DISCOVERING THE HOLY SPIRIT- Evidence of A Spirit-Filled Life pt 2 // Sunday, March 10, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, March 10, 2024
Discovering the Holy Spirit
Evidence of A Spirit-Filled Life
2 Timothy 3: 1 – 5 (NLT)
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
A Spirit-filled life is permeated with God’s love…
1 Corinthains 13: 4 – 7 (NLT)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
A Spirit-filled life has a hunger for God’s Word…
Romans 8: 1 & 2 (NLT)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice —the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Deuteronomy 6: 4 – 9 (NLT)
“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Psalm 19: 7 & 8 (NLT)
The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.
Psalm 119: 9 (NLT)
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
Colossians 3: 16 (NASB)
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you…
Hebrews 4: 12 (NLT)
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4: 13 (NLT)
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
DISCOVERING THE HOLY SPIRIT- Evidence of A Spirit- Filled Life // Sunday, March 3, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
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Sunday, March 3, 2024
Discovering the Holy Spirit
Evidence of A Spirit-Filled Life
Peter…
Matthew 26: 33 – 35 (NLT)
Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter — this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!”
Matthew 26: 75 (NLT)
Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.
Day of Pentecost:
Peter Boldly Preached…
What happened in between?
Mark 16: 7 (NLT)
Angel to women on resurrection morning…
Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.”
John 21: 7 – 9 (NLT) Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore.9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them —fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.
After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
Evidence of A Spirit-Filled Life
2 Timothy 3: 1 – 5 (NLT)
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
A Spirit-filled life is permeated with God’s love…
1 Corinthains 13: 4 – 7 (NLT)
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
A Spirit-filled life has a hunger for God’s Word…
Romans 8: 1 & 2 (NLT)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice —the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
DISCOVERING THE HOLY SPIRIT- The Purpose of the Holy Spirit // Sunday, February 25, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, February 25, 2024
Discovering the Holy Spirit
Last Week:
The Holy Spirit is for all people:
Believers (Acts 2)
Devout Jews (Acts 2)
Samaritans (Acts 8)
Gentiles (Acts 10)
1. Gelato in Caesarea
The Purpose of the Holy Spirit
Acts 9: 3 – 20 (NLT)
As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.
And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!
6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord!” he replied.
11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas.
When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”
13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!
14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”
15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”
How Peter was changed…
Matthew 26: 31, 33 - 35 (NLT)
On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me...
33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”
34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!”
And all the other disciples vowed the same.
Matthew 26: 69 - (NLT)
Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”
70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.
71 Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72 Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath.“I don’t even know the man,” he said.
73 A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.”
74 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying —I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.
75 Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.
Acts 2: 14 – 16 (NLT)
Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel…
3000 Added…
Acts 1: 6 – 8 (NLT)
So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere —in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Ascension…
DISCOVERING THE SPIRIT -For All People // Sunday, February 18, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, February 18, 2024
Discovering the Holy Spirit
For All People
First Group: Acts 2: 1 - 4 (NASB)
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, distributing themselves, and a tongue rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.
Second Group Acts 2: 5 – 13 (NASB)
5 Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together and they were bewildered, because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya around Cyrene,
and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs — we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty deeds of God.” 12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others were jeering and saying, “They are full of sweet wine!”
1. Southern Steps
Acts 2: 36 – 41 (NLT)
“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do? 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away — all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
Third Group: Acts 8: 4 – 8 (NLT)
But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. 5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. 6 Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. 7 Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
Acts 8: 13 - 17 (NLT)
….now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized... 14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Fourth Group Acts 10: 24 – 48 (NLT)
34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel —
that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. 38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.
Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 “And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him to life on the third day. Then God allowed him to appear, 41 not to the general public, but to us whom God had chosen in advance to be his witnesses. We were those who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all — the living and the dead. 43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” 44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. 46 For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, 47 “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” 48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days.
DISCOVERING THE SPIRIT pt 2 // Sunday, February 11, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, February 11, 2024
Discovering the Holy Spirit
Acts 1: 4 & 5 (NLT)
Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 1: 8 (NLT)
I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
John 1: 33 (NLT)
I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Acts 11: 16 (NLT)
Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
John’s baptism: Repentance Baptism
1. Tabernacle
2. Bronze Sea
3. Mikveh
4. Al
5. Al Immersed
Romans 6: 1 – 7 (NLT)
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin…
Romans 6: 11 – 14 (NLT)
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
≠ Perfection / Performance
Acts 2: 1 - 4 (NASB)
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, distributing themselves, and a tongue rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.
John 1: 12 (NLT)
… to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
DISCOVERING THE SPIRIT // Sunday, February 4, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, February 4, 2024
The Person of the Holy Spirit
July 16th – October 10th 2023
1. The Trinity
Can we biblically support our belief about the Holy Spirit?
Pneumatology
Why is this important?
1. We don’t want to believe something that is not biblical.
2. We need to know WHY we believe what we believe
AND be prepared to defend it.
What the Holy Spirit Does for Us
1. God’s Guarantee
2. Is a Seal
3. Is a Downpayment
4. Is the Spirit of Wisdom & Revelation
5. Helps us Draw Closer to God
6. Builds the body of believers into a holy temple.
7. Strengthens the believer with power in the inner being.
8. Motivates unity in the body of Christ.
Acts 2: 1 - 4 (NASB)
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, distributing themselves, and a tongue rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.
2. The Southern Steps
3. Model of Jerusalem
4. Mount Siani
5. The Tabernacle
Exodus 40: 34 & 35 (NLT)
Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. 35 Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.
6. Solomons Temple
After the Ark is placed in the
Holy of Holies…
2 Chronicles 5: 14 & 15 (NLT)
At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. 14 The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God.
2 Chronicles 5: 14 & 15 (NLT)
Prayer of dedication…
When Solomon finished praying, fire flashed down from heaven and burned up the burnt offerings and sacrifices, and the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple. 2 The priests could not enter the Temple of the Lord because the glorious presence of the Lord filled it. 3 When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!”
PRAY IN 2024 pt 2 // Sunday, January 28, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
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Sunday, January 28, 2024
WEF… Great Reset
2024 Theme Regaining Trust…
Focus: Disinformation & Misinformation
Circumvent National Sovereignty
No 1st Amendment Rights…
A few things we MUST have in our lives:
1. The Bible
2. The Holy Spirit
3. Fellowship
4. Prayer
1 Timothy 2: 1 (NLT)
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
1 Timothy 2: 2 (NLT)
Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
Psalm 109: 8 (ESV)
May his days be few; may another take his office!
Jesus is our example…
1. He prayed through the night.
2. He prayed early in the morning.
3. He prayed in solitude.
4. He prayed before major decisions.
5. He invited others to join Him.
Prayer is often a struggle, battle, fight…
Colossians 2: 1 (ESV)
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,
Colossians 4: 12 (ESV)
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.
Struggle:
It describes someone struggling at work until utterly weary…
Colossians 1: 29 (NLT)
That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
It describes someone competing in athletics to attain a prize…
1 Corinthians 9: 25 (NLT)
All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
It describes a soldier fighting for his life…
1 Timothy 6: 12 (NLT)
Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.
It describes a person struggling to deliver friends from danger…
John 18: 36 (NLT)
Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
Meaningful prayer is a strenuous spiritual discipline that requires mental discipline and concentration…
The Most Important Prayer
Romans 10: 9 & 10 (ESV)
…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
PRAY IN 2024 // Sunday, January 18, 2024 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, January 21, 2024
A few things we MUST have in our lives:
1.
The Bible
1 John 2: 13 & 14 I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.
Menō – A permanent relationship with Jesus… Like a Father and Son…
It delivers us (humans) from the useless struggle to change ourselves to become “good enough.”
We LIVE / BEHAVE in a manner that demonstrates we are followers of Jesus.
Not External Constraints…
Genuine , Internal Transformation!
2.
The Holy Spirit
3.
Fellowship
Hebrews 12: 25 (NLT) And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
4.
Prayer
How is your prayer life?
1 Timothy 2: 1 (NLT) I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
Jesus is our example…
Luke 5: 16 (NLT) …Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
Jesus prayed through the night…
Luke 6: 12 (NLT) One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.
Dr. Estridge…
Jesus rose early to pray…
Mark 1: 35 (NLT) One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.
Classmate…
Jesus modeled the importance of solitude…
Following the Feeding of the 5000…
Mark 6: 46 (NLT) After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
Before the Mount of Transfiguration…
Luke 9: 28 (NLT) …Jesus took Peter, John, and James up on a mountain to pray.
The process of selecting spiritual leadership…
Luke 6: 12 (NLT) One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night.
Prayer isn’t easy…
~ J. H. Jowett
“All vital praying makes a drain on a man’s vitality. True intercession is a sacrifice, a bleeding sacrifice.”
“Jesus performed miracles without a sign of outward strain, but ‘…he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears…’ Hebrews 5: 7 (NLT)
MOVING FORWARD IN FAITH AND FOCUS // Sunday, December 31, 2023 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
/Sunday, December 31, 2023
Moving Forward in Faith and Focus
Acts 26: 19 & 20 (ESV)
“Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
When we fail to focus on priorities:
1. Indecision
James 1: 8 (ESV)
he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
2. Division
Proverbs 28: 2 (ESV)
When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.
3. Collision
1 Timothy 1: 19 (NLT)
Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
Numbers 13: 17 – 20 (NLT)
Moses gave the men these instructions as he sent them out to explore the land: “Go north through the Negev into the hill country. 18 See what the land is like, and find out whether the people living there are strong or weak, few or many. 19 See what kind of land they live in. Is it good or bad? Do their towns have walls, or are they unprotected like open camps? 20 Is the soil fertile or poor? Are there many trees? Do your best to bring back samples of the crops you see.” (It happened to be the season for harvesting the first ripe grapes.)
Numbers 13: 21 – 23 (NLT)
21 So they went up and explored the land from the wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, near Lebo-hamath. 22 Going north, they passed through the Negev and arrived at Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai—all descendants of Anak—lived. (The ancient town of Hebron was founded seven years before the Egyptian city of Zoan.) 23 When they came to the valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes so large that it took two of them to carry it on a pole between them! They also brought back samples of the pomegranates and figs.
Numbers 13: 25 & 26 (NLT)
After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned 26 to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land.
The problem of moving forward in fear:
1. Focus is on the negatives.
Numbers 13: 27 & 28 (NLT)
This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country — a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. 28 But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!
2. Focus is on others.
Numbers 13: 29 (NLT)
The Amalekites live in the Negev, and the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country. The Canaanites live along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and along the Jordan Valley.”
3. I lose focus on my God-given abilities.
Numbers 13: 31 (NLT)
But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!”
Numbers 13: 32 & 33 (NLT)
So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. 33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”
4. I drag down those around me.
Numbers 13: 32 (NLT)
So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites…
Isaiah 8 :12 (NLT)
Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.
5. Fear breeds misery.
Numbers 14: 1 - 4 (NLT)
Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. 2 Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron.
“If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they complained. 3 “Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!”
Solution?
Strengthen your Faith
and Sharpen your Focus
Numbers 13: 30 (NLT)
But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses.
“Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”
Numbers 14: 6 - 9 (NLT)
Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. 7 They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! 8 And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. 9 Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”
PEACE // Sunday, Dec 3, 2023 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
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Sunday, December 3, 2023
Peace
The Unexpected Messiah – VIDEO
Psalm 23: 1 – 6 (ESV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23: 1 (ESV)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want
Psalm 23: 2 (ESV)
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
1. Green Pastures
He leads me beside still waters.
2. Still Waters
Psalm 23: 4 (ESV)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
John 10: 1 – 6 (NLT)
“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! 2 But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. 5 They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” 6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant.
John 10: 7 – 15 (NLT)
So he explained it to them: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.
The Wonder of His Peace - VIDEO
Isaiah 53: 6 (NLT)
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
John 1: 12 (NLT)
…to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
THE EZEKIEL 38 WAR // Sunday, November 26, 2023 // Jeff HInes, lead pastor
/Sunday, November 26, 2023
The Ezekiel 38 War
4 in 10 Americans believe we are living in the Last Days.
78% of Evangelical Christians believe Christ could return in their lifetime.
Middle East
Ezekiel 38: 1 – 6 (NASB) And the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. 4 I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords; 5 Persia, Ethiopia and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer with all its troops; Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the north with all its troops — many peoples with you.
2. Magog
2.a. Magog
3. Turkey
4. North Africa
5. Ezekiel’s War
Ezekiel 38: 7 – 9 (NLT) “Get ready; be prepared! Keep all the armies around you mobilized, and take command of them. 8 A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war and after its people have returned from many lands to the mountains of Israel. 9 You and all your allies — a vast and awesome army — will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud.
Ezekeil 38: 19, 21 & 22 (NLT) …this is what the Sovereign LORD says: When Gog invades the land of Israel, my fury will boil over! 19 In my jealousy and blazing anger, I promise a mighty shaking in the land of Israel on that day. 20 All living things—the fish in the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals of the field, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the people on earth will quake in terror at my presence. Mountains will be thrown down; cliffs will crumble; walls will fall to the earth. 21 I
will summon the sword against you on all the hills of Israel, says the Sovereign LORD. Your men will turn their swords against each other. 22 I will punish you and your armies with disease and bloodshed; I will send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur! 23 In this way, I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the LORD.
Ezekiel 36: 24 (NLT) For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your land.
Ezekiel 37: 21 (NLT) …give them this message from the Sovereign LORD: I will gather the people of Israel from among the nations. I will bring them home to their own land from the places where they have been scattered.
Sin
Romans 3: 23 (NLT) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Death
Romans 6: 23 (ESV) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Love
Romans 5: 8 (ESV) but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Faith
Ephesians 2: 8 & 9 (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Life Romans 10: 9 & 10 (ESV) …if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
WHY SUPPORT ISRAEL? // Sunday, November 12, 2023 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor
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Sunday, November 11, 2023
Why Support Israel
1. Popular Map of Palestine
2. Accurate Map of Israel
3. Historical Map of Israel
4. Abraham’s Journey
Hebrew 11: 31 (NLT) One day Terah took his son Abram, his daughter-in-law Sarai (his son Abram’s wife), and his grandson Lot (his son Haran’s child) and moved away from Ur of the Chaldeans. He was headed for the land of Canaan, but they stopped at Haran and settled there.
5. Abraham’s Journey
Genesis 12: 1 (NLT) The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.
Genesis 12: 2 & 3 (NLT) I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”
6. Abraham’s Journey
Genesis 12: 10 (NLT) At that time a severe famine struck the land of Canaan, forcing Abram to go down to Egypt, where he lived as a foreigner.
7. Abraham’s Journey
Genesis 13: 1 (NLT) So Abram left Egypt and traveled north into the Negev, along with his wife and Lot and all that they owned.
8. Ber Sheva
9. Abraham Gate in Dan
Amos 9: 14 & 15 (NLT) I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. They will plant vineyards and gardens; they will eat their crops and drink their wine. 15 I will firmly plant them there in their own land. They will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the LORD your God.
10. Iran’s Proxy
