John 20:11–14 “Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. (NIV) 3 Obstacles That Cause People To Miss Jesus 1. Your emotions can cause you to miss Jesus John 20:13 “They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” (NIV) 2. Your disappointment can cause you to miss Jesus John 20:15 “He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” (NIV) 3. Your confusion can cause you to miss Jesus Ecclesiastes 11:5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. (NIV) John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV) John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV) John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). NIV) John 20:17-18 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.” (NIV)
JOHN 4: 39—40 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. (NKJV) REVELATION 12:10-11 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV) 1 WE MUST GO THE WAY THAT JESUS WENT JOHN 4:3-4 So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4 He had to go through Samaria on the way. (NLT) MATTHEW 28:18-19 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (NLT) WHEN FOUND PEOPLE GO THE WAY OF JESUS, LOST PEOPLE FIND THE WAY OF JESUS 2 WE MUST HAVE THE WELL THAT JESUS HAD JOHN 4:5-7 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” (NLT) JOHN 4: 9-10 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” 10 Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” (NLT) JOHN 4: 11-12 “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?” (NLT) MATTHEW 9:36-38 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (NLT) JOHN 4:13-14 Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (NLT) JESUS USES THE WELL WITHIN US TO HEAL THE WOUNDS AROUND US 3 WE MUST BE THE WITNESS THAT JESUS WAS JOHN 4:28-30 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him. (NLT) ACTS 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NLT) COMMISSION ZONES HAVE NO COMFORT ZONES 4 WE MUST FINISH THE WORK THAT JESUS STARTED JOHN 4:32-34 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” 33 “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. (NLT) JOHN 4: 39-40 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. (NKJV) REVELATION 12:10-11 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV) THE WILL OF JESUS IS FOR EVERYONE TO DO THE WORK OF JESUS
Own Your Serve Matthew 20:20-21 - Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. 21 “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” (NIV) Matthew 20:24 - When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. (NIV) Mark 9:33-34 – When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. (NIV) Matthew 20:25-28 - Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV) Matthew 20:26-28 - Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV) Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. NIV Matthew 25:14-30 - 1“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[c] and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents,[d] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.[e] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (ESV) God is looking for servants who are: 1. Kingdom-minded not self-centered Matthew 25:16-18 - He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. (ESV) Matthew 20:26-28 - Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (NIV) 2. Faithful not fickle Matthew 25:21 - His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. (ESV) Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (ESV) 3. Fruitful not fruitless Matthew 25:21 - His master said to him, ‘Well DONE, good and faithful servant.” (ESV) John 15:8 - This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV) Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV) 1 Peter 4:10 - Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV) Romans 12:3-11 - Because of the privilege and authority[c] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[d] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 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. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[e] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (NLT) 4. He can reward not rebuke 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. (NLT) Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. (ESV) Matthew 16:26-27 - What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. (NIV) Revelation 22:12 - “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. (NLT)
Own Your Opportunity Open the Door Acts 12:5-18 (NIV) 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” 12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place. 18 In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 1. You open a door when you pray it open. 2. You open a door when you take your next step. 3. You open a door when you invest and invite.
Proverbs 19:3 People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. (NLT) Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (NIV) Luke 12:31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. (NIV) Malachi 3:10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test! (NLT) 2 Kings 4:1 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” (NIV) 3 Mindset Shifts You Have To Make To Own Your Finances 1. Own the overwhelmed mindset 2. Own the poverty mindset 2 Kings 4:2 Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” (NIV) 3. Own the “This is too much work” mindset 2 Kings 4:3–7 3 Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.”5 She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.” (NIV) Work The Biblical Plan 1. Track your income and your spending 2. Save $1,000 in an emergency fund 3. Pay off your consumer debt from smallest to largest 4. Save 3 to 6 months in an emergency fund 5. Start tithing now 6. Live with margin
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (NIV) ACKNOWLEDGE THE PAIN Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT) Jeremiah 6:14 You can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not there! (TLB) SHED THE SHAME 2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV) PSALMS 34:4-5 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy: no shadow of shame will darken their faces. (NLT) BREAK THE CYCLE ROMANS 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (NLT) 1 CORINTHIANS 6:12 I have the right to do anything,' you say--but not everything is beneficial. 'I have the right to do anything'--but I will not be mastered by anything. (NIV) DO THE WORK ROMANS 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (ESV) GENESIS 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (NLT)
Own Your Mistakes 1. Own admitting your mistakes Luke 15:18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. (NIV) 2. Own knowing where you are and how you got there Luke 15:17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! (NIV) 3. Own seeing how your life can be different 4. Own taking the steps to change your life Luke 15:20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (NIV) Proverbs 24:16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. (NLT) 5. Own receiving the grace and forgiveness of God Luke 15:20-23 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate (NIV) Luke 15:28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. (NIV) Luke 15:30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (NIV)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
1 Kings 19:1-4 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beershebain 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. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (NIV) 6 Habits To Owning Your Health 1. Own recognizing the warning signs of being emotionally unhealthy 2. Own evaluating how you got where you are 3. Own listening to spiritual guidance 1 Kings 19:7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” (NIV) 4. Own doing the practical things 1 Kings 19:5-7 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” (NIV) 5. Own pursuing the presence of God 1 Kings 19:9-13 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (NIV) 6. Own pursuing God’s purpose for your life 1 Kings 19:15-16 The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. (NIV) Philippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; (NASB)
Own Your Relationships Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (NIV) 3 Things That Keep You From Owning The Building and Maintaining Of Your Relationships 1. Pain 2. Problems 3. People 4 Lessons You Learn From Ruth On How To Own Your Friendships 1. Press through pain Ruth 1:8–10 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. 9 May the Lord grant that each of you will find rest in the home of another husband.” Then she kissed them goodbye and they wept aloud 10 and said to her, “We will go back with you to your people.” (NIV) 2. Be committed Ruth 1:11–18 But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? 12 Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons - 13 Would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!” 114 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. “15 Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. (NIV) Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV) Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV) 3. Have realistic expectations 4. God’s plan for your life is connected to people
Own your Relationship with God Philippians 2:12–13 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (NIV) 6 Ways To Own Your Relationship With God 1. You have to own your sin Psalms 51:3-4 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. (NIV) Psalms 51:9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. (NIV) Psalms 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. (NIV) 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV) 2. You have to own repenting before God Psalms 51:2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (NIV) Psalms 51:7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (NIV) 3. You have to own prayer 4. You have to own your desperation for the presence of God Psalms 51:11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. (NIV) 5. You have to own worshiping God Psalms 51:14-15 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness 15 Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. (NIV) Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (NKJV) 6. You have to own your spiritual growth Psalms 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (NIV) Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (NIV) For One Year Run The Spiritual Play 1. Faithfully pray and read God’s word 2. Worship in God’s house faithfully 3. Give your life away by serving others faithfully 4. Grow closer to God and others by attending a small group faithfully Psalms 51:13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways so that sinners will turn back to you. (NIV)
Own It: I Will Own My Life Genesis 3:11–13 “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” 12 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (NIV) Matthew 11:12 from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. (NKJV) Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV) Philippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; (NASB) 3 Common Excuses That Will Keep From Owning it 1. Complaining Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT) 2. Arguing Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, (NLT) 3. Blaming Philippians 2:15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky (NIV)
Mark 9:28-29 - 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” NIV Top 10 Reasons to make prayer a priority in 2024 1. It’s the basis of our relationship with God. Romans 10:9-10, 13 - 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved…13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” NIV 2. It brings forgiveness of sin. 1 John 1:9 - 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. NLT 3. It helps you discern God’s will. Acts 13:2 - While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." NIV 4. It strengthens you. Psalm 105:4 - Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always. NIV 5. It gives you peace. Psalm 34:4-5 - I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; NLT Philippians 4:6-7 - 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV 6. It gives you victory over temptation. Matthew 26:41 - Jesus told his disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” NIV 7. Makes you wiser. James 1:5 - 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. NIV 8. Brings God’s healing. James 5:13-15 - 13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. NIV 9. It brings spiritual Intervention Daniel 9:23 - 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you NIV 10. God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 - 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV Why don’t we prioritize prayer? 1. We don’t know what to say. 2. We don’t think God will answer. 3. We get busy. 1 Thess. 5:17 - Pray continually.
John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (NIV) John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV) 1. Light invades darkness John 8:10-11 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," (NIV) John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV) 2. Light pushes back the darkness John 8:11-12 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." 12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV) 3. Light brings life John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (NIV) John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV) 1 John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (NIV)
John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (NIV) 1. People love darkness 4 Things You Need To Understand About Darkness 1a. Darkness can be fun 1b. Darkness can be deceptive James 1:14-16 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. (NIV) 1c. Darkness can create fear John 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. (NIV) 2. Run to the the light John 3:21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." (NIV) John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (NIV)
1. The principle of the heart 2 Corinthians 8:1–3 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, (NIV) Luke 12:15–21 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” 16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” “20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ ”21 This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (NIV) 2. The principle of eternity Philippians 3:18–19 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. (NIV) Mark 10:21–22 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. (NIV) Luke 12:33 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. (NLT) 3. The principle of life change Matthew 6:19–20 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. (NLT) Edmond testimony video: 4. The principle of tithe and offering Malachi 3:8–10 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV) 5. The principle of the seed 1. You reap what you sow 2. You reap after you sow 3. You reap more than you sow 4. You reap in proportion to what you sow 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 9:11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (NIV)
You Are Stuck In A Season You Shouldn’t Be In Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (NLT) Exodus 3:17 And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.’ (NIV) 1. They did not believe God’s word and God’s promises Numbers 14:11 The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? (Despise, reject me) How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them? (NIV) 2. They grumbled and complained against the Lord Numbers 14:26-29 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 27 “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: 29 In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. (NIV) Joshua 5:12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan. (NIV) 1. From manna to maturity 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (NIV) Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— (NKJV) 2. From manna to management Deuteronomy 8:4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. (NIV) 3. From manna to movement Deuteronomy 1:8 See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.” (NIV) 4 Moves To Make So You Can Live In The Promised Land 1. You have to remove some things from your life Joshua 5:6-8 The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. (NIV) 2. You have to march around some walls 3. You have to fight some battles Joshua 6:5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” (NIV) 4. You have to give to God what belongs to him Joshua 6:16–19 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.” (NIV)
You Are Stuck In A Season You Shouldn’t Be In Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. (NLT) Exodus 3:17 And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.’ (NIV) 1. They did not believe God’s word and God’s promises Numbers 14:11 The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? (Despise, reject me) How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them? (NIV) 2. They grumbled and complained against the Lord Numbers 14:26-29 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 27 “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: 29 In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. (NIV) Joshua 5:12 The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan. (NIV) 1. From manna to maturity 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (NIV) Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— (NKJV) 2. From manna to management Deuteronomy 8:4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. (NIV) 3. From manna to movement Deuteronomy 1:8 See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.” (NIV) 4 Moves To Make So You Can Live In The Promised Land 1. You have to remove some things from your life Joshua 5:6-8 The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. 8 And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. (NIV) 2. You have to march around some walls 3. You have to fight some battles Joshua 6:5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” (NIV) 4. You have to give to God what belongs to him Joshua 6:16–19 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury.” (NIV)
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
Your Miracle Requires Movement Mark 5:24–29 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. (NIV) 1. Press past pain 2. Press past disappointment 3. Press past religion 4. Press past people 1. Press past negative influences 2. Press past doubters 3. Press past haters 4. Press past yourself
1. Worship is a COMMAND 2 Chronicles 20:18 Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the LORD. (NLT) Psalms 95:6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; (NIV) Psalms 99:9 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy. (NIV) Psalms 100:2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (NIV) 2 Chronicles 20:21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!” (NLT) 2. Worship CREATES an atmosphere for the miraculous 2A. Worship creates an atmosphere where God shows up 2 Chronicles 20:22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves... (NLT) 2B. Worship creates an atmosphere where God shows off 2 Chronicles 20:22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. (NLT) 2C. Worship creates an atmosphere where the enemy is shut down 2 Chronicles 20:23-24 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. 24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped. (NLT) Psalm 8:2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. (NIV) 2D. Worship creates an atmosphere for freedom 2 Corinthians 3:17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (NLT) 2E. Worship creates an atmosphere for provision 2 Chronicles 20:25-26 King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all! 16 On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. (NLT) 3. Worship Must Be Continuous 2 Chronicles 20:27-28 Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the LORD had given them victory over their enemies. 28 They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the LORD. (NLT) Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. (NIV) Psalms 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (NKJV) Psalms 71:8 My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long. (NIV) 3a. Don’t let the battle steal your worship 3b. Don’t let people steal your worship 3c. Don’t let pride steal your worship 3d. Don’t let feelings steal your worship 3e. Don’t let success steal your worship
2 Corinthians 12:8 - 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. (NLT) 2 Corinthians 12:9 - 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (NLT) 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NLT) 1. Trust Him Prov. 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 - 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (ESV) Romans 10:17 - Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (NIV) 2. Don’t miss all of the little miracles while waiting on your big one. 3. Keep praying and praising while He’s working. Romans 8:28 - 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
MIRACLE IN MOTION MARK 2:1-6 When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (NLT) MARK 2:10 Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” (NLT) MIRACLES CREATE KINGDOM MOMENTUM THAT CANNOT BE CONTAINED MARK 2:1-2 When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. (NLT) MATTHEW 4:24-25 From there He went all over Galilee. He used synagogues for meeting places and taught people the truth of God. God’s kingdom was His theme – that beginning right now they were under God’s government, a good government. He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their bad lives. Word got out around the entire province of Syria. People brought anybody with a sickness, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them one and all, More and more people cam, the momentum gathering. (MSG) MIRACLES HAPPEN WHEN THE HEALER FINDS A HELPER MARK 2:3 …four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. (NLT) JOHN 14:12-14“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! MIRACLES WILL REQUIRE YOU TO RAISE THE ROOF MARK 2:4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. (NKJV) MIRACLES ARE PROOF THAT GOD CAN TURN PAIN INTO PURPOSE MARK 2:5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (NLT) MARK 2:10 Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, 11 “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” (NLT) GENESIS 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. (NLT)
1. Pray for healing 1A. Pray to the Father in Jesus name John 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (NIV) (There is power and authority in the name of Jesus) John 14:12-14 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (NIV) 1B. Pray specifically Matthew 20:32-34 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (NIV) 1C. Pray with faith Mark 11:22-24 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV) 1D. Pray with other Christ Followers Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (NIV) 2. The gift of healing 1 Corinthians 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, (NIV) 3. Command Healing Luke 18:42-43 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (NIV) Acts 9:33-34 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. (NIV) 4. Instruct with an act of faith Matthew 12:13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. (NIV) Luke 17:12-14 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. (NIV) John 9:6-7 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (NIV) 5. Rebuke any demons causing sickness 5A. Sin and sickness entered our world because of the fall of Adam and Eve 5B. Some sickness is because of sin John 9:2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (NIV) 5C. Some sickness is so the glory of God can be revealed John 9:3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. (NIV) 5D. Some sickness is because of demonic influence Luke 11:14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. (NIV) Matthew 17:14–15 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. (NIV) Matthew 17:18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. (NIV) 6. Laying hands on the sick Deuteronomy 34:9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses. (NIV) Matthew 8:3 Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (NIV) Mark 1:41-42 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. (NASB1995) Mark 7:33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. (NIV) Luke 22:51 But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. (NASB) Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. (NIV 1984) Acts 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. (NIV) 7. Anoint with oil James 5:14-15 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. (NIV) 8. Pray again Mark 8:23-25 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” 25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. (NIV)
Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. (NIV). Matthew 9:29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; (NIV) (the blind received their sight miracle!) Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (NIV). Mark 10:52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (NIV) Acts 14:9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed (NIV) Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV) James 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (NIV) 1. You have faith in God when it’s accompanied with action James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (NIV) 2. You are saved through faith Ephesians 2:8-9 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. (NIV) 3. You cannot please God without faith Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (NIV) 4. You have been given a measure of faith A. Every Christ follower has been given a measure of faith at salvation. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (NKJV) 5. You can develop your faith by hearing God’s word Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV) James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (NKJV) 6. You can develop your faith by withstanding tests James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (NIV) 7. You fight by faith 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (NIV) 8. You are protected by faith Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (NIV) 9. You are called to live by faith Romans 1:17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (NKJV) 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by faith, not by sight. (NIV) 10. You can miss out on miracles by having a lack of faith Mathew 13:58- And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. (NIV) 11. You can move mountains with small faith Matthew 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (NIV)
James 4:2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. (NIV) 6 Reasons We Don’t Ask God 1. Because God already knows my needs Matthew 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (NIV) John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (NIV) 1a. You don’t believe God will help you Mark 6:5–6 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. (NLT) 1b. Pride 2 Chronicles 16:12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians. (NIV) 1c. Unworthy feelings Hebrews 4:15–16 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT) 1d. Disappointment Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (NIV) 2. Asking is Biblical Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV) Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (NIV) Matthew 7:11- If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (NIV) Matthew 9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. (NIV) Matthew 18:19 Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. (NIV) Matthew 7:7-8 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV) 3. Ask with the right motives James 4:3-4 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (NIV) 3A. Motived by selfishness and worldliness 3B. Motivated by your will 1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV) 4. Ask with Faith Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. (NIV) Hebrews 11:11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. (NIV) Hebrews 11:29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. (NIV) Matthew 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” (NIV) Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. (NIV) Matthew 9:29 Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; (NIV) Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (NIV). Mark 10:52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (NIV) Acts 14:9 He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed (NIV) REVIEW: 1. You don’t receive a miracle because you don’t ask God 1a. God already knows my needs 1b. You don’t believe God will help you 1c. Pride 1d. Unworthy feelings 1e. Disappointment 2. Asking is biblical 3. Ask with the right motives 4. Ask with faith
The One Ingredient You Need For A Miracle 1. Humanity needed a home Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (NIV) 2. Abraham and Sarah needed a son Genesis 21:1-2 Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. (NIV) 3. Moses needed God’s clarity on his calling Exodus 3:2- There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. (NIV) 4. The Israelites needed deliverance 5. The Israelites needed divine direction 6. The Israelites needed food and water 7. The Israelites needed victory over their enemy 8. Jonah needed radical repentance Jonah 2:10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (NIV) 9. A widow needed her resources multiplied 10. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego needed protection Daniel 3:25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (NIV) NEW TESTAMENT 1. People needed physical healing 1a. The deaf needed to hear and the mute to speak 1b. The blind needed to see 1c. A man had a withered hand 1d. A woman had a blood issue 1e. Lazarus needed to be raised from the dead 2. The disciples needed a miracle at their job 3. People were demon possessed 4. The disciples were in a storm
How to Recognize God’s Voice Galatians 5:16-17 (NLT) 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 3 Dangerous Voices: 1. Voice of the flesh Galatians 5:17 – The sinful nature wants to do evil. – NLT Proverbs 14:12 - You may think you are on the right road and still end up dead. CEV 2. Voice of the world 1 John 2:16 - For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. NIV 3. Voice of the devil John 8:44 - He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. NLT Romans 8:14 - For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. NLT Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, NIV John 16:13 - 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. ESV 2 Ways the Holy Spirit speaks: 1. He speaks through God’s Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. NIV Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. NIV 2. He speaks directly to your heart. a. Whisper b. Peace c. Check in your spirit d. Prophetically
The #1 Reason You’re Not Growing 1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (NIV) 1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. (NIV) Galatians 5:16–23 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV) 9 Characteristics Of The Fruit Of The Spirit 1. Love: 2. Joy: 3. Peace: 4. Patience: 5. Kindness: 6. Goodness: Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NIV) Titus 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (NIV) Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV) Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV) 7. Faithfulness 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. (ESV) Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. (NIV) Matthew 25:21 The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together”. (NLT) 8. Gentleness Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (NIV) Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 10:1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! (NIV) Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (NIV) Titus 3:2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone (NIV) 9. Self-Control 2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (ESV) Titus 2:11–12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, (NIV) 1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (ESV) John 15:1-10 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. (NIV) 1 Peter 1:14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. (NLT) 9 Ways To Remain So Your Fruit Grows 1. Remain in the word John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (NIV) 2. Remain in prayer Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV) 3. Remain in church Hebrews 10:25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (NLT) 4. Remain in small groups 5. Remain in serving 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (NIV) 6. Remain in generosity 1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. (NIV) 7. Remain in the love of God John 15:9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. (NIV) 8. Remain in the pruning process John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (NIV) 9. Remain in obedience John 15:10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. (NIV)
Are You Led By Flesh Or Fruit? 1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (NIV) 1 John 3:9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. (NIV) Galatians 5:16–23 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV) Illustration: Dirty water in a glass. 3 Interesting Facts About The Fruit Of The Spirit 1. Christ followers do not have all the gifts of the Spirit but do have all the fruit of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. (NLT) 1 Corinthians 12:11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. (NLT) 2. They are called the fruit of the Spirit not the fruits of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV) 3. Your fruit matters to God and it should matter to you Matthew 7:17–20 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (NIV) Matthew 12:33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. (NIV) Luke 6:43–44 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. (NIV) 9 Characteristics Of The Fruit Of The Spirit 1. Love Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (NLT) John 13:34-35 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (NLT) 1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love. (ESV) 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (ESV) Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (ESV) Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (NIV) 2. Joy Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (ESV) Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (ESV) 3. Peace 4. Patience Hebrews 6:12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (NIV) 5. Kindness Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (ESV) Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (NIV) The Fruit Evaluator: Rate yourself from 1 to 10 (1 being poor and 10 being great) Love 1 to 10 Joy 1 to 10 Peace 1 to 10 Patience 1 to 10 Kindness 1 to 10