Psalm 117
1 Praise the Lord, all you nations;
extol (praise enthusiastically) him, all you peoples.
2 For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
The Psalms teach us how to worship. How to acknowledge God even when things are tough.
The Psalms teach us how to be real. How to be honest with God and honest with ourselves even while acknowledging our faith.
“Psalms: The prayerbook of God’s people who are striving to be faithful to the Torah and waiting for the Messianic Kingdom.” - The Bible Project
I feel so seen in the book of Psalms. So…normalized.
As Dr. Dharius Daniels says, “Not everything in the Bible is intended to revolutionize, some of it is intended to normalize.”
I believe much of the Psalms do this too. Normalize my emotions and behavior. My prayers and complaints. My fear and my doom loops. But not only does it show me that those things are normal— it also gives me a way out! Songs of LAMENT and songs of ASCENT. We see the good, the bad, and the ugly in the book of Psalms.
Psalm 89 is called “Will you reject us forever?” (Ethan the Ezrahite) drama, drama
Psalm 83 is called “God, don’t be silent.” (Asaph)
Psalm 60 is called “Has God forgotten us?” (David, for instruction)
Psalm 55 is simply titled, “Betrayed” (David, for instruction)
Psalm 91
I will rescue those who LOVE ME
I protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer!
Jehovah Jireh (provider)
Jehovah Nissi (banner)
Jehovah Shalom (peace)
Jehovah Rapha (healer)
You don’t have to know all the answers--because HE does.
Esther 4:7-16
Esther’s resolve...her courage...her sense of purpose is inspiring here. She moves from ‘I’m scared’ to ‘let’s do this’, very quickly.. But there’s a couple of things that go into that, that we must take note of:
1. She has PASSION FOR HIS PURPOSES.
2. SACRIFICIAL SELFLESSNESS. God is looking for people who are willing to say, use me!
3. She also had a FOUNDATION OF FAITH and so, when faced with something difficult, that she knew she had to do, she asked for help.
4. RESOLUTE RESOLVE. “And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”
1. The Table
We can celebrate even when the enemies are lurking at our door.
God prepares a table before us in the PRESENCE of our enemies. Not in the absence of them.
Most of us are eating with the enemy.
2. The Oil
If the table speaks of new strength, the oil speaks of new purpose.
Anointing usually comes based on past obedience, but it’s not usually an indicator of present ability!
3. The Cup
Psalms says that with the Lord there is plenteous redemption (Psa 130:7). Paul speaks not just of the riches but of the unsearchable riches of Christ (Eph 3:8). Jesus speaks about giving us life abundantly (John 10:10).
Here’s the AMAZING thing about this. As I was studying this, this time around, all I could see was THE LORD doing all the work. YOU prepare a table before me…my cup overflows (but HE’s the one doing the pouring)...HE renews my strength…HE guides…he protects and comforts…
The only action taken by the sheep is WALKING! Which means, all we have to do is trust Him, listen to Him, LET HIM guide us. It’s almost passive, this following thing. We’d actually have to work HARDER to go off the path that our shepherd lays out for us.
Daniel 4:4-12
We're meant to use our blessings to bless others
Daniel 4:24-27
When we don’t humble ourselves, God has to.
Daniel 4:28-37
My feast isn't my responsibility
Your comeback is in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:10
The greater the suffering, the greater the comeback! I’m Jesus, we have a comeback!
Maybe you are one prayer away from your victory! There IS a restoration for your life.
Crippled by the fall
2 Samuel 4:4
Genesis 3:14-19
Revelation 12:11
He rescues you from hopelessness.
2 Samuel 9:3-4
He gives you a seat at the King’s table.
2 Samuel 9:3-8
Fasting: Fasting is voluntarily going without food — or any other regularly enjoyed, good gift from God — for the sake of some spiritual purpose.
The Bible seems more concerned with WHEN we will fast, not IF.
Meaning, the WHO of who should fast? Is: Jesus followers.
““And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:16-18 NLT
“One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?” Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
Matthew 9:14-15 NLT
WHY do we do it?
We fast in this life because we believe in the life to come.
We fast from what we can see and taste, because we have tasted and seen the goodness of the invisible and infinite God
We fast because we know that we need discipline.
Fasting demonstrates a humble heart of repentance and submission to God. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18
The last time I fasted I realized that it’s more about managing TIME than my stomach.
Most of us are VERY WELL fed physically, and starving spiritually!
How to Start Fasting:
Start small.
Plan what you’ll do instead of eating.
Consider how it will affect others.
Try different kinds of fasting.
Fast from something other than food.
Practice filling your mind and using your time wisely.
“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 NLT
“So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” 1 Peter 1:13 NLT
God is more concerned with your LONG TERM FAITH, than your short term escape.
Exodus 12:40-42
God is our RESCUER and strength!
Exodus 13:4-16
4 questions:
On all other nights we eat either leavened or unleavened bread. On this night, why do we eat only unleavened matzah? (Traditionally, matzah is hard thin square wheat crackers or a softer thicker matzo bread made by hand from a watery wheat batter.)
Answer: To remind us of the haste with which our ancestors left Egypt.
On all other nights we eat all kinds of herbs. On this night, why only bitter herbs?
Answer: To remind us of the bitterness of slavery.
On all other nights we do not dip our herbs even once. On this night, why do we dip them twice?
Answer: Some say to remind us of our coming and going from Egypt.
On all other nights we eat sometimes sitting and sometimes reclining. On this night, why do we all recline?
Answer: To remind us of how free people relax.
What you celebrate matters!
Create a moment to celebrate.
Celebrate Jesus.
Romans 10:5-13
5 For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. 6 But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (to bring Christ down to earth). 7 And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead?’ (to bring Christ back to life again).” 8 In fact, it says,
“The message is very close at hand;
it is on your lips and in your heart.”
And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Dredge the River
Romans 10:10, “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
Galatians 5:19-21, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.”
You can’t not say it. So lead it
Romans 10:10, “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”
Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Matthew 6:27, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
Build the Presentation!
Romans 10:11, “As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”
Question: if you could do anything and NOT FAIL, what would you do?
The characteristics of the ministry of Jesus:
BELONGING
FEEDING
HUMBLING
TEACHING
DELIVERANCE
HEALING
1. Jesus spoke. Matthew 9:6-7 / Mark 10:52 / John 5:8-9
2. Jesus touched. Matthew 8:15 / Matthew 20:34 / Luke 13:13
3. Jesus' cloak. Matthew 9:20-22 / Matthew 14:35-36
4. Jesus' spit. Mark 8:22-25
5. Jesus used clay. John 9:6 / Mark 7:33-35
6. Jesus wasn't there. Matthew 8:13 / Matthew 15:28 / John 4:50-53
JESUS: The missing ingredient.
So far we have covered:
BELONGING
FEEDING
HUMBLING
TEACHING
Left:
DELIVERANCE
HEALING
Jesus spent a lot of time and energy setting people free from demonic influence
Jesus always told all of his representatives to set people free from demons as a part of their mission.
Matthew 4:1-11
Here is a list of things Jesus would ALWAYS do when it came to demons:
(1)He would operate in the power of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 12:28
(2)He would rebuke the demons, but rescue their victim
(3)He would speak and give orders to the demons and they would obey him. Mark 1:23-27
(4)He would exercise absolute authority over every demon
(5)He had a 100% success rate for any person that wanted to be free (sometimes they resisted…but He always won)
Here is a list of things Jesus would SOMETIMES do when it came to demons:
(1)He would sometimes have brief conversations with the demons to gather information before casting them out
(2)He would sometimes have brief conversations with the afflicted person or a family member to gather information
(3)He would sometimes compel the demon(s) to identify themselves
Here are a list of things Jesus NEVER did:
(1)He never prayed for God the Father to make the demons leave
(2)He never told his followers to “pray” for God the Father or Jesus to drive out the demons (he told them to cast them out, not pray about it.) Matt 10:8
(3)He never backed down, retreated, or gave up
(4)He never rebuked the person that was being harassed by demons, or made them feel guilt, shame, or condemnation
(5)He never had counseling sessions where he dug up the person’s past
(6)He never mentioned anything about generational curses, soul ties, etc
(7)He never forced, controlled, or overrode the free will of anyone
(8)He didn’t complicate it.
Here is the basic breakdown of the “Jesus Deliverance Method”
Identify the problem by revelation from the Holy Spirit, by observation, or through brief conversation
Evict the demon(s) by using His authority
Matthew 8:16-17
Mark 5:1-17
What does this mean for us?
Stand on His authority.
Don’t be afraid. Be bold! Be direct.
Deliverance is a natural byproduct of sharing the Gospel. (not the other way around)
Things to note about the way that Jesus taught:
Jesus modeled being teachable. Luke 2:41-47, Luke 4:31, Luke 4:44
Jesus taught in the temple AND out of the temple.
Jesus taught when it was inconvenient to Him.
Jesus wasn’t always clear.. Matthew 13:10-17. Jesus didn’t dumb it down.
Jesus didn’t make it easy to hear. Matthew 23:2-7, Matthew 23:13-15
He was available
What does this mean for us?
1. Jesus is still teaching. Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 119:11, 2 Timothy 3:16
2. We should be teaching. Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, Romans 10:14-15
Examples of the humility of Jesus:
He became flesh. Philippians 2:5-11
He was baptized.Matthew 3:13-17
His Ministry. John 13:3-5
He washed feet. John 13:1-17
His prayer in the garden. Luke 22:42
His death on the cross, Philippians 2:6-8
What does that mean for us?
If our God is humble...how much more should we be?
Our boast should be in Jesus.
He's worthy of giving your life to.
Times Jesus Fed People:
Feeding of the 5,000 - Jews - Mark 6:30-45
Feeding of the 4,000 - gentiles - Mark 8:1-10
Water to wine - John 2:1-10
Peter on the beach - John 21:1-14
The Last Supper - Mark 14:12-26
What does this mean for us?
He is the provider, and He has more than enough.
He’s moved with compassion when His people are hungry.
He is the bread of life.
Loneliness -30%
Anger -32%
Bitterness in relationships -40%
Alcoholism -57%
Feeling spiritually stagnant -60%
Pornography -61%
Sharing your faith +200%
Discipling others +230%
"The Heart of Jesus" is a spring 2023 FVChurch sermon series about the what Jesus cared about, HOW He ministered, and how we can too.
Refresh this page during service to see Pastor Candace’s notes!
I Will Send A Hunger In The Land!
You can hunger for the good things in life, but you can also hunger for bad things! Depends on what you‘ve been fed.
Genesis 25:27-34
Esau was living by his cravings. Despised his birthright. Jacob was cheating. Neither will get you anywhere in life.
Amos 8:11
Not a hunger for food or water, but for hearing the words of the Lord.
John 6:25-27, 32-35
Mark 7:27-29
Jesus is interested in our natural cravings, and our spiritual.
Offense is only there when we think we have food. When we’re starving, we aren’t offended. You won’t find a perfect church! Humans will let you down. Go to church because you are in love with Jesus. You can’t be man-focused and expect to receive the bread of life.
There needs to be more hunger in you than fear!
Christianity is not a culture, it’s a person!
God loves to respond to HUNGER. Hunger = faith. Hunger will release the supernatural.
Don’t give your time to people who know it all spiritually. Give your treasure to the hungry!
There is a life that is possible to live but it’s impossible to do without desperation and hunger!
I was not picky about the worship, that is something that comes when you’re too fed.
People are asking me all the time when I come to America, what’s your opinion on this preacher…do I have to have one?? I’m too busy preaching the Gospel…
Acts 8:4-25
Jesus used a word that means CALLED OUT for the church. We are CALLED OUT from our culture, we are CALLED OUT from our peers, from our religion, from our chains of sin and shame. We are CALLED OUT from our comfort zone and from our comfy couches! We are CALLED OUT from our sleep and our slumber and our lazy ways of selfish living. It’s not about you! Church is not about YOU.
In fact, once you are in the doors and you call yourself a Christian, it’s your job to turn right back around and provide the things that we’ve been talking about in this series. It’s your job to testify. It’s your job to gather. It’s your job to heal. It's your job to deliver.
Don't be afraid.
Deliverance is part of the ministry of Jesus, therefore it IS part of our ministry too.
I think, when dealing with demons, a super important piece of it is to not give them the attention they so desire. Don’t make it a bigger deal than it is…and to do that, you have to know just how powerful YOU are, in Jesus.
Stop making the problem SO BIG and God SO SMALL!
Stop glorifying your problem, and glorify the name of Jesus.
It's about Jesus. (Keep the main thing, the main thing.)
This is the best biblical example I can think of, of someone worshiping the gift and not the Giver (Simon the Sorcerer).
Here’s another important thing to know before trying to face down a demon…you have better done your work first. Meaning, if you and Jesus aren’t square…if you aren’t being obedient in a certain area…the demon will know, and won’t take you seriously.
Demons can and will be able to sense your revelation of Jesus is, and your obedience level to Him.
There are some Christians out there right now pursuing only REVIVAL, and what they get, is performance. It’s cheap, it’s fake, it’s gross. When in reality, if you pursue JESUS, you get revival.
It's a gift.
Peter and John weren’t so offended by Simon’s request because they wanted to hoard the power to themselves, or because it’s NOT available to everyone.
They’re so offended by Simon’s request, because the power isn’t bought or earned…it’s GIVEN! And if Simon truly knew Jesus, he would have understood that too.
So that’s my question for you today. Do you truly know Jesus? Do you truly understand the GIFT that He has given us?
That it can never be earned…only given.
That it can never be bought…only received.
That to pursue the gift itself doesn’t make sense, but to pursue Jesus is the only thing that will ever truly make sense. It’s the way the rest of life makes sense!
When you do truly understand that–it’s hard not to be delivered! When you do, the demons WILL flee!
this is what we need to deliver our world from darkness. Maybe it’s not demons that your friends at work are dealing with, but it is loneliness. Maybe it’s depression. Anxiety. Maybe it’s financial burdens. Maybe it’s family stuff.
We may not be able to solve all their problems immediately…but the way that the Acts church lived…sure did solve a lot of those. They lived a life in surrender to Jesus Christ…and that alone will deliver most issues!! They lived a life that allowed the HS to work through them. That’s what our world needs right now.
A church on fire.
Acts 3:1-16
God is the healer, but He empowers us for ministry.
Luke 17:5-10
It almost never happened the same way, twice. There’s no formula!
Jesus didn't have to teach about healing, He just lived it.
Mark 16:15-18
Acts 2:42-47
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.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
They devoted themselves to 4 things:
Learning more about Jesus the apostles teaching
Fellowship
Sharing in meals (& communion)
Prayer
The word fellowship is derived from the Greek word koinonia (coin-o-nea). Koinonia can be defined as “holding something in common” and is specifically used 20 times in the New Testament (e.g. Phil. 2:1-2, Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:6-7).
Koinonia describes the unity of the Spirit that comes from Christians’ shared beliefs, convictions, and behaviors. When those shared values are in place, genuine koinonia (biblical fellowship) occurs. This fellowship produces our mutual cooperation in God’s worship, God’s work, and God’s will being done in the world. Because of the importance of Christian fellowship, it is essential to distinguish biblical guidelines to govern our interactions with other professing believers. This is especially true in a world such as ours, where there exists tremendous diversity in the beliefs and behaviors among those who call themselves Christians.
Fellowship should be joyful and generous.
Prayer is mentioned in one form or another 10 times in Matthew, 12 times in Mark, and 5 times in John. Luke mentions it 19 times in his gospel and—32 times in Acts!!
What happened after the church prayed?
1. Pentecost (1:14)
2. Earthquakes, followed by Evangelism (4:31; 16:25)
3. Resuscitation of a girl, Tabitha (9:40)
4. Miraculous Release from prison (12:5)
5. Healing of a chief officials’ father, and then many more (28:8)
What did the church pray for?
1. Its leaders (1:24; 6:6; 14:23*)
2. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit (8:15)
3. Sinners to Repent (8:24; 26:29)
4. Missions (13:3*)
5. Physical safety! (27:29)
6. Healing (9:40; 28:8)
When did the church pray?
1. In times of Crisis (7:59; 12:5, 12; 16:25)
2. When making decisions or establishing leaders (1:24; 6:6; 14:23)
3. When repenting (8:22; 9:11*)
4. When saying "Goodbye" (20:36; 21:5)
The church prayed habitually:
1. The whole church (2:42)
2. The Apostles (1:14; 6:4) & Leadership (13:3*)
3. Peter (3:1; 10:9; 11:5)
4. Paul (22:17)
5. Cornelius (10:2, 4, 30–31)
6. Jewish Women (16:13, 16)
7. Actual prayers (1:24–25; 4:24–31)
* Accompanied by fasting
Acts 2:1-2
When we're obedient, God moves.
Acts 2:2-13
Don't waste the moment.
Acts 2:14-24
Don't lose your focus.
Acts 2:36-41
We're called to testify