Embracing Holiness and the Flow of the Spirit

 

Summary

### Summary

Welcome, everyone. As we gather today, let's open our hearts and minds to receive the word of the Lord. We are entering a new season, and God's grace and presence are with us. Let's begin by lifting our voices in prayer, breaking through the dimensions of our flesh and spiritual opposition to tap into the limitless possibilities of what God has for us. The Spirit of God is like a river, essential for bringing life, but it requires us to allow it to carry away anything that doesn't belong.

As we pray, let's focus on the vision God has for us, not our own. Let His vision be branded into our minds and hearts, becoming part of the DNA of this church. The prophetic word comes to confirm, encourage, correct, and redirect. Today, it comes to confirm and encourage us. Let's respond by being encouraged in the Lord, clapping our hands, and thanking Jesus for speaking to us and showing us what lies beyond our current understanding.

We are called to deeper consecration and holiness. Holiness is not a cuss word; it's essential for seeing the Lord. We didn't come to Dallas just to plant a church; we came to establish the kingdom. This house will be an epicenter of authority, a place where the river of life flows from the altar of God. The altar is not just a physical place; it's where God is enthroned in our hearts. Out of our innermost being will flow rivers of living water when God is enthroned in us.

Let's pray for our neighborhoods this week. As we do prayer walks, let's claim areas for the Lord Jesus Christ. Feel in your spirit the strongholds that need to be bound and pray for God's intervention. We are not at war with the devil as much as we are at war with ourselves. Jesus has already disarmed principalities and made a mockery of them. To have dominion in a region, we must not have anything in common with the strongholds of that region.

Let's also pray for those who are crying out to God in secret. There are people all over the Metroplex who are seeking more of God. Let's pray that God visits them in dreams and sends angels to guide them to where the truth is being preached. We believe that God can do more than we think, and we lift our faith to believe in the God of the Bible.

As we move to our new location next Sunday, let's continue to pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation to reside in this place. Pray for the leaders and the people who have shown us kindness. Pray for blessings and increased anointing. Let's also pray for those who have been a blessing to us, like Kenny and Sarah, and welcome them with open hearts.

Finally, let's lift our hands and relinquish control to God. Allow the Spirit of God to flow freely in our lives, carrying away anything that doesn't belong. Pray in the Holy Ghost and let the river of God bring purity, healing, and deliverance. As we do this, we will see the life and vitality that comes from allowing the Spirit to have total control and supremacy in our lives.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Holiness and Consecration: Holiness is essential for seeing the Lord. It's not just about following rules but about embodying the opposite of the strongholds in our city. We are called to deeper consecration and holiness, which will bring down the strongholds and establish the kingdom of God. [02:15:43]

2. The Power of Prayer and Prophetic Vision: Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to break through the dimensions of our flesh and spiritual opposition. The prophetic word comes to confirm, encourage, correct, and redirect us. By aligning ourselves with God's vision, we can see beyond our current understanding and be encouraged in the Lord. [02:07:47]

3. Claiming Territories for Christ: As we do prayer walks in our neighborhoods, we are called to claim areas for the Lord Jesus Christ. Feel in your spirit the strongholds that need to be bound and pray for God's intervention. This act of faith will bring down principalities and powers, establishing God's dominion in our region. [02:13:43]

4. Interceding for Those Seeking God: There are people all over the Metroplex who are crying out to God in secret. We must pray that God visits them in dreams and sends angels to guide them to where the truth is being preached. This act of intercession can lead to supernatural visitations and divine guidance for those seeking more of God. [02:10:00]

5. Relinquishing Control to the Holy Spirit: To experience the full flow of the Holy Spirit, we must relinquish control and allow the Spirit to carry away anything that doesn't belong. This involves praying in the Holy Ghost and letting the river of God bring purity, healing, and deliverance. When we do this, we will see the life and vitality that comes from allowing the Spirit to have total control and supremacy in our lives. [01:45:25]

### Youtube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:05:09] - Introduction and Prayer
[01:42:38] - Praying Through the Flesh
[01:45:25] - Relinquishing Control to the Holy Spirit
[01:52:08] - Removing Boulders in the River
[01:54:58] - Building an Altar for the River
[02:00:08] - Giving God Control Over Your Life
[02:07:47] - Prophetic Vision and Encouragement
[02:10:00] - Interceding for Those Seeking God
[02:13:43] - Claiming Territories for Christ
[02:15:43] - The Importance of Holiness and Consecration
[02:16:48] - Final Blessing and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple
2. John 7:38 - "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."
3. Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

### Observation Questions
1. What does Ezekiel 47:1-12 describe about the river flowing from the temple? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about the river of life? ([01:54:58])
2. According to John 7:38, what is promised to those who believe in Jesus? How does this connect to the idea of rivers of living water flowing from within us? ([02:02:18])
3. In Colossians 2:15, what did Jesus accomplish through the cross? How does this relate to the sermon’s point about Jesus disarming principalities and powers? ([02:14:33])
4. What are some of the strongholds mentioned in the sermon that need to be bound during prayer walks? ([02:14:00])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of the river in Ezekiel 47 help us understand the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives? ([01:54:58])
2. What does it mean to have "rivers of living water" flow from within us, as mentioned in John 7:38? How can this be manifested in our daily lives? ([02:02:18])
3. How does understanding that Jesus has already disarmed principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15) change our approach to spiritual warfare? ([02:14:33])
4. Why is it important to align ourselves with God's vision rather than our own, as emphasized in the sermon? ([02:07:47])

### Application Questions
1. The sermon calls for deeper consecration and holiness. What specific steps can you take this week to pursue holiness in your life? ([02:15:43])
2. During prayer walks, we are encouraged to claim territories for Christ. Is there a specific area in your neighborhood or city that you feel led to pray over? How will you go about doing this? ([02:13:43])
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of relinquishing control to the Holy Spirit. What is one area of your life where you struggle to give up control? How can you start to surrender this area to God? ([01:45:25])
4. We are encouraged to intercede for those seeking God. Can you think of someone in your life who is searching for more of God? How can you pray for them and support them this week? ([02:10:00])
5. The sermon mentions the need to build an altar in our hearts. What does building an altar look like in your personal spiritual practice? How can you make this a regular part of your life? ([01:54:58])
6. Reflect on the idea of the river of God carrying away anything that doesn't belong. What are some things in your life that you need to let go of to allow the Holy Spirit to flow freely? ([01:45:25])
7. The sermon talks about the prophetic word confirming and encouraging us. Have you experienced a prophetic word in your life? How did it impact you, and how can you remain open to receiving such words from God? ([02:07:47])

Devotional

Day 1: The Call to Holiness and Consecration
Holiness is essential for seeing the Lord. It's not just about following rules but about embodying the opposite of the strongholds in our city. We are called to deeper consecration and holiness, which will bring down the strongholds and establish the kingdom of God. Holiness is often misunderstood as a set of restrictive rules, but it is actually about aligning our lives with God's character and purposes. When we pursue holiness, we are actively participating in God's plan to transform our communities and break down spiritual strongholds.

Holiness requires us to examine our lives and remove anything that hinders our relationship with God. This process of consecration is not a one-time event but a continual journey of becoming more like Christ. As we grow in holiness, we become vessels through which God's power and authority can flow, impacting the world around us. Let us embrace this call to holiness and consecration, knowing that it is essential for seeing the Lord and establishing His kingdom on earth. [02:15:43]

Hebrews 12:14 (ESV): "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to pursue greater holiness? How can you take a step towards deeper consecration today?


Day 2: The Power of Prayer and Prophetic Vision
Prayer is a powerful tool that allows us to break through the dimensions of our flesh and spiritual opposition. The prophetic word comes to confirm, encourage, correct, and redirect us. By aligning ourselves with God's vision, we can see beyond our current understanding and be encouraged in the Lord. When we pray, we are not just speaking words into the air; we are engaging in a spiritual battle and accessing the power of God to bring about change.

Prophetic vision helps us to see things from God's perspective and to understand His plans and purposes for our lives and our communities. It encourages us to move forward in faith, even when we cannot see the full picture. As we pray and seek God's vision, we are strengthened and encouraged to continue the work He has called us to do. Let us commit to a life of prayer and seek to align ourselves with God's prophetic vision. [02:07:47]

Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV): "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? What is one area where you need to seek God's prophetic vision for your life?


Day 3: Claiming Territories for Christ
As we do prayer walks in our neighborhoods, we are called to claim areas for the Lord Jesus Christ. Feel in your spirit the strongholds that need to be bound and pray for God's intervention. This act of faith will bring down principalities and powers, establishing God's dominion in our region. When we walk through our neighborhoods and pray, we are not just taking a stroll; we are engaging in spiritual warfare and declaring God's authority over the land.

Claiming territories for Christ involves discerning the spiritual strongholds that exist in our communities and praying specifically against them. It requires us to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to pray with boldness and faith. As we do this, we can expect to see God's power at work, breaking down strongholds and establishing His kingdom. Let us take up this call to claim our neighborhoods for Christ and to pray for God's intervention in our communities. [02:13:43]

Joshua 1:3 (ESV): "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses."

Reflection: What are the spiritual strongholds in your neighborhood that need to be bound? How can you incorporate prayer walks into your routine to claim your community for Christ?


Day 4: Interceding for Those Seeking God
There are people all over the Metroplex who are crying out to God in secret. We must pray that God visits them in dreams and sends angels to guide them to where the truth is being preached. This act of intercession can lead to supernatural visitations and divine guidance for those seeking more of God. Many people are searching for truth and meaning in their lives, and our prayers can play a crucial role in guiding them to Christ.

Interceding for others involves standing in the gap and praying on their behalf. It requires us to have a heart of compassion and a willingness to seek God's intervention in their lives. As we pray for those who are seeking God, we can trust that He will answer our prayers and reveal Himself to them in powerful ways. Let us commit to interceding for those who are searching for God and believe that our prayers can make a difference. [02:10:00]

Acts 10:30-31 (ESV): "And Cornelius said, 'Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before God.'"

Reflection: Who in your life is seeking God and needs your prayers? How can you intercede for them today and ask God to reveal Himself to them?


Day 5: Relinquishing Control to the Holy Spirit
To experience the full flow of the Holy Spirit, we must relinquish control and allow the Spirit to carry away anything that doesn't belong. This involves praying in the Holy Ghost and letting the river of God bring purity, healing, and deliverance. When we do this, we will see the life and vitality that comes from allowing the Spirit to have total control and supremacy in our lives. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit means letting go of our own agendas and allowing God to work in and through us.

Relinquishing control can be challenging, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's presence and power. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, we open ourselves up to His transformative work in our lives. This process brings healing, deliverance, and a renewed sense of purpose. Let us commit to surrendering control to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to lead us into a deeper relationship with God. [01:45:25]

Galatians 5:16 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to relinquish control to the Holy Spirit? How can you practice surrendering to Him today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "I know there's more of God than I've ever tasted. The Bible says taste and see that he is good because it just whet my appetite. For the deep things of God. There's more. I wonder if somebody in this room tonight would get hungry to reach for the more of God." [52:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "You got to be willing to get into the Spirit. To let the Spirit of God lead some things out of your life. If you want the flow of the Holy Ghost in your life, you've got to let the current of God flow freely and carry some things out of you. Carry some things out of your home. Carry some things out of your spirit that you've had in your spirit for a long time." [01:45:25](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "The God of the universe would prefer to have control over your life. And if you give him control over your life. This is the same God who holds the planets in orbit. He can hold your life together far better than you can. Come on say I give you access to all of the territory in my life. If it's my finances so be it. If it's my marriage so be it. If it's what I'm entertained by so be it. I give you access to it." [02:00:08](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "If you ever hear somebody say you need to go pray through, what they mean is you need to get past yourself and get into the Spirit of God. Because when you pray through into the Spirit of God, you tap into the limitless possibilities of what God has for you. But the things in the flesh can't obtain the things of the Spirit, so we've got to get beyond one dimension into the next." [01:42:38](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Holiness. The Bible says. For without which. No one will see. The Lord. You want to see. The Lord. I want to see. The Lord. Holiness. Is not a cuss word. We've got. To have holiness. And embody. The opposite. Of what has. Had dominion. In this city. And when we do. It's all. Coming. Down." [02:15:43](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

2. "Let God. Put a vision. Branded into your mind. Not my vision. Not man's vision. But God's vision. Let him brand his vision. Into your mind right now. Let him brand his vision. Into your heart. His vision. Into the DNA. Of this church. Now the prophetic. Comes to confirm. And encourage. Just as much. As sometimes. It comes to. Correct. And redirect. And today. It's come to confirm. And encourage." [02:07:47](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

3. "There are people. All over. The Metroplex. Who maybe know. A portion. Of God. A portion. Of the truth. Or maybe. They don't know. Him at all. But they're doing. Their best. And we're going. To pray. Right now. Just like the Lord. Who prayed. And the Lord. Sent angels. To North Dallas. High School. We are going. To pray. That the Lord. Is with. Every person. In this Metroplex. Who has been. Crying out. To God." [02:10:00](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

4. "We didn't come. To plant. A church. We came. To establish. The kingdom. And when. We establish. The kingdom. Well. We're going. To have. A church. But in the process. It won't. Just. Be. A church. It'll. Be. An epicenter. Of authority. This house. Will be. An epicenter. Of authority." [02:16:10](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)

5. "You cannot have. In common. Anything. With the strongholds. Of the region. There are some strongholds. In Dallas. Vanity. Is one of them. Perversion. Is another. Is another. Perversion. There are plenty. Of strongholds. In Dallas. But if we are going. To have dominion. In this city. It's. The dominion. Is not a question. Of whether or not. God has dominion. But you can't. Rebuke devils. You play with." [02:15:07](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip | Download vertical captioned clip)