New Year: Taking Spiritual Ground

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 11

April 3, 2022 • Elias Ozuna • 2 Timothy 2:3–4, John 8:12, Matthew 5:16, Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 54:17

Main Point: In 2022, take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. We are soldiers in God’s army. We are called to shine the light of righteousness to the world. Foundational Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3-4.  We are soldiers in God’s army.  John 8:12.  Jesus is the light of the world and those who follow Jesus will walk in this light. Matthew 5:16.  Let your light shine by showing good works that glorify the Father. Defining the concept “Taking Spiritual Ground”: When darkness is defeated and light of righteousness takes over. Darkness must yield to the name of Jesus. This is taking spiritual ground.  When a soul is saved When sin is defeated When a healing occurs When a prayer is answered When we serve and love other people How do we take spiritual Ground? Prayer A good connection (a strong relationship with God) True Praise and Worship Being a light on the battlefield (thru serving and loving others) We started this series with two questions Can we take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? It is our destiny Why should we take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? Because we love Jesus Pastor’s Thoughts: As we end this series on ‘taking spiritual ground’, I want to take a moment to emphasize a few points that God has laid on my heart to remind me about our destiny as a church. It was prophesied around 30 years ago, the HCC would be a lighthouse in the community. It’s coming. Get ready to shine. Get ready to take spiritual ground. God has made it very clear through prayer and confirmations that this church will impact lives outside these 4 walls. And last but not least, As we love and serve people outside these 4 walls, then God’s supernatural presence within the 4 walls will explode. I truly, with all my heart believe in these 3 concepts. Get ready. The launch pad is set. We are go for launch to take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. It won’t be easy but never forget these two scriptures.  Philippians 4:13.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Isaiah 54:17.  No weapon form against me shall prosper.  So whenever we hit a road block as we work for God’s Kingdom, push through because in Christ Victory is assured.

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 9

March 6, 2022 • Elias Ozuna • 2 Peter 3:8–9, Psalm 127:1, John 11:1–46

Main Point: In 2022, take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. It’s time. Scriptures on God’s timing 2 Peter 3:8-9. God’s timing is perfect. Be patient and trust that God’s timing is best for the Kingdom of God. Psalm 127: 1.  When man acts without God, it is in vain.  John 11: 1-46.  Jesus was not late. His timing was perfect. Even what seems dead comes to life when Jesus is in it. Pastor’s Thoughts: It’s time. Prophetic word was given that HCC was going to be a lighthouse for this community. I believe it is time. Today is a ‘launching pad’ day for HCC to fulfill prophecy and become a lighthouse for God’s Kingdom.

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 8

February 20, 2022 • Elias Ozuna • Matthew 25:14–30, Matthew 25:31–46, 1 Corinthians 9:19–27

Two Points on Taking Spiritual Ground: Why should we take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? Because we Love Jesus. Can we take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? It is our destiny. Main Point: In 2022, take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. Don’t play it safe. Be intentional about using your talents/gifts and abilities to serve others. It is our destiny. Foundation Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9: 19-27.  Paul emphasizes the importance of making an effort to relate to other people for the sake of the Gospel. Paul also makes the point that it is important to run the race of the Christian journey to win. Don’t play it safe. Parable of the Talents: Matthew 25:14-30.  Jesus expects his followers to use their talents/gifts/abilities because that is how impact happens. People who hide their talents/gifts and abilities are in danger of being lost. Pastor’s Thoughts: Taking spiritual ground requires we use the talents/gifts and abilities God has given us so ground can be taken.  So don’t play it safe.  Find a way to use your talents/gifts and abilities You don’t have to wait for an official title or to be perfect. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you on how to use your talents/gifts and abilities. The sheep versus the goat (identified by who serves others) Matthew 25:31-46.  Jesus makes it clear that his followers, don’t play it safe. They make an impact by using the talents/gifts and abilities to serve others.  Pastor’s thoughts: This characteristic of helping others is so much part of our DNA as Christians that if you do not have a heart to serve others you do not belong to the Kingdom of God. Serving others is Serving Jesus. Don’t play it safe. Sermon Recap: Paul made it clear in Corinthians that Christians must run the race to win.  Don’t play it safe Jesus made it clear in Matthew 25 that he expects us to use our talents/gifts and abilities.  Don’t play it safe Jesus made it clear in Matthew 25 that serving others is serving him. Don’t play it safe

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 6

February 6, 2022 • Elias Ozuna • Isaiah 1:19, John 14:15, 1 John 3:22–24, Matthew 26:36–46

Recap series: Taking Spiritual Ground For such a time as this. A phrase of Destiny. Do not be distracted. We are people of Destiny regardless of circumstances. We have a free will choice to walk in Destiny for God’s Kingdom. Don’t ‘play it’ safe. Use your Talents/Gifts and abilities for impact on others Don’t play it safe. Obedience to God’s word unlocks blessings as you take spiritual ground. Main Point: In 2022, take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. Obedience takes you where you are meant to be not where you want to be. Don’t play it safe, obedience leads to God’s blessings for your life as you take spiritual ground. Scriptures on Obedience: Isaiah 1:19.  Those that are obedient will eat the good of the land John 14:15.  We should be obedient just because we love Jesus 1 John 3:22-24.  Obedience leads to answered prayer. Obedience ensures God is with us. Obedience to God’s word accomplishes two things: Unlocks Blessings for your life The Blessings I want versus the Blessings God has for me. What do you prefer? This question is an important question. What do you prefer? Your idea of blessings or the blessings God has for you. The wise choose God’s path not because it is easier but because it is God’s path. And God’s path unlocks the supernatural. Leads you into taking spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom Obedience takes you where you are meant to be not where you want to be. It is your destiny to take spiritual ground.  WWJD. What would Jesus do? What did Jesus do? Matthew 26:36-46. This scripture shows how Jesus was human like you and I. Jesus understands pain and suffering because he personally experienced it. Pastor’s thoughts: Did Jesus have a physical desire to live? Yes Did Jesus choose to live? No Jesus chose the will of the father which lines up with God’s Kingdom plan. Jesus did not play it safe. Obedience. God has a plan for each and every one of us which results in a blessings. Don’t play it safe. Obedience  We don’t seek blessings but we expect blessings because obedience unlocks blessings.  Don’t play it safe. Obedience. Sermon Recap: Obedience unlocks blessings and God’s path for our lives.  Don’t play it safe Obedience takes you where you are meant to be not where you want to be. Don’t play it safe

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 5

January 30, 2022 • Elias Ozuna • 1 Corinthians 9:19–27, Matthew 25:14–30, Matthew 25:31–46

Two Points on Taking Spiritual Ground: Why should we take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? Because we Love Jesus. Can we take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? It is our destiny. Main Point: In 2022, take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. Don’t play it safe. Be intentional about using your talents/gifts and abilities to serve others. It is our destiny. Foundation Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9: 19-27.  Paul emphasizes the importance of making an effort to relate to other people for the sake of the Gospel. Paul also makes the point that it is important to run the race of the Christian journey to win. Don’t play it safe. Parable of the Talents: Matthew 25:14-30.  Jesus expects his followers to use their talents/gifts/abilities because that is how impact happens. People who hide their talents/gifts and abilities are in danger of being lost. Pastor’s Thoughts: Taking spiritual ground requires we use the talents/gifts and abilities God has given us so ground can be taken.  So don’t play it safe.  Find a way to use your talents/gifts and abilities You don’t have to wait for an official title or to be perfect. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you on how to use your talents/gifts and abilities. The sheep versus the goat (identified by who serves others) Matthew 25:31-46.  Jesus makes it clear that his followers, don’t play it safe. They make an impact by using the talents/gifts and abilities to serve others.  Pastor’s thoughts: This characteristic of helping others is so much part of our DNA as Christians that if you do not have a heart to serve others you do not belong to the Kingdom of God. Serving others is Serving Jesus. Don’t play it safe. Sermon Recap: Paul made it clear in Corinthians that Christians must run the race to win.  Don’t play it safe Jesus made it clear in Matthew 25 that he expects us to use our talents/gifts and abilities.  Don’t play it safe Jesus made it clear in Matthew 25 that serving others is serving him. Don’t play it safe

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 2

January 9, 2022 • Elias Ozuna • Esther

Main Point: In 2022, take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. Jesus is the light of the world, so darkness must yield to the name of Jesus. It is our Destiny to take spiritual ground in 2022. Story of Esther: Esther 1:10-12.  Queen Vashti refused to obey the King. Her crown was taken from her as punishment Esther 2:17.  Esther becomes queen. Esther 3:8.  Haman begins a plot to kill Mordecai and the Jewish people Esther 4:1-17.  The Jews are distraught, and Mordecai sends a message to Esther (who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this). Esther 7:1-6.  After Esther risk her life by addressing the King, she wins the victory over Haman because she was there for such a time as this. Church you are here for such a time as this.  Who will stand up for righteousness? You, for such a time as this. Who will take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? You, for such a time as this. Who is the salt of the earth? You, for such a time as this. Who is the light of the world? You, for such a time as this. Pastor’s Thoughts: For such a time as this? A phrase of Destiny. Each and everyone one of you is destined for greatness in God’s Kingdom. Which means in Christ you are destined to make an impact for the cause of Christ The enemy knows this and attacks you strategically to discourage you from advancing, growing stronger in the Lord. There comes a time in our Christian journey when we must choose to press on despite the enemy’s attack or retreat and just live a lukewarm Christian life. Many Christians have retreated and just want to go to heaven but not much more impact for God’s Kingdom because it is too hard. But for Christians who have a heart like the 3 Hebrew boys who said, even if God doesn’t turn this situation around (the fiery furnace), we will still only serve the one true God.: for them there is taking of spiritual ground.

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 10

March 20, 2022 • Elias Ozuna • Exodus 14:8–31, Exodus 1:22, Exodus 2:1–4

Main Point: In 2022, take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. From sorrow to destiny is our destiny. For those who trust God in sorrow/trials the supernatural hand of God will bring victory. Story of Moses: Exodus 14: 8-31. A day of great deliverance. The hand of God open the Red Sea and the children of Israel were saved. Moses was destined for such a time as this. Exodus 1:22, 2:1-4.  The story of Moses begins in sorrow. As the pharaoh was trying to kill all the baby boys of the Israelites, Moses’s mother attempts to save Moses by giving up the child in hopes that he would have a chance to grow up. Pastor’s Thoughts on the story of Moses: The story of Moses is a beautiful story of deliverance from bondage.  The climax of this story is when Moses stands at the red sea and says “Fear not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord”  It was Moses’s destiny to stand in front of the water and lead the children of Israel out of bondage. This story begins in sorrow. The reason Moses was in position to see the hand of God move supernaturally was that his mother was forced to float Moses down the river in hopes he would avoid death and live a better life. At the moment when Moses’s mother was giving up her baby she did not know that Moses would deliver them from Egypt.  Pastor’s Thoughts: There are very few if any stories in the Bible about reaching your Destiny in God’s Kingdom without some sorrows/trials along the way.  If you haven’t notice sorrows and the trials of life come and go whether you are a believer or not. The only difference between a believer and a non-believer is who you trust to bring you through the sorrows and trials of life.  When you never lose hope that God is with you in the sorrows/trials of life, then at some point you will see God’s hand move supernaturally for you. Every one of you in this place, no matter your age or you skills/talents, are destined for greatness in God’s Kingdom.  It doesn’t matter what sorrows you are encountering or have encountered in your life.  If you trust God along your journey, no matter how difficult it gets, you will come out stronger in faith on the other side of each trial.

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 4

January 23, 2022 • Elias Ozuna • 1 Peter 2:8–9, Jonah 1, Jonah 3

Recap series: Taking Spiritual Ground For such a time as this. A phrase of Destiny. Do not be distracted. We are people of Destiny regardless of circumstances. We have a free will choice to walk in Destiny for God’s Kingdom. Main Point: In 2022, take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. Jesus is the light of the world, so darkness must yield to the name of Jesus. We have a free will choice to walk in Destiny for God’s Kingdom Two Points: Why should we take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? Because we Love Jesus. Can we take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? It is our destiny. Pastor’s thoughts: Put yourself in a position to walk in Destiny: You have a free will choice. Peter 2:8-9. If you accept Jesus as Lord of your life, then you have put yourself in a position of destiny. You are destined for eternal life. You are not destined for death and hell. Story of Jonah: Jonah 1:1-17. Nineveh needed spiritual awakening. The city was in darkness but God destined Jonah to be the instrument that would take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. Jonah 3:1-10. Nineveh repents and God gave mercy to Nineveh. Pastor’s Thoughts: Jonah had a calling, a destiny to accomplish certain things for God’s Kingdom. (like we do) Jonah had a free will to obey or disobey. Jonah disobeyed and suffered the consequences. Jonah then obeyed after realizing disobedience leads to bad consequences.  The result of Jonah’s obedience was that darkness in Nineveh was replaced by righteousness (repentance). Spiritual ground was taken.  If you make bad choices, if you disobey God’s leading in your life, then the destiny God has planned for you will either never come to pass (because you have a free will), or will come to pass later after consequences (like Jonah).

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 7

February 13, 2022 • Eloy Peña

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 3

January 16, 2022 • Elias Ozuna • Genesis 37:5–11, Genesis 37:26–28, Genesis 39:20–23, Genesis 45:1–8, Esther 4:14

Main Point: In 2022, take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. Jesus is the light of the world, so darkness must yield to the name of Jesus. Do not get distracted, we are destined to take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. Esther 4:14.  Such a time as this. Story of Joseph: Genesis: 37:5-11.  Joseph has a dream about his destiny Genesis 37:26-28. Joseph is sold as a slave by his brothers. Genesis 39:20-23. Joseph is sent to prison.  At this point Joseph dream/destiny seems impossible. But always know this, if God has destined it, it will come to pass.  Genesis 45:1-8. Joseph dream/destiny comes to pass because he never stopped serving God. It was Joseph’s trials and tribulations that provided the foundation for his destiny to come to pass.  Pastor’s Thoughts: In your life, it is also true that the trials and tribulations you go through are a foundation that your destiny is built on. Joseph did not get distracted by the trials and tribulations. He only drew closer to God. He made the best of every situation he was in.  Are you determined to only grow stronger and closer to the Lord when times get hard? Are you determined to not get distracted knowing that the trials of life are a foundation to your destiny. What is your destiny? To take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. Two Points: Why should we take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? Because we Love Jesus. Can we take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom? It is our destiny.

Taking Spiritual Ground - Part 1

January 2, 2022 • Elias Ozuna • Deuteronomy 1:7–8, 1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 16:17–18, Romans 8:28–39

Main Point: In 2022, let’s take spiritual ground for God’s Kingdom. Jesus is the light of the world, so darkness must yield to the name of Jesus. In 2022, our church theme is ‘Take spiritual ground’.  1. through Prayer.  2. Wise Strategic Action Deuteronomy 1: 7-8. This is the land that God promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  What God has promised will come to pass no matter what the current circumstance is.  Even in disobedience, God always was planning to keep his promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What land has God promised us? God has promised us victory over darkness. The spiritual land we must take, is replacing darkness with the light of God’s righteousness.  1 Peter 2:9. God has called us out of darkness into his light.  Taking Spiritual ground is simply replacing darkness with God’s righteousness.  This can be done in different ways but the end result is more salvations, more hearts serving Jesus, more righteousness, more deliverances, more peace, more joy, more people in church.  So in 2022, let’s cast out darkness and take spiritual ground for God’s righteousness. Darkness must yield to the name of Jesus. Matthew 16:17-18.  The gates of hell will not prevail against the church. No matter what the current circumstance looks like. Christians will prevail against darkness.  Romans 8:28-39.  We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.