My Declaration: In 2020, God has MORE. MORE for me. MORE for you. MORE for us. MORE through us for them! I will not wait for MORE to simply show up. I am STRETCHING for the MORE God has for me. The STRETCH is the catalyst that unlocks the MORE that He has. As I do my part, God will miraculously do His part! I am stretching for MORE, because that is who God is.  God is the God of MORE. 

2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

context: this scripture was dealing with a vision builders offering in Corinth communicated for over a year, focused to meet the need of sister church in a different city. 

• excel – considerably more than what anyone expects

• grace – something given freely and generously by God

• giving – specifically in church

The following several chapters Paul talks about this offering. The following verses are directed at those who would participate in the Vision Offering:

• 2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (ESV) The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

• 2 Corinthians 9:10–12 (ESV) He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

Vision requires MORE than the day to day.

Vision will always require faith. Faith to see it. Faith to resource it. Faith to build it. Vision will always require Vision Builders.

When vision is embraced with faith, miraculous things happen to build the vision, AND miraculous things happen for the Vision Builder. When we help build God’s house, he helps build ours!

Excel In The Grace of Giving…

1.   share something – our first efforts to take something of ours and give to the church.

2.  return the tithe

• first 10th income, return to house of the Lord, live on 90%

• allows for bread in house, God’s blessing

• the tithe recognizes God as source

• it keeps money in its rightful place, controlling greed

• unlocks a supernatural flow

3.  give additional offerings

• above and beyond tithe, for missionary, special project, etc.

• see a need, give what you can

• at first it will feel like, “but I already give so much”

4.  become a Vision Builder, activating FAITH for His House and yours

• at this stage, you’ve seen God do some amazing things

• this stage vision driven, faith activated, requires a sacrifice

• this stage, faith stories are created - vision is accomplished and givers unlock a back flow into their own life that is remarkable.

Become A Vision Builder

“And then GOD answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time.” ‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭2:2-3‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Action Steps:

1. Get A Vision

2. Write It Down- list out the vision the God has for me so that when the vision becomes faint, unlikely, or I become discouraged, I can look back to it and allow it to propel me to keep going

3. Do It - all the vision planning doesn’t mean anything unless I actually put my hand to the plow and begin the work. It’s not going to be easy but the end result with be well worth it.

In our day and age, everyone seeks instant gratification and rewards. We constantly strive to reap the harvest before the seed has even been planted. The only way to truly reap: work and patience. Very rarely is pursuing God’s vision for our lives about the destination. It’s never about a milestone or title. The true harvest, is not reaching the finish line, it’s how we finished; who we have become to get there. It’s always about the journey God leads us on and how He helps us become who He has destined us to be, because if we are not prepared to receive the harvest when it comes, much of will be lost and ultimately we will be left unfulfilled. So I will run the race and fight the good fight not solely because of where I will end up, but who I will become.

Judges 6:1 The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years… 6 And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord. (ESV)

The Israelites were facing adverse circumstances

• adverse-opposing one's interests or desire.

Judges 6:7 When the people of Israel cried out to the Lord on account of the Midianites, 8 the Lord sent a prophet to the people of Israel...10 And I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.’ But you have not obeyed my voice.” (ESV)

The people were blaming God for their problems but it was their own disobedience that put them in this predicament. But God heard them and called out from among them a warrior.

Judges 6:11 Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. (ESV)

Gideon was a farmer. He was being resourceful and found a way to provide for his family. The beating of wheat normally took place at the threshing floor. Threshing was done in a big open area where the wind could blow away the chaff (outer shell) of the grain. The wind helped to make the work easier. He was in a winepress beating wheat. It was a hole in the ground with no wind making it harder work. He was all about surviving. He was living in the moment and failed to look ahead for what God had for him or the people. Gideon had limited vision of his next steps.

I do not believe it was a coincidence that Gideon was found in the winepress. I see it as a symbolism. Grapes go into the winepress as fruit and come out juice. They go in one way and come out something different. Gideon saw himself one way but God was about to extract something more from him.

Just like God saw Gideon, God sees you: School Teacher, C3Kids Teacher, Stay-At-Home Mom, Ministry Leader, Medical Professional, Worship Team…

God wants to extract something more from you! In the midst of his adverse circumstances God had plans for Gideon. His adversity was not a limitation but an opportunity. It was the opportunity to take the next steps for life, but he could not see past the obstacles.

What obstacles keep you from the next step?

1. Hesitation to commit to the next step.

Judges 6:12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” 13 And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” (ESV)

During this time of adverse circumstances as a church family, I have heard many say, “I know God is wanting me to take that next step, but I have trouble committing.”

Why? It will cost me something. In hesitating you fail to obey.

2. Feeling unqualified to take the next step.

Judges 6:14 And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” 15 And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” (ESV)

God expands and uses the abilities He already built into us. Some may already know the next steps; get going in that direction. Some may not have any idea; start taking steps toward something. Parents, if your child shows an interest in something resource that desire.

3. Strongholds keeping you from taking the next step.

Judges 6:16 And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” (ESV)

A stronghold is a fortress. It was designed not only keeps things in but also keep things out. God is a force that wants to come into your life, but the walls are high. What strongholds are keeping you from taking your next step?

Holding on to an offense, a friendship gone bad, failed business venture, making a judgement due to a past experience.

God says to you, “But I will be with you.”

In spite of his obstacles, Gideon chose to take the next steps in faith! I would like to quote Ps. Phil Pringle from his book, You The Leader. He says,“God also tests faith before it is trusted with great exploits.”

In Judges 6-8 we can read about Gideon’s great exploits. God did not waste any time. As soon as Gideon took that next step in faith, he sent him to chop down their false gods. Gideon is also commended in Hebrews 11 as a man of faith.

Avoid the obstacle and see your next steps:

• Be obedient in taking the next steps regardless of the cost; no time to hesitate

• Be confident that God has qualified you for the next step; you have the abilities

• Be assured that God will be with you in taking the next step; surrender your stronghold

As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” John 20:21, ESV

We tend to invest in relationships based on “HOW DOES THIS PERSON BENEFIT ME?” When we see what HEAVEN sees, we invest based on “HOW CAN I BENEFIT THIS PERSON IN HIM?”

Your Perception Leads To An Outcome. Can You See What Heaven Sees?

start seeing: WHO & WHERE THEY ARE:

• Stop being narcissistic, Christianity is not all about you! - Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4, ESV

• All mankind craves Him - O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1, ESV

• The people seemingly the least interested are often the most interested.

• Consider the outcome if you don’t act - Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11–15, ESV

start seeing: WHO & WHAT YOU ARE

• Your presence means everything - Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us… 2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV

• He has placed you exactly where you need to be - …and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. Acts 17:26–27, NIV

• They are looking for Him, that’s why God has placed you there - Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. John 4:35, ESV

• Your message: what He’s done in your life - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8, ESV

• Get continually powered up - Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21–22, ESV

start seeing: WHO HE IS, WHAT HE DOES

• We know what can do, but we doubt His willingness - While he was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 5:12–13, ESV

• We block God by not positioning Him!

START SEEING: someone new; someone there (work/school/team); someone here (in our gathering)

INVITE THEM: into your space; into your friendships; into a ministry moment

1. Have a Kingdom view of your finances.

1. Jer. 29:11

2. Num 13:25-30

3. Cor 2:14

2. Develop a Kingdom vision of your finances.

• Num 35:1-8

• Mal 3:8-12

• 2 Cor. 9:6-12

• James 4:1-4

• Hag 1:4-11

3. Trust for Heaven’s best.

• Phil 4:19

• Mat 25:34-36

• Eph 2:8-10

• 2 Kings 4:8-17

Seeing or visualizing is a part of believing.

Mark 10:15 – “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” NLT

Examples in the Bible

• The women with the debilitating bleeding problem. Mark 5:24-34

• The paralytic that had four friends. Mark 2:1-4

We need all of the great and precious promises of God, to navigate through this life. The Word say that, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of all them”. Psalms 34:19

• we need to hear the provision that the word has for us.

• we need to see that God is faithfully working on our behalf

• we need to believe that what the Word says is true

• and we need to expect the faithfulness of His word to come to pass

God’s vision for your life is bigger, better, healthier, more prosperous, more beautiful, more perfect, etc., than what the world has to offer.

“Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”‭‭ (Romans‬ ‭4:18-21)

1) Recognize the world’s vision in your life and replace it for God’s vision

2) Fight for God’s vision when the world tries to replace His vision with its own

Action Steps:

1) pray continuously

2) surround yourself with a supportive and prayerful community

God’s vision for your life is perfect, full of prosperity. Don’t settle for what’s before you and don’t let the world keep you from seeing and living God’s vision.

Ephesians 2:10 ||| For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

• workmanship- a degree of skill in which a product is made, or a job is done

• God has already prepared these jobs and individual skill sets in us

• We can take ground and work toward our vision knowing it is covered by God

HOW TO GET VISION

LEADERS

HIS WORD & PRAYER

SERMONS

HOW TO BUILD TOWARD VISION

1. constantly take opportunities

• spend time with people and create influence

• volunteer

2. discover what your good at

CALL TO ACTION

ask a leader

volunteer and find your place

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:9–10,14 ESV

• The Unbeliever unable to see the good things God has prepared for them so they pursue the things they personally desire, taking whatever they can poses or comes their way.

• The Believer experiences revelation from the Holy Spirit of the good things God has prepared for them, so that they can pursue them with confidence.

  • Spirit reveals in the LOGOS Word

  • Spirit reveals in the RHEMA Word

  • Spirit reveals in prophecy, dream, visions, etc.

  • Spirit reveals in through experiences that trigger desires of your heart

  • Spirit reveals through spiritual leaders

The believers ongoing connection with the Holy Spirit is critical! - If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25, ESV

OUR 19/20 VISION

1. Presence Filled Gatherings (gatherings, students, FPU, etc.)

• Our presence paves the way for His Presence

• Presence brings distinction - And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” Exodus 33:15–16, ESV

• Intention brings His Presence: worship, prayer, words, unity

• Presence opens the door: salvation, healing, faith, breakthrough, strength, signs, wonders, and more of the same!

2. Connected Relationships

• And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42–47, ESV

3. Strategic Leadership Development

• Moses and the Israelites – The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.” So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And they judged the people at all times. Any hard case they brought to Moses, but any small matter they decided themselves. Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went away to his own country. Exodus 18:13–27, ESV

• Jesus first steps, building leaders - While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18–20, ESV

• Paul’s first steps, appoint qualified leaders - This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— Titus 1:5, ESV

• our personality is distinct – we will lean into our C3 flavor

4. Permanent Facilities

• New Testament disciples used borrowed facilities - And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:8–10, ESV

• property is an asset, a tool to be leveraged

• our 12 acres - $700K owed on $2.5 million property; new facility costs - 3.5 million dollars

• likely in-between place or places

• facilities are in our future

• facilities fund - $50,000 + $150,000 = $200K

• sense of permanent facilities – searching, dialogue

5. BEYOND Projects

• “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14–16, ESV

• we give 10% of all non-designated income (historically 15%)

• $25,000 given outside our four walls to date

• NE PDX Project; Fall project; April 2010 – building project in Oaxaca Mexico

6. Presence Conference and NW C3 Presence

• When God does something magnificent, there’s a wisdom to travel to see it - Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. And Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her. And she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report that I heard. Happy are your men! Happy are your servants, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” 1 Kings 10:1–9, ESV

• Presence Conference - attend! There is a clear view of the thing we are doing here, its seen there, there is information, and then there is impartation, there is an alignment that takes place.

• God is calling us to do here what has happened in other places

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. Habakkuk 2:2, ESV

Since December 2, 2018 when we became C3 Church SWWA

• 50+ volunteers every Sunday

• 200+ first time visitors

• 50+ children in our C3Kids program every week

• 30+ students at MyCity Youth every week

• $25,000 given to outreach

• 40+ said YES to Following Jesus and received a Following Jesus book

• 24 water baptisms

• Healings, healings, healings!!!

• 10 salvations in the last two weeks

• last week, 1 acre property sale - $165,000 under contract

• Current VISION OFFERING approximately $70,000

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. Genesis 12:1, ESV

• vision is the process of discovering the promise God already sees.

For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. Romans 4:13

• faith is the act of moving forward with HIM toward the promise that you have seen but doesn’t yet exist.

He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Romans 4:13, 19–21, ESV

Heaven See’s Our Future And Destiny In Advance

• No longer shall your name be called Abram (exalted father), but your name shall be Abraham (the father of nations), for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. Genesis 17:5–6, ESV

• The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. Genesis 21:1–3, ESV

You struggle to see but Heaven does not!

The Unbeliever’s Future: whatever is won or whatever happens

The Believer’s Future: prepared by the Lord, discovered while following Him both naturally and supernaturally

6 Things The In Our C3 Future

1. Presence Filled Services

2. Strategic Leadership Development

3. Connected Relationships

4. Permanent Facilities

5. BEYOND Projects

6. Presence Conference and NW C3 Presence

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:14–16, ESV

The different seasons of Jesus’ life:

• conception & birth

• visit of Magi and the vision to flee

• brief childhood snapshot

• launch of his ministry at a wedding

• temptation

• mass ministry while gathering & training team

• mass ministry while sending out team

• mass ministry while preparing team for the future

• crucifixion

• resurrection & ascension

• return

Each season required a transition to move into the next. Each season of your life will require the same.

The fragrance of your next season is determined in your transition. Aligning with Heaven aromatizes your future!

• Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. John 12:3–7, ESV

• In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.” Matthew 26:12–13, ESV

• While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Luke 22:47–53, ESV

Your fragrance matters. It arrives before you do and remains after your gone. It invites more of the same.

• But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:14–16, ESV

KEEP SMELLING GOOD (smells never improve on their own!)

1. remain connected to Heaven

2. focused on the Author & His narrative

• Jesus knew this transition was coming - the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 13:8, ESV some are seen afar off (graduation), others are unexpected (fired)

3. ignore the noise

• ignore the jolt:

• there will be all sorts of distractions

• distractions are hell’s attempt to stink up your world

• Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1–2, NIV

4. hate foul smells, not foul smelling people

5. bless: do not curse!

• the most important aspect of the transition are your words

• Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21, ESV

• So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. James 3:5–12, ESV

6. keep spraying Heaven’s scent

• Jesus let Judas kiss him

• Jesus told the disciples to stop fighting

• Jesus healed a man injured

• later Jesus remained silent

Deuteronomy 1:6-8 (NIV) 6 The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites; go to all the neighboring peoples in the Arabah, in the moun-tains, in the western foothills, in the Negev and along the coast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the Euphrates. 8 See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Ja-cob—and to their descendants after them.”

It’s time to advance! To break camp and advance!

And here we find them camping…. What’s got you camping today?

• addiction

• failure

• pain / loss

• success / comfortability

• comfort

It’s God’s desire that we break camp today and advance!

One of the biggest misconceptions about advancing is as-suming that you’re waiting for the perfect conditions. Or assuming that those around you that are crushing it are doing so because it’s easy. You ever think, “man, everything always go good for them” or “if I had that, then I’d be advancing too.”

We preach a theology of ease in our culture and too of-ten in our pulpits. But, the reality is that most if not “all” of our advance-ment will come via adversity. God tells the Israelites to advance! Well, what were they about to advance into? Giants, Jericho and other adversity that they’d have to face. Our personal lives and the kingdom of God will not advance by ease but in adversity.

ADVANCE IN ADVERSITY

1. Embrace Adversity As a Gift

See Adversity as a gift not a punishment. The test/struggle produces something in you.

Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) 3 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perse-verance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

We live in a “if I don’t like it then I don’t have to” culture.

2. Don’t Quit!

We’re Quitting Too Soon

• relationships

• community/church

• job

• dreams

Stop looking for Do-overs and just continue. Don’t need a do-over, you just need to not quit. Advancement requires perseverance. Your pain threshold will determine your ability to advance! If your pain threshold is low, so will your impact be.

What’s the biggest key to being ready and strong enough to continue and advance in adversity?

3. Stay Close To Jesus

Look for peace/Jesus in the storm, stop trying to avoid the storm.

John 16:33 (NIV) 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Where’s the strength? in Him!

Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will fol-low me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

As We Gather

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Psalm 122:1, ESV

Some have reduced the gathering of the church to be a spiritual duty, others an accessory to the Christian life, others an opportunity to refuel to survive another day, and others an option to be selected as need. But we see it as so, so, so much more. We believe that Heaven sees it much differently, and as we do also, our gatherings will take on greater impact in our lives and those who enter the room where we meet with Him!

God’s agenda has always been to meet with his people!!!

• the garden - And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Genesis 3:8, ESV

• the Tent of Meeting - Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. Exodus 33:7–11, ESV

• the Tabernacle - Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. Exodus 40:34–38, ESV

• the Temple - And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord. 1 Kings 8:10–11, ESV

• our Temple, as we gather together with Him!

  • And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16–17, ESV

  • When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1–4, ESV

As We Gather TOGETHER WITH Him:

• LIFE IS PRESENT

• Salvation Comes

• Miracles Happen

• The Word Has Power

• We Lean Into Mission