The teacher shared some video clips showing that youngsters (8 to teen) who were exhibiting impacts of experiencing the Spirit. This is wonderful and encouraging but we acknowledge that we need a balance between knowledge (sound doctrine through Biblical teaching) and feelings (hearts touched by the Spirit). We need both heart knowledge as well as head knowledge. Feel while you can but be grounded in the knowledge of faith.
Our teacher noted that the more senses involved, the more real the experience. In the Church we have hearing and seeing supported or expanded by touch and taste to experience the Holy Spirit
Taste and see that Lord is good. Psalm 34:8.
We need to be diligently praying for our children, grandchildren and future generations to feel as well as get to know God.
Our service this morning started worship songs that led to a movement of the spirit. There was a Word of God given: “Call upon the Lord. He has enough and more to meet your needs.” The presence of God was with us through an extended time for altar prayer, a short message by Pastor and a concluding time at the altar.
One of our congregants gave a positive testimony. She praised God that her daughter is 30 days sober and making good choices. Her son who didn’t want to be in church for the past six months asked to go to church and youth group this week. In the past six months, the family has gone from homeless (staying with friends or even in their car) to moving into a house of their own!
Pastor preached on just a small part of his planned message. The teaching was based Isaiah 54:17 which states that ‘no weapon formed against you shall succeed, and this is a heritage’ to God’s people! Heritage means an inheritance and in this context, it is a special possession from God. If you are saved, there are promises that belong to you: salvation, provision, healing, and prosperity in God’s realm.
When accusations and lies are told about the Church, they will fall flat.
The Creator (God) of the creator (the blacksmith) of the weapon is greater than the enemy. The weapon will not prosper. By learning the word of God, we are able to avoid and defend against the weapons of the enemy. God has promised that the Church will win. God builds the church.
We want it to succeed and condemn any lies. Be careful how you speak. When people of God talk about the church, they are talking about themselves. (Just as when a spouse speaks talks about the other, they are talking about themselves as well.) We must be prepared and on watch for the enemy. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10.
Churches will vary in their style, which is the sauce. The meat (assuming it is a Biblically grounded church) is still meat. We should always be about building up each other and the Church generally, not tearing it down.
Faith comes by hearing. What people need to hear needs to be uplifting. We serve a God who still does miracles!
The Spirit led me to this song today which I think fits the Word that was given as well as the two messages! More Than Able!!
A Verse for Today:Isaiah 54:17 ESV
17 no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed,
and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord
and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”
Lord, I give thanks for the heritage of protection You have given me from the weapons of the enemy!
