WAR ROOM

Know Who You Are

July 24, 2016

Please turn in Bibles Nehemiah 8:10b: (NIV)

“…the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10b (ref. John 1:12, 1John 3:1-2a)

1: It’s the Lord’s joy.

Then I will go to the altar of God, to

God my exceeding joy…”

Psalm 43:4a

El Simchah Gil: God of exceedingly great joy

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you

and that your joy may be complete.”

John 15:11 (ref. Revelation 19:6-7, Psalm 30:5b)

2: It’s a joy that’s available to you.

“…behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is

born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

“…for the joy set before Him He endured the cross,

scorning its shame…”

Hebrews 12:2b (ref. Romans 15:13)

3: It’s a practical kind of joy.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 (ref. Psalm 121:1, Mark 4:19, John 7:37-38)

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

WAR ROOM

Battle Zone

July 17, 2016

Please turn in Bibles to Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV)

WHY BOTHER TO PRAY!!

1: Why bother; God already knows what He’s going to do!!

2: Why bother; it’s too disappointing!!

3: Why bother; the last thing I need is another thing (Stress)!!

4: Why bother; who needs it!!

WHY BOTHER TO PRAY??

First: To Enjoy God: “Our Father…”

Two: To Become Like Jesus

Three: To receive God’s gifts

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will

be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds,

and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV)

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)

Four: For the sake of those who are far from God

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

WAR ROOM

Grace Overflow

July 10, 2016

Please turn in Bibles: Luke 11:1-2, Matthew 6:5-8, 2Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

(Compare Luke 11:1-2a, Matthew 6:5-8)

Contrast: Where Not to Pray Vs Where to Pray

Where Not to Pray: Anywhere that’s about the applause of men

Where to Pray: Anywhere that’s about a relationship with your Heavenly Father

(ref. Matthew 6:6b NKJV)

Wherever you pray always be confident that…

1: Prayer is really about God being glorified

…without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything

according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—

whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

1John 5:14

2: Prayer is really about God’s intervention: He responds

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and

mighty things, which you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV);

…pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father

who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Matthew 6:6b

3: Prayer is really about walking in God’s blessing.

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having

all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2Corinthians 9:8

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

WAR ROOM

Brother Knocking

July 3, 2016

Please turn in your Bibles: Luke 11:1-2a and Hebrews 10:19-25 (NIV)

Luke 11:1-2a: “When You Pray”

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of his disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray…

Luke 11:1-2a

1) Do you pray?

2) When do you pray?

1: Scheduled Prayer: Regular times to practice God’s presence

A: Morning Prayers: wake up with a moment of gratitude

B: Meal-Time Prayers: it’s good to pause together to remember where it all comes from

C: Meet with God Prayers: scheduled extended time to be with the Father

2: Spontaneous Prayer: Sometimes we just go with it

“Pray without ceasing.” 1Thessalonians 5:17

Hebrews 10:19-25: Three “Let Us” Statements

1: Let us draw near to God (V 22)

2: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess (V 23)

3: Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (V 24-25)

WAR ROOM

Jesus Knocking

June 26, 2016

Please turn in Bibles: Revelation 3:14-22 (NIV)

…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

Problem of Pride (V 17): Pride blinded them to their desperate need

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.

Isaiah 55:1-2

Result of Pride (V 15-16): Lukewarmness-of no practical use

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:15-16

Solution to Pride (V 19-20)

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:19-20

Question: Has God provided so beautifully for us that we have forgotten how desperately we need Him?

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today?

FATHER’S DAY

The End of Worry

June 19, 2016

Please turn in Bibles: Phil. 4:6-7 (NIV)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Worry about nothing; pray about everything

Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. 1Peter 5:7

Three Substitutes for Worry (Philippians 4:6-7)

1: Give it up (petition/supplication)

2: Give Thanks

3: Get Peace

Giving it Up + Giving Thanks = Great Peace

4: Graze on the right stuff

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

5: Gather with encouraging people

…encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1Thessalonians 5:11

6: Get in the presence of God

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Know Your Faith

Check Your Sources: 2Peter 1:12-21

June 12, 2016

Please turn to 2Peter 1:12-21 (NKJV)

Big Idea: to draw from God’s Word and the promise of Christ’s return with great confidence

For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of things,

though you know and are established in the present truth.

2Peter 1:12

“Remind” (V 5-9): Cause + Effect = Assurance

How do I know the Bible is true? (ref. John 5:39)

1: I know the Bible is true because it tells me so…

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…

2Timothy 3:16a (NKJV).

Inspired (theopneustos): Theo = God + Pneustor = Inspired

“…holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

2Peter 1:21b

2: I know the Bible is true because it validates itself

3: I know the Bible is true because I know the Author personally

“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them

you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify

about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

John 5:39

“Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

John 2:19

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Know Your Faith

A Fruitful Faith: 2Peter 1:1-11

June 5, 2016

Please turn to 2Peter 1:1-11 (NKJV)

Big Idea: to never wonder if a life lived in faith is worth it.

-What does it mean to live a fruitful life?

-Does anyone here even want a fruitful life?

“For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren

nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2Peter 1:8

Knowledge of God (1:2, 3:18): to knowing Him deeply, personally, intimately

1: The Cause: Something to know. Know Him

App: Do you know Him?

2: The Effect: Some things to be about (V 5-8). Fruit that will last

App (Cause): In Christ, God gives everything we need to successfully live the Christian life

App (Effect): We must be intentional to work out the fruit

working in us

3: Cause + Effect = Something to be sure of (V 10-11)

App: Are you willing to allow God to empower you in this matter of bringing forth these kinds of fruits?

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

The big idea: “Jesus paid the price for our Freedom, so, get up and move, live in freedom!”

John 8:31-36 & Galatians 5:13-15

The Battle Jesus fought is described in Isaiah 53:3-9

Which Chair are you living in today?

…the Chair of sin and death or the Chair of the Cross and freedom!

Four clear lessons we can grasp today are that we must recognize the truth, embrace His gift, be set free, and follow Jesus.

1. Recognize the truth – God’s word is the truth (John 8:31-36)

2. Embrace the gift – (Roman 6:23)

3. Be set free – (Gal. 5:1)

4. Follow Jesus – be his disciple (Matt. 4:19)

Jesus paid the price; Jesus paid the cost of your freedom!

Galatians 5:13-15

Are you living in freedom today?

1. We have been called to live in freedom! v. 13

2. Our freedom was given so we would serve and love one another!

3. Do not use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature

4. Build each other up in love, instead of biting, devouring or destroying

one another

Galatians 5:22-25 — Freedom means living in the fruit of the spirit… against these things there is no law!

Live in… Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control!

Do you believe there is Freedom in Christ today?

Do you believe there is freedom from death today?

…Freedom from darkness

…Freedom from shame

…Freedom from defeat

…Freedom from fear

…Freedom from sorrow

…Freedom from dread

…Freedom from Death

Today move to freedom in Christ! Move…

From Sin to Forgiveness

From death to life

From darkness to light

From defeat to victory

It’s time to move…

From shame to grace

From Worthless to priceless

From Unqualified to qualified

From fear to faith

Are you ready to move…

From sorrow to joy

From dread to expectation

From Hate to Love

From bondage to freedom

From your prison to Christ

Move today!

Its time to move, to move from prison to freedom, move from sin to the cross!

THE FRUIT OF FORGIVENESS

May 22, 2016

Please turn in Bibles: Luke 15:23: (NIV)

(Ref. Matthew 26:27-28, Romans 3:23-24, 1John 3:1)

-The Fullness of Forgiveness: understanding how great the Father’s forgiveness is toward us

-The Fruit of Forgiveness: allowing Him to empower us for the same

(Ref. Matthew 18:21-22, Genesis 4:24 NKJV)

Four Must-Know Truths from Parable of Unmerciful Servant:

(Ref. Matthew 18:23-35)

1: God has forgiven you and me a debt beyond measure

2: God wants to make the forgiven forgivers

• Forgiveness doesn’t mean instant reconciliation

• Forgiveness doesn’t mean that there’s no accountability

• Forgiveness doesn’t mean we forget

• Forgiveness doesn’t mean we immediately trust

-Forgiveness literally means to loosen the grip we’re holding on someone’s neck

-Unforgiveness is an effort to keep someone locked up, punished or out of our lives (Ref. Luke 6:36, Ephesians 4:32)

3: We cannot fully forgive in our own strength

4: Forgiveness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Ref. Gal. 5:16-17, 22-25)

App: Are you willing to allow God to empower you in this matter of forgiveness?

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the

sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the

Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are

in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want…

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16-17, 22-25

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?