Merry Christmas! So what is the message of Christmas? Glad you asked.

1. God sent. John 3:16-17 (NLT2) “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. Maybe 2020 has been a tough year for you. It has definitely been a tough year for many. The chaos of Covid, the loss of a loved one, health issues, family problems, financial problems, and whatever else. No matter what we have been through we still have much to celebrate! God sent His One and only Son to save us from our sins and ourselves. Matthew 1:21-23 (NKJV) “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Yes, we celebrate God Who sent His Son to save us! Wow! Merry Christmas!

2. Jesus came. I feel so much like the Apostle Paul. God may have gotten a prize when He got you but not me. I was a mess! 1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NLT2) “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. If Jesus’ coming is not enough for you to celebrate Christmas, I don’t know what is. Jesus came into the world to save sinners and we were all sinners when He found us. Now we have been washed and saved! PTL!

3. We receive and celebrate. John 1:12-14 (NIV) “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God ^- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. God sent, Jesus came, and we receive and celebrate! Will you receive Him today? Merry Christmas!

Today we continue looking at this wonderful Christmas story...

... through the eyes of the shepherds. Luke 2:8‑14 (NKJV) “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" The angel was bringing to them good news and great joy; the Savior is born! Here was the message:

1. Goodwill toward men. We should be desiring good toward those we are around the most. Our family...our friends...our church. It is easy for us as ministers (all of us) to want goodwill for those in the universal church, the community, and even in the world but it can become difficult for us to want good for those closest to us. Our ultimate test is not how we treat and feel about those who are outside our families but how we treat our families and those near and dear.

2. Peace on earth. Luke 2:14 (NKJV) "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Our goal should be peace for Israel and the middle east but also for our own families and our church.

What goodwill and peace we can offer to a lost world? We can help put the Merry back in Christmas!

3. Glory to God! 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do everything for the glory of God...how you love your spouse, your families, your church, the world! Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles...be gentle with your families. Don’t live in an offensive manner. The shepherds spread the word about the glory of God (Jesus Christ). Shouldn’t we do the same?

Today we celebrate Immanuel, God with us.

Matthew 1:23-24 (NKJV) "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife.” Immanuel, God with us. Think about the miracle of that. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. They needed a Savior and we need a Savior. Look at this story.

1. God with us, of course, but God with Joseph. I can’t imagine being engaged to someone and being so excited to get married. To be able to take this beautiful young lady as my wife. What joy! Imagine your fiancé sitting you down. Hey Babe, I have something to tell you. Of course, Sweetheart, you can tell me anything, I love you! Well, I am going to have a baby! Say what? Not only am I going to have a baby but this child is from God. Poor God gets blamed for so much. How many of you are glad God was with Joseph? God with Joseph but here is the key…He did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife…He obeyed, he trusted, and he submitted to God’s will.

2. God with us, of course, but God with Mary. I am sure Mary had dreamed most of her life about the day she would find her prince charming, have a wedding fit for a princess, and become one with her husband. Then, an angel shows up. Say what? She was not only going to find her prince charming but she was going to find the Prince of Peace! Imagine how this teenage girl must have felt. Her head was spinning and her heart racing. Her response was priceless…God came to be with us but God with Mary made all the difference and how she responded to Him…Luke 1:38 (NKJV) Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." 

3. God with us. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” There it is…Christ lives in me…Christ in me. Immanuel, God with us wanted to be God in Rick. Today He wants to be God in you. What was the key to God in Rick, I had to surrender my life to Him and make Him Lord and Savior? Today is your day…Christ in you!

 

As we draw closer to Christmas...

... most of us are thinking about what we can give or what we might get. What could we give Jesus that He would like or want from us? The heart of a servant. Psalm 27:1(NKJV)
^“The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” What should we give Jesus this Christmas?                                                                                                                                               

1.  A true servant gives Jesus their complete trust. A true servant of God will give Jesus his complete trust because he knows Jesus is the One Who shows him the way. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! A true servant of God gives Jesus his trust because he knows Jesus is his salvation. Not a political party or earthly personality. We do not have to be afraid because we serve an Omnipotent God! All powerful! We quote it so much but it is time that we start living it. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In Psalm 27 David is saying…The Lord is my Light, my Salvation, and my Strength. True servants trust completely.

2. A true servant is not independent but dependent on Holy Spirit. Something that has always been burned in my heart for years, probably because of my love of Holy Spirit, has been in the prayer of repentance David did after his adultery and murder, what was his concern? Psalm 51:11 (NKJV) “Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” As a servant of the Lord, there is no worse feeling than realizing that you have grieved Holy Spirit and now He is no longer close to you. Oh God, do not take your Holy Spirit from me! If your attitude is such that you say, as long as I make it into heaven I am good, then, you are not a true servant of God. No greater gift can you give Jesus than to walk in the Spirit.

3. A servant of the Lord is highly flammable. Matthew 3:11 (NKJV) “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Are we available fuel to be set ablaze for God? Missionary Amy Carmichael prayed, “Make me Your fuel, Flame of God!” If you want to give Jesus the best gift ever this Christmas, let Him baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire! Be combustible for Him!

Today we continue our series Revival Praying and today we are talking about the power of a thankful heart.

Philippians 4:4-6 (NKJV) “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” With thanksgiving…The Apostle Paul was exhorting us to not be afraid but to pray. How many of you know it is easy with what is going on in our world to be afraid? Paul had learned to be thankful because he knew Jesus could be trusted in all circumstances. 

1. The Lord’s will be done. I have actually heard people say that praying that prayer is a lack of faith and a sign of weakness. What about Jesus? Didn’t He pray that prayer three times in the garden? Matthew 26:42 (NKJV) “He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." I personally do not believe it is a lack of faith but an act of submission. Jesus asked the Father, if it was possible, for Him to be delivered but when He understood it was not to be so…Your will be done. When God’s will is done we can be thankful for sure.

2. Pray in the Spirit (Holy Spirit). Romans 8:26 (NIV) “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” What was Paul saying here. Holy Spirit is available to help us in our weakness, sickness, or adversity. Holy Spirit is available to help us when we do not know what to pray. He intercedes for us. Holy Spirit knows what is in our hearts and will work on our behalf. Holy Spirit prays through us in accordance with God’s will. God, your will be done. Holy Spirit is working with the Father to make sure things turn out for our good. Holy Spirit gives us much to be thankful for in our lives.

3. Prayer with thanksgiving. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (NKJV) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. These verses tie everything together. Your will be done. What’s His will? Rejoicing, praying continuously, giving thanks, and not quenching Holy Spirit. These are keys to bringing God glory. In everything not for everything, give thanks. I didn’t feel led to thank God for being in the hospital, but in my situation, in the hospital, in the harvest field, I felt the need to thank Him. To worship Him. Psalm 105:1(NKJV) “Oh, give thanks to the LORD!” 

Today we continue the series Revival Praying.

 In Isaiah 64:1&7 (NKJV) “Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence--And there is no one who calls on Your name, Who stirs himself up to take hold of You; For You have hidden Your face from us, And have consumed us because of our iniquities.” Let’s face it, America cannot fall because she has already fallen. She cannot go into slavery because she is already chained to self-chosen moral anarchy. Sadly there are millions who are diseased morally with no desire for healing and many of them sit on pews or chairs every Sunday filling an obligation but hearts void of Who their Substance is. The Church must stir herself.

1. We must stir ourselves and resist the desire to be lovers of pleasure. The Apostle Paul gives us a stern warning to Timothy that in the last day’s people will turn away from God to go after the things of this life. Leonard Ravenhill (1959) – Since in their freedom men will not heed God, will He have to enslave to Communism the mighty millions of America that they might have time to remember His day, His way, and His Son? Better to die bound in body and free in spirit than free in body and bound in soul! May this never happen to us because we are willing to do Revival Praying and we are willing to stir ourselves to take hold of the One Who has taken hold of us. 

2. We need to stir ourselves to have hearts ablaze. It is time for the church to have burning hearts, anointed lips, and eyes that are full of the glory of God. We have to shake ourselves so that the scales fall off our eyes.    2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV) “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” What gift was Paul speaking about to Timothy? He was talking to Timothy and telling him to be stirred by Holy Spirit Who is dwelling inside of him. Pray in the Spirit.

3. How can we not stir ourselves when we survey His wonderful cross. 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV) “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” We need to, as a church, once again climb up Calvary’s Hill on our knees and survey the wondrous cross in great humility and adoration. How can you consider the cross and not stir yourselves?

In Galatians 6:14&17 (NKJV) “But God forbid that I should boast...

... except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” Saul of Tarsus, later to become Paul, was a marked or branded man. As we look into his life and see the total transformation, we can learn much from his words…I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Whatever you think Paul meant by these words, one thing is very clear, he was acknowledging that Christ had ownership of him—body, soul, and spirit. He was branded for Christ from this day forward. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

1. Branded for Christ – I have been crucified with Christ. Other than Jesus, has there ever been a man more branded to a task than the Apostle Paul. Jesus came with singleness of mind to fulfill God’s plan for His life, so did Paul after his conversion. Paul never claimed that what he was preaching was easy but he did declare his love for Christ was a process. Paul said…I die daily. I die to myself every day. 

2. Belonging to Christ – Look at my scars (marks). Notice the word marks in our text. Paul is saying, "I bear in my body the 'marks'" -- the Greek word is stigmata -- meaning 'scar marks.' If you want to see the handwriting of Jesus, look upon Paul's body. 2 Corinthians 11:23-25 (NKJV) “Are they ministers of Christ?--I speak as a fool--I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep.” A marked man!

3. Burning for Christ – Nothing could put out passion’s flame. Think about how easily people walk away from Christ today but not so with Paul. Oh, that the wondrous flame Paul had might burn within us. Let’s look at this marked little body of Paul and ask what could put out the flame of Holy Spirit? Nothing could!      Romans 8:18 (KJV) “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Paul was looking forward to eternity. God, help us!

I purposely wrote this article (Oct. 28) before the election...

 ...not knowing whether President Trump was re-elected or that former vice-president Joe Biden was voted in because the Word of God is truth and relevant whoever is in office. Romans 13:1-5 (NLT2) “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.” Sometimes these verses are hard to understand and accept as believers because we know the consequences of whichever party gets in. Let’s take God’s Word just for what it says.

1. Those placed in authority have been placed there by God. Therefore, we submit to them. This includes government and church. Don’t forget, even though you voted, God placed them in authority.

2. Those who rebel against the ones God has placed there, will be punished. No one is or will get away with their rebellion or anarchy. Pastor, they are getting away with it. Only temporarily.  

3. Maybe the most difficult to understand whichever camp you are in: The authorities placed in positions of leadership are God’s servants. These verses say they are God’s servants twice. Listen to your pastor, if God can use a donkey, if God can put hooks in the jaws of nations to get them where he wants them to be, then, He can surely use a Republican or Democrat to do His bidding. Yes, even if they are godless. 

Finally, 1 Timothy 2:1-5 (NIV) “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…”  Life Church, this is the Word of God and the Will of God!

Election Day 2020 is this Tuesday November 3...

... and we must pray. Daniel 9 is probably the greatest prayer of repentance in the Old Testament and a good model for us. Please read the whole chapter. Hear Daniel’s confession of sin and repentance. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear! O Lord, act! 

Daniel 9:13-19 (NIV) ¹³  Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth.
¹⁴  The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him. ¹⁵  "Now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong.
¹⁶  O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us. ¹⁷  "Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. ¹⁸  Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. ¹⁹  O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name." 

1. The standard of judgment for the people was God’s Word. 

2. The path back to God was repentance. 

3. He prayed and confessed. We have sinned, done wrong, been wicked, rebelled, turned away from your Word, not listened to your prophets, been unfaithful, transgressed, refused to obey, not sought the favor of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. 

4. The Lord is righteous in His judgment. We have curses and judgment because of our sin. 

5. The Lord was the One Who brought the disaster. Why? We have not obeyed Him. 

6. We ask God to forgive us, not because we are righteous, but because of His great mercy. 

7. The cry of our hearts today…O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear! O Lord, act! Let’s pray!

Today we continue talking about Revival Praying...

... and how that prayer can make a difference in us and those around us. James 5:16 (NLT2) The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Something that has always bothered me as a follower of Christ is when I hear believers boast about their position in Christ and speak so much of their privileges because of that. I am a king’s kid, I am a son of God or daughter of God, I am wealthy, I am healthy, I am seated in high places, I am lifted up with Jesus, I am, I am, I am. How many of you know there is only one Great I am? I see a contrast is Scripture that shows me a different attitude about who we are and the more I study it, the more I believe it has an impact on our prayers. 

1. The scum of the earth. 1 Corinthians 4:13 (NIV) “Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.” So what is the scum of the earth? The scum of the earth is neither humanity nor of devils. It is not bad but good. No, not even good, but the very best. It is not material but spiritual, not of Satan but of God. Not only of the church but a group of believers. The apostle Paul was saying we apostles are the refuse of the world. Evidently, Paul had not read the latest self-help book on positive confession. 

2. The least of the apostles. 1 Corinthians 15:9 (NKJV) “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” Could there possibly be any connection between Paul’s humility (how he saw himself) and how he was so tremendously used by God? I definitely think so. His humility motivated him to serve God and work harder. 

3. Esteem God and others above yourself. Philippians 2:3 (NKJV) ^“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. “ Dr. Duke and I were talking a few weeks back about how the Word of God will show us patterns if we are willing to look for them and discern them. I see a pattern here in Philippians. Put Jesus first and be like Jesus. Put others next. Esteem others better than yourself. Humble yourself before God. Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. Let God be the One Who exalts you. Good instruction for those who want to do Revival Praying!

In James 5:16-18 (NLT2) “The earnest prayer...

... of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.” Today we begin this new series “Revival Praying” and I hope this is exactly what Life Church will begin to do. Anyone with their eyes opened can see our world is in a mess. The kind of revival I am talking about takes a church takes the church in its grasp and refuses to let go until every last ounce of sin and self has been squeezed out. There is nothing pacifying about revival. Revival is not a season to be jolly. It’s not celebration or festivity. The church in revival is faced with the anguish of unforgiven sin.  Like Isaiah of old the church cries out “Undone”. The question is not “Where is the God of Elijah? Where are the Elijahs of God?”

1. Elijahs of God. James tells us that Elijah was human or of like passions as we are but we are not like him obviously when it comes to praying and seeking God. He and God stand together as a majority against a wicked nation, against a wicked king, and a wicked Jezebel. We think we can’t make a difference in the mess today but we can if we pray. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
¹⁴  if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

 2. Stand in the Gap. So many times we think we have it worse now than any time in history but Elijah was raised up at a time when darkness covered the land. So what did God do? Ezekiel 22:30 (NKJV) “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”

3. Stand in the Gap and Pray. The secret to praying is praying in secret. If we are not praying, we are playing with the future of our kids and grandkids. I love the song…The Blessing but we have to pray for that to happened. Future generations will only be blessed if we will stand in the gap and pray for revival.

In Acts 19:11-15 (NKJV) “Now God worked unusual miracles...

... by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" This evil spirit teaches us that there are people in the church whose names are known because of their Holy Spirit power. Do demons know your name? Today we look at:               

1. Unusual Miracles. Handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul’s body brought healing. That’s unusual. People brought out sick people so that Peter’s shadow might fall on them. The implication was they were healed. Unusual power manifested. We have a ways to go to get there.

2. Evil spirits know. Acts 19:15 (NKJV) “And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" Pastor Rick, do demons know what I am thinking? No, but they don’t have to, they can just watch what you are doing and know how to tempt you. So powerful what the demon said, Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are you? Let me ask you today, who are you? 

3. True repentance. People heard that the evil spirit acknowledged Jesus and Paul and great fear fell on the area. God, do it again! Jesus was magnified! People came confessing their sins. This is revival! Then, they brought the things in their homes that were offensive to God and the gospel. Get rid of the junk in your house that opens the door to sin. Some of you may need to get rid of Net-Flix, movies, access to God cursing movies, and even alcohol. There is a reason alcohol has been called spirits for years. So the Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. Repentance leads to revival! Psalm 85:6 (NKJV) “Will You not revive us again?”

In James 5:16 (NLT2) “The earnest prayer of a righteous person... (Part 2)

... has great power and produces wonderful results.” Today we continue our series on Revival Praying and tonight we continue to gather to pray. Please do not try to convince me of your concern for America if you are not willing to pray. James points out that whatever your need is, sincere prayer is the answer. Whether it is hardships, sickness, or the ravages of sin. Our prayer has great power and wonderful results. Let’s look at prayer:

1. Approaching God in prayer. Jude 1:20-21 (NKJV) “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” You see, how you approach God is so important. Here is something to think about. The secret of praying is praying in secret. What you do in your private life speaks volumes of your desire to approach God. We act like with God similar to the kid who rings the doorbell and runs away before the door is opened. How many undiscovered blessings are forfeited because we do not tarry with God and pray? 

2. Prayer as vast as God is. Prayer is as vast as God. Why? Because He is the One behind it making it happen. Prayer is so mighty because God has committed Himself to answering when we call on Him. It has been said that the reason Jesus will have to wipe away tears from our eyes at the Judgment Seat of Christ will be because of our small prayers in light of His greatness.

3. Revival praying birthed by love. If John Knox had prayed, “Give me success.” We may not have heard of him but he prayed a self-sacrificing prayer. John Knox – Give me Scotland, or I die! Only prayer motivated by love will change this sin hungry world. We need a prayer hungry church that will stay in God’s presence until things change. Pray without ceasing!

In James 5:16-18 (NLT2) “The earnest prayer of a righteous person... (Part 1)

... has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.” Today we begin this new series “Revival Praying” and I hope this is exactly what Life Church will begin to do. Anyone with their eyes opened can see our world is in a mess. The kind of revival I am talking about takes a church takes the church in its grasp and refuses to let go until every last ounce of sin and self has been squeezed out. There is nothing pacifying about revival. Revival is not a season to be jolly. It’s not celebration or festivity. The church in revival is faced with the anguish of unforgiven sin.  Like Isaiah of old the church cries out “Undone”. The question is not “Where is the God of Elijah? Where are the Elijahs of God?”

1. Elijahs of God. James tells us that Elijah was human or of like passions as we are but we are not like him obviously when it comes to praying and seeking God. He and God stand together as a majority against a wicked nation, against a wicked king, and a wicked Jezebel. We think we can’t make a difference in the mess today but we can if we pray. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
¹⁴  if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

 2. Stand in the Gap. So many times we think we have it worse now than any time in history but Elijah was raised up at a time when darkness covered the land. So what did God do? Ezekiel 22:30 (NKJV) “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”

3. Stand in the Gap and Pray. The secret to praying is praying in secret. If we are not praying, we are playing with the future of our kids and grandkids. I love the song…The Blessing but we have to pray for that to happened. Future generations will only be blessed if we will stand in the gap and pray for revival.

In Acts 19:11-15 (NKJV) “Now God worked unusual miracles...

... by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, "We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches." Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" This evil spirit teaches us that there are people in the church whose names are known because of their Holy Spirit power. Do demons know your name? Today we look at:               

1. Unusual Miracles. Handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul’s body brought healing. That’s unusual. People brought out sick people so that Peter’s shadow might fall on them. The implication was they were healed. Unusual power manifested. We have a ways to go to get there.

2. Evil spirits know. Acts 19:15 (NKJV) “And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?" Pastor Rick, do demons know what I am thinking? No, but they don’t have to, they can just watch what you are doing and know how to tempt you. So powerful what the demon said, Jesus I know and Paul I know but who are you? Let me ask you today, who are you? 

3. True repentance. People heard that the evil spirit acknowledged Jesus and Paul and great fear fell on the area. God, do it again! Jesus was magnified! People came confessing their sins. This is revival! Then, they brought the things in their homes that were offensive to God and the gospel. Get rid of the junk in your house that opens the door to sin. Some of you may need to get rid of Net-Flix, movies, access to God cursing movies, and even alcohol. There is a reason alcohol has been called spirits for years. So the Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. Repentance leads to revival! Psalm 85:6 (NKJV) “Will You not revive us again?”

Paul and Barnabas go to Lystra to preach...

    ... the gospel and to hopefully see revival. There is a message here especially for those of us who believe in the supernatural. Lystra was a pagan city where the people worshipped a host of false gods. When Paul and Barnabas show up, things get real in a hurry. A crippled man is healed and the people want to make them into gods…Zeus and Hermes. A revival of the wrong kind.

1. Going from Normal to Supernatural Will Require us to Glorify God. What kind of revival could Lystra been blessed with if they had not tried to make Paul and Barnabas into gods? People tend to want gods to follow with flesh on them. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

2. Going from Normal to Supernatural Will Require Us to be Contrite. Listen to what Michael Amico says in this message Beware of Revival. Revival has a price. He says… “There is nothing soothing about revival. Revival is not a season to be jolly. It’s not celebration or festivity. The church in revival is faced with the anguish of unforgiven sin. Like Isaiah of old the church cries out “Undone”.  Revival often takes the church in its grasp and refuses to let go until every last ounce of sin and self has been squeezed out. There is nothing soothing about revival. Revival often scorches before it soothes! Revival burns before it blesses! Revival eliminates before it edifies! Revival hurts before it heals! Revival empties before it fills! Revival breaks before it builds! Revival breaks everything in its path. Revival breaks pride, programs, prejudices, and platforms. Revival makes demands, real demands. Revival demands painful repentance! Revival demands painful sacrifice! Revival demands painful commitment! Revival demands ambitious evangelism! Beware of revival!  Revival is not all preachers and teachers have made it out to be.  Let me suggest that the next time you pray for revival, you first of all count the cost.” Paul decided to be contrite. What did their humility get him? Suffering with and for Christ. He was stoned and left for dead.

3. Going from Normal to Supernatural Will Bring Resurrection Power. Acts 14:20 (NIV) “But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.” I am sure they gathered around Paul and prayed. What happened? He got up and went back into the city! Surprise! We see normal going to supernatural. God raised up Paul with resurrection power. You don’t get stoned and get back up (the same day) and go preach unless you have experienced the supernatural. Revival may cost us more than we think!

God is calling His church ...

...again to a deeper place of prayer. The church needs reviving and our land needs healing. Today we are talking about what constant prayer will do. Acts 12:5 (NKJV) “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” This story brings out or highlights in our lives what God can do when we participate in constant prayer. Quote - Anything God can do; prayer can do. Why? Because prayer is our link to God. The prayer of faith is the link to God’s power. Nothing is impossible with God…nothing is impossible when we pray. What happens when people pray?

1. When people pray something from heaven shows up. There was an angel…a light showed up in the prison. When we pray here, God responds from heaven. We have not because we ask not. We need something supernatural from God. 

2. When people pray God wakes people up. When the angel came to Peter, what did he do? He smote him in the side and woke him up. When God’s people pray…God wakes up those who are sleeping. Ephesians 5:14 (NIV) "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." 

3. When people pray chains fall off. Chains are restrictive. If you have chains on your legs, you can’t run. When we pray personally we find a freedom we did not have before. A new ability or freedom to witness…no longer restricted. When we pray God sets people free. Listen, your prodigal can’t be worse off than Peter, he was going to die. I know with the opioid crisis we wonder if they can be free. They can! Pray! I was there before it was popular. The church prayed and God set me free. 

4. When people pray doors are opened. Pastor, the door is not opening…pray! There’s a battle! Pray! 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NKJV) “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” When God’s people pray…doors are opened just like for Peter. God opened the door and set him free. We don’t need a battering ram…we do not need to force it…God will open the door. Pray!

Pray until the normal becomes supernatural. Pray until our land is healed. Pray constantly until your prodigals come home. Pray until revival comes! 

Peter is before church leadership giving an account...

... for preaching to and eating with Gentiles. He tells them how remembering God’s Word about Holy Spirit baptism helped him. Last week we talked about how salvation came to Cornelius (to Gentiles) and how, as Peter preached God’s Word to them, Holy Spirit fell upon them. Oh, how I would like to see that here. How did Peter help Cornelius and his household? He remembered!                                                                                                                           Acts 11:16 (NKJV) “Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

1. To go from normal to supernatural we must remember the Word of the Lord. Peter’s struggle with preaching to Gentiles and seeing them saved and baptized with Holy Spirit power was done away with when he remembered the Word of the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.” Peter remembered Jesus said He would baptize us with Holy Spirit and fire. Studying, memorizing, and remembering His Word will help take you from normal to supernatural.

2. Peter remembered the Promise of the Father, Holy Spirit. Some of you think I over-emphasize Holy Spirit and I don’t think the church gives Him the honor due to Him. He is God, the Holy Spirit. Peter knew the door had been opened to the Gentiles because, “God gave them the same gift (Holy Spirit) as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?" 

3. The District glorified God because Peter remembered. Think about this…you and I are here today because Peter remembered the Word of God and because there was the witness of Holy Spirit to the Jew and to the Gentile. God has had the answer to racism for a long time. The problem is not with Him but with His church. If the churches of America would go after a Holy Spirit revival, things would change. We need the full gospel. We need the gospel that doesn’t leave out Holy Spirit and His power. The gospel can change the Jew, the Gentile, the black, the white, the brown…all people of all nations.

Today we will see how God...

...can take a hungry man and his entire family from normal to supernatural. As I continue reading through the Book of Acts I see this theme over and over where God is taking someone or a group of people from the normal to the supernatural. This was true of Cornelius. He was evidently an incredible person. He was a leader (a centurion), he was a family man, he was devout and God fearing, he was generous, and he was a man of prayer. Let’s see he and his family’s transformation. 

1. For Cornelius to go from normal to supernatural he must be born again. Let me ask all of us here today, was Cornelius born again according to God’s Standard, the Word of God? Look again at our text: Acts 10:2 (NIV) “He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” Many people pray (I did before I got saved) but are not right with God. Many people acknowledge there is a God (so do demons and they tremble), and many people are generous but they are not saved. Cornelius had so much going for him and he even had a desire to know this God in a more intimate way. This is why God thru an angel had him to send for Peter. No other Name but Jesus for salvation. Cornelius needed Jesus just like we needed Jesus to be saved. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life!

2. For Cornelius to go from normal to supernatural he needed a Gentile Pentecost. God is always looking for people who are hungry and thirsty for Him and who are desiring more of Him and His presence! Cornelius wanted all God had for him. He received more than he could even imagine. He found out Jesus was to be Lord and Savior. He also, was baptized in Holy Spirit power! Can you imagine the witness he became?

3. Cornelius wanted even more. After salvation and Holy Spirit baptism Cornelius followed the Lord in water baptism. He wanted to identify with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. And they wanted even more…They asked Peter to stay a few days! So hungry for more! They wanted to go from normal to supernatural! More, Lord!

 

Today we continue the series “Normal or Supernatural”...

... and we will see this transformation taking Saul to Paul. Acts 9:3-6 (NKJV) “As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads." So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Saul, later to become Paul, was on a mission to destroy any who were of the Way (Christians). It seemed to be personal with him. I wonder where his deep hurt came from. How did Saul change to Paul?

1. Stephen helped Saul go from normal to supernatural. Stephen is arrested and brought before the Council. The glory of God was on him. His face was like an angel. He testified to all of them about Jesus. They were furious with him when he challenged their heart’s condition. So how does Stephen have influence on Saul? Saul was there watching. Watching Stephen preach. Hearing Stephen say I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing. Saul heard him forgive the people. Please do not try to tell me that Stephen’s soul print was not imbedded into Saul spirit. Stephen was filled with power so he was a witness to a young man named Saul. 

2. Jesus and Holy Spirit have to do the work. What we often see in the church is not people being used of Holy Spirit but we see people trying to be Holy Spirit. He comes to convict people of sin and we feel He needs our help. Nope! Notice Saul is going from his normal to God’s supernatural by Holy Spirit and Jesus. Lord, what do you want me to do? This is evidence of the transformation from normal to supernatural. This should be our first step. Lordship means, not my will but Yours be done. 

3. Be filled with Holy Spirit. Acts 9:17 (NKJV) “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Poor Ananias was given a job none of us would have ever wanted…go talk to Saul for Me! If we will go from normal to supernatural, it will never happen because we learn more, study harder, or any other spiritual exercise, it will only happen as we are filled with Holy Spirit.

Even though we have been on vacation...

... I still can’t get out of my heart how I want Life Church not to return to normal but to move to supernatural. Thus, we continue the series “Normal or Supernatural”. Peter and John, after they have been filled with supernatural power are on their way to the temple and they encounter a man who was born cripple. Look what happens. Acts 3:6-8 (NKJV) “Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them--walking, leaping, and praising God. Today we are continuing through the book of Acts (if you want to learn more about Holy Spirit, read this book over and over) and we will again see how God wants to take us from normal to supernatural. 

In Acts 2 we see the disciples (120) have been filled with power (You shall receive power) and God is using them to be witnesses in Jerusalem and eventually all over. Lives are about to be transformed because someone’s body is about to be healed. This man is over 40 years old. Church people passed him every day but no one had anything that could help him until now. Holy Spirit had not been poured out, but now, supernatural power has been given to the disciples. Don’t ever miss this, behind every cry from the lost in our communities and in our world, what they are asking for is not all they need. They need Jesus and they need the power of Holy Spirit which is in you. When I meet these people I have to examine myself.

1. What I do have! What did Peter have? What do we have? When we are confronted with situations where supernatural power is needed, can we say like Peter, “What I do have.”

2. I give you! Acts 3:6 (NKJV) Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 

3. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk! Holy Spirit is on you, Holy Spirit is in you, Holy Spirit power is available to you, but hear this, it is never nor should it ever be about you. It is about Jesus! Make sure you minister in His Name!

Today we continue talking...

... about “Do Not be Afraid” but today we are discussing the importance of having a godly fear of the Lord. Isaiah 33:5‑6 (NIV) “The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” How powerful is this?  Holy fear is the key to God’s sure foundation, unlocking the treasures of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. Place the fear of God alongside the love of God and the two compose the very foundation of life and godly living.

1. Jesus needed to live by the fear of the Lord and we should too. Isaiah 11:2 (NLT) “And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. This verse in Isaiah is obviously a prophecy about Jesus. The Spirit will rest on Him...Holy Spirit...the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. If Jesus needed Holy Spirit...how much more will you and I need Him. Maybe one of the reasons we have lost our fear of the Lord is because we are not filled with Holy Spirit. 

2. We must approach Him with reverence and awe. Isaiah 29:13 (NKJV) “Therefore the LORD said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.” Ever since I have been a Christian I have often been very troubled by how people treat God so disrespectfully ...no fear or reverence.

3. We should have the fear of the Lord because no one else compares to Him. Psalm 89:6‑8 (NKJV) “For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him. O LORD God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.” We must honor Him, fear Him, revere Him because there is no one else like Him. Pastor Rick, I am a believer but I am hurting...go to the One that no one else can compare to: Isaiah 40:29‑31 (NKJV) “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”  Do not be afraid!

Today we continue speaking...

... about “Do Not be Afraid” and God has much to say to encourage us. Psalm 34:1‑5 (NKJV) “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed. 

The foundation work in dealing with fear based on Psalm 34: I will be a worshiper of God at all times no matter what is going in my life. My boasting or lifting up will be in the Lord...not my fear or circumstances.  

My lifting up of the Lord will be open and it will be a testimony to God. I will connect with others who are struggling and we will exalt Him together. When I am fearful and hurting I will seek the Lord and find Him. 

I will seek Him, find Him, and not be ashamed in my situation.  

1. We should not fear poverty. Psalm 34:6 (NKJV) “This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.”

2. We should not fear troubles. Psalm 34:6 (NKJV) “This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.” 

3. We should not fear lack of substance. Psalm 34:9 (NKJV) “Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.” 

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4. We should not fear not having a good life. John 10:10 (NKJV) “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”      

5. We should not fear abandonment by God. Psalm 34:18 (NKJV) “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Nothing...nothing has helped me more than knowing that Jesus was only a whisper away, even in times when words were not easily forth coming...He understood and was there. Do not be afraid!

Today we continue with another article

... about “Do Not be Afraid” and I pray it will be an encouragement to you.

1. What to do when fear knocks. Max Lucado: “Fear, it seems, has taken a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop.  Oversize and rude, fear is unwilling to share the heart with happiness. Happiness complies.  Do you ever see the two together? Can one be happy and afraid at the same time? Clear thinking and afraid? No. Fear is the big bully in the high school hallway: brash, loud, and unproductive.” For all the noise that fear makes and all the room it takes, fear does little good. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to walk out of the prison that fear makes? Wouldn’t it be great that when fear knocks we refuse to answer the door?

Imagine your life wholly untouched by fear and anxiety. What if faith, not fear, was your default reactions to threats? Imagine living a day, just one day, absent of the dread of failure, rejection, calamity, and insecurity. 

2. Why be afraid. Matthew 8:23‑27 (NKJV) “Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. 

And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" 

Jesus asked...Why are you fearful...why are you so afraid? Is He serious...He must be kidding. Teasing obviously. Like one swimmer asking the other one - why are you wet? Jesus is not kidding...He is sincere...why are you so afraid? You see, believers in Christ are not set apart by the lack of storms...they are set apart by Whom they find in the storm with them. He was sleeping.

3. Does God care when we are fearful. Mark 4:38 (NKJV) “But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" This is very interesting...they do not ask Jesus about His strength...Can you still the storm? Or His knowledge - Are you aware of the storm? Or His know how - Do you have any experience with storms? They raise doubt about Jesus’ character...Do you not care? Fear does this! Fear corrodes our confidence in God’s goodness...if God can keep His eyes shut when mine are wide open and He can sleep when I think I am going under...Does He really care? Fear unleashes doubts, anger stirring doubts. Lucado – “Fear creates a form of spiritual amnesia. It dulls our miracle memory. It makes us forget what Jesus has done and how good God is.” Do not be afraid!

On Wednesday nights we

... have been doing a series on “Do Not be Afraid” so for the next few weeks I want to share with you what we have been talking about. Isaiah 41:10 (NLT2)  “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” What would you guess would be one of the most common commands in the Scripture? The single command in Scripture that occurs more often than any other—God’s most repeated instruction is formulated really in these words…Do not be afraid or fear not.

1. Let’s look at why God tells us to not be afraid. I believe the number one reason God tells us to “not be afraid” is because fear is the reason humans are tempted to avoid doing what God asks them to do...to trust Him.

2. We must know based on God’s Word that He can be trusted even when we are afraid. Isaiah 43:1‑2 (NKJV) “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Father God can be trusted as long as we acknowledge Him. John Ortberg – “I believe the reason God says “fear not” so often is that fear will sink us faster than anything else.  Fear disrupts faith and becomes the biggest obstacle to trusting and obeying God.”

3. Fear and the cost of living in fear. When we are not willing to face our fears...it will definitely cost us...What? Fear will cost us our self-esteem. Fear will cost us a loss of destiny. Fear will cost us a lack of joy. Fear will cost us a sense of real intimacy. Fear will cost us our availability to God. –This is key: you will never know God is trustworthy if you do not risk obeying Him. When you come to the end of your life all those “what ifs” becomes “might have beens”. What might have been if I had trusted God? Fear gets passed from generation to generation. What are we passing to our children...faith or fear? Psalm 103:15‑18 (NLT) 

“Our days on earth are like grass; like wild flowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! 

The disciples were confronted...

 ...with the care of widows in the church so they told the people: Acts 6:3-5 (NKJV) “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word." And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip…” The disciples needed help because the church was multiplying. It must be understood between those called into the ministry as pastors and those raised up as the laity, to go from normal to supernatural, there has to be love and co-operation. There has to be Holy Spirit too.

1. Going from Normal to Supernatural Requires Laity to be Spirit-filled. Based on God’s Word, when the church needed people who would serve and truly take care of the widows, they chose people filled with Holy Spirit. Their qualification: Seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. No one is telling you not to serve if you do not have these qualifications. What we are saying is to seek God until He baptizes you in Holy Spirit power so that you can be more effective in your ministry.

2. Going from Normal to Supernatural will Require the Laity to be Focused on the Great Commission. Stephen and Phillip were not pastors or missionaries in the traditional sense. They were laity. Hear your pastor, just because God has not called you to be a pastor or missionary does not mean God cannot use you in an amazing way. Stephen, a deacon, full of Holy Spirit, full of power, full of wisdom, being used by God to do signs and wonders. Stephen could have been anything in the church (usher, greeter) but he wanted God to use him. Philip was a deacon but he was being used by God in such an incredible way. Why? Same reason. He was full of Holy Spirit, full of power, full of wisdom, and being used by God to preach the Word.

3. Going from Normal to Supernatural took Philip into a Chariot Ministry. Your ministry as a layman or as a pastor may be a chariot ministry or a golf ministry or shopping ministry but the point is to go from normal to supernatural you must be filled with Holy Spirit and willing to go. In his ministry:

A. Philip was sensitive to hear the voice of the Lord and to do what He said.

B. Philip was observant to what is happening with the person he is trying to share Jesus.

C. Philip was sensitive to know now is the time to preach Jesus.

The disciples are being persecuted...

 ...and much like today the leaders were trying to silence the church. They were bringing persecution until Gamaliel spoke up with wisdom. Acts 5:38-39 (NKJV) “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God." Is what we are doing, as a church, of God or human effort? If it is human effort it will fail but if it is of God, they can’t stop us. Matter of fact, they will find themselves fighting against God. Our Distinctives at Life Church:

1. Our First Distinctive: We should be passionate about the lost. Luke 19:10 (NKJV) “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." What does it mean to be passionate about the lost? It means we love them, pray for them, share with them, and live in such away in front of them that exemplifies Christ.

2. Our Second Distinctive: Home and world missions. Mark 16:15&20 (NKJV) “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” 

3. Our Third Distinctive: Being filled with Holy Spirit. Acts 4:31 (NKJV) “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” The disciples had been initially filled with Holy Spirit power in Acts 2, they are going from normal to supernatural, and they are getting opposition and persecution. They need Holy Spirit power to speak the Word of God with boldness.

4. Our Fourth Distinctive: Generous giving. Acts 2:44-47 (NLT2) “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 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—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.” Generosity was one of the first signs they were Spirit-filled. 

5. Our Fifth Distinctive: Worship. Luke 24:52-53 (NKJV) “And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Worship will lead you to being baptized in Holy Spirit power.

Today I want to do something that I have wanted to do for a long time...

I want to tell all of you where to go! Matthew 28:18‑19 (NLT) “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Jesus has told us to go and we must be obedient!  First, we must go after God with all of our hearts.  The truth is: we will never go after “them” until we go after Him! Tommy Tenny:  “We must go after God until we catch Him or He catches us!”

Second, we must go after the lost. Ezekiel tells us there is a great and mighty army just waiting to come up out of their graves to be used for God. Ezek 37:13 (NKJV) "Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves.”  Third, we must go to the church and say it is time to wake up out of your sleep!  Eph 5:14 (NKJV) “Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."  Fourth, we must go after revival! Revival is when you are tired of the status quo and you truly want Jesus to be Lord. It is when you are tired of altars not being filled with those who need salvation, when you want Holy Spirit to lead a service instead of a man, when dry bones come to life, when God’s Word is believed and acted upon with signs following, when children and adults alike are in the altars pouring out their hearts to God. Revival is a blast of the breath of God coming into a church and community changing everything in its path.

Fifth, we must go on to maturity. Hebrews 6:1 (NLT)  “So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.”  Finally, we must go to the gates of hell and rescue those who are about to fall off the edge. Life Church, Jesus said we must go so we must go! Now you can tell your friends and family your pastor told you where to “go”. 

COVID 19 or the Coronavirus or the giant is before us...

... so what are we going to do? 1 Samuel 17: (NLT2) “Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall!” We all have to admit that Goliath, a nine-feet tall giant, is a large enemy and that he is the ultimate warrior. Just his coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. This is a foe that Israel had not anticipated and obviously had not asked for but there he was right in front of them taunting and challenging them. I think we all can admit that this Covid 19 is a giant that is coming against the United States and the World. Obviously we did not ask for or anticipate that we would be where we are today with this virus. Many are fearing, even those in the church, and my job today is to bring calm in the storm. How can we face this giant? 

1. Realize family may not be on your side. David has been sent by his father to take food down to the battle lines where his brothers are fighting (supposedly) and to bring back a report. Anytime you try to do something great for God, there is a good chance there will be family there to try to stop you in your tracks. This was not David’s first run-in with his brother. What are you going to do when there is a giant in front of you and you believe God wants you to take it out? Your family opposes you. David could stand against his brother because he knew he was doing the will of his father. He knew his father had sent him. Before we try to slay this giant that is before us we must know that our God, our Father, has sent us and we are being obedient to what He is directing us to do.

2. Realize leaders may not see what is in you. How desperate was Israel for someone to take care of Goliath? How desperate are we for someone to take care of Covid 19? Israel was so worried that they sent a young shepherd boy to the king.David has already had to get past family who were discouraging him and doubting him and now the leadership is telling him he can’t beat Goliath. There is no way you can win. I love David’s response. Whether it was a bear or a lion, when they came after the sheep something rose up in me. You see he had been spending time, not just watching sheep, but worshiping God and praying. This is the time for the church to shine. 

3. Goliath wants to take you out but you kill him. David has already had to overcome the attacks of family, he had to overcome the lack of faith from leadership, and now he is faced with Goliath. Goliath says, “Am I a dog?” Yep! But you are not going to roll over and play dead, you are going to roll over and be dead. Our enemy comes against us with fear, sickness, and confusion but we come against him in the Name that is above every name…the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every knee will bow. The Lord will conquer Goliath!

This week we continue sharing about the fear of the Lord.

This message has a way of making us uncomfortable. That is my job sometimes. There is a great promise for those who have the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 33:5-6 (NIV) “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” The more I look into this subject of the fear of the Lord the more I realize God wants us to understand how serious it is for us. The fear of the Lord can be defined as a continual awareness that you are in the presence of a holy, just, and almighty God, and that every motive, thought, word, and action is open before Him and will be judged by Him. I hear people say, Pastor Rick, the fear of the Lord is just an Old Testament thing. Really?

The Word says Psalm 89:7 (NKJV) “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” I am afraid that in the church we are serving a Jesus Who is not depicted in scriptures. We have made Him into the image of God that we want Him to be. We have no fear or reverence for Him. Romans 1:22-23 (NKJV) ^“Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man…” Is the Jesus you serve the Jesus of the Bible or is He the Jesus you have created Who winks at your sin and lets you live anyway you want with no consequences? Romans 1:18-25 (NKJV) tells us of a dangerous downward spiral of those who know the Lord. You may call it losing your fear of the Lord. You may call it backsliding or falling away from the Lord. Maybe drifting away from the Lord. Whatever you want to call it but hear this, it says although they knew God v. 21:

A. Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God.

B. Although they knew God, they were not thankful.

C. Although they knew God, they became futile in their thoughts about Who God was.

D. Although they knew God, their foolish hearts were darkened. 

E. Although they knew God, in professing to be wise, they became fools.

F. Although they knew God, they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man.

G. Although they knew God, they exchanged the truth of God for a lie.                                                        

H. Although they knew God, they worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.

Let’s rap up this word by saying what Hebrews 10:26-31 (NKJV) says “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” The book of Romans and Hebrews are New Testament books.