Luke 5:17 (ESV) On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal.

• This is not “Jesus Power”

• This is the “Lord’s Power”

• Acts 1:8 (ESV) 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.

Luke 5:18 (ESV) And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus,

• Paralyzed - what happened?

• What was the accident/trauma?

  We all have experienced accident/trauma

• PARALYSIS is the state of being stuck

• Physical

• Emotional

• Spiritual

• BED is symbolic of where you are stuck.

• Some beds are visible

• Some beds are invisible

• All beds have an impact.

• FRIENDS who were “seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus,”

Luke 5:19 (ESV) but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus.

• Solutions take work

• Ministry will cost you something - this was Jesus’ house.

• Mark 2:1–2 (ESV) And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.  And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.

• Illus: sacrifice for being in ministry

• “God is not limited by my sacrifice, or my circumstance.”

Luke 5:20 (ESV) And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

• Your miracle is not contingent upon just your faith!

• Why does he need to be forgiven… what about the people who caused his paralysis

• The greatest paralysis is not what was inflicted upon us, but our reaction too often becomes our sin.

• The man did not ask for forgiveness.

• Jesus/We can offer forgiveness without people asking

• John 20:23 (ESV) If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

• The greatest form of paralysis is our own sense of unforgiveness.

• Declare forgiveness over people

Luke 5:23–25 (ESV) Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.”  And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.

• We get excited about supernatural answers to prayer

• Forgiveness is something we really grapple with to believe

• Pick up your mat

• You will always carry with you the memory, but it doesn’t have to debilitate you.

• Isaiah 1:18 (ESV) “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

Luke 5:1–11 (ESV) On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret,  and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets.  Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat.  And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”  And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.  They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.  But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”  For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken,  and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”  And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Jesus: “Follow Me.”

• He Is Always Inviting, Drawing (body, soul & spirit)

• helkuo - to tug, draw or drag, metaphorically by an inward power

• To His Disciples

• To Everyone He Met

• Through His Disciples To Others

• After His Resurrection

• His Disciples After His Ascension

• Through His Church

• Into Modern Day

• It’s The Defining Mark Of Christianity

• More Than Liking

• More than Attending

• More Than Believing

• FOLLOWING

He Is Always Drawing, In General:

• John 12:32 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will DRAW all people to myself.”

• John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

• Matthew 11:28 (ESV) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

• The Crowd:

• Jesus is speaking, Lake of Gennesaret

• Fisherman, merchants and customers

• People who have come to hear Jesus

BUT Individually:

• Matthew 11:27 (ESV) All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

• John 6:44 (ESV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

• John 6:65 (ESV) And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

• Peter:

• Night fishing, nothing caught, washing nets, end of shift

• Jesus requested to get into Peter’s boat, requests that he push out

• Jesus teaches the crowd but Peter is trapped to listen.

• Jesus does what He always does - “trust me” - “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 

• Requires obedience

• Make no sense - “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! 

• Obedience unlocks the miracle - But at your word I will let down the nets.”  And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.  They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.  

• That moment is the miracle that DRAWS

• That moment REQUIRES a RESPONSE

• Rejection

• Likeability

• Belief

• Follow

• FOLLOW: they left everything and followed him.

This is not a natural encounter, interaction and decision.

It unlocks everything

Leave everything and follow.

Luke 4:31–37 (ESV) And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath,  and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.  And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice,  “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”  But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.  And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”  And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

Where are all the demons today? Why don’t we see them being cast out as in Biblical times?

1. They Are Common And All Around Us.

2. We Identify Them In Scientific, Medical And Sociological Terms.

• Mark 9:17–18 (ESV) “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute.  

• Luke 13:11 (ESV) And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.

• Mark 9:17–18 (ESV) “And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid.

• Matthew 17:15 (ESV) For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.

• Mark 5:4–5 (ESV) for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.  Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.

• Luke 8:27 (ESV) For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs.

• Supernatural Activity (voices) - Acts 16:16–17 (ESV) As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.  She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”

• Addicts, Crazy, Homeless, Suicidal, Out Of Control, Evil

3. Instead Of Evicting Them, We Treat Their Host. Counseling. Drugs. Incarceration.

4. We Don’t Recognize Our Authority And Lack Power.

Luke 4:36 (ESV) And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”

• AUTHORITY: the legal right to give orders

• Ex: wedding officiant, property title, law enforcement

• Failure to take authority allows presence

• POWER: the strength to enforce obedience

• Some things are simple to enforce, others harder

• A persona can gain in power or call in reinforcements

Job 1:9–10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason?  Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

• Job 1:1–5 (ESV) 

• Jobwas blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.  

• His sons and daughters used to “feast and drink”

• Job would consecrate them, rise early and offer burnt offerings. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.

Mark 3:14–15 (ESV) 

And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.

Luke 4:31–33 (ESV) And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath,  and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority2.  And in the synagogue1 there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice3,

1. Jesus ministry is often viewed taking place in a field or at a lake but it was daily in the synagogue or temple

• Luke 19:47 (ESV) And he was teaching daily in the temple. 

• This is important as Jesus/disciples presence and emphasized the importance

• Acts 2:46–47 (ESV) 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.

• Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

2. Jesus teaching included the unique ingredients, authority and power (see next week)

3. Jesus came in contact with a man, in the synagogue who had the spirit of an unclean demon

• The spirit was active in the life of a follower of Biblical Judaism, in the synagogue, the early version of the church

• The spirit was triggered by Jesus' presence, teaching with authority causing an extreme response.

Luke 4:34–35 (ESV) “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus1 of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?2 I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”  But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!”3 And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.4

1. Demons/spirits recognized Jesus. No other names of recognition were mentioned.

2. Demons/spirits recognized Jesus’ role in a future judgement or destruction they would face.

• Matthew 8:29 (ESV) And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?”

• Jesus was demonstrating and implementing an unexpected judgement by kicking them out of peoples lives.

3. Jesus typically told demons/spirits what to do; and refused to allow them to speak.

• He did not ask the Father to do it, nor did He ask the demon to comply. He commanded.

• Anti-sensational approach. One time he asked question, “what is your name” but allowing them to speak was atypical.

4. The demon did not harm the man him but did throw him down

• Typically demons/spirits function was focused on individual limitation or harm

• Mark 9:25 (ESV) And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

• Matthew 17:15 (ESV) said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.

• Mark 5:5 (ESV) Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.

• This encounter was minimized.

Luke 4:36–37 (ESV) And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power1 he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”  And reports about him went out into every place2 in the surrounding region.

1. Authority and power defined Jesus ministry, the ministry of his disciples, and the function of the New Testament Church.

2. Auhtoirty/Power at work generates good news. I believe that there is deficiency in fact based evangelism that is not partnered with power and authority. This is the Church of America’s biggest problem.

Key Facts About Demons/Spirits

1. Spiritual Beings With Unknown Origins

2. They Oppose God - demons are spiritual entities aligned against God’s authority. They are often associated with Satan, the adversary.

• Matthew 12:24-26 – “But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.’ … If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself.”

3. They Negatively Impact People To The Level They Are Allowed

• Mark 5:3–4 (ESV) He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain,  for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.

4. Their Presence Is Marked By Self Harm

• Mark 5:5 (ESV) Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.

5. They Cause Physical Ailments

• Matthew 9:32–33 (ESV) As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him.  And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.”

6. They Lie & Deceive

• They don’t just deceive others, they deceive you about them.

• Most subtle - they are not real

• Even more subtle - Rosemary’s Baby

• John 8:44 (ESV) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

7. They Impact Adults & Children

• Mark 7:25 (ESV) But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet.

8. They Gain Access By Invitation, Proximity & Attack

• Invitation - partnering with the spirit world, sex with many people

• Proximity - around you and allowed to stay, family tree, things you’ve agreed with

• Attack - most of

• Job 1:8–10 (ESV) And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”  Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason?  Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

• Ephesians 4:27 (NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.

• 1 Corinthians 6:15–18 (ESV) Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!  Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.”  But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.  Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

9. They Are Alive And Well Today

• Demons tend to be a fringe topic for the modern American church and personal recognition tend to be even more so. They are alive and well. We give them medical and genetic assignments and live with them often medicating them. They are present during 

• Night tremors

• Addictions

• Self Destructive Behaviors

• Disease

• Suicide

• Self Harm/Mutilation

1 John 3:8 (ESV) The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

Mark 3:14–15 (ESV) And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach  and have authority to cast out demons.

Mark 16:17–18 (ESV) And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;  they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Luke 4:14–15 (ESV) And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

The Affirmation Journey Of Jesus…

• Luke 2:40 (ESV) And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

• Luke 2:52 (ESV) And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

• Luke 3:22 (ESV) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

• Luke 4:14–15 (ESV) And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.  And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

• glorified: 1) to believe, to hold, to give praise, to laud, to value, to honour, 2) to be famous

• Luke 4:22 (ESV) And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”

And Then It All Changed…

• Luke 4:23–27 (ESV) And he said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘ “Physician, heal yourself.” What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well.’ ” And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”

• Luke 4:28–30 (ESV) When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. But passing through their midst, he went away.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF IDENTITY/VALUE:

• CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says

• BELIEVED - What You Think

• PROJECTED - What You Say

• PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say

JESUS’ FOUNDATION REVEALED

• CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says

• Luke 3:22 (ESV) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

• BELIEVED - What You Think

• John 8:58 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.

• PROJECTED - What You Say

• Luke 8:56 (ESV) And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

• PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say

• John 2:24–25 (ESV) But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

WHICH FOUNDATION ARE YOU BUILDING ON?

• CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says

• BELIEVED - What You Think

• PROJECTED - What You Say

• PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say

Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Psalm 139:13–18 (ESV) For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

Luke 4:3 (ESV) The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God…

TITLE: Identity Crisis Security

Luke 4:1–2 (ESV) And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness  for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.

THE Attack (TEMPTING) ON Jesus...

• Luke 4:3 (ESV) The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

• Luke 4:5–7 (ESV) And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”

• Luke 4:9-11 (ESV) And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ”

THE Attack (TEMPTING) ON MANKIND…

Genesis 3:4–6 (ESV) But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.

EVERY ATTACK (TEMPTATION) YOU EXPERIENCE WILL BE FOCUSED ON YOUR IDENTITY.

THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR IDENTITY:

• CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says

• BELIEVED - What You Think

• PROJECTED - What You Say

• PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say

JESUS: IDENTITY SECURITY

• CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says

• Luke 3:22 (ESV) and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

• BELIEVED - What You Think

• John 8:58 (ESV) Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.

• PROJECTED - What You Say

• Luke 8:56 (ESV) And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

• PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say

• John 2:24–25 (ESV) But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

WHO ARE YOU?

• CONCEIVED - What God Thinks/Says

• BELIEVED - What You Think

• PROJECTED - What You Say

• PERCEIVED - What Others Think/Say

• Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.

• 2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

John 12:46 (ESV) I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

Luke 3:16 (ESV) John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Jesus Became JESUS After His Holy Spirit Baptism

• He Was Limited As A Man - Philippians 2:5–7 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,  who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,  but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

• He Could Not Raise Himself From The Dead - Romans 8:11 (ESV) If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Jesus Baptizes Us For Similar Purpose & Function

• Joel 2:28–29 (ESV) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.  Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

• Ezekiel 36:27–28 (ESV) And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.  You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

• He Concentrates Our Relationship

• He Leads/Guides Us

• He Reveals Truth

• He Activates & Empowers Supernatural Spiritual Function

• He Creates Next-Level Anything/Everything

Engage The Holy Spirit For Similar Experience/Outcomes

Galatians 5:16 (ESV) But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

1. Daily Invitation/Declaration

2. Situational Request

3. Seasonal Engagements

Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

The Word Of The Lord - Divine communication and guidance delivered to man.

The Word Of The Lord Is Common. Hearing The Word Of The Lord Is Not.

• Few are aware of the reality

• Few are listening to hear Him speak

• Few listen when He speaks

You Are Listening. You Will Hear. You Will Respond.

The Word Of The Lord In Action:

• Abraham: Genesis 15 - a son in his old age who will inherit a land of promise

• Samuel: 1 Samuel 15 - God had rejected Saul as King for his disobedience.

• Elijah: 1 Kings 17 - God was bringing a drought over Israel but would supply for Elijah in the wilderness.

John The Baptist: Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

There are a bunch of different ways to hear from God

• Biblical principle

• Circumstantial affirmation

• A sense of confirmation in your spirit

• Prophetic word

The Word of the Lord is higher.

7 Nuances Of The Word Of The Lord

It Comes Unexpectedly At Times, But Can Be Sought.

• Abraham was not seeking - Gen 15

• Daniel was seeking - Daniel 10 - more frequent

• Frequency in life for the general person is low

It Is Guidance For The Macro.

• A true Word for you is not just for you. It is a word, through you, beyond you. You are simply a catalyst to activate the Word. 

• There are life Words and seasonal Words.

• It is change oriented, but doesn’t always require change.

• Samuel: Saul is not king

• Don’t make major life changes without this

It Is The Revelation Of God’s Truth

• 1 Kings 17:24 (ESV) And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”

• Psalm 119:160 (ESV) The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

• John 17:17 (ESV) Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

• Delivered so that you will know for sure

• Key details that you need to know

• Sometimes it confirms, often cuts against the grain

It Requires Your Yes To Receive It

• Luke 1:38 (ESV) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

• Your amen is required.

• You must embrace it as God’s Word to you.

• You must put it on like a coat

• Otherwise it will become a testimony against you.

Ongoing Action Is Required For Its Fulfillment.

•  It Will Be Tested 

• Psalm 105:19 (ESV) until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.

• Temptation for substitutes or to quit

• Everything in this world will oppose God’s Best in your life.

Authority and Power Are Embedded Within.

• The word comes with authority and power woven into the fabric.

• Luke 4:32 (ESV) and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.

• Joseph - Genesis 41:38–40 (ESV) And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?”  Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are.  You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”

It Transforms As It Rests Upon You.

• Jacob the Deceiver became Israel, he who struggles with God and overcomes.

• 1 Samuel 10:6 (ESV) Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.

• 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

The Word Of The Lord - Divine communication and guidance delivered to man.

The Word Of The Lord Is Common. Hearing The Word Of The Lord Is Not.

• Few are aware of the reality

• Few are listening to hear Him speak

• Few listen when He speaks

You Are Listening. You Will Hear. You Will Respond.

The Word Of The Lord In Action:

• Abraham: Genesis 15 - a son in his old age who will inherit a land of promise

• Samuel: 1 Samuel 15 - God had rejected Saul as King for his disobedience.

• Elijah: 1 Kings 17 - God was bringing a drought over Israel but would supply for Elijah in the wilderness.

John The Baptist: Luke 3:2 (ESV) during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

There are a bunch of different ways to hear from God

• Biblical principle

• Circumstantial affirmation

• A sense of confirmation in your spirit

• Prophetic word

The Word of the Lord is higher.

7 Nuances Of The Word Of The Lord

It Comes Unexpectedly At Times, But Can Be Sought.

• Abraham was not seeking - Gen 15

• Daniel was seeking - Daniel 10 - more frequent

• Frequency in life for the general person is low

It Is Guidance For The Macro.

• A true Word for you is not just for you. It is a word, through you, beyond you. You are simply a catalyst to activate the Word. 

• There are life Words and seasonal Words.

• It is change oriented, but doesn’t always require change.

• Samuel: Saul is not king

• Don’t make major life changes without this

It Is The Revelation Of God’s Truth

• 1 Kings 17:24 (ESV) And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.”

• Psalm 119:160 (ESV) The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

• John 17:17 (ESV) Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

• Delivered so that you will know for sure

• Key details that you need to know

• Sometimes it confirms, often cuts against the grain

It Requires Your Yes To Receive It

• Luke 1:38 (ESV) And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

• Your amen is required.

• You must embrace it as God’s Word to you.

• You must put it on like a coat

• Otherwise it will become a testimony against you.

Ongoing Action Is Required For Its Fulfillment.

•  It Will Be Tested 

• Psalm 105:19 (ESV) until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him.

• Temptation for substitutes or to quit

• Everything in this world will oppose God’s Best in your life.

Authority and Power Are Embedded Within.

• The word comes with authority and power woven into the fabric.

• Luke 4:32 (ESV) and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.

• Joseph - Genesis 41:38–40 (ESV) And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?”  Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are.  You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”

It Transforms As It Rests Upon You.

• Jacob the Deceiver became Israel, he who struggles with God and overcomes.

• 1 Samuel 10:6 (ESV) Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.

• 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Luke 2:7 (ESV) And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Life will reveal vulnerability, fragility, weakness:

• Health

• Success

• Finances

• Business (2-3 best years, suddenly lay off 15 people)

• Relationships

• Finances (Longview, mill shuts down, whole town reels)

• The wellbeing of a child

• Life

Weakness, fragility, vulnerability is a FACT of life. 

It is a reality that will settle upon you often.

It will often feel like “this thing is hanging by a thread.”

For some:

• This is the moment to give in and quit

• For people of faith, this is the moment where God shows up

Never more weakness in God’s plan to save man than is Luke 2!

• A baby

• In a woman’s womb

• Born in a world 2000 years ago

• During Roman occupation

• During a census

• People who had to travel

• No hospital, no hotel

• A manger in a stable

• Wrapped in a blanket???

• Announcement of a King when there’s no King but Caesar

• The decree to exterminate all male children

I would not have forged this plan - it is as fragile as they get

You will live in this tension more often than not.

It can be one of the best places to live.

Weakness Reveals Our Need For Him

• I don’t like to feel weak or appear weak.

• Especially as a Christian

• Too often we live in the power of our own strength

• We do strive to do our part, be the best we can be

• In limitations, we try to compensate, muscle through

• Recognizing our limitations identifies our need for God

• This works best when it is formal.

• Mark 6:34–44 (ESV) When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.  And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late.  Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”  But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?”  And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”  

• What do you have? “NOT ENOUGHT”

• Recognizing my “not enough” invites God to fill that gap

Declaring Weakness Invites His Strength

• Jesus could have just performed a miracle

• Defining how little they had was a formal declaration

• “How bad is it” is important

• Matthew 14:18–21 (ESV) And he said, “Bring them here to me.”  Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.  And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.  And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

He Protects What We Trust Him With

• Luke 1:34–38 (ESV) And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”  And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.  And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.  For nothing will be impossible with God.”  And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

The Discomfort Of Weakness Builds Faith If We Lean In

• “It’s been great, I haven’t had to trust God for anything lately” might be the worst admission you could ever make.

• Trusting doesn’t make you stronger

• Trusting strengthens your confidence in Him

• The need to trust is a gift

Christmas Up Close

• Romantic, sanitary Christmas cards

• A closer look, and it’s messier

• A close up look is more practical because your life is messy

SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:6–7 (ESV) And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Resourced By Heaven

As we see Jesus in the manger we see:

• God’s eternal plan unfolding

• Less than ideal timing

• Roman occupiers imposing their will

• Census

• Transportation and housing issues

God’s plan for our lives takes place amidst OBSTACLES

Resources will be needed

They are practical

Jesus talked about resources more than any other topic

Resourced With “Left Overs”

Luke 2:6–7 (ESV) And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

There is a beauty in these moments

Quiet desperation seeking the bare minimum

No amount of planning could have provided here

There is value in grinding out these situations

The durability built is remarkable

It prepares you for the journey ahead

Resourced By Hard Work

Matthew 13:55 (ESV) Is not this the carpenter’s son? 

Mark 6:3 (ESV) Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary…

• Tekton - building and construction of items ranging from furniture to municipal buildings and in mediums ranging from wood to stone. 

• The economy of Rome during the New Testament was strong and their occupation of Israel was in full swing. A skilled tradesman would have been lucratively compensated 

• In 1st century Jewish culture, fathers taught their sons their trade at by age 12, 

This was a hard working family. While he was born in a manger, the family had a home. By the time the Maji arrived to present gift to Jesus, they were no longer staying in a barn as a result of the census, but living in a home - 

• Matthew 2:11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 

While they moved several times, one would assume that home ownership would have continued. 

After Joseph passed away, Jesus would have inherited the property and responsibility for the family.  

Jesus was likely a homeowner:

• Mark 2:1–4 (ESV) And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home.  And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.  And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.  And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.

• Mark 2:13–15 (ESV) He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them.  And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.  And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

Resourced By Earned Favor

Luke 8:1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

Jesus worked hard and had an impact in the lives of those he served. 

Good, hard work for others produces a favor.

Resourced By Unexpected Favor

Matthew 2:11 (ESV) …and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

• Magi (magician) a blurry line between occult experiments and legitimate science

• Astrologist, studying the stars and likely the zodiac. After discovering the star identifying the birth of “the King of the Jews,” they left their home to find Him, a journey likely to nearly two years, based on Herod’s resulting decision to kill all male Israeli children two years and younger (Matthew 2:16

• Men of means, travelling in a caravan large enough to be noticed by the general population and stir up commoner and politician alike with their mission (Matthew 2:3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him)

• The Magi came bearing treasures for the King of the Jews. These gifts were appropriate in substance, and no doubt quantity.  They included:

• gold, the appropriate gift for a King.  

• frankincense, the gift for Deity. 

• myrrh, a valued spice, especially for those who suffer 

Be The Strong Man

Scripture: Luke 11:20–22 (ESV) But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.  When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe;  but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.

A Non-Resister Is An Open Door

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT) A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

• Unbelievers Are Unaware

• The Vulnerable Are Overrun - Mark 9:17–18 (ESV) And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute.  And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.”

• Participators Are Captured - 1 Samuel 16:14–23 (ESV) Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him.  And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you.  Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.”  So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.”  One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him.”  Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.”  And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul.  And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.  And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.”  And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.

A Weak Man Is Easy To Overpower

• Luke 4:13 (ESV) And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

• Genesis 4:7 (ESV) If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

• Luke 22:31–32 (ESV) “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

• Strength matters

• We can grow our strength

• We are stronger in numbers

• Kingdom momentum is hard to disrupt

A Strong Man Can Be Outmaneuvered And Overcome

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Job 1:8–10 (ESV) And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”  Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason?  Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.

A Vigilant Strong Man Is A Locked Door

1 Peter 5:8–9 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

2025 Strategic Response

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

• What Are Three Repeated Effective Strategies Of The Enemy In My Life In 2024?

• What Are Three Simple Effective Strategic Responses To Thwart His Efforts?

• What Would 2025 Look Like If I Enforce Those Strategic Responses?

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

2025 Strategic Response

My Concerns:

• We don’t respect the reality of our adversary

• We reconcile less than best situations as, “that’s just life”

• We learn to live with the limitations our adversary enforces

• We don’t recognize our enemies repeated effective strategy in our lives

• We don’t recognize how our wins/losses impact the experience of others

You Have An Active Adversary

1 Peter 5:8–9 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

• This is universal a universal truth

• There is no buffer

• Not even spirituality.

• He is continually prowling looking for weaknesses

• He functions in many different forms

• Whispers, circumstances, people

• He is looking to devour 

• Resistance requires standing firm (strength) in faith

• Strength has levels

• It can be increased.

Your Adversary Takes Topography

Ephesians 4:27 (NIV) and do not give the devil a foothold.

• Give - didomi - give vs surrender

• Foothold - Topos - topography, ground

You Can Strategically Overcome Your Adversary - Job 1:6–12 (ESV) Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.  The LORD said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.”  And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”  Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason?  Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.  But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.”  And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

• This can be done spiritually - Job 1:5 (ESV) And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.

• This can be done practically - 

• What Are Three Repeated Effective Strategies Of The Enemy In My Life

• What Are Three Simple Effective Strategic Responses To Respond In Advance

• What Would 2025 Look Like If You Enforced That Response?

Participating IN Novemberfast 2024

• Tune In More Clearly

• Realign With The Lord

• Get A Sense Of What God Has For 2025

• Personally/Family

• Church/Ministry

• Career/Business

Jeremiah 33:1–3 (NKJV) Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the prison, saying,  “Thus says the LORD who made it, the LORD who formed it to establish it (the LORD is His name):  ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

Title: Finders Keepers

Matthew 13:44–46 (ESV) “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,  who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

This Parable Reveals That Treasure/Pearls

• Exists

• Is Hidden

• Is Discoverable

This is one of the most incredible/exciting parts of following Jesus.

Every day, every season is a treasure hunt.

A follower of Jesus takes dominion over the life God intends by searching, discovering and taking possession of the treasure that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Novemberfast = Discovery

2 Kings 6:15–17 (ESV) When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”  He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

• The young man had eyes to see the natural

• The natural reveals the facts, but not the truth.

• The Spirit reveals Truth.

There are things I can’t see and I know it.

These are undiscoverable in the natural.

But I am not limited to the natural

Hidden Things Are Exposed By

1. SLIDE Divine Revelation - 1 Corinthians 2:9–10 (ESV) 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.

1. SLIDE Prophetic Utterance - Isaiah 42:9 (ESV) Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.”

1. SLIDE Devotional Pursuit - Jeremiah 29:11–14 (ESV) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, declares the LORD…

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN

In Matthew 6 we see Jesus demonstrate for his disciples (both those with him at the time and for those to come like us) how to pray…

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven…

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: Aligning Ourselves
Starts with Repentance

Before we can align anything around us with heaven, we must first make sure we’re aligned!

Isaiah 59:1-2 (ESV) Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

• The work of redemption was completed by Christ Jesus but His offer of grace must be accepted by faith.

• Those already following Christ still live with a sin nature in a sinful world. As such, sin will always be a threat to prayer’s effectiveness and must be addressed. 

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: Aligning Ourselves…

Prioritizes Kingdom Over Comfort

Isaiah 58:3-11 (ESV) Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD? "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.' If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

• Fasting is NOT…

• Asceticism: self-denial or self-punishment for the purpose of attaining status or favor with God.

• Strategic leverage to persuade or force God into action (i.e. hunger strike)

• Religious ritual or hypocritical showmanship

• Fasting is…

• An exercise of control over our mental, emotional, and physical craving to chase one self-gratification after another.

• A time of concentrated, intentional engagement with the Holy Spirit through prayer, meditation on scripture, and praise.

• A refocus on the priorities that God has called us to rather in lieu of self-fulfillment.

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: Aligning Circumstances

Accurately identifying what SHOULD BE compared to what currently IS.

• Does scripture support the need for change?

• What change will bring the most glory to God?

• What’s in the way of that happening?

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: Aligning Circumstances

Declare War

Eph 6:12 (ESV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Spiritual warfare is not optional. God’s best on this earth is under attack so we can choose to fight and win or we can choose to give territory to the enemy.

• “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing” - unknown

Ignoring the gap between what is and what should be is a dereliction of The Great Commision that Jesus gave us.

• Matthew 28:18-20 “...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

• Luke 10:9,17-20 Jesus sends out the 72

• John 17:18-20 Jesus prays for all believers

We fight from a place of victory, but we must still fight.

Anticipate Resistance:

Luke 8:28b-29a (ESV) "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.

Other Biblical examples of pushback: 

• Mark 8:23-25 Jesus lays hands on blind man twice

• Mark 9:17-29 Disciples unable to cast out demon

The enemy will try to convince us to accept “what is” whenever we don’t see results.

Don't give in to, “I guess that’s just the way it’s supposed to be”, “maybe this is God’s plan”, or “This doesn’t work”.

• Surround yourself with faith filled people who will join your fight - Who you’re around matters!

• Mark 6:4-6 Jesus unable to perform many miracles in his home town due to unbelief

• Return to the Lord for clarity to identify what’s “off” and adjust

Fight with Expectation:

1 John 5:14-15 (ESV) And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him 

Mark 9:17-29 (ESV) “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

• We may be unclear on when or how, but the question is never, “If?”

• Approach the King with confidence. We’re fighting for His will to be done, so like a general that’s been given an objective:

• We can ask for the resources needed

• Identify the battle fronts we need support on

• Present our plan to the King for approval or revision

We will relentlessly pursue God’s best until we see His will done on earth as it is in heaven.

Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

No such thing as:

• Nihilism - Job 19:25–27 (ESV) For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.  And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God,  whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!

• Soul Sleep - 2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

• Returning As Ghosts - Leviticus 19:31 (ESV) “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers (familiar spirits); do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.

• Reincarnation - Buddhism/Hinduism - Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

The Soul Departs From The Body

• Genesis 35:18 (ESV) And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.

• Luke 16:22–23 (NLT) “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried,  and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

Believers Are Judged

• 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT) For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

• 1 Corinthians 3:13–15 (ESV) each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.  If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.  If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Non-Believers Are Judged

Revelation 20:11–12 (ESV) 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.

Believers Enter Into Heaven 

John 14:2–3 (ESV) In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Non-Believers Enter Hell, Lake Of Fire

• Matthew 25:41 (ESV) “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

• Revelation 20:14–15 (ESV) 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.

New Heaven & Earth, New Jerusalem

Revelation 21:1–4 (ESV) Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

1 Corinthians 2:9–10 (ESV) 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.

Matthew 24:3 (ESV) As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

The End Told From The Beginning

• Genesis 3:15 (ESV) I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

• Acts 2:16–21 (ESV) But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:  “ ‘And in the last days…

• John 6:40 (ESV)…and I will raise him up on the last day.” (x3)

• 2 Timothy 3:1 (ESV) But understand this, that in the last days…

• 2 Peter 3:3 (ESV) …scoffers will come in the last days…

SIGNS: False Saviors - Matthew 24:5 (ESV) For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.

More than spiritual, this is also political

SIGNS: Increased Wars - Matthew 24:6–7 (ESV) And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,

SIGNS: Increased Natural Disasters: Matthew 24:7 (ESV) …and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

SIGNS: Increased Persecution For Believers - Matthew 24:9 (ESV) “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.

SIGNS: Departure From Faith 

• Matthew 24:10 (ESV) And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.

• 2 Timothy 3:1–5 (ESV) But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.  For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,  treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

SIGNS: Increased Deception - Matthew 24:11-13 (ESV) And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

• This is not just the church

• Prophets OT delivered the news on behalf of God

• Modern Day - news 

SIGNS: Increased Knowledge - Daniel 12:4 (ESV) But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”

SIGNS: Gospel Preached Worldwide - Matthew 24:14 (ESV) And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

SIGNS: Restoration, Regathering of Israel, Rebuilding of Temple 

Ezekiel 38-39; Zechariah 12-14, Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; Revelation 11:1-2

SIGNS: Mark of the Beast - Revelation 13:16–18 (ESV) Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead,  so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name.  This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

SIGNS: One World Government - Revelation 13:6–8 (ESV) It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.  Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation,  and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

1 Corinthians 15:24 (ESV) Then comes the end…

Matthew 28:1–7 (ESV) Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.  And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.  And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.  But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”

Jesus Wasn’t The Only Or The First Resurrection

• The Shunammite's Son - 2 Kings 4:33–35 (ESV) So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the LORD.  Then he went up and lay on the child, putting his mouth on his mouth, his eyes on his eyes, and his hands on his hands. And as he stretched himself upon him, the flesh of the child became warm.  Then he got up again and walked once back and forth in the house, and went up and stretched himself upon him. The child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

• The Unnamed Man & Elisha’s Grave - 2 Kings 13:20–21 (ESV) So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the year.  And as a man was being buried, behold, a marauding band was seen and the man was thrown into the grave of Elisha, and as soon as the man touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.

• Jairus’ Daughter - Mark 5:41–42 (ESV) Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”  And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.

• Lazarus - John 11:43–44 (ESV) When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”  The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

• The Graveyard Near Golgotha - Matthew 27:50–53 (ESV) And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.  And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.  The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised,  and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

• Dorcas (Tabitha) - Acts 9:40–41 (ESV) But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.  And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

ONE DIFFERENCE: Every one of these went on to die again.

Jesus’ Resurrection Was Different

• He Wasn’t Easily Recognized - John 20:14–16 (ESV) Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”  Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).

• He Was Able To Appear/Disappear - Luke 24:36 (ESV) As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”

• He Maintained His Scars - John 20:27–28 (ESV) Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”  Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

• He Didn’t Die But Ascended Into Heaven  - Acts 1:9 (ESV) And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.  

• He Promised To Return By Descending - Acts 1:10–11 (ESV) And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,  and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Our Future:

Resurrection or… - 1 Corinthians 15:21–23, 47-49 (ESV) For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven.  As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven.  Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

Transformation - 1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (ESV) Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.