The Church is…Active

Conflict over Water RightsWhen Isaac planted his crops that year, he harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him. He became a very rich man, and his wealth continued to grow. He acquired so many flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and servants that the Philistines became jealous of him. So the Philistines filled up all of Isaac’s wells with dirt. These were the wells that had been dug by the servants of his father, Abraham. Finally, Abimelech ordered Isaac to leave the country. “Go somewhere else,” he said, “for you have become too powerful for us.” So Isaac moved away to the Gerar Valley, where he set up their tents and settled down. He reopened the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines had filled in after Abraham’s death. Isaac also restored the names Abraham had given them.Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water.But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”). Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means “hostility”). Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means “open space”), for he said, “At last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.”From there, Isaac moved to Beersheba, where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant.” Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord. He set up his camp at that place, and his servants dug another well.

—Genesis 26:12-25 (NLT)

Creating a Space of Transformation

A Space of Salvation

A space of rest for the mind to think.A space where obstacles to salvation are intentionally removed.A space of peace free from opinions, judgments, and political rhetoric.A space for people to find Jesus, allowing Him to grow them, correct them, and turn their weaknesses into strengths.

A Space of Growth

Being born again is an ongoing activity. It is about constantly changing the will’s preference from self-gratification to God’s gratification.

Your salvation is immediate, but your kingdom’s impact is exercised by growing and allowing others to find their space of growth.

A Space of Genuine Love of Others

You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.

—1 Peter 1:22-23 NLT

Here is how:

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

—1 Peter 2:1-3 NLT

As we grow in our awareness of God in our lives. we will grow in our awareness of others.

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

—Ephesians 4:1-4 NLT

A Space of Gratitude

Gratitude is a posture of humility.

Gratitude pushes back:PrideEntitlementDepression.Critical Spirit

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

—Psalm 100:4-5 (NLT)

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.

—Acts 16:25-26 (NIV)

Gratitude is never invisible or silent.

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

—Luke 6:45 (NIV)

Gratitude begins where our sense of entitlement ends.

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.

—Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV)

Grateful people can find a blessing, enlarge a blessing, be a blessing, or create a blessing in almost any situation.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

—Psalm 103:1-5

Gratitude is not inactive.

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

—Luke 6:45 NLT

A Space of Helping Others

We are spiritual contributors not spiritual consumers.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.

—2 Corinthians 9:13 NLT

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

—2 Corinthians 9:11 NLT

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

—Galatians 5:13 NLT

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

—Mark 10:45 NLT

Helping out is not a spiritual calling; it’s just what we all do!

The task alone is not your identity or your purpose.We are actively creating moments of transformation.

To create opportunities or moments of transformation:1. Sacrificial2. Grace-filled3. Deliberate and intentional4. Follow through in our genuine love

The Church Is Us

The Series:

Church is…. USChurch is…. ACTIVEChurch is…. UNITEDChurch is…. EQUIPPED

At every significant moment in history, the church has always had an opportunity to stand and be counted or lie low and go unnoticed.

Church Is Not…

The Church is not a social club.The Church is not a place.The Church is not a group meeting you have to attend.The Church is not a drive through spiritual pick me up.The Church is not an organization.The Church is not religious tradition/roles and hoops to jump through.The Church is not a self help program.The Church is not a quick hand out to pay rent when you are short.The Church is not a place of entertainment.The Church is not a money collection agency.The Church is not the building.

The Church Is…

The Church is a movement of people following a loving God and helping each other walk out their God-given purpose.The Church is the surge of people following and being Christ together.

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock…”

—Psalm 92:12-15

We are not there yet!

Palms and Cedars

CEDAR: Durable wood used to make beams, columns, and roof structures. It is an attractive wood with a pleasant aroma.

PALM: A branch that is a symbol of triumph and victory.

Both Evergreens: Thriving, producing life year-round, and flourishing.

Our Call

Called to be Cedars – Reliable, Effective, Strong in Christ’s Character (Focused on who?)

Called to be Palms – Refreshing, rest, victorious, triumphant.(Focused on what?)

What Will It Take To Accomplish This?

1. Stay The Course (Roots)

If you are planted here – we need to press through difficulty to make sure our roots are deep.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought…

—Jeremiah 17:8a

2. Help Others (Fruit)

With roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

—Jeremiah 17:8b

Fruit is not just for you.

Discover the thrill of being used by God!

3. Invite Others (Shade)

My people will again live under my shade. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon.

—Hosea 14:7

You are invited to invite others!You don’t have to be unknown

You are ready to invite others it is how we move people to a place where they can discover Jesus.

It does not matter who you are, what you believe, or what you have done. “Church is a place where you can belong.

Church is a movement of people following a loving God and helping each other walk out their God-given purpose.

4. Room For All (Space)

Church is for everyone!

Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water.But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”).Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means “hostility”).Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means “open space”), for he said, “At last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.”

—Genesis 26:19-22

Church is for everyone to encounter Jesus and be changed by Him. and Him alone! We don’t decide who gets exposed we don’t decide how Jesus will change them. We keep pointing people to Jesus.

We can not welcome people in if our front door is narrow and our back door is wide.

Judgement narrows our porch, and offense broadens our yard.

We have to make it easy to arrive, engage, stick around, belong, find purpose, and get involved.

5. Operate with Purpose (Multiply)

You are invaluable!One of the biggest lies: “If I am not there, It won’t matter.

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ…

—1 Corinthians 12:12

You are an invaluable part of the Body of Christ! You have a PURPOSE!

When you discover your God-given purpose, you will finf that purpose will always involve helping others find theirs.

Purpose as a collective becomes powerful in changing the world!

The Focussed Disciple

Focus on What?

The who and the what of following Jesus.

Part TWO: Focussed On What?

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps…

—1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

We focus on Jesus to SEE the example.

F – FOLLOWO – OBEYC – CALLEDU – USE GOD’s WORDS – SPIRIT LED

But there is seeing the example, and then there is FOLLOWING the example.

Just as much as we focus on Jesus to see Him, hear Him call us, feel His forgiveness, and sense the Spirit guiding us, we must concentrate on WHAT His example is an example of.

An example is not an example unless it is not copied.

The enemy of focusing on Jesus is our comfort.

The enemy of FOLLOWING Jesus’ example is distraction.

The Solution to Distraction

So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

—Matthew 6:31-34

The solution to distraction is to prioritize the Kingdom.

The King came to set an example of what it looked like for people to operate in His Kingdom.

And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

Move from Focus to Faith

Jesus is the same and still invites present-day disciples similarly: “Follow Me and I will make you…”

He calls us to FOCUS.

To do that we respond in that we FOLLOW Him, OBEY His advice, believe we are good enough to be CALLED, USE His Words, and allow ourselves to be SPIRIT-LED.

OUR AIRPractically, we respond daily by seeking the APPLICATION of His Word, living INSPIRED by His promises, and seeking REVELATION of the Father through Him.BUT HE CALLS US TO DO AS HE DID

The Balance of Character (Breath In) and Deeds (Breath Out)

The example of Jesus was how he fed His character AND helped others.

“Faith without deeds is dead.”

LIVING OUT THE EXAMPLE – The Same AIR

He needs us to live ready to:1. Apply his example to other people’s situations.2. Inspire those around us with hope.3. Reveal Him to others through our lives.

To follow Him, we need to know where He is going and what he does when he arrives.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

—Luke 15:4-7 NKJV

The Parable of the Lost Coin

Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

—Luke 15:8-10 NKJV

The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Wrong place and a right place

Shepherd – One sheep in the wrong place and 99 sheep in the right place.

Women – One coin in the wrong place and nine coins in the right place.

Father – One son in the wrong place and one son in the right place.

Which one of these two categories gets Jesus’s primary focus?

The shepherd’s primary focus is on – that which is lostThe woman’s primary focus is on – that which is lostThe father’s primary focus is on – that which is lost

Jesus’ primary focus is on that which is lost.That’s where he is going.

Then Jesus tries to show us that if we seek the kingdom, we must go where he goes and do what he does.

Follow Him, not only to church on Sunday but to seek and save that which is lost.

You have no idea what might happen when you start taking steps in this direction.

We can’t keep our distance.

But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.

—Matthew 26:58 NKJV

The longer the distance in our following of Jesus, the more our focus will be on ourselves, not the lost.

The closer we get to following Jesus, the more we will focus on the lost, not ourselves.

What does Jesus do when He gets there?

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and he has anointed me to be hope for the poor, healing for the brokenhearted, and new eyes for the blind, and to preach to prisoners, ‘You are set free!’ I have come to share the message of Jubilee, for the time of God’s great acceptance has begun.

—Luke 4:18 (TPT)

We are the found!

The Focused Disciple

The who and the what of following Jesus.

Part One: Focused On Who?

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps…

—1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

Focused on Who?

Understanding who we are focused on draws us into the person of Jesus and the heart of the Father.

Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

—John 14:8-9 (ESV)

Your impact on this community will not be made by how long you have known Jesus, but by when last you were transformed by Him!

Before we can be the church that Jesus returns for, we must be the disciples Jesus calls for.

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

—Hebrews 4:14-16 The Message (MSG)

To be disciples, we can only rest once we have found application, inspiration, and revelation in every word of Jesus for every situation, circumstance, and relationship.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

—Colossians 3:17 (NLT)

We have to give our following of Jesus the respect He deserves.

So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

—Philippians 2:12

We have to FOCUS.

F – FOLLOW

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.

—Matthew 9:9 NLT

mathetes (math-ay-tes’); a learner, pupil, disciple, follower.

We are not called to simply believe in or acknowledge our savior. Jesus calls us to live how He lived, love how He loved, and do what He did!

To be disciples, we have to follow the character of our teacher and the deeds of our master.

To follow means that we are willing to go where Jesus went but live our lives according to where Jesus is.

O – OBEY

Jesus said, ‘If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.’

—John 15:10 (NLT)

Obedience gets us focused on the who of the gospel, not the who of our comfort.

We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!

—Acts 5:28-29

Obey God completely & immediately.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

—1 John 5:3

If we find God’s commands burdensome, then we are obedient to the wrong WHO.

C – CALLED

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

—Ephesians 4:1 (NLT)

Calling is as much who you are becoming as it is what you are doing.

Calling isn’t about something important you do in the future, it’s about your faithfulness to Jesus today.

The moment you step into your calling you step out of your comfort.The biggest enemy of calling is comfort. Never sacrifice your calling on the altar of comfort.

God often uses our deepest pain to launch our greatest calling!

For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.

—Romans 11:29 NLT

God does not need to recall you. We have to reclaim our calling.

We constantly pray for you that our God may make you worthy of his calling and that by his power, he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you!

—2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NLT)

You are called HEAVENWARD.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 3:13-14

U – USE GODS WORD

Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

—James 1:22 (NLT)

It is the WORD of God that allows the promises of God to burst into your life.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

—John 1:14 NIV

To be disciples, we can only rest once we have found application, inspiration, and revelation in every word of Jesus for every situation, circumstance, and relationship.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

—2 Timothy 3:16-17

God’s promises are our weapons, His Word is our defense, and Who He Is is our armor.

S – SPIRIT LED

If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

—John 14:15-17

Holy Spirit gives you the power to share Christ boldly.

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. The Holy Spirit gives you power when you are feeling weak.

—1 Corinthians 2:4

The Holy Spirit gives you power when you are feeling weak.

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me… For when I am weak, then I am strong.

—2 Corinthians 12:9-10

The Holy Spirit gives you the power to have hope in a hopeless world

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

—Romans 15:13

The Holy Spirit gives you the power to experience the fullness of God.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

—Ephesians 3:16-19

CLOSING

THE WHO IS NOT YOU – IT IS JESUS

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

—Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Understanding, Engaging, and Embracing in Spiritual War

———————————————————————

THE ATMOSPHERE OF LIFE…

THE WAR THAT’S ABOUT US

Ideologies, opinions, theologies, and the global good vs. evil, right vs. wrong.

———————————————————————

THERE IS A WAR BUT ITS NOT JUST OUT THERE…

———————————————————————

THE WAR THAT’S WITHIN US

The battle of wrong and right, decisions, temptations, commitments, follow through, selfishness.

———————————————————————

THE UNSEEN WAR THAT RAGES

2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 (CSB)

So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Understanding, engaging, and embracing this unseen spiritual warfare will change the eternal IMPACT we have in this world.

———————————————————————

1. UNDERSTANDING

Paul Defines The War:

Ephesians 6:12 (CSB)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,   

but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, 

against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.

There are forces of evil that want to turn us away from God and separate us from Him.

———————————————————————

WHAT IS THIS WAR ABOUT?

1 CORINTHIANS 10:20-21 (CSB)

No, but I do say that what they sacrifice (worship), they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons! You cannot drink the cup of the Lord (sacrifice – worship) and the cup of demons. You cannot share in the Lord’s table (communion) and the table of demons.

IT IS ABOUT OUR WORSHIP (HEARTS)

IT IS ABOUT OUR OBEDIENCE (MINDS)

How do you practically honor the God you serve?

Spiritual war is all about your obedience and worship.

Which god do you obey?

Which god holds sway?

———————————————————————

HOW DID THIS WAR START?

Two forces are trying to gain your attention.

GOD VS SATAN

———————————————————————

GOD

When God created the rhythms of thought and the human psyche, he made a few non-negotiables on which human thought should be based.

His Word is TRUTH.

His intent is RIGHTEOUS.

His motive is LOVE.

His character is PERFECT.

He has a divine, unique PURPOSE for us.

His AUTHORITY is absolute but is also delegated to us.

He desires a life-giving RELATIONSHIP with us.

His GRACE will always make way for those who chose Him.

With these truths cemented into the DNA of the universe,

God wanted us to choose to worship and be obedient to these truths. 

He wants us to formulate our will around His will. Our lives around who He is.

———————————————————————

SATAN

SATAN ATTACKS US TO DIVERT OUR WORSHIP OF THE TRUE GOD

Satan can not create something viable as an alternative. 

Better love, more perfect…

You can’t add to God. 

So, he wages this war of worship by diverting and shifting our perspective away from God’s absolute truths. Anything that minimizes truth is a lie. Anything that hides light is darkness.

Emboldened by his rebellion, Satan now brings supernatural war to the Human psyche, this supernatural distraction to God’s truths.

He knows that he could be victorious in the greater war if he can get God’s most precious creation to fall to the ravages of the war within.

———————————————————————

SATAN DISTORTS AND DISTRACTS

HE BLINDS WITH DOUBT

2 Corinthians 4:4 (CSB)

In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

———————————

HE STEALS GOD’S WORD FROM YOU.

MATTHEW 13:19 (CSB)

When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path.

———————————

HE SETS TRAPS TO ENSNARE YOU.

2 Timothy 2:26 (CSB)

Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

———————————

HE FIGHTS TO STOP YOU.

1 Thessalonians 2:18 (CSB)

So we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us.

———————————

HE PLANS TO DESTROY YOU

1 PETER 5:8 (CSB)

Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.

——————————————————————

THE WAR BEGINS

The war OUT THERE started the moment Satan no longer submitted to the truths of God’s Character.

The WAR WITHIN begins when we consider that these truths may not be absolute.

——————————————————————

DESTRUCTIVE DISOBEDIENCE

DISOBEDIENCE = MISDIRECTED WORSHIP

When humans base every thought and action on the absolute truth of God’s character, this is called obedience. 

————————

WORSHIP

We live our lives so that our obedience to Who He is is evident in everything we do.

Satan needs us to be disobedient by diverting our attention from the TRUTH of who God is. 

———————————————————————

Deviating from God’s foundations, we lose sight of our life-giving relationship with God, and we lose the war within and give Satan authority in the war out there.

———————————————————————

Spiritual death is denying the truth of God.

Genesis 2:17 (CSB)

…but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.

What do we die from? What spiritual disease causes our demise?

In the conversation after the fall in Genesis 3:10-13 – Disobedience, failing to focus our worship in the fullness of God’s character – Blame, Shame, and Condemnation obliterate our identity, authority, and purpose = darkness and death!

When we don’t have something to belong to, something to do, or something to hope for, we will drift away and find life worthless. “I don’t have anything to add… I am not good at anything.”

———————————————————————

2. ENGAGE

GOD ENGAGES – GOD ATTACKS BACK

(THE WAR OUT THERE – MODELS)

Genesis 3:15 (CSB)

I will put hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.

PROMISES JESUS

He came to show us the truth of God’s character. 

“The one who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

Mankind had lost sight of the true nature of God. If we grasp these truths, as represented in Jesus, we would have life.

———————————————————————

John 10:10 (CSB)

A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

———————————————————————

———————————————————————

Disobedience to God’s truth leads to death, but worship of His true nature leads to life.

———————————————————————

JESUS WINS A WAR (Out there) THAT WE DON’T HAVE TO FIGHT. 

IT’S JESUS’S WAR.

———————————————————————

WE ENGAGE (THE WAR WITHIN)

EVERY SINGLE HUMAN IS IN THIS WAR

We all feel the effects of the war about us AND wage the war within us.

——————————————————————

I love the underdog.

My favorite movie: The Kings Speech

America’s got talent. 

——————————————————————

You may feel beat up, like an underdog, with no influence on a supernatural or spiritual plane. 

You may feel like your life is in a tailspin; circumstances dictate your decisions, and nothing you do ever seems to work out. 

You may be in the midst of a habit or addiction battle right now!

You may be pretty comfortable, and life has been good to you, but you still feel like there is more to do and more to overcome.

——————————————————————

We all desire a shift from where we are to where we want to be, from where the world is to where it ought to be. 

——————————————————————

WE WIN THE WAR WITHIN BY BELIEVING THAT JESUS HAS WON THE WAR OUT THERE! 

JESUS MODELS HOW TO WIN THE WAR WITHIN

Luke 22:42 – The battle rages on – “if not my will but yours…”

———————————————————————

THE POSTURE OF A WARRIOR

He stepped into His identity (baptism Luke 3:21) 

He leveraged his authority (Luke 4:1-12 overcame temptation by the Word)

And fulfilled his divine purpose (Luke 4:17- 19: blind, deaf, broken-hearted).

JESUS SHOWS US HOW TO DEFEAT SATAN AND WIN THE WAR WITHIN

———————————————————————

#NEVER OVERSTEP NEVER UNDER STEP

Satan messes with our authority. “You will be like God.” “If you are the Son of God…”

John 6:38 (CSB)

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.

————————————

#DON’T GET CAUGHT IN MEDIOCRITY

Satan steals the power of the promises of God. “Did God really say?”

God’s promises are our weapons, His Word is our defense, and Who He Is is our armor.

———————————

#DEAMPLIFY DOUBT

Satan needs you to doubt Jesus’s victory. 

He wants you to doubt the intimate life-giving power of a relationship with God. 

“My prayers are not being answered.”

“I did not feel the move of God today…”

“I am not good enough for God’s love”.

———————————

# STOP THE BLAME, END THE SHAME

The longer we wait to reflect on God’s personality, the worse we feel about ourselves. Blame and shame devour us. (1 Peter 5:8)

We know who we are, so we will know what to do…

———————————————————————

3. EMBRACE VICTORY

SUPERNATURAL VICTORY

Embracing all that God’s character establishes and that Jesus’ victories provide.

———————————————————————

THE FATHERS ARMOR

Ephesians 6:13-18 (CSB)

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 

We understand the truth of God’s character, we engage from a position of Christ’s victory, and we fight the battle within through the guidance of the Holy Spirit

———————————————————————

WE DO NOT FIGHT FOR VICTORY – WE FIGHT FROM VICTORY

Our eternal impact is defined by how we fight in this war.

———————————————————————

WE FIGHT BY LIVING OUT JESUS’ VICTORY!

If you want to receive the accolades of Jesus’ victory, then you have to win the battles of the mind. We must return our thoughts to God’s character and Jesus’ victory.

John 17:3 (CSB)

This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent — Jesus Christ.

———————————————————————

1. EMBRACE GOD’S CHARCTER

Embrace the truth of God’s Character in you!

Isaiah 40:28 (CSB)

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never becomes faint or weary; there is no limit to his understanding.

———————————————————————

2. EMBRACE CHRIST’S VICTORY

1 John 4:4 (CSB)

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

———————————————————————

3. EMBRACE THE HOLY SPIRIT

Jesus won the war out there and then sent the Holy Spirit to help us win the war within.

John 14:15-17 (CSB)

If you love me, you will keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.

To step into supernatural victory, we must agree to be guided in this war by the Holy Spirit.

———————————————————————

CLOSE

The tribulations of life, the harshness of our circumstances, and the uncertainty of our world do not disqualify the truth of God’s character, the power of Christ’s victory, or the direction of the Holy Spirit. 

———————————————————————

UNDERSTAND, ENGAGE, EMBRACE

We understand that our war is about our worship and obedience to WHO God is, and we engage in this war by knowing our identity, taking authority over temptation through the Word of God, and embracing the posture of a warrior who fights from victory and not for victory.

—————————————————————

CLOSE AND CALL

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Understanding, Engaging, and Embracing in Spiritual War

There is a war about us—most assuredly a war—but it is not just out

there. There is a war within us!

ITS CALLED SPIRITUAL WAR

Understanding, Engaging, and Embracing Spiritual War

Ephesians 6:12 (CSB)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,

against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness,

against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.

EVERY SINGLE HUMAN IS IN THIS WAR

1. UNDERSTANDING

HOW DID THIS WAR START?

When God created the rhythms of thought and the human psyche,

he made a few non-negotiables on which human thought should be

based.

The war OUT THERE started the moment Satan no longer

submitted to these truths. The war WITHIN began the moment

humankind considered the idea that these truths were not absolute.

SATAN ATTACKS US TO DEFEAT GOD

• The Word is questioned.

• God’s love and righteousness are undermined.

• Our authority is overly exaggerated.

• Our purpose is corrupted.

When humans base every thought and action on the absolute

truth of God’s character, this is called obedience.Satan needs us to be disobedient by diverting our attention from

the WORD OF GOD.

Spiritual death is denying the truth of God (Disobedience).

Genesis 2:17 (CSB)

…but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good

and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.

John 10:10 (CSB)

A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so

that they may have life and have it in abundance.

GOD RESPONDS (THE WAR OUT THERE)

Genesis 3:15 (CSB)

I will put hostility between you and the woman and between your

offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will

strike his heel.

THIS IS THE WAR WE DON’T HAVE TO FIGHT. IT’S JESUS’S

WAR. WE WIN THE WAR WITHIN BY BELIEVING THAT JESUS

HAS WON THE WAR OUT THERE!

2. ENGAGE

WE FIGHT BY LIVING OUT HIS VICTORY!

If you want to receive the accolades of Jesus’ victory (more than

conquerors), then you have to win the battles of the mind. We must

return our thoughts to God’s character and Jesus’ victory.THE POSTURE OF A WARRIOR

1. NEVER OVERSTEP

John 6:38 (CSB)

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but

the will of him who sent me.

2. DON’T GET CAUGHT IN MEDIOCRITY

God’s promises are our weapons, His Word is our defense,

and Who He Is is our armor.

Matthew 13:19 (CSB)

When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn’t

understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what

was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path.

3. DEAMPLIFY DOUBT

Satan needs you to doubt Jesus’s victory.

Hebrews 11:1 (CSB)

Now, faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what

is not seen.

4. STOP THE BLAME, END THE SHAME

We know who we are, so we will know what to do…

1 Peter 5:8

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking

for someone to devour.

WE ENGAGE DAILY!

Romans 8:37

No, in all these things we are MORE than conquerors through

him who loved us.We are conquerors when we powerfully ENGAGE in the spiritual

war, but we are more than conquerors when we embrace our

supernatural impact!

3. EMBRACE

John 17:3 (CSB)

This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and

the one you have sent

— Jesus Christ.

Amid the war we embrace life..

Embracing all that God’s character establishes and that Jesus’

victories provide gives us life.

Ephesians 6:13-18 (CSB)

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil

comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have

done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth

buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in

place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from

the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of

faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil

one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which

is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all

kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always

keep on praying for all the saints.

WE DO NOT FIGHT FOR VICTORY

–

WE FIGHT FROM VICTORY

1 John 4:4 (CSB)

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because

the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.SUPERNATURAL VICTORY

Jesus won the war out there and then sent the Holy Spirit to

help us win the war within.

Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV)

We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces

perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

John 14:15-17 (CSB)

If you love me, you will keep my commands. And I will ask the

Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you

forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive

him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know

him, because he remains with you and will be in you.

To step into supernatural victory, we must agree to be

guided in this war by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit will…

• Empower and embolden your Salvation (John 3:5-6)

• Direct you to walk in God’s will and all truth (John 16:13)

(Check your thoughts)

• Guide you to reflect God’s Character (Galatians 5:22-23)

• Encourage you to react to God’s Word boldly (Acts 4:31)

(Immediate Obedience)

• Counsel you to live a Holy life – free from blame, shame, and

condemnation (Romans 8:5-6)

EASTER—2024

RENEWED

OPENING STORY: IRENA SENDLER

In the early 1900s, a young woman named Irena Sendler lived in Warsaw, Poland. During World War II, when the Nazis occupied Poland and implemented the Jewish ghetto system, Irena worked as a social worker and used her position to help Jewish families.

Risking her own life, Irena joined an underground organization called Zegota and began smuggling Jewish children out of the ghettos. She would go into the ghettos, often disguised as a nurse or carrying a toolbox, and convince families to let her take their children to safety.

Irena devised a remarkable system to keep track of the children she rescued. She wrote down their real names and placed them in jars, burying them in a friend’s garden. If the Nazis ever captured her, she hoped that the children’s true identities could be revealed, allowing them to be reunited with their families after the war.

In total, Irena is estimated to have saved around 2,500 Jewish children from the horrors of the Holocaust. Sadly, in 1943, she was arrested by the Nazis and brutally interrogated. Despite the torture, she never revealed any information about the children or her underground activities.

Irena was sentenced to death, but members of Zegota managed to bribe a German soldier, and she was released. Irena went into hiding until the end of the war, and after Poland was liberated, she dug up the jars with the children’s names and tried to locate their families. Sadly, many had perished in the Holocaust, but Irena was able to reunite some survivors with their loved ones.

Irena’s story remained largely unknown until a group of students from Kansas discovered her heroic actions in 1999. They wrote a play about her, and Irena’s story gained international recognition. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, and although she didn’t win, her legacy lives on as a symbol of courage, compassion, and selflessness in the face of unimaginable evil.

Irena Sendler’s incredible bravery and determination to save the lives of innocent children in the darkest of times serve as a reminder of the power of the human spirit. 

———————————————————————————

STORY LINK

Deep within the human spirit lies the ability to TRANSCEND our faults, flaws, and frailty to achieve something more significant, to have FAITH that the impossible can be true, and to find HOPE that there is way more to our lives than we may see in our current circumstances. And in that transcendence, faith, and that hope, love beyond ourselves.

Our human spirit was formed after God’s character. And sadly, it has been eroded by circumstance and corroded by attitude.

When it comes to our human spirit – we need some revival and renewal.

———————————————————————————

JESUS DOES THE RENEWING

John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

———————————————————————————

THERE IS POWER IN THE RENEWAL

Ephesians 1:18-20

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.

———————————————————————————

THE LOSS:

THE POWER TO TRANSCEND CIRCUMSTANCE

From dust, we were created to display the character of the divine. (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:7)

Genesis 2:7

Then, the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.

———————————————————————————

THE POWER OF FAITH

(To See the Unseen as Reality)

Made from dust but made to be the curators of life. 

Genesis 1:28

Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

———————————————————————————

THE POWER TO HOPE

When all is lost, it is not lost at all. The power to hope comes from God’s promises.

Genesis 3:15

And I will cause hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.

———————————————————————————

THE GAIN:

CONSIDER THE WORK OF JESUS

Mark 2:16-17

16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw [Jesus] eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” 

He came for those who had lost the ability to see past their current circumstance, those who had nothing left to give, nothing left to hope for, dream for, or imagine—those who had been caught up in the disease of hopelessness, blame, and shame.

Those whom others despised—Jesus loved—accepted!

He made it possible to say this: I’m a miracle. I have been living a lie; I have cheated, stolen, and allowed myself to be distracted by all the wrong things. But because of Jesus’ renewal, I am a new creation. He didn’t just make a better version of the old me. He made a new me, a completely different me. I can see past my past and current circumstances – I have a future.

———————————————————————————

CONSIDER THE CROSS OF JESUS

1 Peter 2:24

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.

…you are renewed

…you are transformed

…you are empowered

…you are freed

…you are made whole

TRANSCEND OUR CIRCUMSTANCE

———————————————————————————

CONSIDER THE BURIAL OF JESUS

It was the busiest sabbath of Jesus’ existence. It was during the sabbath that he took care of fear and restored our hope. 

1 Peter 3:19

So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— 

Those who never saw the promise deserved to know the truth of God’s promises. Even those who died without believing in Him got to be taught and hear His words.

He is helping people realize His promise is true.

———————————————————————————

CONSIDER THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS.

Acts 3:15

You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. (Peter)

Hebrews 11:1

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

We don’t just celebrate a risen King today; we celebrate a risen YOU!

THE ETERNAL MESSAGE OF JESUS.

Romans 3:22

22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

Guarded – The Disciplines of a Guarded Heart

Dr. Craig Smee

THE STORY OF JUDAS

Mark 14:10-11

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Mark 14:17-20

When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.” They were saddened, and one by one, they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?” “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me.

JUDAS WAS A SUPER DISCIPLE

THE HEART: THE CORE OF WHO WE ARE

Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Jeremiah 17:9

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who knows how bad it is? 

It is so powerful that it needs to be guarded, curated, checked, and managed.

Dallas Willard: The human heart, will, or spirit is the executive center of human life. The heart is where decisions and choices are made for the whole person. That is its function.

The decisions and choices of the heart define our character.

Our character forms the essence of who we are. It is shaped by our exposure to the work of the Holy Spirit, which transforms us and reflects the character of Christ. However, as we navigate the world and encounter different ideologies, our character can become vulnerable to shifting and cracking.

1. Beliefs in our minds sometimes translate into actions.

2. When our heart truly believes, our actions align with our beliefs.

To guard your heart means to keep Jesus as the source of your motivation. 

Keeping what He has done, what he has placed inside of you, as precious and not to be corrupted.

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…” “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.

When the fruit of the spirit is selflessly manifested in our daily disciplines, we demonstrate a generous heart and that we are wholly surrendered to Jesus’s work and power.

A guarded heart allows the flow of heaven to earth!

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

A corrupt hurt is one where the wonder of Jesus has been stolen.

The Devil shouts lies, but God whispers the truth.

What drains you?

Your defenses falter…

… when you have had enough

…when the pains of the past overwhelm with no justice

…when nothing seems to work

The alarms:

Sick of being stuck

Your talk is negative.

Habits are not holy.

Can’t break the cycle?

No matter how hard you try, you can’t win.

You have lost the vision of you…

Your defenses:

Don’t be one of these, and don’t hang out with people who are like this:

Controlling People

Critical People

Needy People

Hypocritical People – “Surely you don’t mean. me….”

Proverbs 29:25

Fear of man will be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

The highest form of protection is gratitude and praise…

Humble gratitude plus genuine praise results in the highest honor.

Example: The Seed Parable

Vulnerability to the seed allows for the depth of the root…

The Word will…

IN SUMMARY:

THE INTENTIONAL DISCIPLE

Giving Your Salvation Purpose

The Call to Purpose

Story of David (1 Samuel 16-17)

PURPOSE THE WORLD’S WAY

When the world says your life must have a purpose, it is trying to give your flesh purpose. That flesh will never deliver a life-giving purpose because we only have genuine life once we step into worshiping God in Spirit and truth.

John 10:10

A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter,  and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow! 

The Holy Spirit equips our frame (natural talents and abilities – flesh) with Spiritual Gifts for every good work. 

Hebrews 13:20-21

Now may the God who brought us peace by raising from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ so that he would be the Great Shepherd of his flock; and by the power of the blood of the eternal covenant may he work perfection into every part of you giving you all that you need to fulfill your destiny. And may he express through you all that is excellent and pleasing to him through your life union with Jesus the Anointed One who is to receive all glory forever! Amen!

To fully exercise our Holy Spirit-inspired purpose, we need to surrender to the discipleship of Jesus completely.

Discipleship is the full acceptance of the promises of Jesus.

Your purpose is to live out the promises of Jesus under the direction of the Holy Spirit for the benefit of others.

The five truths of being an intentional disciple of Jesus.

I’m INVITED – to God’s family

I’m INSPIRED – by the Holy Spirit

I’m INVALUABLE – to the impact of the Kingdom

I’m INFLUENTIAL- in the Super Natural

I’m INVESTED – in others (found or lost)

INVITED

Ever felt? Unwanted—Unworthy—Undeserving—Unwelcome? 

The world motivates you to step into your purpose from a place of rejection and hurt, but Jesus asks you to do so from a place of acceptance.

Allowing Jesus to Disciple you toward your kingdom purpose means you have to be willing to surrender your weaknesses to him through the power of vulnerability.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you,  and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.  So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.

When our flesh strives for purpose, We lie to cover over our hurt, we shrink to the back of the room, or we become the loudest at the party.

But you are invited to start living your salvation, not just acquiring it!

Jesus invites the people others reject. (He called the call girl – Luke 7)

We accept that invitation through our continual repentance.

INSPIRED

The Holy Spirit is our divine source of inspiration, guiding us through life’s journey with His gifts.

You are inspired, not invisible!

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Through His gifts, the Holy Spirit equips us to serve others, spreading love, wisdom, and grace, inspiring us to live a life that reflects His divine presence.

You are inspired the moment you accept the invitation!

INVALUABLE

You only become invaluable when you become teachable…

You only become INVALUABLE when you accept the INVITATION and submit to the Holy Spirit’s INSPIRATION.

One of the most important parts of the Gospel but the most difficult for many of us to accept.

1 Corinthians 12:22

In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary… 

1 Corinthians 12:27 

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 

It’s not about your ability but your availability.

Your story matters

Your gift matters

Your words matter

Your voice matters

Your encouragement matters

Your generosity matters

Even your weaknesses matter

INFLUENTIAL

Matthew 5:13-16  

You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Influence is not about your platform. It’s about the people.

Influence is not always instant, and it is not always obvious.

Just because you don’t see the harvest doesn’t mean the seed didn’t take root! 

Don’t have to have your life altogether to influence someone for Jesus. 

Your weakness and hurt can become your passion and someone else’s inspiration.

You have no idea how much one conversation, one word of 

encouragement, one expression of love might change someone’s life.

INVESTED

Matthew 6:19

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them and where thieves break in and steal.  

Our God has created us to pour, not store!

Those who are invested in their purpose stop at nothing to see others invited to participate in the destiny-shaping journey of discipleship.

The unity of the saved debunks the accusations of the lost.

In our local church (define) we give, we serve, we go, we do! 

Summary

I’m Invited – to God’s family

I’m inspired – by the Holy Spirit

I’m Invaluable – to the impact of the Kingdom

I’m Influential – in the Super Natural

I’m Invested – in others (found or lost)

DINNER AND THE WORD  Sessions 36 – 37  – KINGDOM DECISIONS 

MATTHEW CHAPTER SIXTEEN AND VERSE NINETEEN

END TIMES CONFUSION

In these times, hypocrisy, judgment, segregation, hate, religious dogma, lack of understanding, and many other negative labels have been levied at the Church. We don’t live in an environment where the Church is generally relevant or effective in meeting people where they need to be met. By and large, the Church, in response to its low attendance numbers and its failing finances, responds with marketing ploys and programs to draw people back to church (not the lack of capitalization). Our job is to demonstrate the King and His Kingdom AND LET HIM BRING THE RESULTS THAT THE KINGDOM BRINGS. 

“So above all, constantly seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.” Matthew 6:33-34 TPT

We make moment-by-moment decisions that keep us focused on the KINGDOM! Our focus on the Kingdom is our testimony.

THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM

And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:19 NKJV

Keys represent privilege, trust, and authority. When a teenager receives the keys to the family car, a distinct turning point has been reached. Growth, preparedness, training, and trust converge in releasing this expensive and potentially dangerous vehicle into the care and use of a son or daughter. It’s a big day and a weighty moment, for the authority granted could be as destructive as beneficial. Is the child ready? Are you ready to unlock the Kingdom’s impact on your life? The responsibility is not only the effect of that Kingdom in your life but the lives of those around you!

It is dangerous if we get it wrong, with the Church creating more religious damage than good. It would be incredible if these keys unlock our passions and abilities to see people’s lives transformed.

When Jesus said He would give His disciples “the keys of the kingdom of heaven,” He based it on each one’s coming to the same place of understanding Peter had reached when he said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). 

In other words, “the keys” are given to people who fully recognize Jesus as their King and yield to His rule as the mandate for their lives. Then, the full force of the Kingdom imparts gifts, talents, and moments that we will be used as representatives of the Kingdom to others.

THE FULL GOVERNANCE AND FORCE OF THE KINGDOM CAN NOT BE RELEASED INTO A SELF-SERVING ENVIRONMENT!

As keys give access, Jesus opens new arenas of possibility for us. As keys verify trust, Jesus entrusts arenas of service to us. And just as keys IGNITE, LOCK, and LOOSE, Christ sends us to people and circumstances waiting to be ‘turned on,’ ‘bound to,’ and ‘set free’ to the things of Heaven.

“ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN”

THE SIX KEYS THAT WILL IGNITE, LOCK, LOOSE

In the heart of every Christian lies the desire to lead a life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ. But that desire, however good, is only fulfilled once we represent Jesus to someone else! The Bible, as the foundational text of Christianity, provides invaluable guidance on how Kingdom principles should govern a Christian’s life. 

These principles serve as a compass, directing believers toward a life of love, righteousness, and service to God and others. Let’s explore some key Kingdom principles from Scripture that will release Heaven to Earth – “Let Your Kingdom Come!”

1. Seek First the Kingdom of God – PRIORITIZE KINGDOM THINKING

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus implores his followers, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This verse reminds us that our priorities should revolve around God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. Our primary focus should be advancing the Kingdom of God in all we do.

2. Love Your Neighbor as Yourself – GIVE UP SELFISHNESS

In Matthew 22:39, Jesus commands, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This principle underscores the importance of selfless love and compassion. Christians are called to treat others with the same care and respect they desire for themselves. It’s a Kingdom principle that fosters unity, forgiveness, and empathy.

3. The Beatitudes: Blessed Are… GROW YOUR KINGDOM IDENTITY

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5:3-12, contains the Beatitudes, which outline the characteristics and attitudes blessed by God. These include humility, meekness, a hunger for righteousness, and peacemaking. Embracing these Kingdom principles leads to spiritual fulfillment and reflects Christ’s nature.

4. The Great Commission… GET GOING BY GENUINELY LOVING OTHERS

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions his disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” This Great Commission underscores the importance of spreading the Gospel and sharing the Kingdom principles with the world. Christians are called to be ambassadors of God’s Kingdom, sharing the message of salvation.

5. Bearing the Fruits of the Spirit… GIVE HIM TO OTHERS

Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities should manifest in every Christian’s life, demonstrating the Holy Spirit’s transformative power and the Kingdom’s influence.

6. Be Doers of the Word… DO WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

James 1:22 reminds believers, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Kingdom principles require action, not just words. Christians are called to live out their faith through deeds of love, justice, and righteousness.

Living by Kingdom principles is not a mere aspiration but a lifelong journey for Christians. These principles provide a solid foundation for navigating life’s challenges, relationships, and purpose. By seeking God’s Kingdom, loving others selflessly, and embodying the values of the Beatitudes, Christians can fulfill their divine calling to be lights in a world in need of God’s grace and love. Through adherence to these principles, believers can experience the abundant life promised by Jesus and help bring the Kingdom of God closer to reality on Earth.

 YOUR STUDY

Conduct a comparative AIR Study of MATTHEW 5:3-12 and ROMANS 12

SUMMARY QUESTIONS