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3 Characteristics Of A Sacred Assembly

Opposite of Las Vegas – what happens here does not stay here!

Joel 1:14 – Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.

Sunday we talked about the cure for judgment.

 

3 Characteristics Of Calling A Sacred Assembly

 

1. Fasting preceded the assembly: like soil, we must prepare the heart.

2. The call is to all believers.

3. Go to the place of anointing: take action – “I’ve had enough.”

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3 Characteristics Of A Sacred Assembly

 

Joel 2:12 “Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him—

1. “Turn to Me with all your heart?” There can’t be hidden areas of rebellion, ulterior motives, or Plan B’s.

 

It must start with a complete turning, a heart breaking, and a prideful man repenting.

Zechariah 7:5, “When you fasted and mourned did you really fast for me – for me?”

 

2. Position yourself to receive from God – fast, weep, and mourn

 

WHY SHOULD WE WEEP AND BE SAD?

The most popular pornography site draws 80 million visitors a day—more traffic than Pinterest, Tumblr, or PayPal.

Mass shootings.

Children, teens, and young adults are lost – our future leaders. [Tide Pods]

Marriage is being mocked, abortion is taking nearly 3000 lives a day – 56,993,299.

Would the blind beggar have been healed? Would Rachael have conceived?

GOD says, “I HEAR THE GROANS AND THE CRIES” – No parent goes to the room of a newborn if they’re content.

Real prayer is travail – BUT it can’t be fake.

3. “Rend your hearts – not your garments.” A Hard Heart Will Prevent Revival

Jonah 4:2, “O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.”

Jonah was mad – critical, judgmental, and negative: “Negativity is a tendency to be downbeat, disagreeable, and skeptical. It’s a pessimistic attitude that always expects the worst.”

Stop the criticism – the complaining – and the polarization of politics!

A complainer will not experience renewal.

Read more →

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4 Prayers God Answers

Prayer is asking heaven to invade earth – to alter and change.

 

It aligns my will with Gods – the self-will is restrained.

 

“Discipline in prayer is everything. It’s the only thing that will keep you going when all else fails. No marriage stays together because of romance, but commitment. The same thing applies to God.” John Piper paraphrased

Context: 1:17 Then God assigned a huge fish to swallow Jonah. Jonah was in the fish’s belly three days and nights.

 

1. THE HUMBLE PRAYER: REMOVE THE CHIP ON YOUR SHOULDER – Psalm 66:18 (NKJV) If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.

 

“I don’t deserve this; Yeah, it’s my fault, but…; You don’t know what I’ve been through; I’ll figure something else out…”

 

Why is the humble prayer so effective? “God, I need You – help!”

             . . . God’s will and ours can’t live in the same fish.

 

2. THE INITIATING PRAYER: Deliverance came from initiating – “to cause an action or process to begin.”

If My people pray…

2:1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. 2 And he said: “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, And He answered me. “Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice.

God sometimes leaves us in challenging situations until we call out. John Newton was rocked by a raging sea.

3. THE TARGETED PRAYER- Prayer Must Be Aimed in the Right Direction

“His God” – is He yours? Millions pray but millions are not heard.

Be specific – Example of “will you marry me?” Be Bold and Audacious!

By whose authority are you speaking? In Jesus name

Pray according to God’s will: James 4:3 [NIV] “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

 

GOD, CHANGE THEM, BUT HE WANTS TO CHANGE YOU.

GOD, TAKE AWAY THIS DIFFICULTY AT WORK, BUT HE IS WORKING IN YOU.

GOD, CLEAN THIS MESS, BUT HE WANTS TO CLEAN YOU.

GOD, OPEN FINANCIAL DOORS, BUT HE…YOU TO CLOSE DOORS OF RECKLESS SPENDING.

GOD, TAKE AWAY THIS STRUGGLE, BUT HE WANTS YOU TO FIGHT

4. THE DESPERATE PRAYER – This prayeroften speaks the loudest.

Affliction and pain can be used as high octane fuel for prayer. Listen to Sunday’s message – Don’t Let Pain Define You: https://youtu.be/XasI8fLfU_8

 

In the depths of despair – the complete absence of hope – HE HEARD ME!

 

Desperation – leads to focused attention and more earnest seeking.

 

Psalm 142:6 [NIV] Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.

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Don’t Let Pain Define You

WHEN YOU are offended pt. 1

 

When You have been hurt and offended – wounded.

 

There is legitimate pain, but most offenses need to be released – They reveal PRIDE is at work when they are not –

 

Romans 12:16 [ESV]: Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly…

 

How can the Holy Spirit in you stay at odds with the Holy Spirit in the other person?

+Usher shirts, +flip flops, +coffee in the auditorium, +people didn’t greet me, +no invite to B-day party…

 

GOD HELP US – and we wonder why we know nothing of the Spirit-filled life

 

 

THE GREATEST LESSON: Don’t Let Pain Define You

 

How you handle pain will affect every area of life.

 

Will you allow anger to stifle you? Will you allow painful experiences to push you away?

 

Will you allow an “unfair life” to turn into bitterness? Will you allow teasing and critical remarks to affect your entire life?

 

HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE

PARENTS – If you walk around defeated, so will your children. If you lash out at them, they will lash out at others.

 

GREATER: The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. [His coach verbally assaulted him.]

Turn offenses back on the enemy – use them a stepping stones.

KEY: God looks to see how we handle offense. The responsibility falls on us.

 

So Let the ruins come to life / In the beauty of Your Name / Rising up from the ashes / God forever You reign

 

 

Jesus can relate: Herod tried to kill Him; the religious leaders mocked Him and accused Him; His own people crucified Him, and His disciples forsook Him.

 

 

1. CLEAN THE TOXIC THOUGHT LIFE: Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.

 

Healing comes from releasing.

Reconciliation is the heart of God – it involves releasing more than restoration.

 

 

Those who need to hear this the most are often the most defensive –

I HAVE FORGIVEN THEM! YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M GOING THROUGH!

 

An angry attitude is often a sign that we are still stuck in pain mode – “Out of the heart, the mouth speaketh.”

 

Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

 

IN SHORT: Cut out all backbiting and unwholesome talk.

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How Does God Direct Us?

LESSONS FROM JONAH pt.1

DIRECTION, DISOBEDIENCE, DISCLOSURE, DETOURS, DISCIPLINE, DELAYS, and DIVINE INTERVENTION.

1:1 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.

DIRECTION – “The word of the Lord came to Jonah.” Was it audible? A deep impression? A word from someone else? Did he have a parchment of the O.T.?

What we do know – It Was The Lord.

THE MOTIVE TEST: Go and help others is often the call – or humble yourself – or go restore something.

Direction often aligns with passion and calling – Jonah was a prophet: “‘I see women coming to my home for mentoring’, one women says.” “I see a solid Bible study group developing and curriculum.” “I see myself on foreign soil.”

THE BIBLICAL TEST: You may not feel led to do things that are clearly outlined in His will – “when you give; when you pray; when you fast.”

THE HOLY SPIRIT TEST: Is there peace and assurance?

THE COUNSEL TEST: There is safety in godly counsel. I can’t think of one time I went against it, but it’s not bullet-proof.

An open door isn’t always the right door.

THE WISDOM TEST: Is it wise? I don’t mean doesn’t it make sense financially, but is it wise – “Wisdom is the principal thing.” Not wise from our view, but God’s.

THE WAITING TEST: “Those who wait [not rush] on the Lord will renew their strength.” Buying a house, or a car, or major decisions – often, it’s not rushed.

THE PRAYER TEST: Have you been praying? God show me vs God here is what I’m doing.

A Word About Words – 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, “Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.” They don’t lead, but confirm, reinforce, and/or convict.

 

Much of what we believe comes from who we listen to as well as our experiences.

 

Like me standing at the base of a wall – my daughter’s going to jump into my hands. She can see my hands just like I see the principals in the Word of God, but when she hears the Father speak, it brings tremendous comfort, boldness, and faith.

 

AGAIN – 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, “Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.” They don’t lead, but confirm, reinforce, or convict.

EXAMPLE FROM WCF – Leaving a very good job to help young women.

WISDOM: Did God tell you to do something or did someone else? Look at the character of the person offering an opportunity –

WAIT: It’s when we are rushed, perplexed, and confused that we rush ahead – “roll the dice.”

Pray – “God, I need to know if this is from You. I’m going to stay, pray,

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The Pain of Discipline Over Pain of Regret

WHEN YOU Series pt. 3

 

INTRO: All 3 areas we’ve been discussing require DISCIPLINE

 

A] Throughout Scripture: He disciplines us – then we DISCIPLINE our bodies.

 

Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the one you discipline, LORD, the one you teach…

 

Jack Hayford, “You can’t cast out the flesh or discipline a demon.”

John MacArthur, “True faith is never seen as passive – it is always obedient.”

RECAP from 2017: We cannot be filled with the Spirit and always giving into fleshly desires – it makes us very weak spiritually.

 

B] The message of self-denial is not POPULAR, but it is powerful.

Tom Landry – The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don’t want to do, in order to achieve what they’ve always wanted to be.

 

C] This message will set the stage for FASTING – lean, mean, fighting machine.

 

Failing to equip in this area, would be like the marines failing to equip soldiers.

 

D] We can’t go right into fasting without the FOUNDATION: Concrete before Wood.

 

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Scriptural Support – ON THE SCREEN – Romans 6:16 NASB “Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death [regret], or of obedience resulting in righteousness [discipline]?”

Either way, we are slaves – “The pain of discipline over the pain of regret.”

 

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

 

Yield to the Spirit: “I feel this desire coming up. I’m going to say NO, and yield.”

Titus 1:8 NIV Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

 

John Wesley required fasting so that leaders disciplined their appetites.

Wm. Penn, “No man is fit to command another who cannot command himself.”

 

1 Corinthians 9:26 NIV …I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

 

DISQUALIFIED: ineligible for an office because of infringement.

 

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FASTING: Now that the stage is set, let’s present the Main Attraction –

 

Important Doctrines are always attacked – the Holy Spirit, inerrancy, holiness…

When Jesus tells us to do something, the outcome is good – More at WCFAV.org.

1 VERSE – Matt. 6:16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. [Luke 5:35 – “they will fast”.] For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting.

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When You Call Down Heaven

WHEN YOU Series pt. 2

INTRO: The When You Series is about motives and a deeper walk with Christ.

The Priority is not worship or preaching – Those who lack prayer lack power.

I have an extension cord and a light – but without power they are useless.

TO CALL DOWN HEAVEN YOU HAVE TO ENGAGE HEAVEN.

Capture, Grip, Attract – are you engaging?

Motivation is the key – “Lord, give me a passion to pray” – remove distractions.

It’s all about POSITIONING: 3 stages

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Matthew 6:5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

I. Position Yourself Toward God, Not Man

Those who pray to be noticed.

Long prayers [that are not Spirit-led] may fall in this camp.

Most prayers in the Bible are short. You don’t always need to expand –

Just hit the nail on the head.

When you say, “Brother, let us pray” – make sure that you are promoted by passion, not pride.

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6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

II. Position Yourself to Receive

Motivation is the key.

The Secret Place: Not known or seen by others – that’s where God is.

David McIntyre’s book, The Hidden Life of Prayer: “You need 1. a quiet place, 2. a quiet hour, and 3. a quiet heart.”

QUIET PLACE: “We wrestle not against flesh and blood” – This is wrestling with no rules.

The devil is not sympathetic – he doesn’t back down, he speeds up. The quiet place slows down his pace as well as yours.

QUIET HOUR: Prayer is the priority. “Seek ye first…” – We should prioritize our day around prayer.

If someone says, “Are you free?” Response – “No, I can’t meet you at Starbucks – I have a 7am appt.”

Until we stop making excuses that we’re too busy to pray we won’t see a Breakthrough – Break Through.

QUIET HEART:

“Blessed are the poor in Spirit [beggars]” – deeply destitute, completely lacking resources;helpless as a beggar.

Vain Repetition occurs when we are bored or ritualistic in our prayers.

III. Positioning Has a Price – “The PRICE of prayerlessness far exceeds the price of prayer.”

It’s a WEAPON – not a box on a checklist.

BREAK every chain is not just a song people sing!

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When You Do Good

WHEN YOU Series pt. 1

Intro: “When you” has instructions and benefits. Motives are the key – why we do something.

The thought of a wrong motive is not yet sin.

Matthew 6 (NKJV) “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

WHEN YOU DO A CHARITABLE DEED its not to be announced.

JAMES 1:27 NASB Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

ALMS – food, money, and provision

2 Thessalonians 3:10, “…If any will not work, neither let him eat.”

We are to err on the side of Grace, but use wisdom. Not doing anything is just as bad as self-promotion.

Sidenote: “keep oneself unstained [unspotted / untarnished] by the world.”

By the way, in case you thought helping others covers it, not so – holiness is important.

Lukewarm believers often help those in need to avoid obedience.

HOW TO DO A CHARITABLE DEED

…when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men.

Do not bring attention to it. If attention finds you, that’s different.

3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

Left and right hand – hyperbole to show the seriousness.

Giving releases me from Idolatry (not Dollar Tree) and releases the blessing. Give food, provision, and things away: It has to hit where it hurts.

Don’t give to others or the church if it belongs at the dump.

Giving time: a listening and supportive ear is often better than a full stomach. Our priorities reveal our heart. Are we always on the run…too busy for others?

THE ORDER OF RESPONSIBILITY: provide for your family and live below your means. From that provision, you then reach out to orphans and widows.

The Old Testament had a tithe and other requirements; the NT is generosity from a cheerful heart to those in need and those who build us up spiritually – from the nursery to serving opportunities – to heating and rent.

We go from a consumer to an investor.

How would God invest His money since it’s all His anyway?

Giving crushes idolatry because it’s the closest thing we have to making...

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The Cure For Laodiceanism

 

Rev. 3:14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

Jesus was not created but was the Creator. “In [Jesus Christ] all things were created: . . . all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16). Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

“Beginning” can also mean “origin” – all things originated with Jesus.

Intro: I don’t want anyone leaving defeated – God reveals to heal.

THE CURE … FOR APATHY, COMPLACENCY, AND SPIRITUAL LAZINESS

 

Prone to Wander – comfort and luxury leads to complacency.

Lukewarm has its place – but not in spiritual matters.

The Devil has a Plan for your life – to be lukewarm.

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Personally, I believe that hot and cold are both good traits. Iced Tea or Hot?

Fire describes passion & power & Cold water refreshes and nourishes. Our character is pleasing to God verses nauseating.

Another view says, “If you’re cold, at least we know where you stand.”

 

LUKEWARM = Many of the same signs as an unbeliever – the difference is what are they hungry for? Tanner vs. Tommy

Laodiceans – “If it’s good as they say, I might stay until Sunday.”

It’s the death of conviction and the rise of unfaithfulness – Hosea 6:4 – What shall I do with you…For your loyalty is like a morning cloud and like the dew which goes away early.

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They are deceived [COOKING FROG]: 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Wealth in and of itself is never a mark of blessing.

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7 Characteristics Of A Faithful Christian

Rev. 3:7-13

Rev. 3:7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, ‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”:

1. Holiness is a priority: Charles Spurgeon rightly noted, “There will be three effects of nearness to Jesus—humility, happiness, and holiness.”

The Enemy of Holiness is a REBELLIOUS SPIRIT.

You have to fight for Holiness – you’re relationship with God is dependant upon it.

Holiness always produces Faith & Spiritual Power!

Carnality gives God “His due” (a few hours on Sunday), but they forget His call to “come out from among them (the world) and be separate.”

A fire burning deep within – do we stoke the flames or put them out? “I’M SO STOKED!”

Carnality means that the fire is almost out & the rivers of living water are dried up.

We cannot love both Christ and this world. A carnal Christian does not pray, really pray and seek the heart of God. A deep prayer life exposes facades and crushes hypocrisy.

You won’t find them at Prayer nights and Worship mornings, but you will find them at Cinemark and the Mall.

ON THE FLIP SIDE – Carnality can also take place in the mind of the faithful.

2. The source of their authority is God – He is Holy and True.

Ultimate authority rests in the Son: “He has the keys of David” – Fulfilment of the Davidic Covenant.

Open and shut doors to salvation and life in general.

A faithful Christian is not continually looking for advice outside of God’s Word.

Merrill Lynch about how to get rich.

Local Nail Salon for marriage counseling.

Remax for advice on selling your home.

Guys at work about how to prioritize your life – football, beer, and Havasu.

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8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

3. They work AND wait for God to open doors

A little strength is all you need!

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9.

GOD WILL OFTEN BREAK US DOWN TO BUILD US UP! He’ll take away your strength – what you were trusting in.

The Refiners fire involves fire and heat. The waves of change involve being plummeted – tossed and turned.

But He says – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”  I AM THE 4TH MAN IN THE FIRE!

4. They “keep” his word. They keep the course REGARDLESS of the storm…regardless of the criticism…regardless of the heat.

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9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not,