Archives for 2024 | Overflow Church Grand Prairie, Tx | Notes
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Born is the King: The Preeminence of Christ





Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
26 God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37  For nothing is impossible with God.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”

“The kingdom is established in our surrender.”

The Way in a Manger.

Isaiah 9:6–7 (NIV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace, there will be no end...
Jesus was given to Govern
It’s on his shoulders

The Preeminence of Christ
Colossians 1:15-22 (NLT) 15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18 Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. 19  For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. 21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.

Jesus rules over all dimensions of our timeline:
Revelation 1:8 (NIV) “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

1. Our Past
He rules over all that was.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (NIV) 17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 

Hebrews 8:12 (NIV) For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

“Jesus dealt with our past so that we could have a future.”

2. Our Present
He rules over all that is.

A. By being with us:

Matthew 1:23 (NIV) “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”--which means, “God with us.”

2. By leading us:

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

3. Our Future
He rules over all that will be. 

Isaiah 9:7(NIV) The increase of his government and peace there will be no end….

Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

“In Him, we can live in freedom from our past, be present in the present, and be hopeful for the future!”

The Good Shepherd: Goodness + Mercy | Pslams 23:6






Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.


Psalm 23:6 (ESV) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Goodness + Mercy

Goodness 
Psalm 119:68 (NLT): You are good and do only good.

Mercy 

MERCY: A continual flow of undeserved loving expressions and  Affection. Even in reaction to the opposite of treatments.

“In Christ, before the throne of perfect justice, we get perfect mercy.”
“Mercy is a Man.” 

He is
KIND.
John 10:10–11 (NIV) 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.



Psalm 34:10(NLT) Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.

“The only fruit that will come out of force is frustration.”

“Will follow me!”

“Goodness and mercy follow those who follow him.”

Those of the golden hooves”

We Bring Goodness

We Bring Mercy

All the days of my life

Psalm 1:3 (NLT) They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. 

Mark 11:12-14 (NLT) Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit.  Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it. 

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

John 15:4-5 (NLT) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.



The Good Shepherd: Table + Oil | Psalms 23:5





Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 
Psalm 23:5 (ESV) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Preparing a table

Song of Songs 2:4(NLT) He escorts me to the banquet hall; it’s obvious how much he loves me.

Psalm 34:10(NLT) Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. 

“Eating what the Lord Provides” 


In the presence of my enemies

“At his table, we feast while He fights.”

“You anoint my head with oil...”

1. The Oil is for healing
  • Acts 10:38 (NLT) God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
  • 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV) …By his wounds you have been healed. 

2. The Oil is for De-bugging

3. The Oil produces gladness of heart
Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) To provide for those who grieve in Zion—  to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

4. The Oil is fragrant
2 Corinthians 2:15 (NKJV) For we are to God the fragrance of Christ.

Luke 4:18(NLT) The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring “Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come.”

“My cup overflows.”

“When the oil flows, the mundane becomes ministry, The ordinary becomes ordinary, and the natural becomes supernatural.”

The Good Shepherd: Rod + Staff | Psalms 23:4





Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 
Psalm 23:4 (ESV)Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

The valley of the shadow of death

ROD+STAFF

The Rod: Authority
The Word
1.  Protection 
1 Samuel 17:32–37 (NIV) 32 David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him." 33 Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth." 34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you."

"We are comforted by the fact not that just that God is all powerful but that we share enemies!"

2. Examination + Identification 
Ezekiel 20:37(NIV) I will take note of you as you pass under my rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.

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"The Rod of Correction"
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The Staff: Guidance/ Leadership 

The Leadership of the Holy Spirit

1 Samuel 17:40 (NLT) He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd's bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd's staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine. 


1. Visibility
"The Holy Spirit makes Jesus visible."
John 14:26 (NIV) The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

2. Drawing 

John 6:44 (NIV)  No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him…

3. Guiding 

John 16:13 (NLT): When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.
Romans 8:14 (NLT) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

4. Rescuing


Isaiah 43:1-3 (NLT) Listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3  For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

The Good Shepherd: He Restores My Soul | Psalms 23:3





Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:3 (ESV) He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

How is your soul?

Psalm 43:5(NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

“There is a difference between being discouraged, a season of discouragement, and a spirit of discouragement.”

The Down Cast Soul

“You are not how you feel.”

1. Disappointed

Proverbs 13:12(NIV) Hope deferred makes the heart sick...

2. Discouraged

3. Depressed  

“There is hope, and you can overcome.”

4.  Disoriented  
 
“He Restores My Soul…”

“He guides me in paths of righteousness.” 
A. Positional Righteousness
2 Corinthians 5:21(NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 
B. Paths of Righteousness

“For His name sake.”
“If you are His, His name is on the line.”

Staying “up”
Psalm 16:7–11 (NIV) I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave,nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.


2. Lead your soul - lead yourself

1 Samuel 30:6(NIV) David strenghtened/encouraged himself in the Lord.
  • Get into the word.
  • Speak to your soul.
Psalm 43:5(NIV) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
  • Sing out
  • “Choose Joy.

2. Live close to the Good Shepherd  

3. Stay in the flock

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) 24  Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

“How is your soul?”

The Good Shepherd: Rested+Refreshed | Psalms 23:2





Exodus 14:10-16 (NIV) 10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. 11 They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" 13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm, and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." 15  Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. 16  Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. 

Psalms 23:2(ESV) He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Ezekiel 34:14-15 (NLT) 14  Yes, I will give them good pastureland on the high hills of Israel. There, they will lie down in pleasant places and feed in the lush pastures of the hills. 15  I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign LORD. 

The Conditions for sheep to rest.
1. Free from Fear 

Luke 12:32 (NLT) “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

2. Free from Friction

“Only lost sheep travel alone.”

3. Free from Pests

4. Free from Hunger

"We eat and rest in the same place!”

He leads me beside quiet waters….
Isaiah 43:18-19(NV) Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.


“Our Good Shepherd leads us to himself for refreshing.”

John 4:14 (NIV) Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." 

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Acts 3:19–20 (NLT) 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.

Matthew 11:29(NLT)  Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

The Good Shepherd: The Lord is my Shepherd | Psalms 23:1





Psalm 23:1–6 (ESV) 1 The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

David understood shepherding:
  1. Leading
  2. Feeding
  3. Protecting

  • David Understood sheep:
    1. Sheep are productive and valuable.
    2. Sheep cannot provide for themselves.
    3. Sheep are defenseless.
    4. Sheep are feebleminded.
    5. Sheep need Shepherds.
    “The livelihood of a sheep is contingent upon the care of a shepherd; it is the only context in which they are useful.”

    David recognized HIS need for a shepherd….
    “The LORD is my Shepherd...
    THE LORD: YHWH
    YHWH-ROHI

    Colossians 1:16–17 (NLT)...16 Everything was created through him and for him. 17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

    1 Peter 2:25 (NLT) Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

    Jesus, The Good Shepherd
    John 10:1–10 (NIV) 1 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the Shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. 7 Therefore, Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 


    When The Lord is My Shepherd:
    1. Friendship/ Fellowship
    John 10:14(NIV) I know my own sheep, and they know me.
     
    John 10:27 (NIV) My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 

    2. Leadership/ Follow-ship
    “Fellowship begets fellowship.”
    “The livelihood of a sheep is contingent upon his ability to follow his shepherd.”

    “The Good Shepherd is better at leading you than you are at leading you.” 

    The result: Abiding in Abundance
    I shall not be in want… I shall not be in lack.
    John 10:9,10(NIV)  I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

    Matthew 9:35-36(NIV) 35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.…

    John 5:17 (NLT) “My Father is always working, and so am I.”

    John 10:15 (NIV) I lay down my life for the sheep.

    Seasons of Change




    A Small Spark: Pastor Aaron






    James 3:1-12 (NIV)
      Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

    James 3:1 (NIV)Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 

    1. Held Accountable

    Matthew 12:35-36 (NIV) - For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”   


    James 3:2 (NIV) “We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”

    Proverbs 24:16 (NIV) For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again

    James 3:3-5 (NIV) When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. 

    2. Give Direction

    The tongue seems so small in relation to the rest of our body, but it wields a greater power than you can ever imagine.

    Numbers 14:1-4 (NIV) “That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”

    Just because someone loves you and cares about you doesn’t mean they are going to give you the best advice.

    Which Direction are your words taking you?

    James 3:5-6 (NIV) - Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.


    3. Self-Control

    James 3:7-10 (NIV) - All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 

    When we are careless with our words we are cursing the very image of God.  

    Is your tongue being productive or destructive?

    4. Speak Life 

    Proverbs 12:18 NIV - The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

    Proverbs 16:24 NIV - Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

    Ezekiel 37:1-10 (NLT) - The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?” “O Sovereign Lord,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.” Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, ‘Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.’ 10 So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet—a great army.

    James 3:11-12 (NIV) Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

    5.  Choose the Right Source

    Whatever the source is, the content of that source can only produce what the source is. 

    Roots And Fruit: Pastor Brooke Hernandez






    "In the Kingdom, there is a good seed and a bad seed. Both are sown, and both reap a harvest."

    Bad Roots:

    1. Gossip 

    Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT) “let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you along with malice.”

    Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)  “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” 

    “Don’t take your gossip and mask it as a prayer request.” 

    “What brings strength to the Body and anger to the devil is unity.”


    2. Bitterness

    Hebrews 12:15 (ESV) “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” 

    “Your fruit always reveals your roots.”

    3. Un-forgiveness/Offense

    John 13: 12-15 (ESV) “When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”

    Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

    Colossians 3:13 (NLT) “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

    Uprooting 
    1. Expose the roots 

    Ephesians 5:13-14 (NIV) “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light.”

    2. Root fire

    3. Tending to the weeds

    Psalm 51:10 (ESV) “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me”

    Your fruit, while rooted in Jesus

    Isaiah 61:3 (NLT) “To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”


    1. Will last

    Psalm 1:3 (NLT) “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. lIn all that he does, he prospers.”

    2. Will bear the fruit of the Spirit 

    Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

    3. Will be plentiful
    John 15:5 (NLT) “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

    Home: The Prodigal on The Premises





    Luke 15:1–2 (NLT) Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!

    Jesus had an agenda!
    Luke 19:10 (NLT) "The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."
    Luke 5:32 (NIV) I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

    John 8:3–11 (NLT) 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?" 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?"  11 "No, Lord," she said. And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."

    The Religious:
    Matthew 23:3–5 (NLT) ..Practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.  5 "Everything they do is for show...

    Legalism: excessive adherence to law or formula.
    "Legalism points to the law and misses the point of the law."

    "A bad Attitude is a bad action."

    The Prodigal on the Premises
    Luke 15:25–32 (NLT) 25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26 and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27 'Your brother is back,' he was told, 'and your Father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.' 
    28 "The older brother was
    angry and wouldn't go in. His Father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, 'All these years I've slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!' 
    31 "His Father said to him, 'Look, dear son,
    you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!' "

    The bitterness of the older brother: 
    1. He was angry.
    • Anger tends to accuse.
    • Proverbs 29:11 (NLT) 11 Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.
    2. He was stubborn: He wouldn't go in.

    3. He was resistant to the Father

    4. He had a broken perspective

    5. He missed the Father's heart

    Pursuing tenderness: 
    1. Walk in forgiveness. 
    2. Live with a spirit(attitude) of gratitude.
    3. Continually ask the Lord to make you tender.

    "The older brother, just like the younger brother, underestimated Abbas's kindness."




    ___

    Home: Let the Party Begin





    Luke 19:10 (NLT) “The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

    Luke 15:7 (NLT) 7 There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

    Luke 15:10 (NLT) There is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

    Luke 15:22-32 (NLT) 22  “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23  And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24  for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26  and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27  ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’ 32  We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’” 

    The party is Life in the Spirit
    At every party, you find….
    1. Preparation

    1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT) 9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 10  But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.

    2. People

    Ephesians 1:5 (NLT) God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 

    3. Pleasure 
    • “If following Jesus is not joyful, then you are doing it wrong.”
    Psalm 36:7-8 (NIV) 7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8  They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.

    Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

    4. Presents
    Acts 1:4-5 (NIV) 4 “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 


    A. A Person
    B. Power 
    “He doesn’t release us from responsibilities; he empowers us to fulfill them.”
    Acts 1:8 (NLT) You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...
    C. Proclamation of our identity.
    Romans 8:15-16 (NLT) You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16  For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 

    James 1:18 (NLT) He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

    ____
    Luke 11:9-13 (NIV) 9  “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11  “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12  Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

    Home: Sandles for his feet





    Luke 15:17-22 (NLT) 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22  “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet.

    Sandals for his feet:
    1. Sandals are a basic necessity for a journey.

    2. Sandals were used in covenants.

    3. Sandals indicate the restoration of sonship.

    “Servants have responsibilities but not rights.”

    John 8:31-36 (NIV) 31 To the Jews who that believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's des”endants and have never “een slaAbraham’syone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" 34  Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a“slave to sin. 35  Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
     
    Three areas of bondage
    1. Sin
    John 8:34(NIV)  "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

    “Anything you can’t say no to is bondage.”

    Romans 8:12–14 (NLT) You have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

    2. Fear

    Romans 8:15–16 (NLT) 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 

    “Fear is failure to trust.”
     
    Things that won’t help our fears:
    • Hardness of heart
    • Masquerading fear as faith
    • Worrying
    • Whining
    • Control

    3. Performance
    “If you are obeying Jesus out of a burden, you are operating as a slave, not a son, a hireling, not an heir, and a laborer, not a lover.”

    3 Breakers
    1. Encountering, Knowing & Following Jesus. 
    John 8:31-42 (NIV) 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

    2. Trusting that Abba is good, perfect, and loving. 

    “ A child-like faith is not something we must not grow out of but that we continue to grow into.”

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

    1 John 4:18 (NIV)There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.

    3. Simple, joyful obedience.

    Hebrews 11:8 (NLT) It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. 

    “Be okay to simply obey!”

    Home: A ring for his finger





    Luke 15:22-24 (NLT) 20 “So he returned home to his father.
    And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22  “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23  And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24  for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

    “The ring speaks of the identity & rights in the family.”

    I. Beloved Identity 

    1. We believe
    John 1:12 (NIV) To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

    2. We belong
    2 Corinthians 1:22 (NIV) (He) Set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

    3. We behold
    2 Corinthians 3:16–18 (NIV) 16 Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 

    4. We become
    "You become like who you behold."

    5. We behave

    It’s in your Nature
    It’s your Nurture 


    II. Our Authority.
    "Because we belong to God, what belongs to God belongs to us!"

    Luke 15:31 (NLT) ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 

    Luke 12:32 (NKJV) It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

    Galatians 4:3-5 (NIV) 3  When we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. 4  But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5  to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

    Matthew 28:18-19 (NIV) 18 “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” 19 Therefore go…

    "Our assignment is authority."
    Matthew 10:7–8 (NLT) 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

    Authority Over
    1. Sin and bondage
    2. Sickness and disease
    3. Poverty and Lack 
    4. Orphan and Enslaved Mindsets

    Philippians 4:19(NIV) My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

    Home: The Finest Robe





    Luke 15:20-23 (NLT) 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 

    Luke 15:22-24 (NLT) 22  “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23  And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24  for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

    The Finest Robe
    1. Righteousness

    Matthew 5:48 (NIV) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

    “The righteousness that is required is not earned. It is provided!” 

    A. Right standing.
    2 Corinthians 5:17–21 (NIV) 17 If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

    Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV) 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

    B. Right-living
    • "Right standing produces right living." 
    Philippians 1:11 (NLT) May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

    2. Regeneration
    John 3:3 (NLT) Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

    Luke 15:22-24 (NLT) For this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life.

    Galatians 3:26–27 (NIV) 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

    3. Removal of shame

    1 John 1:8-9 (NIV) 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

    4. Preparation for a celebration.

    Ephesians 1:3-5 (NLT) 3  All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4  Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5  God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

    1. You are worthy.
    2. You are approved.
    3. You are wanted.

    Meet with the Pastors. If you started coming to Overflow in the last month we'd love for you to join us directly after service in the Parlor so you can get to know our staff and a little more about Overflow.

    Next Sunday, Deeper, our membership class, starts back up @ 9:45am. Sign up by scanning the code beloe.
      
    September 8th, Two Services begin! Service times will be 9 and 11am.

    Home: The Father's Pusuit





    Luke 15:17–19 (NLT) 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’

    Luke 15:20-21 (NLT) 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21  His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 

    “He went seeking Mercy and found Grace.”

    The Fathers Pusuit
    1. The Father Sees
    Proverbs 15:3 (NIV) The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. 

    Job 36:5 (NIV) “God is mighty, but does not despise men; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose. 

    2. The Father Cares

    Psalm 145:8 (NLT) The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

    3. The Father Runs
    “The Son was reluctant in his return; the father was relentless as he ran out to meet him.”

    “The Father chose desire over dignity.”

    4. The Father Embraces
    Romans 5:8 (NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

    5. The Father Lavishes love

    Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. 

    1 John 3:1 (NIV) How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

    ___
    John 1:16-18 (NIV) 16  From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18  No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known. 

    Hebrews 1:3 (NIV) The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.

    Home: Hell or Home





    Luke 15:11–19 (NLT) 11 “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’ 20 “So he returned home to his father...

    1. The Prodigal’s Pursuit: independence & freedom
    “He chose independence over access.”

    2. The Prodigal’s proximity: a distant land.
    “The prodigal’s demise was the distance.” 

    3. The Prodigal’s Predicament: Hell on earth
    Luke 15:13–16 (NLT) 13 he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. 

    “What he thought would be freedom ended up in bondage to a cruel master.”

    Romans 6:23 (NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

    John 8:24 (NLT) “Unless you believe that I Am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”

    He remembered home.
    Luke 15:17–19 (NLT) 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’ 20 “So he returned home to his father...


    John 6:44 (NLT) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.

    From Hell to Home.
    1. Come to your senses
    2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT) For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

    2. Humbly head home
    Luke 15:20 (NLT) “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.”

    “He went seeking Mercy and found grace.”

    “Jesus is the road back home.”

    John 14:6 (NLT) Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. 


    Colossians 2:13 (NLT) You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive withChrist, for he forgave all our sins. 

    Hopes+Dreams





    God has a way of leading us through Desire.

    “Everything He touches, He transforms.”

    Joseph | Genesis 37-50

    Genesis 50:16–20 (NLT) 16 So they sent this message to Joseph: “Before your father died, he instructed us  17 to say to you: ‘Please forgive your brothers for the great wrong they did to you—for their sin in treating you so cruelly.’ So we, the servants of the God of your father, beg you to forgive our sin.” When Joseph received the message, he broke down and wept. 18 Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. 19 But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.

    Proverbs 13:12 (NLT) Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

    Hope is not the problem. 
    1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV) We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Delay was a constant companion in Joseph’s journey to the dream.

    Proverbs 13:12 (NLT) ...BUT a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

    Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

    Ezekiel 47:12 (NIV) Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”

    The Process: The space between Longing and fulfillment.
    22 years for the dream to be fulfilled. 
    13 of which Joseph spent as a slave or in prison.

    1. Timing
    • Timing can have more to do with us than it does God.
    • Trusting God’s timing means He is working, and so am I.
    • God is good for it, He can be trusted.

    2. Testing:
    Proverbs 13:19 (NLT) It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them.
    • “A faith that is tested is a faith that can be trusted.” 
    • Testing trains us to trust.

    3. The success test
    • Stay aware of whose dream it is 
    • Be aware of who got you there.
    • Beware of the done dump.

    Identity Crisis- Aaron Guthrie





    Romans 1:21-32 (NLT)
    21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. 25 They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. 26 That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have relations and instead indulged in relations with each other. 27 And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. 28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. 29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. 30 They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. 31 They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. 32 They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

    Satan knows if we don’t know who we are, we will never be able to defeat him.

    Our society and culture keep trying to redefine things that God has already given definitions to.

    Genesis 1:27 (NLT)  So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

    Comparison is an identity killer.

    You are not a sinner saved by grace.  

    We live out what we believe to be true about ourselves whether it’s true or not.  

    Three free gifts as a Child of God

    Romans 8:9-16 (NLT)
    Vs9 - But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you.
    (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)

    1. Freedom from Sin

    2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, all things have become new. 
    (He makes all things new.)

    Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) - No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.

    Vs10 - And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 
    11
    The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. 12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 

    2.  Resurrection Power

    You’ve got resurrection power running through your veins.  

    We can come boldly to the throne – Sun stand still kind of prayers.

    “God has privileged us in Christ Jesus to live above the ordinary human plane of life. Those who want to be ordinary and live on a lower plane can do so, but as for me, I will not.” ― 
    Smith Wigglesworth (British Evangelist)

    Vs 12 - You have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.  

    The answer to temptation is not to try harder but to rely on the resurrection power you have inside of you.  

    Vs14 - For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 
    17 And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

    3.  Sonship 

    When you make Christ the Lord of your life, He adopts you as His child and calls you His own.  That means He chose you! You are not a mistake, you are not an afterthought, He sought you out to be His.  

    The law of adoption is actually stronger than the law of biology.

    John 1:12 (NLT) - But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God

    Vision Sunday 2024





    John 4:13–14 (NLT)13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

    “When we drink of Jesus, the river takes over.”

    John 7:37–38 (NIV) 37 ...“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 

    John 4:28–30 (NLT)  28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

    Adjusting our Sails.

    1. Embrace the purpose
    “Overflow Church exists to bring people to an Encounter with the reality of Jesus.”

    2. Get in on the Vision 
    Proverbs 29:18 (NIV) Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint.

    “Without the people, the vision perishes.”

    Habakkuk 2:2 (NIV): “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.

    3. Cultivate the culture

    PRESENCE: Every time we gather, everywhere we go.
    FAMILY: We follow Jesus together. 
    HONOR: Up, down, all around.
    POWER: God is moving today
    GENEROSITY: Blessed to be a blessing.


    Generosity advances the Vision.
    Time. Talent. Treasure.

    “Move from a consumer to a contributor.”
    Matthew 9:37–38 (NIV) 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

    Why Kid's Ministry Matters- Moriah Brown





    LOOKING AHEAD:


    We are looking ahead by looking down.

    Proverbs 22:6

    6 Start children off on the way they should go,
        and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”


    If we raise lukewarm kids, then we will get lukewarm adults. 

    We cannot be just “in the moment” Christians.

    It has to be a generational effort.

    Mark 10:14-16

    ”When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
    15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”

    Indignant- Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.

    “83% of Christians make their first commitment to Jesus between the ages of 4 and 14”
    -International Bible Society

    Children are hungriest for answers, and that makes Children hungriest for God.

    Psalms 127:3-5
     
    “3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
    4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
    5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”

    Children are a weapon for the kingdom.

    Deuteronomy 6:6-7:  "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

    This isn’t about us, it is about our children, their eternal life in Heaven, and the lives of those who our descendants can impact.










    Holy Ghost: The Wind




    John 3:5–8 (NLT) 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

    John 6:63 (NIV) The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit, and they are life.

    Acts 2:2 (NIV) Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

    John 20:21–22 (NLT) 21“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

    Why Wind?
    John 4:24 (NLT) God is Spirit.

    “The Holy Ghost is predictably unpredictable.”

    Led by the wind

    Romans 8:1–4 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

    Romans 8:14–16 (NLT) 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.


    1. The mentalities we possess.

    Identity Based:  Led as a child of a kind Father.
    “Being led by the Spirit is as much identification as direction.”

    “The Holy Spirit doesn't simply “modify” our behavior. He transforms our identity.”

    Romans 8:5-6(NLT) 5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.

    Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

    To be Spirit-led is to be Spirit-fed.

    2. How we are carried.
    Wind in sails. 

    Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

    3. Surrendered to his leadership/Lordship

    We partner with the wind:
    Ezekiel 37:9–10 (NIV) 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’ ” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

    Holy Ghost: The New Wine




    New Wine
    John 2:1–11 (NLT) 1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”  4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” 5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. 9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” 11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

    The Outpouring of the New Wine. 
    Acts 2:11–16 (NLT) 11 …We all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. 13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” 14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel…

    Wine speaks of:
    1. Influence

    A. He influences the things we say.

    Romans 15:13 (NLT) I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

    B. He influences the way that we are.

    Galatians 5:22–23 (NLT) The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

    C. He influences the things we do. 
    • I Corinthians 12

    2. Intelligence
    Job 32:8 (NLT) There is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent.

    3. Indulgence.
    Romans 14:17(NLT) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,

    Psalm 16:11 (NIV) You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

    Receiving the New Wine: 

    Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

    1. Loosen up
    Luke 5:37–39 (NLT) 37 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. 38 New wine must be stored in new wineskins. 39 But no one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine. ‘The old is just fine,’ they say.”

    “Stiffness Stifles”

    1 Thessalonians 5:19(NLT) Do not stifle(quench) the Holy Spirit.

    “The Holy Spirit is not going to do His work on your terms.”

    2. Drink deep
    1 Corinthians 12:13 (NIV) We were all given the one Spirit to drink.
    Ephesians 5:18(NLT)  Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit. 


    John 20:22 (NLT) Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

    Holy Ghost: The Intercessor



    The Anointing

    Acts 10:38 (NLT)  We know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

    2 Corinthians 1:20–22 (NIV) 20 No matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

    Anoint: “to smear or rub with oil.”

    The Oil
    Exodus 30:22–33 (NLT) 22 Then the Lord said to Moses, 23 “Collect choice spices—12½ pounds of pure myrrh, 6¼ pounds of fragrant cinnamon, 6¼ pounds of fragrant calamus, 24 and 12½ pounds of cassia—as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel. Also get one gallon of olive oil. 25 Like a skilled incense maker, blend these ingredients to make a holy anointing oil. 26 Use this sacred oil to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, 27 the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and all its accessories, the incense altar, 28 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the washbasin with its stand. 29 Consecrate them to make them absolutely holy. After this, whatever touches them will also become holy. 
    30 “Anoint Aaron and his sons also, consecrating them to serve me as priests. 31 And say to the people of Israel,
    ‘This holy anointing oil is reserved for me from generation to generation. 32 It must never be used to anoint anyone else, and you must never make any blend like it for yourselves. It is holy, and you must treat it as holy. 33 Anyone who makes a blend like it or anoints someone other than a priest will be cut off from the community.’ ”

    The Oil of the Spirit
    1. Produced by a Process

    Jesus Praying at the Mount of Olives in a garden called Gethsemane.(Matthew 26)
    Gethsemane:
    “The Olive Press”

    Psalm 133:1–3 (NIV)1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing,even life forevermore.

    2. Applied for a purpose
    Anoint (Hebrew Mashiach/Greek…Chrio), which means “to smear or rub with oil,” The implication is to consecrate for office or religious service.
     

    Luke 4:16–21 (NLT) 16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” 20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

    “Jesus is the anointed one, and We are anointed “ones.”

    The same oil as Jesus…
    “It’s not our anointing, it’s His.”
    Romans 8:11(NIV)  The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you….

    John 14:12 (NLT) Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

    3. Positioned for Holiness

    2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT) Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

    4. Primed under Pressure. 
    “Pressure does not minimize our functionality. It maximizes it.”

    1 John 2:26–27 (NIV) 26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

    Ministry:

    Romans 11:29 (NIV): For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.


    Father's Day Panel





    This message is a panel discussion about fatherhood at Overflow Church. The panelists discuss a variety of topics related to being a dad, including the most influential men in their lives, the hardest and most enjoyable parts of being a father, and how to navigate fatherhood.

    The vmessage starts with a lighthearted icebreaker question about favorite child (which is quickly shut down). The panelists then introduce themselves and share a few words about their dads. The conversation then dives into a deeper discussion about fatherhood.

    Here are some of the questions the panelists discuss:

    Who are the three most influential men in your life and why? (1:00)
    What's the hardest thing about being a dad? (3:12)
    What's the most enjoyable part about being a dad? (5:42)
    The panelists also share personal stories about their experiences as fathers.

    At the end of the video, there is a prayer for the fathers in the audience. (8:25)

    #fathersday #fatherhood #overflowchurch #dadlife #dad #faith #family www.overflowdfw.com

    Holy Ghost: The Anointing




    The Anointing

    Acts 10:38 (NLT)  We know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

    2 Corinthians 1:20–22 (NIV) 20 No matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

    Anoint: “to smear or rub with oil.”

    The Oil
    Exodus 30:22–33 (NLT) 22 Then the Lord said to Moses, 23 “Collect choice spices—12½ pounds of pure myrrh, 6¼ pounds of fragrant cinnamon, 6¼ pounds of fragrant calamus, 24 and 12½ pounds of cassia—as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel. Also get one gallon of olive oil. 25 Like a skilled incense maker, blend these ingredients to make a holy anointing oil. 26 Use this sacred oil to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, 27 the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and all its accessories, the incense altar, 28 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the washbasin with its stand. 29 Consecrate them to make them absolutely holy. After this, whatever touches them will also become holy. 
    30 “Anoint Aaron and his sons also, consecrating them to serve me as priests. 31 And say to the people of Israel,
    ‘This holy anointing oil is reserved for me from generation to generation. 32 It must never be used to anoint anyone else, and you must never make any blend like it for yourselves. It is holy, and you must treat it as holy. 33 Anyone who makes a blend like it or anoints someone other than a priest will be cut off from the community.’ ”

    The Oil of the Spirit
    1. Produced by a Process

    Jesus Praying at the Mount of Olives in a garden called Gethsemane.(Matthew 26)
    Gethsemane:
    “The Olive Press”

    Psalm 133:1–3 (NIV)1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing,even life forevermore.

    2. Applied for a purpose
    Anoint (Hebrew Mashiach/Greek…Chrio), which means “to smear or rub with oil,” The implication is to consecrate for office or religious service.
     

    Luke 4:16–21 (NLT) 16 When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. 17 The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, 19 and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” 20 He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. 21 Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”

    “Jesus is the anointed one, and We are anointed “ones.”

    The same oil as Jesus…
    “It’s not our anointing, it’s His.”
    Romans 8:11(NIV)  The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you….

    John 14:12 (NLT) Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

    3. Positioned for Holiness

    2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT) Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

    4. Primed under Pressure. 
    “Pressure does not minimize our functionality. It maximizes it.”

    1 John 2:26–27 (NIV) 26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

    Ministry:

    Romans 11:29 (NIV): For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.


    Holy Ghost: The Comforter





    John 16:5–15 (NLT) 5 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. 7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.  12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’


    Provisions of The Comforter
    “Comfortable is not promised; The Comforter is.”

    1. Calm in the chaos
    John 16:1–4 (NLT) “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 3 This is because they have never known the Father or me. 4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning…

    John 14:26–27 (NLT) 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.  27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

    Supernatural Peace.
    Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

    2. Confirming our identity
    Ephesians 1:13-14(NLT) …When you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.  The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people.

    Romans 8:14–16 (NLT) 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 16 For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.

    “The accuser questions your identity while The Comforter confirms your identity. 


    3. Correction

    “While the Holy Spirit does not condemn believers, HE does correct them.”

    Hebrews 12:8(NLT) If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.
    “Correction from the Holy Spirit is not condemning our identity but confirming it.”

    Proverbs 12:1(NLT) To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

    4. Counsel
    John 14:26 (NLT)  When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

    John 16:13(NLT)  When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.

    5. Confiding in us.
    John 15:15(NLT) I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

    1 Corinthians 2:7–10 (NIV) we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

    Holy Ghost: Who is the Holy Spirit?



    John 14:8–21 (NIV) 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth.  The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

    Who is the Holy Spirit?
    1. He is God
    Genesis 1:1–2 (NIV) In the beginning God(Elohim) created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God(Elohim) was  hovering over the waters.

    2. He is the Holy Spirit 

    Holy: 

    Spirit:
    3. He is a person, not an “it.”

    “The Holy Spirit is not weird, but he is wild.”

    John 14:17 (NIV) The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him…

    “The Holy Spirit may seem strange, but he is no stranger.”

    When we are filled with the Spirit:
    1. We are God’s dwelling place

    John 14:17-19 (NIV) 17…For he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

    He resides in those who are his.
    “Under the Old Covenant, The Holy Spirit would rest temporarily; in the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit resides permanently!”

    I Corinthians 6:19(NLT) Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God?


    2. We can experience total victory
    John 14:19 (NIV) …Because I live, you also will live.

    Romans 8:11 (NIV) The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

    1 John 4:4 (NLT)  You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

    3. To function like Jesus

    John 14:12(NIV) I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.

    Jesus on the earth was the prototype of those filled with the Spirit.

    Philippians 2:6–7 (NLT) 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.

    Acts 10:38 (NIV) God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

    His only limitation is our yielding!
    1 Thessalonians 5:19(NIV)  Do not quench(stifle) the Holy Spirit.

    Ministry:
    Acts 19:2 (NIV) "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

    Holy Ghost: The Outpouring




    Holy Ghost: The Outpouring 

    Mark 1:8–11 (NLT) 8 “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” 9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

    Acts 1:4-8 (NIV) 4 "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 6  So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7  He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

    Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3  They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 

    Pentecost:
    Mount Sinai: (Ex. 19:16-19) 
    • At Sinai God's presence was accompanied by fire, smoke, and the sound of thunder. At Pentecost, by the sound of wind, tongues of fire, and the sound of tongues.
    • At Sinai, The Torah became the teacher. On Pentecost, The Spirit became the Teacher
    • At Sinai, The Law was written on stones. On Pentecost, The Spirit on hearts.
    • At Sinai, 3,000 people died. On Pentecost, 3,000 people believed!

    John 1:17(NIV) The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

    “Pentecost speaks of a second experience for God’s people.”

    Acts 19:2 (NIV) "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

    The Tower of Babel:
    Genesis 11:4–7 (NLT) 4 Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.” 5 But the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower the people were building. 6 “Look!” he said. “The people are united, and they all speak the same language. After this, nothing they set out to do will be impossible for them! 7 Come, let’s go down and confuse the people with different languages. Then they won’t be able to understand each other.”
    • At Babel, they were working. On Pentecost, they were waiting.
    • At Babel, the people were ascending. On Pentecost, God descends.
    • At Babel, language was confused. On Pentecost, the language was understood.
    • At Babel, the people were scattered in judgment. On Pentecost, the people were sent to spread the gospel
    • At Babel, it was for the fame of man. On Pentecost, it was for the glory of God.

    What to expect when you are filled with the Holy Ghost:

    1. More tangibles 
    John 14:12 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

    2. More fervency

    Romans 12:11 (NIV) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

    3. More courage & boldness
    .
    Acts 2:14 (NIV) Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd. 

    Acts 4:31 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (See also Acts 4:12)

    4. More Power 
    2 Primary Greek words for Power:
    1. Exouisia: Rights
    John 1:12 (NIV) Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

    2.  Dynamis: Ability
    Acts 1:8 (NLT) You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

    Receive the Baptism of The Holy Spirit 
    Luke 11:9–13 (NLT) 9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

    Ministry:
    Acts 19:2 (NIV) "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

    Mother Day 2024



    Holy Curiosity





    Holy Curiosity

    Luke 18:15-17 (NLT) 15 One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. 16 Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 17 I tell you the truth: anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.

    Luke 19:1-10 (NIV) 1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man, he could not because of the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'" 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." 9 Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." 

    Zacchaeus
    1. He is a chief tax collector
    2. He is wealthy.
    3. He was vertically challenged
    4. He carries a curios child-likeness 

    A Childlikeness of Zacchaeus.
    Curiosity

    “Remaining curious about God is something we must maintain lest we become bored spiritually.”

    Things that squelch curiosity:
    1. Making excuses
    2. Being a know it all
    3. Looking elsewhere.

    "Curiosity breeds gladness."

    “Joy is a necessity, not a luxury.”
    Romans 14:17 (NIV) The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

    “Encounters that endure are contingent on our capacity to carry joy in the journey.”

    Luke 19:6 (NLT)  Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.

    Holiness that isn't joyful isn't very holy.

    Cultivating Holy Curiosity
    1. Position Yourself to gain a better view of Jesus.
    2. Respond to His invitations.
    3. Posture yourself in who Jesus calls you.

    I Don't Want To Grow Up- Pastor Chris Jones



    Matthew 18:1-5 (NIV)
    1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
    James 4:6 (NIV) But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.
    If your primary focus in life is becoming the G.O.A.T, you stop acting like sheep.

    Micah 6:8 (NLT) No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.


    In the Kingdom of God childlike faith is not childish, it’s mature.

    1 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)
     When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

    Walking in humility is not humiliating

    Romans 10:11 (NIV) As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”


    Walking in humility doesn’t cause low self esteem

    Romans 12:3 (NIV)
    For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you


    Humility is the key motivator for the best servants.


    Matthew 23:11-12 (NIV) The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

    Philippians 2:5-11 ( NIV) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
    9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
     in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
    Obedience is only possible if you are humble.

    It's a Heart Thing- Aaron Guthrie






    Proverbs 4:20-27 (NIV)
    20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

    Proverbs 4:20-27 (MSG)
    Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
    Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.

    We guard what we deem is valuable to us.

    Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)
    The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

    2 Questions I want us to look at today. Why should we guard our heart? How can we guard our heart?

    1. Why should we guard our heart?

    Vs 23 For everything you do flows from it.



    Mark 7:20-23 (NLT)
    20 And then he added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”

    Apart from God, we all have a heart problem!

    1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
    8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

    Carnal Temptations, Emotional Trauma, Spiritual Doubts, Marital Conflict, Criticism from others, Workplace Disappointment, Physical Pain

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

    1. How can we guard our heart?

    3 Principles for Guarding Our Heart

    Proverbs 4:24 (NLT)
    24 Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.

    1. Guard Your Tongue

    James 1:26 (NLT)
    If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

    Luke 6:45 (NLT)
    45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

    2. Guard Your Eyes
    Proverbs 4:25 (NLT)
    25 Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

    Too many times we are looking at the wrong things. We look at our circumstances, we focus on the problems and issues in our life instead of focusing on Him.

    Matthew 6:22-23 (NLT)
    22 “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. 23 But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

    3. Guard Your Conduct
    Proverbs 4:26-27 (NLT)

    26 Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. 27 Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

    Christians are often plagued with inconsistency.

    We have prioritized satisfying the outside at the expense of the inside.

    We’re ok with harming our soul at the expense of making us happy.

    God wants to make you Holy more than he wants to make you happy!



    Matthew 16:26 (NLT)
    26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

    Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
    17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    Nearness To Jesus





    Nearness to Jesus 

    Psalm 103:7 (NIV) He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel.

    “Jesus doesn’t simply want obedient followers; He wants intimate friends.”
    James 2:23(NIV) “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

    Mark 3:13-14 (NIV) 13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve--designating them apostles-that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.

    “He chose you for nearness, and devotion follows.”

    John 15:14–16 (NIV) 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

    Slow down, lean in, and listen up.


    It all begins with him doing something in us.

    1 John 4:19 (NIV) 
    We love because he first loved us.

    John 13:8-9 (NLT) 8 “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” 9 Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!”

    Worthy: God's Chosen People





    The Power of Chosen.

    Saul/David
    Acts 13:22 (NLT) God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’

    1. A Chosen People
    1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

    A. Chosen 
    “He likes you, He loves you, He wants you, That’s it, that is the credential.”

    B. Royal Priesthood

    James 1:18 (NLT) He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

    C. Holy Nation

    D. A people belonging to God.


    When we realize that we belong to God
    1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) “…That you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

    2. A Chosen Purpose

    Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

    3. A Chosen Posture
    1 Peter 2:9 (AMP)God’s own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

    1 Peter 2:10 (NIV) Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.


    Ephesians 1:3-8 (NLT) 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

    Philippians 4:19(NIV) My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

    Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

    "You are worthy of belonging to God."

    Worthy: Death Defeated





    Luke 24:5: “He is not here; he has risen!”

    John 20:1-9 (NLT) 1 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 3 Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb. 4 They were both running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He stooped and looked in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he didn’t go in. 6 Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, 7 while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. 8 Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— 9 for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. 10 Then they went home.


    The Resurrection is reasonable.
    1. Scripture.
    2. Secular sources.
    3. The tomb is empty.

    Why is the resurrection so critical to Christianity?
    1 Corinthians 15:17(NLT) If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.

    “At the cross, the work was finished, and from the resurrection, new life begins."

    John 11:25(NLT) “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

    Encountering The Risen Christ
    1. Respond to his voice (Mary)
    John 20:11-16 (NLT) 11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. 12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her. “Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing thereIt was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” 16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).    

    John 6:44(NIV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.

    Respond to His voice!

    2. Reach out and touch him. (Thomas)
    John 20:24-27 (NLT) 24 One of the disciples, Thomas, was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound on my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 


    Jesus went through great extents to have you.

    Matthew 13:45-46 (NLT) “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46 When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!
     


    Worthy: Crucified with Christ





    Mark 15:20-25 (NIV) 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. 21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. 25 It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.

    The Crucifixion

    Mark 8:31-37 (NIV) 31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32  He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

    The Call to Follow
    “Deny Yourself”
    • Greek:” Deny: “Say no to yourself.” Disown yourself
    Pick up Your Cross”
    “He sees our life as worthy of a gift that He will receive.” 

    Self-worth is not self-centeredness. 

    “You are worthy of the His Cross. Is He worthy of yours?”

    Put on your new self
    Ephesians 4:24 (NIV) Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

    1. Stop trying to find yourself.


    2. Give your life to him


    Romans 6:4-6 (NLT) 4  For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives.

    “You will never find freedom from sin until you find freedom from self.”

    3. Submit your wants

    The reward of “no.”
    Luke 22:39-46 (NLT) 39 Accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” 41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. 45 At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.” 


    4. The prize is greater than the pain.

    "We are the joy set before him, and 
    He is the joy set before us."

    Philippians 3:10-14 (NIV) 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 


    .

    Worthy: Peace of Soul





    The Human Soul- Your non-physical self. 

    Matthew 27:27-31 (NLT) 27 Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. 31 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

    Thorns:

    Thorns are an ancient symbol of a curse.
    Genesis 3:17-18 (NIV) 17…” Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 

    • Dysfunction
    • Shame
    • Emotional/ Mental trauma: 

    Galatians 3:13(NLT) But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

    “Christ has broken the curse!”

    Mockery:
    • Accusation
    • Humiliation
    • Shaming

    Isaiah 53:3-5 (NIV) 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

    Peace of Soul
    1. Peace has been purchased and promised
    John 14:26-27 (NLT) 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

    “You don’t get supernatural peace through natural means.” 

    2. Peace must be placed

    A. By placing faith in Jesus
    Romans 5:1 (NLT) We have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
    “To have the peace of God, you must have peace with God.”

    B. By making sound decisions
    Romans 16:19-20 (NIV) I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

    C. By renewing our mind
    Romans 12:2 (NIV) 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

    “Worldly patterns produce worldly peace.”

    Renewing our mind:
    • Repentance.
    • The Washing of the Word. (Eph 5)
    • Submitting our thoughts to Jesus. 
    • Putting our past in its place. 

    3. Peace must be protected
    Philippians 4:6-9 (NLT) 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

    “Peace is protected by praying and by thinking about the right things.”

    4. Peace is a person
    “Peace has little to do with what is happening around us but more to do with who resides in us.”
    Ephesians 2:14 (NIV) For he himself is our peace.

    How is your soul?


    .

    Worthy: Healing





    Ephesians 1:3(NLT) All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

    Isaiah 53:3-6 (NLT) 3 He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. 4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sinsHe was beaten so we could be wholeHe was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. 

    Ancient Flogging/Scourging

    Why so much pain and suffering?
    Isaiah 53:5 (NLT) He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

    You are worthy of healing!

    False assumptions 
    concerning healing.

    1. Somebody Sinned
    John 9:1-7 (NIV) 1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 

    “Pharisees tend to prioritize preference and process over people.”
    “The religious will scrutinize methods, & ignore the results.”

    John 9:25 (NLT)  “I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” 


    2. Somebody doesn’t have enough faith.

    James 5:14-15 (NLT) Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well.

    3. God doesn’t want to. (It’s not God’s will.) 
    “We don’t build theology around unanswered prayers!”

    Objections…
    1. “His ways are not our ways….”
    2. 
    What about Paul’s thorn in the flesh!? (2 Cor 12
    3. Doesn’t God use suffering? 

    Healing is available; God wants to!

    Luke 5:12-13 (NLT) 12  In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.” 13 Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. 

    Appropriating Healing
    1. Believe
    • Don’t be passive about healing.  
    2. Nurture Expectation
    • Speak/Declare the word
    • Meditate on the Word. 

    3. Steward wholeness

    4. Pray
    Matthew 6:9-10 (NIV) 9 “This, then, is how you should pray:” ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

    The Full Gospel of the Kingdom:
    “You can preach healing without the Gospel, but you can’t preach the full gospel without healing.”

    Matthew 10:7-8 (NLT) 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!
    • HEaling is a mandate(Mark 16:18)

    Psalm 107:19-20 (NLT) 19 “LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death.

    .

    Worthy: Cross Worthy





    Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

    Ephesians 1:3-8 (NLT) 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

    We are not worthless. We are valuable to the Father, who considers us worthy of Jesus. 

    Deserving vs. Worth
    1. Deserving: is merit-based.  
    • Mercy is not getting what you deserve. 
    • Grace is getting what you don’t deserve.

    Moral Goodness
    2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

    “We could not come to him in our righteousness, so he came to us with his!”

    2. Worth: Value-based. 
    • Worth is determined by what someone is willing to pay.

    Value
    1 Peter 1:18–19 (NLT) 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.

    “The Lamb of God.”

    Hebrews 10:11–14 (NLT) 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.

    Because of the Cross….
    1. Our value is revealed.

    2. We belong to God.
    1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV) 9 You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 

    James 1:18 (NLT) He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

    3. We recognize our value, so we live with values.
    Ephesians 4:1 (NLT) I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.


    Matthew 13:45-46 (NLT) “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46 When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!


    .

    We are Overflow: Life In The River





    Core Values:
    -Presence: Every time we gather everywhere we go.
    -Family: We follow Jesus together
    -
    Honor: up, down, all around. 
    -
    Power: God is moving today.
    -Generosity: Blessed to be a blessing

    Four Mandates
    1. Love who He sends
    2. Keep the Fire burning
    3. Open Wombs
    4. So we do (Transform Haiti)

    Ezekiel 47:1-5(NLT) 1 In my vision, the man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple. There I saw a stream flowing east from beneath the door of the Temple and passing to the right of the altar on its south side. 2 The man brought me outside the wall through the north gateway and led me around to the eastern entrance. There I could see the water flowing out through the south side of the east gateway. 3 Measuring as he went, he took me along the stream for 1,750 feet and then led me across. The water was up to my ankles. 4 He measured off another 1,750 feet and led me across again. This time the water was up to my knees. After another 1,750 feet, it was up to my waist. 5 Then he measured another 1,750 feet, and the River was too deep to walk across. It was deep enough to swim in, but too deep to walk through. 


    Depth in the Spirit.
    Psalm 42:7 (NIV)  Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

    Matthew 3:11 (NLT) “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 

    John’s baptism was for forgiveness. Jesus baptizes for fire.

    Life In The River
    1 Corinthians 2:10 (NIV) The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

    1. 
    Desire. You have to want it.
    Matthew 5:6 (NIV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

    John 6:44 (NLT) For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.

    The draw can become a drag if we don’t give in.

    2. Persistence. You have to Go after it.
    Luke 11:9-13 (NIV) 9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

    3. Continue: It’s an ongoing work.
    Encounters are the floor, not the ceiling. 
    Ephesians 5:18 (NIV) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 

    Ezekiel 47:6-9(NLT) 6 He asked me, “Have you been watching, son of man?” Then he led me back along the riverbank. 7 When I returned, I was surprised by the sight of many trees growing on both sides of the River. 8 Then he said to me, “This River flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure. 9 There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this River flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows.

    The dead sea: 
    • Its low: The Lowest point of the earth surface.
    • It’s salty:  5-10 times more concentrated than other salt waters.
    • It’s lifeless: Nothing can live there.

    The River:
    • The low places filled. 
    • The salty made sweet.
    • There is life and healing.

    Ezekiel 47:12 (NLT) 12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the River. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the River flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.”

    Isaiah 44:3-4 (NLT) 3 For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children. 4 They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank.

    John 7:37-39(NLT) “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ 39 (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit


    We Are Overflow: Mandates





    -Presence: Every time we gather everywhere we go.
    -Family: We follow Jesus together
    -
    Honor: up, down, all around. 
    -
    Power: God is moving today.
    -Generosity: Blessed to be a blessing

    Mandates:

    Genesis 1:28 (NLT) God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.
    Genesis 2:15 (NLT) The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.

    Four Mandates:
    Matthew 13:33 (NLT) “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” 

    1.Love who He sends

    Matthew 23:37 (NLT) “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.

    “We are an extension of his blood-stained wings providing mercy and welcoming whoever the Lord sends us.”


    John 6:12 (NIV) When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”


    2. Keep the Fire burning

    Leviticus 6:12 (NLT) The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must never go out.

    Matthew 21:13 (NIV) “My house will be called a house of prayer.”

    3. Open Wombs

    John 7:37-43(NLT) 37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.

    “First comes the natural, then comes the spiritual.” 

    4. So we do (Transform Haiti)
    • Henry Lee Sullivan Sullivan 1974.

    Proverbs 19:17 (NIV) Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.


     What Partnership looks like.
    Matthew 9:35–38 (NLT) 35 Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

    1. Pray
    2. Practice faithfulness
    3. Be an Advocate
    4. Participate

    We Are Overflow: Generosity





    Generosity: Blessed to be a blessing

    Genesis 1:22 (NLT) Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply.”
    Genesis 1:29 (NLT) Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.

    2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NLT) God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.

    “We partner by planting.” 

    3 seeds every person has:
    1. Time
    2. Talent 
    3. Treasure


    Matthew 6:21 (NIV) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

    We want to be generous:
    1. Because we want to be like Him.

    “You can give without love, but you can’t love without giving.”

    2. Because we are blessed.
    Matthew 10:8 (NIV) Freely you have received, freely give.

    Genesis 12: 2 (NLT) I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.

    The Macedonian church, Poor Rich people.
    2 Corinthians 8:1-3 (NLT) 1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 

    “In the Kingdom, wealth is measured by generosity and poverty by greed.”

    2 Corinthians 8:7-9 (NLT) 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 

    Growing in generosity 
    2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (NLT) 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous.

    1. Cheerfully
    2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.

    2. Consistently
    1 Corinthians 16:2 (NLT) On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned.

    Proverbs 3:9 (NIV) Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.


    3. Sacrificially 
    2 Corinthians 8:3 (NLT)  They gave not only what they could afford, but far more.

    God doesn’t need your money; He wants you.

    In generosity, sacrifices are more pleasurable than painful!”

    Developing a Generous Spirit 
    1. Give Thanks  
    2. 
    Give Something 
    3. Give Sacrificially
    4Give Consistently
    5. Give from this day forward


    We Are Overflow: Power






    Power: 
    God is moving today.

    Is God moving today?


    Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

    How is God moving today?
    Genesis 1:1–2 (NLT) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

    -You know overflow not by what is coming in but by what is pouring out.

    “We are not just a full people; we are an overflowing people.”

    SPIRIT+TRUTH!

    Who is the Holy Spirit?
    “Holy”
    • Hagios gk.: Different, Set apart (Sacred), Other than.
    “Spirit”
    • Hebrew: ruwach(roo'-akh) wind, a breath, a violent exhalation.  
    • Greek: pneuma = current of air, blast of breathe, a strong breeze.

    1. He Is God!

    • “Cousin eddy” 

    “To ignore the Holy Spirit is to ignore God.” 

    2. The Holy Spirit is a Person, not an “it.”

    3. The Holy Spirit resides in those who are His.

    Under the Old Covenant, The Holy Spirit rested temporarily on God’s people. Under the New Covenant, He resides permanently on his people!

    • “He moves through those that are his.”

     How does God move today? 
    Acts 10:38 (NLT) You know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

    1. Anointing- Assignment

    • Christ= The Anointed one- Christians= little anointed ones. 

    1 John 2:27 (NIV) As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you…

    “The anointing doesn’t lift; it remains.”

    “The purpose of the anointing is not to enhance our experience but to maximize our effectiveness.”

    2. Authority 

    John 1:12 (NLT) But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right(Power) to become children of God.

     
    3. Ability 
    Acts 1:4–5, 8 (NLT) 4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”…8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

    Power- Dýnamis “ability to perform” for the believer, power to achieve by applying the Lord’s inherent abilities.

    John 14:12–17 (NLT)12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! 15 “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit.

    Acts 5:15–16 (NLT) 15 As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. 16 Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.

    God is moving today by His Spirit through His people.”


    We Are Overflow: Honor





    Honor: up, down, all around. 

    Man was created in the highest honor in God’s likeness. 
    • Genesis 1:26 (NLT) Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us.

    When sin entered the scene, so did shame.
    Genesis 2:25 (NLT) Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.
    Genesis 3:7 (NLT) At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
    Genesis 3:8–10 (NLT) 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

    God covers shame.
    Genesis 3:21 (NLT) The Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.

    “The gospel is not only about the guilty made innocent but bringing honor to the shameful.”

    “Jesus experienced public shame in order to crown humanity with the highest honor.” 

    Honor cultivates an atmosphere for miracles.
    Mark 6:1-6 (NLT) 1 Jesus left that part of the country and returned with his disciples to Nazareth, his hometown. 2 The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” 3 Then they scoffed“He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. 4 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” And because of their unbeliefhe couldn’t do any mighty miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6  And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people. 

    • “Honor is a currency of the kingdom.”
    •  Familiarity can debilitate our ability to honor.

    Honor/Dishonor
    • Honor- gk. Timey- A Valuing: Recognize the value, appreciate, esteem favorable regard.
    • Dishonor- gk. Atimey- to treat as common or ordinary.

    “Honor requires intentionality.” 

    We Honor God in:
    1. Our Worship (Psalm 29:1-2)
    2. Our Priorities(Exodus 20:3)
    3. Our Finances(Proverbs 3:9) 
    4. Our Bodies(In purity: 1 Corinthians 6:19, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
    5. Our Convictions(Timothy 2:21) 
    6. Our honor to others.

    Honor: Up, Down, all around.
    1. Honor Up.
    A.Civil Leaders: Government, military, police(Romans 13:1-5)
    1 Peter 2:17(NIV) Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.  

    B. Social Leaders: Bosses, Teachers, Coaches, etc (Colossians 3:22-25)

    C. Home Leaders: (Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:2)

    D. Church/Kingdom Leaders(1 Thes 5:12-13, Heb 13:17, 1 Tim 5:17)


    2. Honor Down.
    Philippians 2:3-4(NIV) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

    Everyone Jesus honored was “down”.

    “Following Jesus means we honor people that seemingly don’t deserve it.”


    3. Honor All Around 
    Romans 12:10 (NLT) Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 

    Practical Honor:
    1. Words

    “Criticism and Cynicism rob your ability to honor.”



    “Honor speaks of the one who brings it.”

    2. Action
    Hebrews 13:18 (NLT) Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do.
    “Tension is where honor is tested.”
    “Talking about a person never brings resolve, but talking to them can.”

    3. Attitude
    “Honor starts in the heart.”

    Isaiah 29:13 (NIV) The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.

    Mephibosheth: 2 Samuel 9

    "If we sit at the table it will cover our shame."

    2 Samuel 9:12 (NLT) And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons.
    Mephibosheth: Dispeller Exterminator of shame

    ....
    Isaiah 61:7 (NLT) Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.

    We Are Overflow: Family





    Family: We follow Jesus together.

    Family from the beginning:
    Genesis 1:27-28 (NLT) 27 God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.
    Genesis 2:18 (NLT) Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

    “Kingdom government is expanded through the reproduction of family.”

    Jesus re-establishes family
    Matthew 12:46–50 (NLT) 46 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 47 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.” 48 Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 50 Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

    John 6:28–29 (NIV) 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

    John 1:12 (NLT) To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

    God’s Family
    “The Church is the only family God has.”

    Ephesians 2:19 (NIV) You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.

    Acts 2:42–43 (NLT) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 

    We are building a family, not a crowd, which takes time.”

    Family: We follow Jesus together.
    Galatians 6:6–10 (NIV) 1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

    Following Jesus together. 
    1. Accountability.
    Galatians 6:1 (NIV) “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
    “Restoration requires confrontation.”- Accountability.
    “Confrontation of sin only works in the context of relationship.”
    The point of accountability is restoration.”

    Galatians 6:1 (NIV)... “But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”

    2. Carry Burdens
    Ephesians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

    If you are burdened, ask for help!

    Romans 12:15 (NIV) Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

    3. Personal responsibility
    Ephesians 6:5 (NIV)  for each one should carry their own load.

    4. Stay Faithful & Be fruitful 
    Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

    Deep connections take time.

    5. Prioritize the family of faith
    Galatian 6:10 (NLT) Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone especially to those in the family of faith.

    What Now?
    1. Take the next step. 
    2. Take a seat at the table. 
    3. Open up your life


    We Are Overflow: Presence





    John 7:38–39 (NIV) 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”  39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.

     “Have you encountered the God that is here?” 

    We Value: The Presence of God.
    Presence: Every time we gather everywhere we go.

    Moses:
    Exodus 33:1–3 (NLT) The Lord said to Moses, “Get going, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt. Go up to the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I told them, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.’ 2 And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 3 Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I did, I would surely destroy you along the way.”

    • Some will be content with the promise without the presence. 
    • "The intended journey OF the Lord is WITH the Lord.”

    Exodus 33:15–19 (NIV) Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here….17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” 18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” 19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you..

    Presence:
    1. His Glory
    2. His Goodness

    Hebrews 1:3 (NIV) The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.

    David bore a similar longing.
    Psalm 63:1–4 (NIV) 1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;  I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

    Psalm 27:4 (NIV) One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

    His Presence:
    A. Every time we gather
    1. His presence is at the center of our gatherings.
    2. Our bible teaching & preaching is centered around Jesus.

    John 5:39 (NLT) “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!

    3. Our worship is centered around Jesus. 

    4. Our prayers are centered around Jesus.

    B. Everywhere we go.

    A life that values presence:
    1. Prioritize daily
    2. Lean frequently
    3. Pray continually
    1 Thessalonians 5:17(NLT) Never stop praying.
    4. Awareness always

    Ministry:
    Matthew 13:33 (NLT)“The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”

    We Are Overflow: Encounter Jesus





    Our Purpose is that  
    Every person we encounter will Encounter the reality of Jesus.
    Our Philosophy is that if people are well connected to Jesus, He will bring fulfillment to every area of their Life. 

    John 7: Feast of Tabernacles

    John 7:37-38(NLT) 37 On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’ 

    Jesus is revealing:
    1. “I am The Rock!” 
    2. The rain is here.” 
    3. “Water will flow!:”

     “We don’t live from what falls but from what flows.” 

    Jesus is calling to: 
    1. Whoever is thirsty.


    2. Believe, Come & Drink!
    John 7:38(NLT) Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.

    “When we drink of Jesus, the River takes over.”

    “The result isn’t simply satisfaction but participation.”

    Life in 
    The Holy Spirit:
    John 7:39(NLT) When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.

    John 4:6–14 (NLT) Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. 9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” 10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” 11 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” 13 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal Life.”

    We know several things about this woman:
    1. She’s a woman.
    2. She’s a Samaritan. 
    3. She’s immoral.
    4. She’s ridden with guilt and shame.
    5. She was broken.

    Jeremiah 2:13 (NLT) “For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!

    But 
    Jesus…..
    1. Repairs what is broken!

    2. Jesus rebuilds

    “Jesus doesn’t repair things to the place they once were. He rebuilds them into that which he intended them to be.”

    “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” 
    ― Oscar Wilde(Irish author/poet)

    She drank of Jesus, and The river took over:
    John 4:28–30 (NLT) 28 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him.

    John 4:39 (NLT) Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!”


    St Photina: