Advertise on podcast: Sunday Sermons

Sermon: “Grace Alone” John 1:17 (NASB) “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” Jesus revealed God's grace truthfully, faithfully, and completely. John 10:10 NLT “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." There is a difference between seeing a promise and experiencing its fulfilment. Number 20: 8-13 “… speak to the rock before their eyes, that it shall yield its water. … Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff; and water came out abundantly, … for that reason you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Deuteronomy 34:4 “Then the Lord said to him, ‘This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, I will give it to your descendants. I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’” Moses represents the Law that points toward the inheritance. Joshua represents taking the inheritance. Jesus is the greater fulfilment. What the Law points toward, Jesus fulfils. What the Law describes, grace delivers. 1. The Law, Moses, can show you the address, but it cannot take you home! Romans 8:3 “For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh (Adam), God did by sending his own Son.” The Law could tell you what righteousness looked like. The Law could not give you the reality of that life. Galatians 2:16 “…yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” Galatians 3:10 “For all who rely on doing the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not keep on doing everything written in the book of the law.’” “…Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” The Law doesn’t provide an answer it raises a problem. Galatians 3:19, 22 “Why, then, was the law given? … But the Scriptures (LAW) declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.” Hebrews 8:13 (NLT) “When God speaks of a ‘new’ covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.” Wayne Grudem — Christian Ethics “It is important to realize that the author of Hebrews is not saying that some old covenant laws are no longer binding on Christians (such as sacrificial laws or purity laws, for example), but that the oldcovenant itself, that entire system of laws that defined the relationship with God and his people, is no longer in effect.” Thomas Schreiner — (40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law) “Paul argues that the entirety of the law has been set aside now that Christ has come. To say that the ‘moral’ elements of the law continue to be authoritative blunts the truth that the entire Mosaic covenant is no longer in force for believers.” Romans 6:14 NLT “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” 2. Grace Alone, Joshua, brings you into your inheritance. Joshua 1:2 NLT “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.” Numbers 13:16 “These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea (salvation) son of Nun, Joshua.” (Jehovah Is Salvation) 2 Corinthians 1:20 “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 (AMP) “For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] 'Yes.’ So through Him we say our ‘Amen’ to the glory of God.” The law can bring you to the border, but only Jesus can bring you in. The way he brings you in, is not by handing you a map of the promised land.It's by joining you to himself. He is the destination. He is the reward. John 14:20 NLT “When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you..” Union has obtained you. You don't obtain it. Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT “God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news—that God has prepared this rest— has been announced to us just as it was to them.” Hebrews 4:8-10 KJV “For if Jesus (Joshua) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.” Romans 4:4-5 “Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,” Two systems: WORKS: “I do → God owes.” GRACE: “God has done → I believe.” Grace and performance can't be mixed. Righteousness is wages, God is my employer. Righteousness is grace, God is my Father.Sonship is received. You don't perform your way into the family. You can work for a wage, but you can only receive an inheritance. You can earn a position, but you cannot earn a birth. John 1:12 “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” Grace is not a spiritual motivational speech telling you to try harder. Grace is God's initiative, God's provision, God's power, and God's gift in Jesus Christ. The Law says, "This is the righteous standard." Grace says, "Look at what God has done in His Son." We have to STOP living at the border staring at our inheritance from a distance. Live from the grace, relationship, and rest that are yours in union with Christ. Galatians 4:6-7 “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” The Spirit creates the confidence and consciousness of sonship within us. You're not a slave trying to get close to God. You're a son who has been brought home. The Spirit awakens that reality in you. And the cry “Abba” is the spontaneous expression of that sonship. Grace changes the source of transformation from trying to earn God's acceptance to living out of God's acceptance. Sonship is not the prize at the end of your performance. Sonship is the gift from which your whole life begins.

Thanksgiving: Living a Life of Gratitude Thanksgiving Sunday 2026 | Impact Church London Key Scripture: Psalm 100:4–5 “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” Thanksgiving is more than a holiday or a moment of appreciation. It is a lifestyle of recognizing God's goodness, acknowledging His grace, and expressing gratitude in every area of our lives. We don't give thanks simply because everything is going well. We give thanks because God is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His faithfulness never changes. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 reminds us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance. Thanksgiving is an act of worship. It is something we express through our words, our actions, and the way we live. 1. Thanksgiving Begins Where the Sense of Entitlement Ends Gratitude and entitlement cannot occupy the same place in our hearts. Entitlement focuses on what we believe we deserve or what we think is missing. Thanksgiving shifts our attention toward what God has already provided. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve were surrounded by God's goodness, yet their attention was drawn toward the one thing they were told not to have. Romans 1:21 warns us about knowing God without honouring Him or giving Him thanks. Scripture also challenges us to guard against complaining and grumbling. Supporting Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:10–11 Philippians 2:14 1 Peter 4:9 Proverbs 30:15 Instead of allowing dissatisfaction to shape our perspective, we can choose to remember God's faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us that His mercies are new every morning and His compassion never fails. Key Thought: Gratitude begins when we stop focusing on what we think we deserve and start recognizing what God has graciously given. 2. Thanksgiving Is Never Invisible True thanksgiving is more than an internal feeling. It is something we express. The biblical language of thanksgiving includes eucharistia, associated with gratitude and giving thanks, and towdah, associated with expressions of praise and thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is meant to be demonstrated through our words, worship, and actions. Luke 6:45 says: “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” What fills our hearts will eventually be expressed through our lives. Gratitude should be visible in how we speak to others, how we worship God, and how we respond to His goodness. Proverbs 17:22 also reminds us of the value of a joyful heart. Key Thought: Thanksgiving isn't just something we feel. It's something we give. 3. Thanksgiving Increases Favour and Creates Opportunities A thankful heart helps position us to recognize God's goodness and respond faithfully, even in difficult circumstances. Consider Joseph's journey: From the pit, to Potiphar's house, to prison, to the palace. Joseph experienced betrayal, injustice, and disappointment, yet God's purpose continued to unfold throughout his life. Jesus also demonstrated thanksgiving in His ministry. In John 6:11, Jesus gave thanks before distributing the bread to the multitude. In John 11:40–43, Jesus thanked the Father before calling Lazarus from the tomb. And in Daniel 6:10, Daniel continued his practice of praying and giving thanks to God, even when doing so placed him in danger. These examples remind us that thanksgiving is not dependent on perfect circumstances. Key Thought: Gratitude positions our hearts to recognize God's goodness and remain faithful through every season. 4. Thanksgiving Builds Up Relationships What we appreciate, appreciates. What we fail to appreciate can depreciate. Gratitude strengthens relationships because it communicates that people are seen, valued, and appreciated. In Luke 17:15–16, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to glorify God and give Him thanks. The one who returned recognized more than the miracle. He recognized the One who had made him whole. We are grateful for the Giver, not just the gift. Thanksgiving doesn't simply recognize what someone has done. It recognizes the person who did it. Sometimes the most meaningful words we can offer are: “Thank you. I noticed what you did. It mattered to me.” Imagine what our families, friendships, workplaces, and church community could look like if we intentionally expressed appreciation more often. Key Thought: Gratitude builds relationships by reminding people that they matter. 5. Make Thanksgiving Your Default Thanksgiving should not be reserved for special occasions. It should become our natural response to God's goodness. Colossians 3:17 teaches us that whatever we do, in word or deed, we should do it in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Paul modelled this attitude in his relationships. Philippians 1:3 (NLT) says: “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” In Romans 1:8, Paul also expresses gratitude to God for the believers in Rome. What would our relationships look like if they were saturated in thanksgiving? What would our Impact Church community look like if gratitude became our default response? Thanksgiving changes how we see our circumstances, how we treat others, and how we experience the goodness of God. Key Thought: Thanksgiving doesn't change the goodness of God; it changes how we experience, recognize, and participate in the goodness that is already ours in Christ. Putting Thanksgiving Into Practice This week, challenge yourself to make gratitude intentional. Thank God daily. Take time to recognize His goodness, faithfulness, and grace. Replace complaining with thanksgiving. Choose to focus on what God has done rather than only on what seems to be missing. Express appreciation. Tell someone specifically why you are grateful for them. Give thanks in every season. Even when circumstances are difficult, remember that God's character remains unchanged. Make gratitude a lifestyle. Let thanksgiving become part of your everyday conversations, relationships, and worship. Final Encouragement Thanksgiving is not about convincing God to be good to us. He has already demonstrated His goodness and grace through Jesus Christ. Our thanksgiving is a response to who He is and what He has already done. Start — Giving Thanks.Keep On — Giving Thanks.Don't Stop — Giving Thanks.

Vision Sunday 2026 | Participation in Transformation Bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to London and beyond. At Impact Church, our vision is simple: Transforming Lives to Impact Their World. Vision Sunday is about recognizing that transformation isn't something we simply watch happen. God invites us to participate in what He is doing in our city, our region, and beyond.  Participation Jesus didn't call His disciples to simply observe what He was doing. He invited them to participate. In Luke 9:13, Jesus tells His disciples: “You give them something to eat.” The disciples were being taught to move from watching Jesus work to participating in His work. The miracle of the loaves wasn't only about feeding a crowd—it was part of their training. Later, Mark 6:51–52 tells us that the disciples still hadn't fully understood what Jesus was showing them through the loaves.  Working Faith Luke 8 records Jesus telling the disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” They launched out because Jesus had spoken. But adversity came along the way. The message challenges us to recognize that the enemy sends winds of adversity and wants to block our assignment. The enemy recognizes that the word spoken over us is powerful—but the question is: Do we? Faith doesn't mean there won't be resistance. Faith continues moving toward what Jesus has spoken even when resistance comes. Authority Over Territory When Jesus and the disciples arrived in the region of the Gadarenes, they encountered a man who had been tormented for years. Luke 8 describes him as living among the tombs, bound by chains and driven into the wilderness. When Jesus confronted the spirits tormenting the man, they identified themselves as “Legion.” The message emphasizes that they didn't want to surrender territory. This encounter represents a progression in what the disciples were learning: The training is over. You have authority over creation. You have authority over storms. You have authority over territory. These Are People Jesus Loves Our city is filled with people experiencing addiction, anxiety, loneliness, despair, fear, disease, pain and abuse. But these aren't simply problems or projects to address. These are people Jesus loves. The message of Vision Sunday reminds us: Darkness doesn't own a territory. It only occupies territory until light arrives. The battle isn't only about an individual—it is also about influence. Jesus came into a region where darkness had established influence and began reclaiming it. As Impact Church, we believe we've also been assigned a region. Our calling is to bring the light and Good News of Jesus into it. Purpose Restored The man Jesus delivered wasn't simply rescued from his past—his purpose was restored. Jesus told him in Mark 5:19–20 to return home and tell his friends what the Lord had done for him and how He had shown him compassion. The man went throughout Decapolis proclaiming what Jesus had done, and people marvelled. The person who had once been tormented in that region became someone carrying the testimony of Jesus throughout that same region. This is regional transformation: a region that had been harassed by darkness becoming a region flooded with light. Participation Changes Regions Later, Jesus returned to the Decapolis, and Mark 7 records people bringing someone who was deaf and had difficulty speaking to Him. Something had changed. The testimony had travelled. People who once encountered darkness were now bringing people to Jesus. This is what happens when transformed people participate in transformation. What Do You Have to Give? John 6 tells the story of a boy with five barley loaves and two fish. He didn't have enough to meet the need of the entire crowd—but he gave Jesus what he had. Jesus took it, gave thanks and multiplied it. Participation doesn't begin with having everything necessary to accomplish the vision. It begins with being willing to give what we have. Vision Sunday is an invitation for each of us to ask: What can I give? Where can I serve? How can I participate? What has God placed in my hands? We aren't called to simply observe transformation. We are called to participate in it. Together, we're believing for transformed lives, restored purpose and a region increasingly filled with the light and Good News of Jesus Christ. Impact Church — Transforming Lives to Impact Their World.

SMALL GROUP SUNDAY: LETT … US! There is a study done by a global software company that specializes in helping organizations collaborate, surveyed thousands of teams (who are a part of the Fortune 500) and found that 93% of executives say cross-functional collaboration is more important than ever. (Cross-functional collaboration simply means people from different areas, with different skills or responsibilities, working together toward the same goal.) It also found that 40% of knowledge workers' direct collaborators work in a different job function. Starting at the beginning of Genesis, God is creating the world all of these miracles of light and dark, God said it was good, separating land from water and sky, God said it was good, then he get to man, creates man and says it is VERY good. Steps back from everything…. Looks at all He’s created, analyzing it and the very FIRST aspect in which He remarks in… ‘NOT GOOD” found in… Genesis 2:18 “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone I will make him a helper comparable to him.ʼ” helper:— (ezer) strong help comparable:— (kenegdo) as in front of him; perfect match, same nature. The first thing God said was "not good" wasn't sin—it was isolation. God’s decision to create a helper for the human that is “comparable to him” recognizes a primal human need for companionship… For over 75 years, Harvard's Grant and Glueck study has tracked the physical and emotional well-being of two populations: 456 poor men growing up in Boston from 1939 to 2014 (the Grant Study), and 268 male graduates from Harvard's classes of 1939-1944 (the Glueck study). The conclusion? According to Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, onething surpasses all the rest in terms of importance: "The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period." IT’S NOT JUST THE BIBLE STATING THAT COMMUNITY IS CRITICAL… IT’S SCIENCE! LOVE WHEN SCIENCE COMES TO THE SAME CONCLUSION AS TRUTH! Many people think that Christianity is a belief system, but it’s really a belong system. John 13:35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus said the world would know we are His disciples by our love for one another. If a disciple traveled alone, they could talk about our love for one another but could not demonstrate it. By traveling together, the disciples SHOWED the world a living, breathing model of reconciled community in action.  Community is the message.  Actions speak louder than words… 59 One Another Commands In New Testament. 21 Involve “Love.” 1 Peter 3:8 “Love one another deeply, from the heart.” John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” When we look at the life of Jesus on the earth, he practically never sent anyone out alone. Every time He explicitly commanded His followers to go out and interact with the world (part one of together… going out not remaining inward) He structurally baked community and teamwork directly into the mission. Mark 6:7 When Jesus sent out the 12 Apostles… Luke 10:1 When He expanded to the mission to a much larger group of followers… He sent them out two by two… African Proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.” Dr Dean Ornish — Ornish Lifestyle Medicine “Love and intimacy — our ability to connect with ourselves and others, is at the root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, … People who feel lonely and isolated have a 300-500 percent greater risk of premature death due to physical illness.” You cannot fulfill the purpose for God outside of community. You can know God without community and get to heaven without community, but you can’t manifest God’s fullness. YOU CAN NOT manifest God’s FULNESS WITHOUT COMMUNITY! The language of the book of Hebrews is not ‘me and God.’ It is ‘we and God.’” Hebrews 10:21-25 NLT 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Connecting Is Mandatory!.... Let US, see what we are accomplishing together… 1.Together We Approach Hebrews 10:22 “…LET US GO RIGHT IN TO THE PRESENCE OF GOD…”  Heaven is not a collection of isolated believers. It is a family gathered around the throne. If eternity looks like people together, why would we try to live Christianity alone? Revelation 5:9 “…your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”  Think about the picture of eternity. Heaven is not a crowd of disconnected believers who just happen to be in the same location at the same time. The picture Scripture gives us is a family gathered around a throne. People together. Worshipping together. Celebrating together. Hebrews establishes that Jesus is our great High Priest. The presence of God was kept behind that veil, and only once a year….. a priest could go in… Under the Old Covenant, access to God's presence was restricted. But Jesus has opened the wayand the gospel isn't simply: Jesus died so I can have my personal spiritual experience with God. Jesus didn't just open the door so that you could walk through it alone. He opened the door so that everyone could approach the throne! Ephesians 2:19 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household.” AND THIS IS WHERE HEBREWS GETS REALLY BEAUTIFUL… Because Hebrews doesn't just tell us that Jesus gives us access. It tells us that we are joining a story that started long before us. Hebrews 12:1  12 1-3 Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it…!” The literary context, Hebrews chapter 11, runs through some of the veterans that are in the same family as we are… Hebrews 11 is essentially a hall of faith.Pioneers.Veterans.People who went before us. The ‘TOGETHER’ earlier on the timeline… “5By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him..” “7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, prepared an ark for the saving of his household…” “8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going…” By faith, Pastor Cheryl has become the first female Apostle in the worldwide Apostolic movement birthed out of the Welsh Revival—pioneering a path of leadership, courage, and faith for generations to come. This isn’t about select people accomplishing noteworthy historical events and moments. This is about documentation, a snapshot account of believers who are apart of an entire body. YOU are apart of that! We all play a significant role in eternities scale, together we are moving along on this part of the timeline fulfilling God’s purpose on the earth, and how He wants to deliver it through you specifically! F1- ANALOGY A Formula 1 car doesn't win a race because of the driver alone…. An individual can be highly visible while the outcome depends on an enormous, interconnected team… A good pit-stop could be the one element that leads a team to a top of the podium finish; a poorly executed one, more often than not, leads to the driver losing quite a few places and facing an insurmountable challenge for the rest of the race. The pit crew is vital to an F1 team alongside the driver and car, forming the "F1 Trinity," with some stops becoming legendary for their success or failure, raising the question of what these crews actually do during a stop. Different people have different responsibilities. For example: • Race engineer communicates directly with the driver and helps interpret what's happening during the race.  • Strategy teams calculate race strategy, tire choices, pit windows and responses to changing circumstances.  • Aerodynamicists work on airflow and aerodynamic performance. When a race car crosses the finish line, it is not just the driver that crosses that line, it is the whole TEAM that approaches that line together. In life, we are not just created to move about solo, without thinking or considering anyone else. Approaching life narrow minded, “I am on my own journey, doing what I need to need to do and end comfortably…” The world is missing out on an aspect of God through you!  You reflect and aspect of God that no one else does!  QUESTION • What is one practical step I can take this week to move from spectator to participant? 2.Together We Stand Hebrews 10:23 “LET US HOLD TIGHTLY WITHOUT WAVERING TO THE HOPE WE AFFIRM,” Holding on is a group activity!!! Hold on to each other as we hold on to the promises. The writer doesn't say, “You hold on to your faith, and I'll hold on to mine.” Galatians 6:2 — We carry one another “Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Notice: Your burden becomes my burden.My strength can become your strength. That's community = Isolation magnifies problems… Community shrinks them. The strongest beli

SERIES: “Blockbusters” SERMON: “Origen” A blockbuster asks one question: Can the Avengers save the world? Will they Save Private Ryan? Will Dorthy and Toto make it home? Genesis 1-3 Asks: “Who Am I?” “Why Am I Here?” The Truman Show — Interesting Movie  To understand the reason you are here, you have to understand the story you are in. Psalm 139:14 “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” If Genesis 1–3 is merely the story of human failure, we'll spend our lives trying to fix ourselves. If Genesis 1–3 is the story of God's relentless purpose fulfilled in Christ, then we discover why we're here. Genesis 1:1-3 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [ ] The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.’” Karl Barth (Gen. 1/2) “The Nothingness”- is a malignant resistance to God’s grace. It is the origin of sin, chaos, and evil. At the cross, in Jesus death, He absorbs the full weight of the darkness, chaos. His resurrection is the divine negation, the decisive conquering of Genesis 1:2. 1. THE PLACE God Created for Communion. God didn't create out of need. God created out of overflow. Before there was: Sin - Death - Failure - Brokenness There was Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Perfect love. Perfect joy. Perfect fellowship. Creation wasn't God's attempt to get something. Creation was God's desire to share something. God’s first desire was for relationship not obedience. The Bible begins with party not with a problem. Not with distance but with communion. 2. THE PEOPLE The universe begins with community. The Trinity is not lonely. The Trinity is love. Then God creates humanity and says: "Come join the dance." Adam and Eve are not merely workers. They're image-bearers. Royal representatives. Beloved children. Before Adam ever accomplished anything, he was already accepted. Identity preceded responsibility. Sonship came before stewardship. 3. THE PURPOSE God gives humanity a mission. Fill the earth. Cultivate the earth. Guard the garden. Adam wasn't just a gardener. He was a priest of creation. Creation was designed to become a living temple filled with God's glory. Mankind wasn't created merely to get to heaven someday.  Mankind was created to bring heaven everywhere. Starting with His first assignment. Eden 4. THE PROBLEM The Tree Of Life and a forbidden tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The issue was never fruit it was trust. Will God alone be my source OR will I take life in my own hands? REACHING instead of RESTING God did give man boundaries. Genesis 2:16 “… you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” God also gave man the agency of choice. The Darkness creeps into the garden. The serpent has a competing narrative. Serpent: "Did God really say?" The serpent doesn't attack Eve first. He attacks God's character. Every temptation begins with suspicion. He’s holding out on you. Shared knowledge builds authoritative voices in your head. “You’re not enough.” “God is disappointed.” “You’re still distant.” “Try harder.”
The battle is not about behaviour. It’s about your conscience, what you’ve come to accept as truth. Your conscience (Shared Knowledge) doesn’t create truth, It reflects the light it’s been exposed to. If it’s shaped by: Fear — God looks distant Shame — you feel unworthy Religion — you feel never enough Genesis 3:11 “Who told you that?” It was a question of conscience. Adam chose to embrace shared knowledge from the serpent. From that moment humanity lived from shared knowledge with the lie. Shame, fear, and separation became the new normal. The single most important question you may ever answer is: Who told you that? Your life is framed by shared knowledge. SIN:— ”We want life without limits. Instead of living a life in submission to God, we want to take the place of God.” Sin begins when we stop trusting the heart of the Father. Sin is questioning you own identity. Genesis 3:13 (YLT) “And Jehovah God saith to the woman, `What [is] this thou hast done?' and the woman saith, `The serpent hath caused me to forget -- and I do eat.' Living out of Adam cannot reveal to you the things of God.  You need to be re-fathered. The blood of Jesus does that.  You are re-fathered through the blood of Jesus and given a pure conscience.  You can now walk in the shared knowledge of the Godhead. Hebrews 9:14 “how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”  5. THE PROVISION Grace Was Already Waiting. The fall is not the climax of this story. God's rich provision of GRACE is the big takeaway!  Adam hides. God seeks. Adam covers himself. God clothes him. Adam runs. God pursues. Genesis 3:15 (Protoevangelium) “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” Redemption reveals something greater. Adam knew innocence. We know redemption. Adam knew God walking beside him. We know Christ living within us. Adam lived in a garden. We are the dwelling place of God. “O happy fault that earned for us so great, so glorious a Redeemer.” Ambrose of Milan felix culpa (Happy Fault) The covenant that the Father made with His Son took me from from sinful to SONFUL!!! Revelation 13:8 “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Before there was a fall — there was already a Lamb. God didn’t just solve sin—He outplanned it. “The death of Christ was not an afterthought. It was the centerpiece of God’s eternal plan.” John Piper Before God ever said, “Let there be light” — There was already a conversation about the cross. Jesus is the lamb slain from before the foundation of the world.  Redemption through His Blood was always His eternal plan! 1Peter 1:20 “… he was chosen and destined for this before the foundation of the earth was laid, but he has been made manifest in these last days for you.” 1 Corinthians 15:22 (NKJV) “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” Genesis 1–3 is not about the triumph of sin. It is the revelation of a God whose grace is greater than humanity's failure. The garden reveals God's intention. The Cross reveals God's heart.
The resurrection reveals humanity's destiny. The story is not about how far humanity fell.
The story is about how far God would go. What voices have shaped my identity more than the voice of God? Have I reduced Christianity to forgiveness of sins, or have I embraced union with Christ? Am I living from the Tree of Life—dependence on Christ—or from the tree of self-reliance? What part of my story needs to be reinterpreted through the lens of grace rather than shame? Romans 8:19 “For [even the whole] creation (all nature) waits expectantly and longs earnestly for God’s sons to be made known [waits for the revealing, the disclosing of their sonship].”

SERIES: “Blockbusters” SERMON: “Born Identity” A blockbuster asks one question: Can the Avengers save the world? Will they Save Private Ryan? Will Dorthy and Toto make it home? Joshua 14 Asks: “Will Caleb Secure His Inheritance?” Revelation 3:11 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Romans 5:17 “For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Acts 10:38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth (A MAN LIKE YOU AND I WAS SMEARED WITH GOD TYPE ABILITY AND POWER!!!) with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Anointing:-- The person and power of Holy Spirit working through humanity to accomplish the or a divine purpose. The unction to function. Inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth power for performing miracles, moral power and excellence of soul the power and influence which belong to riches and wealth, power and resources arising from numbers, power consisting in or resting upon armies, forces, hosts Power:-- {dunamis} inherent power, explosive. Power to produce 5 things: 1. Miracles 2. Morality 3. Money 4. Multiplication 5. Movement 1 John 2:20, 27 “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” “But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you;” This life is ours legally because of the blood and vitally because of our relationship with Holy Spirit. John 14:12 “I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these, because I go to the Father.” We are anointed! The world needs what is in us to get upon us so that they can see the evidence of the superior kingdom that we operate in. The anointing is how we establish the flora of heaven on earth. You can’t be more or less anointed but you can have more revelation on the benefits of the anointing. You can also position yourself to be more effective in the flow and operation of the anointing … be more intentional. Numbers 14:24 (KJV) “But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” The ten spies interpreted the promise through the problem. Numbers 13:31,33 "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." "We were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight." Caleb interpreted the problem through the promise. Number 13:30 “Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, ‘Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.’”Joshua 14:6-15 “Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: ‘You know the word which the Lord said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God. So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’ And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.’ And Joshua blessed him, and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as an inheritance. Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel.” Anointing Captures Your Sight (7) “the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out (SEE get a vision) the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart.” Anointing Quickens Revelation (9) “Moses swore...be an inheritance to you...” I have the title deed to this. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].” Anointing Arouses Passion (12) “Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day” Proverbs 10:24 “...what the righteous desire will be granted.” Desire:-- of the father. What possesses you fathers your desire. Anointing Instills Patience (11) “I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in.” Stayed fit. Unshakable Expectation. Anointing Secures Results (14) “So Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb...” God never works anything independently of you that concerns your life. Yonggi Cho Under the New Covenant, the Spirit has been poured out on all believers. What made Caleb exceptional is now available to every Christian through union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Caleb's different spirit was not merely courage. It was agreement with God. Ten spies interpreted God through the giants. Caleb interpreted the giants through God’s promise. Revelation 3:11 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” Don’t let anyone steal your stuff!

SERIES: “Summer Blockbusters” SERMON: “Wild At Heart” A blockbuster asks one question: Can the Avengers save the world? Will Woody overcome technology? Will the Hobbits make it home? Judges 13-16 Asks: “Will Samson Find Love?” Hebrews 11:32-34 “Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, … who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, …out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” Judges 2:7, 10 “So the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, … another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.” Summary Of The Book: Judges 21:25 (last verse) “In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.” God was their King. They didn’t remember who He was. Judges makes us cry out for Righteous King!!! Judges 13:5 “For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.” Judges 13:25 “And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him…” Judges 14:6, 19 15:14 “The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him.” “The Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him.” “The Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him.” Not natural strength. He was supernaturally empowered. Judges 15:14-15 “Then the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him; ... He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and killed a thousand men with it.” What remains unhealed often becomes repeated. Parents don’t support him. His wife is given a way to best man. His own people tie him up and give him to enemy. He was valued for what he could do rather than who he was. Delilah sells him out. He could defeat almost anything but couldn’t defeat the brokenness in his own heart. He could defeat a lion. He could tear down gates. (41 miles) He could defeat armies. He found no secure place for his heart. Extraordinary gifting and calling can’t co exist with shattered identity? We can become so disconnected from our true identity that we continue acting as though everything is fine while inwardly we’re falling apart. He reduced his relationship with God to: Don’t get a haircut. Judges 16:20 “So he awoke from his sleep, and said, ‘I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free!’ But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.” In the end It’s a prayer of a broken man. Blind - Bald - Bound. Judges 16:28 “Sovereign Lord, remember me." No religious vow. No gifting. No strength. Just, God be gracious to me. A large study of nearly 10,000 young adults found that those with a coherent, integrated identity experienced the highest levels of well-being and the lowest levels of risky and destructive behaviors. Identity confusion was associated with significantly more harmful behaviors. (National Library Of Medicine)Research on trauma and identity suggests that painful life experiences can create "identity loss," "identity threat," and "identity alteration," profoundly affecting behavior and emotional health. Identity disturbance is not merely a symptom of problems; it often becomes a driving force behind them. (Biological and Behavioral Mechanisms of Identity Pathology Development: An Integrative Review Erin A. Kaufman and Sheila E. Crowell) People rarely behave their way into a healthy identity; they live out the identity they already believe about themselves. A wounded identity will look for love in places that cannot heal it. You cannot discipline away a wound that only love can heal. Rules can restrain behaviour, but only belonging can heal identity. Hebrews 2:14 “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,…” Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” The New Covenant isn’t about power it’s a Person Not: God helps me. But: God and I are in complete union in Christ. Not: I have to hold on to God. But: He has taken hold of me. Not: Perform well enough, God will remain close. But: I live from the finished work of Christ, and nothing can separate me from His love.” You don't fight for identity. You don't strive for sonship. You don't earn the Father's love. You fight from identity. You live from sonship. You awaken to the love that has always been yours in Christ. 1. Live From Acceptance, Not For Acceptance Ephesians 1:6 “…His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” What am I depending on to feel valuable? Am I serving from approval or for approval? 2. Cultivate Communion Rather Than Performance John 15:4 “Abide in me and I in you." Is my spiritual life fueled by relationship or obligation? When was the last time I simply enjoyed God's presence without an agenda? 3. Bring Your Wounds Into the Light 1 John 1:7 “But if (since) 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.” What pain keeps showing up in my relationships? What recurring temptation is connected to an unmet need or wound? If Samson walked into this room today, would we tell him to get more disciplined, or would we help him discover He’s a loved child of God? What remains unhealed often becomes repeated. Samson's story points us to Jesus. Transformation happens when you stop striving for acceptance and start living from acceptance. Grace does not merely forgive bad behaviour; it restores forgotten identity.

SERIES: “Summer Blockbusters” SERMON: “Sleeping With The Lions” A blockbuster asks one question: Can the Avengers save the world? Will Woody overcome technology? Will the Hobbits make it home? Daniel 6 Asks: “Will Daniel Get Eaten By Lions?” “Champions aren't made in the ring; they're merely recognized there. What you cheat on in the early light of morning will show up under the bright lights.” Joe Frazier The lion's den was simply the bright lights. The battle everyone sees is won in the place no one sees. Revelation — “I am the kind of person that lions can’t destroy.” Pressures of Babylon: 1. Rob you of your identity. “…renamed them…” 2. Rob you of your security. “ …eat from king’s table…” 3. Rob you of your destiny. “…enter the kings service…” Daniel 6 “Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; "Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way." Booker T. Washington “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC) 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! … establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. … Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. We don't pray toward a place. We don't try to find God's presence. Jesus has already brought us near. We pray from a Person. We live in it. Prayer is enjoying the relationship Christ secured. So they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.” And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, Also his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den.I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. — For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.” 5 Observation From The Text: 1. Excellence Flows From Union Private communion produces public courage. You don't rise to the occasion; you fall to the level of your revelation. The battle everyone sees is won in the place no one sees. 2. Victory Is Rooted Divine Interruptions Daniel 6:10“…three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” Live in Divine Rhythm: "Jesus is here.” "Give thanks.” "Rest." 3. Thanksgiving Fosters Immunity Daniel didn't panic. He gave thanks. Before the lions … there was worship. Gratitude doesn't deny reality; it declares a greater reality. 4. Pressure Reveals Formation Daniel wasn't made courageous in one night. The lions simply exposed years of hidden faithfulness. Don't prepare for lions in the lion's den. 5. Jesus Has Defeated Our Lions Daniel was innocent. Jesus was sinless. Daniel was sealed in a den. Jesus was sealed in a tomb. Daniel walked out God rescued him. Jesus walked out He conquered death itself. Daniel prayed toward Jerusalem. We pray in union with Christ. Daniel hoped for God's presence. We live in God's presence. Prayer is not our attempt to reach God. Prayer is our joyful participation in the relationship Jesus has already secured. The greatest miracle isn't surviving lions. The greatest miracle is living every day in union with Christ. Daniel's faithfulness is inspiring. Jesus' finished work is transforming. "I am with you always." An excellent spirit is not formed in extraordinary moments. It is formed in ordinary moments, surrendered to an extraordinary God.

SERIES: “Summer Blockbusters” SERMON: “Now You See Me” A blockbuster asks one question: Can the Avengers save the world? 2 Kings 6 Asks: “Is Elisha a goner?” 2 Kings 6:8-23 “Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, ‘My camp will be in such and such a place.’ And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, ‘Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there.’ Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice. Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, ‘Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?’ And one of his servants said, ‘None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.’ So he said, ‘Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.' And it was told him, saying, ‘Surely he is in Dothan.’ Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ The servant's problem wasn't poor eyesight—it was incomplete sight. He saw accurately...he just didn't see fully. Serving without spiritual senses! Engine Light / Lawyers Letter / Past Due Notice. / Gas Prices Your body reacts preparing for survival: Your heart races. Your breathing shortens. Your muscles tighten Your hearing changes Your stomach shuts down. Your thinking narrows. Your sleep disappears Mark 8:17-18 “Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?” Luke 8:23-25 “But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” It’s time for you to grow up! It’s time to exercise your spiritual senses! God’s solutions are not on the way, they are right in front of you. To win spiritual battles you must have spiritual senses. God’s power at work in you is greater than the problems surrounding you. Ephesians 1:15-22 “…may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” 1 John 4:4 “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.” Romans 8:31 ”What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, ‘Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.’ And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. Now Elisha said to them, 'This is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.’ But he led them to Samaria. So it was, when they had come to Samaria, that Elisha said, ‘Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.’ And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw; and there they were, inside Samaria! Now when the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, ‘My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?’ But he answered, ‘You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.’ Then he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel.” Hebrews 5:11 “… we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” Living independently of God. Genesis 3:22 “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever” Fallen self-reliant knowing. Discerning right and wrong independent from God. Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Redeemed discernment in the Spirit. Become so acquainted with the goodness, beauty, and character of Christ that everything inconsistent with him becomes immediately recognisable. We don't train our senses by staring into darkness; we train them by continually beholding the Light.

SERIES: “Summer Blockbusters” SERMON: “Worship Mountain” A blockbuster asks one question: Can Indiana Jones find the treasure? Can Luke defeat Darth Vader? Can the Avengers save the world? Genesis 22 Asks: Why does God want Abraham to kill Isaac? Will Abraham kill his son? Prodigy:— a person, especially a child or young person, having extraordinary talent or ability. Matthew 21:16 “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise” Worship is not a Christian thing it is a human thing. You are designed for it and you are world class. The question is, “what do you worship?” Follow your time and your treasure and you will find out. 1 John 4:19 “We love Him because He first loved us.” Love for God is the result of truly knowing God. Authentic theology results in authentic worship. Jesus is perfect theology. Matthew 15:8-9 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.” Luke 4:8 “And Jesus answered and said to him, 'Get behind Me, Satan!’ For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Romans 12:1 NIV “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 MSG “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life— your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.” John 4:23-24 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Worship :— (Proskuneo) compound word — towards and to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand. Worship :—to be devoted to and full of admiration for, to have or express feelings of profound adoration Worship :— a response to what we value most. Worship:— “worth ship”. To worship something is to prize it above everything else. To honor it as the thing of highest importance and to act accordingly. We don’t gather for worship. We are a gathering of worshipers. Worship is every day life. Our gatherings are for edification … that does include word, singing, and encouragement. Genesis 22:1-18 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, … “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together.Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son — blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Real Worship Is Surrender “So Abraham arose early …” Abraham does not delay. He doesn't negotiate. Surrender doesn't lose the promise—it discovers the Promiser. Worship begins where control ends. You never lose what you entrust to God. Real Worship Has A Place “Then they came to the place of which God had told him.” In Spirit and Truth. Matthew 6:6 “…your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Real Worship Is Sacrificial “…offer him there as a burnt offering” God will never allow the gift to take the place that belongs to the Giver. The things placed in God's hands are safer than the things we clutch in our own. Real Worship Has Revelation "We will worship there, and then WE will come back." God had to deliver Abraham of worldly patterns of devotion. Worship isn't proving your devotion; it's trusting God's heart. Real Worship Is Provision “…a ram caught in a thicket” The Place: Jehovah Jireh Moriah:— Raah see, vision, to perceive, revelation. Land of vision appearance or manifestation. God doesn't provide because He's obligated. He provides because He sees in that place. Westminster Catechism "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Real worship isn't measured by what comes out of your mouth; it's measured by what you place on the altar. The Flying Wallendas were asked: "What's the hardest part of flying through the air?" "The hardest part is letting go." Worship is living in the space between letting go - and being caught. Wholehearted worship begins the moment your hands open. Can you let go???

SERIES: “Summer Blockbusters” SERMON: “The Incredible Sulk” Jonah 1:1-2 “The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.’” A blockbuster asks one question: Can Indiana Jones find the treasure? Can Luke defeat Darth Vader? Can the Avengers save the world? Book Of Jonah Asks: Will God Destroy Nineveh? Jonah 4:2 “That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people.” God loves this City! God’s priority is lost people. “Transforming lives to IMPACT their world.” God Moves When We Move! 3 Observations: 1. God will not do our part. 2. Our part is natural. 3. Our part is first. God needs you! London needs you! 1 Corinthians 15:46 “However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual.” Not A Church In London. Not A Church Of London. Not A Church Against London We Are A Church For London! Jonah 1:3-4 “But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish. But the Lord hurled a powerful wind over the sea, …” Everything and everyone honours God’s voice except JONAH. All of creation surrenders to his voice but Humans can say NO. Jonah bought a ticket. Running has a cover charge. The ride away from God is never free. Running doesn’t change your destination but it can bring turbulence to the journey. Jonah 1:17 “Now the Lord had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.” Jonah 2:9-10 “'But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.’ Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach.” Sometimes what swallows you … is actually what saves you. Your deepest place may become your clearest place. Lamentations 3:21-23 “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Jonah 3:1-2 “Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time: 'Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh, and deliver the message I have given you.’” Same assignment Jonah’s Eight Word Sermon: “Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!” Jonah 4:1-5 “This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.' The Lord replied, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about this?” Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city.’” Jonah 4:9-11 “Then God said to Jonah, ‘Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?’ ‘Yes,’ Jonah retorted, ‘even angry enough to die!’ Then the Lord said, 'You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals.’” Matthew 12:41 “…and now something greater than Jonah is here.” Jonah ran. Jesus came willingly. Jonah slept because he didn't care. Jesus slept because He trusted. Jonah was thrown into the sea because of his own selfishness. Jesus walked into death because of ours. Jonah spent three days in a fish. Jesus spent three days in a tomb. Jonah came out reluctantly. Jesus came out triumphantly. Jonah hated his enemies. Jesus died for His. Hebrews 13:12 “Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.” Jesus was dragged, weeping, out of the city that he might save it. The greatest miracle in Jonah wasn't surviving three days in a fish. It wasn't a city repenting. It wasn't a plant, a worm, or wind. It was God never gave up on Jonah. God will never give up on you. This is the story of God transforming the heart of a religious, heartless, bigoted prophet. This is God’s invitation to you to invade your city with His gracious, merciful, lovingkindness. Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Hollywood likes happy endings. Jonah ends with a question. "Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?”

Series: “This Saith The Lord” Sermon: “Healthy Prophetic Culture” 1 Corinthians 14:29 (NET) “Two or three prophets should speak and the others should evaluate what is said.” The camp meeting. The open mic. The prophetic olympics. Prophecy (prophēteuō):— to speak forth by divine inspiration. Prophecy is simply heaven revealing itself through human vessels. It is God's thoughts becoming audible in the earth. 4 basic types of NT prophecy: 1. Spirit of Prophecy — an atmosphere of prophetic revelation. 2. Gift of Prophecy — a gift of the Spirit (not reward) functioning through a believer. 3. Office of a Prophet — a gift of a person given to the church to serve and to edify. 4. Company Of Prophets — Kingdom Life. The Church is not called merely to observe history. The Church is called to announce heaven into history. We speak: Life over death / Hope over despair / Blessing over curse / Christ over chaos Reconciliation over division God’s promise is looking for a believing voice. The Church is God's prophetic embassy in the earth. We do not speak in order to make God act; we speak because God has acted in Christ. The Kingdom is not coming into force—it is already in force. Prophecy is the announcement of its victory. London, Ontario and surrounding region, hear the word of the Lord: The Lord richly blesses you with prosperity — businesses flourish, opportunities abound, and abundance flows to every resident. He releases creativity — fresh ideas, innovation, and artistic excellence rise from your people. You walk in influence — a beacon of wisdom, leadership, and positive impact across the region and beyond. Health and safety are your portion — wholeness, protection, and peace guard your streets, homes, and families. The Lord’s richest blessings of favor, joy, and revival rest upon you. You are protected, prospering, and purposed for good. Amen. 3 Parts Of Prophetic Encounter Acts 13:1-3 / 21:10-14 1. Revelation 2. Interpretation 3. Application Acts 13:1-3 “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: … As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.” Acts 21:10-14 “…a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, ‘Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ … pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. … ’What do you mean by weeping andbreaking my heart?’ …So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NKJV) “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (MSG) “Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.” Don’t Be Gullible. 1. Discomfort With Uncertainty. 3. A Company Spirit — Tribalism 5. Unsecured Identity 2. Resolve My Pain Now 4. Outsourcing Convictions Hebrews 6:12 (NIV) “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” The antidote is not cynicism, it is genuine self knowledge. You become less vulnerable when you do the hard work of being honest with yourself. We encourage formation and not fascination. Check Out Everything. Test the spirit. Where is it from? Test the purpose. Does it glorify God? Test the atmosphere. Is there liberty? Test the accuracy. Does it happen? Test the content. Is it biblical? Test the vehicle. Is there fruit? Test the direction. Where does lead? Paul doesn't leave us with a spirit of suspicion. He leaves us with a picture of maturity. He doesn't say, "Shut it all down.” He says, "Don't suppress the Spirit… but don't be gullible." Keep the fire, but keep the filter. “Practicing the gifts should take place in an atmosphere of love and a culture of spiritual authority. Without being in submission to true spiritual authority, we are like contractors who build a skyscraper without a foundation. The first time the wind blows, it will fall to the ground.” Kris Vallotton Impact Church is community where the genuine voice of God is welcomed, weighed with wisdom, and honoured with faith. Spiritual discernment is love with its eyes wide open. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NKJV). “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”

Series: “This Saith The Lord” Sermon: “Prophecy The Voice Of God” Psalm 72:8, 19 “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,And from the River to the ends of the earth.” Amen.” “And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and “...Canada and the Canadian church is going to rise up once again and go to the four corners of the world and bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to pave the way for His second coming.” Pastor Yonggi Cho 1 Timothy 1:18 “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,…” Prophecy (prophēteuō):— to speak forth by divine inspiration. Prophecy is simply heaven revealing itself through human vessels. It is God's thoughts becoming audible in the earth. The Bible is about a King, a Kingdom, and a royal family of children. A message about the desire of a King to extend His Kingdom through His royal family. Jesus is not the Gospel. Jesus preached the gospel and he is the means to the gospel (DOOR). The good news (Gospel) is that He has brought the Kingdom of God to earth!!! Mark 1:15 (NIV) “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Repent:— Think again. Take a fresh look at this good news!!! One of the greatest differences between the old and new covenant is the location of GOD!!! Matthew 13:33 (NLT) “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, (60lbs) it permeated every part of the dough.” Quietly — Progressively — Inevitably His Kingdom fills every thing every way! Acts 3:19-21 “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.” RESTORATION:— (apokatastasis) the restoration not only of the true theocracy but also of that more perfect state of (even physical) things which existed before the fall. Aligning yourself with the revelation of Jesus as King puts you in a place of privilege, trust, and authority and provides keys to ignite, lock, and loose, resulting in the manifestation of His Kingdom. 1 Corinthians 14:1, 39 “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” “Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.” 4 basic types of NT prophecy: 1. Spirit of Prophecy — an atmosphere of prophetic revelation. 2. Gift of Prophecy — a gift of the Spirit (not reward) functioning through a believer.3. Office of a Prophet — a gift of a person given to the church to serve and to edify. 4. Company Of Prophets — Kingdom Life. 1. The Spirit of Prophecy The Atmosphere of Revelation In the manifest presence of Jesus People suddenly see: Who God really is — Who they really are — What God is doing A realm where heaven becomes discernible. 2. The Gift of Prophecy "To another prophecy..." 1 Corinthians 12:10 It is a manifestation of the Spirit not a reward for maturity. Source — Holy Spirit A new believer or a mature believer may prophesy. Paul teaches that the gift of prophecy brings: strength encouragement and comfort The gift of prophecy turns ordinary conversations into divine encounters: In schools. In businesses. In homes. In grocery stores. The Kingdom advances whenever heaven finds a voice. Prophecy is heaven interrupting earth with encouragement. 3. The Office of the Prophet An Ascension Gift (Person) Given to the Church. "He gave some to be apostles, some prophets..." Ephesians 4:11 A prophet carries: vision / direction / alignment equipping Not merely revelation, but formation. They create a hunger for the voice of God. Prophets help align the church with heaven's agenda. A prophet is not God's favourite child; a prophet is God's servant to His people. True prophets do not gather followers around themselves; they gather people around Jesus. 4. The Company of Prophets The entire Church becomes a prophetic community. "Would that all the Lord's people were prophets." Numbers 11:29 What Moses desired, Pentecost accomplished. This is the Company of Prophets functioning: A father speaks life over his children. A wife speaks hope over her husband. A business owner declares Kingdom purpose over employees. A believer prays over a neighbourhood. A church speaks God's destiny over a city. A people whose mouths agree with heaven. The Church is not called merely to observe history. The Church is called to announce heaven into history. We speak: Life over death / despair Hope over Blessing over curse / Christ over chaos Reconciliation over division God’s promise is looking for a believing voice. The Church is God's prophetic embassy in the earth.We do not speak in order to make God act; we speak because God has acted in Christ. The Kingdom is not coming into force—it is already in force. Prophecy is the announcement of its victory.

Sermon Series: “Thus Saith The Lord” Sermon: “Pursue Love” (Father’s Day) Top 10 Signs You're a Dad "You might be a dad if..." You have strong opinions about thermostat settings. You've turned off lights in rooms nobody was using. You can grill in weather conditions that would cancel most sporting events. You've said, "We'll see," when you already knew the answer was no. You consider a trip to the hardware store a recreational activity. You have at least one pair of shoes designated as "lawn-mowing shoes." You fall asleep during movies you picked. You have told someone to "pull my finger." You can carry seventeen grocery bags in one trip. You have spent years pretending dad jokes are embarrassing when secretly they're your greatest ministry. Why don't skeletons fight each other? They don't have the guts. I only know 25 letters of the alphabet. I don't know Y. Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere. “Many studies suggest that presence matters more than perfection. Children don't need perfect fathers—they need fathers who are present.” (Public Health Agency Of Canada) PFI - Positive Father Involvement  Stability — Confidence — Better school performance — Emotional security — Life skills Resilience — Identity — Protection — Encouragement — Presence Proverbs 20:7 “The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 23:26 “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways." 1 John 3:1 (NLT) “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” Good Samaritan:— one who is compassionate and helpful to a person in distress. Good Samaritan Law:— exempts from legal liability persons, who give reasonable aid to strangers in grave physical distress. Luke 10:25-37 “And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’” Religious Performance. Trying To Trap Jesus “He (Jesus) said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?’” “So he answered and said,‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ (LAW) And He said to him, ‘You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.’” “But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Jerusalem to Jericho: The Jericho Road 4000 foot drop. — 17miles going down — The way of blood … the pass of Adummim”. Caves / Robbers Now by chance a certain priest (Pastor) came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, (Church Staff) when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. Exodus 23:4-5 “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it.” But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. A radical confrontation of self-righteousness: Hero is a Samaritan. John 8:48 “Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” “Being moved with compassion.” Compassion:-- sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. (Mer-Web) “splagchnizomai” :-- to be moved as to one's bowels, inward affection.  Compassion rarely dies from lack of vision. It dies from inconvenience. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbour to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” The Samaritan Teaches Us: Opportunity is everywhere. Open your eyes. Open your heart. Open your wallet Repeat as necessary Would you give up a little of your temporary to touch a lost, broken persons eternity? John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Not the best you can or the way you love yourself but as Jesus has loved you! Not a call to religious performance.   An indictment of the whole of fallen humanity.   You can't and you don't and you never will love like this.  MERCY!!! You can’t earn eternity I can manifest God’s love …  not through my performance but through my relationship with God by the power of the Holy Spirit Romans 5:5 “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Where is the Jericho road? It’s in our neighbourhood. It’s in the people you work with. It’s in the people sitting near you. It’s in your family.

Series: “Thus Saith The Lord” Sermon: “Listening To The Spirit” The good news is not Jesus and it is not that you get to go to heaven.  The good news (GOSPEL) is that God became a man to establish His kingdom on earth. John 8:47 (AMP) “Whoever is of God listens to God. [Those who belong to God hear the words of God.]” The greatest qualification for the next season may not be talent, knowledge, or influence—but the ability to hear. God governs His kingdom through revelation knowledge.  Heaven's agenda reaches earth through hearers who SPEAK. 1 Timothy 1:18 “This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,…” Prophecy (prophēteuō):— to speak forth by divine inspiration. Prophecy is simply heaven revealing itself through human vessels. It is God's thoughts becoming audible in the earth. Genesis 1:26 (AMP) “...let them have complete authority ...over all of the earth,…”  Matthew 6:9-10 “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.” Psalm 115:16 “The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; But the earth He has given to the children of men.” Psalm 8:6 “You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,...” 1 Corinthians 14:1, 39 “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” “Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.”  1 Corinthians 14:3 (NLT) "But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.” 2 Peter 1:21 "For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."  Is there a difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant? Is the a difference between the OT priesthood and the NT priesthood? Is there a difference between the OT king and the NT king? Is there a difference between the OT prophet and the NT prophet? Exodus 20:19 “Then they said to Moses, ‘You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.’” God wanted to speak directly to his people. The people wanted a mediator. Matthew 11:13 “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.” Old Testament prophecy pointed forward to the mystery. John the Baptist said, “Here He is!” Matthew 11:11 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!” Example Of NT Prophets: Acts 15:32 “Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.” Acts 11:28 “Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.” OT Prophets were God’s voice to the people. NT Every believer has the innate ability to hear God’s voice. Prophecy acts as a witness. Operating in the wrong model often expresses unhealthy sense of importance. OT Prophets were often lone rangers. NT Prophets are a servant ministry in the body of Christ. TEAM We need each other for clarity. Operating in the wrong model causes isolation and pride … “I have a hotline.” Dueteronomy 18:20 “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.” No room for error. OT Prophets had to be exact. NT Prophets submit there words for the others to judge. Prophesy in part. 1 Corinthians 14:29 “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.” Operating in the wrong model breads deception and disappointment. OT Prophets operated in period of law and judgement. NT Prophecy is consistent with the revelation of Jesus, nature of Father. It’s goal is rooted in redemption. Operating in the wrong model is rooted in condemnation and judgement. Matthew 16:15-19 (MSG) “He pressed them, ‘And how about you? Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter said, ‘You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus came back, ‘God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers.  My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock (Petros). This is the rock (Petra) on which will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.  And that’s not all. You will have complete and free access to God’s kingdom, (keys of NKJV) keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven.” Aligning yourself with the revelation of Jesus as King puts you in a place of privilege, trust, and authority and provides keys to ignite, lock, and loose, resulting in the manifestation of His Kingdom. 1. Authority -- Keys are for authorized people.  Not waiting outside for the blessing to be opened.   Keys are only useful if you know what they correspond to!!! 2. Access -- Keys Of The Kingdom Enjoy all the benefits of the Fathers house. Fridge privileges!  Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” 3. Ownership --  It’s mine!!!   I never beg for what I own.  Luke 12:32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom."  4 basic types of NT prophecy: 1. Spirit of Prophecy — an atmosphere of prophetic revelation. 2. Gift of Prophecy — a gift of the Spirit (not reward) functioning through a believer. 3. Office of a Prophet — a gift of a person given to the church to serve and to edify. 4. Company Of Prophets — Kingdom Life. 1. The Spirit of Prophecy The Atmosphere of Revelation In the manifest presence of Jesus People suddenly see: Who God really is — Who they really are — What God is doing A realm where heaven becomes discernible. 2. The Gift of Prophecy "To another prophecy..." 1 Corinthians 12:10 It is a manifestation of the Spirit not a reward for maturity. Source — Holy Spirit A new believer or a mature believer may prophesy. Paul teaches that the gift of prophecy brings: strength encouragement and comfort The gift of prophecy turns ordinary conversations into divine encounters:   In schools. In businesses. In homes. In grocery stores. The Kingdom advances whenever heaven finds a voice. Prophecy is heaven interrupting earth with encouragement. 3. The Office of the Prophet An Ascension Gift (Person) Given to the Church. "He gave some to be apostles, some prophets..." Ephesians 4:11 A prophet carries: vision / direction / alignment equipping Not merely revelation, but formation. They create a hunger for the voice of God. Prophets help align the church with heaven's agenda. A prophet is not God's favourite child; a prophet is God's servant to His people. True prophets do not gather followers around themselves; they gather people around Jesus. 4. The Company of Prophets The entire Church becomes a prophetic community. "Would that all the Lord's people were prophets." (Numbers 11:29) What Moses desired, Pentecost accomplished. This is the Company of Prophets functioning: A father speaks life over his children. A wife speaks hope over her husband. A business owner declares Kingdom purpose over employees. A believer prays over a neighbourhood. A church speaks God's destiny over a city. A people whose mouths agree with heaven. The Church is not called merely to observe history. The Church is called to announce heaven into history. We speak: Life over death / Hope over despair / Blessing over curse / Christ over chaos  Reconciliation over division God’s promise is looking for a believing voice. The Church is God's prophetic embassy in the earth. We do not speak in order to make God act; we speak because God has acted in Christ. The Kingdom is not coming into force—it is already in force.  Prophecy is the announcement of its victory.