Simply Uncaged

Never let a religious spirit make you feel bad for loving Jesus.

Don’t let blind people lead you.

14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15:14)

What causes spiritual blindness?
Self righteousness.
Judgmental spirit.
Look down on others.
Have a list of rules.
No room for changes.

When we are talking about judgement, its an unrighteous judgement.

Jesus said we are called to judge righteously.
24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)

We must break free from spiritual blindness.

10 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. 12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” 13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 

If you want to be set free… go to Jesus!

Jesus saw her, called her to her, she came then He loosed her!

14 But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 The Lord then answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? 16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” 17 And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.

Jesus called out the ruler of the synagogue a hypocrite, because he had an issue with the woman being healed on the sabbath. 

But Jesus called him out saying he was working on the sabbath as well with the ox & donkey by leading them to water it!

This is a sign of unrighteous judgement & self righteousness.

4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)

The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Head knowledge but no revelation coming from the Holy Spirit is vanity!

7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious. (2 Corinthians 3:7-11)

12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, be

Do you need a sign to believe?

Do we always need a sign from God to believe EVERY move we make?

29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

We are called to not lean on our own understanding.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [b]direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” 39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. (Matthew 12:38-42)

What does this sign of the prophet of Jonah mean?

Can we believe someone got swallowed by a fish and live?

A man that got swallowed up for 3 days and lived? People would think they would die.

Just like Jesus sharing the analogy when He is in the heart of earth... and they believe He was dead.

But both Jonah AND Jesus were alive coming out!

25 He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher. (2 Kings 24:25)

Jonah was able to restore and take a territory with the king.

But when it was time to go into enemy territory to go to Nineveh when it was inconvenient, he said no.

Nineveh was Assyrian territory.

1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. (Jonah 1:1-3)

The people in Nineveh were NOT Jews YET they were people who repented because of the preaching of Jonah.

41 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. (Matthew 12:41)

Jesus is sharing this message to Pharisees, who were Jews... and Jesus shares this analogy how someone that is greater than Jonah is here (it's Jesus).

Yet these Pharisees and scribes can't see!

So how do we walk in this obedience to make sure we don't miss God?

11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. (Matthew 11:11-12)

What does it mean to be the least in the kingdom?

Servant.

Be a servant.

Ministry is service.

There is a difference between being powerful in the kingdom than greater.

Moses was powerful - he split the sea.
Elijah was powerful - he slayed 100's of Baal prophets.

But John the Baptist was highlighted because of his service.

We must have God's favor on our life!

To gain favor we nee

You can be a Christian and not a disciple... 

but you can't be a disciple and not a Christian.

Sharing the gospel (good news) 
- Sharing Jesus

Discipleship
-Growing in Jesus

What does it truly mean to be a disciple? 

These are the words of Jesus from the bible.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, *even* to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

We are called to MAKE dsiciples.

But we must also discern assignments.

You're not called to serve everyone, but you are called to serve someone.

Learn to be a true disciple of Christ & be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

A disciple has a teacher & Jesus is our master teacher.

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). (John 20:16)

Disciples abide in Jesus & His word.

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. (John 8:31)

Disciples love one another.

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Disciples bear much fruit.

8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:8)

Healthy starts with heal.

Jesus bled, so we don't have to bleed the rest of our life.

Let God heal you.

Learn to go through your process.

Because time doesn't heal all wounds, Jesus does.

5 Keys To A Healthy Disciple:

#1 Born Again
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”(John 3:3)

#2 Find a local Holy Spirit Filled Ministry

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)

#3 Attend bible studies weekly

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Get discipled.

#4 Submit to spiritual covering & authority

7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. (Hebrews 13:7)

#5 Serve in your local ministry

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all th

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3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

A stronghold is a castle, wall, fortress.

It is a thought that the enemy is using to take real estate on our mind.

We must learn how to ‘pull down’ these strongholds in Jesus name.

Strongholds are arguments, reasonings or patterns that influence our thoughts.

What we believe, we speak.

What we speak becomes our reality.

We MUST discern the difference between the lies & truth!

You can’t control what flies through your mind, but you can control what lands on your mind.

We must believe that God has the best plan for us.

Our God doesn’t break promises, but He does break chains.

So we must know how to lean on the Lord’s understanding, truth & promises.

The enemy will always try to pervert the promises of God.

3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:3-4)

(John 11:23-27)

(John 11:40-44)

We want people who pray, hear, AND obey Jesus.

Jesus could of loosened Lazarus after He resurrected him… but Jesus instructed the people around Lazarus.

(1 Samuel 22:1-5)

David gathered with people of the same dysfunction… distress, debt & discontented.

Hiding in a cave, or a dark place… but there comes a time where you must move forward. You can’t meditates on former and forward at the same time.

David goes to a stronghold but doesn’t stay here & he gets instruction from a prophet of God to not stay there.

Real prophets 

Instruction without direction is dysfunction.

How to break strongholds?

#1 God’s word

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

#2 Prayer

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:17-19)

#3 In Jesus name

17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

David was a man after God’s heart.

A music minister.

A warrior & king.

God looks at the heart.

7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (James 1:19)

God created music.

Music was God’s idea.

Whatever is attached to God’s promise, the enemy will try to pervert His promise with lies.

There’s only two kingdoms, the kingdom of darkness or the kingdom of light.

You either serve one and hate the other and vise versa.

24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)

A few verses on music…

5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:5)

18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, (Ephesians 5:18-19)

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)

The music from the Lord should allow us to sing unto what pleases the Lord from our heart!

Music has such a powerful effect on us.

When David was playing music, that distressing spirit left King Saul.

23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. (1 Samuel 16:23)

Music has an effect over our mind, thoughts, soul, & life!

14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him. 15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. 16 Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well.” 17 So Saul said to his servants, “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me.” ( 1 Samuel 16:14-17)

Whenever you receive things that are not from God… music, temptation, things you see that is not of the Lord.

Shift your focus!

Set your mind on the things above.

2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)

Shift your focus towards Jesus.

2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

5 questions to ask when listening to Christian Music?

#1 Does it glorify God?

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

#2 Does it hinder your spiritual growth & does it feed your spirit?

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:2-4)

#3 Does it push me closer to God?

 What is stewardship?

It's the careful & responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care. 

Stewardship isn’t just about handling our money and possessions well but in all aspects of our lives. He’s entrusted with resources to use for the expansion of His kingdom: time, talents, treasures (finances), and the testimony of our transformation in Christ.

Faithful stewardship requires us to understand that everything belongs to God and He’s simply allowing us to steward what He’s given us. 

God created the heavens and the earth, called everything good and then He made man and woman. He then gave Adam and Eve the assignment to tend to the garden that He had made. 

God blessed them and called them to be fruitful and multiply. 

Sometimes an answered prayer looks like work: God doesn’t always bless us with the result; He gives us the seed and we get to do our part and He does the increase in due season at the appointed time.

Faithful stewardship requires partnership with the Holy Spirit who teaches us in the ways of righteousness. It is only through dependence on the Lord that we're able to cultivate an excellent spirit in all that He blesses us to steward. 

You can be faithful in your stewardship even if you have imperfections. 
God can still use you.

David was a fornicator and murderer but God still used him. 
Apostle Paul murdered Christians before encountering the Lord and he was still used mightily for the kingdom of God. 
You may have a past that was displeasing to God but the blood of Jesus washes you clean white as snow. 

God can do immeasurably more but that requires you to get to the end of you and walk out your obedience. 

Keys to faithful stewardship:

1. Love the Lord

This is a principle of priority. When Jesus was asked what’s the greatest commandment, He responded “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-39). We first serve God above all then serve others. 

Jesus says in Matthew 6:33 

When we seek Him 1st, He provides everything we need to proceed according to His plans and purposes.

2. Live according to the word of God

As believers, followers & disciples of Jesus Christ, we must be willing to live set apart lives.

Jesus calls us the salt and light of the world commanding us to let our light shine before men so they may see and glorify our Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16

Paul says in Romans 12:1-2

Daily we get to make the decision to conform to godly patterns & wisdom not worldly ones.

When we aim to live as faithful stewards of all that God has given to us, we’ll also do regular inventory: First, evaluate, reflect & take accountability for every area of your life. Then surrender and let go of old patterns and ways of thinking (living an active lifestyle of repentance).

Repentance simply put is to make a decision to change our mind about what we were once doing that’s displeasing to the Lord.

It is the Holy Spirit who reveals when there is something we are missing the mark on or something that’s diverting our attention from trusting in God

Do your part to the best of your ability & surrender the rest to God. 

3. Labor in love & nurture your relationships

How we treat others is a reflection of the encounter and depth of how we’ve experienced the love of God

John 15:9-13

1 John 4:7-8 

Not only is partnership with the Holy Spirit crucial to faithful stewardship, kingdom partnerships are crucial as well.

When you see a healthy church flock, it's led by a healthy shepherd. When you see a healthy business, it's a

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How can we be the salt of this earth if we continue to sugarcoat the gospel?

Matthew 5 is the sermon on the mount, the MOST heard & studied sermon in all of history.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples.

Matthew 5 Jesus opened up about the characteristics of being a child of God.

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the [a]earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3-10)

Why did God identify us as ‘salt’?

Salt was used for salary or wages.
Salt was to sign agreements & build covenants.
Salt was for seasoning.
Salt was used for preservation.

We are called salt & salt preserves things.. & we’re called to be the salt of this earth.

Our assumption from biblical wisdom is ‘maybe’ this earth is ‘decaying’?

Decaying in thinking.
Decaying in atmospheres.
Decaying in environments.
Decaying & rotting.
Perishing.

We are called to preserve.

When anything is rotting, decaying, or perishing… it may also be housing fungus.

My identity MUST be found in Christ.

How we see ourselves is how we affect the environments and people around us.

Identity determines our function.

& the enemy wants us to function in dysfunction.

Jesus was the greatest example of this.

I am the bread. (John 6:35)
I am the shepherd. (John 10:11)
I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:26)
I am the way the truth & the life. (John 14:6)

34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Luke 14:34)

49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” (Mark 4:49-50)

Make sure you are salt that's seasoned!

Seasoned with God's grace.
Seasoned with God's love.
Seasoned with God's light.

The more time we spend seeking Jesus, the more we can become like Him.

The lie is the seed.

Deception is the fruit.

Spiritual warfare is the lie vs. the truth.

One of the biggest lie is when people believe their lie is the truth.

There are differences between what’s true and truth.

What’s true might change… you might have worked out in the gym 3 times a week in 1 season, but now you are only going once a week.

That was once ‘true’ but is no longer true in this season, what’s true can CHANGE.

God’s worth is truth.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16)

God’s word lives and abides forever.

23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 2:23-25)

We as God’s children are fearfully & wonderfully made.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. (Psalm 139:14)

We as God’s children are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath!

13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. (Deuteronomy 28:13)

God’s word is TRUTH that is NEVER changing.

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” (Acts 5:1-4)

We can discern that it starts in the heart.

When Peter called out Ananias on a heart that Satan filled to lie… it shows how the enemy attacks our heart.

5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead , and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. (Acts 5:5-11)

We must also be mindful of WHO we are connected with that may influence us.

Both Ananias & Sapphira were in agreement which allowed them to to ‘breathe their last’.

The influence from the enemy that enters our heart is dangerous!

How to fight against the lie?

God’s word.

Jesus responds with “It Is Written” to be able to combat against the devil’s lies.

The enemy leverages eyes to be able to distract our sight with what we see. Then enemy uses language to attack the identity. While the enemy is doing this… he lies by using scripture & lie to get you confused.

6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Le

Revival Starts within before it starts without.
Revival starts with a heart of repentance.
& intimacy with God requires a true heart of repentance.

Throughout the bible there are a few revivalist we can point out.

Jonah - Jonah 3
John the Baptist - John 1:19
Philip the Evangelist - Acts 8
Peter - Acts 2
Jesus - Mark 1:14

All carried a message of repentance that lead to revival.

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. ( 1 Corinthians 15:3-6)

Jesus revealed himself to over 500 people.

But why were there only 120 people on the day of pentecost in the upper room?

Even though people have had an encounter with Jesus, will they continue to follow Jesus & follow through with instructions on their life?

 1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)

Those that received the Holy Spirit in the upper room had an mighty encounter with God & His Spirit.

Right before this encounter Peter denied Jesus 3 times.

He denied Jesus before a little girl & the scriptures say after that he cursed (possibly out of frustration).

Then after Peter got filled with the Holy Spirit, he preached a message of repentance & boldly about Christ... then 3,000 souls came over to the kingdom of God.

The Holy Spirit will TRANSFORM YOU!

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38)

12 Keys To Revival

#1 Revival is a hunger for God. Matthew 6:33
#2 Revival requires prayer. Acts 1:14
#3 Revival flows with unity. Acts 2:1
#4 Revival is a sound. Acts 2:2 
#5 Revival carries a message of repentance. Acts 2:38
#6 Revival starts within before without. 
#7 Revival allows God’s hand over your life. Acts 11:21
#8 Revival releases the supernatural. Acts 8
#9 Revival brings restoration. Jeremiah
#10 Revival actives surrender.
#11 Revival sees rejection as redirection.
#12 Revival breeds intimacy with God.

How to continue to carry revival?
#1 Priority
Make God a priority. Seek ye first the kingdom of God. May He be the one that leads you and guides you into all righteousness.

#2 Pray

If you're prayer less you're powerless. Prayer changes things, if you don't pray, things change you. Pray without ceasing.

#3 Pour
Let God pour into you, then allow that overflow to pour into others. It's hard to pour into a cup that's full... make sure you empty yourself of YOU so you can have more of God! Refer to John 3:30.