We know that the return of the Lord is near and we are grateful to know that He is faithful!
He daily loadeth us with benefits.
We are in the kingdom for such  a time as this.  Look up, your redemption draws nigh.  He is faithful in every way!   Our ears will hear a word behind us saying this is the way.
We know that the day of the lord is near. We are encouraged, knowing that He is faithful!   
Every day, every moment, every hour is a time of thanksgiving!  We should give thanks in everything. 
 
We have a three-fold command to be a people of praise.
 (I Thes. 5:16-18)
1)Rejoice evermore,
2) pray without ceasing,
3)in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God
 
Why rejoice?  Because all things work together for our good. (Romans 8:28)
We look not at things seen, we trust in Him -He promised to meet our every need  (2Cor.4:18)
He has given us promises and he cannot fail.
The Power of praise
Through times of persecution, they did not neglect to honor God in worship with praise and thanksgiving.
We have a strong command to rejoice!
He has given us promises and He cannot fail.
 
In trial and in prosperity we know we love God and He loves us, no matter what the devil does to us!
The will of God, we are not moved by circumstances,
Praise is not a suggestion, but a command
 
There are blessings when we walk in obedience to the command of God
We are not in fear of the outcome if we know that we love Him,
(Romans 8:18)  the sufferings of this present world not worthy to be compared to the glory that is going to be seen on us.
(Psalm 34:19  )  Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers them out of them all.
In our testing , we know that we will have a testimony.  If there is no fight, there is no victory
(James 1:3-4)  count it all joy!  Be willing to endure, knowing all these things are a testing.   expect the trying of our faith
 
A Great trial of affliction
In the day of Apostle James’ writing, there was great persecution coming to the church.  Their encounters were similar to those experienced in the world even today. 
the church was scattered
in some ways, we can identify/relate to being scattered and isolated in unfamiliar surroundings
In this season there is still the command to rejoice and give him praise in everything
 
The trying of our faith, the importance of giving God praise regardless of the current situation you may be facing
(James 1:12) – blessed is he who endureth temptation when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life
Endure persecution temptations that come from the world and the devil
Our relationships in this life, and our relationship with God, (intimacy and commitment to Him) are being challenged now like never before.
we receive a crown if we endure
 
The command is still the same, there is still a reward if we endure trials and afflictions.  There are  challenges we are up against now,
Trials are sent to steal/destroy your joy and rob you of your confidence in God’s faithfulness
Stand firm, be strong, fight and hold fast!  give God praise When, not If  You fall into trials.  We are commanded to walk by faith, to give, to be obedient.
 
(James 1)  James considered himself a servant of God and of Jesus Christ
To the 12 tribes  which are scattered abroad
 
James the brother of Jesus  by Joseph (father)
Refers to himself as a bondservant of Jesus
Came to understand only after Jesus died!
He grew up with Jesus, but had no commitment until he came to a place of conversion and leadership
 
The Scattering
The enemy is scattered by praise!
Saints were scattered abroad
(Psalm 68:1-3) Let God arise and the enemy be scattered
Tarry in Jerusalem   Jesus said, “Wait for the promise of the Father”  (Acts 1:8)  you will be empowered
10 days after Jesus gave the promise, the Holy Spirit came!
  When Pentecost came, they were in one place in one accord when the Spirit Came upon them
He told them they would be witnesses for him
They asked Jesus “when will you re-establish/restore the throne of David” 1:6
He said the time for that to happen is according to His will and timing
This is about power, not political or economic according to the world’s system
The church is now focused on political power not the command of Jesus.  He said He gives power to be witnesses unto Him, to change lives, convert souls, to destroy the works of the devil.  Those who believe and are baptized will be saved.  He confirms the word with signs following. (MARK 16:20)
 
What were they to do with this power?
Go in my name…I confirm my word with signs following
3,000 Souls saved, the church multiplied, concerned about themselves, their fellowship, not the gentiles and unsaved!
 
God allowed devastation through Nero.  Great persecution, dragging saints into the arenas/coliseums to be devoured as a sport and entertainment
the temple was destroyed in 70 AD
The church grew, martyrs sang praises unto God while being devoured! 
The enemy thought he was getting rid of the church but the church grew as they were scattered
 
10 days after Jesus gave the promise, the Holy Spirit came!
 
True saints of God, Rise up and go forth, and realize they are not of this world.
(1 John 5:4)  This is the victory that overcomes the world
(1 John 3:13) Marvel not if the world hate you… 
Count it all joy
They took Christians and lit them on fire, using them as torches, etc.  Of Peter and all the apostles most were martyred.  Only one died a natural death. 
           
Throughout all the church prospered increased beyond what they could imagined
Now – scattered not together: different season the church was scattered: the command, mission purpose remained the same - go ye into all the world and preach the gospel… (Mark 16:15)
 Philip went to Samaria.   Had persecution not come the church probably would have remained comfortable in fellowship  and caught up in the things of this world.
When persecution came thy still advanced the kingdom
They obeyed the command to rejoice, did not allow circumstances to determine our actions.
This is a wake up call.  We have a home and a kingdom greater than this world’s kingdom and the things of this life!
 
Revival came to the city of Samaria. Cornelius’ house.  The secret was they obeyed the command to rejoice.  Offer up a sacrifice of praise!
We must make a choice to rejoice
(I Thes 5:16 )  rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing
When trials come, stand fast, knowing that the trying of your faith works patience
Endurance: Romans 5 not just in the good, but in tribulation, also
(Romans 5:1)  BEING JUSTIFIED by faith we have peace with God because we choose to agree with God  27[AM1] :03
How can 2 walk together except they be agreed
(Phil. 4:6  )peace of God  in everything through prayer and supplication
(GALATIANS 6:9 be not weary in well doing) Don’t get weak, weary, distracted, discouraged
 
Always pray,  I would have fainted unless I had believed to see  ( Psalms 27:13):
Mount up with wings as eagles (Isaiah 40:31) 
We have the peace of God and peace with God
REJOICE IN THE HOPE OF THE GLORY OF God!!
 
by whom we have access,  rejoice glory in tribulation also
Many are the afflictions of the righteous. Psalm 34:19   Think it not strange re: the fiery trial that should try you.  1 Peter 4:12
God caused you to have a testimony, knowing this
Gotta know that God is faithful and cannot fail
He is more than all the world against you
He is with you for you.  He will not forsake you.
He delights in prosperity of His servants
(Daniel 11) they that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits
Know for sure, “know in your knower”
Settle it in your spirit, know that tribulation works patience, patience works experience, experience hope
Don’t get weary, you will have an experience, the blessing of the Lord
Learn how to fight, how to pray,  a testimony that God brought you through
Have Hope!  If He did it then, He will do it again!
Hope makes not ashamed
(As I type this, the song comes on radio  for every mountain you see me through  for this I give you praise!!)
Praise is a weapon of warfare – praise brings chaos to the enemy’s camp, brings confusion to the enemy
 
As with the 3 Hebrew boys, the world sees that the Lord God is with you as they see you stand and lift up praises
Lift up your voice, lift up praises to the living God
The enemy thought he would separate God from his people
 
Praise is the environment God dwells in
When He hears His word, even angels come to attention. 
Set the atmosphere with praise in your house, in your car, wherever you are
Give praise for what He is about to do.  Your victory is in Your praise!
Never enter warfare without first worship!
Begin to praise God and then the walls come down.
Send Judah first – Judah means praise
Look up! 
Be ye lifted up, and the king of glory will come in. (Psalm 24)
We offer praises!  The battle is the Lord’s
HE loves to hear that we recognize him AS OUR SOURCE.  As our Father who is faithful
He honors us with His presence
Every day is thanksgiving for the people of god
Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness
The spirit of heaviness is blanketing the earth
Things may get worse, making you feel unworthy but God lets you know it is not about how you feel but about what you know, 
praise is comely to the upright
Faith is not a feeling, obedience is not a suggestion,
Giving is a command
(Habakkuk 3:17)   Joy invites the glory of God, invites Jesus to come and fight
Though the fig tree be not blossomed…
Count it all joy God Is faithful
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord
I will joy in the God of my salvation
Bless the Lord oh my soul.  Praise is comely for the upright
Set yourself and you will see the salvation of the lord.  Set yourself, settle in!
 
Stand ye still and see the salvation of the Lord
He will make my feet like hinds’ feet  (Psalm 18:33)
Make me to walk in my high places
He desires that we give Him praise.  Bless the Lord at all times! his praise shall continually be in my mouth  (Psalm 34:1)
 
Let God arise and HIS enemies be scattered
Resist the devil and he will flee.  Frustrate the plans of the enemy.

 [AM1]

The enemy Is a mastermind at stealing identity
It is easy for identity to be stolen, but hard to get it restored.
The devil attempts to destroy your identity
We must remember that we  are in this world but not of the world
The Church is beginning to forget its relationship with Christ
 
The Mission of The Church
Our job  is to be a light in this world
Ministry has not changed, but our methods are changing.
The Kingdom is to be advanced, not changed
How we go about doing the work
(2Cor 4): the God of  this world has blinded the minds of them who believe not

The enemy’s goal is to blind us as to who we are, who He is and who the people of God are:

Who we are to One  another, 1Corinthians 12:12-14  12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.14 For the body is not one member, but many.
We were born blind, “dead in trespasses and sin”
(Ephesians 2:1) 1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Except a man be born again, he cannot perceive, rightly maintain,
You must be born again  (JOHN 3:16)

Matthew 10:8-) 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 
We were once blind but not we see
- We are new creatures,
We were once under the power of darkness
He (God)  has delivered us out of the miry pit
Our joy has been restored

Psalm 51  restored to us the joy of salvation
God has not changed his mind about you, or His church

​We have been transformed, changed in nature and function
From sin nature to divine nature
(Romans 8:16)     "The Spirit of God bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" . our nature, action and attitudes are changed
All things are new,  We are being transformed by the renewing of our minds,
The enemy  is trying to make us conform to this world
 
Our challenge is to Keep our minds stayed on the things of God
Our Goal:   that Christ be formed in us
 
 
We are crucified with Christ 
(Galatians 2:20)   I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God,
Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost
He wants to be formed in us and revealed through us
The enemy wants you to feel like less than you are
 
Be familiar with the opinions of others, to whom you witness and relate to
(Matt 16:13)  Whom do men say that I am?
Remember" glory to glory" message from last week
It's no time to be weak now, you must be strong
He is preparing us for greater works
 
Whom do ye say the Son of the living God is?
(Matthew 10) Jesus sent out 12 with a commission
Freely you have received, freely give
After going out and upon returning to Him, Jesus asked,  whom do they say that I am?
 
John the Baptist was crying out in the wilderness,  {We should be doing this now)."Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"    to the Pharisees and scribes who came, he said, "bring forth fruits of repentance" 
(Matt 3:8)
the heart of the Father desires that none should perish  (2 Peter 3:9) “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 
There are many challenging ideas as to who Jesus is
The spirit of the world/compromise  can cause us  be fearful and hold back
Be reminded of past times God has worked miracles in your life
Loaves and fish  Peter knew from experience and by the Spirit
Cast not away your confidence, patience  (Hebrews 10:35,)  "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward."
Confidence for your life and your church

After you have done the will of God you will know  (John 7:17) 
Verse 16  thou art the son of God  Jesus says thou art Peter, a rock,  you are strong
Jesus is THE ROCK
 
Let the weak say I am strong,  fruitful, prosperous, healed
It’s a new season, a new hour
our nature changes when we get revelation
we apply Him!  Cast our cares upon Him
our nature changes and gives us strength and power
'He touched me’ 
We need a touch from God
Get a picture of who Jesus is
 
The nature of a man changing  (3 EXAMPLES)
Abram  from sojourner to father of many nations
Jacob encounter with the angel
First a supplanter, became a prince=with God
Saul of Tarsus, destroyer becomes a builder of the church after his encounter with Jesus

Don't let the devil steal your identity - Redeemed, child of God, heir of God
There must be a power greater
Trust in the Lord, He will change your mind to think as He does
 
God has not changed his thoughts concerning  His church
Army - put on the whole armor of God
Called to warfare, automatically enlisted
We have been given weapons, artillery, all that we need for spiritual warfare
(Ephes 6)    (2Cor 10) weapons of our warfare are mighty through God
The First attack of the enemy is , against your mind
But we are more than conquerors in Jesus
We plead the blood of Jesus,
Use the sword of the spirit (the word of God), we speak healing, peace and deliverance through the name of Jesus
Pray in that name - everything must bow to that name
All rulers of darkness and every evil work must bow as we do Warfare in the Spirit 
 
The church is a healing center
(James 5:14)  if there be any sick among you if there be any sick among you ? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
The prayer of faith, Balm in Gilead, He sent His word and healed them.  He delivers from all destruction, brings healing of minds, bodies and relationships
We fight in the Spirit
We have the spirit of obedience now that we are born again
The church is an equipping center
Study to show yourself approved unto God ,a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth  (.2Timothy 2:15)
Hunger for the Word, live by every word from the mouth of God  (Matthew 4:4) 4But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
( 1 Peter 2:2-4) 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 

Be trained, learn to walk and operate in power
(Ephesians 4:11-13) 11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ^12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ^13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
5 fold ministry gifts
 
The church is a community in a community
It is an outpost where people come to be ministered to spiritually, physically, and mentally
The church is a family - household of faith
By one spirit baptized into one body under the blood
We are challenged to understand the unity we have in the body of Christ
We must advance the kingdom above culture, be concerned about lives
Magnify the blood of Jesus above ancestors
We are a royal priesthood, a chosen generation, a peculiar people
We have liability and responsibility
​
Though our methods are different, our mission is still the same
No weapon formed against us shall prosper,  Every tongue that shall rise up against us in judgement we shall condemn  (Isa 54:17) 
The Heritage of the Servants of God

   Pastor Reginald Bruce Miller  Sunday   11/01/20)

What a great sacrifice Jesus made for us!

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”  (1John 3:16)
The Atonement,
Verse 10  we were enemies, reconciled by His death and shall be reconciled by His life
We have been purchased, redeemed by His paying a ransom price for us.  His precious blood shed on calvary’s cross was the price paid.
Access
(Hebrews 4:16)  Because of the atonement, we have access, can come boldly  16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
We can come beyond the veil.  We can come right into the presence of God at any time to worship our father.
(Rev. 14:12) He has given us power to overcome the devil  by the word of our testimony and by loving not our lives to the death
“the only real problem is the disease of sin”
(Isaiah 59)  “our sin has separated between us and our God”
“What can wash away our sin?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus
We can’t legislate morality, sin nature or the power of darkness
Until sin is dealt with, your way might seem right
 
Sin of omission, failing or refusing to do what is right
Sin of commission, transgressions, iniquities we commit
 
 
(see recording)
The main sin of omission is unbelief
There are natural cures for natural disease, helping the body to heal itself
The disease of sin in the souls of mankind can only be dealt with by the blood
 
(see recording)
Sin is a cancer, a type of virus, often transmitted by evil communication
Sin corrupts, infects seduces
The lust of the eyes, etc.
Sin of Commission: refusal to repent, causes people to go to Hell
*Not because of lifestyle, but because of unbelief causing people to spend an eternity away from God
(John 3:16,17)    God loved the world, He didn’t come to condemn the world, 16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Because they do not believe on the Lord.  their deeds were evil They love darkness,
but the only way to salvation is to accept the free gift.
(John 3:18-19) 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

(Acts 4:12) No other name by which we must be saved,
(1 Tim 2:5) There is one mediator ,
(John 14:6) He is the way, the truth and the life.  )
(John 3:36) He that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. He who has Him has life.
(John 10:10) That you might have life more abundantly,
(Luke 13:5)  except ye repent you shall all likewise perish,
(1John 1:9)   if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us,
We must accept the free gift
If we miss the mark  (sin) we have an advocate
Determine in our hearts to please the Father
 
SOZO Salvation: Delivered from sin, sickness, poverty and death!
(Romans 5:8)  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(Isaiah 53) 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.
He has given us Salvation of the whole man: spirit, soul and body
He will present us blameless  (Jude 1:24)  (Phil 1:6)
 (Ephesians 5:27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish
Salvation is not just to get us to heaven, but that we can live in deliverance in this life

DELIVERED FROM THE POWER OF SIN
Justified – acronymn  “just as if I’d never sinned”

(Isaiah 5:9) Now being justified by His blood. – shall be saved from wrath to come
He has cast our sin as far as the east from the west!
(Isaiah 1:18)   Though our sins be as scarlet
Be reminded of His great sacrifice and the suffering He endured for us
(Isaiah 53) God laid on him the iniquity of us all!

(Ephesians2:8) " For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: lest any man should boast."
We all have sinned, by the mercy of God we have been saved, not of works!
 
He died the death we deserved.  We take communion in remembrance of what we have been delivered from and in remembrance of Him.
 
We were born in sin and shapen in iniquity because of Adam’s transgression.
(1Cor 517) we have been born again, new creatures, except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God
We are now children of God , divine nature, no longer have the spirit of disobedience.  Now our nature is to do good
It’s by nature that sinners sin.  That’s why they must be born again.
 
SOZO – God delivers us from the power of sin, sickness and death! 

2) He delivers from the power of SICKNESS
(Psalm 103)   Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
 
(Isaiah 53:5)  By His stripes we are healed
(3John 1:2)   I would that you prosper “AND” be in health even as your soul prospers
Healing Is part of the covenant.    It is part of what Jesus bought for us.
 
3. Delivered from lack/poverty
(Phillipeans 4:19) “My God shall supply all your needs
He provides!
 
(Matt 6:33)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
 
(Luke 12:29-32) 29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. 30For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 31But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
(Psalm 35:27): He delights in the prosperity of His children
 
He came so that we can have abundant life.
(John 10:10) “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly
 
(Psalm 23) As we delight in Him he wants to prosper us.  He is our shepherd and we shall not want.   He leads us and we lack for no good thing because we are the servants of the living God
 
4) Delivered from fear of Death - The last enemy
(Hebrews 2:15) We are no longer under bondage to fear of death after this life is over   15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
 
(2Cor 5:8)  To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord
 
Oh death where is your sting? The devil no longer has the power of death over you.
 
(1 Corinthians 15:55)  5O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  Your body is just the house you live in.
You are a spirit, your body goes back to the dust at death and you get a glorified body, like that of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The children of Israel were in bondage for 400  years
God gave Moses instructions to take the blood of a lamb, and apply it to the doorposts
We must symbolically apply the blood of Jesus to our lives.
It is not sufficient only to know and accept Jesus to no longer be under the fear of death.
 
                                    Communion  
(1 Corinthians 11:1-32)   Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 2 For I received from the LORD what I also passed on to you: The LORD Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the LORD's death until he comes. 27So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the LORD in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the LORD. 28Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. 32Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the LORD, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.