Heavenly Realms

I have really been slow on the blogging front lately. I thought I had better at least post some sermon notes from last Sunday. I am continuing in the IDENTITY series, spending the last several weeks on the "Elevator" as we look at the ups and downs of spiritual life including a reminder that we are not battling against flesh and blood but the spiritual battle is taking place in heavenly realms. We are given a glimpse of that venue in scripture.

The entire Bible now is found in electronic form on tiny silicon chips
The Rocks are crying out : )
No matter what floor you are on, God has a purpose for you
We are to be pressing toward the upward call of God
I want to see Him high and lifted up, Shining in the light of His glory
God is looking for what Bill Johnson calls “royal fighters” who will enter into the contest with his whole soul and take the situation captive for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-17 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

For too long the church has played defense in the battle for souls.
Learning from people who take a stand for God regardless of the cost.
People who are wanting to change the world one heart at a time.

On Offense:

1. We have the ball
Options: Move, Shoot, Pass,

We are not to stand there and hold it
We are not to fear ( read Ex 13:17 )
The safest place is always in obedience ( deep intimacy )

2. We have a table prepared for us Psalm 23:5 .

3. We have Joy ( About a decision, not a feeling )
Satan is an expert at stealing from us and his favorite target is our joy

Psalm 118:24 Nehemiah 8:10 Proverbs 17:22 Jeremiah 17:7-8