The Promise

Our Value for God and Others

Date: 23 June 2019

Speaker: Duane Lowe

Matthew 3:11-12 (NIV) (MSG) 

John 14:12-13 (NLT) 

Last weekend we addressed: 

• Cultural Mindsets and Lifestyles
• Religion versus Relationship
• Head knowledge versus Faith
• Our view of Heaven and Grace 

Every one of these points are factors in our lives that ongoingly attack our faith in God; our identity and our influence with others around us. “The Promise” of God is what affords us the empowering experience and grace that addresses and put these issues under our feet. This Promise is the fuel that propels us into our true purpose, “The Great Commission”. No involvement in The Great Commission means, there is no identity in Christ; no peace and joy in our daily lives.  

To step into our roles as stewards of The Great Commission, we’ll need to address four key points of interest, of which the empowering experience of The Promise is key: 

Embrace the “Great Commission”

Matthew 28:19 (NLT)

Joining with Jesus on this fabulous “Great Commission” journey requires His Promise to empower us to overcome the fear of rejection and offense. Without help and empowerment from the Holy Spirit we can’t help but cave to:

• The fear of man; manipulation and control
• Pleasing others rather than God
• Or the most detrimental factor being “self-will”

Jesus passionately shares a concern about those who tune in to hear Him talking to them but refuse to engage. They participate in lives of people by allowing God to use them as a supernatural blessing, but they’re not completely devoted to Him. Consider Jesus’ remarks in Matthew 7:21-27 (NLT).

1 Peter 4:16-18 (NLT) 

The greatest form of worship is “trust and obey.” It’s the truest from of “faith” on display. Without it, it’s impossible to please God! 

Self-will (the work of iniquity) is the one attitude that Jesus will not give an audience to.

Trusting & obeying Jesus is the only way to overcome fear!

Matthew 5:6-8 (NLT)

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NLT)

Get Connected

What does it look like to connect to others; to another group in a healthy way? Why is this question so important? Each of us have something to give; to invest in one another. They have something from God to invest in me and I have something from God to invest in them. Jesus teaches us to ask in our time of fellowship with for “The Kingdom to come and His will to be done.” Connecting with others allows His Kingdom to come. 

Get Sticky

How do we get sticky with others? What ingredient brings us together? I like the way Sean Cleary said it last month on a Sunday, “Love is the hand that fits in the glove of unity.” As we host the presence of God, we’re on an ongoing experience of God’s love. Unity with God and others supernaturally follows. God’s love causes us to get sticky. Serving others becomes our passion.  

1 John 4:19 (NLT)

Bear Fruit

John 15:4-8 (NLT)

One who join with Jesus in the Great Commission; going into the world; baptizing; making disciples; teaching and bearing fruit is the truest definition and job description of a disciple.

Joshua 23:10 (NLT) 

The Presence of the Lord chose Israel to abide with, but they wouldn’t trust Him. They heard His word but rejected Him and disobeyed. 

Deuteronomy 32:29-31 (NLT) 

Abide in the vine and you’ll bear much fruit!

Ephesians 5:17-18 (NLT)

It’s all about our value to God and others! The fruit of our connection with others validates our value of God in our lives and confirms our identity in Christ.

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Promise – The Power of the Testimony

Date: 30 June 2019

Speaker: Duane Lowe

Mark 7:5-8 (MSG)

The greatest hindrance to “greater works” manifesting in our lives and relationships is associated with our experience of the Grace of God. Grace is treated more as a license to “have it my way” than the life Jesus intended it to be.

• John spoke of grace as the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world and turns the light of Life on in our lives. John 1:29 (NIV)
• Peter spoke of grace as the Holy Spirit leading our lives. 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
• Paul spoke of grace our hope of glory; Christ in us! Romans 5:2 (NIV); Colossians 1:27 (NIV)
• Jesus spoke of grace as being when He stood nose to nose with His disciple as it being Him in them and rivers of living water flowing from their bellies. John 14:17 (NIV); John 7:38 (KJV)

Grace is the evidence that you are walking in your eternal identity in spirit and truth! 

Since we’re the temple of God, His seat is in our heart. That seat is His mercy seat and He’s demonstrating His mercy and love through all who are willing to let Him be King of His Kingdom…WHICH MAKES OUR TESTIMONY POWERFUL AND SIGNIFICANT! 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)

Everyone has a testimony, and when you’re open and aware of your spiritual significance and identity, your testimony is powerful! 

3 reasons to develop your testimony:

1. To be an overcomer. Revelation 12:10 (NIV)
2. To make a difference as a world changer. Acts 1:8 (NIV); 1 Peter 4:6 (NLT)
3. To step into your identity; to be His witness. Revelation 1:9 (NLT)

The enemy wants to block the effectiveness of our testimony by having us focus on our flaws and make us feel guilty about it.

Address the obstacles to sharing your story: we feel our story isn’t valid or usable because of the shame and guilt we associate with our story; we feel our children will be ashamed of us.

When we take the time to consider the reference points of our lives, Jesus is there inviting us to follow Him; to trust Him; to let Him empower us to give us our testimonies.

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Promise

The Story of Us

Date: 07 July 2019

Speaker: Sean Cleary

Judges 6 (NIV) Gideon Story

… There was a time not long ago that the people and the land were blessed. The God Jehovah had brought us into this wonderful land and helped win battle after battle so we could take it and live in it. We were blessed and the land was blessed.

That was awhile ago, and we don’t really follow just Him anymore. We follow other gods too….

• When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior. Judges 6:12 (NIV)
• The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”. Judges 6:14 (NIV)
• But the LORD said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” (Notice how he’s hearing God without the angel). Judges 6:223 (NIV)

Gideon heard something more than words, HE HEARD PEACE in such a way his heart was impressed to build something to commemorate it.

Judges 7 (NIV) Gideon Defeats the Midianites

How many people are outside that are so beat up by the enemy they can’t find the courage to fight? Or don’t even understand what they are fighting?

• But the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” Judges 7:4 (NIV)

Is it possible to Follow Jesus if you can’t hear?

What if He says something that isn’t logical? Or something you don’t agree with?

This is where many of us in church loose-out… (IF I SAY…)

• So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.” 6 Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. (300 Stood Up to drink). Judges 7:5 (NIV)

The ones who were watching got to see God move! Everyone is being given the opportunity to share their testimony. You’ve experienced God coming into you with the Joy and Peace that is overwhelming. That is something worth sharing!

What is God saying to you about this message?

Date: 14 July 2019
Speaker: Duane Lowe

In God’s garden, Adam was His representative; His spokesperson and Son. God’s plan hasn’t changed for humanity even after six millenniums. He remains devoted to giving us daily opportunities to trust Him and go with Him.

Romans 10:14-16 (NLT)

Question? What is the common denominator for hearing the good news and thinking that you’ve heard it, but you didn’t? Isaiah 52:6-8 (NLT)

We were formed and given life by the breath of a loving God who wants fellowship with us more than anything. This “fellowship” He desires with us starts with our “ear.”

Revelation 2:7 (NLT); Revelation 2:11 (NLT); Revelation 2:17 (NLT)

Question? Why is it so important that we hear? Matthew 10:27 (NLT)

Question? Why would I not want to hear what God is attempting to say to me? 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)

Our hope lies in the Good News if we’re to experience “The Promise” of stepping into our place with and identity in Christ.

What is the Gospel? Mark 1:15 (NJKV); Isaiah 52:7 (NLT)

What does the Good News set us up for? Matthew 16:13-18 (KJV)

3 things that verify we have heard and obeyed the gospel: Isaiah 52:6 (NLT)

“…you will know the power of my name …
1. Identity in Christ

you will recognize Who it is that speaks…
2. Have an ear to hear / Only say what He says…

you will see me returning to my house.”
3. Christ in us / The Temple of the Holy Spirit

What is the Promise? John 14; 15; 16 (NLT); John 14:23 (NIV)

Question? How is this Promise given to us? By experience! By willingly letting Jesus baptize us with the Promised Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5-8; 2:1-4; 2:37-39; 10:44-47; 19:1-6 (NLT)

There is no difference between experiencing God’s love and being filled with the Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire is the experience of God’s love to us. It’s His Promise to us!

The evidence that I’ve heard the Good News of Jesus Christ is verified when He is seen in our lives. Those who experience “The Promise” reveal:

• His identity
• His presence
• His authority
• His power
• His dominion over all the works of His hands
• And anything that isn’t like Him or of Him is under our feet

Jesus wants to be with and in us! The Good News is that His presence is with you, let Him empower you with The Promise so you can Live Life FULFILLED in your relationship with God and others.

Experience: How to receive the Promise:

• Remove all barriers
• Request the free gift of the Holy Spirit
• Receive the gift
• Relinquish control (of the most unruly member)

What is God saying to you about this message?

Speaker: Duane Lowe

In God’s garden, Adam was His representative; His spokesperson and Son. God’s plan hasn’t changed for humanity even after six millenniums. He remains devoted to giving us daily opportunities to trust Him and go with Him.

Romans 10:14-16 (NLT)

Question? What is the common denominator for hearing the good news and thinking that you’ve heard it, but you didn’t? Isaiah 52:6-8 (NLT)

We were formed and given life by the breath of a loving God who wants fellowship with us more than anything. This “fellowship” He desires with us starts with our “ear.”  

Revelation 2:7 (NLT); Revelation 2:11 (NLT); Revelation 2:17 (NLT)

Question? Why is it so important that we hear? Matthew 10:27 (NLT)

Question? Why would I not want to hear what God is attempting to say to me? 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)

Our hope lies in the Good News if we’re to experience “The Promise” of stepping into our place with and identity in Christ.

What is the Gospel? Mark 1:15 (NJKV); Isaiah 52:7 (NLT)

What does the Good News set us up for? Matthew 16:13-18 (KJV)

3 things that verify we have heard and obeyed the gospel: Isaiah 52:6 (NLT)

1. “…you will know the power of my name … 
   1. Identity in Christ
2. you will recognize Who it is that speaks… 
   1. Have an ear to hear / Only say what He says…
3. you will see me returning to my house.” 
   1. Christ in us / The Temple of the Holy Spirit

What is the Promise? John 14; 15; 16 (NLT); John 14:23 (NIV)

Question? How is this Promise given to us? By experience! By willingly letting Jesus baptize us with the Promised Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5-8; 2:1-4; 2:37-39; 10:44-47; 19:1-6 (NLT)

There is no difference between experiencing God’s love and being filled with the Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire is the experience of God’s love to us. It’s His Promise to us! 

The evidence that I’ve heard the Good News of Jesus Christ is verified when He is seen in our lives. Those who experience “The Promise” reveal:

• His identity 
• His presence
• His authority
• His power 
• His dominion over all the works of His hands
• And anything that isn’t like Him or of Him is under our feet

Jesus wants to be with and in us! The Good News is that His presence is with you, let Him empower you with The Promise so you can Live Life FULFILLED in your relationship with God and others.

Experience: How to receive the Promise:

• Remove all barriers 
• Request the free gift of the Holy Spirit 
• Receive the gift 
• Relinquish control (of the most unruly member)

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Kingdom of God has a cultural language and expression that is extremely necessary if Jesus is to fill your life and relationships with His blessings and goodness.

Question: What does prayer, and living in, walking in and being led by the Spirit facilitate in our daily lives? What does the Spirit led life accomplish? 

• Romans 8:19 (NIV)
• God cannot and will not finish His work without humanities involvement. So He gives everything we need to have the kind of passion necessary to join with Him. It’s available only to those who are willing to ask, seek and knock for it.

From God’s lens our religious heritage is Christ, never a denominational persuasion. Satan loves it when we use religious labeling on one each other. This feeds into his plan to manipulate and puppet us while always questioning God’s voice to us.

• Like Nicodemus we can’t get our religious minds around what Jesus’ is “asking” from us and more challenging is because we can’t figure out how Jesus will be doing what He does, we just can’t believe or join with Him in His plan of action with the Kingdom of God.
• John 3:7-8 (NKJV)

Luke 24:44-49 (NIV)

• Jesus promises them an experience will follow their willingness to repent and be water baptized… The Promise! 
• This Promise includes wind, fire and a sound from the Holy Spirit speaking from those who were being filled. 
• What Nicodemus marveled over; Jesus promises will happen to all flesh.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NIV) The anointed word came because God’s power showed up!

1 Corinthians 2:6-7 (NIV) All of us need the presence and power of God. Paul is saying that God has a whole different level of wisdom that He has designed for us to walk and live in! God desires for us to “have our own glory.” Glory meaning: “The full weight of who God is.

1 Corinthians 2:8-9 (NIV) 

• Isn’t it interesting that Heaven isn’t referenced in this passage at any point? 
• Instead, Paul is letting us know that God has set us up “today/now” to experience the “full weight” of who He is. 
• God chooses a heavenly language, a sound from Him sitting on His throne in our hearts to be the initial evidence of His Lordship in our lives.

1 Corinthians 2:10 (NIV)

• Each of us is made up of a spirit (we’re the only part of God’s creation that has this eternal part), soul (our mind, will and emotions) and body (we see it with our fleshly eyes). 
• Our body, mind, will and emotions have limited hard drive space. 
• Our brain has limited capacity. 
• God is too much information for too little of a hard drive.

The PART OF YOU that is like GOD (YOUR SPIRIT) has FULL capacity to receive all that God has!

Question: What is the way God has provided to get us to His Glory?

• God must bypass the natural part of you (body and soul) and get this glory directly to your spirit man. 
• God creates a language that your body and soul doesn’t understand. However, your spirit man says “YES” to this language.

Romans 8:26 (NIV)

We will criticize that which our mind does not understand! It’s what our fallen nature does!

1 Corinthians 2:10-14 (NIV)

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NIV)

Praying in the Spirit is the first time in your life when your brain isn’t producing the words, but your spirit is with God’s Spirit. John 7:38-39 (KJV)

Paul is letting us know that this Spirit filled life and heavenly language is not some repulsive experience. It’s what takes us to the next level! 1 Corinthians 14:5 (KJV)

Question: How do you receive the Holy Spirit? The good news is, the hardest part of the process is having an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying.

• Remove all barriers for the Holy Spirit.
• Request the free gift of the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)
• Receive the gift.
• Release your prayer language.

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Promise

Activating Your Promise

Date: 4 August 2019

Speaker: Craig Ashcraft

Hear 

Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

Move

Faith requires movement for faith without works is dead. Obedience is the foundation of the works of faith. There are no substitutes. 

James 1:22 (KJV)

These characters moved, they acted

• By faith Abel offered unto God  Hebrews 11:4 (KJV)
• By faith Enoch…pleased God Hebrews 11:5 (KJV)
• By faith Noah…prepared an ark Hebrews 11:7 (KJV)
• By faith Abraham…went out Hebrews 11:8 (KJV)
• Through faith also Sara…received strength to conceive Hebrews 11:11 (KJV)

Stand 

James 1:5-7 (KJV)

Receive

1 Corinthians 2:12 (KJV)

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Promise

What Does it Mean to be Spirit Led?

Date: 11 August 2019

Speaker: Duane Lowe

Matthew 4:17 (NIV)

Our obedience and willingness to trust Jesus with where He leads us is the first step of being led by His Spirit.

Jesus is making an appeal to us to develop our hearing in such a way that we become open to the various ways the Holy Spirit speaks to us.

• Relationships are often abused over communication break down due to not developing their spiritual hearing skills.
• Our temptation is to divert to the kind of communication that comes out of knowledge.

John 5:39 (NIV)

When you can hear the scriptures speak the good news of Jesus Christ crucified, you Live; you’re willing to be filled with His Spirit; you allow Him to be King of His Kingdom in you while joining with Him in the great commission!

Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NLT)

Question: Who are the real winners as we live our lives out on earth?

1. Being spirit led requires that we allow the spirit to lead without restraint.
2. Being spirit led empowers us to overcome test and temptation.
   1. James 1:11-13 (NLT)
   2. Ephesians 3:15-17 (NLT)
   3. Acts 1:8 (NLT)
3. Being spirit led empowers us to be seen without being seen.
   1. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
4. Being spirit led empowers us to include others.
   1. Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Promise

Grace-Filled Relationships

Date: 18 August 2019

Speaker: Duane Lowe

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans (promise) to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope (hearing) and a future (seeing / following). Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

The Grace-Filled Relationship begins with Jesus demonstrating His grace to each of us as we invite Him into the heart of our spirit man. The experience of God’s Grace depends solely on our willingness to receive “The Promise.”

God speaks through Jeremiah about His PROMISE for His children:

• To bless and protection us
• To give us hope and a future through His Spirit and Truth. 
• To be Lord of our lives and hear us when we speak to Him. 
• He can do this when we go after Him with all our heart.

He does all this for us so we can: Acts 1:8 (NLT)

His grander purpose is to finish the enemy off through His Church. (Romans 16:19 NLT)

The Promise of God empowers us as witnesses to: 

• Call the best out others. 
• Call on God for those whom He puts in our path. 
• Call the truth out on those whom we serve. 

• This is how we’re to take care of His business: His PEOPLE!
• This is how we crush satan UNDER our feet!

What is the purpose? The purpose of KNOWING Him from a “GRACE-FILLED Relationship! 

• Vulnerability is required for a Grace-filled relationship to develop. 
• Thus, the reason for “The Promise” is experience and empowerment. 
• A Grace-filled relationship requires a work direct work of the Spirit! 
• Developing a Grace filled relationship is very inconvenient when attempted alone but very possible with God.

Why is a Grace-filled relationship hard to develop? Because our biggest wounds and hurts come from other people.

• It’s impossible to give what we don’t have. 
• Many have set up boundaries and walls that we will not allow anyone to pass. Why? Without empowerment, boldness and inspiration from God, we can’t move forward.

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Promise

The Gifts of the Spirit 

Date: 01 September 2019

Speaker: Duane Lowe

3 things followers of Jesus should know about The Gifts of the Spirit that come with The Promised Spirit baptism:

1 Corinthians 12:1-2 (NIV)

1. The Gifts of the Spirit direct our steps so that we’re not tricked by the ploy of Satan.

• 1 Corinthians 12:3 (NIV)
• 2 Timothy 1:6-8 (NLT)
• Matthew 16:11-13 (NLT)

      2. It empowers us to Confess Jesus as Lord.

• 1 Corinthians 12:3 (NIV)
• Mark 16:16-18 (NLT)
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NIV)

     3. The Gifts of the Spirit bring value to our relationships.

• 1 Corinthians 14:25-27 (NIV)

3 groups of people who struggle to receive The Promise:

1. Those who believe it is hard to receive.
2. Those who have reached for it and have experienced disappointment by being mishandled by immature believers or Christian-ese antics.  
3. Those who do all the “right” things but are not experiencing it. Those who don’t realize they can hear Jesus speaking to them and push what they’re hearing away as being just their personal thoughts.

Jesus was very aware of these groups of people; people who made “faith” a mirage. He continuously gave keys to break the stigma holding them captive in their hearts and minds. Jesus would challenge them to: 

• Having an ear to hear what His Spirit is saying in the moment.
• Matthew 5: Being Hungry and Thirsty for righteousness, is required for Covenant Promise relationship.
• When the world around us has more influence than Jesus in our hearts, it will be hard.
• Transgression in opposition to the Will of Jesus will always be a disappointing life. 
• Those who work hard to achieve righteousness on their own merit always fall short of the peace and joy that follows His Promised righteousness; innocence and identity.

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Promise

The Fruit of the Spirit 

Date: 08 September 2019

Speaker: Duane Lowe

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

3 things every Spirit-filled believer should know about The Promised Fruit of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:16-18 (NIV)

1. The Fruit of the Spirit is evidence of “Covenant Promise” in one’s life.

• It is what the Holy Spirit does in our lives as we step into our Christ identity.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)

Galatians 4:18-19 (NKJV)

Romans 8:13-14, 18-19 (NIV)

1. The Fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of one who walks in freedom.

• Free people don’t fall prey to the lie that says you must work for righteousness. 
• Free people know who they are.
• Free people only say and do what the Holy Spirit says and does.

Galatians 5:19-25 (NIV)

John 8:35-37 (NIV)

1. The Fruit of the Spirit confirms our identity in Christ.

• The Fruit of the Spirit is the means by which Jesus fills the earth with His glory through us. 
• The Fruit of the Spirit is our path for being His representative and witness.
• The Fruit of the Spirit is our evidence of redemption at work in us and through us! 

Galatians 4:4-7 (NLT )

Galatians 4:19 (NKJV)

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Promise

A Place You’ve Always Wanted to See 

Date: 15 September 2019

Speaker: Craig Ashcraft

The premise here is that all of us when we come to the Lord have a very strong wish to see His Power, His Knowledge, and His Words supernaturally released. For some they’ve never heard that they are a candidate for this great work.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (KJV)

Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)

1 Corinthians 4:20 (KJV)

1. Become Aware
2. Believe It
3. Pursue Diligently
4. Partner Willingly

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Promise

Resistance to Walking in the Spirit 

Date: 22 September 2019

Speaker: Duane Lowe

A few categories of resistance include distractions or external ideas and lies. Also, another resistance is oppression or internal ideas and lies that block your sensitivity to hear the Holy Spirit and His prompting to move or act in trust. The lie of the “Tyranny of the Urgent” is an ongoing challenge among most who desire to be devoted in their Spirit-led life.

All great leaders are great because they’re great followers.

For most this is hard to get your mind around when all you do is think from a logical perspective; however, all you need to know in any given situation, circumstance or conversation is what the Holy Spirit is saying in the moment.

Things that resist or attempt to depress our passion as spirit-filled followers of Christ:

• The way we look at our life challenges, life battles, life storms etc. can and often do impact our focus, which in turn, impacts how the Holy Spirit influences our decisions. Lamentations 3:19 (NLT)  
• The moment we entertain thoughts about and muse over our painful challenges in life. 2 Corinthians 1:8 (NIV)

Example: Elijah has a God “face-off” with false prophets and experienced one of his highest of highs. Then he goes into one of his lowest of lows running from the wife of King Ahab. He hides from her in a cave and begins to feel sorry for himself and justify his depression. 1 Kings 19:1-4 

Four things that Elijah did that resisted and depressed his focus on being a follower of God:

1. Negative self-talk. Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)
2. Isolation. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)
3. Led by His emotions. 
4. The comparison game. Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Hearing God assisted Elijah to give him:

1. A new purpose and new direction for his life. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 
2. An experience of His presence and power. Psalms 46:10 (NIV)
3. Access to pour his Heart out to God. Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
4. Instructions to take care of his health physically. Psalms 127:2 (NIV)

If your fellowship and time with Jesus feels depressed and or you feel resistance, start by going back to the last thing God said and go with it. The dynamics around you will change.

• Giving God our ear to listen and experience His power to follow Him is our shield and covering
• REMEMBER: Spiritual intimacy with God always starts with listening; from an open heart a knowing comes and His empowerment follows

What is God saying about your next step? How do you know God is leading you? 

What is it that the enemy wants from us? What is he presently doing to take and rob it from you? 

Know that the Holy Spirit wants to lead you every step in our daily lives. 

If you’re experiencing resistance in your walk in the Spirit, at what level of resistance are you presently at? Negative self-talk; Isolation; led by emotions; comparison game?  

What evidence do you have that you’re empowered to follow Jesus?

What is God saying to you about this message?

The Promise

The Weight of The Name 

Date: 29 September 2019

Speaker: Duane Lowe

Why we do what we do in His name, not just saying the phrase, “In Jesus’ name.”

• Understanding the weight of the name is key in understanding your redeemed status and identity. 
• What does it mean to be His representative? 
• Example: Seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-16 (NIV)

Why do we as children of God do what we do in Jesus Name? Matthew 6:9 (NLT) 

• Question: How does his name remain holy? Through His heirs; His Church; His children. Our identity is given through His name. 
• Question: How are others going to see Jesus? Through His heirs; His Church; His children. 
• Question: When are we given this name? In water baptism He transfers His righteousness, innocence and identity to us; In baptism we receive a name change. His authority becomes our authority! The authority our biological daddy forfeited (Adam) in the garden is given back to us through Jesus (the second man Adam).
• Question: Specifically, how important is the name Jesus? The importance of the name is directly tied to those who are covenant partners with Him.

Paul lets us know how important the name is in Colossians 3:17 (NLT).

Paul lets us know that through Jesus’ sacrifice we’re able to step back into our authority and identity to accomplish God’s plan from the beginning. Romans 8:19 (NIV). 

Praying in the Spirit is self-edifying; however, walking in the Spirit reveals God’s Kingdom through us. Jesus encouraged His followers to pray in the Spirit until they were edified, encouraged and empowered to allow Him to be the King of His Kingdom through them. This demonstration as a child of God is attractive and it invites others to step into their identity in Christ as well.  

As believers we must understand the weight of the name of Jesus. 

• • Ephesians 1:19-23 (NIV)
  • Philippians 2:9-10 (NIV)

• John 5:42-44 (NIV)

• John 14:8-10, 13-14 (NIV)

• Hebrews 1:1-3 (NIV)

• John 14:25-27 (NIV)

Jesus is always challenging us to have an ear to hear. It takes an ear to hear to receive revelation. 

• • Discern what Jesus is saying as He speaks in John 14:16-18 (NIV)
  • Revelation 4:1 (NIV)
• Revelation 1:10 (NIV) 

The Moment we embrace Jesus in water baptism and allow Him to baptize each of us with the Holy Spirit and fire, we’re accepting our role as His representative (in His nature, character and name) and God is glorified. This is how He fills the earth with His glory. 

Matthew 25:31-32 (NIV)

• This is how His Kingdom comes to this earth. Through His Church; His children; His sons! 

• Jesus says, “the kingdom of God is within you!” Luke 17:21 (NIV)

Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

• One Throne and God has set it up where we’re all sitting together in His Throne; His authority, His power; His name; His Kingdom ruling and reigning forever in His Spirit! ‬‬‬‬‬‬

Paul gives this analogy of the Godhead in Colossians 2:8-10 (NIV)

Paul tells the believers in Ephesians 4:3 (NIV).

Paul tells his son in the Lord in 1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV).

It’s always been God’s rule: Deuteronomy 6:4 (NIV).

Isaiah 43:10 (NIV)

Psalms 72:19 (NKJV)

• Thus, the reason we’re buried with Christ in baptism in the name that is above every name…If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. 
• Jesus gives the command to His Twelve in: 
  • Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
  • His disciples obey the command in: 
    • Acts 2:36 (NIV)
    • Acts 4:11-12 (NIV)
    • Acts 8:12, 14-17 (NIV) 
    • Acts 10:44-48 (NIV)
    • Acts 19:1-7 (NIV)

Question: Were the disciples His choice to deliver the Gospel message? John17:18-20 (NIV) 

Question: Did or will the Gospel ever change? Revelation 14:6 (NIV) 

As a representative of Jesus, what does this entail? Great commission. Carrying the “Good News” message. 

What is God saying to you about this message?