SLIDE 1 1/22/2018 1
Speaker Name
Run With Endurance!
Saturday, January 20th
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Athens, GA
DEFINING THE RACE
BY PAUL COOKE ACMin Director of Student Services
Identifying and Running in the Race
1) What is the race? 2) How do I run in this race? Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith …
SLIDE 2 1/22/2018 2
The RIGHT Race
Christ’s Superiority – Reason for faith! (ch 1) Faith in Him Secures Salvation (ch 2) Moses’ Faith Looked Ahead to Christ (chs 3-4) Jesus is THE Great High Priest, with the Superior Sacrifice We can Trust In (chs 5-9) All of this is to give us “full assurance of faith” (10:22) To “run the race set before us with endurance” (12:1)
Those Who Have Run the Right Race
- Abel
- Enoch
- Noah
- Abraham
- Sarah
- Isaac
- Jacob
- Joseph
- Moses
- People of Israel
- Rahab
This
“race set before us”
is a
“Race of Faith”
Their Race of Faith looked like:
- Conquered kingdoms
- Enforced justice
- Obtained promises
- Stopped the mouths of
lions
- Quenched the power of fire
- Escaped the edge of the
sword
- Were strong although weak
- Were mighty in war
- Put foreign armies to flight
- Received back their
children
- Tortured
- Mocked
- Flogged
- Chained and Imprisoned
- Stoned
- Sawn in two
- Killed by the sword
- Dressed in sheep’s skin
- Destitute
- Afflicted
- Mistreated
- Wandered about
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
SLIDE 3 1/22/2018 3
How do I run in this race? How do I run in this race?
- 1. Keep Pace with the Pacesetter (12:1-2)
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith … Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation.
SLIDE 4 1/22/2018 4
How do I run in this race?
- 1. Keep Pace with the Pacesetter (12:1-2)
- 2. Run Confidently and Boldly (11:1-2)
“If you are a praying Christian your faith in God will carry you, if you are not a praying Christian you will have to carry your faith and you’ll get exhausted carrying it.” Ravi Zacharias
How do I run in this race?
- 1. Keep Pace with the Pacesetter (12:1-2)
- 2. Run Confidently and Boldly (11:1-2)
- 3. Run Wholeheartedly Your Leg (11:39-40)
Hebrews 11:39-40 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
SLIDE 5 1/22/2018 5
How do I run in this race?
- 1. Keep Pace with the Pacesetter (12:1-2)
- 2. Run Confidently and Boldly (11:1-2)
- 3. Run Wholeheartedly Your Leg (11:39-40)
- 4. Run to Win the Prize AFTER the Race (11:13)
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
BY DEBBIE HUCKABY ACMin Christian Ministry Program Chair South Costal Assistant District Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church
Why Lord? What is the problem? “In the Beginning” Created in the Image of God
Genesis 1:27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
- Perfect Understanding
- Perfect Will
- Perfect Freedom
A unified whole where the body, mind, and spirit are inseparable, interdependent, and intermingled.
So What Really Happened in That Garden?
Genesis 3:6-7
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.
SLIDE 6 1/22/2018 6
So What Really Happened in That Garden?
–Death –Inherited/Generational –Personal choices
Death
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord
- Physical death begins at birth
- Two Trees = Choice
Inherited / Generational (Familial or Genetic)
Exodus 20:5 You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me.
Inherited / Generational (Familial or Genetic)
Exodus 34:6-7 Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth, who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generation.”
Inherited / Generational (Familial or Genetic)
Ezekiel 18:20 The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.
Personal Choices
Proverbs 16:25 There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way
SLIDE 7 1/22/2018 7
Sickness & Disease
–Physical –Mental –Spiritual
Ten Leading Causes
Death
Physical
1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
Mental
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Spiritual
Galatians 5:16-26 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in
- pposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that
you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the
Spiritual
Galatians 5:16-26 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. …
SLIDE 8 1/22/2018 8
Spiritual
Galatians 5:16-26a But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
IF
- IF we are to be all God created us to be
- IF we are to have the abundant life Jesus came to give us
- IF we are to be able to love God with all our heart, mind, soul
and strength and love others as ourselves THEN … We must be transformed to wholeness and restored to the image
GETTING UNTANGLED
BY SANDY BLOUNT Prayer Ministry Leader, St. James UMC
Our Goal Today
To throw off 3 sins that easily entangle. (Hebrews 12:1) I‘ve got a race to run!! Guiding Questions: 1) What pressures us to sin? 2) Who defines sin and its consequences? 3) How do we untangle God’s way?
What Pressures Us To Sin?
Back to the Garden (Genesis 3) Disobedience Shame Fear Need to Control Separation from God
What Pressures Us To Sin?
Back to the Garden (Genesis 3) Disobedience Self-Centeredness Shame Accusation Fear Blaming Need to Control Alignment with Satan Separation from God Isolation
SLIDE 9 1/22/2018 9
What Pressures Us To Sin?
Back to the Garden (Genesis 3) Disobedience Self-Centeredness Death Shame Accusation Guilt Fear Blaming Loss; Regret Need to Control Alignment with Satan Sin Nature Separation from God Isolation Generational Sins
What Pressures Us To Sin?
- Satan, the deceiver/tempter.
- Our Sin Nature, inherited
from Adam & Eve.
propensity toward particular sin patterns in our families.
- The World, Conformity to a
broken, fallen world. Romans 7:15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.
What Pressures Us to Sin?
Types of Disobedience Genesis 3:1-13, 4:6-8 Eve was deceived by Satan. The crafty serpent said to the woman, “Did God really say...?” Adam was misled by Eve. She also gave some to her husband and he ate it. Cain was openly defiant to God. God told Cain that sin was crouching at his door; “...It desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Who Defines Sin and Its Consequences In Our Lives?
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Me, Myself, and I?
(Satan’s choice for us)
Who Defines “Sin”?
The word translated “Sin” in the Bible simply means “Being in error” “Missing the mark” Romans 3:23 ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Missing the Mark
Who Defines Sin’s Consequences?
Consequences of Sin
The World Condones Satan Condemns God Convicts
SLIDE 10 1/22/2018 10
In Christ, There is No Condemnation!
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Who Defines Sin’s Consequences?
Consequences of Sin How to Untangle
The World Condones Satan Condemns God Convicts
Who Defines Sin’s Consequences?
Consequences of Sin How to Untangle
The World Condones (Not needed) Satan Condemns God Convicts
Who Defines Sin’s Consequences?
Consequences of Sin How to Untangle
The World Condones (Not needed) Satan Condemns (It’s hopeless) God Convicts
Who Defines Sin’s Consequences?
Consequences of Sin How to Untangle
The World Condones (Not needed) Satan Condemns (It’s hopeless) God Convicts Repentance & Forgiveness
How Do We Untangle God’s Way?
from being self-centered to being God-centered.
- 2. Forgiveness – Involves all
three aspects:
SLIDE 11 1/22/2018 11
What’s Wrecking My Race?
1) UNFORGIVENESS
- Forgiveness IS choosing to cancel the
debt and to pardon the person.
- Forgiveness is NOT condoning the
- ffense or peace at any price.
- Blaming assigns power to Satan and
the person being blamed.
- Self pity is debilitating.
- Bitterness defiles many.
Unforgiveness Is aligning with the Satan, the Accuser
What’s Wrecking My Race?
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)
- The servant couldn’t repay the debt and begged for mercy. The
master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
- The forgiven servant found a fellow servant and demanded
- repayment. The other servants saw that and told their master.
- In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured.
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Prison and torture are consequences of unforgiveness.
My Beliefs God’s Truth
1 Forgiveness is my choice and is situational.
(World)
1 Forgive or you will not be forgiven. (Matt 6:15)
My Beliefs God’s Truth
1 Forgiveness is my choice and is situational.
(World)
1 Forgive or you will not be forgiven. (Matt 6:15) 2 I want them to suffer like I suffered.
(Satan, Sin Nature)
2 Unforgiveness puts you in prison, not them. (Matt 18:21-35)
My Beliefs God’s Truth
1 Forgiveness is my choice and is situational.
(World)
1 Forgive or you will not be forgiven. (Matt 6:15) 2 I want them to suffer like I suffered.
(Satan, Sin Nature)
2 Unforgiveness puts you in prison, not them. (Matt 18:21-35) 3 They don’t deserve to be forgiven.
(Satan, Sin Nature)
- 3. Hanging on the cross, Jesus
said, “Forgive them.” (Luke 23-34)
Tipping Point
Definition of “Tipping Point” The critical point in a situation beyond which a significant and
takes place.
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
SLIDE 12 1/22/2018 12
Forgiveness is the Tipping Point to Freedom
Unforgiveness (Satan’s Way) * Burden * Forgiveness (God’s Way) * Freedom * Definition of “Tipping Point” The critical point in a situation beyond which a significant and
takes place.
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
Aligning with God by Forgiving
Releases God to Work in the Situation Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good
who have been called according to his purpose. Allows Us to Recognize the True Enemy Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
What’s Wrecking My Race?
2) UNGODLY BELIEFS – Any belief not in agreement with God’s word or character.
- Often developed from hurtful experiences,
- Inherited from our families, or
- Learned from friends or our environment.
Beliefs affect our decisions and actions.
- Ex. When Eve believed that the fruit was
“desirable for gaining wisdom”, she ate. Examine your beliefs
My Beliefs
1 Forgiveness is my choice and is situational. 2 I want them to suffer. 3 They don’t deserve to be forgiven. about Forgiveness Examples of Ungodly Beliefs about Forgiveness
Examples of Ungodly Beliefs
About Myself About Others
- 1. “There is something really
wrong with me.”
because of what I can do.”
- 2. “I need to be passive or I risk
losing other’s approval. ”
- 5. “If people really knew me,
they wouldn’t accept me.”
- 3. “I don’t belong. I’ll always
be on the outside.”
- 6. “I can’t relax and trust that
God will take care of me.”
Ungodly Beliefs
Take each thought captive. (2 Cor. 10:5) Let God reveal, remove, and replace the lies.
SLIDE 13 1/22/2018 13
What’s Wrecking My Race?
3) GENERATIONAL SINS Iniquity is the propensity to sin. The Hebrew word “avon” describes the crooked and perverse attitudes that emanate from the father to the children, a “bent” toward particular sins.
Breaking Generational Curses
Galatians 3:13 Christ’s Redemption - Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” Appropriate this! Leviticus 26:40-42 Identificational Repentance - “But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors... I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.”
Identificational Repentence
Nehemiah 9:2-3 And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day; for another quarter
- f it they made confession and worshiped
the Lord their God. Examples are in:
- Daniel 9,
- Ezra 9,
- Nehemiah 2
- Nehemiah 9
Examples are in:
- Daniel 9
- Ezra 9
- Nehemiah 2
- Nehemiah 9
Testimony – UNTANGLED! Cassandra Sims Prayer Time
Hebrews 12:1 Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. I‘ve got a race to run!!
Getting Back on Track
Reflection & Prayer Focus Question 1: Lord, reveal to me any areas of unforgiveness in my life, e.g. People I need to forgive; Forgiveness I need to receive from You; Or forgiveness I need to extend to myself. Forgive Self and Others
SLIDE 14
1/22/2018 14
Getting Back on Track
Reflection & Prayer Focus Question 2: Lord, reveal to me any ungodly beliefs that I have accepted, and show me the truth that will set me free.
Getting Back on Track
Reflection & Prayer Focus Question 3: Lord, reveal to me any ways that I have come into agreement or alignment with the enemy. Is it generational sin?
Prayer Time
Hebrews 12:1 Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. I‘ve got a race to run!!
ACMin Transformational Prayer Ministry Center
Struggles? Trauma? Depression? Relational Issues? Jesus has the answers! acmin.org/Prayer-Ministry
National Day of Prayer Breakfast
Thursday, May 3rd // 7:00 – 8:30 AM The Classic Center acmin.org/National-Day-of-Prayer
Life IN Christ 7-Week Seminars
2-Way Prayer
Tuesday Evenings January 9th – February Instructors: Cindy Mackey
Alive in Christ
March 20th – May 3rd Instructor: Marcia Wilbur
acmin.org/Spring-2018
SLIDE 15 1/22/2018 15
The ACMin Campus Where Relationship Grows
Classrooms Prayer Ministry Center Library Student Housing Farm Chapel Prayer Garden Worship Center Retreat Center Recreation Area
2018 Goal: Groundbreaking! Help ACMin Make Disciples!
- Students
- Staff
- Accreditation
Please consider a monthly pledge!
ENDURING BY KNOWING
BY CINDY MACKEY Director, ACMin Transformational Prayer Minister Center
ENDURANCE by KNOWing
Hebrews 12:1 …. let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us RUN with ENDURANCE the RACE that is set before us ENDURANCE=
Synonyms: Perseverance, Long-Suffering, Patience
- the characteristic of a man who is NOT SWERVED from his
deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith by even the greatest trials and sufferings ENDURANCE=
- the GRACE to hold still in perfect peace in trials and tribulations
while God performs His work of growth and maturity in us
- to COOPERATE with God as He
REFINES our faith, RENEWS our minds, TRANSFORMS our lives
- to SUBMIT to His CORRECTION/ DISCIPLINE/ INSTRUCTION
SLIDE 16
1/22/2018 16
ENDURANCE by KNOWing: 1- The ENDURANCE of JESUS 2- The ENDURANCE of the HEBREWS 3- ENDURANCE in the Word of God 4- The ENDURANCE of Abraham: 5- The ENDURANCE of Israel 6- The ENDURANCE of Paul The ENDURANCE of JESUS Hebrews 12: 2,3 Let us RUN with ENDURANCE the RACE that is set before us, FIXING our EYES on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, Who for the JOY set before Him ENDURED the CROSS….. For CONSIDER Him Who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. THE JOY that was set before Him….. John 12: 23, 25, 27, 28 Jesus answered them… “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified... “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your Name.” THE JOY that was set before Him….. Romans 8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the Firstborn among many brethren. Colossians 1:18 …. and He is the beginning, the Firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. THE JOY that was set before Him….. Colossians 1:22 He has now reconciled YOU in His fleshly body through death, in order to present YOU before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach.
SLIDE 17 1/22/2018 17
THE JOY that was SET before Him….. Isaiah 50: 6,7 I gave My back to those who strike Me, And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. For the Lord GOD helps Me; Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have SET My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. IN SUM: Jesus ENDURED the CROSS…. by constantly SETTing before Him (this TRUTH): The Father would receive ALL GLORY and WE would be reconciled unto God … with the promise of being conformed into His Image. The ENDURANCE of the HEBREWS Hebrews 12: 2-3 FIXING our EYES on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, Who for the joy set before Him ENDURED the cross….. For CONSIDER Him Who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2 FIXING our EYES on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, FIXING=
- to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on
something
- to concentrate the gaze upon
Hebrews 12: 5-7 It is FOR DISCIPLINE/ Instruction/ Correction that you ENDURE ….you have forgotten the EXHORTATION….. “MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR
FAINT …. FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”
Hebrews 3: 7,15; 4:7 “TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.
SLIDE 18 1/22/2018 18
Hebrews 12: 10-11 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. IN SUM: The Hebrews are instructed to ENDURE by….
- FIXING their gaze upon Jesus, turning away from anything
that would distract….
- SUBMITing to His DISCIPLINE/ instruction/ correction…..
- KNOWing that …. at first, it may be painful
yet God is at work in us…. for OUR GOOD and for God’s GLORY. ENDURANCE in the Word of God God calls the Believer to
- ENDURE to the end…. so he/she will reign with God
- ENDURE all things without weakening/ giving up
- ENDURE without yielding to temptation
- allow ENDURANCE to do a thorough work
unto wholeness, completeness (made perfect)
- ENDURE …. and the Fruit of God will be produced
(Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13; 2 Tim 2:12; 1 Cor 13:7; 1 Cor 10:13 AMP; James 1:4; 2 Thess 3: 5 AMP; Luke 8:15) Colossians 1:9-11 AMP As we are being filled with--- the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things]… we will be strengthened with ALL POWER…. to attain every kind of ENDURANCE and patience with joy
- There is no circumstance that is marked “ONLY for YOU.”
- There is no circumstance in which the believer is unable to
ENDURE.
- God has provided “a WAY out” for the Saints of Old so that
they can ENDURE.
- God will provide “a WAY out” for YOU to ENDURE TODAY.
- In the ENDURANCE…. YOU will possess JOY!
(1 Corinthians 10:13 AMP)
SLIDE 19 1/22/2018 19
The ENDURANCE of ABRAHAM Abraham ENDURED without KNOWing: Where, When, How, WHY (Genesis 12:1-4, 15:1-7, 17:15-21, 22:1-12; Hebrews 11:8-12 & 17-18) The ENDURANCE of ISRAEL Israel was called to ENDURE through PAIN and LACK
- 430 years of servitude
- an increased burden of labor after God hardened Pharaoh’s
heart
- after witnessing many miracles and wonders
- God directed Israel the LONG WAY to the Red Sea
(Exodus 3:7,8; 5:7-11; 7-11; 14) Israel was called to ENDURE through PAIN and LACK
- being trapped between the Red Sea and the enemy
- they passed through a Wall of Water
- Hunger and Thirst in the wilderness
(Exodus 15:22-23; 17:1-7) God’s MOTIVES through the Pain and the Lack:
- So it happened, when Pharaoh let the people go, God did not
lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearer; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” (Exodus 13:17b-18)
- Israel may tell their sons that God made a mockery of the
Egyptians
- Israel may know that HE is LORD.
(Exodus 10:1-2)
SLIDE 20 1/22/2018 20
God’s MOTIVES through the Pain and the Lack:
- they would understand that man LIVES not only by bread but
by every word out of God’s Mouth
- so their heart would not be proud and forget God
- that God may DO GOOD to Israel …. in the end.
(Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16) God’s MOTIVES through the Pain and the Lack: God hardened Pharaoh’s heart …. so that He may multiply His signs and wonders… so that The Egyptians shall know ----
- that He is the LORD,
- there is no one like God in all the earth.....
- to show Pharaoh God’s power
- that His Name may be proclaimed throughout all the earth.
(Exodus 7:3,5; 9:14-16) Note: Joshua 2:9,10! Joshua 2:9,10! [Rahab] said to the men, “I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt…. WHAT was God DOing through the Pain and the Lack?
- God LED Israel – by day and by night (Deuteronomy 8:2)
- God DWELT with Israel …..
(Deuteronomy 8:2)
manna, clothing, water, physical care (Deuteronomy 8:4-5 & 15) What was God DOing through the Pain and the Lack?
- God PROTECTED Israel (through serpents, scorpions)
(Deuteronomy 8:15)
(Exodus 14:13,14)
(Deuteronomy 8:2 8:7-9) brought Israel into a good land … land without scarcity, in which they would not lack anything… Psalm 66: 5,6 10-12 Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men. He turned the sea into dry land; They passed through the river on foot; For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined…. We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a PLACE of ABUNDANCE.
SLIDE 21 1/22/2018 21
THE ENDURANCE of PAUL 2 Corinthians 12:8, 9 AMP Concerning this (a THORN in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to TORMENT me), I (Paul) implored the Lord three times that it might leave me, but He has said to me, “My GRACE is sufficient for you … [more than enough— always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] POWER is being perfected…. in [your] WEAKNESS.” Paul ENDURED through the TORMENT, the “THORN”!…. The “KEYS to the ENDURANCE of Paul: **1- HUMILITY (ie “I CANNOT HANDLE this!”) 2- Paul BELIEVED that when God offered His GRACE, it would be SUFFICIENT; Paul simply needed to ask God to impart Grace 3- Paul RECEIVED God’s GRACE/ EMPOWERMENT 4- Paul REMAINED… IN HIM… FREEing the ever-available FLOW
John 15:5 AMP I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much FRUIT, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can DO NOTHING. In SUM: We ENDURE by KNOWing that it may INCLUDE:
- PAIN and SUFFERING and –even- HEAVIER BURDENS
- SHAME and REPROACH of others
- increased ENEMY ACTIVITY
- LACK: of PROVISION, of UNDERSTANDING, of much DETAIL
- DELAY!
- UNKNOWN (mysterious) WAYS of God
- WHAT looks like the IMPOSSIBLE!
IN SUM: WE ENDURE by KNOWing -----
- His will and His purposes in the ENDURING
- to FIX/ SET our gaze upon Jesus
- to SUBMIT to His DISCIPLINE/ instruction/ correction…..
- to HUMBLE ourselves and RECEIVE His GRACE
- Jesus also ENDURED… to the point of DEATH on the Cross
- God is “at work behind the scene”
- God ALWAYS provides “a WAY out” so we can ENDURE
SLIDE 22 1/22/2018 22
In CLOSING: As we ENDURE----
- God is glorified!
- God is being revealed to the unsaved
- our Faith is PROVED
- our understanding of Him and His ways will grow
- we are being CONFORMED into His image
- our HUMILITY will grow
- His BLESSINGS will flow into our lives
- Other Believers will be ENCOURAGED
- God is at work in us, bringing us into WHOLEness
Hebrews 12:1 …. let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us RUN with ENDURANCE the RACE that is set before us “To RUN with ENDURANCE the RACE set before us, we must WALK IN Christ Jesus--- IN His Fullness and IN His GRACE!”
Endurance for ALL!
BY MARCIA WILBUR President, Athens College of Ministry
Me, Myself, & I
When you try to approach God in prayer and draw near to him, you find the curse of the disposition of covetousness—“I must have this for myself, I want to be right with God for my own sake”—and it saps the energy
- ut of devotion, out of communion with God and
Christian service, until the soul is almost wrung to despair.”
If Thou Wilt Be Perfect
Why Be “Perfect?”
Matthew 5:48 Be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect. James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get
One In Christ With the Saints
Hebrews 11:39-40 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Romans 12:5 So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
SLIDE 23 1/22/2018 23
One WITH Christ
John 15: 5, 7,& 10 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for
- you. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just
as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. Ephesians 2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.
Abiding One-ness
John 14:20 I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
GOD’s Power & Authority in His Unshakeable Kingdom
Luke 10: 17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Ephesians 1:19-21 .....and his incomparably great power for us who
- believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted
when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 1 John 4:17 As He is, so are we in this world.
WHO are God’s Ambassadors?
+Ministers of reconciliation, you and me, and all those who are IN CHRIST. +Ambassadors help reconcile people to God; God works through His Ambassadors. +Reconciliation requires our repentance and God’s forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
The Ambassadors’ Job Description
2 Corinthians 5: 18-20 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.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.
- Repenting
- Speaking God’s Heart
Identificational Repentance
- Silence the accuser on others’ behalf!
- Agreeing with God about sin and cancelling its power through
the blood of Jesus.
- Seeking remission for the impact of others’ sin on their lives.
- Identificational repentance does NOT
cancel another person’s guilt!
SLIDE 24 1/22/2018 24
The Authority to Forgive Sin
John 8:11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Mark 2:10 I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority
John 20:23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.
On the Cross
Luke 23:24 And Jesus said, ”Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Acts 7:60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
- Silence the voice of the accuser.
- Shut down the power of the enemy.
- Remove barriers to intimacy with God.
- Stand in the gap.
- Be a “character witness.”
Ambassadors Speak Kingdom Life
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is flawless. Do your words:
- Have creative power?
- Call forth identity in others?
- Give and sustain life?
- Demonstrate God’s authority in us?
- Glorify God?
1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as
- ne who speaks the very words of God.
Why do our words matter? Matthew 18:19 Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
- Use God’s Word
- Speak comfort, encouragement, & strengthening
- Call forth others’ identity in Christ
- Enforce God’s Decrees through intercession
- Cancel negative words
- Speak LIFE
Job 22:28 You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you.
Ambassadors Make Kingdom Decrees Ambassadors Call Forth God’s Blessings
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.
SLIDE 25 1/22/2018 25
Bound by His Word
Jeremiah 1:12 The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watchingto see that my word is fulfilled.”
- God has elected us as His representatives.
- He has given us His power and authority.
Ambassadors Administer His Kingdom by ABIDING IN CHRIST (No Formulas!)
LIFE
What do YOU think about this? What do you want me to KNOW about this?
What would YOU like my response to be? (thought, word, deed, and prayer)
Knowing Who Abides in You
By His Word Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. With the Holy Spirit Ephesians 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Through Prayer--Ask GOD! Isaiah 55:9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
What NOT to do!
The Problem: Someone suddenly afflicted with back pain
- Begin quoting scriptures
- Making decrees
- Telling about YOUR similar past experiences
- Praying YOUR will
JESUS ONLY SPOKE AND DID WHAT THE FATHER TOLD HIM!! JESUS OPERATED OUT OF LOVE AND COMPASSION.
There is NO Formula!
ASK GOD! It might be:
- Health issue
- Demonic attack
- Word of Knowledge for someone else’s healing
- Warning that you are being stabbed in the back
- Discernment that you are carrying a load God didn’t as you to carry
- Other?
GET YOUR DIRECTION ON HOW TO PRAY AND MAKE DECREES DIRECTLY FROM THE LORD!!
Who will you help run their race with endurance?
SLIDE 26 1/22/2018 26
VESSELS OF HONOR
BY ROBERT SHEPPARD Missions & Senior Adult Pastor, Cornerstone Church 2 Timothy 2:20-21 “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel of honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”
FOUR STAGES OF CHRISTIANITY
Unbelievers become believers. Believers become disciples who begin to grow. Disciples become leaders who find their purpose in life. Leaders become servants.
THREE STEPS WE CAN TAKE TO BECOME VESSELS OF HONOR
Offer Our Bodies Renew Our Minds Surrender Our Wills
OFFER OUR BODIES
Romans 12:1 “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind He will find
- acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.”
The body is the place where sin functions! 2 Timothy 2:22 “Run from anything that stimulates youthful
- lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and
- peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the
Lord with pure hearts.”
SLIDE 27 1/22/2018 27
Romans 6:12-14 “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the
- law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.”
RENEW OUR MINDS
Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Sin functions in the body, but the mind controls the body. Sin begins in the mind. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
- Spiritual warfare is an essential component of the Christian
life.
- One of the ways we fight the enemy is by
demolishing “arguments.”
Can the devil get you to believe him?
We must take thoughts captive! Minimize our exposure to the worldly thinking found in:
Books Entertainment When we turn off the programming of the world, the voice of God will become clearer to us. Music TV/Movies
SURRENDER OUR WILLS
Romans 12:2 “Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” The body carries out sin, and the mind controls the body, but the will (heart’s desires) controls the mind. As we surrender our wills to the Holy Spirit, He enables us to walk in victory.
PREPARE FOR BATTLE
1 Peter 2:9 “You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.” Being used for Kingdom purposes is the greatest honor of our life! We are a threat to Satan’s plan to keep the world in darkness. We belong to God, and the enemy cannot change that. Through the Holy Spirit working in us . . . We are VICTORIOUS!
SLIDE 28
1/22/2018 28
Race Towards Your Calling - Together
1 Corinthians 9:24 (AMP) Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize. Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me Heavenward in Christ Jesus. 2 John 1:8 Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.
Race Towards Your Calling
1 Peter 4:11 If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
