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It's Easy

July 24, 2024 • Pastor Bracken Christian

Psalm 105:37 Then He brought them out with silver and gold, And among His tribes there was not one who stumbled. WRONG THINKING ROBS OF US THE HIGHEST FLOW. YOU WILL HAVE EVERYTHING YOU ARE OK WITH. Exodus 11:7 that you may understand how the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel.’ HONOR THE WORD AND PUT IT FIRST PLACE. Psalm 107:20 He sent His word and healed them and delivered them. James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Matt 9:2 And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.” 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? 5 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’? 6 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He *said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” THE MANS HEALING WAS IN THE SAYING... IT GETS HARD WHEN WE LEAVE THE SAYING AND GO TO THINKING. SOMETHING HAS TO BE SAID BEFORE SOMETHING CAN BE PERFORMED. WHEN YOU ARE FEELING SOMETHING IS WHEN YOU SHOULD START SAYING SOMETHING. JESUS NEVER CALLED ANYTHING HARD... THE DEVIL WANTS YOU TO THINK IT’S HARD BECAUSE IT’S BEYOND YOU. GOD GIVES US SOMETHING EASY BECAUSE JESUS ALREADY DID THE HARD PART. AMPC Prov 14:30 A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body TLB – A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life WRONG THINKING MAGNIFES HARDNESS... Prov 13:15 Good understanding produces favor, But the way of the treacherous (transgressor) is hard. KJV Prov 14:6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth. IF IT’S NOT EASY WE ARE INVITED TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING FURTHER. TPT Prov 15:19 Nothing seems to work right for the lazy man, but life seems smooth and easy when your heart is virtuous. TLB Rom 10:8 for salvation that comes from trusting Christ – which is what we preach – is already within easy reach of each of us; in fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. HIS DIVINE NATURE IN US MAKES LIFE EASY. EW KENYON... AS OUR MINDS ARE RENEWED THE DEVIL IS NO LONGER A PROBLEM TO US. FOR KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD SHOWS AND REVEALS TO US HIS UTTER DEFEAT AND OUR COMPLETE VICTORY. WE ARE AUTHORIZED TO LIVE AS THOUGH WE HAVE NO ENEMY. FOR HE HAS BEEN STRIPPED AND DEFEATED. RENEWING OUR MIND AND EXERCISING OUR FAITH MAKES US AN INTELIGENT VICTOR. RENEWING THE MIND PREPARES AND EQUIPS US TO OVERCOME ALL ADVERSITY. WHEN WE KNOW SOMETHING HAS BEEN UTTERLY DEFEATED, IT’S EASY. DAD HAGIN... ANY CHRISTIAN WHO IS IN BONDAGE IS IN BONDAGE TO AN UNRENEWED MIND NOT TO THE DEVIL.

What Does God Want Me To Do

July 21, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian

DEUTERONOMY 10:12nkjv 12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, YOU MAKE A LIVING BY WHAT YOU GET, BUT YOU’LL MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT YOU GIVE AWAY MATTHEW 5:16 NLT 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. GOOD DEEDS WON'T GET YOU TO HEAVEN BUT THEY WILL POINT PEOPLE TO HEAVEN 1. WHEN YOU SERVE YOU BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS MATTHEW 20:28 NLT 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 2. SERVING IS HOW YOU BECOME GREAT IN GOD’S KINGDOM LUKE 22:24-27 NLT 24 Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. 25 Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. 3. SERVING IS ABOUT SPIRIT AND ATTITUDE 4. SERVING LOOKS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYBODY ROMANS 12:6-8 NLT 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 5. SERVING IS REWARDED IN HEAVEN MARK 10:29-31 GW 29 Jesus said, “I can guarantee this truth: Anyone who gave up his home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or fields because of me and the Good News 30 will certainly receive a hundred times as much here in this life. They will certainly receive homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields, along with persecutions. But in the world to come they will receive eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

What Does God Want Me To Do

July 14, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian

JOHN 21:15 -17 15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+21%3a15-17&version=nlt#fen-nlt-26879a]” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. 1. GOD WANTS YOU TO HELP SOMEBODY 2 THESSALONIANS 3:13 NLT 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. LUKE 6:27-28“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” GALATIANS 6:10 NLT Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. JOHN 21:18-19 18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+21%3a18-19&version=nlt#fen-nlt-26882a] will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” 2. GOD WANTS YOU TO GROW JOHN 21: 20-22 20 Peter turned around and saw behind them the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” 21 Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” 22 Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow me.” 3. GOD WANTS YOU TO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS 1 THESSALONIANS 4:11-12 NLT 11 Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.12 Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. JOHN 21:23-24 23 So the rumor spread among the community of believers[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+21%3a23-24&version=nlt#fen-nlt-26887a] that this disciple wouldn’t die. But that isn’t what Jesus said at all. He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?” 24 This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate. 25 Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be writte 4. GOD WANTS YOU TO UNDERSTAND THERE'S POWER WHEN YOU'RE CONNECTED TO JESUS

The Eternal Word

July 10, 2024 • Pastor Bracken Christian

2 Cor 4:18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the thingswhich are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 5:1 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE NAKED IN HEAVEN? Rev 19:8 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. TO BE NAKED IN HEAVEN WOULD BE TO HAVE NO ROBE FROM WHICH TO COVER YOURSELVES. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. 6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight— 8 We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CARNAL AND THE SPIRITUAL. ONE IS TEMPORARY... AND THE OTHER IS PERMANENT... THERE’S AN ETERNAL TRUTH. “WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE” (Matt 19:26) “THE THINGS THAT ARE IMPOSSIBLE WITH MEN ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD” (Luke 18:27) “ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM THAT BELIEVES” (Mark 9:23) THERE’S 3 ALL POSSIBLES... 2 Cor 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 1 Cor 15:57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. KJV Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE PRINT THE WORD OF GOD ON OUR SPIRIT. NLT Prov 4:21Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, Isaiah 40:3 A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. 4 “Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley; 5 Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. WE SEE THERE’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TEMPORARY AND THE ETERNAL. GOD WANTS TO WEAN US FROM THE TEMPORARY TO THE ETERNAL. GOD DOESN’T WANT US TO GET WRAPPED UP IN THE TEMPORARY. James 4:14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 2 Tim 2:4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. WE HAVE TO COME TO A PLACE IN OUR WALK WHERE WE LAY HOLD ON THE UNCHANGING ETERNAL TRUTH OF THE WORD OF GOD. Isaiah 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. 29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. 30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. NATURAL STRENGTH IS NOT SUFFICIENT. WHEN YOU COME TO THE END OF YOUR OWN YOU’RE ABLE TO RECEIVE GOD’S. 29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Don’t look for permanent happiness on this earthly level.

What Does God Want Me To Do

July 7, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian

LUKE 14:1-6 One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. 2 There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen. 3 Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, “Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?” 4 When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away. 5 Then he turned to them and said, “Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don’t you rush to get him out?” 6 Again they could not answer. 1. GOD WANTS ME TO REST FROM WORK, BUT NOT FROM DOING GOOD 2 THESSALONIANS 3:13 NLT 13 As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. LUKE 14:7 7 When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: Vs. 8-11 “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? 9 The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! 10 “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. 11 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 2. GOD WANTS ME TO HUMBLE MYSELF, OR HE WILL TEACH ME HUMILITY 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. 1 PETER 5:6 HUMBLE YOURSELF UNDER THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD, AND IN DUE TIME HE WILL LIFT YOU UP LUKE 14:12-15 NLT Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you. 3. GOD WANTS ME TO CARE FOR HIS PEOPLE AND NOT JUST MY OWN GALATIANS 6:10 NLT Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. LUKE 14:16-24 NLT 16 Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. 17 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ 18 But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’19 Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’20 Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. 24 For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’” 4. GOD WANTS YOU TO FIND LOST PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BE FOUND

Living By The Book

June 30, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian

PROVERBS 2:1-11 TPT My child, will you treasure my wisdom? Then, and only then, will you acquire it. And only if you accept my advice and hide it within will you succeed. [2] So train your heart to listen when I speak and open your spirit wide to expand your discernment—then pass it on to your sons and daughters. [3] Yes, cry out for comprehension and intercede for insight. [4] For if you keep seeking it like a man would seek for sterling silver, searching in hidden places for cherished treasure, then you will discover the fear of the Lord and find the true knowledge of God. [6] Wisdom is a gift from a generous God, and every word he speaks is full of revelation and becomes a fountain of understanding within you. [7-8] For the Lord has a hidden storehouse of wisdom made accessible to his godly ones. He becomes your personal bodyguard as you follow his ways, protecting and guarding you as you choose what is right. [9] Then you will discover all that is just, proper, and fair, and be empowered to make the right decisions as you walk into your destiny. [10] When wisdom wins your heart and revelation breaks in, true pleasure enters your soul. [11] If you choose to follow good counsel, divine design will watch over you and understanding will protect you from making poor choices. THIS BOOK WILL KEEP YOU FROM SIN, OR SIN WILL KEEP YOU FROM THIS BOOK DUSTY BIBLES ALWAYS LEAD TO DIRTY LIVES (when you read your bible) 1. YOU WILL DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD WE KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES THAN WE KNOW ABOUT THE GOD OF THE SCRIPTURES. 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 niv 9 However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him— The gift of salvation is FREE, but to have a real relationship isn’t cheap 2. YOU BECOME MORE OPEN AND INTIMATE WITH GOD PSALM 1:2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3. YOU BECOME OPEN TO CHANGE ROMANS 8:29 msg 29God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. COLOSSIANS 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. SET SOME GOALS 1 Timothy 4:15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. ADJUST YOUR EXPECTATIONS PROVERBS 4:20-27MSG 20-22 Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice. always 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. 23-27 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 ISAIAH 40:8 TPT "But even though grass withers and the flower fades, the word of God stands strong forever!"

Simple Obedience - Being Led From Within

June 26, 2024 • Haleigh Simmons

Simple Obedience – Being Led From Within 1 John 4:4 He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world We have every answer within us (our spirit) to every problem that we face. 1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction (anointing) from the Holy One, and ye know all things If you are saved, then the Holy Spirit is within you and He leads you into all truth. It is your birthright to be led by that inward witness. You can know all things that pertain to your life! Verses about the Holy Spirit: John 16:7 It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you. John 16:13-15 When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of mine and declare it to you. 1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God John 14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things… Ephesians 1:13 …you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise… 1 Corinthians 6:19 Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me How he leads us: 1. Inward witness/knowing 2. The voice of our spirit/conscience 3. Authoritative voice of the Holy Spirit 4. Prophecy, visions, dreams Kenneth E Hagin – Quote “Your conscience is the voice of your spirit and it is your conscience, the voice of your spirit, that will relate to your mind what the Spirit of God is saying to you down in your heart” Naaman’s story – 2 Kings 5 1. His answer came but it didn’t meet his expectations on how it would look from a Prophet of God. 2. What he was asked to do did not make any sense to him 3. He was willing to turn away and miss his healing because of the simplicity of what God, through the prophet, was asking him to do. Kenneth E Hagin says “the inward witness is just as supernatural as guidance through visions and so on; it is just not as spectacular. Many people are looking for the spectacular and missing the supernatural that is right there all the time.” Delaying obedience is disobedience: 1. You are communicating to God that what He says is not important to you 2. By delaying you might inadvertently disobey because you will forget about it Kris Vallaton Quote “fear is the guard dog to your destiny” 1 John 4:18 … perfect love casts out fear… Romans 5:5 the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us The Lord wants to teach us how to be led in the simple things in life so that we can progress and be prepared for the bigger things. It becomes easy when you are skilled! Nancy Dufresne says “The spirit of God will use everyday events and decisions to train us in following our spirit. He will use the insignificant events of our daily life to practice spiritual things.” Just because it looks good in the natural, doesn’t mean it’s God’s will or best for your life. Always confirm with your inward leading. He leads you into all truth! Obedience makes room the new thing! Isaiah 43:19 Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. Just as you progress in natural things by practicing, you progress in spiritual things with every “yes” you give to the smallest of leadings. Each “yes” will prepare you for the next and as you continue to progress, you will be moved into position. Once you are in that perfect position, now God can accelerate the plan for your life! You go from simple progression (simple obedience) to acceleration!! Progression-preparation-position-acceleration Naaman – had to choose to dip the first time, then he progressed to the second.. with each dip he was being prepared to receive. By the 6th time, he was moved into the perfect position and the simple progression (simple obedience) turned into acceleration as he was able to receive full healing! He went out proclaiming that there were no other gods but the God of Israel! God is always leading us! If you are having a hard time hearing or perceiving, then your flesh man might be dominating. Proverbs 20:5 the man of understanding draws out of the counsel of his heart Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit.. Nancy Dufresne “if you are having trouble recognizing what is the leading of the Holy Spirit and what is you then you need to be in your word. It divides that line and separates the two so that there is no confusion.” How to be sensitive to the spirit: 1. Fellowship with the Father through the study of the word, meditate on it and be a doer of the Word. 2. Fellowship with the Father through prayer (earthly language and spiritual language) 3. Fellowship with the Father through praise and worship 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

Living By The Book

June 23, 2024 • Pastor Bracken Christian

Heb 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. 2 VERY IMPORTANT TITLES JESUS USED IN JOHN 10 John 10:34 Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your Law, ‘I SAID, YOU ARE GODS’? 35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36 do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? THE SOURCE OF EVERTHING IN THE BIBLE IS FROM GOD. IT IS WHAT HE WANTS US TO KNOW. THE SCRIPTURE MEANS; THAT WHICH IS WRITTEN. Psalm 119:98-99 DAVID DECLARES, Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies and give me more insight than all my teachers. THERE ARE WARNINGS IN THE WORD. AMP Prov 13:13 whoever despises (disrespects) the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] is rewarded. YOU DO NOT LOVE GOD MORE THAN YOU LOVE HIS WORD. YOU DO NOT OBEY GOD MORE THAN YOU OBEY HIS WORD. Psalm 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And by the breath of His mouth all their host. NEVER SET LIMITS ON WHAT THE BIBLE CAN DO IN YOUR LIFE. 1 Thess 2:13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. James 1:21 Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. THE WORD MAKES YOU BETTER AQUAINTED WITH WHO YOU ARE IN HIM Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD DEPENDS ON THE AUTHORSHIP OF GOD’S WORD. GOD’S AUTHORSHIP IN 2 AREAS NLT 2 Tim 3:16 All (not some) scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE AUTHOR OF ALL THE SCRIPTURE. THERE IS NO UNIMPORTANT BOOK OF THE BIBLE. 2 Pet 1:20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, THERE IS ONLY ONE AUTHORIZED ENTERPRETER OF THE SCRIPTURE AND IT’S THE HOLY SPIRIT. 21 For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the holy spirit spoke from God. BEHIND HUMAN AUTHORSHIP IS THE DIVINE PERSON AND AUTHORITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Psa 12:6 The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. THERE ARE 3 ELEMENTS IN THIS PICTURE. 1. THE EARTHEN FURNACE, CLAY FURNACES WHICH REPRESENT THE HUMAN ELEMENT. 2. THE SILVER IS THE DIVINE MESSAGE THAT COMES THROUGH THE HUMAN ELEMENT. 3. THE FIRE THAT PURIFIES THE SILVER IS THE HOLY SPIRIT. 7 IS THE NUMBER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, IT’S ALSO THE NUMBER OF PERFECTON. THE MESSAGE THAT HAS COME THROUGH THESE CLAY MEN AND WOMEN HAS BEEN TOTALLY PURIFIED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TO THE POINT THERE IS NO ERROR.

LEAD

June 19, 2024 • Pastor Bracken Christian

LIVE NLT Psalm 36:9 For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. TOO MANY ARE JUST EXISTING... NOT PARTAKING OF LIFE... IF YOU REALLY WANT TO EXPERIENCE LIFE YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GO TO THE ONE WHO IS LIFE. John 14:6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life JESUS IS LIFE. John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. John 17:3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 10:10 I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. HOW DO WE PARTAKE OF HIM AND HIS LIFE? THROUGH HIS WORD... (THE WORD OF LIFE) – Rom 5:17 2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. ENLARGE 2 THINGS THAT CAUSE ENLARGEMENT - EXPANSION. THE WORD AND THE SPIRIT. John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 2 Cor 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. ENLARGEMENT IS GOD’S WILL. GOD’S GLORY AFFECTS YOUR OUTWARD CONDITIONS. AS YOU ENLARGE SO DOES EVERYTHING AROUND YOU. Psalm 119:32 I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart. Prov 4:20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body. 23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. ACCELERATE THE MOMENT YOU BEGIN TO ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD’S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE YOU WILL BEGIN THE ACCELERATION PROCESS. Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. KNOWING AND APPLYING GOD’S PRINCIPLES IS THE KEY TO ADVANCEMENT. TO ADVANCE – IS TO PROSPER – TO MOVE FORWARD. Duet 8:18, Eph 3:20, 3 John 2, John 15:15 THE BLESSING MEANS: EMPOWERED TO PROSPER DEVELOP TO DEVELOP REQUIRES KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM Prov 11:9 But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. NLT Prov 18:15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. KNOWLEDGE OF GOD Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. 2 Pet 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE YOU REALLY CAN’T HAVE FAITH. WITHOUT WISDOM FAITH CAN’T PRODUCE LIKE IT SHOULD. Prov 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing... 1 Cor 1:30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, WISDOM IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD BE OPERATING IN. FAITH IS THE BRIDGE BETWEEN TWO REALMS OF TRUTH. TEMPORAL REALM (PHYSICAL), (subject to change) THE SPIRITUAL REALM - (UNCHANGING), (eternal) FAITH TAKES THE PROMISES OF GOD AND APPLIES THEM SO THOSE PROMISES BECOME NOW. THE PURPOSE FOR FAITH IS TO BRING INTO THIS NATURAL REALM WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE HAVE IN OUR REDEMPTION. WISDOM IS THE ABILITY TO TAKE KNOWLEDGE AND PRODUCE THE DESIRED RESULT. UNDERSTANDING – LIGHT IS THE KEY... THEN FAITH CAN APPLY THROUGH THE AVENUE OF WISDOM. James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Col 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. FAITH IS THE POWER TO CHANGE NATURAL CIRCUMSTANCE. WISDOM IS WHAT ENABLES YOU TO UTILIZE THE FRUIT OF YOUR FAITH TO ATTAIN THE BEST ENDS BY THE BEST MEANS. DAKE – WISDOM; THAT WHICH ENABLES MEN TO JUDGE WHAT ARE THE BEST ENDS, AND THE BEST MEANS OF ATTAINING THOSE ENDS. WISDOM IS WHAT HELPS YOU TAKE KNOWLEDGE AND PUT IT TO WORK TO PRODUCE THE DESIRED RESULT. FAITH EQUIPS WISDOM WITH THE BEST MEANS OF ATTAINING THE DESIRED END. WISDOM MEANS; HOW YOU ARE TO DO IT ?... (SPECIFICS ARE DIFFERENT) - WE HAVE DIFFERENT CALLS... IF WHAT YOU BELIEVE DOES NOT ALTAR YOUR BEHAVIOR – CORRESPONDING ACTION... THEN WISDOM IS NOT WORKING.

Living By The Book

June 16, 2024

FATHERLESS HOMES REPRESENT 25% OF FAMILIES IN AMERICA 63% OF YOUTH SUICIDES ARE FROM FATHERLESS HOMES 90% OF RUNAWAY CHILDREN ARE FROM FATHERLESS HOMES 85% OF CHILDREN BEHAVIOR ISSUES ARE FROM FATHERLESS HOMES 71% OF ALL HIGHSCHOOL DROPOUTS ARE FROM FATHERLESS HOMES 75% OF TEENS IN TREATMENT CENTERS ARE FROM FATHERLESS HOMES 85% OF YOUTH IN PRISON ARE FROM FATHERLESS HOMES 1. GODLY DADS DEVOTE THEIR FAMILIES TO THE LORD JOSHUA 24:14-15 14 “SO FEAR THE LORD AND SERVE HIM WHOLEHEARTEDLY. PUT AWAY FOREVER THE IDOLS YOUR ANCESTORS WORSHIPED WHEN THEY LIVED BEYOND THE EUPHRATES RIVER AND IN EGYPT. SERVE THE LORD ALONE.15 BUT IF YOU REFUSE TO SERVE THE LORD, THEN CHOOSE TODAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE. WOULD YOU PREFER THE GODS YOUR ANCESTORS SERVED BEYOND THE EUPHRATES? OR WILL IT BE THE GODS OF THE AMORITES IN WHOSE LAND YOU NOW LIVE? BUT AS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.” DEUTERONOMY 6:4-7 4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 2. GODLY DADS DISCIPLINE THE ONES THEY LOVE HEBREWS 12:6-11 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 16 ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED AND IS USEFUL FOR TEACHING,REBUKING, CORRECTING AND TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, 17 SO THAT THE SERVANT OF GOD[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+timothy+3%3a16-17&version=niv#fen-niv-29871a] MAY BE THOROUGHLY EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. PROVERBS 22:15 FOLLY IS BOUND UP IN THE HEART OF A CHILD, BUT THE ROD OF DISCIPLINE WILL DRIVE IT FAR AWAY. 3. GODLY DADS DEMONSTRATE HOW TO FOLLOW CHRIST 1 CORINTHIANS 4:15-16 15 FOR EVEN IF YOU HAD TEN THOUSAND OTHERS TO TEACH YOU ABOUT CHRIST, YOU HAVE ONLY ONE SPIRITUAL FATHER. FOR I BECAME YOUR FATHER IN CHRIST JESUS WHEN I PREACHED THE GOOD NEWS TO YOU.16 SO I URGE YOU TO IMITATE ME. 4. GODLY DADS DELIGHT IN THEIR CHILDREN 1 JOHN 3:1 SEE HOW VERY MUCH OUR FATHER LOVES US, FOR HE CALLS US HIS CHILDREN, AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE! BUT THE PEOPLE WHO BELONG TO THIS WORLD DON’T RECOGNIZE THAT WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY DON’T KNOW HIM.

Watch Where You Sit

June 12, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian

Matthew 28:1-5 (NIV) - After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 1. Where your soul sits only 2 variables to sitting down: 1) The place where you sit at 2) The reason you sit there 1 Kings 19:3-4 (NIV) - Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, SAT DOWN UNDER IT and prayed that he might die. broom bushes/Juniper Tree: A) Grows in the desert B) Bitter root that the poor were accustomed to eating. Job 30:3-4 (NLT) - They are gaunt from poverty and hunger. They claw the dry ground in desolate wastelands. They pluck wild greens from among the bushes and eat from the roots of broom trees. C) Their twigs were used for binding 1 Kings 19:4b (NIV) - He came to a broom bush, SAT DOWN UNDER IT and prayed that he might die. Matthew 28:2 (NIV) - There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and SAT ON IT. On/Upon Epanō (eh-pah-no) – above, beyond, more than YOU CAN EITHER SIT UNDER YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES OR YOU CAN SIT ON THEM, BUT YOU CAN’T DO BOTH. 2 Kings 10:30 (NIV) - The Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame… and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 2. SAVING SEATS 3 main functions of your brain a) THE SURVIVAL BRAIN b) THE LOGICAL BRAIN c) THE EMOTIONAL BRAIN This part is the of your brain is also referred to as your: “Seat of emotions” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts AND your mindsin Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) - 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. 3. A SEAT HAS BEEN SAVED FOR YOU Ephesians 2:6-9 (NIV) - And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Revelation 3:21 (NIV) - To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Galatians 3:13a (TPT) - Yet, Christ paid the full price to set us free from the curse of the law. He absorbed it completely as he became a curse in our place.

Living By The Book

June 9, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian

PROVERBS 4:20-27MSG 20-22 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. 23-27 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 LIVING BY THE BOOK DUSTY BIBLES ALWAYS LEAD TO DIRTY LIVES REASONS PEOPLE DON’T READ THEIR BIBLE 1. I NEED SOMETHING THAT WORKS 2. I DON’T KNOW HOW 3. I'M JUST A (JOB TITLE) I'LL LEAVE THE REST TO MY PASTOR TO TEACH ME 4. I JUST DON’T HAVE TIME 5. I HAVE MY DOUBTS ABOUT THE BIBLE 6. I CAN’T SEEM TO MAKE IT INTERESTING 7. I DON’T READ, PERIOD! IT'S NOT JUST THE BIBLE; I DON’T READ ANYTHING 3 BENEFITS YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN YOU INVEST IN GOD'S WORD! 1. GROWTH 1 PETER 2:2-3 NIV Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. ATTITUDE APPETITE AIM ARE YOU GROWING OLD? OR ARE YOU GROWING UP? 2. MATURITY HEBREWS 5:11-14 NLT 11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word.[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+5%3a11-14&version=nlt#fen-nlt-30003a] You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS NOT HOW MUCH YOU UNDERSTAND, BUT HOW MUCH YOU USE. IN THE SPIRITUAL REALM, THE OPPOSITE OF IGNORANCE IS NOT KNOWLEDGE BUT OBEDIENCE. 3. EFFECTIVENESS 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 4 THINGS HE MENTIONS 1. PROFITABLE FOR TEACHING 2. PROFITABLE FOR REBUKE 3. PROFITABLE FOR CORRECTION 4. PROFITABLE FOR TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUS LIVING B.B WARFIELD – “ THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD IN SUCH A WAY THAT WHEN THE BIBLE SPEAKS, GOD SPEAKS.”

Heartbreak Hotel

June 2, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian

HOSEA 2:14-15 “And now, here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to start all over again. I’m taking her back out into the wilderness where we had our first date, and I’ll court her. I’ll give her bouquets of roses. I’ll turn Heartbreak Valley into Acres of Hope. She’ll respond like she did as a young girl, those days when she was fresh out of Egypt. HEARTBREAK HOTEL FILL YOUR HOME WITH FAITH HOPE AND LOVE - FAITH FOR TODAY - HOPE FOR TOMORROW - LOVE FOR GOD & HIS PEOPLE PSALM 39:6-7 We live our lives like those living in shadows. All our activities and energies are spent for things that pass away. We gather, we hoard, we cling to our things, only to leave them all behind for who knows who. And now, God, I’m left with one conclusion: my only hope is to hope in you alone HOPE IS AN EXTENSION OF FAITH - FAITH IS THE BUILDER OF YOUR LIFE - HOPE IS THE ARCHITECT OF YOUR LIFE JERIMIAH 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. - WE CAN LIVE 40-50 DAYS WITHOUT FOOD - 8-9 DAYS WITHOUT WATER - 4 MIN WITHOUT AIR BUT YOU CAN ONLY GO A FEW SECONDS WITHOUT HOPE Hebrews 6:18-20 TPT “So it is impossible for God to lie for we know that his promise and his vow will never change! And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakable hope! We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us. He is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek.” GOD GIVES YOU PRESENT HOPE…IN PLACE OF PAST PAIN Psalm 62:5-6 "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken." GOD IS TURNING THINGS AROUND PSALM 30:11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, MALACHI 4:6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, MATTHEW 13:15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’ ISAIAH 43:18 “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. 3 ways God will build hope in your life 1. He will use your circumstance to build hope in you 1 PETER 5:8-11 8-11 Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does. Proverbs 23:18 "There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." Jeremiah 17:7 "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." 2. HE WILL USE YOUR COMMUNITY 3. HE BUILDS HOPE THROUGH CHANGE PROVERBS. 13:12 12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. (Msg ) Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.

Psalm 23

May 26, 2024 • Pastor Brody Christian • Psalm 23

PSALM 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I 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 have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. THE ANSWER TO WANTING ISN’T HAVING STUFF. THE ANSWER TO WANTING IS HAVING THE SHEPHERD SHADOW OF DEATH – HEBREW WORD – SALMAWET – DEEP DARKNESS PSALM 139 – OH, HE EVEN SEES ME IN THE DARK! AT NIGHT I'M IMMERSED IN THE LIGHT! IT’S A FACT: DARKNESS ISN'T DARK TO YOU 3 THINGS TO DO TO GET THROUGH THE VALLEY 1. STAY ACTIVE – if you keep giving you will keep moving forward PROVERBS 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 2. STAY CONNECTED – your relationships will make or break you in a valley season - LEARN FROM - LAUGH WITH - LEAN ON ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12 It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there’s no one to help, tough! 11 Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night. 12 By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped. 3. STAY FOCUSED - refuse to take your eyes off the promises of God HEBREWS 12:1-3msg 1-3 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Accessing Grace

May 22, 2024 • Pastor Bracken Christian

Acts 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. TPT 32 “And so now, I entrust you into God’s hands and the message of his grace, which is all that you need to become strong. All of God’s blessings are imparted through the message of his grace, which he provides as the spiritual inheritance given to all of his holy ones. ACCESSING WHAT IS OURS IS GOING TO REQUIRE FAITH! WE CANNOT BOLDLY CLAIM A PROMISE OR BLESSING WE ARE NOT SURE GOD IS NOT OFFERING. FF BOSWORTH 2 Pet 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 2 Cor 1:20 For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Rom 8:32 He who did not spare his own son, but delivered him over for us all, how will He not also with him freely give us all things? Rom 5:17 For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. 18 So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. 19 For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. 20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS CALLED THE SPIRIT OF GRACE Heb 10:26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? Heb 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near (come) with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. THE REASON WE CANNOT PLEASE GOD WITHOUT FAITH IS BECAUSE WITHOUT FAITH WE CANNOT ACCESS THE GRACE. Rom 4:16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 (as it is written, “A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist. 18 In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.” 19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; 20 yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. 22 Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 23 Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. Rom 5:1 Therefore... having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction (Access) by faith into this grace in which we stand Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; THE GRACE WE ARE REFERING TO IS ALL GOD HAS SUPPLIED FOR US. 2 Cor 8:6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Cor 9:6-8 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; Phil 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. SUPPLY; TO CRAM THE NET, TO LOAD DOWN, FILL THE STOMACH, FILLTHE VOID, PAY OFF DEBT...