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

A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.  Mark 1:40-42 NIV

If you ask most people, they will say that they know that God CAN heal – even those people who know little or nothing about Him. However, the argument really gets heated when you start to discuss whether or not He WILL heal. We believe that He is omnipotent, that He is ABLE to heal, but we are not sure if He is WILLING to heal. Even some of us who believe that God is willing to heal are not sure if He is willing to heal US. People think that God only heals SOME people, because that is our experience – we have only seen a few people receive their healing. However, our experience is not the measuring stick of God’s will – His Word is His will. Jesus is the Word made flesh, dwelling among us!

And when they had crossed over, they came to the land, unto Gennesaret.

And when the men of that place knew him, they sent into all that region round about, and brought unto him all that were sick, and they besought him that they might only touch the border of his garment:and as many as touched were made whole.  Matthew 14:34-36 ASV

Jesus was the manifest will of God – He did only that which He saw His Father do. God’s will was Jesus’ will. He declared that it was His will to heal and He healed everyone. Even though He died, rose again and then ascended to the right hand of the Father, He has not changed His mind. Jesus left the Holy Spirit here on earth with us to help us and the Holy Spirit is still carrying out the will of God today.

Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them.  Luke 5:17 NKJV

The power of God may be present to heal us, but if we are too deaf, dumb, blind or dishonest to see what God is doing or hear what He is saying then we will not comprehend what His will is and we will not receive what He has already provided for us.

So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive; for the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ‘ “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.  Acts 28:25-29 NKJV

The enemy always opposes God’s plan and will. You can believe his lies or you can believe the truth of God’s word. God’s will is that we live in divine health – He has already signed, sealed and delivered it to us. All that is left is for us to come into agreement with God and His word and His will. Our faith in God’s word and His will is built up and strengthened as we spend our time hearing His word and meditating on it.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV

God’s will is an established fact. It will never change because God will never change. We need to realize that it is His will to heal us, we need to renew our minds to that fact and we need to submit to His will and go ahead and receive His healing power in our bodies.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”  Luke 2:8-14 NKJV

At Jesus’ birth, the angels announced good news to the shepherds and told them that it was a message of joy to ALL people – ALL nations! Jesus was born to bring salvation, deliverance, healing, peace and joy to ALL people, from every nation – no one is excluded – anyone who believes in Him will experience this salvation and JOY! Before the Lord does anything, He announces it – He might send angels, but usually He prophesies it through people, who are anointed by the Holy Spirit.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside her jumped, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she said to Mary, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby you will have. 43 You are the mother of my Lord, and you have come to me! Why has something so good happened to me? 44 When I heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy. 45 Great blessings are yours because you believed what the Lord said to you! You believed this would happen.”  Luke 1:41-45 ERV

Jesus Christ was still a baby in His mother’s womb when John – himself still in his mother’s belly – leaped for joy in His presence. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit – she knew that there was a special baby in her cousin’s womb and she prophesied over Mary.

Then Mary said, 47 “I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am very happy because God is my Savior. 48 I am not important, but he has shown his care for me, his lowly servant. From now until the end of time, people will remember how much God blessed me. 49 Yes, the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is very holy. 50 He always gives mercy to those who worship him. 51 He reached out his arm and showed his power. He scattered those who are proud and think great things about themselves. 52 He brought down rulers from their thrones and raised up the humble people. 53 He filled the hungry with good things, but he sent the rich away with nothing. 54 God has helped Israel—the people he chose to serve him. He did not forget his promise to give us his mercy. 55 He has done what he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”  
Luke 1:46-55 ERV

Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied herself of the great things God had done and the great things He was about to do!

Then Zechariah, John’s father, was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the people a message from God: 68 “Praise to the Lord God of Israel. He has come to help his people and has given them freedom. 69 He has given us a powerful Savior from the family of his servant David. 70 This is what he promised through his holy prophets long ago. 71 He will save us from our enemies and from the power of all those who hate us. 72 God said he would show mercy to our fathers, and he remembered his holy agreement. 73 This was the promise he made to our father Abraham, 74 a promise to free us from the power of our enemies, so that we could serve him without fear 75 in a way that is holy and right for as long as we live. 76 “Now you, little boy, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go first before the Lord to prepare the way for him. 77 You will make his people understand that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. 78 “With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will shine on us. 79 It will bring light to those who live in darkness, in the fear of death. It will guide us into the way that brings peace.”  Luke 1:67-79 ERV

Zechariah did not believe the angel that God would give him and Elizabeth a son called John, so he was unable to utter a word, until John was born and he wrote on a tablet, “His name is John.” Suddenly his tongue was loosed, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit, and he prophesied about the Messiah and about John, who was anointed to go before the Messiah and proclaim His coming.

A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man who was devoted to God. He was waiting for the time when God would come to help Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him. 26 The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Christ from the Lord. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. So he was there when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to do what the Jewish law said they must do. 28 Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God: 29 “Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said. 30 I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people. 31 Now all people can see your plan. 32 He is a light to show your way to the other nations. And he will bring honor to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:25-32 ERV

Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized the Messiah when he saw Him and prophesied of the Lord’s salvation to all nations. This was his life’s calling!

In this day and hour, you and I have the privilege to join all these illustrious people – and even the very angels of God – to proclaim God’s goodness and mercy – to proclaim that the Messiah has come to every heart and nation and that His salvation and free favors profusely abound to anyone who will believe and call out to Him in faith!

 

All the elders of Israel assembled and came to Samuel at Ramah  5 And said to him, Behold, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint us a king to rule over us like all the other nations. 6 But it displeased Samuel when they said, Give us a king to govern us. And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken to the voice of the people in all they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not be King over them.  1 Samuel 8:4-7 AMP

Samuel felt that the people were rejecting his leadership, by asking for a king, but God assured him that they were not rejecting Samuel, but they were actually rejecting God and His leadership in their lives! For about 1,400 years – from Abraham to Samuel – the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been under a theocracy, ruled by God alone. Now they wanted a king – like the other nations around them – to unite and lead their nation and to judge them and fight their battles. They knew that Samuel’s sons were not fit to lead them, but they were not content to allow God to raise up their next leader. They wanted laws, an army and a human monarch in place of God.

The people wanted to run their nation by human strength instead of God’s strength – a move destined for failure. They wanted a new system of government – someone else to take responsibility for them; to tell them what to do. They traded their freedom for the “comfort and security” of a human system of control. They thought a king would fix all their problems and bring a positive change to their nation, but because their basic problem was disobedience toward God, under a new administration, their problems would not simply go away. They couldn’t see that they were already free men under God. Instead of lifting a burden, they were heaping more burdens upon themselves. They did not need uniform rule, but rather unified faith! If we ask God to lead our family or personal life, but continue to live by the world’s standards and values, it means that our obedience is weak. Our faith in God has to touch all the practical areas of life.

God did not want them to have a king, because they would look to man and forget that God was their leader. God wanted them to be free – to be accountable only to Him. He wanted to prevent the slavery that results from unscrupulous leaders. If they would only have submitted to God’s leadership over them, they would have thrived. God wanted to give them the freedom to serve only Him and to work and produce only for God and themselves. Having a king, however, would mean that they would lose their personal freedoms and that they would have to work for and pay for the king and his government.

In 1 Samuel 8:8-17 AMP the Lord spoke to Samuel saying: According to all the works which they have done since I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they also do to you. So listen now to their voice; only solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them. So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked of him a king. And he said, These will be the ways of the king who shall reign over you:

 

1. He will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen and to run before his chariots.
2. He will appoint them for himself to be commanders over thousands and over fifties,
3. He will appoint some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest
4. He will appoint some to make his implements of war and equipment for his chariots.
5. He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers.
6. He will take your fields, your vineyards, and your olive orchards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
7. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and to his servants.
8. He will take your men and women servants and the best of your cattle and your donkeys and put them to his work.
9. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves shall be his slaves.

We can either trust in God or we can trust in man. God asks for a tithe of the blessing He pours out upon us and He promises to continue to abundantly bless us as we serve and honor him. Except for the tithe, all the produce of the work of our hands is ours to enjoy. On the other hand, the government of man demands more and more of our own resources and makes us work to support them instead of our own families. We can see even in modern times, the more the people look to the government of man for support and sustenance, the more they give up – in freedoms and in prosperity. The government of man sees the people as their own personal piggy bank – there to meet their needs. The people become objects to be used and exploited.

God, however, sees us as His precious children – with value and worth – there for Him to bless and protect! It’s our choice whom we will serve. We can serve, honor and obey God as a nation and walk in prosperity and peace, or we can trust in the arm of the flesh and we can live as slaves to the system like all the other sinners, with only the illusion of freedom. When you have chosen to look only to man, and replaced God with government for your leadership and rule, then don’t expect the blessing of God on your life, because, unfortunately, it won’t be there.

In that day you will cry out because of your king you have chosen for yourselves, but the Lord will not hear you then. 19 Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, No! We will have a king over us, 20 That we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles. 21 Samuel heard all the people’s words and repeated them in the Lord’s ears. 22 And the Lord said to Samuel, Hearken to their voice and appoint them a king. And Samuel said to the men of Israel, Go every man to his city.  1 Samuel 8:18-22 AMP

 

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24 NKJV

God’s grace is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. It is activated in our lives when we submit to Him and His word, and when we believe it and act on it. As powerful as it is to change hearts and lives, it has some boundaries. This is what God’s word says about the things that grace cannot do:

1. Grace cannot set aside forever all condemnation for future sins – grace cannot and will not cover your unrepentant sin committed after you are born again.

John 5:14 AMP – Afterward, when Jesus found him in the temple, He said to him, See, you are well! Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.

John 8:34 AMP – Jesus answered them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Whoever commits and practices sin is the slave of sin.

Romans 6:1-23 ERV – So do you think we should continue sinning so that God will give us more and more grace? 2 Of course not! Our old sinful life ended. It’s dead. So how can we continue living in sin? 3 Did you forget that all of us became part of Christ Jesus when we were baptized? In our baptism we shared in his death. 4 So when we were baptized, we were buried with Christ and took part in his death. And just as Christ was raised from death by the wonderful power of the Father, so we can now live a new life. 5 Christ died, and we have been joined with him by dying too. So we will also be joined with him by rising from death as he did. 6 We know that our old life was put to death on the cross with Christ. This happened so that our sinful selves would have no power over us. Then we would not be slaves to sin. 7 Anyone who has died is made free from sin’s control. 8 If we died with Christ, we know that we will also live with him. 9 Christ was raised from death. And we know that he cannot die again. Death has no power over him now. 10 Yes, when Christ died, he died to defeat the power of sin one time—enough for all time. He now has a new life, and his new life is with God. 11 In the same way, you should see yourselves as being dead to the power of sin and alive for God through Christ Jesus. 12 But don’t let sin control your life here on earth. You must not be ruled by the things your sinful self makes you want to do. 13 Don’t offer the parts of your body to serve sin. Don’t use your bodies to do evil, but offer yourselves to God, as people who have died and now live. Offer the parts of your body to God to be used for doing good. 14 Sin will not be your master, because you are not under law. You now live under God’s grace. 15 So what should we do? Should we sin because we are under grace and not under law? Certainly not! 16 Surely you know that you become the slaves of whatever you give yourselves to. Anything or anyone you follow will be your master. You can follow sin, or you can obey God. Following sin brings spiritual death, but obeying God makes you right with him. 17 In the past you were slaves to sin—sin controlled you. But thank God, you fully obeyed what you were taught. 18 You were made free from sin, and now you are slaves to what is right. 19 I use this example from everyday life because you need help in understanding spiritual truths. In the past you offered the parts of your body to be slaves to your immoral and sinful thoughts. The result was that you lived only for sin. In the same way, you must now offer yourselves to be slaves to what is right. Then you will live only for God. 20 In the past you were slaves to sin, and you did not even think about doing right. 21 You did evil things, and now you are ashamed of what you did. Did those things help you? No, they only brought death. 22 But now you are free from sin. You have become slaves of God, and the result is that you live only for God. This will bring you eternal life. 23 When people sin, they earn what sin pays—death. But God gives his people a free gift—eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:12-13 AMP – So then, brethren, we are debtors, but not to the flesh [we are not obligated to our carnal nature], to live [a life ruled by the standards set up by the dictates] of the flesh. 13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.

Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV – Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

2 Corinthians 5:10 AMP – For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing].

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.  Proverbs 4:18 KJV

 

When we faithfully follow the Word of God, we walk in the light. The more we walk with God, the brighter our path shines and the greater our life reflects His glory and grace.

 

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.  Isaiah 9:2 KJV

 

Jesus is the great light that has been seen by the people who walked in the dark. We were all once in the dark. When we truly SEE – and believe in – Jesus, we are supernaturally translated into the Kingdom of His light.

 

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  

Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV

 

The government is on Jesus’ shoulders. We are His body – the government is on OUR shoulders. In other words, Jesus is King over all the earth and His will is what will prevail. Our responsibility is to carry the leadership of our nation. We must pray; we must lead; we must set a godly example and not be afraid to speak the full counsel of God inside the church and outside the church and even to leaders, presidents and kings!

 

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.  2 Corinthians 4:3-7 KJV

 

Because men are blinded by the devil, they have not yet seen or received this glorious Gospel, but for those of us who believe, this light has shined in our hearts. In Genesis, God said, “Let there be Light” and light came forth out of the darkness without sun or moon or stars! This same great light has shined IN our hearts and this light must shine OUT of us as well – the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

 

We have this great treasure, of this powerful, glorious light, in earthen vessels. God doesn’t need a perfect, golden vessel to shine through – He can shine even through earthen vessels – if the earthen vessels allow the light to shine. When people see that God is doing His work even through an earthen vessel – He gets all the glory. Your earthen vessel can take no credit for what God does through you. On the other hand, don’t ever allow your earthen vessel to limit you to small thinking, believing and doing. Because HE lives in you, you have His unlimited power and ability available through you. Just let Him shine!

 

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1 KJV

 

YOU must rise and shine! God is waiting on YOU! The light is in you – stand up and shine!

 

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  Matthew 5:13-16 KJV

 

You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world!  There is nothing worse than salt that has lost its potency – it’s still salt, but good for nothing. Salt stings an open wound, but it is a perfect preserving agent. The world may be offended by the Gospel, but it is the salty Christians who are holding back the tide of the wicked one. Stay salty! Your good works glorify your Father in heaven!

 

You can’t hide a light on a hill. God has raised you up and it’s too late to hide – so stand up and shine! You can’t hide a light in the darkness. The darker the place, the brighter your light shines – even if it’s a small light – it can be seen a long way off. Don’t hide your light under a jug – let it do its job and shine brightly on whatever “candlestick” or “lampstand” that God has placed you on. Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel – this Gospel saved your life – boldly shine it to those who walk in darkness.

 

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.  Philippians 2:15 KJV

 

Live godly, so that your light can brightly shine in the midst of this perverse generation!

 

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.  Revelation 21:23

 

Our future is a future lived in the glorious light of the Lamb of God. Because we have this great hope, we continue to allow God to use us and we work to see HIS plans and purposes fulfilled and not our own. Thank God that we walk in the light and we shine the light and His power and glory are manifested through us in order to touch and change the world!

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” 9 And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; Genesis 17:1-10 AMP

1. God is a covenant making and covenant keeping God

Old Testament: Covenant  ( Hebrew word : BERIYTH)

• Means to cut
• Implies the shedding of blood
• Agreement

Jesus the Lamb of God was wounded and bruised at the cross and shed His blood for us.

New Testament:  Covenant. (Hebrew word: DIATHEKE)

• Imposition of the will is a Superior, that is GOD, upon the will of the inferior, that is man.

Covenant: You can accept it or you can reject it, But you cannot ALTER it. It is always on God’s terms.

Once we step out of the kingdom of darkness into God’s kingdom of LIGHT, there is a transformation that takes place.

 

2. When Christ sets us free, we now live by the laws of the Kingdom.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. Genesis 17:1 AMP

A). There can be no liberty without a law.

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8 AMP

If things are going wrong, check by which law you are living.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 AMP

The law of the Spirit

The law of sin and death

1. B) In Covenant. –  I am connected to the LIFE SOURCE

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will[a] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:5-7 AMP

No covenant. – No answers to prayer

No covenant. –  No fruit

No covenant. –  No success

When you in Covenant with God: Gen 17:1-10

 

God’s Response. – I will prosper you

• I will bless you
• I will multiply you
• I will increase you
• I will never leave you nor forsake you
• I will change your name
• I will change your nature
• I will cause you to be fruitful
• I will open up the womb of your wife and out of you shall come a blessed nation.

 

2. (a).  In covenant when things go crazy: it’s time TO STAND BEFORE THE LORD.

Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. Genesis 18:22 AMP

(b). The  power of Covenant gives you the right to remind God of His Promise.

And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Genesis 18:23 AMP

(c). When in covenant, you can feel your way forward in faith.

23 And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? 25 Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

26 So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” 27 Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: 28 Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?” So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.” 29 And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?” So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.” 30 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” 31 And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.” 32 Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” 33 So the Lord went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.  Genesis 18:23-33 AMP

 

Benefits of a covenant partnership

1. He lives in me and I in Him

For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Acts 17:28 AMP

2. I have understanding and knowledge in Him

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20 AMP

3. In Him I have Life

For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.  2 Corinthians 13:4 AMP

4. I am established in Him

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, Colossians 2:6 AMP

Foundation scriptures:

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 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. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:1-12 KJV

 

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Matthew 28:1-15 KJV

 

1. It is no coincidence that this year is referred to as 2016 A.D.
2. Our calendar was changed to begin again, around the time of Jesus’ birth.
3. A.D. – anno Domini – means, “In the year of our Lord.”
4. B.C – Before Christ.
5. Not Mohamed, Confucius, or Buddha.
6. News media reports that today (Resurrection Sunday) is the day Christians “allege” that Christ rose from the dead.
7. It is a historical fact that Jesus rose from the dead.
8. Matthew 28:11-15
9. The soldiers felt the earthquake and saw the angel of the Lord rolling back the stone, but they were paid to lie and say that the disciples stole His body.
10. Jesus – the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. (Revelations 13:8)

 

2. He is the Christ of the Empty Cross, the Empty Tomb, and the Occupied Throne.
3. Philippians 2:5-11

 

3. Three supernatural things about Jesus that sets Him apart from all the rest.
4. His birth – born of a virgin.
5. Matthew 1:23 KJV – “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (see also Isaiah 7:14)
6. His death – He took upon Himself the sin of the whole world and also our sickness and disease.
7. His resurrection – The grave could not hold Him and death couldn’t keep Him.

 

4. What does this mean for us today?
5. We don’t have to die – the price has been paid.
6. We can have eternal life. John 10:10
7. Romans 8:11 KJV – “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
8. We are now the family of God.
9. His grace, mercy, and forgiveness, are offered and available to ALL (who believe).

 

5. We must tell the world.
6. He is risen.

b. He is alive.

Foundation Scriptures:
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.  2 Corinthians 2:11
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  1 Timothy 6:10

Dominion.

• Genesis 1:26-28
• Adam and Eve were created in the image of God and given dominion – authority – over the whole earth.
• Genesis 3:1-19
• Adam gave control of the earth to the devil.
• He lost his dominion.
• 2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV – “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
• The Bible calls the devil the god of this world – meaning this age, this period of time.
• Matthew 4:1-11
• The devil came to Jesus, in His weakest moment, to tempt Him.
• Jesus had to resist the temptation and pass the test that Adam failed.
• In his third attempt, the devil tried to tempt Jesus with idolatry and covetousness.
• He offered to give Jesus the kingdoms of the world and their wealth and power.
• The devil controlled these kingdoms.
• Jesus overcame each temptation with the Word of God – It is written!
• Through the Cross, Jesus defeated the devil and took back the power Adam lost.
• The devil is now a defeated foe.
• Matthew 28:18-20
• Jesus was given (by earning it) all power – exousia – the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege).

Works of the Flesh.

• Cain and Abel.
• Genesis 4:1-8
• The first murder in the Bible.
• Cain did not honor God by bringing an offering acceptable to Him. Abel did.
• Cain was jealous of the favor and blessing of God on Abel.
• Cain suffered from covetousness, greed, and jealousy.
• Instead of repenting, he blamed and attacked his brother.
• Also, the devil thought Abel was the woman’s seed that would bruise his head, and influenced Cain to kill him.
• Galatians 5:19-21

Do Not Be Ignorant.

• 2 Corinthians 2:9-11
• God does not want us to be ignorant of Satan’s devices – how he operates.
• If we know how he works, and if we know God’s strategy to defeat him, he can’t take advantage of us.
• The word “ignorant” means: not to know; not to understand; be mistaken; ignore.
• You can be ignorant, because you just don’t know – you don’t have the information you need.
• Or because you don’t understand the information.
• Or because you misunderstand the information.
• Or because you choose to ignore or not pay attention to the information.

Merchandising and Trafficking.

• Ezekiel 28:13-19
• Merchandising – trade.
• Traffic – politics.
• Luciferian structure of the globe.
• Church kept out of these realms.

Satanic strategies.

• John 10:10 KJV – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
• Hosea 4:6a KJV – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
• John 8:44 KJV – “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
• Deception – to push his agenda.
• Propaganda – produces fear.
• Tactics – gas-lighting.

Lust of: Flesh, Eyes, Pride of Life.

• James 1:12-15
• Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and not forced, but enticed.
• 1 John 2:15-17 KJV – “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
• First sin – lust of the eye – Genesis 3:6.
• The lust of the flesh – craving for sensual gratification.
• The lust of the eyes – greedy longings of the mind.
• The pride of life – assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things.
• These do not come from the Father, but are from the world, itself.

Walking Free of the Enemy’s Plan.

• Psalm 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.”
• Joshua 1:7-8 KJV – “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Foundation Scriptures:

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Daniel 6:3 KJV

Daniel and his friends had ten times more wisdom and understanding than the others. Daniel interpreted dreams and had an excellent spirit. The king promoted him ruler over the whole province of Babylon. Daniel raised up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They would not bow to the golden image and were thrown into the fiery furnace. Daniel would not stop praying to the one true God and was thrown into the lion’s den. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were delivered from the fire in the furnace. Daniel was delivered from the lions. God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths.

1. What Is a Spirit of Excellence?

• A spirit of excellence, one anchored to the things of God, is the key that will bring you through trials and tribulations. It will enable you to succeed, have favor, and fulfill all that God has ordained for you to accomplish in your lifetime. How would you like to have an excellent spirit?
• Definitions of Excellence: the quality of being outstanding or extremely good, distinction, quality, superiority, brilliance, greatness, merit, caliber, eminence, and mastery.

2. Having a Spirit of Excellence Will Always Produce Fruit.

• Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16 KJV
• Father, we ask You, in the name of Jesus, to help us develop an excellent spirit, one that is anchored to the Word of God.
• Characteristics of an Excellent Spirit: great character, integrity, honesty, compassion, humble, teachable, ever learning, great work habits, dependable, meekness, consistent, confident, determination, diligence, adaptability, persistent, goal-oriented, enthusiastic, forgiving, self-disciplined, reliable, great stewardship, generous, grateful, bold, guard your heart, positive attitude, faithful, hopeful, surrendered to God, and Christ-like.
• God blesses excellence! Where you find excellence, you will find God’s favor.

3. We Must Pursue Excellence in All Areas of Our Lives.

• Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23 AMPC
• See Proverbs 22:29 AMPC and Ecclesiastes 9:10 AMPC.
• Enemies of Excellence: mediocre, average, procrastinator, low self-esteem, lazy, compromise, low motivation, poor communicator, prideful, complacent, arrogant, boastful, conceited, callous, inconsistent, mentality of grass is always greener on the other side, excuse-driven, unreliable, unforgiving, fearful, negative, doubtful, slothful, easily offended, faithless, rebellious towards God’s Word, ignoring the Holy Spirit, and spirit of religion and tradition.
• What Is Mediocre? Average, ordinary, of only moderate quality, not very good, middling, middle-of-the-road, uninspired, undistinguished, indifferent, unexceptional, unexciting, unremarkable, and run-of-the-mill.
• Mediocre or average is being the best of the worst and the worst of the best. Are you happy with being mediocre? Do you believe that this is God’s best for you? Don’t conform to average or mediocre just to fit in. God’s best never intended for you to be just average or ordinary.
• For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

4. Apply Excellence in Every Area of Life.

• Workplace: Show up ten minutes early. Don’t pack up to leave until you’re off the clock. Don’t surf the Internet and play games. Don’t take excessive breaks or long lunches. Do not steal office supplies. Do above what is expected. Work hard. Be a team player. Study to improve your skill set at your job. Keep your work area clean. Have a great attitude. Look people in the eye. Be polite. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
• Appearance: Whether you wear dress clothes or casual, make sure that your apparel is clean and neat. Take care of yourself. Have proper personal grooming habits, good hygiene, and a healthy diet. First impressions are lasting impressions. You are the temple of the living God.
• Vehicle & Home: Take care of your car even if it’s old. Detail it inside and out. Follow through with the regular maintenance of it. Keep your home clean. Make your bed. Wash your dishes. Take out the trash. Keep the yard mowed and maintained. Fix broken items immediately.  If you’re faithful in the little things, God will make you ruler over much.
• Stewardship of Borrowed Items: If you borrow something, return it in better condition. If you borrow a car, return it with more fuel. Never use offering envelopes to take notes on. Pay your bills and pledges. Excellence = Stewardship.

5. Enemy of Excellence: Offense.

• And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10 KJV
• The Bible tells us that Joseph did not get offended at his brothers when they mocked his dreams and threw him in a pit. Joseph did not get offended when he was wrongly accused and put into prison. Joseph had a spirit of excellence and would not yield to a spirit of offense. Joseph was promoted to the palace and was overseer of all of Egypt. The entire world, including his family, came to him to receive food during a global famine.
• When you’re pressed and in a hard place, whatever is in your heart will come out. Having a spirit of excellence in the pit and in the prison took Joseph to the palace. This process took 13 years. Excellence is a journey; it’s not a one-time event.
• Having a spirit of excellence does not make you proud or better than anyone else; it makes you humble and thankful. It’s a “heart thing” – not a hard thing!

6. A Spirit of Excellence in Your Relationship with the Lord.

• Pray and study the Word. Talk to Him and praise Him! Don’t forsake the assembly of the brethren; come to church. If you hunger and thirst after righteousness, you shall be filled. There are nine fruit of the Spirit. A spirit of excellence is composed of the nine fruit of the Spirit.
• But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all—love]. 1 Corinthians 12:31 AMPC
• A spirit of excellence is always love motivated; God is love.
• Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 KJV
• If you have Christ, you have it in you to have a spirit of excellence.

Foundation Scriptures: 
Exodus 12:1-14 KJV

1.  Salvation from Bondage.
   a.  The first eleven chapters of the Book of Exodus tell us about the bondage of the Israelites in Egypt.
   b.  In Exodus 12:1-14, God is outlining a way out – a plan of salvation.
   c.  He is not only setting His people free, but He is also judging the gods of Egypt.
   d.  God is holy – sin must be judged.
   e.  The tenth day of the month of Nissan this year is on March 26th.
   f.  One lamb (a year old), per family, is selected and thoroughly inspected for imperfections for three days.
   g.  If one small blemish is found, the lamb is not worthy of the sacrifice.
2.  Sacrificial Lamb.
   a.  There were approximately 2.5 million people (family of 8) which equals 312,500 lambs.
   b.  God was specific: Roast it. Do not eat it raw and do not boil it.
   c.  On the 14th day of the month, after passing inspection, the lamb is sacrificed and the blood caught by a basin. Then it’s roasted.
   d.  A branch of hyssop is dipped into the blood and used to strike the lintels and side posts of the door.
   e.  When the angel of death passed by and found no blood, the firstborn would die.
   f.  God was not only allowing sin to be judged, but whosoever refused to do this was refusing God’s plan of salvation.
   g.  Someone had to die – either the firstborn, or the lamb.
   h.  There had to be the shedding of blood.
   i.  The wages of sin is death – without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.
3.  Deliverance – Salvation and Healing.
   a.  As they ate the lamb, they had to be packed, dressed and ready to leave.
   b.  Imagine 300,000 lambs barbecuing at one time. The Egyptians must have known something was up.
   c.  The Israelites did all this by faith – inspected the lamb, killed it, sprinkled the blood, roasted it, and dressed to travel – all at the Word of the Lord, through Moses.
   d.  When God said to Pharaoh, “Let My people go,” He was saying, “If you touch them, you touch Me.”
   e.  They are the apple of My eye.
   f.  Covenant talk for covenant people.
   g.  He saved and healed them all.
   h.  Psalm 105:37 KJV – “He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.”
4.  Supernatural Provision.
   a.  While they wandered in the wilderness, God supernaturally provided for His covenant children.
   b.  Supernatural deliverance at the Red Sea.
   c.  Pillar of cloud by day.
   d.  Pillar of fire by night.
   e.  Manna from heaven.
   f.  Quail from heaven.
   g.  Water from the rock.
   h.  Deuteronomy 8:4 AMPC – “Your clothing did not become old upon you nor did your feet swell these forty years.”
5.  Born to Die.
   a.  They didn’t leave Egypt until: 1) The lamb was in them; 2) the blood was on them, 3) the Glory cloud was over them.
   b.  After this, every year, at the same time, they would prepare and partake of the Passover – the memorial covenant meal.
   c.  The priests and high priests began to breed lambs for the sacrifices.
   d.  Jesus – the Lamb of God – was born, and raised, to die.
   e.  When the shepherds heard about Jesus from the angels, they were watching their flocks. Lambs being prepared for Passover.
   f.  For twenty-nine years nothing was heard about Jesus.
   g.  At the age of thirty, Jesus’ ministry came under public scrutiny for three years.
   h.  John 1:29 KJV – “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
   i.  John 1:36 KJV – “And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!”
   j.  At the age of 33, He set His face, like flint, to go to Jerusalem (Isaiah 50:7).
   k.  On the 9th day of Nissan, the Lamb of God makes His triumphal entry, even as thousands of lambs come through the sheep gate.
6.  Passover Feast.
   a.  Three days before He went to the Cross, Jesus celebrates the Feast of Unleavened Bread (seven days) and the Passover with His disciples.
   b.  He followed the pattern laid out by Moses, but on this day He was adding substance to what was, previously, types and shadows.
   c.  On the table was a bag with bread in three pouches, which to the Jews represented Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Or, to us, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
   d.  He took out the center loaf.
   e.  Take, eat, this is My body broken for you.
   f.  There were four cups – three right-side up and one face down – Messiah’s cup – the cup of redemption.
   g.  Drink this cup, it is the New Covenant in My blood.
   h.  In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experienced the agony of facing the Cross and being offered up as a sacrifice for sin.
7.  Passover Lamb.
   a.  Isaiah 53:1-7
   b.  The lambs were scrutinized for three days.
   c.  As the lambs are inspected for blemishes, Jesus is inspected (questioned) by the priests and High Priest.
   d.  Pontius Pilate said three times, “I find no fault in this man.”
   e.  The High Priest gave the command for Him to be crucified.
   f.  As they nailed Him to the cross, they sharpened their knives for the animal sacrifice.
   g.  He died, even as the lambs were being sacrificed.
   h.  As He died, He cried, “It is finished!”
   i.  The veil covering the Holy of Holies split in two from the top to the bottom.
   j.  The Old Covenant ended – the New Covenant began – an everlasting covenant established in the blood of Jesus.