that wins souls is wise.

CONCLUSION: Make a decision to follow Jesus. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12, KJV).

Wisdom I: How God Got Me Out of Debt [Audio & Video]

Wisdom II: Prayers That God Answers [Audio & Video]

Wisdom III: Wisdom—A Gospel Benefit [Audio & Video]