Kingdom Now with John Carmichael

Immersed in the Blessing pt8

Speak Toward the Blessing

[Gen 17:4-5 NASB95] 4 "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 "No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.

[Rom 4:17 NASB95] 17 (as it is written, "A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU") in the presence of Him whom he believed, [even] God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

Pygmalion Effect – leader often gets what they expect when they communicate it. Communication of expectations is a powerful tool.

Nursing home – patients improve with placebo and positive nurses.

Students selected at random “blooms” when treated as a “bloomer.”

Israeli would select at random soldiers and told they were superior and outperformed though nothing different.

Our speaking must come into line with the new things God is doing.

Abram=no baby. New name (Abraham)=new baby. God changed the way Abraham spoke about himself to experience the blessing God promised.

How does our speaking affect our experience in the blessing?

Here are three truths about how our speaking affects our experience of the blessing.

Our speaking is a birth to our experience of the blessing.

Abraham (Sarah) birthed Isaac by faith speaking.

[Mar 11:22-24 NASB95]

Your speaking sets the stage for your blessing.

Our speaking is the first action for us to experience the blessing.

The effect had to be specific. Not “you do your best” but I believe you can get an “A”.

Be very specific - [Luk 17:6 NASB]

[Mat 9:21 NASB95]

What you say in yourself and about yourself will often be the first action of faith.

Our speaking is vital to experiencing the blessing.

Why was it important for God to change Abram’s name to Abraham?

[Pro 18:20-21 NASB95]

Death and life the most important aspects of life. Your words are vital to obtaining the life of blessing God has for you.

God wants our speaking to get into line with the blessing He wants us to experience.

I am righteous (Tsidkenu), I am healed (Rapha), I have sufficiency and abundance (Jireh), I am victorious (Nissi), I am at peace (Shalom), I am lead by the Spirit and am filled with His the knowledge of His Will (Rohi), God is with (Shammah.)

Immersed in the Blessing pt7

Sustained and Thriving by the Blessing

[2Co 9:6-11 NASB95]

The world’s system is experiencing and huge economic downturn. Inflation has been horrible. It is harder for people to buy a house. Wages have not kept up with prices. This is not a political statement, just an economic analysis.

Yet, we, Christians, do not have to depend on the financial system of the world.

God will sustain you and cause you to thrive in any environment.

Sustaining:

[Deu 29:5-9 NASB95]

[Luk 22:35 NASB95]

Thriving:

[Psa 105:37 NASB95]

[Luk 6:38 NASB95]

[Mat 6:33 NASB95]

What does God want us to understand about sustaining and thriving in the blessing.

We must understand two important truths about sustaining and thriving in the blessing.

1. Sustaining and thriving in the blessing is unstoppable.

Doesn’t matter where you start.

Abraham - started with nothing, became very rich! [Gen 13:2 NASB95]

Beggar from ash heap… [1Sa 2:8 NASB95]

Doesn’t matter where you are.

Isaac - sowed in the land of famine, reaped 100-Fold. [Gen 26:1-3, 12-14 NASB95]

Works everywhere - [Deu 28:3, 6 NASB95]

Doesn’t matter what is against you.

Jacob - worked for Laban changed his wages 10 times. [Gen 31:7, 9 NASB95]

Paul was blessing while under house arrest. [Phl 4:17-19 NASB95]

2. Sustaining and thriving in the blessing is activated by giving.

Tithes and offerings allow you to tap into the blessing. [Mal 3:8-12 NASB95]

Abraham gave the tithe. [Gen 14:18-20 NASB95]

Jacob gave the tithe.

[Gen 31:11-13 NASB95]

[Gen 28:22 NASB95]

Your giving connects you to God’s provision. [Pro 3:9-10 NASB95]

The blessing of God on you will cause you to be sustained and thrive no matter where you start, where you are, or what is against you and is activated by giving.

Immersed in the Blessing pt6

Negotiate With God

[Gen 18:22-33 NASB95]

Can a human negotiate with God? Can God relent from doing something He said was going to happen?

Are we just to accept what is going to happen as God’s will?

Part of the blessing on Abraham (and us Gal 3:13-14) is that He had an actual relationship with God. God would tell him something. He would stand in the presence of God and talk to Him about it.

Many people do not understand our position with God. Even when we pray, we don’t ask Him to do things for us. Guzik – our prayers our ineffective because we do not ask God to do anything.

What can we learn about praying with the blessing from Abraham’s negotiation with God?

Here are five powerful truths praying with the blessing of God on us.

God wants us to pray in-line with His nature. V 23

Abraham knew God was just and did not want to destroy Sodom.

Prayers not in line with God will not be answered. [Jas 4:3 NASB95]

Holy Love. The “God is” descriptions.

We pray the names of God because those names reveal His nature (Who He is and what He wants to do.)

God wants us to pray specifically. V 24

Abraham asked God for specific numbers 50, 45, etc.

Jesus asks a blind man what He wants. [Mar 10:49-52 NASB95]

Ask God for things as specifically as your faith will allow.

God wants us to pray with compassion for others. V25

Abraham prayed for the wicked and the righteous. We assume he was asking for his nephew Lot, but we do not know it was limited to Lot.

Abraham was blessed to be a blessing. It was just about him. [Gen 12:1-3 NASB95]

Scripture verses about praying for others.

[Jas 5:16 NASB95]

[Job 42:10 NASB95]

[1Ti 2:1 NASB95]

[Eph 6:18 NASB95]

[Eze 22:30-31 NASB95]

We are called not just to live in the blessing of God, but to be a blessing.

God wants us to pray with a bold humility. V27, 30

Can you imagine standing before God and attempting to get Him to change something He just said?

[Heb 4:16 NASB95]

[Mat 15:22-28 NASB95]

God wants us to pray persistently. V 31, 32

Abraham kept negotiating with God. Why did he stop? No one knows; only guesses. He negotiated the number 6 times.

[Luk 18:1-8 NASB95]

Why do we quit praying? It is not a lack of faith to keep asking. In fact, faith keeps asking!!!

Understanding how to pray with the blessing on us will cause us to pray in-line with His nature, be specific, intercede for others, be bold, and persistent.

Immersed pt5—Seeing Is Believing

Faith-Filled Imagination Activates the Blessing

[Gen 15:5 NASB95]

The delay, disappointment, and the demonic can hinder us from seeing and moving forward in faith. These things paint a picture of defeat and failure. The picture of doubt hinders our faith.

Since God first gave him the promise, Abraham saw famine (12:10), family issues (12:10-20), Lot taken captive and battle with enemies (14). Not to mention it was years with no baby!

Abraham learned to see in the dark in Genesis 15. It was likely in the darkness of the AM before the sun comes out and the stars are still visible. God through a vision, gives Abraham vision (stars of the sky = promise fulfilled.)

When Abraham focused on the picture of the stars, he does not become flawless, but he becomes faithful.

Abraham is our example of walking by faith. [Rom 4:16-21 NASB95]

Clinton Assembly family life center vision and reality. Many miracles started with what I was seeing. First, heard about the power of a faith-filled imagination from Andrew Wommack. Kenneth Hagin, How To Write Your Own Ticket With God, (say it, do it, receive it, tell it), never explained receive it. Dr. Cho, 4th Dimension, imagine a chair, desk, and bike.

How can we learn to see God’s promises that activates the blessing?

God’s interaction with Abraham in Gen. 15 shows us four important truths about seeing His Promises to activate the blessing.

Our faith-filled imagination activates the blessing because it is focused on His Word.

[Gen 15:1 NASB95]

The Word is active.

[Heb 4:12 NASB95]

[Isa 55:11 NASB95]

The Word is sight giving. The Bible creates a vision of what God wants for us now and not yet.

Keep the Word of God in your mind by reading, studying it, and memorizing it.

Our faith-filled imagination activated the blessing because it is focused on Him.

[Gen 15:1 NASB95]

Focusing on Him removes fear. Most often repeated command with the most often repeated promise.

Focusing on Him receives protection. He is our shield.

Focusing on Him connects us to a reward. [Heb 11:6 NASB95]

Keep focused on Him through prayer, worship, and mediation.

Our faith-filled imagination activates the blessing because it is not focused on other things.

[Gen 15:2-4 NASB95]

Focusing on other things creates questions about God.

Focusing on other things creates alternative ideas.

Focusing on other things keeps looking at the “how” instead of the “Who” and “what”.

The temptation to focus other things is real, yet by decision and the power of the Holy Spirit we are focusing on Him and what He has promised, leaving the “HOW” up to Him.

Our faith-filled imagination activates the blessing because it connects us to Jesus by faith.

[Gen 15:5-6 NASB95]

Seeing by eyes of faith helps us cross over the faith line.

Seeing by eyes of faith connects us to Jesus.

Learning to imagine God’s blessing taking place in your life, takes you to another level with God.

Allow the Word and His Presence to create a vision that you focus on until it manifests.

What are you seeing through eyes of faith happening in your life that God has promised you?

Immersed pt4: Curse-Free Living

[Rev 22:3 NASB95]

Amplified Bible: “There will no longer exist anything that is cursed [because sin and illness and death are gone]; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve and worship Him [with great awe and joy and loving devotion];”

[Gal 3:10, 13-14 NASB95]

If you feel like something is against you. You are right. It is a curse.

The curse is a force that has similar properties but opposite goals. They are forces that are invisible in and of themselves, but their effects are very visible. See Deuteronomy 28.

Revelation 22:3 tells of a time when the curse will be removed. It is in the future.

JFB: Commenting on Rev. 22:3, “God can only dwell where the curse and its cause, the cursed thing sin (Josh. 7:12), are removed.”

It is a force or thing that will be removed.

Although we have been redeemed from the curse, it is still in operation. That means that it has not been removed yet. While we know that the atonement of Jesus redeemed us from the curse (more on that later), we see that it does not get removed until later. Remember “now and not yet”.

What causes curses to operate in our lives and how do we get free from them?

Knowing how curses work helps us determine how to remove them.

What are the causes of the curse operating against us?

Being born as a human makes you a candidate for dealing with the curse.

From Adam.

The curse came/comes when we violate God. It is a natural consequence just like getting shocked when touching a bare electric line.

[Gen 3:14-19 NASB95]

Is God pronouncing or identifying the curse? I believe both.

Adam’s curse of death comes to all in him. To be in Christ, frees us from the curse of sin. [1Co 15:22 NASB95]

From family.

Curses, as well as blessings, MIGHT be passed down in the family.

NOTICE: [Eze 18:19-20 NASB95]

David - Matthew 1:5-7 - Rahab (harlot) - Boaz (wealthy warrior) - great warrior, sexual sins and children (incest) [Mat 1:5-7 NASB95]

Ahithophel and Solomon - Great grandfather Ahithophel through Bethsheba

[2Sa 16:23 NASB95]

[1Ki 4:29 NASB95]

Abiathar and Jeremiah –

[1Ki 2:26 NASB95]

[Jer 1:1 NASB95]

If a generational blessing, then maybe a generational curse.

Words released over you can cause a curse.

Practicing personal sin can cause a curse.

What do we need to do to live curse-free?

Surrender your life to Jesus Christ.

Release your faith against any curse you see operating in your life.

[Pro 26:2 NASB95]

We proclaim the blood of Jesus has removed the cause. Therefore, we proclaim the curse has to be broken.

Resist the curse.

[Jas 4:7 NASB95]

[Jas 5:14-15 NASB95]

The faith in Galatians 3:13-14 governs all the promises. Redeemed. Blessed. Empowered. All three of these by faith.

God wants us to know that as we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, release our faith, and stand against the curse we will live curse-free.

Immersed pt3—From Disaster To Paradise—The Power of the Blessing to Fix It.

[Gen 9:1, 16 NASB95]

The destruction Noah saw was devastating. It was caused by curse as a result of sin. God gave him something to reverse the results of the destruction.

God gave Noah the blessing.

What is the blessing? What does it do? How can we access it?

God’s blessing empowers a person to experience the reversal of the destruction caused by the curse and it is released/realized by faith through obedience and words.

God’s blessing empowers a person.

God blesses Noah.

[Pro 10:22 NASB95]

Meaning over definition. (Kneeling?) (God blesses his people when he bestows on them some gift temporal or spiritual. Easton Bible Dictionary)

It is a force. (There is a pronoun “hu” not an article.)

What happens when it comes? Deuteronomy 28.

To experience the reversal of the destruction.

God wants Noah to experience the reversal of the destruction.

[Gal 3:13-14 NASB95]

God intends to reverse every curse and fix every broken thing. That is the point of the blessing with Noah and his sons in Genesis 9!

The same is true for us!

Caused by the curse.

The destruction was caused by the curse that resulted from sin.

The curse is caused by Satan and sin.

[Gen 2:17 NASB95]

[Gen 3:17-19 NASB95]

The curse has effects

[Deu 28:25, 30-32, 48, 60-61, 63 NASB95]

Defeat, failure, nothing works. 25

Broken family. 30

Poverty. 48

Sickness. 60

Broken relationship with God. 63

We are redeemed!

It (the blessing) is released/realized by faith through obedience and words.

Noah had to hear the blessing and live it out.

The blessing is ours now potentially. We have to realized it to experience it. [Eph 1:17-18 NASB95]

Faith is how we access anything from God. [Heb 11:6 NASB95]

Faith has works. [Jas 2:26 NASB95]

Obedience. [Deu 30:19 NASB95]

Words. Isaiah 65:16 AMPC – “So [it shall be] that he who invokes a blessing on himself in the land shall do so by saying, May the God of truth and fidelity [the Amen] bless me; and he who takes an oath in the land shall swear by the God of truth and faithfulness to His promises [the Amen], because the former troubles are forgotten and because they are hidden from My eyes.”

God turns destruction into paradise by His power through promise.

God’s blessing empowers a person to experience the reversal of the destruction caused by the curse and it is released/realized by faith through obedience and words.

Immersed in the Blessing pt1—The Blessing on You

[Gen 1:26-28 NASB95] 26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

For the next 21 Days and beyond, we will immerse ourselves in the blessing.

What is the blessing? In short, the blessing of God was the first thing to happen to humanity. It is the original state of humanity. We will see it passed down to Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and beyond.

Paul talked about the blessing in Galatians 3:13-14.

We see God’s original intent for humanity in Genesis 1. The blessing on you is still God’s intent today.

What can we learn about God's blessing on humanity from Gen. 1:26-28?

Here are three truths about God’s blessing on humanity from Gen. 1:26-28.

God’s blessing on you is authority. V. 26-28

God gave authority to Jesus. [Eph 1:18-23 NASB95]

We are seated with Christ in authority. [Eph 2:1-7 NASB95]

Robert Morris

Humility [Luk 10:19-20 NASB95]

Faith [Mat 8:8-10 NASB95]

Obedience [Jas 4:7 NASB95]

Use the delegated authority God has blessed you with in prayer and faith.

God’s blessing on you makes you increase. V. 28

God desires for you to prosper. [Deu 8:18 NASB95]

The Blessing will produce. [Pro 10:22 NASB95]

Believe for increase.

God’s blessing on you is for the earth today. V. 26-28

Jesus affirmed it now. [Mat 6:10 NASB95]

Paul spoke of it now. [Rom 8:19 NASB95]

This earth has been given to us. [Psa 115:16 NASB95]

Start expecting the blessing to work while we occupy the earth.

The blessing of God on you gives you authority, increase, and equips you while you are on the earth.

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What does Godly vi*lence look like when we are together?

There are two characteristics of Godly groups that are together.

What does Godly vi*lence look like from these mighty men?

There are three characteristics of Godly vi*lence from these mighty men.

What is the connection between submission and dominion, and how do I get it to work for me?

When we submit to God, we walk in greater dominion over Satan.

Is rebuking the enemy important in my life, and how do I do it?

There are Biblical examples of rebuking the enemy, and we must learn how to rebuke the enemy.

How do we see ourselves as victors?

Four clues in this verse will help you become unstoppable victors.

Right now, you are already the victor.

What is the reason Satan attacks you, and what should you do?

Satan attacks you to destroy your faith; therefore, we should do everything we can to protect it.

Satan is after your faith. Focus your actions on protecting your faith, not surrendering to the attack.

Look to God through His Word and Spirit to help and comfort you.

Your faith needs protecting. Rebuke Satan. Build and strengthen your faith.

• The enemy is setting ambushments against us. These occur with trials, afflictions, temptations, and distractions. All are designed to stop you. God has provided the protects that are more than capable of causing us to become unstoppable.

• John Eadie: “Put on the panoply of God.” Do not battle with such adversaries naked and defenseless but take to your armor. Do not cover one portion and leave another exposed. It is armor forged on no earthly anvil and tempered by no human skill.

• Putting on and taking up the six parts of the armor of God by declaring your faith in prayer, renewing your mind to the revelations, and living them daily, will make you unstoppable.

Prayer is a place where you fight the enemies who intend to stop you.

God wants you to be unstoppable which happens through prayer.

God does not reject the weak. He cares for the weak. He expects the strong to care for the weak.

However, He fully intends to give strength to His people. He receives us as we are, yet loves too much to keep us there.

God loves the weak and the strong; He promises to provide strength to His people and wants us to access it.

Since Jesus won the battle, why do we still have warfare?

In this episode, Pastor John Carmichael answers this question. Jesus took Satan's authority away. However, Satan still has tremendous ability. We are standing against the ability of Satan, using delegated authority Christ has given the church.

This podcast is now only listener-supported, with no commercials. Consider making a small monthly donation by clicking the listener support button. Thank you.

You have an enemy. His name is Satan. He wants to stop you from becoming all that God wants you to become. God wants us to bind Satan so that we can become all that God wants us to become.

Composite story: Mark 3:13-30; Matthew 10:1-4 and 12:22-29

Particular attention to the first step in overcoming and becoming unstoppable: Mark 3:27 and Matthew 12:29.

We are going to take back what the enemy has stolen. We are going to plunder him. God is making us unstoppable.

What do we need to know about dealing with Satan to become unstoppable?

Here is the why and how of binding Satan to become unstoppable.

What is involved in fighting for the things that God has specifically spoken to us?

Here are three things involved in the fight for the things God has spoken to us.

We need to go to war over the things that God has spoken to us.

Paul commands Timothy to go to war. This informs us that war for the things of God is expected. In most cases, there are no easy victories.

[2Ki 13:18-19 NASB95]

We must be all in if we will fulfill His call on our lives. [Col 4:17 NASB95]

The promises of God are worth fighting for. Be strong in the Lord. Be willing to fight for it just because God wants to give it to you.

We need to keep fighting for what God has spoken to us.

The term keeping the faith has a meaning of endurance to it.

What God says to you does not always come to pass quickly. During those waiting times, the Word will try you. [Psa 105:17-19 NASB95].

Are we going to keep holding on to the word?

Don’t become weak in faith. Don’t waver in unbelief. Become fully assured. [Rom 4:16-22 NASB95]

We must refuse to compromise about what God has spoken to us.

The end does not justify the means. Saul had the kingdom taken from him because he disregarded what God said for him to do so he could keep his victory.

Jeroboam had one of the greatest personal prophecies not come to pass because he compromised the commands of God.

The promise. [1Ki 11:31, 37-38 NASB95]

The compromise. [1Ki 12:26-28 NASB95]

The tragic result. [1Ki 13:34 NASB95]

Stay in obedience and integrity as you pursue the promise of God in your life.

God wants us to fight for what He has spoken to us, which will require us to persevere as we walk in obedience and integrity.

What are some guidelines that will help us as we learn to hear from God?  

Here are three guidelines that will help us as we learn to hear from God. 

What did God say?

Revelation. Never add to NOR take away from what you heard. [Rev 22:18-19 NASB95] 

Blood pressure story? Apple story? 

Compare it to scripture. [2Co 13:1 NASB95] 

Not knowing the Word of God will cause you to be deceived. [Mat 24:24 NASB95] 

The deception comes when we think we have heard from God but are wrong.  

What did God mean?

Interpretation. Never assume you know.

Requires humility.

“I have given that church to you.” (Paris, Clinton.)

In Daniel 9, he sought God for the understanding of the prophecy of Jeremiah (v2.) [Dan 9:2 NASB95]

Timing? Allegorical?

Requires us to be patient and to continue to seek God.

What do I do with it?

Application. Act? Pray? Speak?

Ask God what He wants you to do with what He said.

Timing – when do act.

Action. Sometimes the revelation and interpretation show us what we are to do. Brain surgeon = medical school, bachelor, masters, and doctorate degrees. [Act 16:9-10 NASB95]

Sometimes, God will want you to speak. Sometimes not. [2Co 12:1 NASB95]

Many (if not most) of what God shows you will require you to pray.

As we learn to hear from God, we need to find out what God said, then discover what God means while we find out what God wants us to do.

1Sa 3:1-10 NASB95]

Here are seven conditions and attitudes of hearing from God.

God speaks to us when we are at peace.

V. 2&3 – Both Eli and Samuel were lying down.

[1Ki 19:11-13 NASB95]

Being too busy and preoccupied can hinder us from hearing from God.

God wants us connected with healthy Godly church-based relationships.

V. 3 – the lamp of God. According to Revelation, these represent the church. Samuel had a heathy relationship with Eli and the temple.

Don’t allow the anti-church lie get you out of healthy relationships in church.

God wants us to be in His Presence.

V. 3 – where the ark of God was. The ark presented the presence of God.

[2Ki 3:15-16 NASB95]

When we stay in His Presence through prayer and worship, it opens us up to hearing from God.

God will give us confirmation.

V.4-10 – God called 4 times.

[2Co 13:1 NASB95].

Seek for confirmation from God about what you believe He is saying to you.

God will work with us as we grow spiritually.

V. 7 – Samuel did not know the Lord or His Word.

[Rom 12:2 NASB95]

Renewing our mind to hear from God is a process.

God speaks when we are willing to hear.

V. 9-10 – Speak, LORD

[Jer 33:3 NASB95]

God speaks to us when we seek for His words.

God speaks when we are willing to obey.

V. 10 – for Your servant is listening.

Eerdman's Bible Dictionary states, "True 'hearing,' or obedience, involves the physical hearing that inspires the hearer, and a belief or trust that in turn motivates the hearer to act in accordance with the speaker's desires."

God speaks to people who have already given God a “yes.”

God has revealed the conditions and attitudes of hearing Him so we can hear Him frequently not rarely.

There are levels.

Many levels of revelation.

Saw Jesus

Heard Voice

Seemed Good - [Act 15:28 NASB95]

Decerning - [Act 14:9 NASB95]

Peace is the minimum.

[Col 3:15 NASB95]

Let - make a decision to allow it to make your decision.

Rule - umpire or arbiter; to govern

IMO: The level of importance usually determines the level of clarity.

Train your spirit

Feed on Word –

[2Ti 3:16-17 NASB95]

The more familiar we are with what He said, the more likely we can hear what He is saying.

Believe God’s Promise to Speak to You –

[Jer 33:2-3 NASB95]

God promises to tell you great and mighty things. See also: James 1:5.

Pray in Tongues –

[Rom 8:26-27 NASB95]

Praying in the Spirit (in tongues) helps us to become more sensitive to our spirit.

Reason of Use –

[Heb 5:10-14 NASB95]

Make it a daily goal to hear from God. You will stumble and miss it, but as you continue to “practice,” you will get better at hearing from God.

· We need to hunger to hear from God!

· If we will call out on God, He will direct us.

God is always speaking.

Why would our Father tell fathers to do something He is unwilling to do?

To some Christians, receiving divine direction is outside their level of relationship with God. They simply want to make their own decisions and are not really sure that God will speak to them or that they could hear Him if He did.

In your spirit

Spirit, soul, body - [1Th 5:23 NASB95] 

Spirit is a candle - [Pro 20:27 NASB95] 

[1Co 2:10-16 NASB95] 

ACTS PT7—If It Is Of God, It Will Not Be Overthrown

[Act 5:38-39 NASB95] 38 "So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God."

· I call this book: Acts of the Holy Spirit in the world through the Church. ACTS for short.

· This series is exposing some incorrect mindsets on how the primitive church was so successful. It is also showing us how we can be victorious in this world.

· Here Gamaliel is speaking after the re-arrest of the apostles. The leaders are wanting to stop them. They are desperate. Yet, Gamaliel is giving them perspective.

· It is this perspective that we need to hear today.

· They were “of God” and they were not overthrown.

When we live lives that are “of God” we will not be overthrown.

What does a church/Christian that is “of God” look like according to Acts 4:32-5:42?

There are five characteristics of a church/Christian that are “of God” according to Acts 4:32-5:42.

A church/Christian that is “of God” will be a giver.

Acts 4:32-37

This kind of radical giving was not prescribed by God.

Yet, believers will have a heart to God.

[2Co 9:6-8 NASB95]

Make a decision to be a giver.

A church/Christian that is “of God” will operate in power.

Acts 4:33

Acts 5:12-16

God is calling us to walk in His power.

A church/Christian that is “of God” will fear the Lord.

Acts 5:1-11

The issue here was not giving. It was lying to the Holy Spirit.

[Mat 10:28 NASB95]

Ask God to help you walk in the fear of the Lord.

A church/Christian that is “of God” will value the church.

Acts 4:35, 37

The feet of the apostles signified their connection to established church leadership.

The next chapter shows how to handle complaints in church. Do not miss it.

Acts 5:11

“Ekklesia” – an assembly, congregation, and meeting of the Christian community.

How committed are you to the church? We are better together.

A church/Christian that is “of God” will understand the necessity of preaching.

Acts 5:17-42

Persecuted (v17-18), Angelic deliverance (v19), Preached (v20-21), Rearrested (v26), Flogged (v40), Keep preaching (v42)

We must obey God! Acts 5:29!

They preached Christ’s Death (v30), Christ’s Resurrection (v30), and Christ’s Ascension (v31).

[1Th 2:13 NASB95]

As we value the releasing and receiving of the preached Word of God good things will happen in us.

When we live lives that are “of God” we will not be overthrown.

Joel Carmichael - Heavenly Hope

Acts PT6—In Defense of Miracles

Acts 4

· These leaders had long allowed their fire to go out, being quenched by the swirling winds of political ambition and secularism. Dr. Trevor Grizzle.

· Peter and John were now on trial with the miracle by those who do not believe for miracles nor are used by God for miracles. These types will always attack those who do believe for miracles and are used by God for miracles.

Peter and John were not silent. They responded. So should we.

How do we respond in defense of miracles/ministry that God is doing through us?

There are eight responses we need to be aware of in defense of what God has called us to do.

God wants us not to be shocked by the pushback of the enemy.

Acts 4:1-3

[Mar 13:9, 11 NASB95]

Know this: Satan never yields territory without a fight.

God wants us to stay full of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:8

One of the purposes of the attack is a distraction. Stay connected to Him.

God wants us not to comprise the message.

Acts 4:10-12

Jesus’ Name. His name connects us to His power. His name gets all the glory.

No other name. The Gospel is exclusive in that Jesus is the only source. No mixture.

God wants us to be confident in what Jesus has given to us.

Acts 4:13

The attack seeks to intimidate you. Make you self-conscious.

These men were trained and educated by the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ.

God wants us to refuse to give in to obstacles.

Acts 4:18-20

Christians are obliged to obey the government. [Rom 13:1 NASB95]

Yet, civil disobedience is necessary when the government counters God’s clear commands.

You will have to stand up against many excuses and oppositions to fulfill the call of God in your life.

God wants us to stay in community with others who encourage us.

Acts 4:23

Peter and John did have a company of people who supported them.

A quote: “You can go fast alone. You can go far with others.”

Who is your support group?

God wants us to pray.

Acts 4:24-30

Their prayer

Honored God’s power and sovereignty v. 24

Remembered God’s Word v. 25

Rehearsed recent victory v27

Asked for more power to counter current problem v 29-30

Ask God to help. From other Scriptures, it is appropriate to ask God to deliver you. It is also appropriate to ask God to empower you to endure and overcome.

God wants us to boldly do what God has called us to do.

Acts 4:31

Never stop doing what God has called you to do.

[Jer 20:8-9 NASB95]

· God wants us to weather the opposition of miracles and ministry with these seven responses.

· Opposition always comes. Reminder: Satan does not yield territory without a fight.

· Will you stand up to the opposition of what God is doing in your life or will you fold?

ACTS PT5—From Mountaintop To Mainstreet

Acts 3

The church had just had a “mountaintop” experience in Acts 2. Now it's time for it to go to Mainstreet. Ministry is done in the streets. 

Mountaintop experiences are good and necessary. These experiences are intended to empower us to minister in the “streets.” God told Moses to get off the mountain and go to the people. (Ex. 32:7)

What can we learn about how to take our mountaintop experiences to the main street?

There are four responses for us to take our mountaintop experiences to Mainstreet.  

God wants us to have a persistent prayer. V.1

After the life-changing experience with Pentecost, they understood the value of corporate prayer and worship. 

Sometimes after a deep spiritual encounter people grow impatient with the ordinary routine of church. 

Like in Acts 2:42, the organic church started to become organized. They continued in the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. 

There is a connection between our effectiveness in people and our prayer life.

God wants us to care about people. V. 2-5

We are endued with the power to help people. 

Peter and John understood that God had vested them with power and authority to continue Jesus’ work on the earth. 

The man wanted money but needed a miracle. He wanted coins but needed a cure. 

God wants us to notice, care, and do something about the plight of others. The experience of the Holy Spirit is not just for us. 

God wants us to believe for a release of power. V. 6-9

Peter and John were penniless but not powerless.

The name of Jesus can activate the power of the Holy Spirit when accompanied in faith during a time of need.  

We need to stop wringing our hands in hopelessness and reach our hands in hopefulness. 

Do we expect that we have something that can help others? 

God wants us to passionately preach. V. 11-26 

The miracle gave Peter a platform for a message. 

The message:

Peter gave Jesus the praise. V. 12 – 16

Peter called out their sin. V. 17-18

Peter preached about God’s plan of forgiveness through Jesus. V. 20-25

Peter commanded them to repent. V. 19 and 26

God wants us to preach the Gospel to the world. 

God is calling us to have a mountaintop experience that will prepare us to help others on Mainstreet through praying, caring for people, believing for a release of power, and passionately preaching.

Pastor John-John Carmichael

06122022

Acts Pt4—From Organic To Organized

Acts 2:37-47

[Act 2:42 NASB95] 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

The church was built upon more than mystical experiences.

What helped the church go from that experience to an established church?

There are four aspects of the church that helped them go from the outpouring to an ongoing establishment of the church.

Devoted to apostles’ teaching.

Acts 4:2; 5:25,28, 42; 15:35; 18:11; 20:20; 28:31 (last verse in Acts is preaching and teaching.)

[Act 15:35 NASB95]

[Act 18:11 NASB95]

[Act 20:20 NASB95]

[Act 28:31 NASB95]

Bible teaching and preaching will consist of new revelation and constant reminders.

Teaching and preaching was central to the life of the church in Acts. Church history would verify that teaching and preaching has been part of the growth and development of the church.

Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint you to value and receive teaching and preaching of the Bible.

Devoted to fellowship.

Stanley Horton, “God never saves us to wander by ourselves.

[Act 2:46 NASB95]

[Eph 4:11-12 NASB95]

More than meeting together. There was a partnership.

Unity in purpose. Not just the Apostles were committed.

Devoted to the breaking of bread.

The Lord’s Supper and table fellowship. Paul possibly stopped it in 1 Corinthians 11:22.

[Act 2:46 NASB95]

[1Co 11:20-22 NASB95]

Devoted to prayer.

[Act 1:14 NASB95]

[Act 3:1 NASB95]

· What devoted are you to the teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer as a church?

· Are these important to you as part of the church? Or are you a lone ranger?

Acts pt3—The Outpouring

Acts 2:1-36

Today is Pentecost Sunday. This is part 3 of the Acts series.

Acts 2 speaks about the empowerment of the church. It might be considered the first revival. Saints were empowered. Sinners were convicted. God was glorified.

God wants to experience this kind of revival today!

What can we learn from the Acts 2 outpouring that will prepare us for today’s outpouring. 

There are three truths God wants us to know about the outpouring of His Spirit. 

God wants us to prepare for an outpouring.

The 120 prepared for the outpouring.

They were saved. [Jhn 20:22 NASB95] 

They prayed. [Act 1:12-14 NASB95] 

They stayed. [Act 2:1 NASB95] 

How bad do we want this experience? Bad enough to prepare for it?

God wants us to experience the outpouring.

The outpouring was experienced with their senses.

[Act 2:2-4 NASB95] 

Sound – noise like wind

Appearance – tongues of fire

Action of the Holy Spirit

All filled v 4

All spoke v4

Others heard

[Act 2:6, 8, 11 NASB95] 

[1Co 14:2 NASB95] 

Not just sensory, but also significant.

Are we seeking for and practicing this experience? Is it worth our time?

God wants us to understand the outpouring.

Peter defended the outpouring.

Not drunk

[Act 2:15 NASB95]

[Act 2:13 NASB95]

Prophetic v16-21

Last days v17 [Act 2:17 NASB95]

For everyone v17-18 [Act 2:17-18 NASB95]

To the end v19-20 [Act 2:19-20 NASB95]

Salvatic v21 [Act 2:21 NASB95]

Its about Jesus’ atonement and resurrection

V. 22-36

Be witnesses - [Act 1:8 NASB95]

As we understand the purpose of the outpouring we can make a better defense of it.

God wants to us to continue to experience an outpouring of His Spirit. We need it. The world needs it.

Acts Pt2—The Ascension of Jesus and Us

[Act 1:9-11 NASB95] 9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11 They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven."

Visibly and physically ascended

The ascension of Jesus was an act of the Father. It is all over the NT while only Luke gives the description of the event. There were details that were given in Luke 24 and Acts 1 that are not discrepancies just additional details (time and location.)

Is the ascension of Jesus important to us today?

There are five important truths of Jesus’ ascension that affects us today.

Jesus is interceding for us.

[Psa 110:1 NASB95] 

[Act 2:33 NASB95] 

[Rom 8:34 NASB95] 

[Heb 9:24 NASB95] 

[Heb 1:3 NASB95] 

The Holy Spirit descended for us.

[Jhn 16:7 NASB95]

[Act 2:1-4 NASB95]

There is a mandate for us.

[Act 1:8 NASB95]

There has been a repositioning for us.

[Eph 1:20-23 NASB95]

[Eph 2:4-7 NASB95]

Jesus is coming back for us.

[Dan 7:13-14 NASB95]

[1Th 4:16-17 NASB95]

Acts—Part 1—The Kingdom of God and the Spirit of God

[Act 1:6-8 NASB95] 6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

Acts 1:1-8

The disciples were either ambitious or curious. Their question has some many problems.

Jesus refocuses them on the Kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit.

How does the advancement of the Kingdom of God and the work of the Holy Spirit through the church and in the Christian? 

There are four aspects of the advancement of the Kingdom of God and the work of the Holy Spirit through the church and in the Christian. 

The advancement of the Kingdom of God & work of the Holy Spirit through the church.

Spiritual in character.

“…restoring the kingdom…”

[Rom 14:17 NASB95] 

Not national or political. It does have implications in the political and social. 

The disciples were looking for the external work.

International in membership.

“…to Israel?”

V8 – “even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Every tribe, nation, people, and language.

Gradual in expansion.

“… at this time…”

“It is not for you to know… times and epochs… the Father has fixed…”

V. 8 – “Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

He was working through the whole world.

Powerful in proclamation.

V8 – “but you will receive power… and you will be My witnesses…”

Jesus refocused them on the Work of the Holy Spirit through them.

They witnessed about Jesus to the world through the Holy Spirit.

The advancement of the Kingdom of God & work of the Holy Spirit in the Christian.

God inhabits you.

Luke speaks of the Holy Spirit in you.

[1Co 6:19 NASB95]

The more we allow Him to work internally, the more we see effects on the externally.

God choses you.

You are included in the plan of God.

[Act 2:17 NASB95]

Jesus accepts you.

God transforms you.

We are in a process.

[2Co 3:18 NASB95]

God empowers you.

Luke speaks of the empowered believer.

[Luk 24:49 NASB95]

God wants to advance the Kingdom of God and the work of the Holy Spirit happens through the church and in the Christian.

Genesis 32:22-31 

Sermon Series: Wrestle

Sermon: Alone With God

How does being alone with God help us in our wrestling with Him?

There are four aspects of being alone with God. 

I. Separation

• Relationships and Possessions
• V. 24 left alone
• Jacob could not have had this life-changing experience surrounded by all the things God had given him.
• God blesses us and we forget Him.
• We must die (separate from this world) to find Him.
• [1Co 15:31 NASB95] 31 I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

II. Priority

• He calls us to separation because He must become a priority.
• Seek first the Kingdom of God. [Mat 6:33 NASB95] 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
• You will find Me when you seek Me with all of your heart.  He will not be found by someone who half-heartily seeks Him. [Jer 29:12-13 NASB95] 12 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 'You will seek Me and find [Me] when you search for Me with all your heart.

III. Secret

• God is in the Secret Place - [Mat 6:6 NASB95] 6 "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.
• God sees in the Secret Place - you want the attention of God, go to the secret place.
• It is the place of prayer.
• Shunammite woman Elisha [2Ki 4:33 NASB95] 33 So he entered and shut the door behind them both and prayed to the LORD.
• He is not hidden just secluded. He who dwells in the secret place. Go there and stay there. [Psa 91:1 NASB95] 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

IV. Alone 

• Moses and Israel; God wanted a relationship with them; only got one with him. [Exo 20:18-21 NASB95] 18 All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw [it,] they trembled and stood at a distance. 19 Then they said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die." 20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin." 21 So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God [was.]
• Something about God that thrives for individual attention; He is the only shepherd that will leave 99 for the one. [Luk 15:4-7 NASB95] 4 "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 "When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 "And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' 7 "I tell you that in the same way, there will be [more] joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
• Peter with the boat; walked on water; had to climb out of big boat (hold twelve disciples and their stuff); alone on the water. [Mat 14:28-29 NASB95] 28 Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." 29 And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

As we wrestle with God, it will start by being alone with Him. 

Does the devil affect our lives regularly?

• The majority of Western people believe that the devil and demons exist yet act as though they are not present daily.
• God has faced opposition from spirit agents as God seeks to establish God's Will on earth as it is in heaven. Satan's existence is why nature fails to reflect the loving and kind character of God consistently. ~ Gregory Boyd (All Creation Groans)
• CS Lewis – the problem exists when we pay too little or too much attention to the devil.
• He, the devil, is real and active in our daily lives. 

Cowardice never wins against the devil, only courage. God wants Christians to understand the devil is at work to destroy the work of God, and we need to respond in faith and submission to God as we resist the devil.

What should Christians know about the daily work of the devil?

There are 5 facts that Christians need to know about the devil's work.

[1Ch 4:9-10 NASB95] 9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, "Because I bore [him] with pain." 10 Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep [me] from harm that [it] may not pain me!" And God granted him what he requested.

• Pain hurts. Due to sin, the curse, and Satan, we experience pain on this earth. Lately, we have endured a lot of pain. 

• Yet, God’s loving and powerful nature wants to alleviate the pain we are enduring.

• Let’s look at a prayer that Jabez prayed. 

• He was honorable but had a bad name probably due to the circumstances of his birth.
• He was a praying man.
• He asked God to bless him, enlarge him, empower him, and keep him from “harm”.
• God answered him and relieved him from pain. 

• God wants us to be relieved from pain. 

How can we tap into the relief of pain God offers to us?

The prayer of Jabez sheds light on how we can tap into the relief of pain that God wants to give us.

How To Be A Successful Christian