Going to the Next Level – Part 3

by | Nov 7, 2015

Series: Going to the Next Level – City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN

God is calling us to go to the next level—to follow him into his desired future for us. He is calling us to be an Apostolic People. What does this mean? How radical is this? What changes would be required for us to move to this level?

AN APOSTOLIC COMMISSION

Matthew 28:18-20, All authority in heaven and earth is mine. Go, therefore, and make disciples of the nations…I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
This is Jesus’ marching orders to the church.
An apostle is “one who is sent.”
Jesus gave this commission to common people.
Jesus compared the sending of his followers to his being sent by the Father.
John 20:21, In the same way the Father sent me, I am sending you.
The book of Acts is not an account about spiritual superstars.
It’s the account of common people who did extraordinary things because they believed they were sent. The book of Acts is an account of the normal Christian life.

AN APOSTOLIC PEOPLE

An apostolic ethos birthed an apostolic community.
Ethos is a corporate, intense mental state that is shared by the whole group.
It is the emotion that the entire community feels. It is the fuel of our passion and the fire of our caring.
Acts 2:42-47; 4:23-31; 8:1-4; 28:31 demonstrates this apostolic ethos. Characteristics of an apostolic ethos:
It is a movement, not an institution. Survival is not the goal, serving is. There is a forsaking of a theology of safety.
They are people of passion and action.
An apostolic community is a people who are willing to submit to the Lordship of Jesus no matter what the implications. The world called these people Christians (Acts 11:46).

AN APOSTOLIC SPIRIT

Acts 1:8, You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will become my witnesses…”
The Holy Spirit is an apostolic Spirit.
He was sent by the Father.
His anointing is an apostolic anointing.
An apostolic people are people of the wind…People who have had an undeniable experience with the living God…People who are consumed by the Spirit.

Devotions

Power Of God

g

JRadio

Listen Live

Need Prayer?

Shout Jesus Saves

Youtube

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Youtube

 

Vimeo

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Vimeo

 

Network Sites

Jesussaves.cc

Global prayer Network

faith library

Going to the Next Level – Part 2

by | Nov 7, 2015

Series: Going to the Next Level – City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN

In Luke 9:20, Jesus said to his disciples… And you—what are you saying about me? Who am I?” Such a question causes us to evaluate the very core of our beliefs about God and what being an authentic Christian is all about.

WHAT JESUS DO YOU SERVE?

A Stained Glass Jesus A person from religious history who has very little real relevance for your life.
A Rabbit’s Foot Jesus
A kind of good luck charm that we carry around in our pockets.
A Genie-in-the-bottle Jesus He must jump to serve us every time we rub the magic lamp A Life-Insurance Jesus My way to avoid going to hell when I die.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SERVE JESUS AS LORD?

Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat—I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Selfhelp is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I’m leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor with the Father and the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26, The Message) Real Followers of Jesus go in a different direction. They are not part of the majority. Three kinds of people came to see Jesus:

1. The curious

2. The convinced

3. The committed

Real followers of Jesus believe they can fly.
They believe that through Christ they can overcome their sins, their shortcomings, their inadequacies, and their lack.
The confess Paul’s motto, “I can do all things through Christ.”
Real followers believe they can change the world.
They do not hide out in church.
They do not let fear rule them.
The will not sit in comfortable boxes.
They believe they are a part of a movement that can make a difference.

Devotions

Power Of God

g

JRadio

Listen Live

Need Prayer?

Shout Jesus Saves

Youtube

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Youtube

 

Vimeo

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Vimeo

 

Network Sites

Jesussaves.cc

Global prayer Network

faith library

He Chose the Nails – Message 2

by | Nov 8, 2014

Series: The Cross of Jesus – City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN

When we view the tremendous suffering of the cross, we may be tempted to ask, “Why doesn’t Jesus stop this miscarriage of justice?” After all, he is the one who calmed the raging sea and raised the dead. Only hours before in Gethsemane, he sent a whole group of soldiers sprawling backwards to the ground with just a simple reply. He could ask for legions of angels to come to his aid. But he doesn’t. The hammer falls, the nail pierces his flesh, and the blood begins to flow. Why? Why would God allow this? Why did Jesus surrender to this?

THE HAND WAS THE HAND OF GOD.

The hand that was nailed to the cross was God’s hand.
The same fingers that formed Adam out of clay
The same hand that toppled Babel
The same hand that split the Red Sea
The Psalmist declared, You drove out the nations with your hand…It was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your countenance. (Psalm 44:2) Isaiah said, When the LORD stretches out his hand, both he who helps will fall, and he who is helped will fall down.
(Isaiah 31:3) The hands of Jesus were the hands of God.
When he touched, God touched.
When the hands of Jesus stretched themselves on the cross, those were the hands of heaven stretching themselves.

THE NAIL WAS THE NAIL OF GOD.

What was the purpose of the nails?
To hold Jesus to the cross?
Something else was nailed to cross.
Colossians 2:14, He canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross. (NLT)
God nailed our debt to the cross.
The soldier thought he was swinging the hammer, but he was mistaken. Heaven was.
Isaiah 53:4-6, It was our pain he carried—our disfigurement, all of the things wrong with us…It was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed…God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong, on him. (Message) When the hand of Jesus opened for the nail, the doors of heaven opened for the sinner.
The followers of Christ can say with absolute certainty, “I’m forgiven!”
We may be burdened about many things, but sin does not have to be one of them.

Devotions

Power Of God

g

JRadio

Listen Live

Need Prayer?

Shout Jesus Saves

Youtube

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Youtube

 

Vimeo

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Vimeo

 

Network Sites

Jesussaves.cc

Global prayer Network

faith library

It Will Take Passion

by | Nov 9, 2013

Series: Making a Difference With Your Life – City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN

Remember this: NOTHING GREAT HAPPENS WITHOUT PASSION.
Jesus was asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” In response he summarized the whole Bible in two sentences…
Mark 12:30-31, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. (NIV)
These verses are about passion—not loving in a wimpy way, but loving passionately, all the way. Give it all you’ve got.
Romans 12:11 says, “Never lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor.” Spiritual passion is not automatic. It must be maintained. Today, we will look at 7 passion killer.

1. AN UNCLEAR PURPOSE

Life seems futile without a purpose—why get out of bed?
Isaiah 49:4, I have labored to no purpose. I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. (NIV) Great Purpose = Great Passion

2. AN UNEMPLOYED TALENT

God has given your gifts and talents, and if they are not being utilized, your passion quotient will go down.
1 Corinthians 7:17, Each of you should live his life with the gifts the Lord has given him. (Phillips)

3. AN UNBALANCED SCHEDULE

To be overworked or underworked will caused a decline in passion.
1 Timothy 4:7, Take the time and the trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.

4. AN UNCONFESSED SIN

Few things rob our joy and steal our passion faster than unconfessed sin. You can’t have enthusiasm and guilt at the same time.
Psalm 38:4-6, My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear…I am bowed down and brought low. (NIV)

5. AN UNRESOLVED CONFLICT

Resentment, jealousy, and prolonged anger are passionkilling emotions
Job 5:2, Resentment destroys the fool and jealousy kills the simple. NIV)
Job 18:4, You are only hurting yourself with your anger. (TEV)

6. AN UNSUPPORTED LIFESTYLE

You lose your passion because of loneliness.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Two are better than one because if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him. (NIV)

7. AN UNDERNOURISHED SPIRIT

At its root, passion is a spiritual issue and if our spirit is ignored, our heart will shrink and grow cold.
Colossians 2:6-7, Just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust Him, too, for each days problems: live in vital union with Him. Let our roots grow down deep into Him and draw you nourishment from Him…and become strong and vigorous. (LB)
The greatest sin of a Christian is lukewarmness (Rev. 3:15, 16).

The way to get back on track and restore your passion:
Revelation 2:4-5, You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen.
Repent and do the things you did at the first.
1. Remember— Recall the days of your passion for Jesus.
2. Repent— Reset your priorities.
3. Redo — Renew your spirit.

Devotions

Power Of God

g

JRadio

Listen Live

Need Prayer?

Shout Jesus Saves

Youtube

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Youtube

 

Vimeo

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Vimeo

 

Network Sites

Jesussaves.cc

Global prayer Network

faith library

Laws of the Harvest – Message 1

by | Nov 12, 2010

City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN

Here is the good news! We are living in the day of unprecedented revival, evangelism and church growth. Over 150,000 people are coming to Christ daily, and 3,500 churches are being planted every week.
Here is the bad news. It’s happening everywhere except in North America. We are the global exception. _70 – 80 % of Americans are unchurched. ___85__ % of churches in the United States are either plateaued or in decline.
From 1988 to 1998, no county in the United States saw an increase in the number of Christians. __2500_ churches in North America are closed every year.
Something has gone wrong with the Harvest! In this series, we are going to focus our attention on the spiritual harvest. We are going to look closely at two passages of Scripture in which Jesus gave us his most extensive teaching on the harvest. Through these scriptures we will seek to discern the “Laws of the Harvest.”

 

John 4:27-38

Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” (NIV)

Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Before we look at the laws, we must identify three awarenesses
and two realities in these passage…
The three awarenesses: 

1

The awareness of human need

2

The awareness of redemptive mission

3

The awareness of divine purpose

The two realities:
(1) The harvest is ripe.
(2) The harvest is great.

LAW #1: THE LAW OF PERCEPTION

John 4:35, Open your eyes…
Matthew 9:36, When Jesus saw the crowds…
We will never reap a harvest that we do not see.
Jesus saw the harvest. The disciples did not.
The disciples were earth-bound in their perception. They only saw things on the surface. Many in our churches have tunnel vision. They are blind and insensitive to the needs and ministry opportunities around them.
As a result, we have churches full of spiritual dullness, personal unhappiness, unfulfilled lives, and numerical stagnation.

We must begin to pray for the eyes of Jesus.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he saw people.
When the disciples saw the crowds, they also saw people.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he saw shepherd-less sheep.
When the disciples saw the crowds, they only saw people.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he saw a harvest that was ripe.
When the disciples saw the crowds, they only saw people. 2
Three things that blinded the eyes of the disciples (and which blind our eyes as well)…
1. Preoccupation with our own needs.
89% of church members said that the church exists to meet their needs and the needs of their families. Only 11% said the church exists to reach lost people.
2. Prejudice — Building walls instead of bridges
3. Conventional Thinking
A paradigm is a pattern through which we view life. It is the model by which we live.
Draw four straight lines connecting all the dots without lifting your pen.
You can only do this
If you draw “outside
the box”
Reflect…
1. What blinds the eyes of the people in your church?
2. What steps can be taken to open their eyes?

LAW #2: THE LAW OF PLANNING

John 4:35, Look. The Greek word is theaomai. It means to look attentively, to contemplate, to give careful attention to detail.
The synonym for theaomai is the Greek word theoreo, from which we get our word theory.
In order to reach our harvest, we must fully understand it and plan strategically for it.
There are three key words that the church must understand as we study our harvest…
1. Culture
2. Change
3. Contextualization
In order to begin to think strategically about the harvest we must understand…
1. Our content — The message of the Gospel which does not change.
2. Our context — The arena in which this message is to be proclaimed, which is always changing.
Contextualizing the Gospel is a bridge-building process based on strategic thinking.
It will require a “whatever it takes mentality” 4
1 Corinthians 9:19–23,   Even though I am free from the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people…I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it. I wanted to be in on it! (Message)
Contextualization means “whatever it takes.”
This is what Paul did on Mars Hill in Acts 17.
His strategy in Athens was different from his strategy in Corinth, and this strategy was different from his strategy in Caesarea.
A different audience requires a different strategy. The ultimate example of contextualiztion is the Incarnation.
John 1:1, 14,   The Word was God…and the Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. (Message) Jesus was a master at presenting truth in the language of his culture. He was receiver-oriented, putting his message into the context of people’s lives. Reflect…
1. What’s the last method or program your church changed in order to be more relevant to your culture?
2. How well do you understand the culture of the unchurched in your city or community?
Pray for spiritual sons of Issachar to be birthed in your church…
1 Chronicles 12:32, From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the temper of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take. (NLT) 5

LAW #3: THE LAW OF PRAYER

Matthew 9:38, Ask the Lord of the Harvest.
Prayer is essential to reaping the harvest because we are dealing with spiritual realities.
Jesus said, “Without me, you can do nothing.”
(John 15:5) Prayer enables us to have a supernatural worldview. Prayer is a channel between our personal, physical world and the supernatural realities that surround us. The more we pray the more our horizons expand, and the more we come to expect from a supernatural, miracle-working God. Praying for the harvest helps keep the church focused on its mission.
Acts 4:31, When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were meeting. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly. (NIV) Look closely at Paul’s instruction to two churches about prayer…
Colossians 4:2, 3, Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ…Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should. (NIV)
2 Thessalonians 3:1, Pray for us. Pray that the Master’s Word will simply take off and race through the whole country to a groundswell of response… (Message) A church that is not praying to the Lord of the Harvest will not be
effective in reaping the harvest. Reflect…
1. What are the three most crucial prayer concerns relating to your harvest should your church be praying about?
2. What are you currently doing to reach your harvest, that if the Lord doesn’t help you, you will not be able to accomplish it? 6

LAW #4: THE LAW OF PEOPLE

Matthew 9:37, The workers are few. Jesus said that one of the things that was limiting the harvest was a lack of workers.
A brief lesson in church history…
From 30 A.D. to 300 A.D., the message of the Gospel spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. A great decline in evangelism, spirituality and church health began in 313 A.D.
The Edict of Milan changed the church from an army to an audience over night.
The Church led the continent of Europe into the Dark Ages. It would not be until 1200 years later that the Reformers would begin to pick up the pieces. The Goal of the Reformers was to return the word of God and the work of God to the people of God. The biblical doctrine of the priesthood of every believer was rediscovered.
The church that effectively reaps the harvest rejects the lergy – laity dichotomy and embraces the fact that every believer is a God-ordained minister of reconciliation. We need a new Reformation which will produce effective strategies of implementing the biblical theology of the laity. The future of the church is directly linked to the future 7 ministry of the laity.

THE TALE OF TWO CHURCHES
THE CHURCH AS AN INSTITUTION THE CHURCH AS AN ORGANISM

Clergy is at center stage. Christ is at center stage.
Laity are spectators. Everyone is a minister.
Maintenance focused Mission focused Caretaker Model Shared Responsibility Model Focuses on an omni-competent pastor. Focuses on the multi-gifted people of God. Top down motivation Bottom up motivation The church is restrained. The church is released. In order to reap the harvest, churches must move to a one people one ministry mentality.
We must have a new understanding of what it means to be the people of God.
The laity are the one people of God, and the one people of God are all called to the one mission of the Church. Every believer is a priest. Every believer is called. Every believer is a saint. Every believer is gifted. The ministry does not belong to the “clergy.” It belongs to the people of God.
Churches that are reaping the harvest have are discovering the untapped resources of the people of God. The ministry is not some special trust given only to the ordained clergy. It is a trust given to a group of people gathered as the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. 8
The New Testament job description for pastors and church leaders must be rediscovered.
Ephesians 4:11, 12,   It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
To Prepare A New Testament Model Of Ministry So that The ministry is for all who are called to share in Christ’s life. The pastorate is for those who possess the peculiar gift of being able to help other men and women and women practice any ministry to which they have been called. n Elton Trueblood
The wheel of Ministry
The Mission Of the Church
The wheel does not turn until it is connect to the mission by spokes.
Prophet Apostle Evangelist
Pastorteacher God’s People Works of Service Body of Christ Is built up 9
The creation of a spoke: Leadership development and mobilization. Commitment Teaching Opportunity Learning Experience The Ah Ha!
Cast Vision Create hunger Hands on Experience Growth & Development Reflect…
1. How much of the “ministry” is done by the people of your congregation and how much is done by your pastor or staff?
2. Do you have intentional equipping, gift-evoking, passionreleasing programs in your church? Are you creating spokes?

LAW #5: THE LAW OF PLANTING AND REAPING

John 4:37,  One sows and another reaps. This law simply means that there is no harvest without the work of planting seed. There comes a point in all of study about the harvest when we must leave the classroom and go into the fields .
The common understanding of ministry is…
Study — Discuss — Do
The New Testament understanding of ministry preparation is…
Study — do — discuss or Ready — fire — aim
Reaching men and women in the harvest is a process that involves four key activities… 10
1. Plowing
Hard ground must be broken up. Serving opens doors and hearts. We cannot win men’s souls if we have never won their hearts.
2. Planting
Psalm 126:6,  He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
3. Watering
The seed is watered by prayer and continued serving.
4. Harvesting
Harvesting techniques differ according to the culture and the Spirit’s working.

In the 21st Century, conversion typically occurs as the end of a process rather than simply an event. Conserving the fruit of our harvest will require intentional discipleship. The goal of reaping the harvest is not converts but disciples. Discipleship is about spiritual growth and spiritual formation. The Intentional Discipleship Steps of a Church 11 In order to be successful in discipleship, a church must have a working definition of a disciple.
Three marks of a disciple according to Jesus…
1. Growing knowledge and obedience John 8:31
2. Growth in community and love John 13:35
3. Productivity John 15:8

A disciple is a fully devoted follower of Jesus whose life is characterized by consistent obedience, loving relationships, and productive service. The Four Levels of Discipleship in the Church
Community
Crowd
Congregation
Committed
Core
The effective disciple-making church will have bridges between each of the levels. The Great Commission Gives not only gives the mandate of discipleship but also the method of discipleship. 12 
Matthew 28:19,  Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Baptizing implies conversion and incorporation into the community of faith. Discipleship will require teaching that leads to transformation not just information.
Reflect…
1. Is my church actually involved in the harvest in some way?
2. Do we have an intentional program of discipleship at the various levels of spritual maturity?

LAW #6: THE LAW OF PARTNERSHIP

John 4:38, Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefit.
John 4:36, The sower and the reaper may be glad together. No single church can accomplish this task alone. The healthy church is a church that builds strategic Kingdom relationships with other churches and ministries. There is no room for jealousy in the Kingdom of God. We are in competition, but not with other churches. We are in competion with the attractions of the world.
In every city and in every community there is only one church. 13 The harvest has been greatly weakened by churches and pastors who are not in harmony. Listen to Jesus’ words on strategic partnerships.
Mark 9:38-40, Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us.
Listen to Paul’s words on strategic partnerships.
1 Corinthians 3:4-9,  When one of you says, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another says, “I prefer Apollos,” aren’t you acting like those who are not Christians? Who is Apollos, and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels? Why, we’re only servants. Through us God caused you to believe. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. The ones who do the planting or watering aren’t important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God’s field, God’s building–not ours. (NLT)
Reflect…
1. Is there a church in your city or community that you secretly harbor jealousy toward?
2. Are you actively seeking to build strategic partnerships with other churches and ministries and do you regularly pray for their success?

LAW #7: THE LAW OF PAIN

Matthew 9:36,  They were harassed and helpless. The harvest is the ripest where the pain is the greatest. How Jesus described the pain… The harassed: People who are troubled, worried, and exhausted. The helpless: People who have been knocked down and can’t 14 get up, lying prostrate like a drunk or a dead man from a mortal wound.
What is the cause of such pain?
They are sheep without a shepherd. There is no one to lead them. There is no one to feed and protect them.
They are separated from God. The pain is mounting in our culture.
Broken homes…Broken dreams…Broken lives…Broken spirits
People are longing for freedom, for a sense of meaning in their lives, for security, for forgiveness, for wholeness, for happiness and hope. The church has been called to bring lost (misplaced and oppressed) people into a community of health and healing. The church that reaps the harvest will be one that understands the pain and is willing to be a healing community. It has identified the key pain of its city or community. It has developed programs that address these felt needs in order meet the real need. It is open to hurting people. It takes the initiative and goes looking for them.
Jesus saw and understood the pain, and his ministry touched the spiritual and the social/physical needs of people. 15
Reflect…
1. Can you identify the three greatest felt needs of people in your city or community?
2. Does your church offer any program that address these needs?

LAW #8: THE LAW OF PASSION

Matthew 9:36, He had compassion on them.
John 4:34, My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work Reaping the harvest is not just a matter of the head. It is also a matter of the heart. We will do none of the things we have discussed until we feel it deeply. The word “emotion” contains the word “motion.” We must be moved by our compassion.
Jesus was nourished by his passion, not just food. If there is one thing that pierces the Savior’s heart with unutterable grief, it is not the world’s iniquity, but the church’s indifference. n F. B. Meyer
A passionless church is an unhealthy church and will not reap the harvest.
Revival is the only cure for the lack of passion.
A revival is a visitation from God that brings life to believers who have been spiritually asleep and restores a deep sense of God’s presence and holiness. 16
Revival restores to full health the spiritual life of the church.
Revival is… A new beginning of obedience
A new attitude of humility
A new closeness to God
A new devotion to Christ
A new infilling of the Holy Spirit
A new passion for the work of God
From  2 Chronicles 7:14, we can discern the five hindrances to revival.
2 Chronicles 7:14, If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.
Hindrance #1: The refusal of the church to accept responsibility.
Hindrance #2: A Spirit of pride
Hindrance #3: Prayerlessness
Hindrance #4: Wrong priorities
Hindrance #5: An unwillingness to change.
A healthy church is a contagious church. People are connected to God through contagious people.
Reflect…
1. Does your church reflect a passion for God that is contagious?
2. What would it take for your church to experience revival? Where do you begin? 17

Identifying Your Harvest Priorities

Indicate which Laws of the Harvest need the most attention in your church. Number them from 1 to 8, with one being the most urgent need of attention and 8 being the least urgent.

_____ The Law of Perception

Our church is aware of that there is a harvest around us.

_____ The Law of Planning

Our church understands our harvest field and has strategic plans to reach it.

_____ The Law of Prayer

Our church has an active prayer ministry, interceding for the harvest.

_____ The Law of People

Our church has intentional ways of mobilizing believers for involvement in the harvest.

_____ The Law of Planting and Reaping

Our church is intentionally sowing seeds in our field and has intentional discipleship in place to preserve the harvest.

_____ The Law of Partnership

Our church has a positive relationship with other churches andnministries in our community and is intentionally involved with them to reach our harvest.

_____ The Law of Pain

Our church has identified the felt needs of those in our community and have programs to help address these.

_____ The Law of Passion

Our church has a passion for Jesus and his work and is alive in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Devotions

Power Of God

g

JRadio

Listen Live

Need Prayer?

Shout Jesus Saves

Youtube

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Youtube

 

Vimeo

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Vimeo

 

Network Sites

Jesussaves.cc

Global prayer Network

faith library

Message 7: The Revelation of Jesus Triumph

by | Nov 13, 2009

Series: Apocalypse Now… And Again – City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 

Revelation 22:12-21, “See, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me, to repay all according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Blessed are those who wash their robes so they can enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. Outside the city are the dogs–the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let each one who hears them say, “Come.” Let the thirsty ones come– anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge. And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words of this prophetic book, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. (NLT)
Today, we bring our study of the themes of Revelation to a close. It has been an interesting journey through this powerful and relevant book. As we reflect, we will remember that it is a revelation of Jesus Christ and as such it is a call to worship. It shows us the throne of God, his sovereign rule over the events of the earth. It makes us aware of the ultimate conflict of the ages, and encourages us that the Lamb will defeat the Dragon. It is about the hope of Israel and the hope of all the saints of God. Today, we will see the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ.

FOUR REALITIES

1. God
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (v. 13) God is before all things and beyond all things. God precedes all things and exceeds all things. He is a fool who denies God.
Psalm 14:1, The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’

2. The Word of God
If anyone adds anything to what is written here,, God will add to that person the plagues…and if anyone removes any of the words from this book…God will remove that person’s away share in the tree of life and in the holy city. (vv. 18, 19). God’s Word is forever settled. We must not mess with its message.

3. The Judgment of God.
Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murders, the idols worshipers and all who love to live a lie. (v. 15) The judgment of God will fall on those who have not “washed their robes” in preparation for the celebration of the city.

4. The Salvation of God
The Spirit and the Bride say ‘Come’…Let the thirsty ones come—anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink of the water of life without charge. (v. 17) “Come” is the consistent message of God.

THREE DESTINIES

1. The collapse of the World System
Babylon, the great city, will be thrown down and she will disappear forever. Never again will the sound of music be heard there. (18:21, 22) The world system (the Beast) will crash under the judgment of God. Those who take the mark of the Beast will be judged with it (Rev. 19:20).

2. The Eternal City
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven…I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people…He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever. (21:2-4)

3. The Lake of Fire
Anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. (20:15)

Devotions

Power Of God

g

JRadio

Listen Live

Need Prayer?

Shout Jesus Saves

Youtube

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Youtube

 

Vimeo

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Vimeo

 

Network Sites

Jesussaves.cc

Global prayer Network

faith library

Message 6: The Revelation of Jesus Enemy

by | Nov 13, 2009

Series: Apocalypse Now… And Again – City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 

Revelation 12:1-17,   A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days. And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the desert, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach. Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring–those who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. From the first book of the Bible to the last book, there is a warfare motif to the Bible.

 Genesis 3:15,   states there will be conflict between Satan and the Woman and the Seed. From now on, you (Satan) and the woman will be enemies, and your offspring and her offspring will be enemies… (NLT) Throughout history, Satan was either trying to keep Christ from being born or to kill him as soon as he was born. He also hates the woman whose child defeated him and is at war with all the followers of Christ. This chapter in Revelation takes us behind the scenes to help us see the real drama behind earthly chaos and evil.

THE CHARACTERS IN THE CONFLICT

The woman symbolizes Israel. Israel’s being chosen by God made them the target of Satan’s animosity. The child symbolizes Jesus, the Christ. He is the one who will rule the earth.
Isaiah 9:6, For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. There will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. (NLT)
The Dragon symbolizes Satan.
As Satan, he is The Adversary of God.
As the Devil, he is the Accuser of the saints
As Deceiver, he leads the world astray
Verses 7-13, takes us back in time to the overthrow of Satan and the other rebellious angels (Isaiah 14:12-15)

SATAN’S HATRED MANIFESTED

Satan hates humanity in general, but he hates Jews in particular. This is the only explanation for a universal anti- Semitic spirit that exists. It is hellish hatred. Satan makes war against “the rest of her offspring.” This is a picture of the Gentile followers of Christ. They hold to the testimony of Jesus (v. 17) The three keys to overcoming Satan (vv. 11)
(1) The blood of the Lamb
(2) The word of their testimony
(3) The abandoned life
The overcoming life is not one of ease and comfort. It is lived in light of ultimate victory, knowing that the Lamb has defeated the Dragon.

Devotions

Power Of God

g

JRadio

Listen Live

Need Prayer?

Shout Jesus Saves

Youtube

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Youtube

 

Vimeo

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Vimeo

 

Network Sites

Jesussaves.cc

Global prayer Network

faith library

Message 5: The Revelation of Jesus Protection

by | Nov 13, 2009

Series: Apocalypse Now… And Again – City Church of Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN 

Revelation 7:1-17, After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes–who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” The last verse of Revelation 6 asks a question—“The great day of their wrath has come and who can stand?” Chapter 7 is the answer to this question. In chapter 7, there is a sudden and unexpected interruption to the drama. Something is about to happen. Jesus wants to encourage his followers and to assure them of their safety during the day of God’s wrath.

THE PROMISE OF THE RETURN OF JESUS

The world has not seen the last of Jesus! Christ’s return is mentioned 180 times in the New Testament. One in every 25 verses makes reference to this future event on God’s calendar. It is a personal promise from Jesus himself.
John 14:1-3, Do not let your hearts be troubled…I am going to prepare a place for you, and if I go…I will come back and take you with me so that you may be where I am.
Revelation 22:12, Behold I am coming soon! It is a proclaimed promised by the angels of Heaven.
Acts 1:11, This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way you have seen him go away. It an anticipated promise by the first followers of Jesus.
Paul: We wait for the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:11)
John: When he appears we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)
Peter: When Christ appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 4:4)
James: Be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near. (James 5:7)

THE PROTECTION FROM THE WRATH OF GOD

Rev. 7 could be called the “signed, sealed, and delivered.” Judgment is halted until some are sealed. This sealing implies:
Possession
Preservation
Protection
Both Jewish and Gentile followers of Christ are included. Protection from God’s wrath is a divine pattern (Noah, Lot, Israelites in Egypt) Protection from God’s wrath is a divine promise.
Luke 21:34-35, For that day will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth…Pray that you will be able to escape all that is about to happen.
Revelation 3:10, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
2 Peter 2:9, The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.
1 Thessalonians 5:9, But God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation (deliverance, to be rescued) through our Lord Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we are looking for the appearing of Christ not the Anti-Christ.

THE PROBABILITY OF A RAPTURE

The Greek word for this concept is harpazo, It means to “seize suddenly.” (John 10:12)
It means to “transport to another place.” (Acts 8:39; 2 Cor. 12:2-4)
It means to “be rescued from imminent peril.” (Acts 23:10)  This is the comfort and encouragement for believers.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command…and the dead in Christ shall rise first. After that, we who are sill alive and left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord. And we will be with the Lord forever.

THE PREPARATION THROUGH THE BLOOD

There is only one way to be assured of Jesus’ protection:
YOU MUST BE WASHED FROM YOUR SINS BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

Devotions

Power Of God

g

JRadio

Listen Live

Need Prayer?

Shout Jesus Saves

Youtube

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Youtube

 

Vimeo

Click here to visit the Shout Jesus Saves Vimeo

 

Network Sites

Jesussaves.cc

Global prayer Network

faith library