Pastor Steve Franklin speaks about forgiveness.

The Kingdom Of God Versus This World

November 8, 2020

This world system: fallen, broken, under the influence of the evil one….

(1 John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4) driven by deception, anger, pride, fear

Believers are citizens of the Kingdom of God (John 3:3; Philippians 3:20)

The Kingdom of God and the world system are in direct conflict with each other! John 18:36 (“My Kingdom” ….); 1 John 2:15 (Do not love this world); Romans 12:2 (Do not be conformed to this world)

Our Mandate in Prayer: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven” [Jesus, Matthew 6:9] Jesus is calling for the operation of Heaven’s Kingdom to operate on Earth!!!

Comparing the two Kingdoms:

Political:

World: Power/control is usurped, granted, designated

Kingdom: Authority vested in the Sovereign King: All powerful, yet Loving, Merciful, Just

Educational:

World: Based on the information of fallen, limited, deceived men apart from God’s Truth

Kingdom: Wisdom granted by the King through His Word, His Spirit, His servants

Economic:

World: Continuing efforts to glean needed resources from a limited supply, changing demand

Kingdom: All good resources belong to the King and He distributes through His agents. His system is linked to Heaven’s Resources and is unlimited!

Duration:

World: Passing away

Kingdom: Eternal …. Forever! (1 John 2:17)

“TRUST GOD: THE KEY TO DIRECTION

NOVEMBER 1, 2020

è Faith and Trust

è Proverbs 3:5, 6 – Trust: To place confidence, security

• Can He be Trusted?

• He KNOWS us! Psalm 139

• He LOVES us and has all knowledge of who and when and what about us!

 Matthew 10:29, 30

 Jeremiah 29:11 – “I know the plans I have for you ….”

• He is with us – Now and Eternally (Hebrews 13:5)

• Recognize our understanding is incomplete and even flawed!

• Romans 8:26-28 – “You do not know how to pray as you ought.”

è Invite Him into every issue, every decision! “Pray about everything

(1 Thessalonians 5:17); “In everything, by prayer” (Philippians 4:6)

è Then, “He WILL direct your steps”

• Not dictation or manipulation …. Partnerships!

“Winning In Warfare”

October 18, 2020

Session 5

2 Timothy 2:3, 4; Ephesians 6:10-18

Review

Ephesians 6:16 – The Shield of Faith: What it was, what it is.

Faith: Our weapon of defense!

Faith is essential: Hebrews 11:6, Romans 10:17; Romans 10:8, 9, 10

Faith overcomes the world! 1 John 5:4

Faith is a Gift of Grace: Ephesians 2:8, 9

Faith is our connection to the impossible: Matthew 17:20

Faith has its own mindset: 2 Corinthians 4:13

Our faith has to be stirred and released! Begins deep in our spirit and produces words and corresponding action! (See 2 Timothy 1:5-7)

“Winning In Warfare”

October 11, 2020

Session 4

2 Timothy 2:3, 4; Ephesians 6:10-18

Review

The Shoes of Peace [internal order; state of inner rest] (Ephesians 6:15)

Peace is the inner assurance, confirmation of being in line with the Spirit’s voice and direction. (See Colossians 3:15-17)

What does “the disturbing of the peace” in our spirit mean?

The flesh and the enemy are “peace disturbers”. Ask the Spirit of peace for discernment! Agree with Him and respond.

Our spirits can be “troubled” leading to great things!

2 Corinthians 7:5 – (thlibo) afflict, compress: Notice: God sent an agent of comfort!

John 11:33 (Tarrasso) stirred, agitated led to powerful action!

John 12:27; John 13:21 – facing heartache

Mark 14:33-36 – (ademoneo) heavy, distressed. Response was decision that changed history and still working!

“Winning In Warfare”

October 4, 2020

Sessions 3

Review: The Enemy Agenda: steal, kill, destroy (John 10:10) through lies; distraction; all out assault!

“I can’t be a ‘part-time’ soldier in God’s Army”

2 Timothy 2:3, 4

“Engaged” or “Entangled”: One or the other!

To be engaged: Recognize who you are!

Your Identity; your inheritance; your assignment (soldier; under authority)

What should I do to respond?

Ask for revelation about where I am vulnerable.

Worship; the Word; stay connected with right warriors!

Arm Yourself …. Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Recognize the real enemy and Resist!

The weapons must be put on!

Waist belt of Truth: The written and spoken Word of God!

The Breastplate of Righteousness: (see Romans 5:17; see 2 Corinthians 5:21) Receive [Greek lambano – to take hold of]

Reign: to Rule; exercise Kingly power

I/You/We = Soldiers: We are in a war; our unseen enemy must be resisted! (James 4:6-8)

There are agendas for our demise!! (John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8,9)

è The enemy’s activities/methods

• John 8:44: Lies; deception

• Distraction, Entanglement: Mark 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:4

 Can’t be soldier and civilian also. We serve at the pleasure of our Commander.

• All out Assault: 1 Peter 5:8, 9

è What should I do to Respond?

• Ask for revelation on where I am vulnerable (1 Peter 5; 8,9; James 4:6-8) and repent!

• Arm Yourself (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

• Stay Alert and Aligned: Worship; Word Connection

I/You/We = Soldiers: We are in a war; our unseen enemy must be resisted! (James 4:6-8)

There are agendas for our demise!! (John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8,9)

The enemy’s activities/methods

John 8:44: Lies; deception

Distraction, Entanglement: Mark 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:4

Can’t be soldier and civilian also. We serve at the pleasure of our Commander.

All out Assault: 1 Peter 5:8, 9

What should I do to Respond?

Ask for revelation on where I am vulnerable (1 Peter 5; 8,9; James 4:6-8) and repent!

Arm Yourself (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

Stay Alert and Aligned: Worship; Word Connection

“HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD”

AUGUST 16, 2020

SESSION 2

1 CORINTHIANS 2:6-16; JOHN 16:13-15

Review: He speaks; Our “hearing issues” Hindrances; Practical Approach: Praise and Thanksgiving; Invitation (Revelation 3:20)

è Revelation 3:20; Remember Luke 11:11-13

è How Do We Hear the Voice of God

• The Word (Logos, Scripture)

 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; John 6:63; Spirit Breathes Life to the Written Word; Acts 11:12 – “Spirit told me”

• The Spoken Word (John 16:13)

 Our receiver (heart, spirit) hears an internal word or message

 Internal images; impression

 Ask simple, direct questions! Listen for response.

è Other ways the Holy Spirit speaks:

• Inner, peaceful, clear direction. (Knowing) Acts 15:28

• Restraint: Acts 16:6,7

• Counsel and Covering: Acts 12:17; Acts 21:18

• Others: Acts 21:4; Acts 21:10-14

• Circumstances alignment – “Doors” Acts 14:27; Colossians 4:3

è God speaks today!

è We Have the Spirit of Truth in us

• He speaks …. John 16:13

• He declares what the Father has granted the Son! (John 16:14, 15)

 Reveals our identity and our inheritance in Christ [affirmation, ability and authority]

• Hindrances to hearing (static)

 Internal …. Mind (collects info from spirit, brain); will; emotions

 World-system …. “Under the influence” (1 John 5:19)

 Devil …. Mark 4:15 – satan/immediately

è Practical Helps!

• Approach by faith: Hebrews 11:6

 James 1:5,6; [“at work in you”; Philippians 2:13]

• Approach via Thanksgiving/Praise

 Worship: changes atmosphere of inner man!

• Invite/Desire (Revelation 3:20)

 His fellowship, communion