Alive & Well

Jehovah Nissi // Exodus 17:8-16

JEHOVAH NISSI
 
Today we are going to continue our study on the compound names of God.  The name we are going to look at today is Jehovah Nissi, which means the Lord is my Banner or literally the Lord is my “signal pole”.
 
The American flag, much like a signal pole or standard, serves as a symbol that represents unity, pride, and identity for the United States of America. It is a visual representation of the nation's values, principles, and history. The flag acts as a signal to rally Americans together // to demonstrate patriotism // and to honor the sacrifices made by those who have served and continue to serve the country. // As I along with many other Americans wave that flag from our homes it can be seen from afar and draws attention to the need for respect and reverence. 
 
And even greater yet we have a “signal pole” a standard, a banner that waves the name of our God, Jehovah, // the One who fights our battles, //  the One who owns every battle, //    the One who is making a way where there seems to be no way //  the One who is for us and not against us // a SIGNAL that Victory is immanent!  A STANDARD of holiness and righteousness, and a SYMBOL of Forgiveness and Redemption for a world that desperately needs it!
 
In Exodus 17, Moses takes his leadership creates a rallying point for the nation, and as they face their first opposing attack on their venture into the promised land, Moses commands his young warrior Joshua to go out and fight while he holds the rod of God in his hand and the enemy would soon be defeated and progress towards God’s promises would continue to move forward! 
 
The Amalekites pick a fight with Israel on this region of Rephidim and this would be the first conflict in the wilderness where Israel would need to fight a battle to keep moving forward.    This would become the start of a historical conflict that would continue from generation to generation with the people of Israel as they stake claims to the promises of God.  The Amalekites would show up time and time again.
 
Sometimes God calls us to fight for the PROMISED BLESSINGS of God.
 
Moses calls his young and up and coming chief commander Joshua to fight this battle against the Amalekites but with the reassurance that Moses himself would go up on the mountain with rod of God in his hand raised to the heavens signaling to Joshua and his men, that victory was immanent.
 
This war with Amalek is what would be considered a Holy War in scripture.   Moses writes down the command of Jehovah in
 
Deuteronomy 20: 1-4
20 “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. 2 So it shall be, when you are on the verge of battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people. 3 And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them; 4 for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’ — The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Dt 20:1–4.
 
In Psalm 20:7, these battles were understood to be fought not with horses and chariots but in the name of the Lord our God.
 
God is calling for a generation of men and women who will fight for the integrity of truth and the demonstration of God’s power.
 
#1.  They will know how to handle the word of God.
 
Notice, that Joshua defeated this enemy with the edge of the sword.  Can I metaphorically compare that this generation of Joshua alive today will know how to fight with the double edged sword…handling the truth with both edges = DILIGENCE AND INTEGRITY. (Hebrews 4:12)
 
This young generation of preachers will be diligent in their study to know how to pierce into the soul and the spirit of this next generation, keeping with the integrity of God’s word and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart of those who are far away from God.
#2.  They will be submitted to the generation before them, those who are praying for their victory.
 
The boots of Joshua on the ground were only effective as long as the hands of Moses were held high to the heavens.
 
God is calling for a generation who will raise the standard of Prayer, Unity and Praise
 
#1.  A standard of intercession and prayer. 
Victory is completely dependent on intercession and prayer.  Again, boots on the ground are only successful when hands are raised to the heavens.   Outcomes of any battle in life are always linked to consistent, persistent and unwavering intercession that is built on absolute confidence and trust in the Jehovah, the Lord our God.
 
#2. A standard for unity and teamwork. 
Moses was not a lone ranger, he sought out his brother Aaron and Hur to join him on the mountain, and when his hands grew tired, they supported him, they lifted his hands up, so that the Rod of God would continue to be raised as a banner.  This was to illustrate the power of unity, when individuals come together and maintain an attitude of prayer and intercession, the battle is won effectively.  (THEY WERE NOT FIGHTING FOR THE ROD, THEY WORKED TOGETHER TO KEEP THE ROD UP!)
 
#3. Lastly, standard of Praise and Worship.   
Moses would write down this victory, and recount it over and over, building an altar in this moment to commemorate that the Lord is Jehovah Nissi. 
He is the source of our victory,
He is the Protector of our people,
He is the Deliverer of our nation,
He is the Sovereign God in whom there is no other. 
And He will utterly wipe out our enemies from among us…
…if we continue to raise this standard and …
…keep our hand grasping the throne of God with worship and praise!
 
This would not be the only time a “signal pole” or Jehovah Nissi would be revealed.
 
In the book of Numbers, chapter 21, the Israelites were being plagued by fiery serpents as a punishment for their disobedience. They were complaining against God and Moses, saying why have you brought us out here?  So, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole, and whoever looked at it after being bitten would be healed.
 
Jesus would reference this moment in John 3…saying, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him" (John 3:14-15, NIV).
 
Jesus is indicating that, similar to the bronze serpent on the pole that brought physical healing to the Israelites, He would also be lifted up on the cross to provide spiritual healing and eternal life for all who believe in Him.  That serpent on the pole was a rallying point for the nation of Israel to be healed, just as Moses’ hands raised would be a rallying point that Israel would be delivered from the Amalekites, and now Jesus when raised on the Cross would become a rallying point for the entire world revealing Jesus as Jehovah Nissi…
 
Raising the Signal of the final victory over sin and darkness.
Setting the Standard of holiness and righteousness with God.
Revealing the Symbol of ultimate forgiveness and redemption.
 
 

Jehovah Rapha // Exodus 15:22-27

JEHOVAH RAPHA
 
Today, we are going to continue our study on the names of God.  Names of God help us to DEFINE and IDENTIFY people.  Each one of us call ourselves something depending on the people or the environment that we find ourselves in.  At home, I am Daddy,  most everywhere else I am Todd, here at church I am pastor, to some of my close friends, I am “bro”
 
Yes, its true that sticks and stones may break your bones but names will never HURT you.  And that may be true for our relationships with one another, but the greater truth revealed in our relationship with God, is that sticks and stones may break your bones, but the Name of God will HEAL you. 
 
There are many names of God and scriptures that include numerous descriptions of who He is.  The name of God is not something that we should take lightly, or use in vain.    These are extremely important to understand not just for Teaching and Instruction, but for Presence and Power.  As we look at these different names, we see a God who reveals Himself not primarily for the TESTS in the CLASSROOM, but for the TESTS in our CRISIS.  
 
Today, we look at the name God gave Himself, Jehovah Rapha.  I am the Lord that heals you.  God reveals Himself to the people of Israel in the wilderness just three short days after they had crossed the Red Sea, and when they were parched and needing a drink of fresh water.  So, lets turn to Exodus 15 and read the account. 
 
22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.[a]) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
25 Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink.
There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. 26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.
 
Three days after one of the most epic miracles in all human history and these Israelites are filled with a song of complaining sung with a dry mouth and a fatigued soul.  Three days before this moment, there was a song of praise and worship that was filled the air with lyrics of exuberance, energy, the atmosphere was charged on the other side of the Red Sea, as they looked back and saw their enemies drowning in the water and dead on the sea shore, they were fully realizing that God just rescued them from 400 years of slavery, Through a miraculous parting of the Red Sea, these thousands of people, young and old started singing, shouting, what the scripture calls the Song of Moses
 
I hope today, each one of us have had moments where we have seen the enemies of our past dead on the seashore.  Where God’s salvation and redemption and deliverance was fully realized in our lives.  Those moments right, are filled with energy, exuberance, hope and expectation.  The song of Moses was loud and clear, we trust you, we believe in you, JEHOVAH is the God who is glorious in power!
 
God’s people were not meant to stay on the seashore of the Red Sea, they were meant to move into the promised land.  Their journey would be through a wilderness of wanderings, where it would appear that God set them up for disappointment and disaster.  This is the very first mention of those wanderings.    
 
The people of Israel, were thirsty.  Three days without water, from what I understand is the limit for any human being.  Dehydration will begin to set in and typically what happens is more than just a dry thirsty mouth.  You will experience fatigue, dizziness, reduced cognitive function and your organs will begin to work harder, increasing your heart rate and bringing you to a life-threatening situation.
 
Hey, some of you, have been brought to your limits.  To moments in life that were life-threatening.  Afflictions that didn’t seem light and momentary in the moment, but were heavy and extremely difficult.  So, lets give these folks in the wilderness some slack, this is not a very comfortable or light affliction, children are involved and momma’s are afraid for their children.  Moses, what are you going to do?  You parted the red sea with that staff…what now? 
 
Sometimes, God will bring you through great victories in your life, moments that just fill your lungs with praise…but then God will bring you into afflictions that make you question, that make you complain, that make you bitter that deflate the praise out of your lungs, taking your breath away.
 
Moses is showed a tree, he throws into the water.  Most likely translated a piece of wood.  And the bitter waters are turned sweet.    Now, most likely the waters at Marah, were ‘bitter-sweet”, scholars believe that these waters were partial fresh and partial salt. So, when the wood was placed in the water miraculously it purified the water for drinking, making a sweet or translated “pleasurable” to drink. 
God then says, I am making and establishing a moment with you right now, to remind you that I tested you here.  To see if you would hear my voice, that you might listen to me in your affliction, that you would continue to trust me and worship me and fear me.  That you would not be overcome by the voice of your complaining, your doubts, your fears, your worries, but you would continue to tune in to the frequency of my voice in the middle of your affliction.    The voices in your head and in your heart must not drown out the voice of the Lord.
 
The Lord links our healing to heeding the voice of the Lord.   Healing is essential to our relationship with God.  And here in this moment, the test of Israel’s affliction for water, was meant to reveal God as Healer.  Jehovah Rapha.
 
God is attracted to your weakness and to your affliction.  GOD LOVES IT WHEN YOU NEED HIM!   Rapha, means to mend or fix.  So, He is saying, I am the Lord who mends and fixes you. 
 
I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians.  The ten plagues that afflicted the Egyptians in the book of Exodus had both historical and symbolic significance. From a historical perspective, these plagues were extraordinary events that demonstrated God's power and authority over nature and the gods of Egypt. Each plague targeted a specific aspect of Egyptian life, including their economy, religious beliefs, and health.
 
When it comes to the diseases mentioned in Exodus 15:26, the plagues can be seen as symbolic representations of the diseases or afflictions that the Egyptians experienced. Overall, the plagues serve as both a historical account of the judgments against the Egyptians and yet a symbolic depiction of the suffering and devastation that can arise from various diseases and afflictions.   Today, we have diseases and afflictions that are being generated and discovered even right now as I speak. 
 
Jehovah Rapha is God revealing His power to protect and heal His people when they are obedient and faithful to His voice.
 
We understand now that the wood thrown into the bitter waters of Marah was a foreshadow of Jesus Christ being nailed to a cross that was shaped and formed out of a wooden tree and Jesus would be thrown into the bitter waters of our sinful fallen world.
Jesus is the fulfillment of Jehovah Rapha because He embodies and demonstrates God's healing power Jesus possessed divine authority to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, restore sight to the blind, and even raise the dead. In Matthew 9:35, it is mentioned that Jesus went about all the cities and villages, healing every disease and every affliction among the people. His healing ministry demonstrated His power as the Son of God and His ability to bring physical and spiritual healing. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus' deep compassion for those who were suffering. His' heart was moved with compassion for the sick, the demon-possessed, and the broken-hearted. Beyond physical ailments, Jesus also offered spiritual healing. He forgave sins, released people from guilt and shame, and brought reconciliation between humanity and God. Jesus recognized the deeper need for spiritual healing and restoration, understanding that true wholeness comes from being reconciled with our Heavenly Father.
 
When He was on that cross, one of His statements was “I am Thirsty”…and he was given a bitter sponge to drink…it was the moment that Jesus was saying I understand your condition, I feel your thirst, your pain, your affliction and even more I taste your bitterness…but on this cross I am purifying the waters of your affliction…I am Jehovah Rapha!  The Lord who heals you.
 
Today, the Bible says if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.  But maybe today, you don’t hear his voice in your affliction.  Let me give you just three short encouraging ways to hear His voice today.  Call on the elders of the church, and let them pray over you. (James 5:14-16). Second, read the Holy Scriptures out loud confessing with your mouth the promises of God written down for you to believe with your own ears. (Romans 10:9-10). Lastly, invite the Holy Spirit into the room of your affliction, and I promise you, you will walk out of that room with His anointing moving you towards the greater complete healing promised in Revelation, where Jehovah Rapha, our Healer will be revealed in His complete glory! 
 
 

Jehovah Jireh // Genesis 22:1-19

Today we look at the compound name of God, called Jehovah Jireh which is first mentioned and used by Abraham to establish how God provided a lamb at the time when God tested him with the sacrifice of his son Isaac.     
 
Abraham was about to experience the most climactic test that would prove the quality of his faith after a lifetime of experiencing the blessings and promises of God unfolding in his life.   It was the supreme moment that would prove Abraham as a friend of God, that would credit him with righteousness…this test is what would become the conduit of God’s blessing to thousands of generations that would follow his faith.   
 
The test was unconventional, taking the very blessing of God, the most precious miracle in his life, his one and only son and sacrifice him as a burnt offering.  This didn’t make sense, it was contrary to everything he believed about his God, and not only did it confuse him, but it tugged at his emotional heart strings.    There is no indication that Abraham debated with God, but I wonder if all night, maybe he talked and tried to change God’s mind.  Well, no matter the case, Abraham would eventually conclude there was really only one choice, to obey or disobey.  And it clear that Abraham chose to obey God right until the end.
According to Hebrews 11:17-19; Abraham “concluded” in his heart that God could raise Isaac from the dead…oftentimes the conclusions we draw from our testing and circumstances will be what drives our decision to obey or walk away…what conclusions are you making about the tests that God has placed you in?  Abraham’s conclusion was one of faith believing that God was able to resurrect Isaac from the dead, a conclusion built around the supernatural ability of God.  Are your conclusions built on the supernatural ability of God, or on the natural ability of your own understanding?
 
Shifting thought from the obedience of Abraham, let’s consider the compliance of Isaac.   One observation that is important to see here is that two generations are being tested.  Each have different roles to play but these two generations are the conduit of blessing to future generations.  There is no generational CONFLICT here, there is generational COOPERATION built on the obedience of the father and the compliance from the son.  Isaac did not see what Abraham saw; Isaac would not realize that God was going to provide, but he trusted the testimony of his father.  Isaac knew his father’s faith, his father’s relationship with God, he heard him pray, he heard him talk with God, he saw decisions that his father made built on faith in God; and his compliance was because of his trust in his father’s ability to hear from God. Do your children observe your relationship with God, do they see you worship and pray in such a way that builds faith in them, so that when the time of testing takes place in their life, they have the faith to surrender just as much as you do
 
Now Abraham was divinely interrupted before he would ever slay Isaac.  For the culmination of this test was built on the reality that God Himself would never require any one to sacrifice a human life, but God Himself would provide a lamb.  Jehovah Jireh was the name Abraham called this place on Mount Moriah and a saying would told through generations that on the mount of the Lord, it shall be provided.  This was a foreshadow to God’s beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and on that same mountain, Jesus would be offered as a living sacrifice to bring atonement for all humanity to have peace and relationship with God once again.  Abraham proved his faith, his friendship with God and was credited righteousness.  He followed the orders, he passed the test, but more importantly out of his obedience and Isaac’s compliance, future generations would be blessed by the provision that God would provide Himself through His one and only son; Jesus Christ.
 
Today, no matter what test you are going through, God Himself will provide you with the grace and strength, but all you have to do is take the test to the Cross where God Himself will provide everything we need, the essential ingredient of life called grace , and at the cross offer your life with gratitude, trust and obedience; concluding in your heart that God will see to it, Jehovah Jireh will meet your needs and HIs provision will be exponentially released in the generations that are following your faith all because of the obedience of God’s one and only Son to become human and offer His life as a sacrifice so that all may have eternal life with God.

Acts 4-5 // Power of a Unified Church

In Acts 4 we see the united efforts of a praying church that results in the freeing of Peter from prison.  Unity in the early church was not just a desirable feature, but it was the condition of its very existence.   Today, unity is marked by denominational groupings, such as Catholic, Protestant, orthodox, evangelical, baptist or Pentecostal.   These groupings did not exist in the early church.  Unity was not something that they prayed for, it was a force working within them that drew them together.    Their unity produced a praying church and worshipping church.    
 
Oftentimes we measure our unity based on the number of people in our buildings, or how much we can agree on a specific theological doctrine.  The style of a church’s worship service or its programming or ministries offered tend to become the driving force of our unity as a movement.  The early church didn’t focus on any of those things. 
 
What came out of their unity was generosity.  A sharing of one another’s life and resources, so that no one was in need.  Their devotion unto God was shared by everyone.  They were radically changed by God’s grace, growing in obedience to the teachings, serving one another in humility and empathy.  It truly was the grace and power of God’s Holy Spirit working through and among them that built the unity they were experiencing together.
 
And when this unified people came together to pray, they would pray into the Sovereign plans of God, with boldness and courage to face whatever challenges would come their way, speaking the word of God and demonstrating it with signs and wonders.    Prayer became the foundational activity of the early unified church.
 
But there were attacks on the early church and its unity.  First, came an attack on its integrity.  Ananias and Sapphira were found stealing from the treasury for their own benefit.   God would take this seriously and they would both lose their lives over their deception in the church.   Then came doctrinal disputes.  The Sanhedrin would be come filled with indignation over the apostles teachings.  They were zealous to defend their religious traditions from the expanding doctrines of Peter and John.    Yet, Peter and John would boldly proclaim and not back down from their preaching, explaining to the Religious Powers we are to obey God and not man.    Even one of the highly respected religious leaders said, there is no sense in fighting against these men, let it fizzle out, or you may find yourself fighting against God.    
 
The ultimate attack on the early church at the end of chapter 5 and for the rest of the book of Acts was persecution.   Even though this would ultimately scatter the church, it would not stop the movement.  Unity would become even more evident as persecution grew.    Nothing would stop what the Holy Spirit was doing through a unified praying people.   
 
So, no matter what weapons are formed against our world, city, your home, when unified in prayer, nothing will prosper against you.  I encourage you find a group of people that you can join with in praying for our nation, your city, or even your neighborhood.  Some of you need to just join in prayer at home with your spouse and your children.  Asking and crying out for God to move in your family.  Whatever and wherever the Holy Spirit leads you, you can rest assured that when a group of people unify around the grace and power of God, nothing will stop the purposes of God among you.

Acts 3 // Hungry Responsive Hearts

The power of movements are threatening.  When you can get any group of people moving in the same direction there is an effect that becomes a threat to establishments and political agendas causing social reform, challenging educational systems and changing religious traditions.  Even God said at the building of the Tower of Babel, there is nothing man cannot accomplish when they work together. 
 
The early church as I’ve said before was and is still the greatest movement humanity has ever seen.  The primary reason is that we have the most powerful message that every human being needs to hear.  That message is as clear today as it was in the book Acts.   God created us, our sins separated us from Him, then Jesus came to pay the price so that everyone who calls on His name, will be saved and have everlasting life.  The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians explains that I have not come with the greatest communication skills, but I have come with the testimony of God infused by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:1-5). The early church preached this message with fervor and conviction.  John Stott says ““Christianity is a rescue religion. It declares that God has taken the initiative in Jesus Christ to rescue us from our sins. This is the main theme of the Bible.  They did not shy away from sharing the Gospel, the life and ministry of Jesus, and the necessary saving impact of His death and resurrection.    They called people to repent, believe in His name, be baptized in water and then there was the demonstration of this message through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Signs, wonders and miracles took place.  People were healed and raised from the dead, these early apostles were walking and continuing in the ministry of Jesus.   
 
Signs and wonders demonstrate the power and divinity of Jesus Christ.   Oftentimes these demonstrations meet a real human need, and build a testimony of the evidence of God’s supernatural power working through a natural observation.  Peter and John heal this lame man, he gets up and starts running around praising God.  Power producing Praise. 
 
It is clear that people were being attracted to the moving and testimony of God’s spirit through the early apostles and steadfastly they continued daily gathering together and their numbers increased rapidly.  Responsive hungry hearts was the result of this outpouring of the Holy Spirit.    
 
It is a critical element in our journey with God to be hungry and responsive to His leadings.  Whether you have clocked in over 6000 hours of Bible study, devotion, prayer or ministry in the church, if you’ve lost the hunger for your need of God, you’ve lost your faith.    When a person loses their hunger for food, they die, and so it is with our faith in Christ.   
 
Are you hungry and responsive to God and His word, and the leading of His Spirit?  Do you find yourself apprehensive or even critical of the signs and wonders that demonstrate God’s power?    Have you grown content or complacent with yesterday’s feeding?  Let your soul be awakened today to its need for a daily feeding on God’s word and a moment by moment desperation for the grace of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. 
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Acts 2 // Pentecost

In Acts 2, we see the very first outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and followers of Jesus Christ.   This moment was ordained by God and with obedience, expectation and unity, these folks were used to give birth to the greatest movement in all of human history, the church.  I would like to share a few thoughts about his pinnacle moment in our faith’s history.   
 
First, Pentecost was PLANNED.  It was part of the “holy convocations” that God set in place with His people when He first delivered them Egypt.  The feast of Passover was a celebration that reminded the people of Israel how God rescued them out of slavery and into their promised land.  Exactly 50 days after Passover, they are to celebrate another feast called the Feast of Weeks or what we call Pentecost.  God did not just randomly choose this day, he was speaking something from the shadows of history, trying to establish the future of His purposes moving forward.  In the event at Mt. Sinai, 3000 people died for breaking the covenant, but here in Acts 2, 3000 people were saved,  at Sinai the people were kept away from the fire, but in Acts, the fire came to the people.   Sinai was a moment of national apostasy but Pentecost in Jerusalem was a united outpouring of blessing upon those gathered.
 
Second, Pentecost was PRAYERFUL.  How was this prayer meeting Prayer FULL?  It was full of expectation.  Joel 2:28 used in Peter’s sermon, states…”. (a) “And it shall come to pass afterwardThat I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions”. There was an expectation that God was going to move and pour out His Spirit.  It was full of sincere and intense conviction.  These 120 followers of Jesus gathered in this upper room with conviction that what Jesus had told them would come to pass and that they were humbled and honored to be available and called.
 
Pentecost was POWERFUL.  First came the wind.  The Holy Spirit is free and sovereign and not bound to anyone's TIMING or TECHNIQUE for how to get his power. When he comes, he comes suddenly just like the wind.  Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about the Spirit being like the wind, and that the wind comes and goes as it pleases.  When the Spirit comes he comes for HARVESTING.  Ezekiel prophesied to the wind and the dead bodies in the valley came to life. (Ezekiel 37:9-14).  Next came the tongues of FIRE.  At times the Holy Spirit will make himself known with visible, audible, touchable manifestations.  The fire was strong EVIDENCE that this was God’s presence  Then it was the “divided tongues”.  The term is called “glossalia” which is used for “tongues”.   People that day spoke actual languages that could be interpreted by those who were observing the experience. 
 
Lastly, Pentecost was PURPOSEFUL.  These folks would become living witnesses and warriors in what I consider the greatest movement of human history.  They would face persecution, imprisonment, martyrdom and extreme opposition, but nothing would slow down their purpose.  They had supernatural guidance, love, holiness, fervor, activity with perseverance and tenacity no matter what they faced.  They were apostles on mission.
 
So, are you ready for Pentecost in your life?  God has a plan and a purpose for you.  Are you filled with something other than the Holy Spirit today?  Empty yourself of this world and that which feeds your selfishness, and let Him fill you again with His power and presence.  He wants to make you POWERFUL and PURPOSEFUL in your life.  That means He wants to establish the more that you’re seeking the power to break those chains that bind you.   Ask for the Holy Spirit right now, He is a gift to the church, and He will never leave you or forsake you. 

Acts 1 // Expectation, Anticipation, and Establish

The Book of Acts is a record of the Early Church Apostles and how they continued the ministry of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit into Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and eventually into the entire Gentile World.  It is a book full of inspiring history, that reminds us why we are here today as worshippers of Jesus Christ.  This fearless group of men and women including Peter and Paul, were tenacious and determined in the face of persecution to rise up and be the witnesses of Jesus Christ as they were commanded in Acts 1.  But they would not have been able to accomplish any of these “Acts” without the endowment and outpouring of the Holy Spirit into their lives, homes and communities.
 
This Baptism of the Holy Spirit was an extension of the ministry of Jesus, an experience distinct from salvation and it is clear that it is still available to every one of us who would so desire it.   In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus appears to His disciples and commands them to be witnesses of Him, but to first wait for the Holy Spirit.  This is the first thing we learn in Acts.  We should be EXPECTING to receive the power of the Holy Spirit.  How do we raise this expectation, this confidence of receiving a divine enablement and empowerment for witnessing.  Build confidence in the promise, that He will meet you .  Develop courage to obey HIs promptings and the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Sensitivity to His conviction will also keep you reminded of His presence and purpose for your life.
 
After commanding the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, Jesus will meet them on a mountain and will ascend into heaven, promising them all authority to be His witnesses.  The apostles would gaze in awe and wonder at this moment, as any one of us would, but there are two angels explaining that Jesus will return again, in the very same way.  This is another lesson from Acts 1.  We should be ANTICIPATING the immanent return of Christ (1 These. 4;13-18; Titus 2;11-14). This is our blessed hope, the hope of the church.  Jesus’ feet will touch the ground just as He lifted them here in Acts 1.  (Zechariah 14). Paul explains that His second coming will be in the twinkling of an eye, a moment, a split second, and He raptures His church.  There will be a coming of the lawless one, an antichrist that will produce a great falling away.  So it is vital for you to remain with anticipation, living in light of His return.
 
After Jesus, ascended, the apostles and early believers gathered together, they assembled in prayer in the upper room and began to establish a strategy of leadership and movement.    They would meet houses, send out missionaries, teach the scriptures and most definitely pray and provide for the needs of their new found family of faith.  This teaches us one final lesson.  We should be ESTABLISHING the church.  Let’s not forsake it but pursue it.  There should be diligence in our devotion to the teachings of our leadership.  There should be compassion and empathy, a sharing of one’s resources with those in need.  Take time to eat, drink and do life with those who share in your faith and remember that this is God’s church, His bride, and we are meant to be beautiful, holy and ready for HIs coming! 
 
So, today, what is quenching your hunger and expectation for the Holy Spirit?  Are you ready for the return of Christ?  Is there anything that causes you fear in your heart?  What keeps you from gathering with other believers, and devoting your time and life to a local church?  Did you know that Jesus is preparing for His retun, interceding for every one of us and reigning over the earth sovereignly.  Let Jesus comfort you today, and expect His Holy Spirit to be with you, anticipate His return, and establish yourself with other Christ Followers. 

Welcoming the King

Hey thanks for tuning in today to the alive and well podcast. I’m a pastor at Awaken Church in Rome, NY and these are short summarized messages from the sermons I preach each week. It’s my hope and prayer that you find inspiration in something you hear only so that you can live out your life as a fully devoted follower of Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit!
 
Hey I hope that you found something today that inspired your heart and your faith in Christ.  If you liked what you heard, please subscribe or leave a comment. 

Lost and Found - Luke 15

Hey thanks for tuning in today to the alive and well podcast. I’m a pastor at Awaken Church in Rome, NY and these are short summarized messages from the sermons I preach each week. It’s my hope and prayer that you find inspiration in something you hear only so that you can live out your life as a fully devoted follower of Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit!
 
Hey I hope that you found something today that inspired your heart and your faith in Christ.  If you liked what you heard, please subscribe or leave a comment. 

Anticipation of God’s Return

ey thanks for tuning in today to the alive and well podcast. I’m a pastor at Awaken Church in Rome, NY and these are short summarized messages from the sermons I preach each week. It’s my hope and prayer that you find inspiration in something you hear only so that you can live out your life as a fully devoted follower of Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit!
 
Hey I hope that you found something today that inspired your heart and your faith in Christ.  If you liked what you heard, please subscribe or leave a comment.