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MESSAGES

Defeating Disappointment
41:06
Highest Praise 9am weekend service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving We explored the theme of "Defeating Disappointment," drawing from the rich tapestry of scripture to understand how God meets us in our moments of despair. We began by honoring our veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices, and then transitioned into a time of worship, recognizing the presence of the King among us. Our primary texts were Ezekiel 1 and Psalm 107, which provided a framework for understanding how God operates in our lives, even when we feel like we've missed our appointments or opportunities. Ezekiel's vision by the river Kabar, on what should have been a significant day in his life, serves as a powerful reminder that no place is too far for God to reach us. Despite being in Babylon, a place of exile and broken dreams, Ezekiel experienced the heavens opening and saw visions of God. This illustrates that even in our darkest moments, God is present and working. Psalm 107 offers a structured approach to understanding disappointment through its four stanzas, each representing different types of disappointments: accidents, wrongs done by others, personal failures, and running from God. Each stanza ends with a call to give thanks to the Lord, emphasizing that crying out to God in our distress leads to deliverance. This psalm reassures us that God is never late, and He is always ready to guide us back to the right path, heal our wounds, and calm our storms. We also discussed the importance of having an active relationship with the Holy Spirit, likening it to having an instructor who guides us through life's challenges. Without this guidance, we risk walking through life with a list of instructions but no understanding of how to apply them. The Holy Spirit is essential for living a life of faith and overcoming the disappointments that inevitably come our way. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and encouragement. No matter the source of our disappointment, whether it be external circumstances, personal failures, or running from God, He is always ready to meet us where we are. We are reminded that God is not only present in our lives but actively working to bring about His purposes, even when we cannot see it. **Key Takeaways:** - **God's Presence in Exile:** Ezekiel's vision by the river Kabar teaches us that no place is too far for God to reach us. Even in our darkest moments, God is present and working, reminding us that we have not missed our divine appointments. [01:01] - **Understanding Disappointment:** Psalm 107 provides a framework for understanding different types of disappointments, whether they are accidents, wrongs done by others, personal failures, or running from God. Each type of disappointment is met with God's deliverance when we cry out to Him. [19:48] - **The Role of the Holy Spirit:** Having an active relationship with the Holy Spirit is crucial for navigating life's challenges. Without this guidance, we risk walking through life with a list of instructions but no understanding of how to apply them. The Holy Spirit is our instructor, guiding us in faith. [08:18] - **God's Timeliness:** One of the most important truths is that God is always on time. We may feel like we've missed our opportunities, but God is already in our future, working things out for our good. Our disappointments are not the end of the story. [09:26] - **Hope in God's Deliverance:** Regardless of the source of our disappointment, God is always ready to meet us where we are. He is actively working to bring about His purposes, and our role is to trust Him and cry out in our distress, knowing He will deliver us. [27:53] **Youtube Chapters:** - [00:00] - Welcome - [01:01] - Opening Scripture: Ezekiel and Psalms - [01:51] - Defeating Disappointment - [03:51] - Personal Reflections and Humor - [05:49] - The Importance of an Instructor - [08:18] - The Role of the Holy Spirit - [09:26] - Understanding Disappointment - [10:24] - Personal Story of Disappointment - [13:42] - Structure of the Psalms - [15:24] - The Five Books of Psalms - [17:13] - The Enemy Stealing Your Song - [19:00] - Structure of Psalm 107 - [22:49] - Stanza Two: Disappointment by Others - [24:20] - Stanza Three: Personal Failures - [26:23] - Stanza Four: Running from God - [28:26] - God's Deliverance in Disappointment - [31:07] - Ezekiel's Vision and God's Timing - [32:36] - God's Reach: Even in Babylon - [35:17] - Crying Out to God - [37:41] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Different
35:25
Highest Praise 9am weekend service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving In today's message, we explored the story of the twelve spies sent to scout the Promised Land, focusing on the contrasting perspectives of Caleb and Joshua versus the other ten spies. The narrative from Numbers 13 and 14 reveals a profound lesson about faith, vision, and the spirit of limitation. The ten spies returned with a report that, while acknowledging the land's abundance, emphasized the formidable obstacles, thereby instilling fear and doubt among the Israelites. This fear led to a loss of hope and vision, a common experience for many of us when faced with life's challenges. The spirit of limitation often tries to hinder our commitment to God's promises, using past experiences, relationships, or negative reports to keep us from realizing our potential. However, Caleb and Joshua demonstrated a different spirit, one of faith and wholehearted devotion to God. They saw the same giants and fortified cities as the others but chose to focus on God's promise rather than the obstacles. This story reminds us that the enemy may try to hinder us, but he cannot stop us from reaching our promised land if we remain steadfast in faith. Like the dog in the story, we often become accustomed to limitations that no longer exist, failing to recognize the freedom already granted to us through Christ. Jesus has cut the rope of bondage, and we are called to live in the fullness of that freedom. The key to overcoming the spirit of limitation is to have a vision of where God is leading us and to follow Him wholeheartedly. Caleb's life exemplifies this, as he was distinguished by his unwavering faith and commitment. The narrative encourages us to resist the temptation to settle for less or to lower God's standards for our lives. Instead, we are called to embrace the vision of the promised land, to taste the grapes of God's promises, and to pursue them with determination and faith. The glory of God is our sustainer, and by hosting His presence, we can counter opposition and live differently, as Joshua and Caleb did. **Key Takeaways:** 1. **The Spirit of Limitation:** The spirit of limitation seeks to hinder our commitment to God's promises by using past experiences and negative reports to instill fear and doubt. However, the enemy cannot stop us from reaching our promised land if we remain steadfast in faith. We must resist the devil, and he will flee from us. [03:47] 2. **Freedom in Christ:** Like the dog accustomed to a short leash, we often fail to recognize the freedom already granted to us through Christ. Jesus has cut the rope of bondage, and we are called to live in the fullness of that freedom, resisting the enemy's attempts to convince us otherwise. [07:10] 3. **Wholehearted Devotion:** Caleb's life exemplifies wholehearted devotion to God, which is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving God's promises. By following God with our whole heart, we can see His promises fulfilled in our lives, regardless of our background or circumstances. [15:42] 4. **Vision and Faith:** To achieve beyond where we are, we must have a vision of where God is leading us. The grapes from Canaan were a taste of the promised land, intended to propel the Israelites forward. We must not settle for a taste but pursue the fullness of God's promises with faith. [12:47] 5. **The Glory of God:** The glory of God is our sustainer, and by hosting His presence, we can counter opposition and live differently. The world is looking for the glory of God to fall, and when it does, it changes hearts and exposes the lies of the enemy. [23:23] **Youtube Chapters:** - [00:00] - Welcome - [01:47] - The Report of the Spies - [03:47] - The Spirit of Limitation - [04:55] - Resisting the Enemy - [07:10] - The Dog and the Rope - [08:25] - Freedom in Christ - [09:14] - Two Ways to Fail - [10:20] - Joshua and Caleb's Faith - [11:02] - David and the Giant - [11:57] - Cutting Off the Enemy - [12:47] - Vision and the Grapes - [13:42] - Taste of the Promised Land - [15:42] - Caleb's Different Spirit - [17:18] - Faith Beyond Lineage - [19:07] - Faith Never Settles - [23:23] - The Glory of God - [25:00] - Being Different - [26:37] - Opportunity to Change - [27:25] - Wholehearted Living
Risk Takers
46:45
Highest Praise 10:45am weekend service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving Taking a step of faith is often synonymous with taking a risk. Baptism is a profound act of faith, symbolizing a believer's commitment to follow Christ and become His disciple. It is not a prerequisite for salvation but a public declaration of the transformation that has already occurred within. Baptism requires humility, a willingness to die to the old self, and a commitment to live in the newness of life that Christ offers. It is a dramatization of the burial of the past and the resurrection into righteousness, where God sees not our imperfections but the righteousness of Christ in us. The act of baptism is a radical step of faith, a decision that signifies a believer's adherence to the teachings of Jesus. It is a commitment to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, regardless of societal or political pressures. In a world where the lines between good and evil are increasingly blurred, baptism is a declaration of allegiance to Christ and His kingdom. It is a reminder that we are not remodeled versions of our old selves but new creations in Christ, something that has never existed before. Faith is inherently risky, requiring us to step out of our comfort zones and trust God with the unknown. Biblical figures like Abraham, David, and Peter exemplified this radical faith, taking significant risks that led to profound transformations. Their stories remind us that where there is no risk, there is no faith, and without faith, there is no power, joy, or intimacy with God. Risk takers are those who hear God's voice and obey, trusting that He knows best. In our journey of faith, God often brings us to the edge of a decision, challenging us to take a radical step of faith. This decision is not just about following Christ but fulfilling the purpose He has for our lives. It involves a willingness to risk everything for the sake of gaining everything in Christ. As believers, we are called to be risk takers, stepping out in faith and trusting God to do the impossible. This radical faith is what transforms us from good to great, enabling us to experience the fullness of God's promises. **Key Takeaways:** - Baptism is a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the burial of the old self and the resurrection into a new life in Christ. It requires humility and a commitment to live in righteousness, where God sees the righteousness of Christ in us. [03:58] - Faith involves taking risks, stepping out of our comfort zones, and trusting God with the unknown. Biblical figures like Abraham and David exemplified this radical faith, leading to profound transformations. [34:09] - Baptism signifies adherence to the teachings of Jesus, a commitment to live by every word from God, regardless of societal pressures. It is a declaration of allegiance to Christ and His kingdom. [08:53] - Radical faith is about making decisions that align with God's purpose for our lives, even when it involves significant risks. It transforms us from good to great, enabling us to experience the fullness of God's promises. [22:29] - Risk takers are those who hear God's voice and obey, trusting that He knows best. This obedience is a sign of trust and respect, leading to a deeper intimacy with God. [29:23] **Youtube Chapters:** [0:00] - Welcome [01:01] - The Significance of Baptism [03:58] - Humility and Righteousness [07:04] - New Creation in Christ [08:53] - Adherence to Jesus' Teachings [11:48] - Faith and Risk Taking [12:22] - God's Exposures and Guidance [13:41] - Choosing the Right Path [17:23] - Sincerity in Baptism [18:23] - Dying to the World [20:39] - Radical Steps of Faith [22:04] - The Cost of Faith [22:29] - Decisions and Faith [25:00] - The Greatest Decision [26:40] - Faith and Transformation [27:51] - Risk and Faith [29:23] - Obedience and Trust [30:40] - Abraham's Radical Faith [34:09] - David and Peter's Faith [36:57] - Jairus and the Woman's Faith [39:48] - Blind Bartimaeus' Faith [43:00] - Radical Faith and Transformation [45:53] - Prayer and Commitment
These Things
35:18
In today's message, we explored the profound truth found in Romans 8:28, which assures us that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This doesn't mean that everything we experience will be comfortable or enjoyable, but rather that God uses every circumstance to shape us into the image of His Son. Our journey through life's challenges is not about what we endure but what we gain from those experiences. It's about the wisdom, strength, and perspective we acquire as we navigate through trials. We discussed the importance of perspective in facing life's difficulties. Like David before Goliath, we should focus on God's greatness rather than the size of our problems. Our faith is not measured by our enthusiasm but by the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Whether we are full of energy or feeling weary, our faith remains anchored in Him. The story of the two Hebrews at the first Passover illustrates that our salvation is not dependent on our emotional state but on the blood of the Lamb. Furthermore, we examined the concept of spiritual immunity. Just as a physical immune disease makes us susceptible to illnesses, spiritual discouragement can weaken our defenses against the enemy's attacks. It's crucial to maintain a healthy spiritual perspective, recognizing that we are more than conquerors in Christ. Our identity in Him is not about what we do but who we are becoming. Lastly, we reflected on the relationships in our lives, likening them to leaves, branches, and roots. Root relationships, like our relationship with God, are steadfast and supportive, regardless of the season. In Christ, we have an inheritance, not based on our works but on our relationship with Him. As we face life's challenges, we must remember that our ultimate victory is in Christ, and our faith is rooted in His unchanging love and grace. **Key Takeaways:** 1. **God's Purpose in Trials:** Our trials are not meant to make us comfortable but to conform us to the image of Christ. The true measure of our journey is not what we endure but what we gain from it—wisdom, strength, and perspective. [02:16] 2. **Perspective in Adversity:** Like David, we should focus on God's greatness rather than the size of our problems. Our perspective determines our spiritual health and resilience in the face of challenges. [05:14] 3. **Faith's Object, Not Intensity:** Our faith is not about how enthusiastic we are but about the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Whether we are full of energy or weary, our faith remains anchored in Him. [19:32] 4. **Spiritual Immunity:** Discouragement can weaken our spiritual defenses, making us vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. Maintaining a healthy spiritual perspective is crucial to overcoming challenges. [14:59] 5. **Rooted Relationships:** Our relationship with God is like a root—steadfast and supportive, regardless of the season. In Christ, we have an inheritance based on our relationship with Him, not our works. [30:15] **Youtube Chapters:** [0:00] - Welcome [01:08] - All Things for Good [02:16] - Conformed to His Image [03:28] - Speaking to Challenges [05:14] - David's Perspective [06:08] - Lessons from Trials [07:52] - What Did I Leave With? [09:32] - Suffering with Purpose [10:51] - Vulnerability in Discouragement [12:16] - Identity in Christ [14:59] - Spiritual Immunity [16:01] - Passover Faith [19:32] - Object of Faith [21:56] - A Merry Heart [25:49] - God's Sense of Humor [27:02] - Inheritance Over Harvest [30:15] - Rooted Relationships [32:38] - Remembering God's Greatness [34:44] - Closing Blessing
Works of the Enemy
49:51
In today's message, we explored the spiritual battles that Christians face, particularly focusing on the concepts of regression, repression, suppression, and depression. These are tactics used by the enemy to hinder our spiritual growth and expression. We began by discussing the importance of being part of something greater than ourselves, recognizing that God is at work in our lives and communities. This sense of belonging and purpose is crucial in combating the darkness that tries to seep into our lives, especially during times like the Halloween season when the focus on darkness is more pronounced. We delved into the teachings of Paul, particularly Ephesians 4:27, which warns us not to give place to the devil. This involves being vigilant and on guard, recognizing the enemy's attempts to interact with our lives. The enemy's tactics include causing us to regress, which means reverting to old behavior patterns and losing the progress we've made in our spiritual journey. We are reminded that we are built for progress and advancement, and any backward movement is a sign of negative spiritual forces at work. Repression, on the other hand, involves restraining our natural expressions of joy and exuberance that God desires for us. We are encouraged to be expressive in our faith, allowing our hearts to burn with passion for God, much like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Suppression takes this a step further, pushing us under and concealing our victorious Christian lifestyle. It is crucial to resist these forces through prayer, worship, and maintaining a close relationship with God. Depression, a more severe form of spiritual attack, can lead to feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. However, we are reminded that peace is a powerful weapon against these strongholds. By seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we align ourselves with His will and protection, ensuring that all other needs are met. This lifestyle of seeking God first shields us from the enemy's attacks and allows us to live in the fullness of joy and peace that God intends for us. **Key Takeaways:** 1. **Spiritual Vigilance:** Christians must remain vigilant against the enemy's attempts to infiltrate their lives. This involves recognizing the tactics of regression and understanding that we are built for progress and advancement in our spiritual journey. [41:05] 2. **Expressive Faith:** God desires for us to be expressive in our faith, allowing our hearts to burn with passion for Him. Repression of this natural expression is a tactic of the enemy, and we must resist it through prayer and worship. [49:17] 3. **Overcoming Suppression:** Suppression seeks to conceal our victorious Christian lifestyle. By maintaining a close relationship with God and resisting the enemy's pressure, we can live in the victory that Christ has won for us. [58:05] 4. **Peace as a Weapon:** Peace is not just a feeling but a powerful weapon against depression and spiritual attacks. By seeking God's kingdom first, we align ourselves with His protection and provision. [13:07] 5. **Seek First the Kingdom:** Prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness in our lives ensures that all other needs are met. This alignment with God's will protects us from the enemy's attacks and allows us to live in joy and peace. [20:02] **Youtube Chapters:** - [0:00] - Welcome - [39:23] - The Power of Community - [39:55] - Addressing Darkness - [40:28] - Understanding Strongholds - [41:05] - Spiritual Vigilance - [42:21] - The Power of Resistance - [43:17] - The Danger of Regression - [44:46] - Built for Progress - [46:36] - Overcoming Repression - [48:11] - The Road to Emmaus - [49:17] - Expressive Faith - [50:19] - The Importance of Joy - [52:02] - Avoiding Suppression - [58:05] - Living a Victorious Lifestyle - [13:07] - Peace as a Weapon - [20:02] - Seek First the Kingdom
Demons & Pigs
51:56
Today, we delved into the topic of demons and their influence, particularly focusing on the story of the man possessed by a legion of demons in Mark 5. We explored the Greek term for demon, which translates to "demonized," meaning to be affected or influenced by demons. This influence is not limited to non-believers; even Christians can give place to the devil through disobedience and sin. We examined various scriptures, including Ephesians 2:2 and Acts 5, to understand how disobedience opens doors for demonic influence. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of lying to God and how it can fill our hearts with the enemy. We also discussed the importance of not giving place to the devil, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:27. Christians need to be vigilant and consistent in their walk with God to avoid fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, as stated in Galatians 5:16-17. We emphasized that while a born-again Christian's spirit is regenerated and cannot be possessed by evil spirits, their mind, will, and emotions can still be affected. Therefore, it is crucial to walk in the Spirit consistently. The story of the man in the tombs, who was possessed by a legion of demons, illustrates the destructive power of evil spirits but also highlights Jesus' authority over them. When Jesus cast the demons into a herd of pigs, it demonstrated His power to set people free from demonic influence. We concluded by reminding everyone that Jesus has the final say over any chaos or destruction in our lives. No matter how severe the situation, Jesus' authority and power can bring deliverance and peace. We need to continually seek the Holy Spirit's filling and submit ourselves to God to resist the devil effectively. ### Key Takeaways 1. **Disobedience Opens Doors to Demonic Influence**: Disobedience to God gives evil spirits the right to influence and work within us. Ephesians 2:2 and Acts 5 illustrate how even church members can fall prey to demonic influence through disobedience and lying to God. It's crucial to live in obedience to close these doors. [01:46] 2. **Christians Can Be Affected by Demons**: While a born-again Christian's spirit is regenerated and cannot be possessed, their mind, will, and emotions can still be affected by evil spirits. Walking in the Spirit consistently, as stated in Galatians 5:16-17, helps us avoid fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and keeps us protected. [07:35] 3. **The Power of Consistent Faith**: Persistent faith in God and knowledge of the truth are essential for spiritual growth and protection. James 4:7 teaches that submitting to God and resisting the devil will make him flee. This requires a continuous, not sporadic, commitment to God. [11:50] 4. **Jesus' Authority Over Evil Spirits**: The story of the man possessed by a legion of demons in Mark 5 demonstrates Jesus' authority over all spirit beings. Even the most chaotic and destructive spirits must bow to Jesus. This story reassures us that no matter how severe our situation, Jesus has the power to bring deliverance. [35:27] 5. **The Importance of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit**: Continuously seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit is vital for maintaining spiritual health and protection. Ephesians 4:30 warns against grieving the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for a constant, deep relationship with God to keep demonic influences at bay. [12:33] ### YouTube Chapters [0:00] - Welcome [00:59] - Introduction to Demons and Influence [01:46] - Disobedience and Demonic Influence [02:34] - Sons of Disobedience [03:06] - Ananias and Sapphira [04:23] - Giving Place to the Devil [05:15] - Need for Deliverance [06:33] - Christians Affected by Demons [07:35] - Walking in the Spirit [09:05] - Consistency in Faith [11:50] - Persistent Faith and Knowledge [12:33] - Being Filled with the Holy Spirit [13:19] - Practicing Sin [15:04] - Detaching from Demonic Influence [16:56] - Regeneration and the Holy Spirit [17:46] - Submitting to God and Resisting the Devil [18:44] - Jesus Casting Out Demons [20:33] - Ezekiel's Vision [21:58] - The Temple of the Holy Spirit [23:23] - Modern-Day Demonic Influence [24:30] - Need for Deliverance in the Church [25:19] - Deliverance from the Evil One [26:25] - Jesus Praying for Us [27:35] - Jesus' Power Over Generational Curses [29:26] - The Importance of Staying Vigilant [31:27] - The Power of the Will [33:07] - Using God's Power [34:07] - The Story of the Demoniac and the Pigs [35:27] - Jesus' Authority Over Spirits [37:32] - Unclean Spirits and Generational Influence [39:01] - The Destructive Power of Evil Spirits [41:20] - Jesus' Authority Over Chaos [42:28] - The Final Say of Jesus [44:53] - Conclusion and Worship [49:42] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Order In The House
52:20
Today, we delved into Acts chapter 8, focusing on the story of Philip and the early church's persecution. We began by discussing the concept of strongholds, which are areas where Satan has seized control, causing us to live with symptoms like anger, depression, and anxiety. These strongholds can be passed down through generations, but we must be vigilant and fight against them. We explored the persecution faced by the early church, particularly the havoc wreaked by Saul. Despite the persecution, those who were scattered continued to preach the Word, demonstrating that adversity can lead to growth and multiplication. We emphasized that if one person in a household can break free from the enemy's control, it can lead to freedom for the entire household. Philip's journey to Samaria was highlighted, where he preached Christ and brought great joy to the city. This joy was contrasted with the stronghold of Simon the sorcerer, who had deceived the people with his sorcery. Despite the joy and miracles, the region was still under Simon's influence, illustrating that we can experience temporary relief but still be under a stronghold. We discussed the importance of not settling for temporary joy but striving for complete freedom from strongholds. The enemy is a master deceiver, and we must be aware of the principalities and powers that seek to control us. We must get our houses in order, both spiritually and physically, to experience the full glory of God. In conclusion, we must be vigilant and proactive in breaking free from strongholds. By doing so, we not only free ourselves but also our families and future generations. Let's strive for complete freedom and not settle for temporary relief. ### Key Takeaways 1. **Understanding Strongholds**: A stronghold is any area where Satan has seized control, causing us to live with symptoms like anger, depression, and anxiety. These strongholds can be passed down through generations, but we must be vigilant and fight against them. Recognizing and addressing these strongholds is the first step towards freedom. [02:19] 2. **Adversity Leads to Growth**: The early church faced severe persecution, yet those who were scattered continued to preach the Word. This demonstrates that adversity can lead to growth and multiplication. If one person in a household can break free from the enemy's control, it can lead to freedom for the entire household. [05:24] 3. **Temporary Joy vs. Complete Freedom**: Philip brought great joy to Samaria, but the region was still under the influence of Simon the sorcerer. This illustrates that we can experience temporary relief but still be under a stronghold. We must strive for complete freedom and not settle for temporary joy. [19:18] 4. **The Deceptive Nature of the Enemy**: The enemy is a master deceiver, and we must be aware of the principalities and powers that seek to control us. These principalities attach themselves to our houses and everything attached to us. We must get our houses in order, both spiritually and physically, to experience the full glory of God. [22:48] 5. **Breaking Free for Future Generations**: By breaking free from strongholds, we not only free ourselves but also our families and future generations. The enemy knows that if he can keep us bound, everything attached to us will also be bound. Let's strive for complete freedom and ensure that our children and grandchildren do not have to deal with the same strongholds. [25:05] ### YouTube Chapters [0:00] - Welcome [01:18] - Introduction to Strongholds [02:19] - Recognizing Symptoms of Strongholds [03:11] - The Enemy's Strategy [04:28] - Persecution of the Early Church [05:24] - Adversity and Growth [06:12] - The Power of One [07:42] - Shakings Can Be Good [08:58] - Philip's Mission in Samaria [09:52] - Joy in the City [12:45] - The Woman at the Well [14:33] - Avoiding Spiritual Regression [17:10] - The Deceptive Nature of Simon [19:18] - Temporary Joy vs. Complete Freedom [22:48] - Principalities and Powers [25:05] - Breaking Free for Future Generations [29:31] - The Importance of Order [32:24] - Territorial Spirits [35:27] - Getting Your House in Order [40:24] - The Role of Christian Education [43:38] - God Will Tear Down Strongholds [50:02] - Final Prayer and Encouragement

MDWK

Standing Firm Pt3
48:05
Highest Praise 6:30pm mid-week service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving In our gathering today, we explored the profound journey of standing firm in our deliverance and living in the freedom that God has granted us. This journey is not just about a momentary experience of liberation but about a sustained walk in the Spirit, where we continually align our lives with God's will and purpose. We began by acknowledging the importance of making Jesus the number one priority in our lives. This involves a daily commitment to submit to His lordship, allowing Him to guide our decisions and actions. It's a reminder that our faith is not static; it requires constant realignment and reaffirmation of our commitment to Christ. We also discussed the significance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences and avoiding those who lead us astray. This is a practical step in maintaining our spiritual health and ensuring that we are not swayed by negative influences. Prayer emerged as a vital component of our spiritual journey. It's not just about speaking to God but also about listening and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers. Praying in the Spirit, whether in tongues or in our natural language, connects us to the deep things of God, aligning our desires with His will. Furthermore, we emphasized the importance of being grounded in a Spirit-filled church. Such a community nurtures our spiritual growth, encourages the operation of spiritual gifts, and provides a supportive environment for us to flourish in our faith. Lastly, we explored the concept of crucifying the flesh, which involves understanding who God is, knowing what He wants, and choosing His will over our own desires. This is a daily practice of denying ourselves and embracing God's higher ways. Key Takeaways: - **Prioritize Jesus in Your Life**: Making Jesus the number one priority in your life is essential for standing firm in your deliverance. This involves daily submission to His lordship and allowing Him to guide your decisions. It's a reminder that our faith requires constant realignment and reaffirmation of our commitment to Christ. [05:59] - **Surround Yourself with Positive Influences**: Avoiding negative influences and surrounding yourself with positive, Christian friends is crucial for maintaining spiritual health. This practical step ensures that you are not swayed by those who lead you astray and helps you stay focused on your spiritual journey. [07:16] - **The Power of Prayer**: Prayer is vital for maintaining your spiritual freedom. It's not just about speaking to God but also about listening and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers. Praying in the Spirit connects you to the deep things of God, aligning your desires with His will. [09:08] - **Be Grounded in a Spirit-Filled Church**: Being part of a Spirit-filled church nurtures your spiritual growth and encourages the operation of spiritual gifts. It provides a supportive environment for you to flourish in your faith and helps you stay grounded in your spiritual journey. [15:37] - **Crucify the Flesh**: Understanding who God is, knowing what He wants, and choosing His will over your own desires is key to crucifying the flesh. This daily practice involves denying yourself and embracing God's higher ways, leading to a deeper spiritual walk. [26:59] Youtube Chapters: [00:00] - Welcome [00:58] - God's Turnaround [01:43] - God's Care for Israel [02:24] - Pastor Appreciation [04:06] - Standing Firm in Deliverance [05:59] - Making Jesus Number One [07:16] - Avoiding Negative Influences [08:04] - The Importance of Prayer [09:08] - Praying in the Spirit [12:00] - The Indwelling Spirit [13:25] - Binding the Enemy [14:53] - Spirit-Filled Church [16:30] - Gifts of the Spirit [18:09] - Apostolic Leadership [21:13] - Grounded in the Spirit [22:32] - Daily Praise and Worship [24:46] - Crucifying the Flesh [26:59] - Understanding God [28:51] - Knowing God's Desires [30:41] - The Power of "No" [34:19] - Staying in the Word [37:01] - Accessing God's Presence [41:10] - The Tree of Life [43:56] - Choosing God's Will [47:06] - Closing Prayer
Standing Firm
42:45
Highest Praise 6:30pm mid-week service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving In today's message, we explored the concept of spiritual strongholds and the importance of standing firm in our deliverance. We began by understanding that strongholds are like chains that bind us, holding us captive to sin and preventing us from living in the freedom that God intends for us. Romans 6:16 reminds us that we become slaves to whatever we choose to obey, whether sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness. Deliverance is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of walking in the freedom that Christ has provided. Just as the Israelites were freed from Egypt but took time to shed their old ways, we too must daily choose whom we will serve and walk in our newfound freedom. We discussed the necessity of arming ourselves with the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6. This spiritual armor equips us to stand against the devil's schemes, reminding us that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Renewing our minds through God's Word is crucial in this battle, as it transforms our thinking and aligns it with God's truth. Romans 12:1-2 emphasizes the importance of not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. Furthermore, we explored the significance of submitting ourselves to God and drawing near to Him. James 4:7-8 teaches us that resisting the devil is only effective when we first submit to God. Our submission to God empowers us to resist the devil's attacks and ensures that he will flee from us. We also highlighted the power of prayer, praise, and verbal confession of faith as offensive weapons in our spiritual arsenal. These practices keep us connected to God and remind us of His greatness and our identity in Him. Finally, we acknowledged the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, who intercedes for us and helps us in our weaknesses. The Spirit empowers us to pray beyond our understanding and strengthens us in our spiritual battles. By utilizing these spiritual weapons and standing firm in our deliverance, we can overcome the strongholds that seek to bind us and live victoriously in Christ. **Key Takeaways:** 1. **Understanding Strongholds:** Strongholds are spiritual chains that bind us to sin, preventing us from living in the freedom God intends. Deliverance is a continuous journey, requiring daily choices to walk in freedom and serve God wholeheartedly. [02:36] 2. **The Armor of God:** Ephesians 6 teaches us to put on the full armor of God, equipping us to stand against spiritual forces. This armor includes truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God, empowering us to withstand the devil's schemes. [05:50] 3. **Renewing the Mind:** Romans 12:1-2 emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds through God's Word. This transformation aligns our thinking with God's truth, enabling us to discern His will and live according to His purposes. [08:33] 4. **Submission and Resistance:** James 4:7-8 highlights the necessity of submitting to God before resisting the devil. Our submission empowers us to stand firm against the enemy's attacks, ensuring that he will flee from us. [15:52] 5. **The Power of Prayer and the Holy Spirit:** Prayer, praise, and verbal confession of faith are powerful weapons in our spiritual battles. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, helping us in our weaknesses and empowering us to pray beyond our understanding. [30:36] **Youtube Chapters:** - [0:00] - Welcome - [02:36] - Choosing Whom to Serve - [03:57] - The Battle of Two Masters - [04:51] - Consistent Resistance - [05:50] - The Armor of God - [07:53] - Standing Firm in Deliverance - [08:33] - Renewing the Mind - [09:20] - The Battle of the Mind - [10:12] - The Helmet of Salvation - [12:43] - The Mindset Behind the Mark - [15:52] - Submission and Resistance - [17:17] - Offensive Weapons - [18:51] - The Power of Praise - [20:40] - Identifying Strongholds - [23:11] - Progressive Sanctification - [25:33] - Verbal Confession of Faith - [27:07] - The Word of God as a Weapon - [30:36] - The Role of the Holy Spirit - [32:49] - Praying in the Spirit - [34:30] - The Name and Blood of Jesus - [37:08] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
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