Embracing God's Principle of Increase and Integrity
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the profound truth that God has bought us with His blood, risen from the dead, and given us hope. Our courage and foundation rest upon His name, promises, and finished work. We lifted our heads in gratitude, acknowledging His goodness, mercy, grace, kindness, and salvation. We praised Him for the cleansing power of His blood and the life-giving word of the Holy Spirit. We sensed a Palm Sunday-like declaration, recognizing Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who rules with goodness and strength. We prayed for those present and those in our hearts, grateful for the privilege of lifting our concerns to the One who hears and answers prayer.
We also shared the joy of being part of the Calvary Temple community and the Manhattan Beach Retreat Center, where God is doing remarkable things. We expressed gratitude for the leadership and support that make these ministries thrive. We invited everyone to experience the fellowship and growth opportunities at the retreat center, emphasizing the infectious nature of God's work there.
The core of our message focused on the principle of increase, as seen in God's creation. From the fifth day of creation, God established a principle of growth and multiplication. He created the world with the potential for increase, and this principle extends to every aspect of our lives. We are called to grow in skill, knowledge, relationships, faith, prayer, and ministry. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, and self-control—can all grow and develop in our lives.
We highlighted the importance of integrity as the foundation for democracy, economy, relationships, and the church's testimony. Integrity is essential for the kingdom of God to function fully. We shared how God is using our ministries to promote integrity and bring about a revival of character and credibility in the church. Through initiatives like CLI and BCA, we are witnessing God's increase as we train leaders, reach nations, and develop self-sustaining ministries.
Finally, we encouraged those who have held back from pursuing their God-given dreams to trust in His ability to bring increase. God created us to make a difference, and He desires to increase our influence, faith, knowledge, and anointing. We prayed for an intervention of faith, believing that God can take us from where we are to where He wants us to be, for His glory and our joy.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Principle of Increase: From creation, God established a principle of growth and multiplication. This principle applies to every aspect of our lives, including our skills, knowledge, relationships, and faith. We are called to grow and develop, reflecting God's desire for us to experience the blessing of increase. [34:07]
- Integrity as a Foundation: Integrity is crucial for the functioning of democracy, economy, relationships, and the church's testimony. Without integrity, these systems fail. We are called to restore broken foundations and promote integrity as a way to create a safe and stable way of life. [42:51]
- Revival of Integrity: We are praying for a revival of integrity in the church, where the character of Jesus Christ is evident. This revival will bring credibility to the church and distinguish it from the world. God desires to change the character of the church and make it a light to the world. [46:36]
- God's Work in Our Ministries: Through initiatives like CLI and BCA, God is bringing about increase and transformation. We are witnessing the multiplication of our efforts as we train leaders, reach nations, and develop self-sustaining ministries. God's principle of increase is evident in the growth and impact of these ministries. [51:20]
- Trusting God for Increase: God created us to make a difference, and He desires to increase our influence, faith, knowledge, and anointing. We are encouraged to trust in His ability to bring increase in our lives, believing that He can take us from where we are to where He wants us to be, for His glory and our joy. [01:00:17]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Declaration of Gratitude
- [02:00] - Prayer for the Congregation
- [04:00] - Introduction to Calvary Temple and Manhattan Beach Retreat Center
- [06:30] - The Principle of Increase
- [10:00] - Integrity as a Foundation
- [15:00] - Revival of Integrity
- [20:00] - God's Work in Our Ministries
- [25:00] - Trusting God for Increase
- [30:00] - Encouragement to Pursue God-Given Dreams
- [35:00] - Prayer for Increase and Growth
- [40:00] - Closing Remarks and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:21-22 - "So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, 'Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.'"
2. 1 Peter 2:1-2 - "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."
3. Psalm 89:14 - "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you."
Observation Questions:
1. What principle did God establish on the fifth day of creation according to Genesis 1:21-22, and how does it relate to the concept of increase? [34:07]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of integrity in the functioning of democracy, economy, and relationships? [42:51]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the principle of increase in the context of ministry work? [51:20]
4. How does the sermon connect the fruit of the Spirit with the idea of growth and development in a believer's life? [39:52]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the principle of increase, as seen in Genesis 1:21-22, apply to personal growth in skills, knowledge, and faith? What might this look like in a believer's life today?
2. In what ways does integrity serve as a foundation for the church's testimony, and how can a lack of integrity impact the church's credibility? [42:51]
3. How does the sermon suggest believers can experience a revival of integrity, and what role does the character of Jesus play in this revival? [46:36]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between trusting God for increase and pursuing God-given dreams? How can this trust lead to personal and spiritual growth? [01:00:17]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on an area of your life where you feel stagnant. How can you apply the principle of increase to grow in that area, whether it be in skills, relationships, or faith? [34:07]
2. Consider a situation where integrity was challenged in your life. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to ensure integrity remains a foundation in your personal and professional relationships? [42:51]
3. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you feel needs growth in your life. What specific actions can you take this week to cultivate that aspect? [39:52]
4. Think about a God-given dream or goal you have held back from pursuing. What fears or doubts have prevented you from taking action, and how can you trust God to bring increase in this area? [01:00:17]
5. How can you contribute to a revival of integrity within your church community? What practical steps can you take to promote integrity and credibility in your interactions with others? [46:36]
6. Reflect on a recent experience where you witnessed God's work in your life or community. How did this experience encourage you to trust in God's ability to bring increase and transformation? [51:20]
7. Choose one relationship in your life that you would like to see grow and deepen. What intentional actions can you take to nurture and develop this relationship in alignment with God's principle of increase?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Principle of Increase
God's principle of increase is evident from the very beginning of creation. On the fifth day, God established a pattern of growth and multiplication, which extends to every aspect of our lives. This principle is not limited to physical creation but also applies to our spiritual journey. We are called to grow in our skills, knowledge, relationships, and faith. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, and self-control—are all areas where God desires to see increase in our lives. As we align ourselves with this divine principle, we open ourselves to the blessings and abundance that God intends for us. [34:07]
Genesis 1:22 (ESV): "And God blessed them, saying, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.'"
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God calling you to grow and multiply? How can you take a step today to align with His principle of increase?
Day 2: Integrity as the Foundation of Life
Integrity is the bedrock upon which democracy, economy, relationships, and the church's testimony are built. Without integrity, these systems crumble and fail. In our personal lives, integrity ensures that our actions align with our values and beliefs. It is essential for the kingdom of God to function fully and for us to live a life that reflects His character. As we strive to restore broken foundations and promote integrity, we create a safe and stable way of life that honors God and serves as a witness to the world. [42:51]
Proverbs 11:3 (ESV): "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."
Reflection: Consider a recent decision or action. Did it reflect integrity? How can you ensure that your future choices align with God's standard of integrity?
Day 3: Praying for a Revival of Integrity
A revival of integrity within the church is essential for it to stand out as a beacon of light in the world. This revival involves a transformation where the character of Jesus Christ is evident in the lives of believers. As we pray for this revival, we seek a renewal of character and credibility that will distinguish the church from the world. God desires to change the character of the church, making it a light to the nations and a testament to His transformative power. [46:36]
Psalm 51:10 (ESV): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
Reflection: What specific area of your character do you feel needs renewal? How can you invite God to begin a revival of integrity in your life today?
Day 4: Witnessing God's Work in Our Ministries
Through initiatives like CLI and BCA, God is bringing about increase and transformation in our ministries. We are witnessing the multiplication of our efforts as we train leaders, reach nations, and develop self-sustaining ministries. This growth is a testament to God's principle of increase at work, as He uses our ministries to promote integrity and bring about a revival of character and credibility in the church. As we continue to witness God's work, we are encouraged to trust in His ability to bring about transformation and growth. [51:20]
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV): "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth."
Reflection: How have you seen God at work in your ministry or community? What steps can you take to support and participate in His work of increase and transformation?
Day 5: Trusting God for Increase in Our Lives
God created us to make a difference, and He desires to increase our influence, faith, knowledge, and anointing. We are encouraged to trust in His ability to bring increase in our lives, believing that He can take us from where we are to where He wants us to be. This journey of faith requires us to step out in trust, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. As we pursue our God-given dreams, we can be confident that He will guide us and provide for us, for His glory and our joy. [01:00:17]
Ephesians 3:20 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us."
Reflection: What God-given dream have you been hesitant to pursue? How can you take a step of faith today, trusting God to bring increase and fulfillment in this area?
Quotes
"Declare that you have bought me with your blood. You've risen from the dead. You've given me hope. My courage is in you. My foundation is resting upon your name, your promises, your finished work." [00:28:51] (12 seconds)
"Perhaps by lifting your head, you would give him glory this morning. Just looking up, declare, Lord, thank you for all you've done. Thank you for your goodness, your mercy, your grace, your kindness, your salvation, the blood that has cleansed me from all my sin. From the power of the Holy Spirit that comes for your word that speaks on life to mine this morning. We give you praise this morning, Lord. We give you glory." [00:29:04] (27 seconds)
"So we pray this morning for all in this room and for those who are part of our hearts and lives that are not here, but we represent them before you as we pray. Lord, we are grateful that we can lift our hearts to the one who has established his kingdom on earth in our lives, who hears and answers prayer. And we pray today for the many things that are pressing in on people's hearts and lives. We thank you that we don't face them with just our own hope and our own skills, but you are with us. You help us. You are the God who strengthens us. How good it is to sense your love here this morning and to be reminded as we sing that you care about every aspect of our lives. For that one who is down, lift them up. For the one who is so full of joy, may they recognize it's from your hands." [00:29:47] (57 seconds)
"Why is he doing that? I believe he's doing that because he's establishing a principle by which all of his creation will be governed. This blessing is the first blessing pronounced in the Bible. Now, if you stop and think about it, he says to the birds, fill the air, and to the fish, fill the sea. So I want to suggest to you that after that fifth day of creation, the birds hadn't filled the air, and the seas weren't full of fish. But God had created them with the potential to fill the air and to fill the waters. So very much like Noah, at the end of the flood, the animals were released to repopulate because, you see, they would increase. How many people were there at the start of creation? Just two, Adam and Eve. But God intended for them to increase and multiply." [00:36:52] (55 seconds)
"Why do I believe this? Well, the next slide would tell you that God looked at them, having created a perfect world, and having said it was good, and he put man in a garden to work it and to take care of it. Why? Because he wanted it to grow, to develop. This is still before the fall. So it wasn't going to diminish, but he didn't want for creation to remain stagnant. Aren't you glad that you have a God who is interested in your growth and your development, and he has created a world where you can begin to discover the blessing of increase? Next slide." [00:38:27] (43 seconds)
"God wants your skill to grow. Do you have knowledge? God wants your knowledge to grow. Do you have relationships? God wants your relationships to deepen. Do you have faith? He wants your faith to grow. Do you pray? He wants your prayer life to grow. Are you doing ministry? He wants your ministry to grow. He wants your anointing in the Spirit to grow and to develop. You see, God has created you so that you don't remain where you are. You can grow and develop and be enhanced in every way." [00:38:50] (35 seconds)
"Isn't it interesting that in the church, in Acts chapter 2, it says, and they added to the church. In Acts chapter 6, it says, and the disciples were multiplied. You see this working of God that brings increase. Now, you can add to your gift. You can add to your skill. Farmers can add to their harvest." [00:39:26] (21 seconds)
"Integrity, I believe, is the foundation for democracy. Without it, democracy fails. Without it, economy fails. Without it, your relationships fail. Without it, churches lose their testimony. Without it, families are not coherent. And so, things will not thrive without integrity. Next slide." [00:43:46] (22 seconds)
"We are believing at CLI for a new kind of revival. Thank God for revival of signs and wonders, for people coming into the kingdom of God. But I am praying that in the last days, we will see a revival of integrity where the church will have credibility that it now does not have." [00:45:58] (19 seconds)
"Where the nature and character of Jesus Christ will be what the church is known for. And statistics on divorce will not be the same in the church and in the world. And that our communication will not be the same. And our trustworthiness will not be the same. I believe that God by his spirit wants to change the character of the church and cause us to stand out because we are the light of the world and we are the salt and we have the integrity of Jesus and the world is looking to know that. Next slide." [00:46:39] (33 seconds)
"When we started out, we used to knock on church doors and say to a bishop, could we please teach some of your people about integrity? And they would give us the basement and we'd have 12 people. But we had this faith that the 12 people would train maybe 7 more and the 7 more would train 70 more. You know, we grow that way. So we started out by a church in a city if we could get our foot in the door. Next slide." [00:51:20] (25 seconds)
"And if he can do this with CLI and take us from basement small groups to national campaigns, from having no one coming to Christ hardly in a year to three and four people coming to Christ every year and almost being self-sufficient, what can he do for you? The same thing." [01:00:17] (18 seconds)
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