Afleveringen
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The Secret to Spiritual WarfareEphesians 6:10-11 - A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on allof Godâs armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (NIV)
1. Recognize the real fight.
Ephesians 6:12 For we [d] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulersand authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evilspirits in the heavenly places. (NLT)
2. Get dressed for battle.
Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore, put on every piece of Godâs armor so you will be able to resist theenemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. (NLT)
A. Belt of TruthEphesians 6: 14a - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth⌠(NLT)
John 8:44 - He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because thereis no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the fatherof lies. (NLT)
B. Breastplate of RighteousnessEphesians. 6:14b - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of Godâsrighteousness. (NLT)
Proverbs 4:23 â Above all else, guard your heart. (NIV)
Romans 12:9 - Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (NIV)
C. Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
Ephesians 6:14 - Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of Godâsrighteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will befully prepared. (NLT)
D. Shield of FaithEphesians 6:16 - In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows ofthe devil. (NLT)Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do notsee. (NIV)
E. Helmet of SalvationEphesians 6:17 - Put on salvation as your helmet. (NLT)
3. Learn to use your sword.
Ephesians 6:17 - Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is theword of God. (NLT)
Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.(NIV)
4. Master the weapon of prayer.Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers andrequests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lordâs people. (NIV) -
1. Casting out demons was a vital part of Jesusâ ministry
Matthew 4:24- News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. (NIV)
Matthew 8:16- When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. (NIV)
Matthew 9:32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus. (NIV)
Matthew 12:22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. (NIV)
Matthew 15:22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, âLord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.â (NIV)
2 Timothy 2:25â26 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (NIV)
2. Can Christians be demon possessed?
2A. Jesus taught that demons look for unoccupied people
Matthew 12:43â45 âWhen an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, âI will return to the house I left.â When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.â (NIV)
2B. Christians are occupied with the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:9â10 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 3:16 Donât you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? (NLT)
1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (NIV)
2C. Christians are instructed to resist the devil
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (NIV)
1 Peter 5:8-9 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV)
3. Can Christians be demon oppressed?
2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (NIV)
7 Ways You Are Giving Demons Access Into Your Life
1. Sinful anger
Ephesians 4:26-27 âIn your anger do not sinâ: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. (NIV)
2. Unforgiveness
2 Corinthians 2:10â11 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgivenâif there was anything to forgiveâI have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. (NIV)
3. Exposing yourself to deceiving spirits
1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 11:3-4 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 4 You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. (NLT)
4. Movies, music, social media
Matthew 6:22-23 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! (NIV)
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)
5. Being idle and a busybody
1 Timothy 5:13â15 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. (NIV)
6. Lying and deception
Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, âAnanias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? (NIV)
7. Living in sin
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 5:1â5 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his fatherâs wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldnât you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? 3 For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. 4 So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5 hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh,, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. (NIV) 1 John 3:8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has beensinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devilâs work. (NIV) -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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2 Corinthians 2:11, âIn order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.â (NIV)
10 Things The Devil Doesnât Want You to Know
1. Heâs trying to deceive youâ¨Revelation 12:9: This great dragonâthe ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole worldâwas thrown down to the earth with all his angels. (NLT)
1A. Heâs trying to deceive you into believing that he doesnât exist
1B. Heâs trying to deceive you into believing right is wrong and wrong is right
2 Corinthians 11:14-15, âAnd no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.â (NIV)
Acts 13:8â10 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 âYou are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? (NIV)
1C. Heâs trying to deceive you to turn away from Jesusâ¨2 Corinthians 11:3 âBut I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpentâs cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christâ. (NIV)
1 Timothy 4:1: The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (NIV)
2. Heâs constantly lying to you â¨John 8:44 âYou belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your fatherâs desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (NIV)
2A. He lies to you about God
2B. He lies to you about you
2C. He lies to you about people
3. Heâs trying to make you a liar
Acts 5:3: Then Peter said, âAnanias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? (NIV)
4. Heâs trying to devour youâ¨1 Peter 5:8: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)
Luke 13:11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. (NIV)
Luke 13:16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?â (NIV)
5. Heâs trying to fill you full of fearâ¨2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)
6. Heâs constantly tempting you to sin
Matthew 4:3: The tempter came to him and said, âIf you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.â (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (NIV)
7. Heâs attacking you with false accusationsâ¨Revelation 12:10: "Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.'" (NIV)
8. Heâs persecuting Christians â¨Revelation 2:10 âDo not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victorâs crown.â (NIV)
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (NIV)
9. He trying to stop the work of God
1 Thessalonians 2:18 18 For we wanted to come to youâcertainly I, Paul, did, again and againâbut Satan blocked our way. (NIV)
10. Heâs trying to keep nonbelievers from becoming believers
2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (NIV) -
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
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Colossians 2:18-19 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. (NIV)
4 Insights On How To Activate Angels In Your Life
1. Be aware of the spiritual realm
Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 10:3â4 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (NIV)
2. Resist demonic attacks
Daniel 6:13 Then they said to the king, âDaniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.â (NIV)
Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.â (NIV)
Matthew 4:11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV)
2A. Resist with the Word of God
Matthew 4:3- 4 The tempter came to him and said, âIf you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.â4 Jesus answered, âIt is written: âMan shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.ââ (NIV) ⨠2B. Resist with the fear of God
Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, âIt is also written: âDo not put the Lord your God to the test.ââ (NIV)
6 Blessings God Gives To Those Who Fear Him
1. Wisdom
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (NIV)
2. God speaks to those who fear him
Psalm 25:14 "The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them." (NIV)
3. Protection for you and your children
Proverbs 14:26 Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. (NLT)
4. Life
Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. (NLT)
5. Prosperity
Proverbs 22:4: True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. (NLT)
6. Angelic help
Psalm 34:7 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." (NIV)
2C. Resist with worship
Matthew 4:10-11 Jesus said to him, âAway from me, Satan! For it is written: âWorship the Lord your God, and serve him only.ââ 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV)
3. Earnestly pray and seek God
Acts 12:5â7 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. âQuick, get up!â he said, and the chains fell off Peterâs wrists. (NIV)
4. Trust God at all times
Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, âHe is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.â (NIV)
4A. Trust God when youâre being attacked
Psalm 91:7-12 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, âThe Lord is my refuge,â and you make the Most High your dwelling,â¨10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands,â¨so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (NIV)
4B. Trust God when you feel like giving up
1 Kings 19:4â6 while he himself went a dayâs journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. âI have had enough, Lord,â he said. âTake my life; I am no better than my ancestors.â 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, âGet up and eat.â 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. (NIV)
4C. Trust God when you donât want to do his will
Luke 22:41â43 âHe withdrew about a stoneâs throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 âFather, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.â 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (NIV) -
Psalm 103:20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. (NLT)
Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (NIV)
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (NIV)
8 Good Things Angels Do For Godâs People
1. They can protect us
Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.â (NIV)
Exodus 23:20 âSee, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. (NIV)
Psalm 91:11â12 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (NIV)
2. They can physically direct us
Genesis 19:15â16 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, âHurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.â 16 When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. (NIV)
3. They can rescue us
Acts 12:7â11 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. âQuick, get up!â he said, and the chains fell off Peterâs wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, âPut on your clothes and sandals.â And Peter did so. âWrap your cloak around you and follow me,â the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, âNow I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herodâs clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.â (NIV)
4. They can provide for us
1 Kings 19:4â8 while he himself went a dayâs journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. âI have had enough, Lord,â he said. âTake my life; I am no better than my ancestors.â 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, âGet up and eat.â 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, âGet up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.â 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.â (NIV)
5. They can strengthen us
Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (NIV)
6. They can perform supernatural feats
Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. (NIV)
Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.â (NIV)
Acts 12:10â11 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, âNow I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herodâs clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.â (NIV)
Matthew 28:2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. (NIV)
Revelation 20:1-3 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. (NIV)
7. They can fight spiritual battles on your behalf
Daniel 10:12-13 12 Then he said, âDonât be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. (NLT)
Jude 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, âThe Lord rebuke you!â (NIV)
2 Kings 6:16-17 âDonât be afraid!â Elisha told him. âFor there are more on our side than on theirs!â 17 Then Elisha prayed, âO LORD, open his eyes and let him see!â The LORD opened the young manâs eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. (NLT)
8. They are with Jesus when He returns for His people
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (NIV) -
4 Major Types of Angels In The Bible
1. Seraphim
Isaiah 6:2-4 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: âHoly, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.â4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. (NIV)
2. Cherubim
Genesis 3:24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (NIV)
3. Archangels
6 Facts About Archangels
1. Michael is the only archangel listed by name in the Bible (Jude 1:9) (Daniel 10:13)
Daniel 10:13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia (NLT)
Luke 1:19 The angel said to him, âI am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. (NIV)
Luke 1:26 In the sixth month of Elizabethâs pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee (NIV)
2. Michael stands guard over Israel
3. Michael directly opposes Satan
Jude 1:9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, âThe Lord rebuke you!â (NIV)
4. Michael battles against evil angels including Satan
5. Michael is a military commander
6. Archangels shout a loud command when Jesus returns for His church
1 Thessalonians 4:16- For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (NIV)
4. Guardian Angels
Psalms 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; (NIV)
Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?â (NIV)
Matthew 18:10 See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. (NIV)
Daniel 6:22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.â (NIV)
Acts 12:15 âYouâre out of your mind,â they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, âIt must be his angel.â (NIV)
5. Angels have different rankings and power
Revelation 12:7- Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. (NIV)
Peter speaks of Jesus going to Heaven and lists a hierarchy of angels:
1 Peter 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at Godâs right handâwith angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. (NIV)
Job 1:6 One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. (NLT)
Job 2:1 One day the members of the heavenly court came again to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. (NLT)
Psalm 82:1 God presides over heavenâs court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: (NLT)
Psalm 82:1 God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: (ESV)
6. Angels are messengers who speak to humanity
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (NIV)
1. They can give us a promise from God
Genesis 16:10 The angel added, âI will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.â (NIV)
2. They can warn us
Genesis 19:15 With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, âHurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.â (NIV)
3. They can give us instructions
Genesis 22:11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, âAbraham! Abraham!â âHere I am,â he replied. (NIV)
4. They can give us directions
Acts 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, âGo south to the roadâthe desert roadâthat goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.â (NIV)
5. They can encourage us
Judges 6:12 When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, âThe LORD is with you, mighty warrior.â (NIV)
6. They can announce Godâs plan
Judges 13:3 The angel of the LORD appeared to her and said, âYou are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. (NIV)
7. They can give us the words we need to speak
Zechariah 1:14 Then the angel who was speaking to me said, âProclaim this word: This is what the LORD Almighty says: âI am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, (NIV)
8. They can encourage us not to be afraid
Acts 27:23â25 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, âDo not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.â 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. (NIV)
9. They can help us experience salvation -
Ephesians 6:10-12 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devilâs schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)
1. What is an angel?
angel - a spiritual being serving as a divine messenger and intermediary and often as a special protector of an individual or nation
Luke 10:18-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, âLord, even the demons submit to us in your name.â 18 He replied, âI saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.â (NIV)
Isaiah 14:12-15 â âHow you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning!â¨You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world.â¨13 For you said to yourself, âI will ascend to heaven and set my throne above Godâs stars.â¨I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north.[e] 14 I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.â 15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead down to its lowest depths. (NLT)
2. Are angels created beings?
Nehemiah 9:6 âYou alone are the Lord. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you. (NLT)
Colossians 1:15-16 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16 for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we canât seeâ such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. (NLT)
3. Are angels male or female?
Luke 1:19 The angel said to him, âI am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. (NIV)
Jude 1:8-9 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, âThe Lord rebuke you!â (NIV)
4. How many angels are there?
Hebrews 12:22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. (NLT)
Revelation 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. (NIV)
Daniel 7:10 - Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. (NLT)
5. Should we worship angels?
Revelation 19:10 â Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, âNo, donât worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters[c] who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. (NLT)
6. Do we have guardian angels?
Matthew 18:10 âBeware that you donât look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. (NLT)
Acts 12:15 âYouâre out of your mind,â they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, âIt must be his angel.â (NIV)
7. Why do we really need to know about angels?
1. We canât understand everything, but should strive to understand everything we can.
2. It gives us insight into Godâs ways and how He works.
3. It gives us insight into the spirit world, the spiritual battle, and how to win. -
Psalm 78:70-72 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens 71 from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance 72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them (NIV)
3 steps to stay in your lane the rest of your life
1. Keep our hearts clean
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me (NLT)
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (NIV)
Tips to guard your heart
1. Desire a clean heart2. Stay close to God
Psalm 51:11 Do not banish me from your presence, and donât take your Holy Spirit from me (NLT)
2. Keep your head clear
1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (NIV)
3. Keep your hands steady
Acts 13:36 âNow when David had served Godâs purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)
Lessons from David on keeping your hands steady
1. Develop our skills 2. Stay focused on Godâs purpose
Acts 13:36 âNow when David had served Godâs purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV) -
People's Church of OKC is a multi-cultural church designed with you in mind. Senior Pastor, Herbert Cooper.
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1 Samuel 24:3â7 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, âThis is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, âI will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.â â Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saulâs robe. 5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, âThe Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lordâs anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.â 7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way. (NIV)
1 Samuel 26:7â10 So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. 8 Abishai said to David, âToday God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I wonât strike him twice.â 9 But David said to Abishai, âDonât destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lordâs anointed and be guiltless? 10 As surely as the Lord lives,â he said, âthe Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. (NIV) 2 Samuel 9:1 David asked, âIs there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathanâs sake?â (NIV)
2 Samuel 9:7 âDonât be afraid,â David said to him, âfor I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.â (NIV)
5 Ways To Turn Your Pain Into Purpose
1. Pray for those who hurt you
Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (NKJV)
Hebrews 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (NIV)
2. Forgive those who hurt you
Matthew 6:14â15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)
3. Talk to the person not about the person
Matthew 18:15â17 âIf another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she wonât accept the churchâs decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. (NLT)
Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. (NLT)
4. Do good to the people who hurt you
Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, (NKJV)
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV)
Romans 12:19â20 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for Godâs wrath, for it is written: âIt is mine to avenge; I will repay,â says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: âIf your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.â (NIV)
5. Let God heal your heart
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)
Psalm 34:18 If your heart is broken, youâll find God right there; if youâre kicked in the gut, heâll help you catch your breath. (MSG)
Psalm 30:2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. (NIV) -
James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (NIV)
James 1:3-4 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)
James 1:12- Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (NIV)
Genesis 22:1- Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, âAbraham!â âHere I am,â he replied. (NIV)
Psalm 105:19 Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Josephâs character. (NLT)
Exodus 16:4-Then the Lord said to Moses, âI will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. (NIV)
Job 23:10- But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (NIV)
Psalm 139:23â24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV)
5 Tests You Need To Pass
1. Forgotten test
1 Samuel 17:15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his fatherâs sheep at Bethlehem. (NIV)
2. Failure test
3. Family and friends test
4. Finance Test
1 Samuel 17:20 Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. 21 Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. 22 David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were. (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his fatherâs sheep at Bethlehem. (NIV)
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,â says the Lord Almighty, âand see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (NIV)
5. Fight Test2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (NIV)
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV) -
2 Corinthians 8:21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man. (NIV)
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (NIV)
1. Distracted by the approval of people 1 Samuel 16:5 Samuel replied, âYes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.â Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:11 So he asked Jesse, âAre these all the sons you have?â âThere is still the youngest,â Jesse answered. âHe is tending the sheep.â Samuel said, âSend for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.â (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:33 Saul replied, âYou are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.â (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 2:4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. (NIV)
2. Distracted by what others possess
3. Distracted by the harsh words of people
1 Samuel 17:28â29 When Eliab, Davidâs oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, âWhy have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the wilderness? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle.â 29 âNow what have I done?â said David. âCanât I even speak?â (NIV) 1 Samuel 17:42â44 He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, âAm I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?â And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 âCome here,â he said, âand Iâll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!â (NIV)
1 Samuel 17:45â47 David said to the Philistine, âYou come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and Iâll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lordâs, and he will give all of you into our hands.â (NIV)
4. Distracted by the requests of people1 Samuel 17:38â40 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. âI cannot go in these,â he said to Saul, âbecause I am not used to them.â So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherdâs bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. (NIV)
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (NIV) -
1. Guard your heart from things that dull your spiritual sensitivity.
Proverbs 4:23 - 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. NIV
Psalm 1:1 - 1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, NIV
Psalm 101:3 - I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. NLT
2. Fill your life with things that align your heart with Godâs.
Psalm 119:97, 103 â- Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! NIV
Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. NIV
Psalm 26:8 â Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. NIV
Psalm 27:4 - The one thing I ask of the Lordâ the thing I seek mostâ is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lordâs perfections and meditating in his Temple. NLT
Psalm 84:10 - One day spent in your house, this beautiful place of worship, beats thousands spent on Greek island beaches. Iâd rather scrub floors in the house of my God than be honored as a guest in the palace of sin. MSG
Psalm 27:8 - My heart says of you, âSeek his face!â Your face, Lord, I will seek. NIV
3. Learn to lead your thoughts.
Psalm 1:1-2 - Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
2 Cor. 10:5 - 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. NIV
Colossians 3:2 - 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. NIV
Romans 12:2 - 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Godâs will isâhis good, pleasing and perfect will. NIV
Philippians 4:8 - 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ESV -
1. The preparation process develops your calling
2. The preparation process develops your anointing
1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (NIV)
2 Samuel 5:10 And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him. (NIV)
3. The preparation process develops your character
Psalms 78:72- And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. (NIV)
4. The preparation process develops your skills
Psalms 78:72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. (NIV)
5. The preparation process develops your relationships
1 Samuel 19:1â2 Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David 2 and warned him, âMy father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. (NIV)
6. The preparation process develops your confidence
1 Samuel 17:36â37 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.â Saul said to David, âGo, and the Lord be with you.â (NIV) -
Isaiah 44:2 This is what the LORD saysâ he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. (NIV)
Isaiah 49:1 Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the LORD called me; from my motherâs womb he has spoken my name. (NIV)
Isaiah 49:5 And now the LORD speaksâ the one who formed me in my motherâs womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The LORD has honored me, and my God has given me strength. (NLT)
Job 14:5 A personâs days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. (NIV)
Jeremiah 1:5 âBefore I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.â (NIV)
Galatians 1:15 But when God, who set me apart from my motherâs womb and called me by his grace, was pleased (NIV)
Jeremiah 10:23 LORD, I know that peopleâs lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. (NIV)
Psalm 40:5 Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. (NIV)
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my motherâs womb. (NIV)
Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:1 The LORD said to Samuel, âHow long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.â (NIV) Psalm 75:7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. (NIV) Psalm 22:9 Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my motherâs breast. (NIV)
Psalm 71:6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my motherâs womb. I will ever praise you. (NIV)
Acts 13:36 âNow when David had served Godâs purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:5 Samuel replied, âYes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.â Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:11 So he asked Jesse, âAre these all the sons you have?â âThere is still the youngest,â Jesse answered. âHe is tending the sheep.â Samuel said, âSend for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.â (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (NIV)
1 Samuel 16:19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, âSend me your son David, who is with the sheep.â (NIV)
Acts 13:36 âNow when David had served Godâs purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. (NIV) -
John 20:11â14 âNow Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesusâ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13 They asked her, âWoman, why are you crying?â âThey have taken my Lord away,â she said, âand I donât know where they have put him.â 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. (NIV)
3 Obstacles That Cause People To Miss Jesus
1. Your emotions can cause you to miss Jesus
John 20:13 âThey asked her, âWoman, why are you crying?â âThey have taken my Lord away,â she said, âand I donât know where they have put him.â (NIV)
2. Your disappointment can cause you to miss Jesus
John 20:15 âHe asked her, âWoman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?â Thinking he was the gardener, she said, âSir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.â (NIV)
3. Your confusion can cause you to miss Jesus
Ecclesiastes 11:5 As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a motherâs womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. (NIV)
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (NIV)
John 14:6 Jesus answered, âI am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)
John 20:16 Jesus said to her, âMary.â She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, âRabboni!â (which means âTeacherâ). NIV)
John 20:17-18 Jesus said, âDo not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, âI am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.ââ 18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: âI have seen the Lord!â And she told them that he had said these things to her.â (NIV) -
JOHN 4: 39â40 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, âHe told me all that I ever did.â 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. (NKJV)
REVELATION 12:10-11 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, âNow salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV)
1 WE MUST GO THE WAY THAT JESUS WENT
JOHN 4:3-4 So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 4 He had to go through Samaria on the way. (NLT)
MATTHEW 28:18-19 Jesus came and told his disciples, âI have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
WHEN FOUND PEOPLE GO THE WAY OF JESUS, LOST PEOPLE FIND THE WAY OF JESUS
2 WE MUST HAVE THE WELL THAT JESUS HAD
JOHN 4:5-7 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacobâs well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, âPlease give me a drink.â (NLT)
JOHN 4: 9-10 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, âYou are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?â 10 Jesus replied, âIf you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.â (NLT)
JOHN 4: 11-12 âBut sir, you donât have a rope or a bucket,â she said, âand this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, do you think youâre greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?â (NLT)
MATTHEW 9:36-38 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to his disciples, âThe harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.â (NLT)
JOHN 4:13-14 Jesus replied, âAnyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. 14 But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.â (NLT)
JESUS USES THE WELL WITHIN US TO HEAL THE WOUNDS AROUND US
3 WE MUST BE THE WITNESS THAT JESUS WAS
JOHN 4:28-30 The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, 29 âCome and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?â 30 So the people came streaming from the village to see him. (NLT)
ACTS 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhereâin Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.â (NLT)
COMMISSION ZONES HAVE NO COMFORT ZONES
4 WE MUST FINISH THE WORK THAT JESUS STARTED
JOHN 4:32-34 But Jesus replied, âI have a kind of food you know nothing about.â 33 âDid someone bring him food while we were gone?â the disciples asked each other. 34 Then Jesus explained: âMy nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. (NLT)
JOHN 4: 39-40 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, âHe told me all that I ever did.â 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. (NKJV)
REVELATION 12:10-11 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, âNow salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV)
THE WILL OF JESUS IS FOR EVERYONE TO DO THE WORK OF JESUS -
Own Your Serve
Matthew 20:20-21 - Then the mother of Zebedeeâs sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. 21 âWhat is it you want?â he asked. She said, âGrant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.â (NIV)
Matthew 20:24 - When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. (NIV)
Mark 9:33-34 â When he was in the house, he asked them, âWhat were you arguing about on the road?â 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. (NIV)
Matthew 20:25-28 - Jesus called them together and said, âYou know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slaveâ28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.â (NIV)
Matthew 20:26-28 - Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slaveâ 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.â (NIV)
Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. NIV
Matthew 25:14-30 - 1âFor it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[c] and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents,[d] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, âMaster, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.â 21 His master said to him, âWell done, good and faithful servant.[e] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.â 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, âMaster, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.â 23 His master said to him, âWell done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.â 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, âMaster, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.â 26 But his master answered him, âYou wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.â (ESV)
God is looking for servants who are:
1. Kingdom-minded not self-centered
Matthew 25:16-18 - He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. (ESV)
Matthew 20:26-28 - Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slaveâ 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.â (NIV)
2. Faithful not fickle
Matthew 25:21 - His master said to him, âWell done, good and faithful servant. (ESV)
Colossians 3:23 â Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (ESV)
3. Fruitful not fruitless
Matthew 25:21 - His master said to him, âWell DONE, good and faithful servant.â (ESV)
John 15:8 - This is to my Fatherâs glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)
Ephesians 2:10 â For we are Godâs handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
1 Peter 4:10 - Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of Godâs grace in its various forms. (NIV)
Romans 12:3-11 - Because of the privilege and authority[c] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Donât think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[d] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christâs body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Donât just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection,[e] and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (NLT)
4. He can reward not rebuke
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materialsâgold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 13 But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a personâs work has any value. 14 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. 15 But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. (NLT)
Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. (ESV)
Matthew 16:26-27 - What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Fatherâs glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. (NIV)
Revelation 22:12 - âLook, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. (NLT) -
Own Your OpportunityOpen the Door
Acts 12:5-18 (NIV) 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. âQuick, get up!â he said, and the chains fell off Peterâs wrists.8 Then the angel said to him, âPut on your clothes and sandals.â And Peter did so. âWrap your cloak around you and follow me,â the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.
10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
11 Then Peter came to himself and said, âNow I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herodâs clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.â12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.
13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door.
14 When she recognized Peterâs voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, âPeter is at the door!â 15 âYouâre out of your mind,â they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, âIt must be his angel.â
16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. âTell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,â he said, and then he left for another place. 18 In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.
1. You open a door when you pray it open.
2. You open a door when you take your next step.
3. You open a door when you invest and invite. - Laat meer zien
