“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

We know we know the Lord because:

15. We are cleansed from sin

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-10 NKJV

“And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.”
1 John 3:5-10 NKJV

The freedom that we have in Christ is not the freedom to sin because we think He will forgive us anyway, but it is the freedom to live for Him and walk in righteousness. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. There is a clear distinction between the child of God and the child of the devil. Before we are saved, without the cleansing blood of Jesus, sin has dominion over us and it pulls us anyway it wants. Even though we want to do right, we keep doing wrong. Once we are washed in His blood, our heart draws us toward Him and toward righteousness. Our desires change. Sin no longer satisfies. The fact that we are cleansed from sin and we live righteously indicates that we truly know Him. If someone says that they know Him, but they practice sin, they make themselves to be a liar.

16. We are free from condemnation

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 NKJV

“For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:20-23 NKJV

Thank God, we are free from condemnation through Jesus Christ. We no longer fear God’s wrath and punishment; we no longer have a guilty conscience because of sin; we walk in the peace and freedom of His forgiveness. Because we know God and we know His character, we can now come confidently into His presence. Sin cannot stand in the presence of God. Because we are free from sin, we are free from the condemnation of sin and we have confidence toward God – confidence in His love, care and concern for us.

17. His Spirit dwells in us

“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”
1 John 3:24 NKJV

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 NKJV

“By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.” 1 John 4:13-14 NKJV

“[He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and
guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].” 2 Corinthians 1:22 AMP

The fact that the Holy Spirit lives in us is proof that we know Him. The Spirit cannot dwell in an unclean vessel – only in a vessel that has been washed and cleansed and made brand new by the blood of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, Himself. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that makes us a brand new creature in Christ. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that builds character in us and grows and increases the fruit of the Spirit in us. It is the Holy Spirit that anoints us and endows us with spiritual gifts and graces. All this work of the Holy Spirit in us is evidence that we truly know God.

These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.  Proverbs 6:16-19 AMP

One of the things that the Lord hates is strife and someone who sows discord among his or her family – or neighbors – in the Body of Christ. The Hebrew word translated strife here, also means: a contest; a quarrel; brawling; contention; contentious; discord. The dictionary definition of strife is: vigorous or bitter conflict; discord or antagonism; a quarrel, struggle, or clash; competition or rivalry. The root of all sin is selfishness. Selfishness and self-centeredness stir up strife and conflict, which never end well. They only produce bad fruit and are a fertile breeding ground for demonic activity.

Hate is a strong word. The word “hate” used here, of what the Lord hates, also means “enemy”. Strife, among other things, is an enemy to the anointing. The devil stirs up strife deliberately, to hinder and even destroy the anointing and the blessing in people’s lives.

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.  2 Timothy 2:22-26 KJV

When people yield to sin and oppose the truth of the Gospel, they open themselves up to demonic activity and become ensnared by the devil. Then the devil takes them captive and has his way in their lives. No one in their right mind would want the devil having his way in their lives, but many people don’t realize that they have given him access and authority by their mouth and their attitude.

The most important thing we can all do – if we want the blessing of the Lord – is to follow after righteousness, faith, love, and peace. These things need to be a priority in our lives, our talk, and our walk. When we make pet doctrines more important than people or relationships, or if we won’t let go of old carnal ideas, then it’s going to cause division. A lot of strife is stirred up by people wanting to be RIGHT – arguing about opinions; arguing over foolish things. The spirit of religion and tradition is all about doctrines and dogmas, but Christianity is about a relationship with a loving Heavenly Father and peaceful, fruitful relationships with others.

It is an honor for a man to cease from strife and keep aloof from it, but every fool will quarrel.  Proverbs 20:3 AMP

But if anyone teaches otherwise and does not assent to the sound and wholesome messages of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and the teaching which is in agreement with godliness (piety toward God), 4 He is puffed up with pride and stupefied with conceit, [although he is] woefully ignorant. He has a morbid fondness for controversy and disputes and strife about words, which result in (produce) envy and jealousy, quarrels and dissension, abuse and insults and slander, and base suspicions, 5 And protracted wrangling and wearing discussion and perpetual friction among men who are corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, who imagine that godliness or righteousness is a source of profit [a moneymaking business, a means of livelihood]. From such withdraw.  1 Timothy 6:3-5 AMP

The people, who are the most argumentative and quarrelsome, are also the most foolish, arrogant, and ignorant. They are trying to look wise, but they show themselves to be fools. Many of these kinds of people will engage in extensive arguments – not because they are interested in the truth, but because they just like to argue. We need to each personally submit ourselves to the Word of God and focus on living a godly life. This is what will benefit everyone! Arguing doctrine and opinion is a waste of time and creates a fertile breeding ground for all kinds of sin and destructive talk and behavior.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!  Galatians 5:14-15 NKJV

There are NO winners when strife is not confronted and eliminated and repented of – and when it is allowed to run its course. Everyone is damaged in the end; everyone is the loser!

Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].  Philippians 2:3 AMP

Pride and arrogance cause and accelerate strife, but humility will defeat it. If we are truly saved and filled with the Spirit of God, then we will humble ourselves to apologize and forgive and, in so doing, defeat strife and triumph over the devil.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  Galatians 5:19-23 KJV

Strife is a product of hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, and dissensions. These are works of the flesh and they destroy people and relationships. The antidote is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control!

 

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.  2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.  5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”  6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. 7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.  9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.  12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.  13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.  14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.  15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.  16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.  John 10:1-16 NKJV

Eastern shepherds spent a lot of time with their sheep. They gave their sheep names and the sheep came when they were called – they knew and responded to their shepherd’s voice. Even when two or more flocks were mixed together, the sheep could be called out by their own shepherd. The shepherd knew his sheep and the sheep knew their shepherd. The sheep would always follow their own shepherd, and would pay no attention to strangers. Jesus is our Good Shepherd – if we are His sheep then we should hear and know His voice. Jesus is called the Word of God. The more we come to know the Word of God, the more we come to know Jesus and His voice. We will not follow the voice of the stranger – the voice of the devil.

Then [Jacob] blessed Joseph and said, God [Himself ], before Whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac lived and walked habitually, God [Himself ], Who has [been my Shepherd and has led and] fed me from the time I came into being until this day.  Genesis 48:15 AMP

Eastern shepherds did not drive their sheep – they led them – they went before their flocks to lead them to the good grass and water. Psalms 23:1-3 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Jesus is our shepherd – leading us and providing for us.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  Psalms 23:4 NKJV

But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.  27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.  29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.  30 I and My Father are one.  John 10:26-30 NKJV

Jesus is our Chief Shepherd and we are His sheep. In order to receive eternal life, we must believe, we must hear His voice, and we must follow His voice. When we choose to follow Him in obedience, we are covered by His hand – His protection is on our lives and no one can snatch us out of His hand – or the Father’s hand. Both of them watch over us and hold us in their hands. We can trust in the Lord – we need have no fear – no matter what we have to walk through, we can know that He is with us and His hand of protection is upon us – to see us through anything and everything.

Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a well (spring or fountain), whose branches run over the wall.  23 Skilled archers have bitterly attacked and sorely worried him; they have shot at him and persecuted him.  24 But his bow remained strong and steady and rested in the Strength that does not fail him, for the arms of his hands were made strong and active by the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.  Genesis 49:22-24 AMP

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!  Psalms 80:1 NKJV

He will feed His flock like a shepherd: He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom and will gently lead those that have their young.  Isaiah 40:11 AMP

For the Lamb Who is in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to the springs of the waters of life; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  Revelation 7:17 AMP

Confess this today: Jesus is the Good Shepherd. I hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and I follow His voice. The voice of a stranger I will not follow.

 

We have SO many reasons to praise our God and here a just a few:

1. Praise God for He is good.
2. Praise God for His mercy endures forever.

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever! Psalms 107:1 AMP

3. Praise God for He redeems us from the enemy.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has delivered from the hand of the adversary. Psalms 107:2 AMP

Let the redeemed say, “I am redeemed!”

4. Praise God for He gathers His people.

And gathered them out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the [Red] Sea in the south.  Psalms 107:3 AMP

5. Praise God for He delivers us from distresses.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.  Psalms 107:6; 19 AMP

6. Praise God for He is leading us to a city – His city.

He led them forth by the straight and right way, that they might go to a city where they could establish their homes.  Psalms 107:7 AMP

The Lord promises to provide us with homes – both here on earth and in heaven. Ultimately, He will provide us with a brand new home when He establishes a new heaven and a new earth.

7. Praise God for His goodness and wonderful works.

Oh, that men would praise [and confess to] the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men!  Psalms 107:8; 15; 21; 31 AMP

8. Praise God for His power to satisfy the soul.

For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good.  Psalms 107:9 AMP

9. Praise God for salvation from distresses.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses.  Psalms 107:13 AMP

Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses.  Psalms 107:28 AMP

10. Praise God for deliverance from darkness and the shadow of death.

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke apart the bonds that held them.  Psalms 107:14 AMP

11. Praise God for liberation from bondage.

…and broke apart the bonds that held them.  Psalms 107:14b AMP

For He has broken the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron apart.  Psalms 107:16 AMP

12. Praise God for physical healing.

He sends forth His word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction.  Psalms 107:20 AMP

Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases.  Psalms 103:3 AMP

Saying, If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will listen to and obey His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord Who heals you. Exodus 15:26 AMP

Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.  Isaiah 53:4-5 NKJV

And thus He fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, He Himself took [in order to carry away] our weaknesses and infirmities and bore away our diseases.  Matthew 8:17 AMP

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  John 10:10 NKJV

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  James 5:14-16 NKJV

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed.  1 Peter 2:24 NKJV

13. Praise God for deliverance from destructions.

He sends forth His word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction.  Psalms 107:20 AMP

14. Praise God for deliverance from storms.

He hushes the storm to a calm and to a gentle whisper, so that the waves of the sea are still. 30 Then the men are glad because of the calm, and He brings them to their desired haven.  Psalms 107:29-30 AMP

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  Mark 4:39 KJV

15. Praise God for material prosperity.

He turns rivers into a wilderness, water springs into a thirsty ground, 34 A fruitful land into a barren, salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it. 35 He turns a wilderness into a pool of water and a dry ground into water springs; 36 And there He makes the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation, 37 And sow fields, and plant vineyards which yield fruits of increase. 38 He blesses them also, so that they are multiplied greatly, and allows not their cattle to decrease.  Psalms 107:33-38 AMP

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.  Titus 2:1 NKJV

But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians].  Titus 2:1 AMP

The Lord, through Paul, commanded Titus to preach sound doctrine to all people – the aged men, the aged women, the young women, and the young men. The Gospel has a message for all.

1.     Six Commands to Aged Men:

That the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.  Titus 2:2 NKJV

1. Be sober. Be circumspect: watchful; discreet; cautious; prudent; well-considered.  After a few years, you have learned a few things in life.  Use that wisdom for yourself as well as others.  It is not a good thing to preach to others, and yet not follow your own advice, and end up shipwrecked.
2. Be grave. Be serious, honest, reverent and sincere.  You can be serious about the things of God, and still have a sense of humor.  After all, the fruit of the spirit is joy.
3. Be temperate. Be of a sound mind; prudent; moderate; self-controlled; even tempered. Control your temper, impatience, etc.
4. Be sound in faith. Be uncorrupt – true in doctrine.
5. Be sound in love. Walk in Agape – the God-kind of love. Show others love, and show them by your godly example of love, how they should live.
6. Be sound in patience. Have cheerful and hopeful endurance. Be patient with others, especially with the young.  They need your godly instruction.
7.     Five Commands to Aged Women:

The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things — 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children.

Titus 2:3-4 NKJV

1. Live a holy life. Be reverent. Fear God. Respectfully obey God, knowing that He cares deeply for you. Your dependence should be on God, first, before any man.
2. Do not be slanderers. Do not accuse falsely. Do not be a gossip.  The law of kindness should be on your lips.
3. Do not be given to wine. Do not be a drunkard. Do not depend on anything above your dependence on God.
4. Be teachers of good things. Teach the younger what is right.  Teach them God’s ways. Negativity should not come out of your mouth – only life and hope and positive things.  You teach more through your attitude than your words, have a good attitude.
5. Teach the young women. The Greek word here means to teach, discipline, or correct.
6.     Seven Commands to Young Women:

That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

Titus 2:4-5 NKJV

Teach the young women:

1. To love their husbands. Be fond of and affectionate toward your husband.

Put him first.

1. To love their children. Love your children with motherly love. Be kind, patient, giving, and caring. Serve them with grace. Never be controlling or manipulative. Be there for them when they need you.  Whatever you do for them – do it as unto the Lord.  When you are tempted to feel unappreciated, do not allow the devil to lie to you. Know that your labor of love does not go unnoticed by Father God, and he will reward you.
2. To be discreet.  Be of sound mind; prudent; moderate; self-controlled; temperate. Do not be a gossip. Do not share private family things with all your friends, particularly things related to your intimate relationship with your husband.  Do not allow your feelings, or your hormones, to control you and bring you down.  Cast down any vain imaginations – you have the mind of Christ!
3. To be chaste. Be clean: innocent, modest, perfect, chaste, pure. Stay pure after marriage just as you were expected to be before. Be fully faithful to your husband, in heart, mind and deeds. Remember, your children are watching your example.
4. To be a keeper at home. This means you are not merely a homemaker, but you are the keeper, or guard, over your home and family – not in your own strength, but through prayer, dependence on God, and obedience to His Word. Women have a tremendous influence in the family. You have to decide if your influence will be positive or negative. God has given you the ability to make your home a safe haven for your husband and children, not a constant rolling storm!
5. To be good. Be beneficial.
6. To be obedient to their husbands. Be submitted to your own husband out of respect for your Father God. (God does not ask every woman to submit to every man. God calls us to show respect toward each other, both men and women, but submission is to your own husband.) The reputation of the Word of God, out there in the world, depends on us obeying God’s word even though our flesh desires to go in the opposite direction.  It is a wise woman who knows how to conduct herself, in her home, according to God’s word. Women have a God-given ability to be a team player.  Every team needs a leader, and every reader needs a team. In the case of the family, the husband is the head, or leader, and his wife is his right hand. God commands the husband to love his wife, and treat her respectfully, and He commands the wife to work with her husband and treat him with respect as well. When a husband and wife have a godly, respectful, balanced relationship, the entire family prospers.

Compromise, in the life of the believer, is dangerous.

The Church must take a stand for what they believe.

Scripture reading: Daniel 3:1-30

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:1

Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. Daniel 3:4-6

There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. Daniel 3:12-13

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heat.

Daniel 3:16-19

Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Daniel 3:22-25

And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:27-30

The world will not dictate to us what to do. God’s Word will lead, guide, and instruct us.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

This is the final hour!

 

Scripture reading: Acts 5:12-42

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. Acts 5:12

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. Acts 5: 17-20

Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Acts 5:25-29

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. Acts 5:34-35

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. Acts 5:38-42

Religion can be overthrown but that which is of God cannot be overthrown.

Who will you serve when the challenge is made?

We serve God and are submitted to His Word. We do not obey man over God.

God’s Word is our final authority.

We conform and comply to God’s Word not man’s word.

… Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

 

The Church must be rooted and grounded in God’s Word.

We are commissioned to:

Each one reach one.

Each one teach one.

Make disciples.

Multiply.

Win the lost at any cost.

 

The Church is to be raised up in this final hour. We are the salt of the earth.

The light of Heaven is to shine through us. This is the hour to be strong.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10

 

-No Compromise-

I will not compromise.

I will stand up and be counted.

I will stand for Jesus and for the cross.

 

We will hear these words: … Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21

Foundation scriptures:
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

Also [Jesus] told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not to turn coward (faint, lose heart, and give up). Luke 18:1 AMP

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

1. We, as a church, need to press in as never before in prayer and intercession for America.
a. The time between now and November is critical for America.
b. Mark 13:33 KJV – “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.”
c. Every citizen should pray and every citizen should vote.
d. 1 Timothy 2:8 KJV – “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”

2. What do we pray?
a. Pray in the Spirit and with your understanding.
b. 1 Corinthians 14:15 KJV – “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.”
c. Romans 8:26 KJV – “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
d. Take authority over the enemy.
e. Luke 10:19-20 KJV – “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
f. The keys to the Kingdom.
g. Matthew 16:19 KJV – “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

3. Here’s what we pray:
a. A great spiritual awakening in America.
b. The harvest of souls.
c. Luke 10:2 KJV – “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
d. The plans of the enemy to be set back – decades.
e. One more hour of daylight.
f. Release of funding for the end-time harvest.
g. That boldness and utterance in the Holy Ghost would be on leaders – to proclaim the truth.
h. Acts 4:29-30 KJV – “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.”
i. Ephesians 6:18-20 KJV – “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
j. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 KJV – “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.”
k. R.M.I. World Headquarters – plans and future developments.
l. That Christ would be formed in believers; that they grow spiritually and mature in Him.
m. Galatians 4:19 KJV – “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.”
n. For God to visit the spiritual and political leaders of this land; to change their hearts toward Him!
o. Proverbs 21:1 KJV – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”
p. Divine intervention.
q. 2 Chronicles 32:7 KJV – “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him.”

N.B. Do not take this lightly – let’s press in as never before.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 KJV

Galatians 4:19-31:

My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pangs until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) within you. Galatians 4:19 AMP

Paul is speaking here about praying for the Galatians – interceding for them in the Holy Ghost – for Christ to be formed in them. That they would come to know Him in his fullness; that they would have a full revelation of what He had done in them and for them; and that they would experience the fullness of the freedom and liberty of the Holy Spirit in their own lives. This is not just a prayer that applies to the Galatians alone – but it applies to each and every one of us. We all need for Christ to be formed in us – we all need to come to know Him in the fullest measure that is possible on this side of heaven – we all need Him to do, and to finish, His work in us, and to bring us progressively into experiencing true freedom.

Would that I were with you now and could coax you vocally, for I am fearful and perplexed about you! 21 Tell me, you who are bent on being under the Law, will you listen to what the Law [really] says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondmaid and one by the free woman. 23 But whereas the child of the slave woman was born according to the flesh and had an ordinary birth, the son of the free woman was born in fulfillment of the promise. Galatians 4:20-23

Hagar represents the slave woman and Sarah the freewoman. Genesis 16:15 says: “And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son whom Hagar bore Ishmael.” And Genesis 21:2-3 says: “For Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time God had told him. Abraham named his son whom Sarah bore to him Isaac [laughter].”

Ishmael, the child of the slave woman, born after the flesh, or the will of man, represents the Law which was given by Moses. It was given because of the sin of the people, to bring correction and to punish wrong-doers. It was born according to the flesh – the efforts of man – and had an ordinary birth. On the other hand, the son of the free woman was born in fulfillment of the promise given by Almighty God.

There was nothing supernatural about Ishmael’s birth, but in the case of Isaac’s birth, it was totally supernatural! Both parents were past the age of childbearing and it was actually impossible in the natural for them to have a baby. Isaac was born ONLY because of the promise and the power and the will of God. Isaac represents the promise which is appropriated by faith and not by works. Isaac represents the freedom of the Gospel of Christ.

Now all this is an allegory; these [two women] represent two covenants. One covenant originated from Mount Sinai [where the Law was given] and bears [children destined] for slavery; this is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is (stands for) Mount Sinai in Arabia and she corresponds to and belongs in the same category with the present Jerusalem, for she is in bondage together with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above (the Messianic kingdom of Christ) is free, and she is our mother. Galatians 4:24-26 AMP

Sarah and Hagar symbolize the Old and New Covenants. Hagar represents the Mosaic Law that produced bondage, and which has been cast out and abolished by the cross. Sarah represents the New Covenant that brings men to God, makes them children of His by the new birth and gives freedom from bondage.

There are all kinds of ways to be in bondage, but only one way to be free. You can be in the bondage of sin and deception, or you can be stuck in the bondage of a religious works program. They are both works of the flesh and require no faith. The “Jerusalem” – God’s Kingdom – which is above, is free and she is our mother. It is only the Kingdom of God – with its way in, which is faith in Jesus Christ – that brings true freedom. True freedom comes only by faith in God through Jesus Christ.

For it is written in the Scriptures, Rejoice, O barren woman, who has not given birth to children; break forth into a joyful shout, you who are not feeling birth pangs, for the desolate woman has many more children than she who has a husband. 28 But we, brethren, are children [not by physical descent, as was Ishmael, but] like Isaac, born in virtue of promise. Galatians 4:27-28 AMP

Just as Isaac was a child of promise, we, who are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, are children of promise. God promised beforehand that YOU would be born into His Kingdom and into His life and His freedom – and you ARE when you believe on Jesus Christ.

Yet [just] as at that time the child [of ordinary birth] born according to the flesh despised and persecuted him [who was born remarkably] according to [the promise and the working of] the [Holy] Spirit, so it is now also. 30 But what does the Scripture say? Cast out and send away the slave woman and her son, for never shall the son of the slave woman be heir and share the inheritance with the son of the free woman. 31 So, brethren, we [who are born again] are not children of a slave woman [the natural], but of the free [the supernatural]. Galatians 4:29-31 AMP

Genesis 21:9-10 AMP says, “Now Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking [Isaac]. 10 Therefore she said to Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son, for the son of this bondwoman shall not be an heir with my son Isaac.” We, like Isaac, are children of promise. We do not fear death or hell or judgment, because the blood of Jesus keeps us safe and keeps us pure. We walk in freedom and liberty, safe in the knowledge that we are in right-standing with the Father. We stand firm in this liberty of Christ and we refuse to allow the bondage of sin OR of religious tradition to bind us up again!

1. It can be kindled:

In the Old Testament, the word “kindled” is used 18 times and “provoke” 40 times, in reference to God’s anger.

And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. Numbers 11:1 KJV

When ye have transgressed the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you. Joshua 23:16 KJV

They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. 6 Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you.’ 7 Yet you have not listened to Me,” says the Lord, “that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt. Jeremiah 25:5-7 NKJV

But you have done more evil than all who were before you, for you have gone and made for yourself other gods and molded images to provoke Me to anger, and have cast Me behind your back. 1 Kings 14:9 NKJV

There they burned incense on all the high places, like the nations whom the Lord had carried away before them; and they did wicked things to provoke the Lord to anger, 12 for they served idols, of which the Lord had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.” 2 Kings 17:11-12 NKJV

God never becomes angry for no reason. People provoke him to anger with great sin and disobedience. He is never angry with those who walk righteously before Him.

2. It can get hot:

So Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil. 23 For they said to me, ‘Make us gods that shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ Exodus 32:22-23 NKJV

All nations would say, ‘Why has the Lord done so to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?’ 25 Then people would say: ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt; 26 for they went and served other gods and worshiped them, gods that they did not know and that He had not given to them. 27 Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against this land, to bring on it every curse that is written in this book. 28 And the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger, in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.’ Deuteronomy 29:24-28 NKJV

3. It can be fierce:

So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel. 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and hang the offenders before the Lord, out in the sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn away from Israel.” Numbers 25:3-4 NKJV

4. God is slow to anger:

The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. Psalms 103:8 NKJV

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. Psalms 145:8 NKJV

Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored]. 13 Rend your hearts and not your garments and return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness; and He revokes His sentence of evil [when His conditions are met]. Joel 2:12-13 AMP

5. His anger is momentary (temporary):

He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. Psalms 103:9 NKJV

Go and proclaim these words toward the north [where the ten tribes have been taken as captives] and say, Return, faithless Israel, says the Lord, and I will not cause My countenance to fall and look in anger upon you, for I am merciful, says the Lord; I will not keep My anger forever. Jeremiah 3:12 AMP

Who is a God like You, Who forgives iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retains not His anger forever, because He delights in mercy and loving-kindness. 19 He will again have compassion on us; He will subdue and tread underfoot our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18-19 AMP

The Bible tells us that God takes a LONG time to get angry and He can get extremely angry; however, He is also able to turn from His anger in a moment. He displays his anger for a very short time, but his mercy for a lifetime. As Micah 7:18 tells us: He retains not His anger forever, because He delights in mercy and loving-kindness. God MUCH prefers showing us His mercy, rather than being angry with us; and He will show us His mercy every opportunity He gets.

For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5 AMP