THE CULTURE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH!

 THE CULTURE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH!

When we speak about culture...it is the tangible & intangibles of that group!

It's more then the way people dress & behave...it’s the intangibles...harder to grasp...it's values...beliefs & assumptions...how problems are addressed...

It is the TANGIBLE & INTANGIBLES ...

Problem with culture it often goes unnoticed, unspoken & unexamined...

CULTURE is of more importance then VISION...vision &strategy usually focuses on products, services & outcomes!

But culture is about VALUES!

Culture describes the air of the congregation...It's the snapshot of the church! It is the sense or feeling u get when you walk into the church!

EG:     -Are people valued...who are the leaders...is rewarded...is there                  

            loyalty...JOY?

The culture of any church begins at the top! Values! The leaders integrity, competence & care...

This is for better or worse...the culture of your church is cultivated by you & those you discipleship.

1. The church must cultivate & develop a culture of hope!

Rom. 15:13 – “I pray that God who gives you hope will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Hope…such a powerful concept in the bible & yet so often it’s absent from most of our lives…
Although we are one of the most prosperous generations to ever exist we’re still surrounded by broken, fragmented, angry & despairing people.

One man said, “Most people lead lives of quiet desperation…an unconscious despair is concealed even under what we call the games & amusements of mankind.”

Here’s what most people are experiencing – no matter what kinds of gimmicks & gadgets you have in this life, no matter how many bells & whistles you associate with your lifestyle choices…life still stinks!

Do you know why? It’s because most people live their life w/o any sense of real hope!

The question is, “Why should the church be the purveyor of hope?” I’ll tell you why, because hope can’t be found anywhere else.

The world offers its own special brand of hope, but it’s always an illusion.

The world says put your hope in these kinds of people…politicians, superstars and athletes - but they always let us down.

So where is our hope? I believe it can be found in the church. Not in the organization or the building but in a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Eph. 2:12, “if you are without God then you are without hope.”

The message we have to share with our culture is a message of hope, in fact it’s the only hope they have.

That’s why we must work hard to create a culture of hope in this church…because generations are depending on us!

When we talk about the culture of hope then we’ve got to let people know that they don’t have stay the way they are that there’s real hope for them to change, not into something we want them to be, but into all that God has created them to be.

Isn’t that a great message for today?

If the church is to develop this culture of hope then…it needs to have the

1. The priority of preaching the gospel…We believe in preaching the good news is what will bring real hope to your life!

Luke 4:18, The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;

Preaching has the power to open blind eyes…those who are deaf can hear…healed from a  broken heart…to be set at liberty…feel free for the 1^st time in their lives!

THIS IS OUR HOPE, that Christ died for us, he died for sinners and he has saved us and redeemed us.

It’s not about the music, the facilities we use or the programs we have, IT’S THE GOSPEL, fully preached that brings hope…

Roms 8:23-25, Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

2. The second tool is fellowship…this is when we take fellowship beyond the 4 walls…

Acts 2: …they  broke bread from house to house…

Fellowship is designed for building a community within the community…you’ll find life-long friendships.

It’s the only place where you can truly be YOU – where you can be truthful with your struggles & excited about your victories.

It’s in this small group context where real, sustained and measurable growth can happen. It won’t happen in the bigger, more impersonal worship experience.

This model is our future because we know that spiritual growth & maturity are the results of the accountability that happens in a small group.

Here’s a point of application – if you’re not connected in fellowship…do it today!

3. The third tool our church offers is ministry…now I know that this word often conjures up images of professional ministers… But that’s not what I mean.

Doing ministry of any kind has the capacity of producing hope in your life. Do you know why?

-Because you can see the difference you make in someone else’s life…

I don’t have the time to go through a list of all the ministries we have here…

Just want you to know if you have a desire to grow spiritually mature, then that won’t happen w/o giving yourself to ministry. Find a place and plug in!

When a culture of hope is engrained in a church that place begins to see radical changes in their community & in the lives of those they are reaching & here’s the real advantage for this kind of culture. When hopeless people find hope here in our church, then they become the greatest advocates for our church.

In other words, when lost people get found, then they’re ready to do whatever it takes to find more lost people.

Maybe you’re here & you feel hopeless. Let me encourage you with these words – God has a plan for your life, it’s a plan with a future and a hope. All you need to do is surrender to his leadership in your life.

Binding The Strong Man

Mark 3:27, No one can enter a strong mans house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man, And then he will plunder his house.

 

The strong man is a satanic personality in charge or responsible for a strong hold.

 The scripture says… For the weapon of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of STRONG HOLD. 2 Cor: 10.4
A strong Hold is a fortified place that Satan builds to exalt himself against the knowledge of God & plans of God.

Satan always tries to hide these Strongholds; he tries to keep people in ignorance about these strongholds.

He always tries to operate under the cover of darkness. The only thing that exposes him is the light of God’s word.

When Satan stronghold remains concealed, the strongman is safe & can operate without being identified.

 

As soon as the strongman is exposed, the battle is half won that is why the issue of identifying the strong man is of absolute importance.

A strong man is Satan’s delegated authority over a strong hold. A strong man may have other evils spirits operating under its domain of authority, the strong man is the RULING SPIRIT.

The strong man must be bound.
Bitterness is a ruling spirit & under its domain of authority are other spirits namely…Resentment…Hatred…Murder...Unforgiveness…Temper…Anger!

1. There strong man over Nations/Cities…Strong man in Charge of Religion/Beliefs.

2. Strong Man in Charge of the Families: There are certain trends that can be traced in a particular family for generations & there seems to be a vicious cycle of the misfortunes that are repeated every now & then.
In some families, anyone who tries to excel in life dies young & this is because the strong man that rules over that family as its stronghold set a limitation in that family.

In other families divorce is inevitable, & there can hardly be stables marriages in such families.

In some families drunkenness has a consistent history. Men born into such families spend all their money on alcohol, that there nothing left to meet the needs of the home.
In order cases, the issues are malignant disease that seems to be hereditary from one generation to another; people born into such families seemingly inherited these diseases.
There is a common trend that runs through the family generation after generation. -This is an indication of the operation of a strong man.

3. Strong Man over Individuals: In this particular instance Satan builds up personal strongholds to influence the lives of particular individuals.

In some lives, you would realize that individual have not been able to overcome some sins, ways of thinking, feelings, attitudes & behavior patterns, though they may know it’s not right
You see, every consistent negative attitudes or emotions reaction is controlled by a strong man.

For some people its pride or anger, what you call bad temper, but they also acknowledge that it’s not good and yet they can’t do anything about it.

Bad habits which hold men & women in captivity are controlled by a strong man.

 

There are many other operations of different strong man which must be identified & the hold destroyed.

Take spiritual responsibility for your life; don’t depend on everyone else for your spiritual well-being.

 

Confess the word over your life. Pray strong prayers that will rout the enemy. Do not allow self-pity to hold you back.

Stir yourself up in to prayer.

This is the key to overcoming life issues…Those who experienced deliverance either came or were brought to Jesus…

Someone had to take the initiative. It all begins with a decision. You cannot allow passivity rob of your deliverance. You must open your mouth…

Your deliverance is as close as your mouth.

 

There are many people frustrated with life, people struggles can become overwhelmed by doubt & failure. Some are battling stress, & pressure that often lead to emotional & physical problem.

Jesus spent a great deal of time ministering to the oppressed.

 

Deliverance is the children bread; every child of God has the right to enjoy the benefits of deliverance. Deliverance brings freedom & joy. 

The breakthroughs you will see are, supernatural…

Healing will multiply…

• Long – term bondage will be destroyed.
• Hidden roots will be exposed and eliminated.
• Inexplicable problems will be solved. Stubborn obstacles will be removed. Circles of life failure will be broken.

 

Some of you, who experience deliverance & release, you will see notable changes.

Sometimes the change is progressive & sometimes instantaneous.

The change however will be dramatic

Jesus is coming back! How this affects you today?

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. (‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭13-15‬ NKJV)

Paul has just elaborating on end time events! Which was enough to I still fear in any heart! But this was not his intention. The intent was to raise their attention to the return of Christ & have in the foremost part of their thinking!

When we think about the coming of the Lord, it should make a strong impact in our lives.
It should affect the way we live, the way we think, the way we carry on in our relationships, and the way we invest our money into the Kingdom of God.

It is simply a fact that Jesus is coming for His Church, and we should constantly live in the light of His coming.

When we live with the awareness that Jesus is coming again, it changes our conduct and behavior.

So when is He coming?? I don't know but I know it is soon! Meanwhile listen to words of Peter!

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (‭II Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8-9‬ NKJV)

It may be sooner then you think!

Paul is communicating to his readers that they have a responsibility to respond to his message about Jesus’ soon return. They are to live in a godly, upright, and holy manner as they wait for “the coming of our Lord.”

3 things to remember!
1. We always have his coming at the foremost of our thinking.
2. This creates the need to live & righteous lives!
3. There is an urgency in evangelism...tell somebody!

Surrendering Your Words

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:6 NKJV)

We are talking about the Power of Words. Words are so very powerful… accuse or encourage… Words make us laugh or make us cry. Words bring healing or hurt. Words teach truth or teach lies. Words bless or curse. Words create gossip or stop gossip. Your words will bring you victory in life or defeat.

-Researchers tell us we spend up to 20 per cent of our entire lives talking! With that in mind!

-The Bible gives much instruction about our words.

-(Amplified) Proverbs 18:20 A man's self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of its fruit.

-So it is also true that we r known by the words we speak...

-It’s interesting to note that if u ever want to know where someone is at just take time to listen to their words…

-Jesus said, For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks…

EG: Aesops Fable…Once upon a time, a donkey found a lion's skin. He tried it on, strutted around, and frightened many animals. Soon a fox came along, and the donkey tried to scare him, too. But the fox, hearing the donkey's voice, said, "If you want to terrify me, you'll have to disguise your bray." Aesop's moral: Clothes may disguise a fool, but his words will give him away.

WORDS EXPOSE U!

EG; Years ago disciple asked what he thought of the paint colour…IT SUCKS!

The Pastor later said, That’s a man who will not go far in ministry…

Didn’t u/stand at the time…but his words were exposing someone inside of him…that I didn’t see!

Too often I talk without thinking, never considering the one receiving my words. It's easy to blurt out words when we're under pressure.

Although we may have no intention of hurting others, our words can inflict great damage.

Much like a burned forest, the damage can take years to restore…

James 3:5-6, "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire..."

Even one thoughtless word has consequences.

Perhaps you heard such destructive words as a child... words you've never been able to forget.

Even though you know today that those words weren't true, they still hurt deeply. You can still hear them ring in your heart:

EG: Your'e dumb. You won't amount to anything. I wish you'd never been born… 

We can't control the words that are spoken to us. but we can focus on the words that we say to others.

Sometimes it's easy for me to say careless or destructive words without thinking when I'm with those I know best.

EG: It's when I'm with my family, a close friend, or a dear colleague that I often let down my guard and say discouraging, impatient words--words that wound rather than heal. 

Many times we are blinded concerning how our words offend. We need to ask the Lord to open our eyes to ways that our words are hurtful or damaging.

May our words give grace, blessing, & hope to those around us. 

So when you pray over your food & fellowship pray for grace!

Lord bless the food & the hands that prepared it & Lord bless our conversation!

Praying for workers

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, (‭II Thessalonians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ NKJV)

Have you ever wondered how you should pray for missionaries or for people who are preaching the Word on the front lines where it is more difficult? Well, today I’m going to give you the answer. And please—while you’re praying for people on the front lines, be sure to remember to pray for me too!

The apostle Paul did what I call “front-line ministry work.” As noted earlier, Paul’s ministry took him places where the Church was nonexistent. He dealt with hostile governments; he faced opposition from false religions; he pushed the evil forces of the demonic realm out of the way; he brought converts from the bleakness of paganism and turned them into living, breathing members of the Body of Christ. This task is never for the light-hearted, but only for the extremely committed.

-Then Paul makes his request: “Finally, brethren, pray for us….” The Greek word... As it is used in this verse, this word means to pray continually or to pray without stopping. 

-Paul is sincerely asking for committed prayer partners who will pray nonstop for his team, his ministry, and for himself. When he says, “Pray for us,” the word “for” is the Greek word peri, which means around or about. Paul is specifically requesting prayer for those things that are around or about them—hence, the things that concern them and their ministry.

Next, Paul gets more specific about how to pray. He says, “Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course….” The Greek could be better translated, “Pray for us, that the Lord’s word may have free course….” 

In all his years of ministry, Paul was always mindful that the message he carried was given to him by the Lord.
Furthermore, Paul knew that his responsibility was to preach that message. Therefore, he asked the Thessalonians to join him in praying that the Lord’s message might have “free course.” These words “free course” come from the Greek word trecho, which means to run.

Before we go any further, let’s stop and look deeper into the meaning of the word trecho. 

1. This word often referred to runners who ran a foot race in a huge stadium before adoring crowds of fans. In order for the runner to run successfully and finish triumphantly, every ounce of his strength and his complete attention was required.
There is no doubt that Paul had this picture in his mind as he wrote this verse, for he was in a race to preach the Gospel to as many souls as possible before he came to the end of his life. He was in a spiritual race, a real competition. Racing urgently and with all his might against the enemy who wants to eternally destroy and damn souls, Paul put forth his best efforts to save as many souls as possible.

2. However, there is another powerful image that applies to this word. This word was also used to describe the swift-running messengers who dashed between enemy lines to carry vital messages of instruction to those who waited on the other side of the battle. 

These especially brave and courageous messengers were essential if battles were to be won.

You can clearly see why Paul would have chosen to use this illustration, for he was indeed a God-sent messenger running back and forth through enemy territory, delivering the message of the Cross, as well as instructions to the churches that looked to him for apostolic leadership. Paul was God’s special, swift-running messenger!

Finally, Paul makes one last prayer request. He asks for prayer that the word of May be glorified..

These powerful words used by Paul in Second Thessalonians 3:1 convey the following ideas:

“Finally, brothers, pray for us and for those things that concern us. Pray that the word of the Lord will spread quickly and without resistance. Pray that we will be able to keep up the pace that is required for us to get this message out!

“To fulfill this task, we have to be like runners whose eyes are fixed on the goal before us! We must be like brave, bold, daring, and courageous messengers, whose job is to carry vital information across enemy lines. We have to move promptly and swiftly to get the message of the Gospel to the other side where people are desperately waiting.

So now you have an idea of how to pray for missionaries, preachers, or people who are ministering the Word and planting churches in new, unreached regions—the difficult front lines where the Word has never or rarely been preached.

Here is a wrap-up of Paul’s prayer request for you to use as you pray for people you know who are working in difficult parts of the world:
Pray for the missionaries and preachers themselves.
Pray for the things that concern them, i.e., their families, their finances, their health, etc.
Pray for the Lord’s message to spread without hindrance from hostile forces.
Pray for the missionaries and preachers to win the race for souls.
Pray for them to be protected as they dash through enemy territory.
Pray constantly, around the clock, for those who are laboring on the front lines!

Now that you know how the apostle Paul wanted people to pray for him, you can use this as a guide to pray for missionaries and preachers in other parts of the world. Why don’t you take a few minutes to start praying for them today? 

Dispossessing the Enemy!

“If you should say in your heart, ‘These nations are greater than I; how can I dispossess them?’— (Deuteronomy 7:17 NKJV) 

When your life to Jesus...the battle intensifies... 

The enemy does not want to give you up...there are areas of dominion he has in your life! 

The battle is all about Dispossessing the enemy...it's about taking the land & claiming the promise of God.... Areas of addiction...relationships... Attitudes... Money... Guilt & shame... 
ALL Strongholds of the enemy! 

Evicting the enemy from your life! And the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you little by little; you will be unable to destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. (Deuteronomy 7:22 NKJV) 

Salvation is not an event! It's a process...yes you are saved from the moment of decision but redemption is a process of God continually working in your life! 
So how does that happen? 
1. Trusting the Lordship of Jesus with your life! He will drive the enemy out if your life! 
2. This happens little by little... It's a process...takes time... 
3. It also means giving the resolve to stand strong... And He will deliver their kings into your hand, and you will destroy their name from under heaven; no one shall be able to stand against you until you have destroyed them. (Deuteronomy 7:24 NKJV)