by Apostolic Church Dallas on May 13, 2024
In today's gathering, we embarked on a journey of spiritual renewal and communal support, focusing on the power of prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit among us. We began by inviting everyone to lift their hands and voices in prayer, emphasizing that the Holy Ghost was actively moving within the room. This was not just another routine service; it was a divine appointment to encounter Jesus and experience His transformative power.
As the spirit of worship intensified, I encouraged everyone to push beyond their usual limits of expression and engage more deeply with God. This was a time to set aside personal inhibitions and fully immerse oneself in prayer and praise, trusting that God was ready to meet us at our point of need.
During this heightened moment of spiritual engagement, I felt led to address those among us struggling with fear and panic. Recognizing their needs, we gathered around these individuals, laying hands on them and praying fervently for deliverance and peace. This act of communal prayer was a powerful demonstration of our belief in the healing and comforting power of God.
As we continued, the atmosphere of faith and expectation led to a spontaneous moment where I asked everyone to partner up and share their personal needs with each other. This exercise was not only about voicing personal petitions but also about acting as God's conduit for blessing others. Through mutual prayer, we released God’s provision into each other’s lives, strengthening our faith and unity.
The service culminated in a celebration of what God had already done and anticipation of what was still to come. I shared exciting news about our church's transition to a new building, a move prompted by divine guidance and confirmed through prayerful consideration. This new chapter at North Dallas High School was marked by a sense of divine appointment, reflecting back to a moment years ago when I had prayed over the very same building, trusting God to lead us there.
As we prepared to embrace this transition, I called on the congregation to support the move both spiritually and financially. This was a collective effort to equip the church for its next phase of ministry, ensuring that we continued to be a beacon of hope and spiritual nourishment to the community.
In closing, I reminded everyone of the importance of personal prayer time, urging each person to seek intimate moments with God in the coming week. This practice was essential for receiving clear direction and empowerment from God, especially during times of transition and change.
### Key Takeaways
1. **The Power of Communal Prayer**: Today's service highlighted the profound impact of gathering as a community to pray over one another. When we unite in prayer, we not only uphold each other but also activate the power of God to work miracles among us. This is a reminder that no one should bear their burdens alone within the body of Christ. [01:00:08]
2. **Engaging Beyond Comfort**: We were reminded that true spiritual breakthrough often requires us to step beyond our comfort zones. By vocally and physically expressing our faith, we break barriers of doubt and usher in a deeper experience with God. This act of boldness is not about earning God's response but about positioning ourselves to receive what He is already willing to give. [45:38]
3. **Supporting Each Other's Needs**: The practice of sharing personal needs and praying for one another is a powerful form of ministry that fosters deeper connections and spiritual growth within the church. This reciprocal act of care is a practical demonstration of the scriptures' call to bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. [01:06:25]
4. **Embracing New Seasons**: Transitioning to a new location is not just a logistical change but a step of faith into new opportunities for growth and ministry. As we move forward, it is crucial to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and to support the vision financially and spiritually. [01:14:33]
5. **The Importance of Personal Prayer**: The personal challenge to engage in private prayer is a call to deepen one's personal relationship with God. In these quiet moments, God speaks intimately and personally, providing guidance and reassurance for whatever challenges we face. [01:12:14]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [42:13] - Opening Prayer and Praise
- [44:07] - Encouragement to Engage Deeply
- [48:44] - Communal Prayer for Deliverance
- [53:38] - Strengthening and Activation in the Holy Ghost
- [01:00:08] - Prayer for Individuals Struggling with Fear
- [01:03:06] - Blessing New Roles within the Church
- [01:06:25] - Mutual Prayer Among Congregants
- [01:09:51] - Celebration of God's Goodness
- [01:12:14] - Call to Personal Prayer
- [01:14:33] - Announcement of Church Transition
- [01:18:59] - Closing Remarks and Blessing
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. **James 5:16** - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
2. **Galatians 6:2** - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
3. **Philippians 4:6-7** - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the primary focus of the gathering as described in the sermon summary? ([42:13])
2. How did the congregation respond to individuals struggling with fear and panic during the service? ([01:00:08])
3. What significant announcement was made regarding the church's future location? ([01:14:33])
4. What was the pastor's challenge to the congregation regarding personal prayer time? ([01:12:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of communal prayer, as described in James 5:16, reflect the events of the service? ([48:44])
2. In what ways does stepping beyond one's comfort zone in worship and prayer lead to spiritual breakthroughs, according to the sermon? ([45:38])
3. How does the practice of sharing personal needs and praying for one another fulfill the law of Christ as mentioned in Galatians 6:2? ([01:06:25])
4. What role does personal prayer play in navigating times of transition and change, as highlighted in the sermon? ([01:12:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when communal prayer made a significant impact in your life. How can you encourage more of this in your small group or church community? ([48:44])
2. What personal inhibitions or fears do you need to push past to engage more deeply in worship and prayer? How can you take a step towards this in the coming week? ([45:38])
3. Identify a specific need you have right now. How can you share this with a trusted friend or small group member and pray together for God's provision? ([01:06:25])
4. As the church transitions to a new location, what practical steps can you take to support this move both spiritually and financially? ([01:14:33])
5. How can you create a consistent personal prayer routine this week? What specific time and place will you dedicate to seeking intimate moments with God? ([01:12:14])
6. Think of someone in your life who is struggling with fear or anxiety. How can you offer them support and prayer based on the principles discussed in the sermon? ([01:00:08])
7. How can you actively participate in the new season of your church's ministry? What specific role or task can you take on to help with the transition? ([01:18:59])
Day 1: Uniting in Prayer Strengthens Us All
When believers gather to pray collectively, there is a profound impact that transcends individual experiences. This communal prayer not only supports and uplifts each participant but also activates the miraculous power of God in their midst. By coming together, each person is reminded that they are not alone in their struggles; instead, they are part of a larger body of Christ that shares and bears burdens together. This unity in prayer fosters a deeper connection with God and with one another, creating a powerful testimony of faith and interdependence. [01:00:08]
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV
Reflection: Who in your community is in need of prayer today, and how can you actively support them through intercessory prayer?
Day 2: Stepping Beyond Comfort Invites Spiritual Breakthrough
True spiritual growth often requires stepping out of comfort zones. This act of moving beyond personal limits in worship and prayer can lead to significant spiritual breakthroughs. By expressing faith both vocally and physically, believers break through barriers of doubt, allowing for a more profound experience with God. This boldness is not about earning God's favor but positioning oneself to receive the blessings that God is ready to bestow. Engaging deeply in spiritual practices encourages personal and communal transformation. [45:38]
"And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh," - Ezekiel 11:19 ESV
Reflection: What is one way you can step out of your spiritual comfort zone this week to foster a deeper connection with God?
Day 3: Mutual Support Reflects Christ’s Love
Sharing personal needs and praying for one another within the church not only meets practical needs but also deepens spiritual connections among congregants. This reciprocal care is a practical application of the scriptures' call to bear one another's burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. By engaging in this mutual support, believers reflect Christ’s love and compassion, strengthening the entire community and encouraging spiritual growth and resilience among its members. [01:06:25]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 ESV
Reflection: How can you more actively participate in the lives of your fellow congregants to both share and alleviate burdens within your church community?
Day 4: Embracing Transitions as Opportunities for Growth
Transitioning to a new phase or location in life is not merely a logistical change but a significant step of faith. Such transitions open new doors for growth and ministry, requiring sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Supporting these changes both spiritually and financially is crucial for the community to thrive and continue its mission. Embracing these new seasons with faith can lead to unexpected blessings and opportunities for the church and its members. [01:14:33]
"And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." - Isaiah 58:11 ESV
Reflection: What new season are you entering, and how can you embrace it with faith, seeing it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and service?
Day 5: The Power of Personal Prayer in Navigating Change
Personal prayer is essential in maintaining a close relationship with God, especially during times of change and uncertainty. These intimate moments of prayer provide guidance and reassurance from God, empowering believers to face challenges with divine strength. By committing to regular personal prayer, individuals can ensure they are aligned with God’s will and equipped to handle whatever comes their way. [01:12:14]
"But you, when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:6 ESV
Reflection: What specific part of your daily routine can you dedicate to personal prayer to seek God’s guidance and strength in your current circumstances?
Why don't we just lift our hands all across this auditorium tonight, right now?
And with your hands that are lifted, why don't you lift your voice unto the Lord Jesus Christ right now?
Come on, let prayer come forth from your mouth right now. Let praise spill forth from your heart right now.
In the name of Jesus, hallelujah. Come on, let the Holy Ghost move in this room right now.
If you've got the Holy Ghost, it's okay to pray in the Spirit right now. The Holy Ghost is moving in this room.
If you've come here tonight with a need, I want you to know tonight is the night that your need can be met, because Jesus is in this room.
Jesus is in this room. Oh, hallelujah. Oh, hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Come on, just get caught up with Him for a moment. If you came to have church as normal, you came to the wrong church.
We're not here to have a service. We're here to see Jesus tonight. We're here to see Jesus tonight.
Come on, put your focus on Him right now. We came for Him. We came to meet Him. We came to encounter Him.
We came to give. Come on, let your prayer, just lift your hands up and say, "Yes."
In the name of Jesus, begin to tell Him that you love Him. Pour out your love upon Him. Tell Him what you need from Him.
He's a good Father. He's a good Father. He's a good Father.
There's something that's welling up in the Spirit right now. God is... it's like a ground swell in the Spirit. There's something that's about to break forth if we can just push into it right now.
Now, that's not to say that we have to get God to move to a certain dimension. Help me, okay? Just let me make that clear to you tonight: you can't make God move.
But there is a dimension of our flesh that we have to get past. There's a dimension of unbelief that we have to get past.
There's a degree of faith that we need to step into to activate what God is trying to do in certain instances and environments.
And right now, we're in a place where we have to get past. Now I want you, I just forget who's next to you. Forget what your problems were when you came in here.
We're going to put our eyes on Jesus, and I just want you, as loud as you can, as robust as you can, as demonstrative as you can, just begin to pray right now.
Come on, push past, push past your inhibitions. Push past your fears. Push past all of your shortcomings and all the reasons why you don't feel like you deserve to be touched by God.
Come on, there's something happening right now. I wish somebody would get some unction in their spirit and would lay hold of what's taking place in this environment right now.
Come on, God's ready to pour out some things on some people in this room, but you got to lay hold of it right now.
Is there a desperation in some people of God? Is there a desperation in some people?
Something shifted in this room; you can feel it, but there is more.
You're not used to being in a service where stuff goes like this. Welcome to apostolic church. We just simply want to follow the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the leader of our services. We like to move where He moves.
If you are in this room tonight and you came here tonight, you were like, "I need a touch from God tonight." If that's you, I want you to make your way down to the front right now.
You came here tonight and you said, "I need a touch from Jesus tonight."
There's a couple people here tonight; God’s put you in my spirit. You need a touch from God tonight. It's okay.
It's okay. Don't feel embarrassed or ashamed or singled out. God’s gonna touch you tonight.
God’s gonna touch you tonight. God’s gonna touch you.
Church, here's what we're going to do. Ministry team, can y'all get in front of these people right here? We're gonna pray for them.
Yes, yes, yes. David and Eric, can you join with this man right here? Noah, Winston, Oliver, can y'all get with this gentleman here in this family right here?
Okay, all right. Can you get with these two men right here?
Hallelujah, hallelujah. Church, can we come in behind these people that came for a touch from God today?
That's really why we come. It's no big deal to interrupt a service when somebody needs a touch from Jesus.
There's a lot of people out there that are in this room, that are in this fellowship. There's really no other reason why we come together except to have an encounter with God.
God's already beginning to touch them right now, but can we just rally around them and begin to pray the prayer of faith over them right now?
Come on, let's pray the prayer of faith over them right now. Hallelujah, yes, yes.
Let's continue to pray right now. God's touching some people. He's still ministering to some people in this room right now.
God, we thank You for what You're doing. We thank You for what You're doing, Jesus.
If you see somebody praying, why don't you just minister to one another right now? God, use you to pray for somebody.
If God gives you a word for somebody, let's minister to one another right now.
There's a strengthening that's happening in the body here right now. A strengthening and an activation that's taking place in the Holy Ghost.
There's a few people here; you have been struggling with fear and panic. I feel it so strong in the Holy Ghost.
You don't have to... we're not trying to single anybody out, but God doesn't reveal things but to deliver you.
Is there anybody here right now? You've been struggling with fear and maybe some panic?
Anybody? Okay, we got one here.
Anybody else? You need prayer for this need right here?
Anybody? Okay, Justin, we're going to lay hands on you. We're going to lay hands on you.
Church, we're going to gather around this need right here.
God, in the name of Jesus, I speak against every spirit that is not the Holy Spirit.
Every voice that is speaking that is not Your voice. Every lying voice that would try and raise its voice against the voice of his Father, we command it to be silenced now in the name of Jesus.
And we speak peace over this life right now. We speak peace over this mind right now. We speak peace over his home right now.
God, I pray that You would deliver him from all threat, from all fear, all worry, all panic, all anxiety now in the name of Jesus.
We bind it and loose in its place peace. We loose love. We loose a sound mind.
A sound mind in the name of Jesus. A sound mind.
We're just going to feel after the Holy Ghost right here. Let's just feel after what the Lord is doing right now.
Right now, this is a greater time to do this than there ever is to do it.
You guys know Micah, and Micah is stepping into a greater role here at this church.
I've watched God's hand on Micah for a long time, and he is stepping into a role here as a worship pastor of this church, and he is ready for the moment.
And what we're going to do is we're going to pray over him.
Okay, body, why don't we gather around Micah right now and let's lay hands on him?
Come on, let's gather close around him right now and pray strength into him, wisdom into him, that he have the grace of God for the assignment.
Oh, to steward the thing that the Lord is doing.
To steward the thing that the Lord is doing. I pray that You have given the grace to steward, the wisdom to steward what it is that You are trying to do here.
But I can't even say over again to me, You have done that. There is strength in you because that sense of strength...
Conference that Rossler that he had... every prayer I'm praying that he can...
Day for all we do for everyone that you need.
So what we're going to do right now, turn to the person that's beside you.
Just link up with somebody. Just one-on-one right now. Just one person to one person.
It'd be better if it's a man and a woman or a man and a man and a woman and a woman if we can.
I want you to face one another right now, and I want you to tell the other one exactly what it is that you need from God.
Exactly what it is that you need God to do in your life.
And then God's going to use you. You need direction. Maybe you need a word from God.
Maybe you're struggling with peace. You need peace. Maybe you need a job. You need a miracle for our finances.
Once you've shared that, I want you to face each other and begin to pray for one another and release the provision right now from heaven into their life by faith.
Come on, let's pray for one another right now. Release it through faith right now.
Release it through faith right now. God wants to use you. God wants to use you to release something.
Why don't we just clap our hands to the Lord right now and give Him thanks?
Come on, clap your hands to an loud and good. He made them hands. Give Him praise.
And with your hand clap, would you lift your voice alongside of it and shout hallelujah!
And hallelujah! Oh, praise God.
Know that word hallelujah is actually a command. Did y'all know that?
It's not actually, you know, it's not actually praise; it's a command.
And it means God be praised. And there's a song that says raise a hallelujah.
I love that language there because I can't tell you how many times I've needed to raise a command in my life to praise God.
Because sometimes it doesn't look like an environment or a situation where you want to give God praise.
What you're doing when you shout hallelujah is you're saying God be praised no matter what.
God be praised no matter what the bank account looks like. God be praised no matter what my home life looks like.
You're commanding praise to come forth from you when you shout hallelujah.
The way this would work is someone would stand up in a group of people that were gathered and they would shout hallelujah, and the people would begin to praise God.
So here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to shout hallelujah, and we're all just going to praise God.
You ready with me? Hallelujah!
Jesus, so grateful for the goodness of God. So grateful for the goodness of God.
You know, normally I just preach right now, but I feel a release in my spirit. God has done...
Here's my challenge to you; I'll just give it to you. We are a house of prayer.
We are a house of prayer, and I want to challenge all of us in this room tonight, this week, to visit the secret place with God and to spend some time with Him where nobody else can see, nobody else can hear.
Because God wants to speak a very clear word to you. God's got a word for you, but sometimes we have to sit in the closet long enough for Him to give it to us.
I do want to say this: we are transitioning.
I mentioned it at the end of last week. We are transitioning. We're going through a big transition right now as a church, and it's a cool one.
It's a great one. For the longest time, we have met at 5 o'clock.
Ever since I can remember, since the beginning of this thing, we've met at 5 o'clock.
And we've met pretty much right here. Now, a lot of you weren't here for our very first service, which was actually in a hotel over here.
But after that first service, God opened the door to this facility, and we came in here.
But about that, how long ago was it that I started feeling that God wanted us to pray about the building situation?
No, it's been a little longer than that. Yeah, maybe four months.
Well, we've been praying about our building situation. We didn't really know what that meant.
And so we started praying and trying to follow the leading of the Spirit, see what it meant by that.
And then all of a sudden, a door opened.
There's a long road that kind of got us to this point. But the very first building that I ever anointed and prayed over in the city of Dallas, it was nine years ago.
This church is only 16 months old. A long time ago when God put this vision in our heart.
I walked up to the doors at 2 o'clock in the morning to North Dallas High School.
And I got a bottle of oil, and I anointed it. And I said, "God, if You ever send us to the city of Dallas to start a church, I want to meet right here."
We've tried a few times there, and the door wasn't open.
But then miraculously, the Lord opened the door. The Lord opened the door.
You know, there's really only been two buildings that... I was just talking with Kenny, are sounding.
You know, there's really only been two buildings that... I was just talking with Kenny, are sounding.
Can we just tell Kenny how much we love him?
Kenny, now when we make this move, Kenny is not going to be able to go with us.
He has worked for us as a contract sound technician, but we feel like he's been a member here for the longest time.
And we just want you to know that we appreciate you and we love you.
We're going to miss you. And I was just telling Kenny on the phone this week, there's only two buildings that I ever prayed over.
It was this one and that one. And the Lord has opened a door for us to go there.
And our services are going to be moving to 11 a.m., which is going to be an awesome thing for us.
5 p.m. has been great, but for those of you, especially mamas with kids, I understand 11 a.m. is going to be awesome. Amen. Hallelujah.
And our coffee cart is going to be more well received because you won't be trying to avoid coffee after 4.
We're super pumped about it. The next season that God has for this church is going to be an incredible one.
I do want to say this. I needed to say this at some point in time.
This transition comes with a cost. A financial one.
We don't normally take up offerings for things, but we're going to for this one.
Can you throw that thing up there for Be a Giver?
If you would like to give, we've got equipment we've got to buy. We've got microphones and things that we have to purchase while we make this transition.
If God lays it on your heart to give, I want to give this church an opportunity to give as we go into this next season.
So if God puts an amount on your heart to give, it's greatly appreciated as we kind of get what we need to move into this new building.
Let's see if I'm missing anything. I'm very appreciative of you.
I learned... I know I love my mom. My mom is right here. Can you stand, mom?
We love you. My mother-in-law is right there. Can you stand?
We love you. My wife over here. Yeah.
I've learned a lot about what actually goes into being a mom. And it's a full-time on top of a full-time job.
And if you're a mom, if you're a mother here in this house, I want you to know that we support you and we honor you and what you're doing in raising children in the fear of the Lord and keeping a household.
If you are here today and you have a vacancy during Mother's Day, I want to tell you that we're with you, too.
If you're here today and for some reason you're not able to celebrate Mother's Day with your mother for whatever reason that is, I want you to know that.
I want you to know that we love you and we are praying for you.
Mother's Day for so many people is a celebratory day, and then for others, it's a reminder of a vacancy.
And so we want you to know that we're praying for you, whether you're a mom or whether you're a family that doesn't have one right now.
And this church rallies around you. Am I missing anything? Am I missing anything?
No? Don't forget, June 7th, we're moving to 11 a.m.
I already forgot it. June 2nd. That means we only have two more Sundays in this building.
Two more Sundays. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
So it's going to be great. Be praying for our teams that are trying to, like, build out and set up this stuff.
We're going to be a portable church, which is kind of cool, which means we're going to need all hands on deck.
So let me give this announcement. We're going to need people to help set up in there.
And it's a fruitful effort because we're creating a space.
We're going to be a place in this city, in North Dallas High School, where people all around are going to get to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.
And so we're creating places and spaces for people to encounter the presence of God.
So if you've got the ability to get involved, join a team. Text HI. Get involved.
Let's do this thing. I love you. God bless you.
Have a great week. Go in the fear of the Lord.
Go to neighborhoods this week. Praise God.
And we have coffee through these doors for our mamas and everybody else.
Have a great day. God bless. We'll see you next week.
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God wants to use you to release something. Why don't we just clap our hands to the Lord right now and give Him thanks. Come on, clap your hands to an loud and good. He made them hands. Give Him praise. And with your hand clap would you lift your voice alongside of it and shout Hallelujah!" [01:09:51]( | | )
2. "And hallelujah oh praise God know that word hallelujah is actually a command did y'all know that it's not actually you know it's not actually praise it's a command it and it means God be praised and there's a song says raise a hallelujah I love that language there because I can't tell you how many times I've needed to raise a command in my life to praise God because sometimes it doesn't look like an environment or a situation where you want to give God praise what you're doing when you shout hallelujah is you're saying God be praised no matter what God be praised no matter what the bank account looks like God be praised no matter what my home life looks like you're commanding praise to come forth from you when you shout hallelujah." [01:09:51]( | | )
### Quotes for Members
1. "Tonight, right now. And with your hands that are lifted, why don't you lift your voice unto the Lord Jesus Christ right now. Come on, let prayer come forth from your mouth right now. Let praise spill forth from your heart right now. In the name of Jesus, hallelujah. Come on, let the Holy Ghost move in this room right now. If you've got the Holy Ghost, it's okay to pray in the Spirit right now. The Holy Ghost is moving in this room." [42:13]( | | )
2. "If you came to have church as normal, you came to the wrong church. We're not here to have a service. We're here to see Jesus tonight. We're here to see Jesus tonight. Come on, put your focus on Him right now. We came for Him. We came to meet Him. We came to encounter Him. We came to give on." [44:07]( | | )
3. "God's got a word for you, but sometimes we have to sit in the closet long enough for him to give it to us. I do want to say this. We are transitioning. I mentioned it at the end of last week. We are transitioning. We're going through a big transition right now as a church, and it's a cool one. It's a great one." [01:12:14]( | | )
4. "The Lord opened the door. You know, there's really only been two buildings that, I was just talking with Kenny, are sounding. Can we just tell Kenny how much we love him? Kenny, now when we make this move, Kenny is not going to be able to go with us. He has worked for us as a contract sound technician, but we feel like he's been a member here for the longest time." [01:14:33]( | | )
5. "We're going to be a place in this city, in North Dallas High School, where people all around are going to get to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. And so we're creating places and spaces for people to encounter the presence of God. So if you've got the ability to get involved, join a team. Text HI. Get involved. Let's do this thing. I love you." [01:18:59]( | | )
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