Larry Hostetter shared a testimony of taking authority over death in the name of Jesus Christ. Pastor Sydney shared some prophetic insights into 2017. We will reap where others have sown. There will be shakings. He encouraged us to pray over the news we read and hear. He declared 2017 to be a year of prayer. Jesus prayed that His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. God hears our cry. Lift others up to Him. We speak in an awakening to God and the things of God. Islamic nations will not be known as Islamic years from now. Jesus caused multiplication to feed the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44). There were twelve baskets left over, more than enough. God wants to show off. The key to miracles is obedience to God and to His Word, spoken and written. Pastor Syd shared about an elderly woman who was choking and how he obeyed the prompting of the Lord to pray in the Spirit and to take authority over death. The woman came out of unconsciousness and could breath without anyone helping her in the natural, and she was okay. Be prepared and ready to obey. Follow God’s promptings. Pastor Syd also told of a time when he was just recently filled with the Holy Spirit. He was not a pastor at the time. He had torn his ACL and reinjured it playing flag football. It was swollen, painful, and could not bend. He remembered just learning about taking authority, and he laid hands on it and commanded it to be whole. The swelling went down immediately, and the pain left, and he could not make it hurt! Thank You, Jesus! After he started pastoring, he prayed for a three or four year old child, who was brain damaged. He prayed for the child to have normal brain activity and blood flow. For the first time in her life, her forehead was warm and pink. She was healed and caught up developmentally with the other children her age. OBEY!
Year of Prayer: Obey
The Gift of Discerning of Spirits
1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:1, 39. Pastor Syd told how Socrates taught a man how to be a great success. Do I desire the things of God? Be honest and not deceived by how you answer that question. We are to earnestly desire spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are for you [to minister to others]. Jesus said, “Come,” to all the disciples in the boat, but only Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and His word. The gifts of the Spirit are for all believers who desire them. They are: speaking, power, and revelation gifts. Discerning of spirits is not the same as discernment, but is a supernatural ability to see spirits, such as angels or demons. (See December 18th‘s sermon notes for the definition of discerning.) Discerning of spirits enables the person to perceive the source of what is seen. It is about the spirit realm. Revelation 1:9-18 tells about what John saw (discerned) in the spirit realm. That gift was in operation when Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:54). It was working when Philip ministered to the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40). The gifts of the Spirit of discerning of spirits, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and working of miracles were in operation when Saul was converted and Ananias was dispatched to minister to him (Acts 9). Cornelius’s life was changed by various gifts of the Spirit working in him and Peter (Acts 10). Peter was freed from prison through the gifts of the Spirit (Acts 12:5-19). Other examples of discerning of spirits in action are found in Acts 13, 16, and 27. The gifts of the Spirit, including the discerning of spirits, can operate through any believer who desires to minister to unbelievers and to saints. They can be used effectively in the marketplace. (Leadership Training School graduation; testimonies of God’s provision – Pastor Syd and Mike Frede.)
CWI Vision
Psalm 23 only applies to you if Jesus is your Shepherd. He is the God of abundance. He provides what you need. He restores your emotions, wills, and minds. He causes your life to return. He leads rightly for His name’s sake. Even in the scary places, you do not fear any evil. He has a rod and staff to protect you and to bring you into safety. You resist the devil, if He is your Shepherd. You can eat an abundance in the presence of your enemies. He anoints you. Your cup overflows. He is the God of more than enough. [In OT times, covenanted kings would eat a covenant meal before going out against the enemy of either one of them. Take communion when you are fighting sickness. It is covenant.] Only goodness and mercy, His faithful love, shall chase or follow you all the days of your life, and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. He will extend your days.| Matthew 28:16-20 is the Great Commission. The accurate translation is “Having gone,” which is an expected action, then disciple all nations, baptizing them, teaching them to observe (keep) all that He has commanded you. A “keep” was the most secure building. We are to make sure the teachings are followed. We are to make disciples, not converts. Disciples forsake everything and follow Christ.| Ephesians 4:11-16 tells about the five-fold ministry which is for the training of the saints in the work of serving, until we all reach unity. CWI’s vision is to Transform, Equip, And, Mobilize people for the work of the ministry. The benefits of having home groups are that they are: a way to get the Word into us in a more intimate way; a way to build the Kingdom of God and reach out (your own family is a great place to start); a way for more people to operate in their gifts; a way of building relationships within the church by doing life together; a way of providing greater accountability; and a way to plant churches. [Pastor Syd gave details about the home groups starting later in February.]
Spiritual Authority
Pastor Syd shared a prophetic word from Kim Clement from 2007 about the U. S. government, followed by prayer for President Trump. Teaching: P. C. Nelson’s leg was run over by a car. A pentecostal believer prayed for his leg, and it was instantly healed and whole. He became a healing preacher. Healing is an essential thing to know. We have God’s Word on it. Mark 11:23-24 tells us that faith and the words we say in faith can move mountains. Most people miss it in their speaking, rather than in their faith. We are stepping into creative miracles and a move of God. Whoever can have whatever. In Joshua 10:4-15 the Lord killed many of the enemy with large hailstones, and Joshua spoke to the Lord. In the sight of Israel he said that the sun and the moon were to stand still so they could fight longer. What did he need to have in order to speak to the sun and moon? Or what about Elijah telling Ahab it was not going to rain until he said so in 1 Kings 17? It was spiritual authority. There is a revelation of spiritual authority that is greater than what we are walking in. Some people were mocking William Branham and tried to set him up by having him minister to a man who pretended to be blind. Branham asked if he truly was blind, and the man said “yes,” and he became blind on the spot. Spiritual authority means knowing the power of words. Speech and the immune system are connected. Jesus spoke with great authority. He wants us to walk in that same kind of authority over the work of the enemy. We are the army of the Lord. Jesus gave us authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt us (Luke 10:19-20). Satan is stripped of his authority, and Jesus has triumphed over sickness, depression, cancer, and pain. He has given us authority over our bodies. We live in the world but are not of it. We are to rule and reign over circumstances and sicknesses. Start ruling and reigning. When Brian was diagnosed with terminal cancer, he went to the top hospital, where his parents were told there was no cure. A tumor grew to the size of a basketball in seventy-two hours, his organs were shutting down, and he had tumors throughout his body. When the doctors saw the x-rays, they said nothing, left the room, and told his parents there was nothing to be done for him, and that he would be dead in three days. He had seen God’s healing power in services before, so his faith was built up. His parents did not tell Brian the doctors’ report but only spoke the Word over him and had him repeat it aloud, over and over. He needed to know his authority. Faith is found in the heart and mouth. The heart needs the mouth’s cooperation. The heart says to the mouth, “Don’t deceive me. Don’t go against this agreement. Don’t disconnect.” James 1:25-26 says to not deceive your heart with your tongue. If you talk about spiritual authority, you need spiritual maturity. Brian told of missionaries in Mexico and how their words cost them. In healing, people often disconnect. We get a wrong mindset, back off of faith, and relinquish the healing. Brian’s father was diagnosed with cancer a few months before Brian’s diagnosis. He was healed, but years later, he started having problems with eating. He said, “That’s it,” and he died that night. We have authority. Our faith must be in both our hearts and our mouths. Brian’s parents did not allow TV or visitors in his room. They spoke the Word aloud. Brian told of a woman who confessed and declared the Word over her invalid daughter from birth. She said, “I call these crooked legs straight. She will run and be like other children.” After fourteen years, the daughter was miraculously healed. Disease is under your feet. Do not let your mouth deceive and disconnect from your heart. Do not be moved from the simplicity of the gospel, and watch who you follow. Declare the Word of the Lord. God’s methods get God’s results.
Believe and Receive Healing
[There was a tongue and interpretation given about the Holy Spirit in us.] Brian Wills: Salvation includes healing and wholeness. We can receive healing at any time, at any place. Isaiah 53:4-5 says that by Jesus’ stripes we are healed. Here are three things about healing: 1) God can. Jesus is the Healer. 2) God did. Isaiah 53 says He purchased our salvation. Healing is a promise and a purchase. Healing and salvation are one. We can receive what He already purchased for us. 3) God will heal, because He already did it. It is harder to conquer something you have (sickness and disease) than to receive something you already have (healing). Receive your healing. Brian told of a man who was to minister healing when he did not believe in Jesus as Healer. He ministered to a woman without legs, and the next day she came in walking on legs. God said that in His mind, He saw her with legs. Someone on earth was needed to make a declaration about it. Luke 13:10 is about the woman who was loosed from an eighteen year infirmity. She was a covenant woman. When Jesus ministered, most people were healed or saw miracles, rather than receiving a recovery. Brian told of a Penn State young man who had a metal rod in his leg as a result of being crushed in an accident. Brian ministered to him, and he ran out of the wheelchair. He had new bones and no metal when the doctors checked him out. When Brian was dying of cancer, people from his church drove hours to see him, gasped upon seeing him, and turned around and went home. BUT GOD! We believe in what God is able to do. Brian made a promise of consecration to God to do whatever He wanted him to do, if He would get him healed and out of the hospital. God told him that his healing would manifest as he did the steps God told him to do. He realized that the Holy Spirit is a real person. He is our helper. We can call on Him, and He is there to lead us out of sickness into health. He carries out the Word of God. Kenneth Hagin read Mark 11:23 when he had an incurable blood disease and believed and acted on the truth that he was healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ. God does what you cannot do. He lives inside of you and comes upon you to change you. Receive your healing through the Word and the Holy Spirit. Characteristics of healing are: 1) a seed (truth), 2) a revelation (He will show you something.), and 3) action. Faith is an action. When Brian was dying, one of the steps God told him to take was a victory lap. He walked around the “death” floor of the hospital with his hands raised, praising God, and speaking the Word. The nurses and psychiatrists thought he was crazy. The enemy (Satan) tries to make you feel inadequate, but healing is based on Jesus, not you. Take yourself out of the way.
From Being to Doing: The Great Commission
[A word was given: Jesus, part of the “Us” in Genesis, came that we might know the love of the Father. He is worthy of all praise. He is our only salvation. Will you trust in Him?] Pastor Sydney: If dealing with a life-threatening issue, there is encouragement and warning in Luke 21:34-38. Being drunk, hung-over, or worrying will harden your heart and will dull your senses. Worry is just as bad as being drunk or hung-over. Our hearts should not be weighed down in fear and worry. Repent of it. Talk His will and His answer. Cast all your care on Him. Fear stops progress. Pastor told of someone who came to visit a neighbor for a gathering. She drove her van too close to the pond, and the car’s wheel went into the pond. The homeowner tried to pull the van out with a tractor, but it wouldn’t budge. The woman asked if it would help to take off the brakes. Fear is like having the brakes on; it stops the progress. Brian Wills: Mark 16:17, 18; Acts 5:12, 15-16. Consecration and surrender can bring about a movement, a transition of power on the church. The church is going from being to doing. John 14:12 tells about the works that we will do. In 2009 Jesus appeared to Bob Weiner, who started Maranatha. He said that the Spirit is going to move, that the USA is the only nation founded because people were looking for a place for freedom to worship God. For forty-fifty years, the enemy has been sowing seeds, but God is going to expose and uproot the evil. This means greater responsibility. Signs are supposed to follow those who believe. Believers are to lay hands on the sick for them to be healed. Acts 5:12 says that signs and wonders were done among the people through the hands of the apostles, the sent ones. We are sent ones. They literally dragged in the sick, and they were all healed through the hands of ordinary believers. God created us to do supernatural things. We are carriers of His presence and glory in the earth. We have something that the world needs. We are to be world-changers, world-shakers. We have this treasure (the wealth of heaven) in earthen vessels (our bodies). Jesus said there will be a generation that will look like Him. If you abide in Christ, then you should act like Jesus (1 John 2:4). Are we preaching the gospel and laying hands on the sick? George Pearson prophetically said, “I want My Church back. I want the book of Acts Church, a glorious Church. There will be churches having healing school everyday. Word of Faith churches will be healing churches. Believers shall do the works.” We are all ambassadors. We represent Jesus. Ambassadors are not subject to the law of the land they are in. We are immune (John G. Lake). We are not under the law of sin and death (Romans 8). Keep your soul in communion with Christ Jesus. The laws of your home country apply to you as an ambassador. We need to live from the inside out. We are containers of the life of God. How do we go from being to doing? 1) Begin to go to Luke 4. The Spirit of the Lord is upon you. He has anointed you to preach the gospel, cast out demons, and to heal the sick. 2) Read and study Jesus’ healing Scriptures in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Put yourself in Jesus’ shoes. See yourself doing the works of Jesus. For a long time Brian prayed for the sick to be healed, and they didn’t. Then he went to Mexico as a trainee under a super-healing evangelist. He laid hands on people until he got to someone in a wheelchair. He didn’t know what to do, and the evangelist told him to keep praying and releasing the power of God. You will never do until you see yourself doing it. The excellency is of God, not ourselves. Jesus did and said what He heard and saw the Father say and do. We become one with Him. There will be an anointing on small children. God has put a hunger in us. A worship leader in the Welsh revival prayed for a blind man, and he was healed. Then every blind person he prayed for was healed.
The Purpose of the Gifts of the Spirit
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-9. Paul must have thought that the gifts of the Spirit are important in that he wrote three chapters about them. He did not want the Body of Christ to be ignorant, lacking knowledge, of them but He wanted us to be informed to the point of operating in them. The dumb idols referred to in this passage are gods which do not speak. God speaks! The gifts of the Spirit are one way He manifests. The Holy Spirit will inspire you to speak. He is a now God. There are different ministries and gifts. Apostle Dale explained that Jesus is over the ministries (for example: prophet), and the Spirit is over the gifts (prophecy). The gifts are good. Respect all of the gifts of the Spirit. The gifts are not of flesh, talent, or experience but are of the Holy Spirit. Be more available to the Spirit. The gifts are given as He wills. Ask Him, “What do You want me to do?” The closer we are to Him, the more the gifts manifest. Apostle Dale told of a time he was not prepared to be going into a foreign country, so he did not have his passport with him. The Lord made him invisible when he went into and out of the country. The gospel serves His purpose. Years ago Apostle Dale’s mother’s back went out on her. She was healed when a Spirit-filled man ministered to her. She also was filled with the Spirit. If the gift of the Holy Spirit would not have manifested, she would not have been saved, healed, and filled, and all that Apostle Dale and CWI are doing would not have happened. One gift of the Spirit is still working in many people’s lives. If God asks you to do something, do it and expect a miracle.
Gifts of the Spirit: Suffering and Persecution
Sermon: Are we willing to step out in the gifts of the Spirit? What accompanies the gifts? Obedience, love, power, anointing, peace, selflessness, results, willingness, grace, exhortation, submission, and suffering and persecution. We can overcome or avoid anything that is common with the world’s suffering, such as sickness and accidents, but we are promised two types of suffering: 1) suffering from persecution, and 2) suffering from God’s disposition. We read Hebrews 12:3-9. What is the chastisement of God? Sons of God are disciplined. It should not be what the world is suffering. The discipline of God carries a choice, and that is when we suffer. For example, Jesus had a choice to make in the Garden of Gethsemane. He chose to submit to God’s will. He suffered. Years ago the Lord told Pastor Syd to lay down his dirt bike for six months, because it had become an idol. He had to make a choice. The choice is when we “suffer.” The gifts of the Spirit were in operation in Acts 9:1-20, and what came with them? Persecution came. We are told to expect suffering and persecution: Acts 14:22; Philippians 1:2-9; 2 Timothy 3:11, 12; Romans 8:16-18; 1 Peter 4:12-16. We must believe that there is rescue from persecution: Acts 5; Acts 6:8; Acts 10; Acts 14; Acts 16. We need the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:1-5), and the confirmation of the Word. The more the gifts are on display, the more you will have persecution and opposition. The Lord will deliver you from them all.
There were 13 testimonies of God’s goodness. God is a respector of faith. Jesus is the Finisher. He is our Source. Austin and Cathy Ginder shared the Lord’s vision for them as foster and natural parents. There was prayer for couples soon to be giving birth.
God Is Crazy in Love with You
Kurt’s introduction before his sermon: The local church is the pillar and the ground of the Truth. It gives the foundation for us to stand on and is the pillar for us to remain strong. Pastors are a specific gift from the Lord. We need to be in church services. Pastor Kurt says that he would find out why someone is losing and not making it. He found that flaky people do not have a church that they are faithful to. Be faithful to your pastor and church. Sermon: Kurt got saved by believing that God had to keep His covenant, even if He did not want to. He turned to Jesus because he was dying of a disease and wanted what He had to offer, not because he believed God loved him. He believed that God responds to His Word by integrity. It is not enough toknow that God loves us, but according to 1 John 4:14-16, we need to believe that He does. Many people know He loves them, but they think that they have disqualified themselves because they messed up. Do we believe His love for us personally? Faith works by love, and when you understand how much God loves you, faith works easier. Kurt compared knowing and believing God to someone he hardly knows saying that he will buy him a suit. Kurt is not going to make any changes according to that. However, if Apostle Dale or Pastor Syd say that to him, he is going to be checking out suits, asking where to shop for them in this area, and making room for it in his suitcase. What is the difference? He knows and believes those two men; he did not really know the other one. Know and believe His love for you. He will keep His promises. He told a story of a man who spent huge amounts on long-distant phone bills to a “crazy” woman. When people asked him why he did it, he said, “Because I love her.” People do crazy things when they are in love. God is crazy in love with you! However, be watchful that you do not abuse His love. It does not mean that you don’t have to listen to Him. Don’t beat yourself up for what you have done, and don’t look more at yourself than at God. Don’t try to find out where you have opened the door to the enemy. If he is beating up you or someone you love, deal with him with your weapon! Cry out to God. If you opened the door, you can sort that out later. In Philippians 4:17 it says about the day of judgment. Don’t be afraid of that. It is a positive thing: He will declare you “not guilty!” Even when He corrects you if is for your own good. Kurt broke his ankle in Israel. It was a day of judgment for him. He was quoting healing Scriptures when it happened, but his mind was saying that he had not been meditating on healing Scriptures very much lately. God did mighty works for even evil places, like Sodom and Gomorrah. We love Him because He first loved us. Be more convinced of His love for you than your love for Him. I love Him, but He loves me all the more. A young man could not talk. Kurt told his father to speak of him as “Speaking Isaiah.” People do crazy things when they are in love. God loves you.
Pastor Syd had a word for Apostle Dale and Teri Armstrong about the Rebecca anointing, anticipation, and expectation. Cathy Ginder, Darryl Balmer, and Ann Borg shared financial and healing testimonies of God’s goodness. We are to rejoice in the Lord always, not worry, and look to the Source (Philippians 4:4-6, 13, 19). Keep your eyes on God as your source, not on your own resources, and don’t limit Him. [A book, The Secret Place of God’s Protection by Gloria Copeland was given to someone whose bulletin had a sticker on it.]
Suffering Comes with the Gifts of the Spirit
Opening: Pastor Syd shared about the test their family is facing. They are using the Word against symptoms of disease for a victorious testimony. Victory comes from the Lord. Pastor Syd shared how they are working the Word, by believing it, declaring it, and looking for the circumstances to line up with it. Scriptures they and we are standing on: Isaiah 53:1; Psalm 103:2-3; Matthew 18:19-20; Mark 11:23-24. God has already provided healing! [We prayed in the Spirit.] Offering: Focus on the Source, not the blessing. Let God show Himself off in you. Sermon: (See previous notes from 2/5/17.) All of the gifts of the Spirit work in love. In Paul’s day, the people believed in many gods. He stressed that there is one God who gives the gifts to each one (1 Corinthians 12:4-10, 31; 14:1, 39-40). Suffering and persecution come with the gifts of the Spirit. He tells us this to prepare us. God’s chastisement is different from that of the world. Sickness is not part of the chastisement, because we have been redeemed from it. Why do we experience sickness, since we’ve been redeemed from it? We’ve been redeemed from sin, too, but why do we sin? His chastisement includes a choice. John 15:18-21 tells us that we will have persecution and that the world will hate and persecute us. Philippians 1:29 says that when we believe in Him, we will suffer for His sake. The book of Acts is full of examples of the gifts of the Spirit being in operation and persecution coming after it. More is expected than good teaching and preaching. Paul said that what he did was in demonstration of the Spirit and of power so that their faith would not be in words of human wisdom but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Paul boasted of what he suffered, including being let down in a basket through a window on the wall so he could escape. He was caught up into the third heaven, not being able to tell if he was in his body or not. The thorn in the flesh was given to him because of the visions (1 Corinthians 11:16 – 12:1-7). The thorn in the flesh was a messenger of Satan to buffet him, lest he be exalted above measure. God and Satan do not work together. Satan looks for the one whom he may devour. What is a thorn in the flesh? It is people or a spirit that causes people to persecute the believer. If the Israelites did notdrive out the inhabitants of the land from before them, then the people they let remain would be thorns in your sides, and they would harass them in the land where they would dwell (Numbers 33:55). God told the Israelites to separate themselves from the remnants of other nations, or they would be “scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes” (Joshua 23:12-13). God again told the Israelites to drive the inhabitants out, or they would be thorns in their sides (Judges 2:2-3). Paul’s thorn in the flesh was a spirit that caused the people to persecute him to try to stop him (and us) from operating in the gifts of the Spirit. You have authority over them, and you can have the victory! Hebrews 11; Hebrews 12:8-9. God’s grace is sufficient. His grace is His ability and empowerment. His power is perfected in weakness. Weakness is an opportunity for power to be shown. His grace means victory and power! Grace is NOT a cover-up for sin. It empowers you to act, be healed, and do the impossible. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified (2 Corinthians 13:4-5). Luke 6:22 says that we are blessed when we are persecuted for the sake of the gospel. The book,The Heavenly Man, is written by a Chinese Christian who endured terrible suffering and persecution for his faith. When he received bad press in Austria or Germany concerning upcoming meetings in Canada, he considered that persecution. If you suffer persecution for the sake of the gospel, rejoice and leap for joy (Luke 6:23)! Your rewards will be great in heaven. Mark 10:17-31 says about treasures in heaven and receiving a hundredfold now in this time, with persecutions, and in the age to come, eternal life.
Look to God As Your Source
God is holy. This is the season of answered prayer. In the book of Revelation, the angels, elders, and living creatures worship God for He is holy. [There was a tongue and interpretation about how precious you are to Him, no matter what is going on in your life and heart. He has called you. His blood covers you. He is preparing you to walk in His holiness and His blessing. Jesus stands with you. Continue to walk in His Word, truth, and the Holy Spirit. Do you know Him? He is real and alive and He speaks to you. Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to live in you. God lives in you. May you know the goodness of God. He puts a hunger in you for His Word. Go and be Jesus to others. The anointing lives in you.] [Shane shared about his knowing that God’s hands were holding his during the worship time. God was saying, “I love you,” and Shane was experiencing the glory of God. Pastor Syd said that Shane’s feet will go to the nations whose names he does not even know how to pronounce.] Pastor Syd shared that this morning he made a special request to the Lord, asking for His Presence to be known and to take over the service. Offering sermon: Jesus asked the disciples how many loaves they had in Mark 8:1-21. Where Jesus’ compassion is, the need is met. He wants to work with what you have already. Jesus told all of the multitude to sit down. Order comes before increase. Know your finances. Jesus did what the Father told Him to do in faith. When He fed over five thousand men, twelve small baskets were left. When He fed four thousand men, seven large baskets were left, baskets the size for a person to fit into. Jesus redeems us from stupid with His wisdom. Right after the miracle of feeding the huge crowd, the Pharisees met them. The disciples forgot to bring enough bread. Their minds were stuck in a natural problem. Jesus did not want the disciples to be spiritually misled. Jesus was saying, “I am your source. Stop limiting yourself to your resources.” God is your source. Look at God and obey Him, and then rest in faith. When you give an offering to the Lord, do what He tells you to do. Have compassion. Pastor Syd shared a powerful testimony of how He provided for their recent medical costs. [Levi Lapp shared about collecting baby clothes and items for them to take along with them to an orphanage in Guatemala.]
Gifts of the Spirit: Gifts of Healings
Isaiah 2; Isaiah 1:18-19 (If you are willing and obedient you will eat the good of the land.) We have a better covenant and a better way of receiving it. Wealth was intended for God’s people, not the wicked. Get rid of your small, limited thinking. Karen Burrows gave a testimony about their home group. Sermon: The gifts of healings are plural- gifts and healings (1 Corinthians 12:1-14). It is God’s will for us to be healed. Paul healed the man through God’s power, and then he preached and others were healed (Acts 28:1-8). Anyone can be healed by faith. People can be healed by hearing the Word, such as Isaiah 53:4-5. A lame man was healed by hearing the Word and receiving faith (Acts 14:8). Philip preached Christ and those who were paralyzed and lame were healed (Acts 8:4). We need to do what He wants to do through us. Jesus walked away from man sick people, because He did what the Father told him to do, and so should we. Matthew 20:29.
Gifts of the Spirit: The Working of Miracles
Be instantaneous in prayer. Pastor Syd is praying for bigger needs for the kingdom and CWI. He and Jen laid hands on and prayed for the home group leaders and for Jim and Sharon Day. One way God’s power is manifested is in the working of miracles (1 Corinthians 12:10). These are mighty deeds; the force that makes able or possible; the activity in power that makes the impossible possible. The Bible is full of miracles, and that season is not over. If you do your part, God can do His. Moses was 80 years old, and Aaron was 83 when they spoke to Pharaoh. People long for power, and we have the real thing to show them. Exodus 7-11 and again in chapter 14, show how Moses used the rod that God empowered with His Spirit to demonstrate that His power is greater than that of magicians. Even today magicians try to copy Moses and God with “magic” wands. God is a God of miracles. Jesus only did what He saw the Father do. He knew God was His Source when He was on earth. In 2 Kings 2:8 Elijah used his mantle to divide the river, and in verses 13 and 14 Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle. In chapter 4:38-40 he purified poisoned stew. In chapter 6, a branch caused an iron ax-head to swim. Other extraordinary miracles and signs and wonders are recorded in Acts 19:11-12; Hebrews 2:4; John 2:1-11; Acts 4:33; Acts 5:12; and Acts 8:4. Doing miracles is God’s testimony. Be sensitive and hear the Spirit of the Lord and be obedient to do what He tells you to do. With great power the apostles testified to the resurrection of Jesus, and great (abundant) grace was on them all. God worked extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that people were healed even by handkerchiefs and aprons. Peter’s shadow caused people to be healed. Like Philip after Stephen’s stoning, we preach Jesus. We must walk in faith. Expect the most phenomenal things, the workings of miracles. God can use what is in your hands.
Special Faith, Part 1
Let go of your past, and go by faith in the Word, not by feelings. If your sins are forgiven, it’s a lie to believe that your past holds you. The past does not hold you. It’s your holding onto your past that holds you. God doesn’t renovate your past; He removes it. Release your future. Pastor Syd ministered to various people, and in turn people ministered in prophetic words and prayer to him and Jen. Pastor Syd shared three powerful testimonies of great faith and God’s faithfulness, goodness, and protection. Be sensitive and obedient to the Lord, and be quick to change. In 1 Kings 17-19:2 we learn that Elijah was a man who walked in the gifts of the Spirit, especially that of great faith. He also walked in great obedience to the word from the Lord. God will hear you when you are in His will. God expects the prayers of the righteous to work (James 5).
Jen Ropp & Jon Fike
Jen Ropp: Hebrews 10:35-38 tells us not to throw away our confidence (faith), which has great reward. We need cheerful endurance (patience), so that after we do God’s will, we may receive the promise. Abraham and Sarah’s promise from God looked impossible (Hebrews 11:11-12), and it did not come quickly but manifested twenty-five years later. If God says something, He will do it. Are you obeying and cheerfully enduring? Jon Fike: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (Ephesians 3:20). God can do beyond what we think, according to the power that works in us.
Preparation to Do God’s Will
A word was given about God’s trust in Apostle Dale because of his obedience and the calling that He has placed in his heart. God is calling the church to go beyond where it is. God is calling the church to prayer and to lay a supernatural foundation. It is about God’s heart for souls and His kingdom. Pray. Intercede. God needs our intercession and obedience. Learn to know God’s Spirit. Jen Ropp shared a victory testimony of her son’s healing.Sermon: Preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord (Proverbs 16:1). God has a preparation time in your life, which is like a pregnancy. Honor the prep time and where you are now in your life, and don’t get frustrated during it. Commit your works and ways to the Lord, and don’t plan God right out of your life. Enjoy your life where God has you. Commit your destiny to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. Then, your desires will pull you in a certain direction. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). Nurture the God-dreams in you. If you don’t know God’s plan, you are in preparation. If you don’t have a job, spend 8 hours looking for one. Let go to get a hold of what is ahead for you. Ask the Lord: What do You want me to do? Learn what you need to go in the direction of your desires. Get busy where you are. Give. Pray. Do more. Desire puts you on a road that separates you from other things (the Hebrew meaning of Proverbs 18:1). Do not be afraid of your (good) desires, and one will lead to another one. God tells us to not be anxious, but to be filled with care for nothing, not careless, but carefree. Being carefree attracts others. Desires bring motivation. Worry is sin. Don’t fret, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving make your requests known to God (Philippians 4:6). Note: thanksgiving is important. A desire is a passion that you feel responsible for; it has made a claim on you. The result is that the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Watch and follow God’s peace.
How Do We Live a Long Life
This is Victory Sunday. Everyday is a great day to praise the Lord. Let’s be worshipers in truth. God gives grace for finances (2 Corinthians 9:8), so that we can bless others. Pray for greater needs. Sermon: The spiritual side of living long is different from the world’s view. The question is how long is it before I die? People have used Genesis 6:3 which says that man will live 120 years, but that was how many years it was until the flood. Psalm 90:10, which is a prayer of Moses, says that we will live 70 years or if by reason of strength, 80 years. Eighty years is not really long. This was a complaint and was considered short because of a curse. Ask God if you are finished, or if you are short on vision. Some people put more faith in the latest supplement than they do on the Word. It is godly wisdom to take care of your body. Ask God what you are to do to take care of your body. Scriptures to increase your faith for long life are: Psalm 91:14-16; Proverbs 9:10-11; 3:13, 16-18; 4:10; 10:27; 28:16; Isaiah 65:20; 1 Peter 3:10-12; and Ephesians 6:2-3. There is not a set day or time for you to die. You can lengthen your days, so we can do things to shorten our days. Death is an upgrade. We are not afraid of dying. We want to live long to accomplish the most we can on this earth. You can ask God for something more to accomplish. Keep your tongue from evil. Honor your parents. Our faith is not in exercise or a supplement or pill. Charles Capps taught that you can have what you say. He had exactly what he said he would have. Your words will work for you.
Testimonies of Resurrected Lives
John Lehman shared about his trip to Ethiopia. In John 17 Jesus prayed for us, that we would be one as He and the Father are one. Eternal life is that we may know God and Jesus Christ. It is a father-son, Father-Son, relationship. God goes with us and is in us. It is a personal relationship. Prayer is not an appointment with God and then we leave Him. He wants us to have eternal life and to be with Him constantly. Don’t limit God by being too busy to hear Him. What do you do when you are bored? Let that be a trigger to prompt you to listen to what He wants you to hear. The rest of the service was the congregation’s sharing of their personal relationship with God in action.
Getting God’s Vision for Your Life
Pastor Sydney read out of Psalm 35 and Mathew 18:21. He spoke on getting back to the simple things, the simple love you had at first for Jesus. God is calling everyone to repentance. “Every hindrance and every wall be removed,” was prayed by Pastor Sydney. One of the key subjects talked about was on forgiveness. Unforgiveness will keep a person in bondage. While in Iraq Pastor Sydney had seen a photo of Jesus laughing. The same image kept appearing. The picture of Jesus laughing represented the joy of the Lord. The Lord had given Larry Hostetter a message for the congregation. Larry had a dream that he had several times before. In that dream the demonstration of how God is a God of order was what had been represented in a church service. In that service one by one someone ministered a word, sang, or played and instrument. Jen Ropp had spoke about her encounter with a cashier at the grocery store and the takeaway was what your vision is for your life or situation. Anastashia Groff had shared that seeing Pastor Sydney and Jen’s son miraculously being healed step by step of type 1 Diabetes is her vision. Herb Baughman had talked about the power of forgiveness and how a relative decide to stick with unforgievness and eventually died from bone cancer.
Gifts of the Spirit- Special Faith
Pastor Sydney spoke out of 2 Corinthians 1:20 and Psalm 57 for communion. The key point is that we need to be intentionally thankful. Lagging indicator is something that is behind what has already happened and it is how feelings are. Pastor Sydney mentioned about how tired he was, so he’d begun to just thank the Lord for what He has done for him. In doing so it brought him joy. Mathew 6:25 had been read for offering for Mission Sunday. It is not the hearer that gets the results, it is the doer. Examine yourself and ask God what are you seeing first. Pastor Sydney uses the example of a rope with no slack. Referring to that there is no slack between God and His promise. God is the God of now. Sermon: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. You want to desire the gifts. The nine gifts are wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, to another working mighty deeds, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and interpretation. There are three gifts that do something. Known as the power gifts are healing, working of miracles, and special faith. Pastor Sydney points out that we are a move of God. Don’t limit the move of God by being too busy. There are two kinds of faith, common faith and special faith. Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the assurance of what we hope for. Faith is the foundation of what is expected. Titus 1:4, John 1, Romans 10:15, and John 15:4-6. Hear it, believe it, and do it. Romans 4:19, Mathew 8:10, and James 2:22.
Learning the Fear of the Lord
Psalm 34
Ephesians 5:17-21
Gifts of the Spirit – What are you full of?
Pastor Sydney read out of the book of 1 Corinthians 12:31, continuation of the gifts of the Spirit. Look at the word and see what it has to say about your situation. Earnestly desire the gifts of the Spirit. The best gift is the one needed at that moment. 1 Corinthians 14:1. Self deceiving is where one just becomes the hearer and not doing. Our flesh can hinder God. You don’t have to be without fault to serve the Lord. However, you do have to be under the blood of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:13-14. If we are not desiring the gifts of God it is because we think that God cannot use us. Yield yourself to the Lord and desire the gifts of God. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. Taking risks! Don’t limit God. The Lord had a message for Kathleen English, He sees her as the diamond that she is. Acts 2. Continually be active in being filled with the Holy Spirit. Pastor Sydney compared it to a car. When you run out of gas you have to keep filling the tank. Ephesians 5:17. It is foolish not to know the will of the Lord. Luke 11:5. In order to live in the Spirit you got to stay full of the Spirit. Baby dedication had taken place.
Gifts of the Spirit – Be filled and Speak
Pastor Sydney did a continuation on the gifts of the Spirit and spoke about being filled with the Holy Spirit. In addition to that, sharing with the congregation about how to go about how to be obedient to the Lord when He gives you something to share had been mentioned Pastor Sydney speaks out of Ephesians 5:15 and mentions to be being filled, because God wants us to be full of His Holy Spirit. The two things compared is drunkenness and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Leo brings up about Acts 2. Pastor Sydney goes over reasons why people drink. “You don’t have to live dry, you could live full of the Spirit”, mentioned by Pastor Sydney. The Word talks about alcohol and mention not to be drunk. Sober means not drunk. Drunkenness equals dull and insensitive. In doing things ask the Lord first if it is alright to have an alcoholic drink. Don’t be a judgemental person towards anyone who drinks. Opposite of being drunk is being filled with Spirit and there is no limit to how much of the Spirit you can have! Saved equals healed. Acts 4:8, 4:31, Acts 6:1, 6:5 had been read out of. 1 Corinthians 14 was also referenced.
Practical Ways to Flow in the Holy Spirit
Practical ways and how to flow in the holy spirit. 1. Atmosphere: As believers we have a big role in what our atmosphere is like. Psalm 22:3, Hebrews 13:15, and 1 Timothy 2:8 Karen Burrows spoke out of. Be eager or fast to obey the word of God. The world claps but saints praise. Praise and honor in reverence to God creates the atmosphere here in which He inhabits. Acts 16 talks about how Paul and Silas chose to pray and praise. Karen also spoke out of Mark 11 where it talks about giving praise and Acts 13:2 where it talks about fasting and praying. 2 Chronicles 20:3-seeking the Lord and its importance. The battle belongs to God. Praise is powerful. Reverence the Holy Ghost 2. Availability: Jeremiah 7:23 Obeying His voice. Karen speaks about knowing how to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit. Karen gave a testimony where the Lord spoke to her and if she hadn’t been obedient the outcome could have been worse. You have to be listening to the Holy Spirit. Meditate on the Word of God and throughout the whole day stay in communication with the Lord. Take a Word break. God is not looking for ability He is looking for availability. “He’s not looking for the shiny star,” said by Karen. 1 John 2:20 and vs. 27. Take care of the problems at seed level and don’t wait for it to become a mountain. Our tongue is the biggest weapon and should not be as a believer. As children of God our tongue have been redeemed and is to be used to praise the Lord, edify and build each other up. Karen gave a testimony on speaking what she wanted in the turmoil of a situation. In times of loneliness encourage yourself in the Lord, praise Him, and speak His name out loud. Anointing, authority, and speaking the name of Jesus is how to live victorious. 3. Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Ephesians 2:4-6. All of Jesus’ orders must be carried out in the body. Mathew 18:18 and Colossians 2:6 Karen spoke out of.” Be a friend, make a friend, and bring a friend to Christ,” Karen gave a testimony of where God had used her right where she was at in LA Fitness. 4. Abiding: walking in the fruit of the Spirit is the root of manifesting the Spirit are attributes we have to develop. When making yourself available God will use you. You can have as much of Jesus as you want!
Keys that God has Given Us
1 Corinthians 9:8, Galatians 5:25, and Acts 13:4 were bible verses looked at. Larry Mills spoke about holding a position as a janitor. He held all the keys to the building, which made him feel a sense of authority. What are you doing with the keys that God has given you? Was a questioned asked by Larry. Matthew 16:18. If you ask someone what the meaning of a church is you would get various responses. Larry mentioned about being more interested in what God says the meaning of church is. It was the first time in the bible that the word church is being used in representing the keys of authority, Matthew 16. a) The church will be built on the revelation of who Jesus is. Matthew 24:14. b) Not even the government of hell can stop the move of the Church. c) Matthew 18:18–Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Jesus talks about giving His church keys, which is in the context of building the church. Larry read out of Colossians 1:13. Larry expanded on the fact that all we need is one word from the highest authority. Matthew 28:19. We have been given authority=keys for healing, casting out devils, and raising the dead. Larry had given and example of one of his granddaughters where she was given a fork to try to learn how to eat with it. He expressed that his granddaughter had gotten the food everywhere else but in her mouth, but the fork wasn’t taken from her hand. That fork is parallel to what our keys are. God didn’t give us keys and then take them from us. We have been given keys now what are you going to do with them?
Wake Up – Sydney Ropp
Pastor Sydney spoke out of Joel 3:10, Isaiah 35, and Isaiah 51:9. Wake up and put on the Lord’s power. How do you put it on? It is with your mouth. Wake up in the morning; Pastor Sydney referenced Habakkuk 3:17-19 and Micah 3:8. This is a special church and the victory is ours because of Jesus, who is the one that strengthens us had been spoken through Larry Hostetter. Pastor Sydney mentioned that we were born to create and talked about how Adam and Eve were created. It was that both male and female were created in His likeness. Jeremiah 2:1-4 was also referenced. God wants us to stop waiting on feeling something in order to go out and minister or witness.
Love like the Father- (part 1) Put on Love
Pastor Sydney mentioned about being like the old locomotive and compared it with being changed into His image. Genesis 1:26 had been referenced. Pastor Sydney mentioned that darkness is just the absence of light. Romans 8:29 and Romans 12:2 had been looked at. Do not be conformed to this age. Pastor Sydney began to remind the people that when you speak bad of yourself you have to be reminded that you have the mind of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 had been referenced. Pastor Sydney mentioned about identity and to not forget who you are. Skip the valley and stay on the mountain. Walk in love and be in love, John 13:34. God did some amazing things and people wondered how did He do it? He was creative in using what He had. Pastor Sydney talked about his experience of how supportive the community had been for the fallen fighter killed in the line of duty. That even through the pouring rain from all across different states, the people had come to honor and serve the broken. We have to intentionally put on love, Colossians 3:14. Put on heart felt compassion. Don’t allow condemnation to come in when you see that you fall short. Forgiving means that you release the debt a person owes you. Not to fall in love but to put on love. Above all else put on love. Pastor Sydney had shared a story about an unsettling text he had gotten and wanted to respond his way, which wasn’t loving. Pastor Sydney was reminded about how he had mistreated God in the past but God was still loving and gracious, 1 Peter 4:7-8. Say things in love keeping in mind the benefits of the person you are talking to. Be kind, be humble, be gentle, put it on, Proverbs 10:12. A great act of love is to give, Galatians 5:6, 13. Let us love each other in such a way that others would say that they want to be like that, changed in the image of Christ.
Perseverance
Alex spoke out of the book of James. Alex talked about how he is loved by God but there are trials that his life is accompanied by. James 1:2. Marriage for example is a building process to not only receive but to give. This process is to make you perfect. We really have to stretch ourselves and persevere. Perseverance is not a gift you have to work for it. God puts people together to perfect us. Alex had told about how he could be surrounded by good people but then there is that one person who just does whatever it is to irritate a person. Alex mentioned about how there are times when God is just quiet during the time of you praying asking God why you might be going through whatever situation it is. “The season is for a reason….collect what you can because there is going to be a shift in the season,” mentioned by Alex. There is something that has to build inside of you. Perseverance has a lot to do with your heart. Alex talked about how when he looks at his children, they are beautiful, but his wife has told him that giving birth is painful. Persevere and endure. Ask God for wisdom to understand what He is doing during the distance in between “A” and “B”, James 1:5. There is a perfection process in between, Hebrews 5:13-14. Grow and mature as a whole. Solid food is for the mature. Train you feelings to say no. Alex mentioned that when God is dealing with him that it starts off difficult but ends good. At first he doesn’t see what God is trying do, but then does when he puts his feelings aside. Train your feelings to shut up. If you don’t understand what is going on ask God for wisdom!
Love Like the Father- (part 2) Love for the Lost
“The anointing of God that is on my life for you. I don’t speak this way often because I see the danger of how people put pastors on a pedal stool. Do recognized that I am human. I am like you. Don’t look at me infallible, without mistakes. I have to be bold about the gifting that God has put in my life for you. I cant shrink back from what God would have me to do on your behalf. It is important that we work together, you and I. As the pastor and the sheep because I am an under Shepard under the Lord in this house. We are to work with each other and stay in sync. We have a vision at Church of the Word, which is Matthew 28. Go and make disciples. Bring the Gospel to people, equipping, and training them. The church is one of the places you get fed. The primary source of where you need to get fed is at home just with you and the Lord. You don’t come to church to have a relationship with Jesus. You come to church to be a part of the Body. You can go home and be a Christian but you are isolated and in danger in that place. If you come here to get equipped in this house to do what you are suppose to do, then it is important that you show up. Do not take this as criticism during this summer season for people that are traveling. I ask that if you can’t be here I ask that you go to the messages and listen to them online.” It may be the very message that you need to hear to get through whatever it is that you are struggling with. “God is gracing whoever the speaker is to speak to you. There is an anointing on my life to keep you from being weary and scattered, not because my name is Sydney. Who ever is the pastor, there is an anointing upon their lives to cause the sheep to not be weary and not to be scattered.Matthew 9:36, if the sheep have no Shepard they would be weary and worn out. Me in my flesh I have nothing to offer you. With the Lord I can offer you what you need and it is not because I am special, but because I obey Him and speak what He would have me to say. I covet your prayers and ask that you would pray for Jen and I as we walk in this role as Pastor for you. There is a target on our back, not that we need to be afraid of it, but it is a real thing. If the Sheppard gets struck the sheep can be scattered. Your prayers are very much needed. Do remember us in prayer.” After one of the alter calls Pastor Sydney had prayed against depression and had since been oppressed with it. “‘Stay full of strength let the weak say I am strong.'”
Main Message:
Pastor Sydney mentioned that he chooses to walk in His grace because in the flesh he is nothing. Practice walking in love, John 13. Our job is to reach out and show the love of Jesus. You know how when you don’t get your way. The next time you want your way that is what Jesus gave up so that we could escape hell and have a relationship with the Father.Which is the beginning of heaven. The kingdom of heaven has come and it is within us. Don’t look to heaven as a destination but as a place to abide. People are going to know that you are of God because you love each other. He judged them according to their deeds, looking at what the people did for the body of Christ and not what they did for humanity, but He questioned; “‘What did you do for me? Jesus said to love everybody especially those who are your brothers and sisters.'” [Christians] are usually the hardest to love. Now looking at loving the people of the world. If you do not love the people of the world then you are not like the Lord. Pastor Sydney mentioned that his natural instinct is to be alone and that as a teenager heights and public speaking were two things he had feared. Naturally he would be an introvert if he had not allowed Christ to flow through him. He also mentions that he deliberately chooses to be more like Christ. You got to stop labeling yourself as introverted or extroverted. Doing the work of the Lord is what is fulfilling rather than going home and hiding.
John 3:16. When Pastor Sydney only had one son he questioned if he would give his only son up for the people that didn’t even like him. He wouldn’t want to give up his son for those who have done wrong and much rather have them suffer their consequences. It is that God has found your value so great and so significant that He had given His only son, because He got you back and He got His son back. He loved the world so much that He had given up what was most valuable to Him. Everyone deserves God’s love, including the person that cut you off in traffic.
Testimony:
Kathleen English gave a testimony about a server she had at a restaurant, which was a divine appointment.Shane had given a testimony of how he had experienced what it was like to share the love of Christ with someone. We are not to be the deciders of who Christ should be shared with. Pastor Sydney talked about how God used him to witness to a woman and then to a man out on the beach while he was in Florida for an event. In addition to that, God utilized him in prayer for a man in the scene at a bar.
Love Like The Father (part 3) Choosing Love
Sometimes we use that name that seems to mean nothing. But that name is above every name. That name does have power. When the anointing power of the Holy Spirit is in upon you there is great power, there is great authority. The devil’s kingdom shakes. The devil’s kingdom moves. It’s not just because of the name of Jesus. It is because of the power in back of the name Jesus spoken by you through the Holy Spirit. He is God. The great and awesome three in one, in who there is none like. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess Jesus Christ is Lord. His glory and His love and His compassion for you. His children we cannot conceive it in our minds because it is by the Spirit. It is when that Holy Spirit comes upon you to do great and mighty things for Him. You will see the devil move. You will see His glory come, because He has not changed. He is King, Lord creator, and God above every god. He is above every king and He shall come. He shall rule and reign. His name is great and mighty and holy, our God was in the beginning and shall be in the end. Hallelujah give Him praise! He is faithful and He is true.
Intro to Main Message
Let’s walk in the authority that we’ve been given. Not halfheartedly or as an after thought. It is our leading thought, which is the name of Jesus. The problems that you are up against, bet there is a name to it. Use the name of Jesus whatever situation you are in. Declare victory over that situation. Remember Jesus is risen. Victory is yours.
Prayer
Prayer for planting seed and having the opportunity to do so had been prayed for. He also prayed for people to have dreams.
Pastor Sydney talked about taking his children to their piano lesson and had determine that he’ll go suffer for Jesus and also get a treat at Dairy Queen. Pastor Sydney mentioned that we constantly have opportunities to be a blessing. At Dairy Queen he had the prompting to go pray for a young in a cast and had believed God might heal him. [Then the other thoughts flooded in] he had thought to himself that after eating his blizzard he would go over and pray for the young man. The young man goes to leave and Pastor Sydney approaches the young man and realizes that he had missed the opportunity to plant a seed. Pastor Sydney mentioned that we need to live a life of repentance and repented to the Lord and asked for another opportunity to come. The Lord had opened up the door for another opportunity and allowed Pastor Sydney to love on an older gentle who just so happen to have turned eighty-seven years old that day. Towards the end of their conversation, God had him bless the gentleman with money. At first the man did not want to take it but Pastor Sydney insisted that he did and that it was a gift from the Lord. “God is not a God of just enough He is a God of way more than enough”. He is a God of abundance. Offering is not something that collect to pay the light bill but it is a lifestyle that we are to live. The place to live is where He is our reward.
Pastor Sydney read from Psalm 91.
Update on Carson
The insulin need continues to decrease. Carson’s pancreas has come back to life and his liver is being healed. God has been giving Pastor Sydney and Jen wisdom as to what is going on in Carson’s body and shares that with the medical staff. There will be less and less insulin need until Carson no longer needs it and the doctors would start to question what is going on in his body, which is what Pastor Sydney spoke out would happen. When Carson was first diagnosed they were told that no one had ever been healed of diabetes and Pastor Sydney mentioned that it would be a miracle when it does happen. However, going into see the specialist he was given wisdom not to share with the specialist what they think is going on in Carson’s body. The medical staff just don’t understand it and have been trying to guess and figure out what is going on. Pastor Sydney mentioned, “I want you to be encouraged because you too can walk in this same way.”
Guest Speaker-Sky and Noelle Barkley
At the evening service Sky will be speaking about Free Burma Rangers. Main goal is to help the people and to walk in His obedience. Sky spoke about what he has witnessed car bombings and killings of women and children. Sky mentioned that he sees what the devil is doing but he also sees what the Lord is doing. God is so much more powerful than Isis and He so much more powerful than satin.
Main Message
Love like the father. We are told to be imitators of God. Love is what motivates God. Everything that He does is out of love. Pastor Sydney mentioned that love is not warm and squishy bubble wrap that people make it out to be. Love is a full spectrum. Part of love is judgement but we do not have to pay the price of the judgement. John 13:34 and John 3:16 what was read out of; the love for one another and how God gave up His only begotten son was talked about. The people were perishing so it needed a solution and the only solution was for Him to give up His only son for the people that didn’t Love Him.
What is eternal life? People of the congregation responded with blessing, never ending, knowing God. John 17, when Jesus was talking to the father. This is eternal life that they may know the only true God. Back then intimacy was the term used when talking about sexual intercourse.That term is not used so much in that sense but does give a deeper scope of knowing God in an intimate and personal level is the eternal life. “Eternal life is a relationship, not just a destination,” mentioned by Pastor Sydney. He also talks about how heaven should not be looked at as a destination but a reality. What happens in heaven is how we should be praying what happens here on Earth. Pray God’s will just like it is in heaven. “‘Greatest expression of love is giving,'” said by Kieth Moore. No where does it say that God had feelings of love. It is that He had compassion. Romans 5:6, relationship with us is what God is after. Even when we were in opposition of God He still reaches out to us. God did not have feelings of love. God has got a vision and He sees beyond the state of enemies. Love is an action It is a choice. A choice to take a set of actions. We know that God loves us because He gave. Don’t be single minded, you can choose to give gifts or to give of you time for an example. If God is willing to love you while you are His enemy just think of what He would do with you as His son or daughter. If we are going to love like the Father we need a greater understanding of how He loves. We cannot give something we do not have. In looking out our culture today love is viewed as a feeling. Where people fell in love and then fell out of love. When in actuality it is something entirely different, it is lust or love of the flesh. But you as a spirit lead individual can choose to walk in love fully, if you choose to give that there is a high probability that the feelings will follow. Especially in a marriage relationship. “So don’t act in response to your feelings allow your feelings to come in response to your actions”.
Sky Barkley had come forward and shared his testimony of when he first experienced conviction and had compassion and love for another person as he worked as a bouncer. Then decided that being a bouncer was not for him.
Pastor Sydney mentioned that you have to choose to yield to love. Even on the days you do not feel like loving, choose to love. Pastor Sydney shared about a time when he and his wife had to face some opposition from his own family when he first started a church in Colorado. Terrible things had been said and initially his flesh didn’t like what was being said or going on and wanted to respond in such a way, but chose not to. Instead he chose to speak God’s word with quoting scriptures. Although in the mist of things Pastor Sydney did not want confrontation and had faced fear. On the inside the end result was compassion. 1 John 4:7, verse is one of the many verses that is special to Pastor Sydney. We have not had a correct understanding of what love is. Love drives condemnation out. For we are as He is in this world. Ephesians 2:6 was read out of. Pastor Sydney talks about how we are seated with the Father. There is no remembrance of any of the wrong doing a person has done. In His eyes we are perfect. Talking about our spiritual being. We do have to continue to work on being more like Him. The one who loves God must also love his brother. How do you truly love someone? You give. How do you truly show hatred towards someone? You take from them. God loves justice. We have a civil government and laws in place to reward those that do good and punish those that do evil. Pastor Sydney talks about being concerned with the individual. When someone does wrong to you individually to turn the other cheek when you are being taken advantage of. What pleases God? Faith and obedience. God is love. We look like Him and smell like Him. Psalm 91.
Grady Pickett
A time of prayer and worship had taken place. Psalm 34 had also been sung from. Grady Pickett has been in North Iraq for seven and a half years and studied in Amman Jordan for two and a half years. “Before you reach for your frozen burrito be sure to pray for your amigo”, was mentioned by Grady. Prayer is much needed. He had severed in the Marine core for a number of years. Grady said he was always getting into trouble and had a grandmother that prayed for him. He mentioned how he was a wild man and would go to church. It was a repetition of that. He mentioned about how he was a selfish man. “What have you done for me?” Was said by the Lord when He first spoke to Grady. Grady mentioned that he had really stopped to think about that. He always been a taker and was selfish. He mentioned that he didn’t give anything back and that he only went to church to hang out with his friends. When the Lord had spoke to him, that had been a turning point in his life. True north meaning a life truly live for the Lord. He had heard the bible being taught passionately for the first time. Grady heard the calling to be a missionary. He had gotten into a bible college then went to a homeless shelter going to school. It was there that the Lord was reteaching Grady some things. In talking about worship, God gives us the psalms to show us what praise and worship can be like. looking at the book of John, Grady goes on to talk about how by faith anything is possible. He refereed to it as it being like a check book to heaven. He mentions that you would not drain that bank account dry and that it is sitting there waiting for you. That we are to start making withdraws and get our mouths in line with the Word of God in what He wants us to do on this earth. Nothing is impossible with Him. He just needs someone who is going to step out in faith and do something scary. The gifts of the Holy Spirit is what got him kicked out of bible college. Grady saw that the gifts were also for today. Grady saw that the gifts of the Spirit will be his ministry tool box.Grady talks about how he had cast out the devil from a man and that it was the first time that he had experienced that.
Three things the Lord gave Grady to do. 1.Big back packing trip around the world. 2.Start learning Arabic. 3. Go to Iraq. Grady mentioned that obedience has its rewards. He had met his wife through an email. Grady goes on to talk about the various areas that he had been to. In some areas it was like a biblical exodus with the wars going on. Kings and presidents were on the run. Basirma Refugee Camp had been created due to there not being any more food or fuel. Grady started a bread project and had support from Christians all over the world. After some of the things that Grady and his wife experience he questioned himself, “Have I made the right decision?” Psalm 41 was read from by Grady. Grady goes on to tell about what God has called him to do. A video was played that gave an insight and testimonies of how the Picketts are being used by God. Pastor Sydney closes in prayer in blessing Grady and his family.
True Worship
The Father longs for our worship.Feelings are changeable. 2 Chronicles 20. Worship does generate from your feelings. Pastor Sydney shares a story on where he woke up on the wrong side of the bed. That he just started thanking the Lord and all of a sudden was full of like and joy, his feelings had changed. Psalm 34, was read out of. Praise to be clear, to shine, to make a show, to boast, and thus be glamorously foolish. On purpose celebrate. Psalm 100 was read out of. Praise means hymns or singing. Bless means to kneel in worship. The Psalms are full of telling us to lift up our hands, to shout, to praise. Pastor Sydney talks about sports in regards to the first action that occurs when your particular team is winning. The first thing we do is raise up our hands. It’s a natural response of mankind that God has hardwired into us that when we have victory we just lift up our hands. That is what we do when we praise Him. Pastor Sydney read from Psalm 63. Pastor Sydney told a story about how his dog had worship him and adored him. the illustration of how we are to be to Him. Praise means to address in a loud tone. The master is our safe place. Praise and worship isn’t something that just happens here at the church it is a lifestyle. He’s a practical God.
Pastor Sydney shared with the congregation how much money was gifted to Sky and Noelle Barkley, who were our guest speakers at the July 9, 2017 service. Pastor Sydney also shared the Chief of police’s gratitude and thanks for the invitation and prayers from the congregation. Pastor Sydney also shared with the congregation that a fruit basket that was gifted to him, that him and his wife had given it to the police department and prayed for the gentleman that had received the basket. Later on that very same officer had been in the newspaper for and act of heroism, which goes to show that our prayers for protection does make an impact.
True Disciples
That is in the good times, the bad times, and the best of time.
Pastor Sydney reads from Romans 5:17. He also mentions that there was a king named death who reigned. Kings reigned that was their job. “Death had been stripped of his authority and power and someone else remains in his place. His name is Jesus!” Pastor Sydney goes on to tell that he has wonderful news and mentions that the Lord wants us to rule and reign with Him. In addition to that, he mentions that we had been given great authority so that we are able to look at the destruction and to look at the things steeling from you. The sickness, disease, whatever it may be, to realize that you have authority. Some question, “Why am I in authority? Because the greater one lives inside of me.” Pastor Sydney mentioned that death reigned once, but much more they which receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life. He mentioned that it is not in the future or in heaven some day, but it is the now.
The Lords Revealing and Word of Encouragement
The Lord showed Pastor Sydney that there is either one or maybe many people who are struggling with some thoughts. Struggling with what is in their minds with condemnation. John 8:23 was read out of, a verse to set us free. If He lives on the inside of you then you are not your own person anymore. You are not who you used to be. Pastor Sydney mentioned that he does not care how bad you were because you are not who you used to be. You are recreated, a new being, you are first and foremost a spirit of God. A spirit from God filled with the Spirit of God. Since you are a spirit, you have an eternal soul. You live in this flesh and bone body. When things of the flesh and body begin to get a hold of you and begin to talk to you. This is what you say to it, “You are from below, you are from beneath. I am from above.” Friends you have to separate between who you are and who this flesh is. Who you are and who the devil wants you to be who you use to be. You have to draw a clear line of who you are now and who you were. I am from above. You[devil] are from beneath. So when the enemy comes to you, or puts a thought in your head do not take ownership of it. It’s not from you it is from beneath. Recognize it as such. That’s not mine. I don’t need to feel bad for that. That was from the enemy, that was from beneath. I am from above and I take no part in that thought. I am with the King and I reign with Him. Oh Father I ask that You give this revelation right now, illuminate the mind of understanding in each one us to realize this great fact. That we are of You and that we are from You. Those things are from beneath right now those things that would want to come against you are not from us because we are of You. I thank You for this victory. I thank You for giving each person victory.” For causing them to reign, use the name of Jesus family.” Use that name when you come up against one of those problems. You say thought you are from beneath and I take authority over you by the authority of my King Jesus. Now you can’t bother me anymore. Tell Jesus on how great He is because you have the victory. You don’t have to walk in that condemnation anymore. No more bloody noses, but walking in freedom.
Word from the Lord through Kathy Neff
He said declare victory in my house, and we are the house. We are the house. You’re going to declare victory you must fill my house with praise. Make sure you fill your house with praise. The purpose of praise is to silence the foe and the avenger.
Tithe Message:
Verse of deliverance for your finances Psalm 34:1. Pastor Sydney describes David being a man on the run. Looking at Him results in the reflection of joy. Psalm 34:6 cause David poor. The opposite of poor is being rich. God does not want you to be poor. If one believes that it could be that he hasn’t gotten the understanding or the revelation of God’s character. Money can buy happiness. Money can’t buy joy, that only comes from the Lord. God abundance coming to you. Pastor Sydney has been praying for bigger needs because God’s word states that He would meet every need. Psalm 34:8, Taste and see that the Lord is good….those that fear Him lack nothing. God is not a God of poverty. Young lion signifies a hungry lion, a lion willing to attack. The young lions are full of strength. Keep your tongue away from evil. Your lips from deceitful speech. Don’t speak out doctrines of demons. Speak I am blessed even when I face the mountain. When you face adversity stand on His word. See into the unseen realm. God has delivered us from poverty and from lack. Pastor Sydney prayed over the tithe and a blessing over God’s people.
Pastor Sydney then talks about Mission Sunday. We are in a new season at Church of the Word. Focusing on our vision with missions for both here and abroad.
James 5
Pastor Sydney talked about calling on the elders for prayer. Tom Fuss is prayed for. Pastor Sydney wants the people to know that coming before the congregation to pray as one is how it should be done. He dose not want people to feel as though they are bothersome. To do just like it is written in the Word. When there is someone sick to call on the elders, to be anointed, and prayed for by.The Lord is the great physician.
Word from the Lord through Leo Neff for Tom Fuss
It is only symptoms it is not fact. Its the devil trying to discourage you. Don’t think that this is just for your physical eyes. God wants to change some other things in you in how you see some things and it is great, it’s good, and it’s wonderful. Don’t give up.
This season is foundational for the season that we are into. God is love and it is so much more profound because He said it.
Main Message
Pastor Sydney spoke out of John 8:30. He mentions that truth does not set you free. You have to do truth in order to be set free. Looking at Adam and Eve, they did not do truth that caused them to be in bondage. Many times we don’t come higher then the demons. We have to come higher than just believing we have to be a doer. Are you a disciple or are you just a believer. Pastor Sydney does not want us to get into condemnation but for us to recognize the truth and be a doer. When you come in one do go out a different way or as a changed person. John 14:12 was read out of. We are to keep His commandants if we love Him. As a church we believe God loves us, but yet that is where we stop. We need to stop incorporating Him into our lives. We need to start living like it is the only life. Every moment, every day, every life matters. It ends with us. We need to stop waiting for the other believers to their job. You are the other believers. We’ve been operating as orphans. We are not without help. Pastor Sydney encourages us to just be brave, rely on God, and do His work. Pastor Sydney talks about how the Holy Spirit works on the people and they open the door themselves, which gives opportunity for the love of God to be shown to them.
Mike Frede had given encouragement and talks about how the Lord is leading him in restructuring their busy schedule to be able to do the work of the Kingdom.
Keeping His Commands
The Lord gave Pastor Sydney Psalm 25 not only for him but for John Tobias as well. Pastor Sydney encourages John to get full of hope and prayed for him. A song given through Kevin Burrows from the Lord was brought forth.
“‘My healing power will move. To show My glory. You have authority in you lives that you are far above powers of principalities, but where is your faith? That faith that I have placed within you. You have to yield to that faith and you have to stand against satan and its powers and principalities because he is defeated. The Blood is sufficient, the Name is sufficient. Keep on seeking me because I want to do great and mighty things in this place. I do want to see peoples’ lives get touched and changed. Stand against the wiles of satan. Stand strong not because of your strength, but because of the strength that I infuse in your body through Jesus Christ the Lord. ‘”
Pastor Sydney reads out of Psalm 18. Pastor Sydney mentioned that Sandi Burkholder had a message from the Lord during worship.The Lord said that “We are the lean strong fighting machine.” He is making us corporately together.
Pastor Sydney mentions that Psalm 18 is a psalm or warfare about a battle and sets the stage of what was going on and shows the complete victory that God brought Jesus out and because He is the King of nations and we serve Him. He tells us that we would be seated with Him in heavenly places current condition.
Main Message
Pastor Sydney reads out of John 14:12. He uses the example of sunglasses and when you put them on you see the color of whatever tint they are. Instead of seeing the color or tint, Pastor Sydney encourages us to see things through the eyes of love. In order to receive the Holy Spirit a person must be saved first. Pastor Sydney mentions that Acts 2 gives the comparison of the Holy Spirit being on you verses within you. He also mentions that the reason we have not been bold with stepping out and witnessing is because we act like we have been orphans and alone. Since He is with us we can act in boldness as we tell people the truth and as we witness. Pastor Sydney mentions that people will know if we are true disciples by our love. Conviction is what draws you towards the Lord with the helping you correct what needs to be worked on. Condemnation is pushing you away. The Lord reveals Himself as we act upon His command. Pastor Sydney references Matthew 25. 1 John 3 shows how we are to show love. Pastor Sydney mentions that sometime loving like the Lord is not giving what a person ask for. That it be in the best interest of the person to give them instead what is best for them.
Working With Him
Main Message – Pastor Sydney reads of 1 John 4:7-8 and talks about responding from a place of love. 1 John 14:12 and 1 John 14:21 was read from by Pastor Sydney. We need to examine ourselves and ask are we being the blessing? He mentions that we have to be rooted and grounded in love.He also mentions about not putting pressure on the person, but to instead put the pressure onto God. Be like Jesus. Pastor talked about an experience with an airline that he was not happy with. The worker that helped him multiple times was just always slow and that over time it just became frustrating. The worker happened to be a pastor and mentioned to Pastor Sydney what message he preached on and Pastor Sydney mentioned to the worker that he spoke on the same exact message or bible verse. The worker had not known that Pastor Sydney was a pastor. The worker mentioned that he always knew that there was something different about Pastor Sydney because he was always patient and kind, despite all of the frustration caused by the airline. Pastor Sydney reads out of Colossians 1:27 and 2 Corinthians 6. Three key points to keep with you are A)Treat a person as if they are valuable. B) Know that Jesus died for them. C) Make it your first priority that He is who you represent. Romans 6:16. So remember who you are in Christ and that in any situation to display, be, and do love!
Aug 20
Apostle Dale Armstrong speaks out of Psalm 91 and talks about secrets, under valued or misunderstood. Apostle Dale shares a story about a gentleman who had been a billionaire who no education. He thought to himself that it was unbelievable and was not condescending the gentleman, but it was a reproach to himself of how low we aim. Apostle Dale also mentions about how little we believe of the things that are possible in our lives. Even when we hear testimonies of what God is doing in our lives. If we are not careful we turn people off. It’s almost too high, too far removed, or too incredible.God wants to bring us up and sometimes we have to go a little bit slowly. It ‘s the Sheppard’s job to not drive the sheep, but to go with the sheep. Apostle Dale encourages us that God wants to do great things in our lives. That what He had once done before He’ll do it again. Apostle Dale mentions the verse in Ephesians is what the Lord had dealt with him about. God’s power is exceedingly great, which Apostle Dale had translated that improperly. Exceedingly great meant to him very great. Although exceedingly means greater than the last time. It has to be something more profound than the last time. Apostle Dale continues to read out of Psalm 91 and mentions in verse one that the secret place is where we can live with God.
Apostle Dale shared a story about when he was working with an assistant who had been unsure of Apostle Dale and wondered how he accomplished things and pondered on what his secret was. The assistant had become very depressed in result of having fruitless meetings and had no clue as to what Apostle Dale was going to do. The assistant was clueless and was not in on the secret. Apostle Dale mentioned that when you are not in on the secret it becomes irritating. Apostle Dale had used a description of a mosquito worry and about how sometimes they can get through the net. He had dealt with that mosquito worry and had praised God. Apostle Dale asked the Lord, “What about that what are we going to do?” The Lord responded with, “Don’t you know there are always things that you don’t know”.
Apostle Dale had an encounter with a woman who was a widower of a very well known congressman. Him and his assistant went and had a meeting with this woman. By the end of the meeting everything they had needed accomplished got done. The assistant still unsure of what Apostle Dale does, continued to see more and more of how God moves. God wants you to prosper. As parents you want your children to prosper.
Looking at Matthew 6, Apostle Dale talks about the secrets of prosperity. The first verse talks about taking heed, meaning to be warned or pay attention. You do not do things to be seen because you would loose your reward. Our Father wants to reward you. Give to get is life and there is always an exchange. Live in the secret place so that the blessing of God pours out on us to be able to give.
Apostle Dale talks about a pistol he owns and how valuable it is to him. It had belonged to his grandfather and to him that pistol is sentimental and has more value then a real pistol. Apostle Dale mentions that God wants to be the one to take care of us. He wants to be the author of our blessing.
Apostle Dale shares the story about a woman of God who had a message for him from the Lord. At that point and time he was being interviewed and was reporting news. The woman who had a message for Apostle Dale told him that the Lord said to stop being negative and that he needed to learn how to speak because he will be the senator someday. He had received the message and thanked the woman.
Apostle Dale goes on sharing about how people say that prosperity preachers are greedy. “How can you be greedy, if your goal is to give it away?” Apostle Dale mentioned that he wants to be the pipeline and that he wants to be the conduit of God’s blessing. He also mentions that the more that he gives away, the more he is blessed with. It becomes exceedingly great because God trust him and gives him more to bless with. Matthew 6:21, where your treasure is that is where your heart will be. Apostle Dale mentioned that he had learned from Oral Roberts that he could change the direction of his heart with his checkbook. He shared with the congregation that he did have a stinginess when he was a teenager and mentioned that it comes from having a view of limited resources. He learned from Roberts that you can break the nicotine or alcohol habit if you start penalizing yourself. Put back into the Kingdom of God. Eventually, your heart would begin to cry when you put money into good things that you would start to enjoy it. You start to put a constraint on your heart by the use of your money. The pleasures of life and the pleasures of sin that are pleasurable for a season are generally expensive. You can direct your own heart by putting the money of your life out there into the Kingdom of God. Apostle Dale talked about how not only ten percent of our finances belong to God that all of it belongs to God. God just wants us to sow ten percent of if back into the Kingdom and the other ninety percent for us to be responsible for. Our hearts are involved with the perception of money.
Luke 21. This will work as you walk along side with God when you go to pay off a car loan, a student loan, or a house. He uses marriage for example. When you get married everything expands. Instead of getting a nice sports car you invest into a van. A woman who’s husband died and she had no money. She was not defeated in life. The widow was not a loser. The woman gave everything. Your money is not your seed. It is your faith that is your seed. When you don’t put your faith in behind your giving, you really aren’t giving any seed at all.
Apostle Dale gave a testimony of when God told him and his wife that they were to move to Moscow at the Landmark in 2000. So he had to sell their house and it got sold. He thanked God for the profit of the house, but the Lord said that the hundred fold returned has everything to do with sowing and reaping, but the hundred fold returned has nothing to do with giving. The hundred fold is tied up in your forsaking where your heart goes. Apostle Dale read out of Mark 10. He was going to go speak and was told to just give the message and have and alter call. He was not there to cause any problems. At that service the Lord had Apostle Dale call a man forth for healing of his arm. God can protect you, but you cannot protect Him.
Psalms 103
Jacob Markis shared his testimony when he went back home to Greece to share the Gospel with his family.
Dying to Self to see Change
Pastor Lever Sopar reads out of Acts 13:41, Isaiah 43:18, and Mark 4:28. In Isaiah 43:19 the word spring forth means to sprout. Pastor Lever mentioned that our city, our nation, and our country is a post-Christian generation. We have to listen to what God wants and not to get into depression after hearing the statistics of people falling into post-Christian. We are in a place where we have to think about what we are going to do about our nation. Anything can happen anywhere if God’s people are willing to do what they are suppose to do. America is at such a crossroad right now. Revival will not be automatic as Christians we got to do something. Pastor Lever mentioned a couple of famous people that had took action in culminating moments. He mentioned Patrick Henry, Esther, Winston Churchill, and Nelson Mandela. They all had to give something up and suffered for what they believed in, dying to self in order to see change. What are you willing to die for? We are at a crossroad. It’s wake up time, it’s a serious time. Pastor Lever mentioned that two multiplied by seven is equivalent to fourteen is the formula for revival, 2 Chronicles 7:14.
There is an invisible line that we have to cross to get this nation turned around. We have to be able to make the right decisions and do what is necessary for revival. Break the barrier to cross the line. We are at war and if you don’t fight you’ll lose. If you don’t pay the price, defeat will cost much more than success. There must be change. We can’t live life as normal. When God says something do it. We need to move and not talk ourselves out of what God wants us to do. Abraham was willing to leave his home,country, family , and business.
Jesus said in the parable of the thorny soil that the cares of life, deceitfulness of the riches, the desire for other things, and the desires of life will choke the word and stop you from being productive. You need to ask yourself am I being choked, am I not producing, am I willing to weed my garden?
1. Deuteronomy 5, when the golden calf was made
2. Numbers 14, when the spies were sent into the promise land
3. Numbers 16, God was unhappy with the rebellion against the leadership
4. Numbers 16, Rebellion against God’s judgement
The word from the Lord to Moses was to get away from them and you can do something. He stood between the living and the dead to stop the plague. This is the hour where God wants to supernaturally move. If two or three are gathered in His name. The power is in our hands. It’s all for the taking. Luke 19, now is the time that God wants to visit you. Get in the spirit of prayer, we can bring revival to this nation. Are you ready for revival? Are you ready to pay the price?
Spirit Soul & Body
Apostle Dale Armstrong spoke out of 1 Thessalonians 5:23, the three elements are Spirit, soul, and body in that sequence. Apostle Dale mentioned that God is a spirit. Luke 1:46 was read from, worship starts in the Spirit and then it effects your soul. Galatians 4:4-6, Apostle Dale mentioned that crying is not weeping. God has a loud voice. We tend to say we are waiting for God to speak to us, but the question is are we always listening? Apostle Dale mentioned that you cannot have crying without a loud voice, Romans 8:8. Apostle Dale mentioned that our body has its own voice. We don’t have to listen to that voice. The voice of our body is lust. We do not have a weight problem. It is a spiritual problem. It’s the product of you following and living by the Spirit. The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit. John 15:5, God needs us to get to the people. Deuteronomy 28:1, we shall learn to listen. Apostle Dale read out of 1 Kings 19 and talked about how every fresh revelation demands a fresh consecration. He also reads from Galatians 5:14-16 and mentions that success is by avoiding disaster. He also referenced Psalms 121. Apostle Dale mentions that most people got a problem with denying the flesh. No matter how bad the devil messed you up, if you had accepted Jesus into your heart, you are still a child of God and He still speaks to you!
Sunday Sept 17
Matthew 6 is what Pastor speaks out of. Don’t forget to stay in the state of mind on when you believe that God will meet all your needs whether it a season of plenty or not. Pastor Sydney references Proverbs 19. Worry is a form of atheism and imaging life without God. Faith is saying no that God is going to be there. Kingdom becomes two words. King for his domain or authority of the king. Dom for the king’s domain. Seek first the Kingdom of God.
Main Message:
Being added is natural but, being multiplied is supernatural. His ability is multiplied to you. How does it come to you? It comes to you through the knowledge of God. It is important to share the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Share what you know and share your testimony. Do your part in the natural realm. He has given us divine nature escaping the corruption of the world. The Lord does His part be we are to take part in it also with His help. Weakness strips people of authority. Keep a clean conscious. People are looking at their past mistakes. Receive forgiveness of your past from God
Pastor Sydney talks about times of uncertainty lies ahead. Pastor Sydney encourages us not to be in fear but, to be in great cheer. The Lord is already here. You need not to fear and you need not to tremble!
Heart talk from the Father
Karen Burrows speaks about how we get to do and learn in the flesh right now. There are three things that are on the Father’s heart. In Genesis 3 Eve believed a lie before she had sinned. The devil is trying to undermine and under value the word of God in your life. Before a person sins they believe a lie. The bible says to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. We have to discern between God thoughts and devil thoughts (truth or a lie). Karen gave the example of whenever she heard it was the flu season she always got prepared for it and always got the flu but, then found out about the truth of God’s healing power. Karen referenced 1 Peter 2:24. Jesus legally came on the earth to do whatever with what He gave them. Number one problem God had is the very gift He gave humanity, which is free will. Number two problem God had is that His kids’ mindsets, the way they think. Once you get born again, it is the beginning of discipleship. We are learning the ways of the Lord. Change is not just a six letter word. We are to be moving from glory to glory and faith to faith. You have to let go of the lie in order to grasp the truth. Intentionally let go of the lie, unbelieve the lie; get the word of God; come into agreement with God, and figure out where the lie started. We all have the free will to make the decisions. If you stay with the truth you will have a sure foundation. Salvation is vertical, it is between the person and God. The heart is God’s business. Karen reads out of John 8:44. Karen read out of 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 1:7, and Ephesians 1:17. Forgiveness is where we start. I want to forgive because I know I should but, I do not want them to get away with it. Karen shares what the Lord has for the church body. “I want them to have the sense of injustice. To be aware of what they are doing. I feel somehow that if I forgive them they are not going to understand and that they will do it again.” It is not the Father’s heart for sin to be done repeatedly. Karen read out of Mark 11:25. Forgiveness is a decision of your heart. Forgiveness is not an emotion. Karen references John 20:23. Retain means to keep possession of. If you retain sin it will make you to what that sin is. Loosening and forgiving or containing and retaining. 2 Timothy 4:13, we see a change of judgement to mercy. Mercy triumphs judgement. The power of sin has the power to transform into something itself. Ephesians 2:1, trespass is an offense against a person it’s horizontal (with the brother and sisters); James 5:16. Do not rehearse the curse. Karen read out of Matthew 18:15, Luke 11:4, and 1 Corinthians 3:1-15. Holiness is being transparent. Keep your eyes on the Father. Jesus Christ is your sure foundation. Everyone has the responsibility of how their foundation is built!
What are motives are is what God wants us to pay attention to. Jen speaks out of 2 Corinthians 9:7. Jen questions why people tithe? Is it because it is our duty? Those are all wrong motives. In our giving we want faith to be tied behind it and to trust God.
Skype with Pastor Sydney Ropp and Our Missionary Family:
Looking at the book of John where Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. Peter didn’t want Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus said to him that if he doesn’t let him wash his feet then he has no part of Him. John 13:12. A servant isn’t greater than his master. There is a great reward for those who go and for those who send out the missionaries.
Our Identity in Christ
Psalm 138 had been read from. Pastor Sydney mentioned about the key point he wanted the church to get a hold of in John 13:12, it is that serving one another in the lowliest task. Pastor Sydney pointed out John 13:16, the messenger means Apostle. Pastor Sydney read from Luke 4:3. He as the question “Who is God?”. When describing who God is, we need to simplify things. Some would describe God as love or peace for example.
Pastor Sydney mentioned that we must know our identity in Him. He pointed out that you cannot walk into anything if you do not know your identity first. If you made Jesus the Lord of your life we have to come to reality who we are. Most temptations are an attack of the enemy of your identity in Christ. The devil will always come against your identity. Pastor Sydney read from Romans 6:1. Consider yourself dead to sin. He also reads from 1 Peter 2:9-10, ‘You are royalty…”. In Galatians 3:27 we are shown to put on Christ. Pastor Sydney mentioned that if you are not secure in Jesus you will not walk in His good work.
The Creation Reality
Follow Your Heart, not Your Head
Apostle Dale Armstrong speaks out of Mark 11:23. Apostle Dale talked about an assignment the Lord gave us all to do. That assignment is to keep a journal to write the perceptions of our heart. The Lord wants us to monitor our heart and to become sensitive to the atmosphere. Apostle Dale continues to read out of Mark 11:23 and mentioned that we have to know the difference between heart faith and head faith. Your heart should always rule your head. Your head should never rule your heart. He read out of Romans 8. Deuteronomy 23:1, God is showing us to obey the word of God. Apostle Dale gave examples of when he listened to what his heart was telling him in obedience to God and had all the equipment needed for what it was he had to accomplish that day. If he had not listened, the blessed opportunity would have been missed. If we learn to listen to our hearts, the blessings will over take us. Colossians 3:15 talks about being at peace. When you are not at peace that would be the time to talk about repentance, the love walk, or to give more. Apostle Dale mentions that you cannot not lose the peaceful state. He mentions to hold onto the peace of God. You want to have peace and monitor your spirit. Learn to discern what is taking place. Apostle Dale read from Romans 8:14, evidence of salvation is being led by the Spirit. He referenced Deuteronomy 28, if you follow the voice of the Lord He will bless you. Apostle Dale read from 1 Corinthians 14:2, the use of speaking in tongues. He mentioned that God speaks to man, man speaks to man, and man speaks to God. When you are praying in tongues don’t stop and ask for the interpretation, just push through and God will give you what you need. Listen to the peace. It can be a warning, it can be a red light, or it can be a green light. Things that were once difficult will be made easy. Be led by your heart.
Spirit Led Living
Pastor Sydney mentioned that you fulfilling your purpose and your destiny depends upon your ability to hear and be led by the Spirit of God. He gave a couple of examples of when he followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Sydney references 1 John 2:27 and John 14:29. He mentions that people are forever wanting to learn more and never really come to know the truth. People are ever learning, but not knowing the truth. The reason for that is that they have not made the Holy Spirit their teacher. They are always looking to man to be their teacher. Ephesians 4 Pastor Sydney references. Pastor Sydney read from John 14:16 and John 16:13-15. Reasons why you may not be hearing: 1) Are you a sheep? We have to stop being natural hearers. If you are not hearing the Lord, it is that He is not speaking to you. It is the matter of the people not listening or responding. 2) Because you got one foot in the church and one foot in the world. Pastor Sydney mentions the word already tells us what to do or has the answers for us. 3) If you have known unconfessed sin in your life. You to go back and clear up the unconfessed sin. Deal with sin quickly. Pastor Sydney references Psalms 66:18. Spiritual wisdom is what we need in decision making. He talked about a time where he prayed about what school for his children to attend and got no answer. He wondered why he didn’t get an answer and recognized that he had spoken curses over the schools he attended growing up. Once he repented he had gotten answers to where he should send his children for schooling. 4) You’re trying to hear from the wrong place.You cannot hear from the Lord if you are trying to hear from the wrong source. You would just end up getting burned. We are so reason and logic led. When the Lord gives us a word, we question on where it came from. It is the inner witness on the inside that would help us discern if it is God or not. If it is from the Lord, it will line up with the scripture. Pastor Sydney references 2 Timothy 3, Acts 1:2, Acts 8:29, Acts 10:19, Acts 11:12, and Acts 13:2 showing that the Spirit speaks. He also referenced Romans 8:14, 16, Acts 15. Check in your spirit all that you hear. You want to have peace about the situation, Romans 8:6. Don’t be voice led, be peace led. Pastor Sydney referenced Acts 16. Follow the empire of peace. Colossians 3:15, be led by His Holy Spirit.
The Secret Place
John Lehman mentioned that God moves mountains. He also encourages us not to get discouraged and when losing sight of things to ask God to show you the mountains He has moved in the past. John mentions that God’s word never changes. We make promises but, being human we sometimes don’t follow through. God is always faithful. He’s never failed me yet. John encourages us to go on a journey with God. “Secrets of the Secret Place,” by Bob Sorge was the book John encouraged us to read. Father is how we should refer to God. He wants us to know that He is the Father. Using the word “Father” we have the same inheritance. Psalm 91:1-2 is what John read from. John uses the example of how when we were kids, we would meet in the secret place with all of our friends. Genesis 3:8 John referred to. He also referenced Matthew and Luke, there was a time of refreshing. In that time of meeting with the Father, direction, strength and recharge comes. In the book of Daniel, Daniel was in captivity and thrown into a lion’s den but, he was not touched. Daniel survived the lion’s den because he went to the secret place. John referred to the movie “War Room”. He also talked about there needing to be change within. God is asking us to go and meet with Him. To build a deep relationship with Him. Our benefit to being God’s child is that He does move mountains. However, God wants to be and do more than just that. God wants to have a relationship with us. Matthew 11:29, another reason why we are to meet God in the secret place. Going to the secret place is to get rest. Your soul will find rest. Being at a restful state brings clarity and purpose to your soul. Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength. When we try to the move the mountains ourselves everything starts to hurt, like your back for example. Matthew 6:6, shut every distraction out to get into that secret place with God. “There is no panic in the secret place”. Listening is a priority. God wants to fellowship with His children. Confession also takes place in the secret place. Be bold and say things to the Father that you would never say to anyone else. Worship also takes place in the secret place. Thanksgiving is what we do in the secret place. Your mountain being moved would encourage someone else in their mountain being moved. Another thing to do in the secret place is praying and talking to the Father. John challenges us to change the distance between us and the Father. John had us close our eyes and ask God for a picture of us (you and Him).
Single Focus Faith
Apostle Dale Armstrong read from Matthew 9:26. We need to be single minded or focused. Popularity is not a revival. This issue became men and women. What is not popular is to not talk about being civil and about honor. Jesus was not wrong because people didn’t like him. Jesus was not right because He was popular. Apostle Dale asked, “What are you going to do if you are the only Christian Left? Would you compromise what you believe?” Sometimes love says no. Sometimes love doesn’t listen. Sometimes love doesn’t tolerate. Never be led by your needs. Don’t let needs dictate your direction. Matthew 9:29, “According to your faith let it be to you”. Single focus faith. Agree with God and not your opinions. We have to look at our lives. Determine if you want change or do you want to tolerate things? ” Dale mentioned that in Matthew 9:27, the blind had opportunity to become offended and not to follow Jesus. Dale read from Matthew 15:22 and referenced Ephesians 3. Apostle Dale talks about how with childbirth the mother just doesn’t give up because, she’s got a baby to deliver. Sometimes love doesn’t listen. Sometimes love doesn’t tolerate. Sometimes love doesn’t listen, Matthew 15:23. God loved this woman but, did not answer her. God does not talk to anyone when they are in unbelief. Matthew 15:25, we have to learn how to worship Him. Worship Him not to get healed, or to get a job, or to fix your marriage. Worship Him, because you love Him. Even after the Lord called the woman a dog, she still worshiped Him. God is trying to get her single focus. Not begging, crying, or hoping. God wanted the woman to have single focus faith that her child was not going to die. When people go to Jesus for help. Jesus changes them so that they can help themselves. Hebrews 11:6, pleasing God. Get into agreement with God, because He likes being in agreement with you. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. Dale shared a testimony of the faith he saw in two boys that had just gotten saved. That was more pleasing to him, then seeing Brother Copeland preach. Apostle Dale mentions about how he wears glasses and haven’t been healed because he has not focused it. If glasses had not been invented, he would then focus on being healed so that he didn’t have to wear glasses. Dale mentioned that he wears the glasses because, it is the easy way out. Mark 11:24.
Sowing the Word- part 1
1) Acknowledge the person you are thanking. 2) Praise is when you brag on someone. We can boast about the Lord to one another. 3) We can worship the Lord and only Him. Pastor Sydney reads from Psalm 30. He mentions that the last recorded words of Mary is “to do what He tells you to do”. Pastor Sydney talked about the need of having his wife in the service so that God could use her to share testimonies with the body. Pastor Sydney encourages us to do our part in the Body of Christ, and to do it unto the Lord. Pastor Sydney reads from Romans 1. The Lord has placed on his heart is to go back and listen to the messages from the beginning sermons. The Lord wants to focus on the foundation. Pastor Sydney refers to Matthew 23:8. In Ephesians, Jesus gave us a teacher. We depend on our father or someone we look to to be our guide or mentor. We have to recognize who “The Father” is. We are not to look at man to be our teacher, but we are to look to the Holy Spirit. Pastor Sydney read from Romans 1:16. God’s righteousness is revealed. The measure of faith is your ability to believe the promise that what Jesus did was for you. The good news is the very power of God. When the good news comes to you the power of God comes with that. It is important that we be speakers of the Word. Never underestimate the seeds that have been planted. Pastor Sydney references Ephesians 2. Mark 4:2, in sowing, some of the seeds fell on the ground and some on the pathway. Mark 4:13-20, the sower sows the word. When you go about things in your life in sowing the Word. It is not our job to determine where the Word gets sown at. Pastor Sydney encouraged us to not give into the temptation. Where ever we have sown seed that it will still grow. Plant the seed, even if it is not good soil. Be sowers of the Word of God into your hearts first then to others. Paul says that one plants, the other one waters, and God gives the increase and causes growth. Let’s be Planters of the Word!
Obedience is Love
Sowing the Word- part 2
The Gospel is the power of God. Pastor Sydney read from Romans 1:16. Ways to find the power of God; a) Open up your bible, b) Ask Him, c) Follow the Spirit of God. God is the one that gives the ability to understanding, Pastor Sydney references Ephesians 1. Prayer is important. When we pray out then the change comes. Pastor Sydney read from Romans 10:17 and referenced John 3:8. You can believe something and it’s not faith. Real true faith comes from what God has said. James 5 shows the power in praying God’s word. John 3:16, God loves you and wants to save you from the mess you are in. Romans 15:17, preaching the good news of God. Pastor Sydney read from Acts 13:48, Acts 14:1, and Acts 14:8. Pastor Sydney talked about an experience while preaching in Liberia Isaiah 53 was read. Ninety percent of the people that were healed had gotten healed after the word of God was read or spoken out. The Gospel is the power of God. Pastor Sydney read from Mark 4:2. He also talked about how the seed is planted for a purpose to life and that nothing is cancelled but, to be revealed. Pastor Sydney read from Acts 20:32. The sower sows the word. We are farmers! The power is in the seed. Pastor Sydney encourages us to sow into our hearts first. Don’t stop desiring the truth and continue to have revelation of God’s word. Abide in His word and let His word abide in you.
Prayer #1 Why Pray
Pastor Sydney read from Matthew 25:31, He judge them on their works and not their salvation. Matthew 25:40, talking about what the sheep and goat did for the Body of Christ. Pastor Sydney talks about prayer. 1) What is prayer? Prayer is a two way conversation or communion with God the Father. James 5:13 was read from. Let’s not be too quick to put the responsibility of prayer on others. In James 5:16, talks about earnest heart felt prayer. Pastor Sydney encourages us to think about why we should pray. Pastor Sydney references Hebrews 11. 2) Why are people not praying? Because people believe that there is no God. Pastor Sydney read from James 4:8. Believe that He is real, He is, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Pastor Sydney read from John 15:5, reshaping or retooling. The Holy Spirit is the tool placed within us. Luke 5:16, Jesus found necessity to pray like this. Pastor Sydney questioned why is that we don’t pray how He did? Pastor Sydney referenced Mark 1:35 and Luke 3:21. Luke 6:12, we want revival. However, we are not putting in the time of prayer and working for it. We get lazy or think we know enough. Pastor Sydney referenced Luke 9:18, Luke 9:28, and John 5:19,30. Pastor Sydney talked about How Dan Stoltzfus prayed for people everyday and now has gone on to be with the Lord. Pastor Sydney encourages us to pray and talks about the influence Dan had in Jim and Deb Wolfs’ lives through his prayers for them everyday!
Prayer #2 What Is Prayer – a
What we give is our expression of love unto Him. Luke 2:26, favor meaning grace with God. Pastor Sydney questions, “How do you comprehend something so big of what the angle is saying?” It was a word for her and to her. 2 Corinthians 8, it’s talking about money. Being rich is not limited to money. Philippians 4:19, 2 Corinthian 9, as you sow you will reap. God respects faith. James 5:13, why pray? It will bring you into the presence of the Almighty. Hebrews 11:6. In order to please Him you have to believe that there is a God and that you believe He rewards those who seek Him. Luke 5:16 and John 5:19, Jesus often withdrew himself to pray. In the time of prayer with God revelation is given. Luke 9:28-31, Pastor Sydney read from. Things are revealed to Jesus what was going to happen. The problem is our stinking thinking. We get a religious mindset of what prayer is and causes prayer to become a drudgery. It is important that we hear correctly. Prayer is Communion with God. He has the answers for you and prayer was created to have a relationship with you. What makes a healthy relationship as when there is dialogue. Pastor Sydney talks about Jesus drove man and beast out of the temple. Jesus is always love but, He is not always cuddles. The temple represented what you and I are. The market was created for the people to be able to travel without having to travel with the animals or having concern about the things that might happen to them along the way. The intention was that the people would be provided for so that they could come and have something to sacrifice. The problem was that they brought everything inside. Jesus wasn’t upset that they were buying and selling animals. He was upset that they had ruin the atmosphere meaning, the reverence of God. He wouldn’t permit anyone to walk through there. Today we would call Him religious or judgemental. What was His motivation? It all had to come back to that it is to be a house of prayer. Prayer is talking with God. Jesus is always with you. The priest would inspect the lamb and not the person. Jesus does the same. Carry in your heart an awareness of God’s presence and know that He is good. God knows the most that we should allow Him to talk the most. Often we are the ones doing all the talking. Pastor Sydney encourages us to go be in prayer with the Lord and to commune with Him.
A Heart of Thanks
Gene English speaks about developing a heart of thanks. One of things that came to Gene is that the development of a heart of thanks doesn’t come easy. In looking at a child, they would say give me that or that’s mine. The parents are training children to say, “Please may I have that”. It is natural for us to want. It is another thing to take a step forward and deliberately develop a heart of thanks. Gene mentions that there is a progression with that and that we began to have a thankful heart. It is not just a heart of thanks, it is also a thankful heart. Gene encourages to just stop everything and not think about what the next events are. To sit there with our eyes closed. To take a breath and begin to see where you were ten or fifteen years or, one year ago.To see where you are now and to be thankful. I am thankful to God. The word thank you is over used just like the word love. When you begin to develop the heart of thankfulness. Another progression turns into a heart of thanksgiving. Reflect on Christ’s birth. Nothing like it to give away what you have. Gene encourages us to open the eyes of our hearts. Are we so busy that we don’t see the importance of Jesus’ birth. It takes sacrifice. Contentment comes from a thankful heart. Gene read from Luke 2. and Genesis 3:14-15, the Lord is talking to Satan. Gene references John 3:16, Genesis 4:25, Genesis 9:27, Genesis 12:3, Genesis 21:12, Genesis 25:23, and Genesis 49:10. Is Jesus our schedule or is He our convenience? Gene encourages us not to get caught up. He wants us to look for the details of how Christ was revealed. Colossians 1:17. He questioned if we are too busy to see God’s extravagant love of the birth of Christ. Gene Zephaniah 3:17. Gene mentions for men to stop perverting God’s love. To accept and be who you are in Christ. Then He can do a work in you.
Taking Back The Land
Pastor Sydney mentions that we are coming into a season of change. He reminds us that the Lord knows what is going to happen way before we do and that He has the answers to those problems. We allow the lack of time to destroy our faith. 1) Trial of your faith works patience. 2) The problem is bearing down and there is no time to believe God. Take the limit off of God. Pastor Sydney shared about how they started their ministry in Colorado. Don’t allow your failure to pray in the past. God has given us boldness and confidence. Pastor Sydney read out of Joshua 1-6. We are leaving things and we are going to things. Pastor Sydney mentioned that it is important what the Lord has done for us in the past and to look at that as a memorial which, is not to be worshiped. In Joshua 5, Pastor Sydney mentioned that there was some cutting off before moving forward. In Joshua 6, It is very important that the instructions given by the Lord had been followed. Just as it is important to take instruction for what is to come for the year of 2018. Pastor Sydney asked what is it that the Lord wants us to do for 2018? What territories is it that the Lord wants us to overtake? Are we going to do life as we did in 2017 or are we going to make changes in 2018 and tell people about the gospel and what the Lord has done for us? True circumcision is of the heart. Uncut portions of our heart is where the condemnation lie and needs to be dealt with. We need a renewed focus and renewed agreement with the Father.
Recent Messages
Service Times
Lancaster, PA
Saturday – 6:00 PM