Woodward First Assembly

Unseen-2-Our Unseen Allies

We continue with our October series, "Unseen." Today Pastor Brad teaches us about our Unseen Allies.

Pastors Notes:

2 Kings 6: 8-17NKJV

8 Now the king of Syria was making war against Israel; and he consulted with his servants, saying, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” 9 And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are coming down there.” 10 Then the king of Israel sent someone to the place of which the man of God had told him. Thus he warned him, and he was watchful there, not just once or twice.

11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not show me which of us is for the king of Israel?”
12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.”

13 So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and get him.”
And it was told him, saying, “Surely he is in Dothan.”
14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

INTRODUCTION

Good morning, everybody!

It’s so good to see you all. I hope you enjoyed last week as we talked about demonic spirits, what they are, how they operate, and the victory that we have over them in the name of Jesus.

Today, we’re going to be looking at the ministry of angels.

ILLUSTRATION

There is so much misinformation out there in the world today, especially concerning angels.

Hollywood is notorious for misinformation on angels. They often depict angels as puny, feminine, and winged. Sometimes they are depicted as naked babies playing harps and floating on clouds.

Remember that cute little kid at the end of” It’s a Wonderful Life”? “Teacher says, ‘Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.'”

That’s just another way we have been taught to think about angels.

TRANSITION

What are they? What do they do? What should we know?

Today, I’m going to show you from scripture things about angels that I believe will bless and encourage you, but first, let’s look at our background passage.

BACKGROUND

In our text, what we see is the Syrian army coming against Israel. The servant of God was very distraught because he was being moved solely by what he could see. Elisha prayed that God would open his eyes. and that’s what happened. He saw Heaven’s host ready to fight.

APPLICATION
1. Angels are created beings.

- Angels witnessed the creation of earth, as is seen in Job 38:4,7, "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.... when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" Genesis 2:1, the Bible tells us God created these heavenly beings before the seventh day of creation. “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts.”

- There is an immeasurable number. Psalm 68:17 and Hebrews 12:22

- NOTE: Men do not become angels after death. That is a Hollywood myth that people should quit perpetuating at funerals.

2. Angels have differences.

- Seraphim, Cherubim, Archangels and Guardian angels. and Cherubim are considered to be angels that guard sacred things (Genesis 3:24).

- The Bible tells us that guardian angels are indeed real. In fact, God commands many angels to guard us. In Daniel, the angel Michael is described as “the great prince who has charge of your people” (Daniel 12:1), and in the Gospels, Jesus tells us “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). Scripture assures us that God surrounds with heavenly angels to guide and protect us in Psalm 91:11-12, Exodus 23:20 and Psalm 34:6-7. I personally believe that this angel or angels are the ones assigned to us as birth, and escort us to Heaven at death (rich man and Lazarus).

3. Angels are ministering spirits

- His angels are ministering spirits. Hebrews 1:7 - They deliver messages.

They brought announcement message to Mary. Luke 1:30 They brought peace to Joseph. Matthew 1:18

- They can give divine assistance.
They shut the mouth of lions. Daniel 6:22 They busted Peter out of prison. Acts 12:5

- They can fight battles.2 Samuel 24:15

CONCLUSION

This Is War: Understanding Satan's Strategies

Unseen-1-The Truth About Demons

Today we start a new series that Pastor Brad has called Unseen.

Pastor's Notes:

Luke 10:17-20 NKJV

17 Then the [a]seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but [b]rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

INTRODUCTION

Good morning, everyone!

I hope everyone is having a super great day today! I don't know about you, but I truly enjoyed our time with Neil Kennedy. For those of you who were at the men’s meetings, it was great and we were truly challenged.

Today, we are going to start a brand new series entitled “Unseen”, where we will be spending time looking at the spiritual realm.

ILLUSTRATION

You see, you and I live in this physical world. We are very much touched by our sight and our feelings. When God created man and gave him a body, the five senses came with the package.

The trouble is, most of us get caught up in this realm and can come to believe that all there is to life is what we can see. The truth is, the unseen world is just as realm as what we can see, and in fact, is more real.

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TRANSITION

We must come to grips with the fact that if indeed we believe in a God, there must be a devil. Hollywood even speaks of a place called Heaven, but reality says there is also a place called Hell. Many TV shows and movies have been made about angels, and unfortunately, many TV shows and movies have been made about demonic things.

In fact, the month of October is the host of Halloween, and is the day rooted in the celebration of the dead. You can always tell when the month is coming because Netflix, commercials, and movie ads begin to promote the latest horror movie.

What is the truth?

The truth is that the demonic realm is not a Hollywood fable. It is truth. Today, we are going to look in the realm of the spirit with a message I've entitled “ The Truth About Demons”.

BACKGROUND

In our text, we see a very interesting story. The seventy of which Jesus sent out with authority and power came back rejoicing the demons were subject to them. Jesus them immediately seems to switch gears and says “Behold I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning.”, and then tells them to rejoice in their salvation instead. I believe He saw them puffed up, and referenced the pride of Satan that ultimately caused him to lose his position.

But interesting enough, all though the gospels and in Jesus ministry, we see an emphasize on demons, deliverance, and the believer’s authority over such things. Demons are evil, disembodied spirits that were a part of the fall that work with Satan to accomplish his plan. So drawing from the scriptures, what can we learn from such things?

APPLICATION

5 Truths About Demon Spirits

1. Demons are still active.

- Many people people in western thought that demons were either only active in the time of Christ or in pagan cultures.

- Nothing in the Bible restricts demonic operation to a certain time or culture. In contrast, the Bible speaks of a continual warfare until the time that Satan is banished eternally to the Lake of Fire and the eternal perfect state is implemented.

- One of Satan’s strongholds he uses in this area is ignorance. 2 Corinthians 2:11
- There are unclean spirits, seducing spirits, lying spirits, familiar spirits

(give examples) territorial spirits over regions (give examples of Chicago, San Fransisco, etc), and many others that are responsible for carrying out Satan’s work in the Earth.

- They are responsible for much perversion, false teaching, and destruction.

- Note: That’s not to say that we can blame the devil for anything. Your flesh can destroy you with no help from the the devil.

2. Demons cause destruction.

• -  They can cause self harm (The man at Gadara in Mark 5. He was cutting himself and living in a graveyard.)

• -  They can cause suicidal attempts (In Mark 9:20-22, the boy was cast in to the fire and the water.”

• -  They can can sickness (In Luke 13:10-17 NKJV, a woman in the synagogue was bound by a spirit. Jesus often cast out a deaf and dumb spirit in healing.)

• -  They can promote false teaching (Paul called them deceiving spirits and doctrines of devils.)

 

3.Demons can’t possess believers.

- In the New Testament demonetization is never used for a believer. Christians can’t be totally possessed by demons, but Christians can be oppressed, harassed, and dominated by the enemy’s activity.

- Peter was told by Christ “Get behind me, Satan”. - Matthew 16:23 – Ananias’ heart was filled with Satan. Acts 5:3

– Unrepentant believers can be turned over to Satan for the destruction of their flesh. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5

4. Demons walk through open doors.

- Drugs and alcohol
(Spirit of divination in Acts 16. Divination = Pharmakei)

- Horror movies
(Inciting a spirit of fear opens you up to harassment)

- The occult
(Psychics, tarot cards, etc)

- Perversion
(Porn, romance novels, etc)

- Music
(Music is very spiritual)

CONCLUSION

The greatest truth of all?
We have authority over demons!

Neil Kennedy-Five Star Man

This morning we are pleased to have Neil Kennedy. Neil is the author of Five Star Man and he teaches us of the importance of leaving a legacy.  

More: Fruit Of The Spirit 2

This Is Us-5-Blessed

We are excited to have Pastor Brad back from Africa. to day he teaches us what it means to be blessed.

Pastor's Notes:

2 Corinthians 9:5-11 NKJV
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”
INTRODUCTION
Good morning, everybody!
It’s so good to see each of you! I’m certainly glad to be in the States. God did some amazing Things and showed us a favor in many ways. We are so excited about the work that is to come things and showed us a favor in many ways. We are so excited about the work that is to come.
SHOW PICTURES
KENYA PICS
What you are looking at is the school that we were given and that we will renovate over the next couple of years. It will serve as the first missionary training center in Kenya. As of now, Kenya only has what we would call “home” missionaries, with none crossing the borders. we will be training them to go into other Muslim countries. How awesome is it that we will be a church that will not just be a missions supporting, but missions producing body of believers!

I have to first go on record and say thank you to our church body and our board for allowing me to be me. It takes a strong and secure body of believers to allow their pastor to be used in non traditional ways. I expressed that this was my heart before I ever moved here. Just because I get excited about missions, don’t be weary that I am leaving or anything like that. If I was going to do that, it’s not because I haven’t been asked or don’t have opportunity. Right now, I’m called to be a pastor that just happens to love the world. I am planted, committed, and rooted in our work right here. Doing missionary work keeps me grounded, balanced, and focused on the Great Commission. I also believe that’s a part of who we are as a church. We are a blessed people and a blessed nation.
That’s why I wanted to finish off this series with a message I’ve entitled “Blessed”, and on a message on the joy of giving.
Note: This is not a message on tithing. If you don’t get tithing, you surely won’t get this message. All Christians should tithe. If you aren’t tithing, you are robbing God, robbing yourself of blessings, and robbing the kingdom of God from ministry that should come from your obedience. Yet today, I’m talking about giving in regards to offerings. We can call this “over and above” giving.
ILLUSTRATION
You see, we are a blessed people! Right now, you might not feel blessed. You might not feel like.....- You make enough.
- Your house is good enough.

- Your clothes are the best.
- Your bank account is full enough.
- Your thought might be “I can’t give anything.”
But hear me: You live in America.
You live in one of the most financially prosperous nations in the world. If you make minimum wage, you make more than most of the impoverished nations in the world. Where I minister in Africa, the average wage is $3 a DAY. A GOOD salary is 50 DOLLARS a MONTH!
Most In AMERICA have....
Netflix
WiFi
More than one car per family
Money to eat fast food
Money for golf and hobbies
$1000 cell phones that you pay $25 a month extra on your bill for ...
And then say “I don’t have any money to give the ministry.”
Don’t get me wrong. Blessings are good. Prosperity comes from God. But the issue is when we take our blessings for granted.
When we do, we complain, become ungrateful, and ultimately become tight fisted. In doing so, we can stop up the blessings that God gives us.
Consider this scripture in the book of wisdom......
Proverbs 11:24-25 NKJV
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich,And he who waters will also be watered himself.

Notice the end of this verse: Open hands produce open heavens. Tight fisted living causes poverty.
Why does God want to bless us?
To hoard up? To have more?
No!
We are blessed to be a blessing!
God definitely doesn’t mind us having stuff. it’s when we lose perspective on why we have the stuff.
TRANSITION
That’s what we see in our text. We see people who get it. Paul uses the church at Macedonia as an example to the church at Corinth. Macedonia had ever reason not to give, but they did anyways because they caught the vision. It’s in chapter 9 that shows that as they began to give, God began to bless them even more abundantly. 

BACKGROUND
In our text, Paul is giving us some principles about giving that all of us can learn from. 

APPLICATION
1.The Love Of Giving
- Paul tells them to prepare and be ready.- To people who love to give, giving is not an afterthought.- How do people manage?

- Givers plan to give.
- Illust: Making it rain
- Slide: “Give God what’s right, not what’s left.”
- Slide: “Prioritize God first and blessings will follow!”
2. The Levels Of Giving
- Bountifully or Sparingly
- Generous or Stingy
- Generosity is not determined by amount, but by obedience and sacrifice.
3. The Law Of Giving
- Your level of reaping is determined by your level of sowing.
- More seed to sow comes by planting more seed
- Why is Africa is so impoverished when their ground is so rich. Because of hunger, they’d rather eat their seed to meet a temporary need than to sow it and wait for a better harvest.
CONCLUSION
We are blessed. I’m encouraging you to see yourself differently, and change your habits to put God First.

More: The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit

This evening Pastor Blonie Smith brings us the word as she continues the midweek series More

Pastor's Notes:

TEXT
Galatians 5:19-25 NKJV
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [d]adultery, [e]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [f]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.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 [g]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
INTRODUCTION
Good evening!
It’s me again! Last week, we finished the nine manifestations of the Spirit, but tonight, we are going to look at the nine fruit of the Spirit.
The gifts have to do with ability, while the fruit has to do with character. When we get saved, the fruit of the Spirit begins to develop in our lives.
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at three at a time.
Tonight, we will look at love, joy, and peace.
ILLUSTRATION
In John 15, Jesus said "I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in me, you will bear much fruit.”
A tree cannot bear any fruit on its own without being connected to the root system. To us, Christ is that root system. When we are in Him, these fruit begin to produce in our lives.
BACKGROUND
In our passage, the Apostle Paul is dealing with the Galatians specifically in this chapter about the flesh. He lists out things like adultery, drunkenness, idolatry, and other things. He is clear to state that Christians shouldn't engage in such things.
He then goes into listing the attributes of a Christian, which are the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s look at the first three.
SCRIPTURAL APPLICATION
1. Love
- The first one we see is love.
- This love is agape love. It’s the unconditional love that God gives us.
- When the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, the fruit of love will be in full manifestation.
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 gives us a long list of the attributes of love.
2. Joy
- Joy is often misunderstood.
- Joy is not happiness. Happy is based on circumstances. Joy is based on knowing a person.
- This joy is the joy Paul had in prison when he sang praises to God in the midnight hour. Acts 16
- The joy of having us let Jesus endure the cross. Hebrews 12:2
3. Peace
- This peace is so different that any peace in the world.
- It is a peace that is rooted in trust.
- Jesus had trust in the middle of the storm in the sea. He was asleep in the bow of the boat. Mark 4:38
- Paul had peace in the shipwreck. Acts 27:25

CONCLUSION

This Is Us-4-We Are Community

As Pastor Brad is in Africa on a missions trip, Pastor Seth delivers the message "We Are Community" this morning.

Pastor Seth's Notes:

Acts 2:42-47 NKJV
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Facts About Community
1. It’s Important to God.

We are not designed as human being to be by ourselves yet alone walk out our faith by ourselves. From creation to Jesus walking this earth as a human, community has been a huge factor in the equation.
It was God’s plan from the beginning.

2. It’s Crucial For This Next Generation.

This is a brand new generation. The Last millennial graduated in 2018. We’re now ushering in Gen Z.
The millennial generation thrives in communities. They are more productive, excited, and consistent when they are immersed in a community. When there is a common goal this generation will jump on the boat and work (with coffee or without coffee)
This next generation, Gen Z, requires community. Without community they will be lost. If they can’t find community here, they will find it somewhere else. There is a community For everything under the sun and the church should be the biggest and best one.

Benefits Of Belonging To This Community

Teaching (verse 42)
Food (verse 42)
Prayer (verse 42)
Signs and Wonders (verse 43
Unity (verse 44)
Generosity (verse 45)
Daily Fellowship (verse 46)

Conclusion
Our hope is that everybody realizes that small groups aren’t us grasping for straws as a desperation attempt to reach this generation and the next. It’s the church reverting back to the way of doing church the way God designed it and modeled it in the book of Acts.
“The best shot we have of walking out our faith is if we do it together.”

More: The Revelation Gifts

This Is Us-3-Empowered

Pastor's notes:

TEXT
Acts 2:1-4 NKJV

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all [a]with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them [b]divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

INTRODUCTION

Good morning, everyone!

I hope you all had a great weekend! I am so excited to be here this morning. I have some important meetings this coming week in Kenya with some officials, so I’d appreciate your prayers. I can’t wait to share with you the opportunity that has opened up to us. I can’t tell you just yet, but be excited. It’s a big deal!

Today, as we continue talking about “This Is Us”, I want to look at what it means to be Spirit filled. My message today is entitled “Empowered”.

ILLUSTRATION

In most of our possession, we hold an electronic device called a cell phone. Let’s take a survey:
- If you are team iPhone, raise your hand.
- If you are team Android, raise your hand.

- If you don’t know what kind of phone you have, please ask a millennial. What’s the significance of this illustration?

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Sunday, September 15, 2019

This device you have in your possession has the capability to do many amazing things, but it can do nothing if there is no power in it.

It’s still a phone with no power, but a dead one!

It is designed and meant to function when a power source is flowing through it.

TRANSITION

As a Christian, that’s the way we are supposed to function. We are to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

BACKGROUND

Jesus told His disciples

Luke 24:46-49 NKJV

46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

This was something John the Baptist also spoke about.

Luke 3:16 NKJV

16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

So throughout the Scripture, there was spoke of an experience with the Holy Spirit that would come.

APPLICATION

2

1. His Promise

- This empowerment was Jesus’ promise.

- He called it “power from on high”. How many of you need some power from above?

- It was a promise, but He commanded them to seek it.

2. His Presence

- It came from above. This is not something that comes from the devil.

- There was a sound of a rushing wind. Pentecost has always been loud and brought a sound with it.

- There was fire that came.

3. His Pattern

- It says they were “all” filled and became to speak with tongues.
- That’s weird, some may say. Well. Jesus was the one who said in

Mark 16:17 NJKV

“They will speak with new tongues.....”
- This pattern appeared all throughout Acts and church history.

- Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19
- Why this? It’s tied to its purpose.

4. His Purpose

- Why are we empowered? Acts 1:8 NKJV “ You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall be my witnesses.....”

- Witness involves telling, which involves your tongue! - It was a sign of God empowering the tongue to communicate in power His plan to humanity.

CONCLUSION

This plan is also God’s plan for us. We also need to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. When we seek the power and presence of the Spirit, He also touches our lips to be able to tell others about Him.