Throughout scripture and church history we see some of the greatest moves of God take place when society is at its worse. When the testimony of God is being threatened, the Lord will rise in defense! Are we living in such a time? Negative news is all around us, darkness is approaching and the testimony of Christ is being marginalized. So, why not now and why not us? God, bring a divine moment!
God uses Gideon to lead His army and defeat the Midianites. First, Gideon learns to believe and trust God in order to receive the blessing. We learn to overcome obstacles in our life through the life of Gideon as we see how Gideon bestowed his life to God, opened his life so God could bless him, allowed God to break down old habits, then saw how God broadened Gideon's life. If we follow these things, God will broaden our lives, changing our families and the community around us.
We have received a mandate to go out and reach as many people as we can in our area. Not just the surrounding towns but the entire Southeast Indiana. We are to work together with our fellow churches towards the same goal of reaching souls around us for Christ. You and I must begin to have a "large harvest" mentality and see beyond our own church. The multitudes are tired, weary, scattered, confused; you and I can show them the answer is Christ.
This message addresses the question, "What is the destiny of the true follower of Christ?" For the believer, death is not final! There is a resurrection of the dead. The Word of God is clear on this truth an we must not allow our minds and hearts to be captivated by the here and now. This life is simply a dressing room for eternity!
Jesus is coming soon, are you ready to stand in the last days? Have we prepared our families to go before the Lord? We are in a generation that doesn't know Jesus. We are called to be a noble people, to seek out the truth in the Word of God. We serve a God who is unshakeable in an environment that is shaking around us. Jesus answers the question asked in Luke - finally in verse 32, "remember Lot's wife." It is important for us to know what Lot's wife represents in the last days.
2 Corinthians 10:4 says, "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." We need to separate who God is using to help us from who we're battling and avoid getting involved in things of the flesh. God moves in ways we cannot begin to conceive. Let God fight your battles - He never loses. God helps us to choose the right timing, the right people, the right position, the right pattern, when to pursue and when we should stand still. He sends the Holy Spirit to guide us and to be our covering. Read Ephesians 6:10-17 and put on the whole armor of God.
From last night's message we know God has placed a call on our life. Now we need to prepare for warfare. Preparation is necessary for victory and is never a waste of time. Rick goes through the "Principles for Preparation" and then shows us the foundations of "Corporate Preparation" in Judges chapter 7.
Rick Clendenen brings a message to us who are 'Warriors in Warfare.' In order to get to the place where God is taking us, we have jump a few hurdles. The first mistake we make is judging God in comparison to our circumstances. We serve a BIG God who holds the universe in the palm of His hand. In Judges chapter 6, we learn about the call and the confirmation God gave to Gideon, revealing to us that God has placed a call on our lives as well.
In the battle for our minds, the devil is constantly trying to plant thoughts that we can have joy and peace apart from living for God. However, these thoughts leave us with anxiety, fear and worry. The Lord wants us focused on truth, good reports, peace and His promises. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 gives us a blueprint for taking control of our thought life.
The devil has schemes and strategies to tempt us to fall. Yet, God's Word calls us to stand! The largest battlefield is our mind. It is satan's grand target - if he can get the mind - he will eventually have access to the heart. To combat this, we are told to put on the helmet of salvation. This includes guarding four areas of thought: Our identity, How we think about daily living, Our destiny, Things that should be forgotten and things that should be remembered.
