Here’s Sunday’s Sermon.

Charles H. Spurgeon Quote: “Time is short. Eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life be lived in the light of eternity.

To make the best use of your life, you must never forget two truths: First, compared with eternity, life is extremely brief. Second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won't be here long, so don't get too attached.-Rick Warren

Text: “Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here.” - Colossians 3:2 (TLB)

Ephesians 2:6 (NLT) - "For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus."

* This heavenly citizenship, in Christ, brings joy and a rightful claim to God's kingdom, transforming our earthly existence.

I want to speak to you about your authority and mindset today. Especially in these challenging times.

Let’s look at some quotes about Spiritual Authority!

“I can’t afford to live in reaction to darkness. If I do, darkness has had a role in setting the agenda for my life. The devil is not worthy of such influence, even in the negative. Jesus lived in response to the Father. I must learn to do the same.”― Bill Johnson, Hosting the Presence: Unveiling Heaven's Agenda

Jesus Christ is God’s rule. And Jesus Christ is God’s presence. Wherever Christ is, there is the kingdom.” — Frank Viola

“You are not fighting for victory—you are fighting from victory. This battle has already been won!”― Tony Evans,

I want to plant a seed to make you a kingdom optimist: The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.

A problem world is a Champion's Paradise.- Mike Murdock

It’s never too late to learn and implement these principles. “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now.” — Chinese proverb

We're called to R.I.S.E. – Reign, Inspire, Stand, and Empower.

RISE- Put on your Crown

INSPIRE- Hand on heart then out palms out

STAND- Power Pose

EMPOWER- Palms up lift

R - Reign with Christ- Put on your crown

[Rom 5:17 NLT] 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

“Simply defined, prayer is earthly permission for heavenly interference.”― Tony Evans,

[Mat 6:5-6 NLT] 5 "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

[Mat 7:7 NLT] 7 "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Prayer is the place where we win or lose our fights, and God intends for us to have victory.

Prayer begets peace and power that can lead to prosperity and progress. Did you know that you can't see your reflection in boiling water? Just like that, when consumed by anger, it becomes difficult to see the truth clearly. 

I - Inspire Others (hand gesture: Heart to extended hand)

[1Pe 2:12 NLT] 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.

[Pro 11:30 NLT] 30 The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.

Our life in Christ should inspire others toward righteousness. It's about leading by faith-filled actions and words.

Be the Salt (flavor, medicine, preserve, make thirsty) and the Light (Shine, Beacon, attract, reflect)

Sticky Statement: "Live so compellingly in Christ that your life demands an explanation."

Early Church Quote: "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words." – Francis of Assisi

S - Stand in Victory (stand tall hand on hips…power pose)

[1Co 15:57-58 NLT] 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

You are not fighting for victory—you are fighting from victory. This battle has already been won!”― Tony Evans,

For/From is a difference maker

"Fighting for victory" means you're trying to win something you don't have yet. "Fighting from victory" means you're starting with a win already in hand.

“Satan often tries to prevent you from taking the spiritual realm seriously. If he can divert your attention away from the spiritual realm, he can keep you away from the only place where your victory is found. If he can distract you with people or things you can see, taste, touch, hear, or smell, he can keep you from living a life of victory.” ― Tony Evans, Victory in Spiritual Warfare: Outfitting Yourself for the Battle

E - Empower Others (lift gesture)

[Heb 10:24-25 NLT] 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Empowering others in Christ is our call. Like Christ, we uplift and encourage, instilling hope and strength each other.

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.- Edith Wharton

As Spurgeon wrote in his sermon A Wafer of Honey, “Our infirmities become the black velvet on which the diamond of God’s love glitters all the more brightly.”

Closing Scripture:

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

Remember, let's embrace this divine authority, living out the fullness of our calling in Christ Jesus!

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