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Taking Ground #6: The Helper

Acts 1:1-5
”In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 3 During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

4 Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Jesus said you need the baptism in the Holy Spirit! It’s a gift!

  • Think differently

  • Act differently

  • Speak differently

Acts 1:6-8
”So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 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.”

It gives you power to testify about Jesus.

“9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”


Vs. 11. Why are you standing here?

Baptism in the Holy Spirit - Power for Ministry

Introduction

John, the forerunner of Jesus, says in all four Gospels that he is baptizing in water, but when the Messiah comes, He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

>>Matthew 3:11 >> Mark 1:8 >>Luke 3:16 >>John 1:33

Jesus

On several occasions, Jesus talks to His disciples about the Helper - the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit - that will come in His place after His death, resurrection, and ascension. The plan of Jesus was to multiply Himself and send out the disciples on the same mission. The Greek word for Helper, parakletos, means “someone that assists in stirring up an army.”

>>Luke 24:49 >>John 15:26, 16:13-15 >>Acts 1:5, 8

Baptism in the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts

Jesus wants to totally cover us with His Spirit. In the same way, a person is covered by water at the time of baptism in water. This is what it means to become baptized in the Holy Spirit. It is possible to go to heaven just by faith in Jesus, but it is impossible to serve Him fully here on earth without being clothed with power from on high. The Book of Acts describes six occasions where people were baptized in, or filled with, the Holy Spirit mostly in connection to repentance and baptism in water.

>>Jerusalem, Acts 2:1-18, Acts 4:31 >>Samaria, Acts 8:14-21 >>Damascus, Acts 9:17
>>Caesarea, Acts 10:44-46 >>Ephesus Acts 19:6-7

Practical Questions

Let’s study examples of baptism in the Holy Spirit from the Book of Acts

  • When did the baptism in the Holy Spirit take place in the first church?

    • Immediately in connection to repentance and water baptism (Acts 19:5-6)

    • In response to eager and persevering prayer (Acts 2:1-4, 4:31, 8:14-16

    • In connection to preaching the Word (Acts 10:43-46

    • Through the apostle’s hands, a transmission of power (Acts 8:17, 9:17-18)

  • What was the experience like?

    • In the Book of Acts, no baptism in the Holy Spirit is like another. The Holy Spirit is sovereign!

    • Everyone has an experience, but it is individual and unique for each one of the disciples.

Speaking in Tongues:

The gift of speaking in tongues is written in plural in the original text. There are at least 3 ways of speaking in tongues—one for personal edification and two prophetic purposes.

  • Does everyone speak in tongues when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit?

    • Most of the time, this specific spiritual gift was released at the time of baptism in the Holy Spirit. In Acts 19, the disciples were prophesying as well. My experience is that 99% of people start speaking in tongues.

    • You cannot speak in tongues without being baptized in the Holy Spirit, but it is possible to be baptized int he Holy Spirit without having started to speak in tongues yet. If you have no started speaking in tongues, or are unsure if you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, simply ask God for this gift, receive it in faith, and begin to speak!

  • Can everyone speak in tongues?

    • Yes, everyone can speak the type of tongues for personal edification (Mark 16:17).

    • Not everyone speaks in prophetic tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10, 30).

  • Why should someone speak in tongues?

    • It builds up our spiritual life and makes us strong in faith (1 Corinthians 14:2,4,18).

    • It helps us in prayer when we do not know how to pray (Romans 8:26, Jude 20).

  • Advice when using the gift of speaking in tongues

    • Speak in tongues often (1 Corinthians 14:18, 39-40)

    • Pray that you will get the gift of interpretation, so that you can build up others (1 Corinthians 14:5, 12-13, 19, 26)


ASK, RECEIVE, AND SPEAK!

Do you have a testimony to share and encourage others with? Tell us here!

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Taking Ground #5: Fishers of Men

Stages of Faith
Unbelievers
Believers
Disciples
Servant-Leaders
Reproducers

Luke 5:1-11

1. Find Jesus

  • He allowed them to observe.

  • He met a need.

  • He came into their life first.

  • He challenged them to more.

2. Move Forward

3. Do Something...You Need A Helper

Do you have a testimony to share and encourage others with? Tell us here!

Baptism in the Holy Spirit - Power for Ministry

Introduction

John, the forerunner of Jesus, says in all four Gospels that he is baptizing in water, but when the Messiah comes, He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

>>Matthew 3:11 >> Mark 1:8 >>Luke 3:16 >>John 1:33

Jesus

On several occasions, Jesus talks to His disciples about the Helper - the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit - that will come in His place after His death, resurrection, and ascension. The plan of Jesus was to multiply Himself and send out the disciples on the same mission. The Greek word for Helper, parakletos, means “someone that assists in stirring up an army.”

>>Luke 24:49 >>John 15:26, 16:13-15 >>Acts 1:5, 8

Baptism in the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts

Jesus wants to totally cover us with His Spirit. In the same way, a person is covered by water at the time of baptism in water. This is what it means to become baptized in the Holy Spirit. It is possible to go to heaven just by faith in Jesus, but it is impossible to serve Him fully here on earth without being clothed with power from on high. The Book of Acts describes six occasions where people were baptized in, or filled with, the Holy Spirit mostly in connection to repentance and baptism in water.

>>Jerusalem, Acts 2:1-18, Acts 4:31 >>Samaria, Acts 8:14-21 >>Damascus, Acts 9:17
>>Caesarea, Acts 10:44-46 >>Ephesus Acts 19:6-7

Practical Questions

Let’s study examples of baptism in the Holy Spirit from the Book of Acts

  • When did the baptism in the Holy Spirit take place in the first church?

    • Immediately in connection to repentance and water baptism (Acts 19:5-6)

    • In response to eager and persevering prayer (Acts 2:1-4, 4:31, 8:14-16

    • In connection to preaching the Word (Acts 10:43-46

    • Through the apostle’s hands, a transmission of power (Acts 8:17, 9:17-18)

  • What was the experience like?

    • In the Book of Acts, no baptism in the Holy Spirit is like another. The Holy Spirit is sovereign!

    • Everyone has an experience, but it is individual and unique for each one of the disciples.

Speaking in Tongues:

The gift of speaking in tongues is written in plural in the original text. There are at least 3 ways of speaking in tongues—one for personal edification and two prophetic purposes.

  • Does everyone speak in tongues when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit?

    • Most of the time, this specific spiritual gift was released at the time of baptism in the Holy Spirit. In Acts 19, the disciples were prophesying as well. My experience is that 99% of people start speaking in tongues.

    • You cannot speak in tongues without being baptized in the Holy Spirit, but it is possible to be baptized int he Holy Spirit without having started to speak in tongues yet. If you have no started speaking in tongues, or are unsure if you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, simply ask God for this gift, receive it in faith, and begin to speak!

  • Can everyone speak in tongues?

    • Yes, everyone can speak the type of tongues for personal edification (Mark 16:17).

    • Not everyone speaks in prophetic tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10, 30).

  • Why should someone speak in tongues?

    • It builds up our spiritual life and makes us strong in faith (1 Corinthians 14:2,4,18).

    • It helps us in prayer when we do not know how to pray (Romans 8:26, Jude 20).

  • Advice when using the gift of speaking in tongues

    • Speak in tongues often (1 Corinthians 14:18, 39-40)

    • Pray that you will get the gift of interpretation, so that you can build up others (1 Corinthians 14:5, 12-13, 19, 26)

ASK, RECEIVE, AND SPEAK!

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Taking Ground #4: The Game Plan with Pastor Jason Boll

John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

3 Roles of the Game Plan:
1. Prepare Yourself

1 Samuel 17:39-40...“I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

2. Encourage Yourself!

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

1 Samuel 30:6 Further, David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all of them were embittered, each man for his sons and daughters. But David felt strengthened and encouraged in the LORD his God.

John 16:33- “...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

3. Plant Yourself.

1 Peter 5:8 - Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Proverbs 27:17 - As Iron Sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another!

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Taking Ground #2: The Praying Church

1.Personal Prayer:

  1. Acts 9:9-16 Saul - Paul

  2. Acts 10:2,4,9 Peter rooftop - Acts 11:5

  3. Acts 22:17-21 Paul receiving his calling, further

Jesus was a man of prayer.

  • Matthew 4:1-2 - led into the wilderness to pray and fast and be tempted

  • Luke 5:16 - “jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer”

  • Luke 6:12 - “went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night”

  • Mark 9:29 - “this kind can only be cast out by prayer”

  • Matthew 26:39 - “if possible, let this cup be taken from me”

  • Luke 23:34, 46 - “father, forgive them, for they know not what they’re doing”

    • His last words were a prayer…”Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”

Matthew 6:5-15

My Takeaway: I Don’t Pray Enough

2. Common (Constant) Prayer:

  • Acts 1:14 upper room prayer “all met together and were constantly united in prayer”

  • Acts 2:42 “all the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the lord’s supper), and to prayer”

  • Acts 3:1 “Peter and John went to the temple one afternoon to take part in the 3:00 prayer service”

  • Acts 12:5,12 Peter in prison, “the church prayed very earnestly for him”, “where many were gathered for prayer”

  • Acts 20:36 Paul “knelt and prayed with them”

  • Acts 21:5 “the entire congregation…left the city and came down to the shore with us…there we knelt and prayed…”

  • Acts 4:24-31 “give us great boldness in preaching…stretch out your hand with healing power…signs and wonders”

Acts 4:23-31

My Takeaway: My Prayers Need To Change. I need to pray for boldness, signs, & wonders.

3. Sanctifying Prayer:

  • Acts 1:24-25, “24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.”

  • Acts 6:6, Food program delegation, “6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.”

  • Acts 13:1-3, Appointing Paul & Barnabus, “3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.”

  • Acts 14:23, “Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” They’re still organizing and setting up leadership

My Takeaway: We Need More Partners In Ministry.

4. Worship and thanksgiving:

  • Acts 16:25, earthquake, Paul & Silas prison story, “25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.”

  • Acts 27:35, Paul’s shipwreck story, “35 Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it.”

My Takeaway: I Don’t Worship Enough.

To join the intercessor’s team, text “Intercessor Team” and your full name to 717-321-0932.

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Taking Ground #1: We Are His Army

Matthew 16:18-19

3 Spheres of Existence Biblically:
our sphere
demonic/angelic sphere
God’s sphere.

There are some that believe the church is a like a cruise ship…
Do I like the music they play in the ball room?
Do I like the captain and crew?Is the service good?
Are my needs met?
Is my cruise pleasant?
Is it comfortable?

When the better metaphor is made with a battle ship…
Is the ship on a clear and noble mission?
Does the captain submit to a higher authority?
Are crew members equipped to succeed?
Are they able to contribute in significant ways?
Are they honored for their efforts?

Ephesians 2:1-12

I used to be an outsider.

Ephesians 2:13-19

Now I am united.

  • Secrecy

    • James 5:16, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

    • You’re always going to be a sick as your secrets. 

    • You don’t have to tell everybody, but you have to tell somebody.

    • Outsiders keep secrets from each other…but we’re now united.

  • Stubbornness

    • Proverbs 29:1, “Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.”

    • Psalm 81:11-12 ESV, “But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.

    • Romans 2:5 ESV, “But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed”.

    • Outsiders are stubborn. A unified church is humble and teachable.

  • Selfishness

    •  Being here, but not contributing. The whole body suffers if we’re not ALL using our gifts and talents to serve each other.

Ephesians 2:20-22

We are His House.

Pray & Preach

If you’re interested in the Intercessor Team, text “Intercessor Team” and your Full Name to 717-321-0932

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Suit Up #8: Q&A

Q&A Submitted Questions

  1. Can you explain what a secret place is and how it can be used with deliverance?

  2. Can Christian’s have demons in them?

  3. Can you cast demons out of yourself alone?

  4. Has Aaron ever done a deliverance on someone or encountered someone that was clearly demon possessed?

  5. Why do people say 3am is the devils hour? Is there truth to that? What other superstitions have truth behind them?

  6. What are the best verses to say out loud when struggling with spirits at night?

  7. What is a soul tie? How do you get them, how do you get rid of them, and can they be Godly?

  8. Is pride fleshly or spiritual? If it’s both How do you tell the difference

  9. Is it scary to see people who are demon possessed?

  10. I am saved but my husband is not. Should I still anoint my house? Will it even work?

  11. My family member does witchcraft. Should I let her in my house?

  12. Should all Christians be healing the sick and casting out demons? or is it just for the people god calls to it?

  13. Is lgbtqa+ fleshly desire or spiritual attack? Or both?

  14. How is yoga demonic? Can I do it just for exercise if I’m not doing the chants?

  15. Can you describe more of what a religious spirit is?

  16. Aaron - what is your experience with the spiritual realm? Do you have any other run ins with spirits other than what Candace mentioned?

  17. In the Bible Jesus casts legion of demons out of the person and into pigs. If they can enter pigs can they enter our pets? Can they enter children? How would you know if your child (or pets haha) needs demons casted out?

  18. Why and how is praying in tongues an effective weapon against evil spirits?

  19. What are the most common spirits or manifestations you run into during deliverance? Why do you think they are more common

  20. Are levitation and astral projection real? Have you ever seen or experienced this during a deliverance or in general

  21. How can a Christian with the Holy Spirit also have a demon in them?

  22. What exactly happens during a deliverance? Is it painful? Comparatively speaking to the exorcist movies

  23. What are some good biblically accurate resources to learn more about deliverance, types of spirits, etc

  24. Are things like yoga and dream catchers as bad as crystals and tarot cards

  25. What is an open door? What are some examples

    • What are some ways demons can enter?

  26. How does someone know if they need deliverance? Vs. just a change I need to make.

    • How you know if you have a demon?

  27. What are the characteristics of the jezebel spirit? Do demons have ranks? What are some signs that I may be affected by this spirit?

  28. Have there been any attacks on the church during this series? Situations, people, etc

  29. What do demons look like to the people who can see them?

  30. When a deliverance is taking place and is successful, where do the demons go? Do they have to go into something else? There's other people there, do they try to enter one of them?

  31. Do you need to fast before a deliverance?

  32. Can your cultural upbringing/ background come into play in regards to deliverance?

  33. If we know someone who may be getting attacked demonically should I attempt to take it out of them?

  34. Is mental illness (depression, bipolar, etc) a curse passed down, if so, how do we fight it? Especially if you’re on medication for it.

  35. ​​What is intercessory prayer?

  36. Can you open yourself up to a demon, or allow one in, by thinking or talking about the topic in general?

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Suit Up #7: The Sword of the Spirit

Suit Up Q&A

On the last week of our Suit Up sermon series, October 2nd, we’re going to have a panel of people with lots of experience with the supernatural world answering YOUR questions! You can submit them here anonymously (unless you’d like a personal answer from a pastor, then please also include your email address).

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Suit Up #6: The Helmet of Salvation

Ephesians 6:13-17
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

As a general term in theological use, assurance refers to a believer's confidence in God, God's response to prayer, and the hope of eternal salvation.

Matthew 10:28
10 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell

Romans 6:10
6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.

Romans 8:1-2
8 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

1.Renew our minds.

Romans 12:1–2
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 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.

2 Corinthians 3:13-15
13 We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. 14 But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. 15 Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand.

2.Reject doubts that arise from circumstances.

1 Peter 1:8–9
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

Ephesians 3:20
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

3.Keep an eternal perspective.

Matthew 6:19-21
19 “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. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

4.Remember that victory is already accomplished.

2 Corinthians 5:16-17
16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

5.Find all our hope in Him.

Psalm 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but You? Besides you, I desire nothing on earth.

Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Philippians 4:8
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!


Suit Up Q&A

On the last week of our Suit Up sermon series, October 2nd, we’re going to have a panel of people with lots of experience with the supernatural world answering YOUR questions! You can submit them here anonymously (unless you’d like a personal answer from a pastor, then please also include your email address).

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Suit Up #5: The Shield of Faith

Ephesians 6:14-16

A shield moves to the area of attack.

Faith doesn’t stop them from firing arrows at you. 
Faith just stops the arrows from killing you. 

Faith is: belief that causes action

  1. Eve - in Genesis 3 (mental attack)

  2. Job - in Job 1:6-12 (physical attack)

    1. FORGIVENESS

    2. HUMILITY

  3. Jesus - Matthew 4:1-11 (mental attack)

    1. KNOWING THE WORD

    2. FASTING

  4. Peter - Luke 22:31-32 (mental attack)

    1. REPENTANCE 

    2. PRAYER

Suit Up Q&A

On the last week of our Suit Up sermon series, October 2nd, we’re going to have a panel of people with lots of experience with the supernatural world answering YOUR questions! You can submit them here anonymously (unless you’d like a personal answer from a pastor, then please also include your email address).

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Suit Up #4: The Shoes of Peace

Ephesians 6:13-15

1. God gives peace...

Isaiah 32:17-18

Philippians 4:6-7

2. But we maintain it.

Ezekiel 13:18, 20-21 NIV

Revelation 21:11, 18-19

  1. We live like HE is our provider.

  2. We are properly practicing Sabbath rest.

  3. We are properly dealing with conflict.

  4. We are spreading the GOOD news.

Suit Up Q&A

On the last week of our Suit Up sermon series, October 2nd, we’re going to have a panel of people with lots of experience with the supernatural world answering YOUR questions! You can submit them here anonymously (unless you’d like a personal answer from a pastor, then please also include your email address).

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Suit Up #3: The Body Armor of Righteousness

Ephesians 6:11-14

Google defines righteousness as: “the quality of being morally right or justifiable.”

Bible Definition: acting in accord with divine moral law : free from guilt or sin.

DIVINE law.  Meaning YOU don’t define what is morally right…GOD does. 
We go to HIM for our information of how to live our lives, because He is the AUTHOR of life!

Psalm 34:19-22

1. God redeems us.

2. We must participate in our own redemption (but maybe not in the way you’d think!).

1 Corinthians 10:13

2 Corinthians 2:11

Proverbs 4:20-27

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Suit Up #2: The Belt of Truth

We are all in a war facing an invisible adversary who is aggressively attempting to inhibit us from experiencing life as God intended for us. Most believers don’t even know they’re in it.

Ephesians 6:11-18

1. Put it on

God supplies, we apply. 

2. Put on the full armor

Not some of it, all of it. Wherever you’re unclothed, you’re uncovered.

So the enemy isn’t looking for you to everything on, he’s just looking for the one place, you’re uncovered.

Genesis 3:1-7

John 8:31-32

If you don’t have truth–none of the other weapons work. Prayer is a weapon, praise is a weapon, binding & loosing is a weapon, but if you don’t know the truth about those things–it won’t work.  This is why the devil does want to keep you out of the house of truth.  

Stay rooted in truth with: The Word

You can’t know what God WOULD say, if you don’t know what He HAS said.

Stay rooted in truth with: Discernment from the Holy Spirit

“Discernment isn’t knowing the difference between right and wrong. Discernment is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” -Charles Spurgeon

Matthew 18:15-17, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

Exodus 12:12, “On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord!”

Matthew 4:1-11

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Suit Up #1: The Supernatural World

We’ve got to master spiritual warfare.

You may not be fighting [Satan], but he’s fighting you!

Just because ALL of it isn’t the devil, doesn’t mean SOME of it isn’t the devil. This is why we need discernment.

1.Evil often looks like good. We need God to help us discern which is which.

Ezekiel 28:12-16

John 10:10

Satan has 3 objectives, and ONLY 3.  To KILL, STEAL, AND DESTROY.    He is a thief!  He wanted to steal God’s throne, and because he can’t, he wants to steal God’s prized possessions, created in His image, instead. 

Ephesians 6:12

2. The supernatural world is real and complex.

1 Samuel 28:4-19

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Daniel 10:12-14

Isaiah 6 (Isaiah 6:1-7) describes “seraphim” which have 6 wings, two coverings their faces…two covering their feet, and two that they flew with. 

Genesis 3:23, 24 describe cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden.

Revelation 10:1-3 describes a mighty angel coming down from heaven who is clothed in a cloud, rainbow above his head, face like the sun, and legs like fiery pillars. He roared like a lion and stood with one foot on the sea and one on land.

Colossians 1:15-16

Jude 1:9

3.There are guidelines–God-appointed guidelines of dealing with the supernatural world.

Acts 19:13-16

4. There is hope!

  • Repentance.

  • Forgiveness.

  • Obedience.

JESUS is your hope!

2 Timothy 2:25-26

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Freedom Isn't Free #3: Biblical Freedom

John 8:31-36

What does Freedom mean?

  • When asking someone this in our culture you can expect an answer similar to this one: Being able to do what I want when I want.

  • Oxford Languages defines Freedom as: the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

  • But as believers this definition should make us pause and question. We know that we’re free, but we can’t just go around and do what we want whenever we want. There are things Jesus commands us to do and not to do.

  • Well then maybe knowing what the opposite of Freedom is can help us understand better.
    Obviously the opposite of Freedom is slavery. In this story that’s what the Pharisees identified as the opposite of Freedom when they asked “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?”

  • But again as believers that should make us pause
    Romans 6:18 says
    18 Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.

  • And not just that, throughout the New Testament we see church leaders such as Paul, James, Simon Peter and Jude all refer to themselves as “Slaves to Christ”

    Well then…

What is Biblical Freedom?

  • To understand how the Bible sees freedom here is an analogy:
    There are two children both with a piano, one child banging on the keys randomly attempting to play it, the other child follows an instructor that disciplines and guides him in the purpose and use of a piano.

  • Who is more free?

  • Obviously the child with the instructor, the instructor teaches the child the purpose and discipline that is needed to play the piano.

  • In this analogy the piano is our lives and Jesus is the instructor.

  • When we accept Jesus to be our instructor he will teach us the discipline and purpose that he created for our lives and as we understand the truth we become free. This allegory helps us understand 2 things…

    1. Freedom is derived from understanding the truth of God’s purpose for us

    2. We are not our own

  • The irony of Biblical Freedom is that who we’re a slave to is what determines whether or not we’re free
    Romans 6:16 says

    16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey?

  • We were born into slavery. Owned by our own sinful desires, a cruel master. And Jesus set us free from that! We now belong to him and we choose to obey him! And because we’re a slave of whatever we obey we’re now slaves to Jesus and righteousness.

  • Paul, James, Peter, Jude they all were free! And they were slaves to Christ. The same as us because we choose to obey him!

  • Biblical Freedom is a paradox, and its true nonetheless!

  • A rough definition of Biblical Freedom is this:
    The state of no longer being subject to sin by entering into the family of God through the son, subject (slave) to the will of God.

  • This is Biblical Freedom! But we know Freedom isn’t Free so…

What does it Cost?

To answer this lets finish the rest of the story in John.

John 8:33-47

  • In this story we see a repetition of the Pharisees making claims of what they perceive to be true and Jesus responding, correcting them while revealing truths about their spiritual state.

  • Biblical Freedom will cost us what the pharisees in this story were unwilling to give up… our preconceived notions of truth.

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Freedom Isn't Free #2: The Fight for Focus

Judges 6:12-16
12 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
13 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors toldus about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and saveIsrael out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
15 “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clanis the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

1. LOOK UP: Recognize

2. LOOK BACK: Remember

3. LOOK IN: Replace

4. LOOK AHEAD: Recieve

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Freedom Isn't Free #1: Midnight Singing & Dungeon Faith

Acts 16:16-40

1. Bad things are not always bad things.

Hebrews 12:7-11

Stop taking the wrong conclusions…

  1. Jehosephat had 3 armies marching against him...he knew HE couldn’t win the battle...seemed like a really bad thing…but GOD wanted to give him peace on EVERY side…

  2. Joshua had an unbeatable wall in front of him...he knew HE couldn’t take the city in his own strength…seems like a BAD THING...but GOD wanted to give him the city.

  3. Abraham had to take his son up a mountain to sacrifice him...he knew it was the Word of the Lord...but GOD wanted to give him 6 more children before the end of his life, and generations after that!

  4. Jonah was in the belly of a whale...God wanted to save an entire CITY, not just Jonah…but he accomplished BOTH with the whale. 

  5. God can use bad things for good, and SUCH good, that we end up looking back on the very situation we were whining about--and THANKING God for it! 

2. Midnight singing & dungeon faith

NOTICE what they weren’t doing:

  1. Belly aching

  2. Asking why me

  3. Trudging through just to get through…

Singing is not only for expressing our joys in a day of triumph, but for the balancing and relieving of our sorrows in a day of trouble.

This may be one of the only things that separates you from the non-Christian. How do you react when trouble comes?

If nothing else, midnight singing is TERRIFYING to the enemy!

  1. What could scare the enemy more than you NOT being afraid of him?

  2. Because what could possibly put them off from their mission, if a dungeon and a pair of stocks could not do it?!

3.Suddenly—WAIT FOR THE “SUDDENLY’S”

Sometimes it takes a little earth shaking, for the oppressors to be saved.

So far, I’ve been likening us to Paul & Silas in this story, that we should sing in the face of our oppressors….but maybe we’re not Paul & Silas.  Maybe we’re the jailor. 

4. We are citizens.

Paul knew who he was.  He knew he was a citizen of Rome, AND a citizen in God’s Kingdom. That’s why he could sing in the prison, and it’s why he didn’t allow the oppressors to get away with what they did. 

  1. Christianity doesn’t mean you allow yourself to be abused all the time.  You can hold people accountable when there is an injustice!

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The Wrong Question #5: What Can I Get Away With?

1 Kings 13

1.When you’re in obedience, God is your defender.

Jeremiah 17:9-10…”the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked…who can know it?”

Luke 16:10, ““If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”

2. Doubting God’s Word, can be dangerous.

3.No room for the blame game

We don’t know the old man’s punishment...but it’s not about that.

Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”

He ALLOWED HIMSELF TO BE DECEIVED. He KNEW what God said…but he purposefully PLACED his trust in the wrong person.

There’s a defense for that…KNOW the Word of God. And TRUST it.

The overwhelming thread and theme of this series has been resisting selfishness. 

We’re always asking the wrong question because we can’t see the selfishness within ourselves. We are always asking what we can get away with…how this benefits me…when is God going to start serving ME…

IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU.

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