Empowered by the Spirit: Embracing Our Identity in Christ

The premise of this conversation. Is about the impossibility. To live out this faith. Without the help. And the guidance. And the influence. Of the Holy Spirit. You can know all the doctrine you want to know. You can read all the Bible you want to read. You can quote and memorize. And even teach the word of God. And still come up short. When it comes out to living out this faith. Because by it's very nature. This faith is supernatural. [01:14:57] (35 seconds)


And so Paul brings this chapter conclusion with another great testimony are you ready beginning in verse 31 he says what then shall I say what then shall I say you can also say so what does all this mean he's saying based on everything that we've talked about up until this point the things that I just recapped what does all this mean what then shall I say and then he says if god he forms it in the form of a question obviously it's a rhetorical question a question that doesn't require an answer he says if god you know it if god if god is for us if god is for us [01:19:11] (72 seconds)


He said the potential for something more than ordinary on the victorious side lies right in the middle of all of that craziness. That's the God we serve. Having a tough time in your workplace. He is right there. Don't jump out too quick. Don't transfer to another department too quick. Don't quit premature. Wait on the Lord. Wait on the instruction of the Holy Spirit. Don't do anything until he tells you what to do. Important. Because in the middle of that, he wants to reveal in you that you are more than a conqueror. [01:41:08] (63 seconds)


There is something extraordinary that I'm about to do through you, if you just hang in there. In any situation, you name it, bring it up to your mind right now. What situation are you walking through that's troubling, that's difficult? Is it a relationship? Is it finances? What is it that's troubling? And whatever it is, in the middle of that, he wants you to be more than a conqueror. And these aren't just nice spiritual words. [01:41:39] (37 seconds)


Paul is giving his account of what he knows is true, and he's doing his best to pass it on to us. He's saying that we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. And then he goes on to bring this thing to a close. He says, for I am convinced. And then he goes into the heavenly realm. He talked about this victor we have in the natural realm, but he says, but it doesn't stop there because you know there is a war for your soul. [01:42:41] (35 seconds)


He who did not spare his own son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him also freely give us all things who shall bring a charge against god's folks it is god who justifies nobody else it is god who justified us who set things in motion that we could have a right relationship with him who declared over each of us not guilty he's the only one one that has a heaven or hell nobody else you see paul is beginning to testify [01:25:09] (45 seconds)


And so she went and found Janice. Wave your hand, Janice. Amen. She's one of the ones that's teaching our class on this campus, Power to Heal. And took her to Janice and Janice began to pray for her. I said, she began to pray for her. And all of a sudden this woman started walking correct. Walking upright. Am I, am I telling the truth? And then she wanted to go look into the sanctuary. [01:10:05] (35 seconds)


And Paul says, even in that place, though you may not be aware of it, huh, I'm working up there too. We know that's true because of Daniel's testimony. You know the story. Daniel prayed. Prayer didn't, the answer didn't come right away. 21 days later, he got a... An answer from the angel that said, man, God heard your prayer that day. But he was contending with the enemy. Once I got done with the enemy, then your prayer came. But I heard it on that day. The request was in. The answer was yes. [01:43:52] (48 seconds)


And then once you're reconciled to God, all the things that I talked about apply to you. Amen? So, Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you that we are empowered by your Holy Spirit to walk this thing out. Not in religion or tradition, but in relation. relationship, true community, loving one another, forgiving one another, bearing one another's burdens, going outside of the walls and making disciples of all nations, no matter what color they are, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teaching them how to obey you, Jesus, just like we're trying to walk it out. [01:49:08] (55 seconds)


And then you promised, you said, lo, I'll be with you, even until the end, until you see me face to face. Father, let that be the testimony and the hallmark of this local community right here. And Holy Spirit, you're continued to be welcome in this place. We pray that you would make habitation with us. And as one of the beloved said that your presence would just linger and carry on into the week, into all the places that we go until we gather again to encourage one another in this most holy faith. We love you, Jesus. We thank you. We appreciate you. [01:50:02] (47 seconds)


And my own note to myself that I scratched in my Bible. So what are we waiting for? What are we waiting for, beloved? Let's go! What are we waiting on? I told you assignments have dropped on all kind of folks. I was so blessed we were at the Oasis 25th celebration of their existence. It was a wonderful spirit -filled environment. The night before that was the Galentine thing and a bunch of the ladies, all generations I heard it was wonderful. [01:46:13] (40 seconds)


But at the Oasis gathering, Elder Marvin was given just a short testimony. You know, Elder Marvin, he plays the guitar, he leads worship, and he does a wonderful thing for us in this house. But he says, the Lord touched Tina's wife with an assignment. And I said, no, that's what I'm talking about. Praise God for what we do around here. But God wants to give us assignments out there. He said the Lord spoke to him and his wife about taking that guitar. [01:46:47] (35 seconds)