• Message: “Faith + Contentment = Joy” from Pastor Joe

  Faith + Contentment = Joy Lesson Objective: To remind each of us of the need to be content and have faith which leads to Joy Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 4: 2  Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful Philippians 4: 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Job 6:10 Then I would still have this consolation— my joy in unrelenting pain— that I had not denied the words of the Holy One   Introduction- definitions Contentment is defined as : A state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be. One dictionary defines contentment as “the state of being mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are.” Faith is defined as: complete trust or confidence in someone or something Joy is defined as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness: Faith further defined Hebrews 11: 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Important that life is dependent on hope Faith is based on things that can not be proven but believed Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him There is no reason to seek God if there is no belief God rewards that belief Ephesians 6: 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Faith is a weapon in battle Contentment further defined It means being grateful for what one has 1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." Contentment does not mean settling and not wanting more 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. Matthew 20: 21-22 The mother of Zebedee’s children (James and John) came to Jesus with her She got down on her knees before Jesus to ask something of Him. 21 He said to her, “What do you want?” She said, “Say that my two sons may sit, one at Your right side and one at Your left side, when You are King. Lack of contentment is the cause of most if not all sin Joy further defined 1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy Joy is more than happiness “This joy that I have, the world did not give it to me and the world cannot take it away” Challenges to reaching Joy First enemy...Unrealistic Expectations Second Enemy.....Unfair Comparisons Third Enemy....Unnoticed Blessings Fourth enemy.....Uncontrolled Ambition Possible solutions First, contentment occurs when we develop a spirit of Gratitude regardless the circumstances Second, Start trying to please Jesus Christ and quit trying to prove yourself to othrs Third, Love people more than things Summary Content means that one has faith in God and he will provide Lack of contentment means lack of Fait which is not pleasing to God Joy comes from having faith and being content Contentment is a learning experience    

• Message: “MAXIMIZING THE SEASON OF LIFE (II)” from Min Oluleke

  TOPIC: MAXIMIZING THE SEASON OF LIFE (II) OBJECTIVES: To introduce the 4 seasons from promise to fulfilment: 1. Promise Season 2. Delay Season 3. Wilderness Season 4. Good Land Season To teach how to make the most of each season To give prayer strategies for each season SCRIPTURES: Deuteronomy 8:3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. (NKJV) Hebrews 5:8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. It causes isolation that enables God get through to us (Jacob).   3. Wilderness Season Deuteronomy 8:3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Hebrews 5:8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. It causes isolation that enables God get through to us (Jacob). Meant to teach you the principles of God through grueling (extremely tiring and demanding) personal experience. It causes isolation that enables God get through to us (Jacob). It shapes character and purifies us. He humbles us and breaks our pride. 3.1 What to do in the Wilderness Season The main key to pass through this season successfully: Not fasting, Not prayer not Rhema… but ENDURANCE. Other keys are beneficial, but endurance is most vital. Do what is right even if does not yield positive results immediately. There will be queries from people: How come you're doing all these good things for God and yet it is not producing positive results? How come you are so righteous, and yet sinners are doing better than you? Beware of temptations. There will be several invitations to sin, especially in seasons of weariness/discouragement (1 Corinthians 10:12-13). Be deeply aware that God is with you. Psalm 23 Be aware that all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28). Spend generous time with Him. Humans are proud/busy and sometimes it takes afflictions for God to get our attention. Good news: once the lesson is learned, once all tests are passed, the season rolls off suddenly like a cloud that gives way to the sun. 3.2 PRAYER Prayer Strategies for the Wilderness Season Ask for grace not to grow weary in well-doing even when it is not yet yielding desired results (Galatians 6:9) Grace to learn what God may be trying to teach us (Deut. 8:3). Grace to endure persecution and mockery which will come in this time. (Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Peter 2:20) Grace to wait for God's "proper time" of reward (Galatians 6:9, Ecclesiastes 11:6, Ecclesiastes 3:11) Ask for grace to be faithful unto death even if the Lord decides not to rescue from the fire (Daniel 3:16-18, The 3 Hebrew boys; Revelation 2:8-10, Smyrna Church) Fear must die: Ask God for deliverance from the spirit of fear - of the unpleasant consequences of obedience to Him. Decide that you will go with God until the end: "Even if I perish (for obeying God), I perish" (Esther 4:16). 4. THE GOOD LAND SEASON Deuteronomy 8:7-10 7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills; 9 a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you can dig copper. 10 When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. 4.1 Prayer Strategies for the Good Land Season Grace not to forget the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:18) Grace to remember to give God glory for the good things you enjoy (Joel 2:26) To maximize opportunities to be rich in good works and help the needy (1 Timothy 6:17) Pray not to become slack in the work of God. Rekindle and sustain spiritual fire/fervor (Romans 12:11, Rev. 3:16-18) Pray against arrogance: Beware of pride and self satisfaction (Prov. 16:18, Luke 12:13-21, Rich fool) CONCLUSION Wilderness Season Action No matter what you pass through, God is with you Patient and ENDURE. Prayer Lord, teach me what you want me to learn from all these experiences. Good Land Season Action: Be generous and rich in good works to the needy and poor. Prayer Thank God for His blessings. Grace not to get proud and independent of God because of riches/blessings.

• Message: “Maximizing Seasons” from Min Oluleke

  TITLE: MAXIMIZING THE SEASONS OF LIFE OBJECTIVES: To introduce the 4 seasons from promise to fulfilment To teach how to make the most of each season To give prayer strategies for each season INTRODUCTION God is a God of times and seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. (NKJV) 1 Chronicles 12:32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command; (NKJV) THE FOUR SEASONS There are four seasons between Promise and Fulfilment: i) The promise season ii) The delay season iii) The wilderness season iv) The Good Land season 1) THE PROMISE SEASON - When we become aware of God's plans and purposes for us. - Includes all that happens prior to, during and shortly after knowing God’s plans and purposes for us. Applies only to born-again believers in Christ. (a) Do not be Idle in God's Work Haggai 1:1-11 2 “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.” 3 Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this [a]temple to lie in ruins?” 5 Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! 6 “You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” 7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! 8 Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the [b]temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord. 9 “You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the Lord of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house. (b) Invest in Others’ Vision Paul: active prophet/teacher member of church at Antioch (Acts 13) David: shepherd boy in his dad’s business Elisha: working for his dad, ploughing oxen Gideon: threshing wheat in his dad’s winepress Peter, James and John: working alongside father, Zebedee (c) Prayer Strategies for the Promise Season Prayers Before: Enquiry prayers about God's unique plans and purposes for us as individuals (Jeremiah 29:13) Enquiry for revelation of what God would have us do for Him (Acts 9:6) Prayers After: Pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding to build (your tower of purpose/calling) (Luke 14:28-30, Prov. 24:3-4) Pray for the Lord to lead you to and connect you with your destiny mentors (1 Timothy 1:2). How to know: by revelation, and by interest or stirring of the heart (Exodus 36:1-2). Pray that your life and calling shall be a huge blessing to people who shall become ministry and destiny helpers (Luke 8:1-3). 2) DELAY SEASON Questions: Why did Abraham have to wait so long as 25 years for Isaac, although God was with him all that time? Why didn't God do it within 9 months of first speaking to him? Do you think God felt he "delayed" Abraham? Or was just having a walk with his friend? (a) You Need Faith-Generating Rhema Rhema: “An utterance.” It refers to a word that is spoken. A rhema is a verse or portion of Scripture that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention with application to a current situation or need for direction. It is also the voice of the Holy Spirit giving us instructions/direction for specific situations of life. Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Romans 10:17  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Don’t be satisfied with DAILY LOGOS; Wait upon God for DAILY RHEMA. Without Rhema, we could end up like Zechariah - religious and prayerful but without faith. (b) Hear Rhema Regularly and Consistently God spoke to Abraham at least 5 recorded times before Isaac was born. When He instructed him to leave for Canaan and after he arrived (Gen. 12) When He promised him the entire land of Canaan (Gen. 13) When He assured him he would have a biological heir (Gen. 15) When He instituted circumcision (Gen. 17) When He was about to judge Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18-19) (c) Prayer Stratgies for the Delay Season Open my eyes Lord to behold wondrous things out of your word (Psalm 119:18). Let your word inspire active faith in me. Help me to maintain an atmosphere that enables me to hear what you're saying - praise and ministering unto the Lord (Psalm 22:3, Acts 13:2-12). Fill me with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in my knowledge of you. Let the eyes of my understanding be enlightened (Ephesians 1:17). Give me pastors and teachers of your word after your own heart who will expound the truth of your word unto me (Jeremiah 3:15).    

• Message: “We are more crucial important to God than we think” from Min. Blessing

  Title: We are more crucial important to God than we think There are times when we feel worthless. But thats not how God feels or think about us. He see so much value in us. Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Colossians 1:18 (NIV) And he is the head of the body, the church;…. Christ is the head of the church and we are the parts of the body. If a part of the body is injured you don’t cut it off, because you love it. Rather you try to protect and take good care of it. When every part of you body is fine then you are happy and you can do the work of God happily. God depends on us to spread the Gospel. Without us God can not do anything. He is counting on us to change lives. (John 15:5 NET) I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me - and I in him - bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. Romans 10:14-15 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” As good representatives of God, we should first love ourselves. And be able to take good care of ourselves. How we should talk, dress, conduct ourselves with others should represent and places we should be and not should present God. 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision Psalm 103:1. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.   1 Corinthians 9:16 (NIV) ……Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!   We author our lives by how we live, what we say, and what we do. Each passing day is an opportunity to write the story of your life. It can either be a good story or a bad story, it all depends on us. A story written yesterday can not be undone. At the end of our lives we will look back and see how we journeyed through our lived. If you are to die tomorrow will you be grateful for the works you have done for God, and how you have lived your life so far? Have you done justice to saving God? If you are good with singing for God then  do it best as if its your last time to do so. The last conversation you had with anyone should be one worthy to remember. We do not talk damage, we don't talk things anyhow, we don’t live anyhow, we live with consistency to the word of God. We don’t talk to win arguments, but we talk with a primary goal of sending out God’s message. We don’t do or act with desire to harm, annoy, frustrate, or humiliate anothers. That is not our nature. Our nature is to Love. We're workers together with the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:1). In essence, without Him, you can do nothing, and without you He can't reach the world because you're His vessel, His mouthpiece, the one He's trusted to take His message of salvation to the ends of the earth. In Mark 16:15, Jesus said, "..Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." We're to go out with all boldness, faith, courage and conviction, to to the work of God. We should put our faith, our energies and whole life into preaching the Gospel. Nothing should be as important to us as our love for Jesus Christ, which we demonstrate in leading others to salvation. Hebrews 12:1 We are the salt of the earth We should not be worried about what other people think about us when we are carrying out our duties for God.

• Message: “Story of David Part III” from Pastor Joe

  Study of David Part 1II David flees from Saul   Lesson Objective:  A review of the life of David and how we can learn from both his shortcomings and triumphs so that we can be a man after God’s own heart.   Personal Objectives:   Understand why David was called a man after God’s own heart Understand the importance of true repentance Differentiate between David and Saul Be able to identify character flaws of David Identify lessons to be learned from those character flaws   Scripture: Acts 13: 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’   Scripture: (1 Samuel 30:6) David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. Study Questions: Is the question why God or is it What do you want me to learn God? Why do you think God put David in Saul’s Court? WHY DID DAVID WAIT SO LONG TO BECOME KING? WHY WAS DAVID’S MEN SO ANGRY WITH DAVID WHEN THEY ARRIVED AND FOUND THAT THEIR TOWN HAD BEEN DESTROYED? David lives with the Philistines 1 Samuel 27: 5-7 Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be assigned to me in one of the country towns, that I may live there. Why should your servant live in the royal city with you?” So on that day Achish gave him Ziklag, and it has belonged to the kings of Judah ever since. 7 David lived in Philistine territory a year and four months 1 Samuel 27:8-9 And David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the [c]Girzites, and the Amalekites. For those nations were the inhabitants of the land from [d]of old, as you go to Shur, even as far as the land of Egypt. 9 Whenever David [e]attacked the land, he left neither man nor woman alive, but took away the sheep, the oxen, the donkeys, the camels, and the apparel, and returned and came to Achish 1 Samuel 27: 10- Then Achish would say, “Where have you made a raid today?” And David would say, “Against the southern area of Judah, or against the southern area of the Jerahmeelites, or against the southern area of the Kenites 1 Samuel 27: 11-12 David would save neither man nor woman alive, to bring news to Gath, saying, “Lest they should inform on us, saying, ‘Thus David did.’ ” And thus was his behavior all the time he dwelt in the country of the Philistines. 12 So Achish believed David, saying, “He has made his people Israel utterly abhor him; therefore he will be my servant forever.” Saul and David choose different paths when making a decision Saul 1 Samuel 28: 5-7 When Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly. 6 When Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets. 7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.”   David 1 Samuel 30: 1-2 Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, 2 and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. 1 Samuel 30: 6-7 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?”And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.   David reflects his character And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them 1 Samuel 30:21      

• Message: “Story of David Part II” from Pastor Joe

  Study of David Part 1I David flees from Saul   Lesson Objective:  A review of the life of David and how we can learn from both his shortcomings and triumphs so that we can be a man after God’s own heart.   Personal Objectives:   Understand why David was called a man after God’s own heart Understand the importance of true repentance Differentiate between David and Saul Be able to identify character flaws of David Identify lessons to be learned from those character flaws   Scripture: Acts 13: 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’   Scripture: (1 Samuel 24:6‐7) “[David] said to his men, ‘The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD.’ With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.” Study Questions: 1 Is the question why God or is it What do you want me to learn God? Why do you think God put David in Saul’s Court? David begins a journey of deceit David lies to Ahimelech Samuel 21:1-2 ESV Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelek the priest. And Ahimelek came to meet David, trembling, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?” David answered Ahimelek the priest, “The king sent me on a mission and said to me, ‘No one is to know anything about the mission I am sending you on.’ As for my men, I have told them to meet me at a certain place David’s lie is uncovered 1 Samuel 21: 7 Now one of Saul’s servants was there that day, detained before the Lord; he was Doeg the Edomite, Saul’s chief shepherd. 1 Samuel 22: 17-18 Then the king ordered the guards at his side: “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because they too have sided with David. They knew he was fleeing, yet they did not tell me.” But the king’s officials were unwilling to raise a hand to strike the priests of the Lord18 The king then ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. David accepts responsibility for his actions But one son of Ahimelek son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David.21 He told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. 22 Then David said to Abiathar, “That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family. 23 Stay with me; don’t be afraid. The man who wants to kill you is trying to kill me too. You will be safe with me.” Saul Pursues David 1 Samuel 23: 1-2After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.”2 So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats. David does not harm Saul 24: 3-4 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave.4 The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said[b] to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. David appeals to Saul 1 Samuel 24: 9 -10 He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’?10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’. Abigail and Nabal story 1 Samuel 25 is the story When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Praise be to the Lord, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal’s wrongdoing down on his own head.” Verse 39 David lives with the Philistines 1 Samuel 27: 5-7 Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be assigned to me in one of the country towns, that I may live there. Why should your servant live in the royal city with you?” So on that day Achish gave him Ziklag, and it has belonged to the kings of Judah ever since. 7 David lived in Philistine territory a year and four months Saul and David choose different paths when making a decision Saul 1 Samuel 28: 5-7 When Saul saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly. 6 When Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets. 7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.”   David Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, "Please bring the ephod here to me." And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. ( David wanted to know if he should fight the Amalekites who had destroyed Ziklag David reflects his character And David came to the two hundred men, which were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the brook Besor: and they went forth to meet David, and to meet the people that were with him: and when David came near to the people, he saluted them 1 Samuel 30:21         .    

• Message: “Study of David Part 1” from Pastor Joe

  Study of David Part 1 David’s life before becoming King  Lesson Objective:  A review of the life of David and how we can learn from both his shortcomings and triumphs so that we can be a man after God’s own heart. Personal Objectives: Understand why David was called a man after God’s own heart Understand the importance of true repentance Differentiate between David and Saul Be able to identify the character flaws of David Identify lessons to be learned from those character flaws Scripture: Acts 13: 22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’   Introduction- Who was David? Perhaps more written about David than any one man in the Old Testament The lineage of Christ Greatest King of Israel Man after God’s own heart Acts 13: 22 and 1 Samuel 13: 14 Why man after God’s own heart? “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man” Proverbs 28:14 For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” Luke 6:45. Psalms 23 – God was his shepherd David anointed by Samuel Saul was rejected by God 1 Samuel Chapter 15 David anointed by Samuel Samuel concerned for his life1 Samuel 16: 1-3 God tells Samuel the criteria for the King 1 Samuel 16: 6-7 David enters the service of Saul David plays the lyre for Saul to calm his spirit   David fights Goliath Goliath mocks God and the Israelites 1 Samuel 17: 8-11 David’s brother shows jealousy 17: 28 David explains to Saul that he can fight Goliath and explains why 17: 34 Saul gives David his armor but David refuses 17: 38 David fights Goliath David explains the power of God 17:47 David runs quickly to Goliath and defeats him with one stone 17: 48-49 Jonathan and David become friends /Saul becomes jealous Jonathan and David make a covenant 1 Samuel 18: 1-4 Saul becomes jealous of David When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres.7 As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”  Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” 9 And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David. 1 Samuel 18: 6-8 Saul tries to have David killed 1 Samuel 18: 17  Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage; only serve me bravely and fight the battles of the Lord.” For Saul said to himself, “I will not raise a hand against him. Let the Philistines do that!” Jonathan and David make another oath Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town 1 Samuel 20: 42 David begins his journey of deceit David lies cause a death 1 Samuel 21: 1    

• Message: “Priesthood and Restoration Day of Prayer” from Min. Davo

  PRIESTS, SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES & RESTORATION LESSON OBJECTIVES To present the full scope of the Gospel of the Kingdom. To reawaken believers to our calling as Priests. Present the God-ordained path for (all) restoration. THE GOSPEL If we believe in the death of Jesus Christ for our sins, we can be forgiven, we can receive eternal life, and we can go to heaven when we die. True, but the gospel also takes us out of the kingdom of satan into the Kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13). The gospel makes us Kings and Priests here and now. Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. WE ARE A HOLY PRIESTHOOD DOING WHAT? 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:4-5 As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. A Priest offers spiritual sacrifices. GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD Holy, Power/Authority and Order. God is willing to rule and be responsible/provide for all aspects (spiritual and secular) of a submissive human race. He has put Jesus Christ in charge as Head. Holy Priesthood is the scriptural means provided for believers to partake of God’s Kingdom and its provisions. SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES A Priest offers spiritual sacrifices. Offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Offer praise, thanksgiving, sharing and doing good (Hebrews 13:15-16). Intercession with fasting: Jesus (Hebrews 5:7), Paul (2 Corinthians 11:27), The Church in Jerusalem (Acts 12:5) & Antioch (Acts 13:1-3). Preaching & restoration: Jesus went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom, healing and casting out demons (Matthew 9:35).   WHY MUST WE OFFER SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES? It pleases God our Father (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Through Christ’s redemption, we are coopted into a preexisting battle between two kingdoms (Ephesians 6:12). It offers Christ through us rulership in the midst of His enemies bringing about restoration (Psalm 110:1). MODEL PRIESTS Daniel (Daniel 9:2-3) Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 6:5) Jesus Christ Our Savior Jesus in His earthly ministry (Hebrews 5:7) Jesus in His Heavenly ministry (Hebrews 7:24-25). Hebrews 7:24-25 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. CONDITIONS FOR RESTORATION TODAY Putting things back in the right place and right condition. 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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Hebrews 5:7 In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him. WHAT ARE THE TAKEAWAYS? Christians are a Kingdom of Priests. Priests offer intercessions and preach the gospel of the Kingdom. EFFECTIVE INTERCESSION There are occasions in which God requires the exercise of human faith and human will as an indispensable condition for the fulfillment of His counsels. Effective intercession is typically based upon the revealed will of God or through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. Revelation demands involvement. PRAYER 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Acts 4:29-30 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. PRAYER Self-humbling & confession. Lord, we pray for good government, such that facilitates the preaching of the gospel for this is your will. Divide the tongues of all authorities opposing your purposes and your people in the Nations of the earth. Amen. Lord, grant your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Back us up with healing power and miraculous signs and wonders. Amen. Personal intercessions/personal revelation.

• Message: “Hearing God’s Voice Part 4” from Pastor Joe

  Hearing God’s Voice Part 4 Decisions Decisions Decisions General Lesson Objective: This series of lessons explains how God speaks to men today and how to find His general and specific plans for our lives.  A Christian model for decision making is presented, along with guidelines for overcoming wrong decisions, steps to take if you have missed the will of God, and methods for dealing with questionable practices Personal Objectives: Understand how to resolve differences you may have with other believers Learn how to apply the biblical model of decision making Understand the six basic stages when hearing God’s words Scripture: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (I Corinthians 10:31) A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps. (Proverbs 16:9) And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21   How to deal with questionable practices Definition- These are practices which are not specifically mentioned in Scripture as being either wrong or right for a follower of Jesus. Decision making process Does it glorify God 1 Corinthians 10: 31 What is your motivation James 4:3 Is it necessary 1 Corinthians 6:12 Will it promote spiritual growth Luke 8:14 Will it lead to temptation Does it give the appearance of evil Does it violate your conscience How will it affect others Romans 14:21 When Believers Disagree Distinguish between command and freedom Romans 14:14 Cultivate your own conviction Romans 14:5 Allow others to make their own choice Romans 14: 10 and 13 Resolve all offenses Decision Making Model     Do not be in a hurry Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalms 27:14) My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. (Psalms 62:5) Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him . . . (Psalms 37:7) But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)   Stages in hearing the voice of God STAGE ONE: VEXATION. Not understanding what you hear or feel (Luke 1:28-29) STAGE TWO: REVELATION Call upon me and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3) STAGE THREE: HESITATION Exodus 3:11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” STAGE FOUR: RESIGNATION Jonah 2: 7 When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you,to your holy temple. STAGE FIVE: VERIFICATION Luke 2: 26-28 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace STAGE SIX: EXALTATION Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.   Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Text: Thomas Ken, 1637–1711 A FINAL WORD--LISTEN FOR HIS VOICE In this course you have received guidelines for knowing the voice of God. As you listen for this voice, remember His promise: . . .I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. (Jeremiah 29:11, The Amplified Version) God will continue to guide you until death: For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto (Psalms 48:14) His guidance will continue in the new heaven and earth: For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Revelation 7:17) God is not silent. If you listen, His voice can be heard above the noise and confusion of all the voices of earth. God speaks and you can know His voice: Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work TO DO HIS WILL, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)          

• Message: “Hearing God’s Voice Part 3” from Pastor Joe

  Hearing God’s Voice Part 3 Decisions Decisions Decisions General Lesson Objective: This series of lessons explains how God speaks to men today and how to find His general and specific plans for our lives.  A Christian model for decision making is presented, along with guidelines for overcoming wrong decisions, steps to take if you have missed the will of God, and methods for dealing with questionable practices Personal Objectives: Understand the two basic ways that God speaks to us Understand the two divisions of God’s will Identify ways of how God speaks to man Scripture: (Isaiah 30:21)Thine ear shall hear a word behind thee, saying This is the way, walk ye in it,when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left. (Proverbs 3:5-6)Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Review: Two Wills of God Boulema Sovereign It is the big picture of what is going to happen Thelema Individual Specific to each one of us We will concentrate on Thelema Seeking Guidance in the wrong place Occult-- Witchcraft 1 Samuel 15: 23-24 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Deuteronomy 18:10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, Casting of lots Acts 1:26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Christ did not choose the disciples by lot but with the Holy Spirit Acts 13: 1-3 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off Paul and Barnabus were empowered by the Holy Spirit. False Prophets Mark 13: 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Superstition Colossians 2: 8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. Basic Facts about God’s Will God wants us to understand his will Ephesians 5: 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. God’s will is not just once and done but a process Isaiah 58:11 The Lord shall guide thee continually. Two divisions of God’s Will Revealed directly in the Bible General will for all mankind Includes specific commandments and promises to govern living includes general principles upon which specific decisions can be made When seeking an answer to a question first seek the answer in the Bible and if you find the answer then go no further That not revealed The individual life plan for each believer Includes specific decisions like residency, marriage, life work, ministry, etc Some decisions can be made based on Biblical general principles How does God speak to man Written Word Prayer Circumstances Counselors Open and closed doors Angels Miracles Dreams Vision Audible voice Inner voice Holy Spirit Things to do when you want to hear from God Pray Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. (Exodus 33:13) Study the Scripture Listen to inner voice of Holy Spirit .He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is in the mind of the spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:27) Seek Christian Counsel Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is a safety. (Proverbs 11:14) Use Biblical keys Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Trust Do not depend on your own judgment Always acknowledge God Take one step at a time Summary Now that we understand how God can talk to us and how to diligently seek to hear and know God’s voice, we must wisely use this information. The next and final session will be on how to make decisions.