Going to the Next Level

Date: July 26, 2015

Scriptures: Hebrews 12:1, John 10:10, Psalm 16:8, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Ephesians 2:10, 2 Corinthians 3:5, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 4:7, 1 Peter 1:3, Matthew 10:37,  

Sermon Topic: Going to the Next Level

Sermon Notes:

Have you ever asked yourself, why am I here? Why was I born? Why is there a void in my life? Why am I not fulfilled in my current circumstance?

God can do great things for us, but he can’t do anything if you love where you are. There is nothing more tragic than living a life they don’t enjoy.

John 10:10 – The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I come that you may have an abundant life. Abundant life transcends stuff. There are people with abundant stuff, that are miserable.

Psalm 16:8 – I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.  When you get to a place where the sun stops shining we must remain still. God is God and I am not.

Stop taking God’s business into your own hands.

God died for us, we don’t deserve it, it’s a gift. To receive it you must understand your purpose and your potential. God isn’t trying to make you something new, he’s trying to expose the real you.

Don’t worry about the outward man.

Understand your purpose. If you have no purpose you have no self-control and no boundaries.

Drug use, promiscuity, deceitfulness of riches in these perilous times. The church has gotten caught up in this mess. If it doesn’t align with the word of God it’s not OK. Everything that’s not of God is sin. We need to have a Godly attitude and walk in holiness. Unless the Lord watches the city the watchman labors in vain. Unless the Lord build the house it built in vain.

God gave us the answer. 2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Cry out to the Lord. Get on your knees. You can’t talk about potential without God.

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. We need God.

2 Corinthians 3:5 – Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God. Our sufficiency is from God. He is my strength, miracle worker, healer, deliverer. He is God.

When you need help, counsel, joy and peace don’t go running to the store – run to Jesus. When you need a financial blessing get out of 7-11.

God supplies all of our needs. Stop filling out Publisher Clearing House.

You were created with potential for a specific purpose. Knowledge without action is overwhelming.

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Proverbs 4:7 – Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. To be overcomers you must be who God wants you to be.

God told Abraham to get out of his father’s house. In order to fulfill your purpose you’re going to have to leave some people because they’re not going anywhere. Why get connected to someone who won’t fulfill your dreams? Some people have no plan or purpose. Connect yourself to a winner.

Don’t let anyone else build your world for you. They will build it too small.

Be careful of what goes through your ear-gate. Faith comes by hearing. Evil communication corrupts good manners. We already have it – get out of your comfort zone. You’ll never get where you need to be until you leave where you are now.

1 Peter 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. You have the power. Power is the ability to walk away from what you desire to save what you love.

Some things aren’t sinful, just untimely. Some relationships aren’t sinful, they are just untimely.

Lay aside every wake.

Your thought life – as a man thinketh so is he.

Be careful of your thoughts.

Stop focusing on where you are and pay attention to what you can have.

If you’re in the same place you were in last year, there is a problem.

Block negativity. Don’t allow yourself to be bound by barriers of the past.

Let it Go!

Forget about those things, don’t be bound by that.

The enemy’s fiery darts – he sows them and it speaks to your mind. He recalls past hurts to your remembrance.

Lay aside every weight.

Unbelief is a big hindrance – you pray but you don’t believe that God will do what you ask him to do.

You are what you imagine yourself to be.

I can’t deal with you until I’m right with God. God demands total commitment.

Matthew 10:37 - He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Choose ye this day who ye will serve.

God’s ways are higher than our ways. He makes sacrifices for the whole. He will allow few to perish to gain the attention of the whole.

Spiritual Growth - July 12, 2015

Date: July 12, 2015

Scriptures: Exodus 15:26, Joshua 1: 8, Psalm 119-97, 1 Corinthians 1:5, Ephesians 4:14, 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Peter 3:18, Jeremiah 10:23, Romans 5:1 

Sermon Topic: Spiritual Growth

Sermon Notes:

You need the right soil and water to grow. Jesus said, “I am the living water, if you thirst come to me and drink.” Spiritual growth is a choice. Change is inevitable, but growth is optional. Choose this day who ye will serve. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

Winning is a choice. It’s by your attitude, acts of obedience and commitment to God.

There must be a willingness to learn. Exodus 15:26 – And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. I’m the Lord that healeth thee – some of the things that people are struggling with shouldn’t occur. Some things we struggle with we shouldn’t. We must purpose to live an abundant life. We have abundant peace when others are crazy, abundant joy when others are sad. Joshua 1: 8 – This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Meditate on the word day and night. 

If God says that you’ll make your way prosperous if you meditate on the word, it will happen. Speak faith filled words. Stop saying it’s too hard, I can’t, I don’t have – God supplies all of our needs.

The word is alive. Take the word and apply it to your life. 

There are times when you can’t trust yourself, but you must ask God to order your steps. 

Psalm 119-97 – O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. We can’t miss it. Don’t love the world. You can’t have a piece of the world and piece of the kingdom. 

I hate every false way. If it doesn’t lead to life eternal, I hate that way. 1 Corinthians 1:5 – That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge. When I was a child, I spake as a child, but when I became a man, I put away all childish things. 

Grow in understanding; we develop ourselves into spiritual maturity. Ephesians 4:14 – That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.  Every teaching that comes along isn’t right. There are false teachers all around. As long as you know the truth you won’t accept everything. 

If you deal with something and every so often you’re overcome by it – don’t make provisions for it.

When you’re tempted there’s a way out – You can’t say, I couldn’t help myself. You can be tempted, but don’t provide opportunities for sin to live in your life.

We have all the resources right now to live an abundant life. 2 Peter 1:3 – According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. You have it, but you need the knowledge to know that you have an abundant life.

He has blessed us. We must abide in him and let his word abide in us. That’s why some are struggling. They’re trying to make it without Jesus. If you’re at the same place you were at last year, something is wrong.

God gives special care to us. Ask and it is given, seek and ye shall find.

Live in me, trust in me and wait for me. Some don’t want to wait.

2 Peter 3:18 – But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. You have to make an effort to grow. Talk to God before talking to anyone else. There is a whole lot of stuff waiting for you at the door. You must have a talk with Jesus first thing in the morning. I need the word more than my necessary food. 

We need the God-kind of faith that works by love. Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus didn’t say it depends on the behavior of your neighbor. 

We need to break free of our bad habits.

Spiritual Growth – means to discern between truth and error and apply the word to my life. 

Whenever I got to God, I ask him to open my eyes so I may grow from you.

Spiritual maturity – means that you’re able to come to a place of knowing.

Jeremiah 10:23 – O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Put away carnal things and grow in the spirit. When I grow in Christ. When these things come I’m able to withstand. I’m secure. So secure that if there is nothing in the house to eat, I set the table anyhow.

Romans 5:1 – Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We are justified by faith. We have peace with God and we have access. Tribulation worketh patience. Watch when you ask for patience – tribulation worketh patience. 

Be careful what you ask for. 

You’re a winner right now!

You’re blessed right now!

Your standing in Christ is secure but your state in Christ is progressive.

You can tell when you’re not as close to God as you need to be. To grow, discipline your mind and your actions. Learn how to praise in the midst of. Bless the Lord in the midst of circumstances. 

Let nothing separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Forget about what’s behind. Don’t let the enemy weigh your mind down with the past. What’s before you is better than what’s behind you.

You have the victory but you must love this word. God is first.

Do you want to get better? June 28, 2015

Date: June 28, 2015

Scriptures: John 5:4, Proverbs 4:20, Romans 8:28

Sermon Topic: Do you want to get better?

Sermon Notes:

John 5:4 – For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. There is no shortage or failure in God. A certain man is applicable to all of us. Have you ever been hurt, alone or in a situation where you needed someone and couldn’t find them?

Man has a tendency to attribute our faults, failures and hurts to others. We blame others for what happens. But most of what we can be is attached to how we see ourselves. Some see themselves as underachievers. As a man thinketh, so is he.

Others may stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently. We are people of faith. We thing, hope and wish, but we must get up and do. In Christ we can do the impossible. 

Knowledge of ability is the introduction of responsibility. Proverbs 4:20 – My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. We’re in a war, whether you realize it or not. When you name the name of Christ you’re involved. When we look at people and decisions being made it lets us know that we’re at war.

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal. The issue you’re going through now is being used as a tool to develop you. Some don’t come to church until they’re in trouble. 

The fear of God must be the foundation to which knowledge is built. Get wisdom and get understanding. All that we know is infinitely less than what’s left to be known. You don’t know everything. 

Don’t assume you know me by what you’ve heard. I grow daily, so what you think you k now is out of date.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. I can’t explain how but I know that it’s working for our good. Unless you know God has already provided healing, you won’t know that he heals.

Meditate on the word day and night. Man will let you down.  Stop listening to everyone. Trust in the Lord. Do you want to be made whole? Be careful how you answer questions. We are committed to what we confess. 

Do you want to better or do you want to remain bitter? You will never leave where you are until you decide where you would rather be. That’s why some work their whole lives and never get promoted. Why some stay in bad relationships. God will take you as far as you want to go, but he can’t take you further than where you want to be.

Someone brought him to the pool, if he was there for 38 years. If you look hard enough you can find an excuse for not moving beyond your situations. 

Failure is not an event – it’s an option. When the mind is conditioned to accept second best, anything that comes along will do. That’s why people stay in bad relationships.

What you tolerate you can’t change. Jesus asked him a question and he offered an excuse.

The greatest quality on earth is the willingness to become. Never be satisfied with where you are. It could be better.

Look for the better in every area of your life.

We are motivated to become what we imagine ourselves to be. Leave where you used to be and go where you ought to be. When I know who I am, I break free of negativity. 

I’m an overcomer. Difficulties aren’t obstacles, they develop your character. Enjoyment of life is not based upon enjoyable circumstances.

The joy of the Lord is my strength. When I think of the goodness of Jesus, I can get happy in a storm, all by myself.

Do you want to be well? Don’t let anyone build your world for you. People will come into your life and tell you what you can’t do.

There’s so much more for you. Begin to think like a winner.

This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. I will praise him for who he is and what he’s done for me. 

Think like who you are – A winner that will never lose again. 

When the enemy thinks he’s got you down, keep fighting.

Spiritual Growth Series- Bible Study July 8, 2015

Date: July 8, 2015

Scriptures: John 15:4, Psalm 81:11, Proverbs 3:5, 1 Corinthians 10:23, Ephesians 4:22, Philippians 1:6 1 Peter 2:12, Romans 8:29, Romans 8:37, 2 Corinthians 3:17 – 18, Romans 15:4, 1 Peter 5:10, James 1:3, Hebrews 10:6, James 1:2, Luke 10:19, 2 Corinthians 2:15, Psalm 62:6, Psalm 125:1

Sermon Topic: Spiritual Growth

Sermon Notes:

Spiritual Growth is not only a large area of discuss but it’s something that we all need to do. Grow in the grace and the knowledge of God. The ability to grow is in every believer but the potential to grow doesn’t guarantee fruitfulness. We must grow in love, knowledge, holiness and faith.

John 15:4 – Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. In order to grow and bear fruit we must be in Christ. All that we have no, there is nothing else that god needs to create for us, but we need to grow in the knowledge of what we have so when things happen, don’t contradict what God says. Discipline your mind and your speech.

Psalm 81:11 – But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. No good thing will he withhold if I walk upright before God, love my neighbor doesn’t prevent us from having to deal with trials and life’s issues.

During sickness and sorrow – don’t throw up your hands. God has already told us what to do. Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Don’t get distracted by situations – continue to trust him even when it seems like he won’t answer our prayers.

Job didn’t give credit to the enemy and he said he would come forth as pure gold because of his trials. That attitude is essential for a victorious life.

We need spiritual maturity – Have a positive attitude if I want to grow. When I mature in the word. Ephesians 4:22 – That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. Don’t allow yourself to respond to situations before Christ. Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Don’t give negative thoughts life by speaking it. When you put words in the air you give life to what you say.

1 Corinthians 10:23 – All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Govern your speech. How do your actions affect other people? When we get to situations in our lives we should discipline our mind and speech. All things that we do must have edification. Some things we do that are lawful may impact someone else in a negative manner.

Growing spiritually will get us to a place where we know what to do. We can discern what is proper and what is not.

Before you do something, you must ask yourself the following questions:

·         Will it damage your influence?
·         Will it take away from my ability?
·         Will people not trust me?
·         Will I be a violent point of reference?

1 Peter 2:12 – Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. You should have honest conversations amongst those who are saved. No matter how they speak about us, our conversation must be honest.

The essential element of spiritual growth is to become more like Christ. That’s why we continue to grow to be more like Christ. Romans 8:29 – For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. When we look at this passage we’re destined to be in the image of Christ. We’re called, justified and glorified.

When that becomes a reality in our lives then we can boldly say – If God be for us, who can be against us? Whatever I’m dealing with, I don’t say negative stuff. Romans 8:37 – For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. We are more than conquerors, no matter the magnitude of the situation, I’m more than a conqueror through Christ. I get my direction and instruction through him. I’m more than a conqueror through him.

We need to have the faith to believe it. Jesus didn’t say we needed great faith, he said we need faith the size of a mustard seed? Do you know how small a mustard seed is? See picture below.

2 Corinthians 3:17 – 18 – ¹⁷ Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.¹⁸ But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

It makes no difference what you do, God loves us just the same as he did before. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. The Holy Spirit dwells in us. As spiritual growth occurs in our lives, we change. The more you learn about Christ the more you change.

There are things you can handle now that you couldn’t handle five years ago because you weren’t on the level of Christ. Five years ago you would’ve gone crazy but now we know what to say and what not to say.

God causes us to grow spiritually. That’s why the word of God helps us grow, it equips us.

Romans 15:4 – For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. We are able to see examples to follow from the Bible. We have to keep the word in the midst of our hearts to make it through trials.

1 Peter 5:10 – But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. He called us. I quickly move from the suffering when I read this verse. Set my mind on being perfect, settled and stablished.

This tells me that the suffering I’m dealing with won’t be forever. It’s not the end. I’m coming out of it. He’s going to strengthen me.

Suffering no longer has a shattering affect because God keeps us.

When you’re going through something don’t dwell on it. We can persevere if we grow spiritually.

James 1:3 – Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. I gotta let patience have her perfect work. James 1:2 – My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Count it all joy. This comes from growing in the word.

Our faith will be tried but everything that happens to us – there’s a purpose.

Hebrews 10:6 – In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. You have need of patience until the promise shows up.

We can’t doubt because doubt cancels everything. Think about what you say before you say it.

We must repent when we speak badly. We can speak to him like he’s our father. When you say something that goes against the word of God you can say, “I don’t know why I said that, I’m sorry”.

Once we confess it God forgets it as if you never said it.

We have authority, but we must recognize our authority through the covenant of Christ. Everything begins with the word of God.

Luke 10:19 – Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. We have the authority over demonic forces. Resist the devil and he will flee. We need confidence in the word of God. The knowledge of God’s love for you produces confidence.

I’m a winner – never see yourself as a loser. 2 Corinthians 2:15 – For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish. We always are lead to triumph. The more you are in the word, the more you love the word. The closer you are to God.

The further away you are from distractions it’s the word of God.

We need to have the confidence. So we aren’t moved by circumstances. With confidence I’m not moved by circumstances.

Psalm 62:6 – He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.  I’m not depending on anyone. He is my rock. 

He only!

I shall not be moved. No matter what happens, I won’t be moved from my place in Christ he is my rock and salvation.

He is my deliverer, healer and my all.

Psalm 125:1 – They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. Those who trust in the Lord are like Mt. Zion who cannot be moved!

You’re a winner right now!

There is no demon that can take that title from me. We need to see the enemy as he is – a defeated foe.

He was defeated at Calvary.

The blood still works, it will never lose its power.

We must apply the word!

Spiritual Growth - Bible Study 7.1.15

Date: July 1, 2015

Sermon Topic: Spiritual Growth

Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Peter 1:5, John 10:10, 2 Peter 1:4, Philippians 4:10, Ephesians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 2 Corinthians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, John 16:33, Philippians 4:8, Job 5:19, Philippians 4:11, Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 45:1, Ephesians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Hebrews 10:32, Hebrews 10:35-36, Hebrews 10:36, Psalm 125:1, Psalm 62:5, Psalm 40:1, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 41:9-10, 1 John 4:1

1 Peter 2:2 – As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. Desire sincere milk

2 Peter 1:3 – According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. The need for spiritual growth. Right now each 1 of us has access to all we need to live a Christ-like, Holy life. 2 Peter 1:4 – Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. We have escaped the temptation to be removed from the word of God. We have all we need. John 10:10 – Means we should have more than enough of what we need. Peace, love, joy, self-control. Philippians 4:10 – But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. God shall supply our needs.

2 Peter 1:5 – And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge. If we follow God’s word and do what’s instructed of us, we will never be defeated. We will be strengthened. Ephesians 3:16 – That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. The inner man is the spirit man. The outer man may be weak but the inner man is spiritual.  The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We must always maintain a positive attitude. Everyday won’t be perfect but we serve a perfect God.

1 Corinthians 15:58 – Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Nowhere in the Bible tells us to be steadfast and unmovable. When I get the knowledge I know that what I’m doing isn’t in vain. 2 Corinthians 4:18 – While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. When I’m in affliction I know that deliverance is on the way. Don’t move away from what you know.

There may be times where you’re praying and waiting and wondering, “Where is God?” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Remain steadfast. There are times when physically we are weak but he renews our strength and restores the joy of our salvation.

The enemy will try to convince you that you can’t enjoy life. John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. We will have trials but he has overcome the world.

2 Things to do

- Get your mind off your problem and place it on God. Do not concentrate on the problem but who can solve it.

- Get your mouth off your problems – You may say something that increases the problem.

Job 5:19 – He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. He shall deliver thee. When destruction is all around us, the joy of the Lord is our strength. Maintain a positive attitude, always. It takes discipline to do that. Philippians 4:8 –  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:11 – Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I learned to be content. Wait on the Lord and be of good courage. While I’m waiting, I’m receiving strength and instruction. There are times when we must stop moving around and trying to fix the situation. If I commit it to God, I must trust him to work it out.

If I cast my cares, I’m not going back to see how the cares are addressed.

The same God that told Moses to stretch out his rod to part the Red Sea is the same God right now in 2015.

Hebrews 13:5 – Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Stay away from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have. God teaches us how to be content with what we have. If I’m content with what I have, it’s my responsibility to manage what I have.

We have authority in the earth. Psalm 45:1 – My tongue is the pen of the ready writer. Whatsoever you say. You need a revelation to get out of the predicaments.

Ephesians 1:15 – Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints. We have the spirit of revelation – we can then analyze things from a spiritual point of view. Everything begins with the word of God.

We have power over demonic forces but we must trust God. The knowledge of God boosts confidence. The love of God causes everything to work for you. 2 Corinthians 2:14 – Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. I know what God will do and I won’t let anyone change my mind. I’m trusting and waiting on his promises. If he did it before, he will do it again.

He always leads us to victory. If you’re a winner today – you’re a winner tomorrow. You were a winner before the circumstance. The circumstance knows when it comes that you’re going against a winner.

Knowledge produces confidence. Hebrews 10:32 – But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions. Affliction came but you had the revelation so you could endure it. Hebrews 10:35-36 – 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

The blessing is there if I have the confidence. Proverbs – guard your heart – never allow your mind to dwell on negativity and you will guard your heart.

Re-read Hebrews 10:36 for the next 5 days.

After I’ve done what I’ve been instructed to do, I can’t be moved by circumstances! Don’t be moved.

Circumstances don’t change me. Psalm 62:5 – My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Whatever I need comes from God. I won’t be moved. He is my defense, my security and my protection. I shall not be moved.

Psalm 125:1 – They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. When I trust in God, I can’t be moved.

There are times when you need to encourage yourself. You must prophesize to yourself by looking at what God has already done. Psalm 40:1 – I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. I waited for God – he brought me out; then other people saw it and they started trusting in God. They knew your situation and saw that you didn’t break. Your testimony and your witness shows them God’s power. By your actions and presence, you testify.

The problem hasn’t been solved yet, I’m dealing with it today but in God’s own time. My ways are not your ways. Just know that it’s working. Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. It may not look like it’s working, but I have faith to believe its working. While it’s working I’m praising.

God is God and we are not!

God does what he does and we must have the confidence to believe in him.

Don’t throw away your confidence. Trust in God. Know that he’s there. We are chosen and anointed. Isaiah 41:9-10 – 9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

God will strengthen, help and hold us up. So when the enemy is expecting us to fall, God strengthens us. He gives us strength to deal with what we go through.

We need the knowledge because there are other spirits out there.

1 John 4:1 – Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Don’t believe every spirit, try the spirit to see if it’s of God.

You are a winner now, not a loser!

You’re the head and not the tail, you are above and not beneath.

Spiritual Growth - Communion Service 7.5.15

Sermon Date:  July 5, 2015

Sermon Topic: Spiritual Growth

Scriptures: Hosea 4: 6, John 12:28, 1 Peter 2:2, Psalm 119:33, 2 Peter 1:11, Romans 8:28, Romans 5:3, James 1:2 , Proverbs 17:9, Proverbs 26:17, Proverbs 26:20, Proverbs 26:21, Ecclesiastes 7:20

Sermon Notes:

 Spiritual growth is possible but you need to know how to grow. There are people who don’t know about the spirit. Hosea 4: 6 – My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. When you forget about God you put yourself in a precarious situation. John 12:28 –  Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

There is a day where we all will have to stand before the judgment of Christ.1 Peter 2:2 – As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. You have to get a hunger for the word of God. The physical body you can over eat and become overweight but too much of the word makes you spiritually strong. The word renews our strength.

Cultivate your understanding of the truth. You can hear it but you must understand it. Have an attitude of change, a transformed mind. Psalm 119:33 – Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Order my steps in your word. Give me understanding and I shall keep your law. The law of God is different from the law of the land. I shall observe it with my whole heart. My contentment and happiness comes from the ability to discern spiritual truth to apply to my situation. Every spirit is not of God. You need discernment to judge the evidence that’s before you.

Since we are the light of the world we are supposed to take the truth and share it with the world. The world needs the saints to be the witness so others will know. Let your light shine before men. The Holy Spirit will guide you to the truth but you need the right attitude.

Guidance is given to the humble.

When you look at obedience – obedience is a higher priority than religious acts. We can’t be obedient in one area and disobedient in another. Spiritual growth assures an abundant life.

Abundant life isn’t dependent upon material things. Abundant life is abundant peace, abundant joy and abundant contentment. When you seek the kingdom make that a priority and all things will be added.

Don’t love the world or the things of the world. 2 Peter 1:11 – For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Be committed to the gospel. You shall never fall – there is no failure in Christ.

Spiritual growth is a choice. Change is inevitable – growth is optional. You don’t have to grow.

To grow you must control your emotions and moods. When I control my attitude, I can understand the value in difficult times. Romans 8:28 – It doesn’t look good but you have to have the faith to believe that it’s working for your good.

James 1:2 - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Romans 5:3 - And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.  Glory in tribulation.

Keys to spiritual Growth

1.      Avoid negative self-talk – Stop saying “I can’t”, “I won’t” “I don’t have”

2.      Watch the conversations you have with yourself. Look in the mirror when you feel like speaking negative to yourself it will discourage you. Words are spirit and life. The more effort you make the more you will have. Galatians 6:7-9 – Don’t get weary. Keep on trying even when you get tired. Put 1 foot in front of the other and say, “Let’s go!” Talk to yourself.

Things that disrupt good friendships and remove you from God’s anointing:

1.      Don’t repeat everything. (Proverbs 17:9) A lot of friendships have been destroyed. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

2.      Don’t meddle in affairs that aren’t your own – it’s none of your business.

3.      Don’t be a mess magnet (Proverbs 26:17) - He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

4.      Don’t be a tale bearer (Proverbs 26:20) - Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

5.      Don’t overstay your welcome (Proverbs 26:21) – A negative attitude discourages other people. You can’t grow in an environment like that. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

6.      Recognize your past condition – don’t judge. (Ecclesiastes 7:20) For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. All have sinned and come short of God’s glory. By the grace of God and his mercy.

We should never get to a point in our lives where we don’t need to grow.