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

Foundation Scripture:

Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. 13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel. Joshua 10:12-14 KJV

1. The Lord Fights for Us – the Battle is the Lord’s

a. October 2008 – Phoenix, Arizona

b. Tell the church to speak to the sun

c. Fasting, prayer, and intercession

d. Pray and speak

e. Luke 19:12-13 KJV – He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

2. The Great Commission:

a. Preach, teach, and demonstrate

b. Mark 16:15-16

c. God confirms His word with signs following

d. Preach, teach, and demonstrate – in that order

3. This is How We Take Territory:

a. Preaching the Gospel brings conversion

b. Teaching the word grows believers – disciples – followers of Jesus

c. When we take territory, the devil uses territory – we do this by changing and transforming hearts

d. This happens by every believer taking their place in the kingdom

e. Each one reach one

f. Each one teach one

g. Make disciples

h. When the lost at any cost

4. We are Living in the Last of the Last Days:

a. Acts 2:1-22

b. Matthew 24:36-51

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 24:36-51 KJV

5. The Parable of the Five Wise and the Five Foolish:

a. Matthew 25:1-14

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:1-14 KJV

b. We must be ready

c. Could it be that 50% are not ready?

d. Do not be like the foolish virgins – make sure there is oil in your lamp

e. Be full of the Holy Spirit and on fire for Jesus

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!  2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP

“Therefore if any man be in Christ…” What does it mean to be “in Christ”? Galatians 3:27 says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” You are baptized into Christ when you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” And Romans 10:13 says, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” The moment you believe in Jesus, call on Him, and confess Him as Lord, you are “in Christ”. You are made a brand-new creation in Christ! You are brand new on the inside! The Holy Spirit has given you new life! You are also immediately made righteous. You don’t have to wait to be righteous – you ARE righteous because Jesus took ALL your sin and exchanged it for His righteousness. He removed your old filthy rags and put a spotless robe of righteous on you!

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26 KJV

He says “to declare at this time His righteousness! You are freely justified WHEN you believe. Not later; not only when you die and go to Heaven. Jesus said that you cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven unless you are born again of the Spirit of God (John 3:1-8). Born-again Christians are not merely reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated – they have been re-created! When we are converted to Christ, we are not merely turning over a new leaf, but we are beginning a whole new life, under a brand-new Master.

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  Romans 6:4 KJV

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.  2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

Jesus traded His righteousness for our sin – He took our sin away from us and gave us, in return, His righteousness. We don’t just HAVE righteousness, we are MADE righteous. We are the righteousness of God in Christ! We are not becoming righteous – we are already righteous right now! We can walk in newness of life, because that’s exactly what we have – a brand new life.

For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)  Romans 5:17 KJV

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 5:21 KJV

Believers are not sinners, saved by grace. They WERE sinners – then they received Jesus – now they are the righteousness of God in Christ! If you keep seeing yourself as a sinner, then you will act like one and you will have a hard time walking with God and keeping your life straight. We need to learn what God’s word says about who we are in Christ and develop a righteousness consciousness. Because we have already received the gift of righteousness, we can – right now – reign in life through Jesus, Himself. We reign over sin; we reign over sickness and disease; we reign over poverty; we reign over the devil and his demons; we reign in righteousness in THIS life.
 
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.  Revelation 5:9-10 KJV

Jesus made us kings – a royal race – and priests, unto our God, so that we can reign over the earth! He didn’t say that we would reign only in Heaven – we are to righteously reign in this life, on this earth – we are kings and priests now!

For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.  Romans 1:17 AMP

Only the righteous man and woman can LIVE by faith. The Father makes us righteous by faith so that we can continue to live by faith! You need to learn what the Word of God says about you, so you can see yourself as God sees you – washed in the blood, righteous, and just – and then walk it out in your life.

 

1. The ungodly

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful.  Psalms 1:1 NKJV

2. Sinners (Psalm 1:1)
3. Scorners (Psalm 1:1)
4. Workers of iniquity

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.  Psalms 6:8a NKJV

5. Deceitful persons

I do not sit with false persons, nor fellowship with pretenders.  Psalms 26:4 AMP

6. Evildoers

I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked.  Psalms 26:5 NKJV

7. Criminals

My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse” —  15 My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood.  Proverbs 1:10-16 NKJV

8. The foolish

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.  Proverbs 13:20 NKJV

9. The angry man

Make no friendships with a man given to anger, and with a wrathful man do not associate, 25 Lest you learn his ways and get yourself into a snare.  Proverbs 22:24-25 AMP

10. An excommunicated church member

And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.  Matthew 18:17 NKJV

11. Those causing divisions

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.  Romans 16:17 NKJV

12. Backsliders

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.  2 John 9-11 NKJV

13. False teachers

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.  1 Timothy 6:3-5 NKJV

14. The disorderly

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.  2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 NKJV

15. The disobedient

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.  2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 NKJV

16. Unbelievers

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?  2 Corinthians 6:14-15 NKJV

17. Fornicators (1 Cor. 5:9)

I wrote you in my [previous] letter not to associate [closely and habitually] with unchaste (impure) people — 10 Not [meaning of course that you must] altogether shun the immoral people of this world, or the greedy graspers and cheats and thieves or idolaters, since otherwise you would need to get out of the world and human society altogether!  11 But now I write to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of [Christian] brother if he is known to be guilty of immorality or greed, or is an idolater [whose soul is devoted to any object that usurps the place of God], or is a person with a foul tongue [railing, abusing, reviling, slandering], or is a drunkard or a swindler or a robber. [No] you must not so much as eat with such a person.  1 Corinthians 5:9-11 AMP

18. Covetous people – greedy; lovers of money (1 Cor. 5:10)
19. Extortioners (1 Cor. 5:10)
20. Idolaters (1 Cor. 5:10)
21. Railers – Slanderer; verbally abusive; foul-tongued (1 Cor. 5:11)
22. Drunkards (1 Cor. 5:11)
23. Lovers of themselves – self-centered (2 Tim. 3:2)

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!  2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV

24. Boasters (2 Tim. 3:2)
25. Proud people (2 Tim. 3:2)
26. Blasphemers (2 Tim. 3:2)
27. Those who are disobedient to parents (2 Tim. 3:2)
28. Unthankful or ungrateful people (2 Tim. 3:2)
29. Unholy people – profane (2 Tim. 3:2)
30. Those without natural affection – callous; inhumane (2 Tim. 3:3)
31. Trucebreakers (2 Tim. 3:3)
32. False accusers – troublemakers (2 Tim. 3:3)
33. Incontinent – intemperate and loose in morals and conduct (2 Tim. 3:3)
34. Fierce people – uncontrolled (2 Tim. 3:3)
35. Despisers of good or of those who are good (2 Tim. 3:3)
36. Traitors (2 Tim. 3:4)
37. Headstrong – rash; impulsive; without self-control (2 Tim. 3:4)
38. Highminded people – arrogant (2 Tim. 3:4)
39. Those who love pleasure more than God (2 Tim. 3:4)
40. Hypocrites – those who have “a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof” (2 Tim. 3:5)

 

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.  Zephaniah 3:17 KJV

This is one of the most beautiful verses in the Bible. A God who is great and MIGHTY – Jehovah Elohim – and yet who is so loving and so kind and so generous with His people! His heart is to save us – not punish or destroy us. The word “save” means that He wants to free us; avenge us; defend us; deliver us; rescue us; help us; preserve us; cause us to be victorious. He will rejoice – be bright; be cheerful; be glad; joy; make mirth – over us with joy and gladness – joyfulness; blithesomeness; glee; mirth; pleasure. He will rest in His love – His love is more than enough; His love is big enough; His love is the reason for it all; His love makes all things right. Then He will joy over us – spin around; be joyful – with singing – with a shout of joy; cry of joy; proclamation; triumph.

Our God is rejoicing over us, singing over us, dancing over us, shouting over us, triumphing over us, and we are wrapped in His love and His delight. It doesn’t get any better than that! Meditate on this verse and let it sink into your spirit – how much the Father loves you and how good He is and how good He is to you!

God is pleased with us when we have faith in Him:

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  Hebrews 11:5-6 NKJV

He takes pleasure in those who reverently respect and fear Him:

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy.  Psalms 147:11 NKJV

He delights in the humble:

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.  Psalms 149:4 NKJV

He delights in those who are upright:

I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You.  1 Chronicles 29:17 NKJV

They who are willfully contrary in heart are extremely disgusting and shamefully vile in the eyes of the Lord, but such as are blameless and wholehearted in their ways are His delight! Proverbs 11:20 AMP

He delights in the prayer of the upright:

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.  Proverbs 15:8 NKJV

He delights in prospering the upright:

And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in every work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, of your cattle, of your land, for good; for the Lord will again delight in prospering you, as He took delight in your fathers, 10 If you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being.  Deuteronomy 30:9-10 AMP

He rejoices over us to do us good:

And they will be My people, and I will be their God. 39 And I will give them one heart and one way, that they may [reverently] fear Me forever for the good of themselves and of their children after them. 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will not turn away from following them to do them good, and I will put My [reverential] fear in their hearts, so that they will not depart from Me. 41 Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly and in truth with My whole heart and with My whole being. Jeremiah 32:38-41 AMP

He delivers those in whom He delights:

He brought me forth into a large place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. 21 The Lord rewarded me according to my uprightness with Him; He compensated and benefited me according to the cleanness of my hands.  2 Samuel 22:20-21 AMP

Because He delights in us, we are comforted:

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; and the sound of weeping will no more be heard in it, nor the cry of distress.  Isaiah 65:19 AMP

The Lord gives an inheritance to those in whom He delights:

If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land flowing with milk and honey.  Numbers 14:8 AMP

He is especially joyful whenever anyone repents and is saved or restored:

I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.  Luke 15:7 NKJV

Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.  Luke 15:10 NKJV

And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;  24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.  Luke 15:23-24 NKJV

He rejoices over us like a bridegroom rejoices over his bride:

For as a young man marries a virgin, So shall your sons marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, So shall your God rejoice over you.  Isaiah 62:5 NKJV

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,  teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,  looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11-14 NKJV

1. The grace of God brings salvation:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  Titus 2:11

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV

It is the grace of God that brings salvation. All those who depend on his grace are saved from sin and forgiven eternally.  God is the one who saves us, but it is our responsibility to stay in the grace of God, once we have experienced it.

2. The grace of God has appeared to ALL men:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  Titus 2:11

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16 NKJV

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.  Revelation 22:17 NKJV

The grace of God has appeared to all men – that means that it has shined upon all mankind. It has become literally visible to them, and/or figuratively, known by them. It is clearly visible to all those who desire to see it and experience it.

3. Seven lessons grace teaches us:

a. To deny ungodliness:

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness…  Titus 2:12

b. To deny worldly lusts:

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts…  Titus 2:12

God’s word instructs us to turn our back on any form of ungodliness and carnal lusts.

c. To live soberly:

…we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.  Titus 2:12

Soberly: with sound mind; moderately.

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled. Titus 1:7-8 NKJV

Sober-minded: safe (sound) in mind; self-controlled – moderate as to opinion or passion; discreet; sober; temperate.

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.  Titus 2:1-2 NKJV

Sober: to be sober; to watch; to abstain from wine (keep sober); (figuratively) be discreet.

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.  Titus 2:3-5 KJV

Sober: to make of sound mind; (figuratively) to discipline or correct; teach to be sober.

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,  8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.  Titus 2:6-8 NKJV

Sober-minded: to be of sound mind; sane; (figuratively) moderate; be in right mind; be sober minded; soberly.

d. To live righteously:

In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.  Titus 2:7 NKJV

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.  Hebrews 12:14 NKJV

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors — not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 8:12-14 NKJV

God’s grace empowers us to live righteous lives.

e. To live godly:

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV

God’s grace empowers you to live a godly life in spite of temptations or persecution.

f. To live right in this life:

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.  Titus 2:12 NKJV

God’s grace empowers us to live right and do right.

g. To look for the rapture and the second coming:

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.  Titus 2:13 NKJV

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.  Philippians 3:20-21 NKJV

By God’s grace, we no longer belong to the earth.  We are citizens of heaven – we belong to the Father, through Jesus His Son, and we eagerly await His coming return.  Because of the great things we have experienced through God’s grace, we are assured that His promise is true, and we are looking for blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.“ 

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

 

God said to Jeremiah: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”  Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my words in your mouth! Today I appoint you to stand up against nations and kingdoms. Some you must uproot and tear down,

destroy and overthrow. Others you must build up and plant.” 

Jeremiah 1:5-10 NLT

 

“Jeremiah, I have made you with a purpose and on purpose!”

 

Every purpose is established by counsel.

 

Webster defines “purpose” as: being predesignated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Ephesians 1

 

Every believer must believe:

 

1. You Have Purpose

 

Called by name:

 

But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT

 

 

Chosen by God

 

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.  John 15:16 NLT

 

… for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.”

1 Peter 2:9-10 NLT

 

Knowing these things, we should:

 

2. Live on Purpose

 

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NLT

 

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 

Philippians 3:8-14 NLT

 

This was after 33 years of ministry!

 

But Paul lived so much on purpose that at the end of his life he said, “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:5-8 NLT

 

Paul tells the church in Corinth twice:

So I urge you to imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:16 NLT

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT

 

Jesus was Paul’s ultimate example!

God the Father was Jesus’ perfect example.

 

Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.” John 12:44-50 NLT

 

Even in the midst of the greatest trial of His earthy life He said, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. 

Luke 22:42-44 NLT

 

Jesus said, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” John 4:34 NLT

 

What an Example!

He is our Example!

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. I Peter 2:21 NKJV

 

3. Live with a Purpose

 

If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 

1 Timothy 4:6-16 NLT

 

A Final Thought!

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 NLT

 

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Matthew 5:13-16 NLT

Foundation scriptures:
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV

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

1. Freedom – spirit, soul, and body.
2. Bondage – the state of being bound by or subjected to some external power or control.
   b. Freedom – the power to determine action without restraint; exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.
   c. Salvation – a new heart.
   d. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
   e. Soul – renewing the mind.
   f. Romans 12:1-2 KJV – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
   g. Psalms 1:1-3 KJV – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
   h. Body – divine health.
   i. Isaiah 53:4-5 KJV – “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
   j. Matthew 8:17 KJV – “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”
   k. 1 Peter 2:24 KJV – “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
3. All freedom was purchased at Calvary.
4. Salvation – sozo – soundness; wholeness; healing; preservation; deliverance; rescue; safety; provision.
   b. Galatians 3:13-14 KJV – “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
   c. Galatians 3:28-29 KJV – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
   d. We are no more slaves – but free.
   e. Not slaves to sin, sickness, or poverty.
5. It is time to be truly free.

a. John 8:36 KJV – “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
b. Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV – “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
c. Hosea 4:6a KJV – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
d. Repent of sin.
e. Judge yourself as a believer.
f. 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 KJV – “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.”
g. Renew your mind.
h. Philippians 4:6-8 KJV – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
i. Ephesians 4:23-24 KJV – “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
j. Colossians 3:10-11 KJV – “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”