2 Kings 4:14–20 (ESV) And he said, “What then is to be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.” He said, “Call her.” And when he had called her, she stood in the doorway. And he said, “At this season, about this time next year, you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant.” But the woman conceived, and she bore a son about that time the following spring, as Elisha had said to her. When the child had grown, he went out one day to his father among the reapers. And he said to his father, “Oh, my head, my head!” The father said to his servant, “Carry him to his mother.” And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died.
Exceptional Promises Are The Norm For Kingdom Participants.
Belief in God is good
Following Jesus is the starting point
That will take you into a Journey of Kingdom Participation
We still live in the world
We have a new King
We have a new law
We have a new way of living
We have a new family
We have a new mission
We have a new economy
While the decision to follow Jesus unlocks salvation but participation in Kingdom, and taking Kingdom ground unlocks a next level experience in all arenas of life.
2 Kings 4:8–10 (ESV) One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”
Matthew 16:16–19 (ESV) Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Promises Received Are Promises At Risk.
2 Kings 4:20 (ESV) And when he had lifted him and brought him to his mother, the child sat on her lap till noon, and then he died.
“God… I thought you were giving me this amazing promise and now you are taking it away???” Your promise is always at risk and you must protect it.
The Attacks You Will Face:
Pushback Of This World
Sin & Stupidity
Attack By Worldly Haters
Attacks On Kingdom Players
The Same Kingdom Participation It Took To Receive The Promise Is The Same Kingdom Participation It Will Take To Maintain The Promise
She could have given up, appreciative for what was done, surrendering the full promise for a full life.
She should have become an emotional disaster and added to the problem
She could have called for natural help
2 Kings 4:22–25 (ESV) Then she called to her husband and said, “Send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, that I may quickly go to the man of God and come back again.” And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither new moon nor Sabbath.” She said, “All is well.” Then she saddled the donkey, and she said to her servant, “Urge the animal on; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you.” So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. When the man of God saw her coming, he said to Gehazi his servant, “Look, there is the Shunammite.
She could have leaned on her own spiritual strength
Instead she tapped into the flow of what brought the promise in the first place.
Hebrews 10:39 (ESV) But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Philippians 3:16 (ESV) Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Elisha’s ability to deliver results required him to be a Kingdom participant
NOVEMBERFAST: Call On The Lord
Genesis 4:25-26 (ESV) And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord.
Why Fast? Why NovemberFast? Why Call On The LORD?
The first family had been through some stuff
Experienced perfection
Clarity of vision of all things
Deception brought imperfection
Personally
Collectively
Relationally
Blindness
Removed from Garden of Eden
Cain killed Abel
Seth was born “replacing” Abel
Adam: First generations experienced perfection
Seth: Second generation lived in the residue
Enoshe: Third generation only hears stories.
ENOSH - אֱנוֹשׁ means "man" or "human" often emphasizing human frailty or mortality.
“At That Time…”
Call - qara - spoken, proclamation, declaration, cry, invitation, summon. A formal intentional collective public seeking of God
There should come a moment when we look around and say, “Enough is enough. We want something different. We want something better. We want the best and this isn’t it. We want WHO they had so that We can enjoy what they had. Enosh recognized:
God / Heaven = Good
James 1:16–18 (ESV) Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Me / Earth ≠ Good
Isaiah 64:6–7 (ESV) We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities
On Earth As In Heaven
Matthew 6:9–10 (ESV) Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Novemberfast: I Am Seeking Him
Jeremiah 29:10–14 (ESV) “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
To See Him, He Must Become Brighter, Everything Else Dim
commit to a personally defined level of fasting
Turn off Social Media/TV
Stops the projects
Pause the hobbies
Attend weekend gatherings
Attend mid-week corporate prayer.
To See Him, Looks Where He Is
Prayer/Presence
Word
listen to daily NovemberFast podcast each day - comment
read assigned Bible passages each day.
To See Him, Put Yourself In A Position To Need Him
Adjust food
Adjust pleasures
In the burn, in that need, invite Him to meet that need.
Novemberfast: I Am Seeking What Is MisAligned
Mark 8:23–26 (ESV) And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
Personally
Friends/Family
Career
Finances
Health
Future
Ministry
Church
Community
State/Nation
The discovery of misalignment is the start
Discovered in the word
Discovered in prayer
Discovered by revelation
Discovered by discomfort
That creates a prayer list
Thematic prayer lists give you general topics
21 Days will give you specifics
spend time in topical prayer each day building a Prayer List For 2026
Novemberfast: I Am Seeking A Shift
Ezekiel 37:3–7 (ESV) And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling…
Discovering something is out of alignment is the start. Realignment is the goal. The shift comes:
Asking
Telling: Authority
Taking Action: Personal Responsibility
Psalm 27:8 (ESV) You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
Deuteronomy 4:29 (ESV) But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Psalm 34:4 (ESV) I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Luke 9:43-45 (ESV) “And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.”
Who would want to kill Jesus?
Why would they want to kill Jesus?
Luke 13:31–35 (ESV) At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”
In our lifetime, there have been assassinations.
Charlie Kirk is the first spectacle/murder
Recorded live/high def while streaming
Can be replayed infinitely
The arguments about his message are typical
Unlike other assassinations, we can go back and review his message unlike any other. Something different:
He was political, but was doing more than arguing politics
He was smart, but more than arguing facts
He regularly declared TRUTH - preacher/prophetic/apostolic
He had influence in the highest spheres: culture, finance, politics and church.
Shockingly, no scandals (though people are doing everything to create them.
His funeral was a first ever in my lifetime
Largest funeral in our time
Who’s who of finance and politics
Powerful worship, for hours
Hours of the Gospel being preached - JESUS
A gospel that doesn’t reach all spheres of society, including our leaders in government, is an ineffective gospel.
Our message isn’t for these four walls - it’s for this zip code, for this region, for our nation, for the world.
“The church should stay out of politics!” I agree to the point that we have to be careful about trying to get specific candidates elected under the banner of “God’s Man.” Politics is attempting to influence morality and Christians are attempting to influence morality, Christians have to speak into politics.
Moses appealed not only to the Israelites, but also to Pharaoh
Prophets spoke directly to Kings - Elijah/Ahab/Jezebel
1 Kings 18:1 (ESV) After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.”
Jesus was before Pontus Pilate
Paul/Silas preached to their jailer
Paul preached to Publius and eventually appealed to Rome
Acts 19:21 (ESV) Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
A version of this is playing out in American right now.?
A nation/states founded on biblical principles
We have the highest population of non-Christian’s trying to throw off our Christian-based framework
This will be more defined than ever in your lifetime.
People will be involved. The spiritual realm will be very active
THERE IS ASSAULT ON TRUTH
This is not an attack on facts, but TRUTH
2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning…
TRUTH is under attack
Genesis 1:1 (ESV) In the beginning, God
created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:26 (ESV) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion…
Genesis 1:27 (ESV) male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:28 (ESV) And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 2:15 (ESV) The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
Genesis 2:16–17 (ESV) And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 3:4–5 (ESV) But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
THERE IS AN ASSAULT ON TRUTH TELLERS
God is the ultimate truth teller - his WORDS created life
TRUTH tellers declare, deposit and reinforce LIFE
You are not a threat based on what you believe
You become a threat by what you declare with your life and especially with your WORDS
Adam/Eve were the original TRUTH tellers - the moment that they sinned, they were deceived and their role changed
Cain killed Able
Genesis 4:3–8 (ESV) In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.
1 John 3:12 (ESV) We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous.
Saul tried to kill David
Saul killed priests - 1 Samuel 22:17 (ESV) And the king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.”
Jezebel killed the Prophets
Herodias killed John the Baptist
Mark 6:17–20 (ESV) For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
Mark 6:23–25 (ESV) And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
Pharisees killed Stephen - Acts 7:54–59 (ESV) Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Jesus
Every apostle but John
There is going to be an attack on Christianity on a new level. Not just individuals, but Christianity will be the new racism
THERE IS AN ASSAULT TO BE SILENT ABOUT, TOLERATE, AFFIRM & ULTIMATELY CELEBRATE ANTI-TRUTH
People become deceived - believe the lies
2 Thessalonians 2:7–12 (ESV) For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
War on Words:
Gender Affirming Care
Planned Parenthood
Social Pressures - Go along to get along
Redefining of LOVE - Love without truth is not LOVE
John 14:6–7 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
John 8:31–32 (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Luke 9:43-45 (ESV) “And all were astonished at the majesty of God. But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.”
Who would want to kill Jesus?
Why would they want to kill Jesus?
Luke 13:31–35 (ESV) At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”
In our lifetime, there have been assassinations.
Charlie Kirk is the first spectacle/murder
Recorded live/high def while streaming
Can be replayed infinitely
The arguments about his message are typical
Unlike other assassinations, we can go back and review his message unlike any other. Something different:
He was political, but was doing more than arguing politics
He was smart, but more than arguing facts
He regularly declared TRUTH - preacher/prophetic/apostolic
He had influence in the highest spheres: culture, finance, politics and church.
Shockingly, no scandals (though people are doing everything to create them.
His funeral was a first ever in my lifetime
Largest funeral in our time
Who’s who of finance and politics
Powerful worship, for hours
Hours of the Gospel being preached - JESUS
A gospel that doesn’t reach all spheres of society, including our leaders in government, is an ineffective gospel.
Our message isn’t for these four walls - it’s for this zip code, for this region, for our nation, for the world.
“The church should stay out of politics!” I agree to the point that we have to be careful about trying to get specific candidates elected under the banner of “God’s Man.” Politics is attempting to influence morality and Christians are attempting to influence morality, Christians have to speak into politics.
Moses appealed not only to the Israelites, but also to Pharaoh
Prophets spoke directly to Kings - Elijah/Ahab/Jezebel
1 Kings 18:1 (ESV) After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.”
Jesus was before Pontus Pilate
Paul/Silas preached to their jailer
Paul preached to Publius and eventually appealed to Rome
Acts 19:21 (ESV) Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”
A version of this is playing out in American right now.?
A nation/states founded on biblical principles
We have the highest population of non-Christian’s trying to throw off our Christian-based framework
This will be more defined than ever in your lifetime.
People will be involved. The spiritual realm will be very active
THERE IS ASSAULT ON TRUTH
This is not an attack on facts, but TRUTH
2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV) But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning…
TRUTH is under attack
Genesis 1:1 (ESV) In the beginning, God
created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:26 (ESV) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion…
Genesis 1:27 (ESV) male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:28 (ESV) And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 2:15 (ESV) The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.
Genesis 2:16–17 (ESV) And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 3:4–5 (ESV) But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
THERE IS AN ASSAULT ON TRUTH TELLERS
God is the ultimate truth teller - his WORDS created life
TRUTH tellers declare, deposit and reinforce LIFE
You are not a threat based on what you believe
You become a threat by what you declare with your life and especially with your WORDS
Adam/Eve were the original TRUTH tellers - the moment that they sinned, they were deceived and their role changed
Cain killed Able
Genesis 4:3–8 (ESV) In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.
1 John 3:12 (ESV) We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous.
Saul tried to kill David
Saul killed priests - 1 Samuel 22:17 (ESV) And the king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.”
Jezebel killed the Prophets
Herodias killed John the Baptist
Mark 6:17–20 (ESV) For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
Mark 6:23–25 (ESV) And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
Pharisees killed Stephen - Acts 7:54–59 (ESV) Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Jesus
Every apostle but John
There is going to be an attack on Christianity on a new level. Not just individuals, but Christianity will be the new racism
THERE IS AN ASSAULT TO BE SILENT ABOUT, TOLERATE, AFFIRM & ULTIMATELY CELEBRATE ANTI-TRUTH
People become deceived - believe the lies
2 Thessalonians 2:7–12 (ESV) For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
War on Words:
Gender Affirming Care
Planned Parenthood
Social Pressures - Go along to get along
Redefining of LOVE - Love without truth is not LOVE
John 14:6–7 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
John 8:31–32 (ESV) So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Luke 9:18–20 (ESV) Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”
Matthew 16:13–17 (ESV) Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
What Is Revelation?
General Revelation: disclosure of truth through nature, history, and the human conscience.
Supernatural Revelation: the uncovering through the spirit.
2 Kings 6:15–17 (ESV) When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Why Is Revelation Necessary?
General Revelation Leads To Opinions
And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.”
Jesus Impact Is Obvious - General Revelation/Opinions:
Religion: Christianity, the religion founded on the teachings of Jesus, is the largest religion in the world, with approximately 2.3 billion adherents, making up nearly one-third of the global population.
Global Recognition: Jesus is recognized not only in Christianity but also in other religions like Islam, where he is regarded as a prophet. This highlights his broader historical and cultural impact across different belief systems.
Art and Literature: Jesus has been a central figure in Western art, literature, and music for centuries. Countless works in these fields have been inspired by his life and teachings, including masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Holidays and Festivals: Christmas and Easter, two of the most widely celebrated holidays globally, commemorate Jesus's birth and resurrection, respectively, highlighting his cultural significance.
Influence on Laws and Ethics: Many modern legal systems and ethical frameworks are influenced by Christian values derived from Jesus's teachings, such as the emphasis on compassion, forgiveness, and the sanctity of life.
Social Movements: Jesus’s teachings on love, justice, and equality have inspired numerous social movements, including the abolition of slavery, civil rights movements, and contemporary social justice efforts.
Phrases and Sayings: Many common phrases in English and other languages stem from Jesus's teachings (e.g., "turn the other cheek," "the Good Samaritan"), demonstrating his impact on language and moral discourse.
Education and Healthcare: Many universities, hospitals, and charitable organizations were founded by Christians inspired by Jesus’s teachings, which have had a lasting positive effect on society.
Continued Relevance: His teachings and parables are referenced in diverse contexts, from philosophy and ethics to psychology and conflict resolution. Many people across various cultures find relevance in his messages, irrespective of religious beliefs.
A Supernatural Revelation Is Necessary To Know God
John 6:44 (ESV) No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
How Does Revelation Happen?
Proverbs 20:27 (ESV) The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.
Genesis 1:2 (ESV) The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
John 12:32 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
John 14:26 (ESV) But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Revelation ≠ Response
1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
James 2:17 (ESV) So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Romans 10:9 (ESV) because, 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.
Revelation 20:12, 15 (ESV) And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done… And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
CONVINCED: The Book Of Luke
Luke 9:10–17 (ESV) On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And whatwas left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Unlock Natural Provision
Learn These Principless To Unlock Throughout Your Lifetime Unlock Supernatural Provision
Glorifies God
Will Far Exceed The Natural Provision
Provides A Powerful Testimony
Draws Others To Him
Powerful Gift To The Next Generation
Luke 9:11 (ESV) When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.
Kingdom & Kingdom Principles
He’s about to demonstrate one of them
This story has a part two, smaller crowd, more leftovers
God rarely does the same thing twice That would to trusting a formula, not Kingdom principles - FAITH
VISION FOR A GOOD THING -
Luke 9:12 (ESV) Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.”
A GOOD THING BECOMES A GOD THING
Luke 9:13 (ESV) But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.”
Not all good things are God things
The Kingdom currency faith, but it can’t be faith unless God speaks
You can’t walk on water unless he invites or you or you function at a gift of faith leve
Sometimes we act on:
Emotions
Personal commitments
Peer pressure
We were convinced to buy something
Wrong: evangelist asking for your last dollar to unlock your miracle
Right: god asking for your last meal to unlock your abundant provision
God is not obligated to act on a good thing
Learn to hear God speak about a good thing and turn it into a God thing
ESTABLISH THE NATURAL GAP
Luke 9:13 (ESV) They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.”
Make no efforts to solve the issue in the flesh
ENGAGE OBEDIENCE & SACRIFICE
Luke 9:14–16 (ESV) For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.
Sit down in groups
He took what they had
He blessed them
He broke the loaves
When you have a GOD need, and you’re believing for a
SUPERNATURAL OUTCOME, sacrificial giving to GOD unlocks
His FLOW of provision
2 Corinthians 9:6–8 (ESV) The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
ENJOY SUPERNATURAL PROVISION
Luke 9:17 (ESV) And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Luke 9:1–6 (ESV) And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Wrong Emphasis - CALLED TO DO
Specific Followers
Specific Gifting
Specific Place
Specific Outcome
Biblical Emphasis - CALLED “TO BE”
Every Follower
Luke 10:1 ESV After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.
How did the 12 disciples feel when the 72 were sent?
How did the 72 feel when the crowds were sent?
YOU are called - there is no caste system.
Biblical Emphasis - CALLED “TO BE”
Every Action
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Yes, gifting, but it doesn’t make you more important, just unique!
Biblical Emphasis - CALLED “TO BE”
Every Place
Not just church
Mark 16:15 (ESV) And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.
Moments with specific destinations - Acts 16:6–10 (ESV) And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Home, work, friends, hobbies, community, politics
Biblical Emphasis - CALLED “TO BE”
Every Outcome - Kingdom!
“to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal”
Matthew 6:9–10 (ESV) Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Luke 8:4–8 (ESV) And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Luke 8:9–11 (ESV) And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’ Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Kingdom of God (Heaven)
Intended Kingdom vs Kingdom of this World
God Is King vs Satan Is King
God’s Citizens Abundant Life vs Steal Kill & Destroy
God’s Word/Truth Is Law vs Lies and Deception Thriving
God’s Economy Of More vs Steal Kill and Destroy
Trumps The Kingdom Of This World
God’s Word Unlocks These Realities.
YOU ARE SOIL.
CIRCUMSTANCES ATTACK, ATTEMPTING TO LESSEN SOIL CONDITIONS.
GOD’S SEED IS SENT TO PURIFY SOIL FOR ABUNDANCE.
LOGOS: written Word, rightly interpreted and applied
RHEMA: right now Word, Spirit empowered
SOIL’S RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD DETERMINES FUTURE FRUIT.
Hard Soil - Luke 8:12 ESV “The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.”
SOIL, hardened by frequent weight, impact
Hardened by life experience
Exodus 7:13 Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.”
Sun on clay vs. wax
Hardened by decision
Psalm 95:8 - "Do not harden your hearts, as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness."
Especially true of Christians who are bombarded with God’s Word but do not treasure it. They almost become inoculated.
Ezekiel 11:19. “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”
Rocky Soil - Luke 8:13 ESV “And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.”
Things allowed into the soil that should not be there - Proverbs 25:26 (ESV) Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
Sometimes there is an immediate growth, excitement, but testing comes and it withers.
Specific seed sent by God to deal with specific rock - refusal to embrace truth
Congested Soil - Luke 8:14 ESV “And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.”
The WORD is one of many things valued, like a book in the library that completes the collection, but not the primary source.
1 John 2:15–17 (NLT) Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.
GOOD SOIL - Luke 8:15 ESV “As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.”
Hold Fast - Sailors - “Hold Fast” is a nautical term that refers to securing a rope or a line tightly to prevent it from slipping. In a broader sense, it conveys the idea of holding on firmly in the face of adversity. For sailors, this phrase served as both a practical reminder and a moral encouragement to remain steadfast, especially during difficult times at sea.
Prioritizing God’s Word above all else, securing it in one’s soil of life.
Patience = Fruit
Luke 7:36–50 (ESV) One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Illus: In 1987, Jessica McClure, better known as "Baby Jessica." fell into a abandoned well in Midland, Texas, while playing in her aunt's backyard. The rescue effort was televised across the nation and people were riveted by the heroism of the rescuers. After Jessica fell into the well, rescuers worked tirelessly for 58 hours to extricate her. The operation was complicated and required careful planning to ensure her safety while attempting to pull her out. Many firefighters, medical personnel, and volunteers were involved in the rescue, demonstrating remarkable bravery and determination. When she was finally rescued, Jessica was pulled from the well and rushed to the hospital, where she made a full recovery. The story of her rescue was broadcast on national television, and Jessica quickly became a symbol of hope and resilience. In the years that followed, Jessica often spoke about the incident and expressed her profound gratitude for the efforts of the rescuers who saved her life. As she grew older, she became an advocate for children's safety and awareness, sharing her story to help inform and educate others about the importance of safety measures. The tale of Baby Jessica's rescue touched millions and brought a sense of unity to those who followed her story, reinforcing the idea of community, heroism, and the impact of saving a life.
This is a story that riveted a nation, even the world, but did not include a miracle. Understand that the miracles Jesus did were captivating, on an even higher level due to their miraculous nature.
Jesus greatest miracle…
What Makes SIN a SIN?
GOD’S COMMAND - His Written Word, Properly Interpreted
Deuteronomy 11:26–28 (ESV) “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other gods that you have not known.
PERSONAL CONVICTION - His Spoken Word, To An Individual
Romans 14:5–6 (NIV) One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
FAMILY STANDARD - His Spoken Word, For A Family
Jeremiah 35:6 (NIV) But they (Rekabites) replied, “We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jehonadab son of Rekab gave us this command: ‘Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine.
These are for your wellbeing and life
Example: “Thou shall not lie”
Deception
Contrary to Gods nature
Contrary to the world he created
Contrary to your nature
Damages your relationship with God
Damages your relationship with self
Damages the hearer, steals from them, known or not
Creates a wrong
Creates fear of being caught
Requires additional lies
Gets found out
Damages the relationship
Damages your situation
God doesn’t want that injected into the world he has created
And yet we have, over and over
Sin against self, others, surroundings and God
Psalm 51:3–4 (ESV) For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
Consider All Who Are Present - Which One Are You?
Sinless Jesus
“Righteous” Pharisees
Religious
Rule Followers
Didn’t Do Sinful Things
“God’s People”
Levels of righteousness based on achievement
Sinful Woman
Came to a gathering she would be rejected in
Weeping on his feet, wiped with her hair
Kissed his feet
Brought and poured perfume on his feet
REVELATION: I am a sinner, and Jesus can forgive sin.
Luke 7:50 (ESV) And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Undecided Crowd
The greatest miracle - forgiveness
Most other miracles are temporary
Forgiveness is active, all encompassing, impacts eternity
It requires faith
It requires revelation of your sin
Luke 7:1–10 (ESV) After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
Miracles Require 3 Things:
Declared Need
People are to proud to ask or reveal weakness
Relationships
Relationship with God
Relationship with people
Effective Faith
James 5:16 (NASB) The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Live “People Before _______________ ”
Luke 7:2 (ESV) Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
See yourself on MISSION in all things.
There has always been and will always be sticky times, sticky politics, sticky social situations
Jews, Centurions, Servants…
Democrats, Republicans, Democrats, Liberals
Refuse titles
See People “Worthy Of His Help” - Luke 7:3–5 (ESV) When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”
Recognize The “I Need Your Jesus” Moment
Luke 7:2 (ESV) Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
This may require discernment
This may require reading the hints
This may require seeing people in spite of task.
But it will come.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Grow Your Faith
Luke 7:9–10 (ESV) When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
Grow In Faith
Put yourself in situations to grow your faith
Lean into authority
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Pentecost EVERYday
Acts 2:1–13 (ESV) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
Acts 2:41–47 (ESV) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
God’s Presence, Inside Us
A constant theme is “God With Us”
Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV) It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Emmanuel, yet He’s leaving….
John 14:18 (ESV) “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
John 14:16–17 (ESV) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for HE DWELLS WITH YOU AND WILL BE IN YOU.
God’s Power, In Us
God’s power, observed in Jesus
God’s promise, you will function in similar fashion
John 14:12–14 (ESV)“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
But how?
Acts 1:8 (ESV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This is available to all.
Acts 2:16–19 (ESV) But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
Acts 2:43 (ESV) And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
God’s Transformation, Through Us
So often we feel like we have to convince people of the reality of Jesus.
Peter was previously ineffective in convincing others because he was all over the map in his own convincing.
Acts 2:41 (ESV) So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
The Spirit came upon him… and he simply shared the truth, but that truth is empowered by the Spirit within him.
John 12:32 (ESV) And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (ESV) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
