Sermon: Walk Free: Gospels
December 30, 2018 at 10:28 pm | Posted in Building a House, Gospels | Leave a commentThis is the sermon I gave with the Walk Free with Christ a summary of the Gospels handout
It is my personal response to “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”
Walk Free With Christ
Growing in Christ is like Building a House.
In the Bible, Jesus says the Kingdom of God
Is like a man building a house.
Luke 6:47-48; Matt 7:24-27
Every one who comes to Jesus
Hears His words
And practices them
And follows them
And does them.
Is like a man building a house
First he digs down deep
Below the sand on the surface:
To lay the foundation
To lay the floor
To lay a base
On solid rock
When it rained an rained
With the wind blew and blew
When the streams over flowed
When a floods came
When the raging flood waters
Struck the house
But could not shake it
But could not move it
But could not destroy it.
Because it was well built
On the firm foundation
Of hearing Jesus words
And doing them.
Today we are going to look at other ways
Building a house is like
Building a life on Jesus’ teaching
He taught different ways.
The far right column shows different ways.
C=Commands
P=Parables
Ex=Example.
Here in Uganda,
Many fathers have land
And as the children grow,
Or when the father passes away
The children receive their father’s land
As an inheritance.
It is a free gift
Given to them as children of the Father.
Likewise
Your Father who is in heaven
Has “land” in the Kingdom of Heaven.
When you believe in God the Father.
When you believe in God the Son.
When you believe the Son died for your sins.
You become children of God,
You can call him Abba Father or Daddy God.
You become adopted into God’s family.
You become heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven
And your inheritance is the land
On which you can build a house.
Your inheritance is a free gift of your Father.
You don’t need to do anything to earn it.
You don’t need to do anything to work for it.
You don’t need to do anything but receive it.
Your inheritance is like Who I am In Christ.
It is your new identity.
You are a child of God.
You are Jesus Friend.
You are forgiven all your sins.
You are protected from the evil one.
You are God’s workmanship to do good works.
You are the temple of God: where God dwells.
All of these become true the instant you believe.
They are the gift of God thru Jesus Christ
They are the gift of God called “Salvation”.
Building the house is like “Sanctification”
The process of growing in Christ.
The process of doing what Christ taught.
The process of Walking Free With Christ.
A piece of land isn’t a home
Unless you build a house on it.
Your father gave you the land as a free gift,
But it is your responsibility,
To build the house on the land.
It is your responsibility,
To learn and to do what Jesus taught.
God the father will help you.
His Son Jesus Christ will instruct you.
His Spirit the Holy spirit will guide you.
The solid foundation
Is the Word of God.
Is the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Is it possible to GROW as a Christian
With out knowing what Christ taught?
With out knowing what Christ did?
With out doing what Christ says?
Where do we learn these things?
The Bible
The Word of God
The Holy Scriptures.
Most of what Jesus said
Is in the Gospels
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Jesus also spoke to Paul
And that is recorded in the Book of Acts.
Walk Free With Christ
Is a summary of the teachings
Of Jesus Christ.
All I did was read the four Gospels
Look for what Jesus taught about how to live:
In commands
Parables
Example
So we begin to Grow in Christ
We begin to Walk Free With Christ
By learning what Jesus Christ taught.
The fourth one on Walk Free With Christ:
BELIEVE that Jesus is the Messiah,
The Son of God.
That by believing you may have life.
That first step toward loving Jesus.
This is about “Salvation.”
The rest of Walk Free With Christ
Is about “Sanctification”
The various things Jesus taught.
About how we should love the Son of God.
About how we should love the Children of God.
About how we should love the Kingdom of God.
Love
Love
Love
This is about “Sanctification”
This is about imitating Christ as our example.
The bricks are made of love.
Love builds the walls that make it a family home.
Love builds the walls n lets you invite others in.
Love builds the walls that keep the evil one out.
Just as bricks can be placed different ways.
Just as bricks can be different sizes and shapes
Love can be expressed in different ways.
Love can be practiced at different times.
You practiced love differently different times.
Likewise, your house does not look like others.
Others have different bricks.
Others have different gifts.
Others have different service.
Others have different ways to serve God.
You probably cannot Love in all the ways
At the same time.
(In Uganda often they buy a few bricks at once.)
So just like you might start to build a house
With a few bricks.
You may start to rebuild your new life.
With a few of Jesus teachings about Love.
When you are building with bricks
Most important thing is choosing the cement.
No cement and the house will fall down.
Good cement will hold bricks in place for years.
Prayer is the cement for the house.
Prayer keeps you connected With God.
Prayer is what holds your bricks of love in place.
Prayer is on all sides of the bricks.
Pray before you do an act of love
So you will do it your best.
Pray after you do an act of love
So it will be received well.
Jesus often went by himself and prayed.
He wants us to spend time alone in prayer.
It is important to pray when you worship here.
But you need to pray alone and often.
You can pray as you work with children
Praying a blessing on each one of them
You can pray as you walk some place
Praying for people you pass
You can pray as you do your work
Praying it will be a blessing on others.
Pray to God thru Jesus and thru the Holy Spirit
Pray expectantly
Expecting God to answer
Expecting God to speak
Expecting God to show how to build your house
Do you build a house all alone?
No, you build it with friends and family to help.
People to hand you bricks.
People to help put rafters in place.
People to help you know what to do next.
Likewise you follow the teachings of Christ.
With fellow ship with other Christians.
Christian people from your church.
Christian family members.
Christian friends.
The first row of bricks is to remember
EMBRACE the knowledge that …
Jesus is With you always.
You are not building this new life alone
God is With you.
Jesus is With you.
Holy Spirit is With you.
Another row is to
GRASP or hold on to the teachings of Jesus
Because they are the truth
The truth will set you free
To build a House for God.
As you plan your house you will put in a door way.
The door opening is to have relationships.
That is in the section about
“Loving the Children of God.”
So the door opening allows you to invite people in
To show them you LOVE them
To SERVE.
To CARE and HELP.
To RESTORE relationships.
To FORGIVE those who hurt you
To BLESS them and asking God to bless.
You may even invite people in to have Bible study
To WITNESS to them.
To teach and DISCIPLE them.
Walk Free With Christ could be a Bible study.
But a door way also needs a door for protection.
Because you want to keep out people who harm.
So you need to use discernment
Just like in God’s kingdom you use discernment.
To decide who will teach you about God.
To decide who teaches the truth.
To decide who shows you His love.
Who do you let into the house?
Who do you decide is better to say “no” to?
People who sin to others by lying.
People who encourage you to sin.
People who abuse their power.
Another thing you want to have in your house
Is openings for windows.
Windows allow in the Light of God.
In the beginning God Created light.
God gave us His Word, the Bible to be light.
God sent us His Son, Jesus to be our light.
God sent the Holy Spirit to shine light.
So there need to be windows to let in light
In order that we can soak up the light of Jesus.
Windows also let light out.
We can shine for Him.
And be the light for all.
To turn darkness into light
To turn people from Satan to God.
To bring people into the family of God.
If you are laughing with each other,
If you are enjoying each other,
If you are singing Christian songs,
If you are listening to Christian radio,
Your neighbors can hear.
On the other hand…
If you are yelling at each other,
If you are fighting with each other,
Your neighbors can hear that, too.
What kind of light do you let shine?
But like the door way
Not all that can come into a window is good.
So when it storms or when it is night
You have shutters to close over the opening.
To keep you safe from evil spiritual influences
When to have the window open to let light in.
When to close them to keep bugs out.
When to close them to keep rain out.
In God’s kingdom
You need discern good from evil.
You need to rebuke evil.
You need to shut your spiritual shutters.
Sometimes you are building a house.
But you do not know how to do a certain thing.
You do not know how to put on a roof
Or you do not know how to put in a kitchen sink.
Then you might go visit someone who does that
And watch them and imitate them
Just like Jesus wants us to IMITATE Him
Jesus says we will even do greater things.
So that would be to EMULATE Him.
One of the last things to go on a house is the
roof
The roof rests on the bricks of love.
The roof protects those in the house.
From too much sun keeping it cool in the day.
From too much rain keeping it warm and dry.
When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane.
He SUBMITTED to God
The Bible tells us Jesus was in agony.
He knew what was before Him
Death on the Cross.
So He asked God.
So He pleaded with God.
“Please let this cup pass from me.”
In the end He said
“Not my will but thy will be done.”
He surrendered to God’s will
Likewise
You may not like to do what Jesus teaches.
You may not want to do what God asks of you.
But you need to cover every thing you do
To LOVE God and His Sone
With an attitude of Surrender.
You may not like some people God put in your life.
You may not want to LOVE FORGIVE,and BLESS
But you need to cover every thing you do
To LOVE each other.
With an attitude of SUBMITT one to another.
You may not like some of your life.
You may not like the things God gave you.
But you need to cover every thing you do
With an attitude of Contentment in all things.
With an attitude of Thanksgiving for all things.
So today we have seen how learning to
Walk Free With Christ.
What is the Land?
Your free inheritance of Salvation from God.
What is the foundation?
The teachings of Jesus in the Bible.
What are the bricks?
The different ways to love like Jesus.
What is the cement?
Prayer as we reach out in love.
Who do we build with?
With the help of God, Jesus and Holy Spirit.
With the help of our fellow Christians.
What is the open door?
To have relationships to Love God’s Children.
What is the door for?
To close with discernment on harmful people.
What are the windows?
To let the light of God shine in.
To let our lights shine out.
What are the shutters for?
To close with discernment evil spiritual beliefs.
What is the roof?
Surrender to God.
Submit one to another.
Contentment in all things.
Let these attitudes cover every thing.
And they will protect you from the heat.
And they will protect you from the rain.
That come in this life.
Note:
The most fun thing was asking the questions.
Because several people were taking notes.
And several of them raised their hands.
And some even mouthed each answer.
So I knew they were listening.
The house as an analogy came from Maggie.
The various parts of the house from e.
So I am indebted to them for their ideas.
Pastor Appolo’s Walls of Salvation Church
6/26/11 © Dalene DeGraaf
www.walkfreeministries.com
Sermon: Run Free with Christ
December 30, 2018 at 10:13 pm | Posted in Run Free | Leave a commentThis is the sermon I use when I present the Run Free with Christ handout
Time and again the Apostle Paul said
Being a Christian is like Running a Race
I consider my life worth nothing to me;
My only aim is to finish the race
And complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—
The task of testifying
To the good news of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run,
But only one gets the prize?
Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games
Goes into strict training. …
I do not run like someone running aimlessly;….
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave
So that after I have preached to others,
I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
(1 Cor 9:24-27)
No one wins an athletic contest
Without obeying the rules. (2Tim 2:5CEV)
I have not yet reached my goal,
And I am not perfect.
But Christ has taken hold of me.
So I keep on running and struggling
To take hold of the prize.
My friends, I don’t feel that I have already arrived.
But I forget what is behind,
And I struggle for what is ahead.
I run toward the goal, (Phil 3:12,13)
Let us throw off everything that hinders
And the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance
The race marked out for us,
Fixing our eyes on Jesus,
The pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Heb 12:1,2)
I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith. (2Tim 4:7)
Running the race . . .
Sanctification
Or our salvation walk
Is done with purpose
Daily deciding to . . .
Realize Christ is within us,
Love others like Christ loved us,
Transform into honorable and holy people.
Sanctification
Or our salvation walk
Is God and working together with us:
“God who works in you to will and to act,” (Phil 2:13)
“You hold firmly to the Word of life.” (Phil 2:16a)
You encourage others and they encourage you.
For example
God gave us the Bible
We have to read and know the Bible.
We have to encourage others with the Bible.
We have responsibility
Be self controlled and alert …
Resist (the enemy) standing firm
But God enables
God … will make you strong, firm, and steadfast
1 Pe 5:8-10
So Sanctification is the work God does in us
Spiritual Formation is the work we do with God’s help
Paul says is like training for a race
Kampala Marathon … 40K or 20K or 10K
A race in Kampala with thousands of runners
How does one get to be able to run that far?
How does one get to be able to run that fast?
By wishing and hoping?
By going to meetings?
No by training.
Daily training in running.
Even when tired
Even when the weather is bad.
Even when we would rather not go.
Time and time again the Bible says
About our Salvation walk …
“Make every effort …”
“Continually …”
“Always ….”
If the Christian walk is like running a race …
We could think of God as the coach
He is the boss and guide.
He can not run the race for us
It is our duty to actually run the race
But the coach is the reason we run.
God is the coach
Grace: who chose us before we chose him.
Forgiven: whose son was the sacrifice for our sins.
Faith : who has saved us not of ourselves
Grace: who has given us the gift of salvation.
God is the coach
Who selects the race we run.
Purpose: God has a purpose for us in the kingdom of God.
Receive: God is the coach whose HS helps us when we are weak.
Depend: Christ intercedes
Relinquish: God is the coach who fills us with life and peace
Sanctified: He works sanctification into
Equipping: Equip you for every good thing.
Team mates encourage us to push harder.
Team mates run with us.
Encourage: When we are weary they encourage us
Comfort: When they are weary we encourage them.
Serve one another
Correct one another
No divisions: avoid negative team mates
No obstacle: do not be a negative team mate
The people watching are like people in the world.
The people watching may be cheering for us
Such as people from other churches in Christ
But maybe the people are cheering for the others
Such as people who do not believe in Jesus Christ.
Would be cheering for other religions to run the race
To Run a Race
Rules need to be followed
What you are allowed to do in the Race
What you are not allowed to do in the Race
Need the Bible know the rules of the race of life.
Study “All Scripture is God-breathed
And is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting
And training in righteousness,
So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped
For every good work.” (2Tim 3:16,17)
So we learn the rules of the sport.
So we read the Bible with the rules of life.
So we obey the rules of the sport or lose the race.
So we obey the rules in the Bible or lose this race.
Discern best plan to follow
Challenge negative thinking
Resist lies of the evil one.
Be joyful, pray, give thanks
Run to the Glory of God.
To Run a Race
We need air to breath
The Holy Spirit is called breath.
Prayer is like the air we breathe.
Prayer is our spirit
Communing with the Holy Spirit.
A review of the Steps to Freedom in Christ.
The Steps to Freedom In Christ.
Has 7 Steps of things to renounce
“Let us throw off everything that hinders
And the sin that so easily entangles.”
There are 7 areas to release
When training for a race.
1. Can’t follow other coaches
2. Can’t believe lies
3. Can’t hold bitterness
4. Can’t be rebellious
5. Can’t be proud or feel worthless
6. Can’t have sinful habits
7. Can’t have follow in sins of parents
Step 1
Just like you may not follow after other gods,
A runner can not follow another coach.
Only the one coach,
Only the One God,
Is to be followed.
Step 2
Just like you must not believe the lies of satan.
A runner can not believe lies in his head.
Do not believe lies about your coach.
“Your coach does not care about you.”
God your coach loves you very much
Do not believe lies about yourself.
“You are too tired and can’t go on.”
God says he will give you strength.
Do not believe lies about your team.
“Your team can not win.”
God has already won.
Step 3
A runner can not do best
When bitter and angry.
It causes one to live in the past
Taking away from that future motion of running.
Forgiveness renews the mind and soul.
Releasing the runner to run ahead in freedom.
Allowing the runner to be a blessing.
Step 4 Rebellious
Can’t run a race if rebelling against coach.
Can’t run a race if rebelling against rules.
Can’t run a race if rebelling against team.
Must submit to the coach, rules and team.
To run the race in power.
Step 5 Proud or feel worthless.
Can’t run the race if too proud.
Can’t run the race if too worthless.
Must have true humility
Must know who in Christ.
Step 6
Can’t run race if bad habits.
Can’t run race if drinking or drugging.
Can’t run race if eating too much.
Can’t run race if impure.
God wants us to replace bad habits
With holy honorable habits.
Step 7 Ancestral sin
Can’t continue in the sins of for fathers
God wants to break spiritual bonds
So Paul says being a Christian is like running a race.
God is like a coach.
Who does many things for us.
Team is like fellow Christians.
Who encourage us to preservers
But we must run the race for the prize
We must obey Jesus commands to love and encourage.
God’s Light
December 28, 2018 at 7:29 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentNote: this needs reformating. The paper hand out was in landscape with my words on the left and the reference verses on the right.
God’s Light to Dispel the Darkness: A Biblical response to traditional beliefs and rituals
In the beginning | Ge 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. |
God created light. | Ge 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light.” and there was light. |
Before He created sources of light; The sun, the moon, and the stars. | Ge 1:16 God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the day, the lesser light to govern the night. He also made stars. |
He created light because He is light. | 1 Jn 1:5 God is light in Him there is no darkness at all. |
In heaven, God and Christ are the light. | Rev 21:23 The glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. |
In heaven there will be no more night, Only God’s heavenly light. | Rev 22:5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the LORD God will give them light |
On earth is darkness in hearts of men Because many continue to disobey God. | Jn 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. |
Traditional beliefs and rituals continue to be followed by twenty five percent of Christians in Africa (Pew 2010)
The Bible teaches
Darkness came into the world through Adam. | |
God created Adam and Eve sinless. | Ge 1:27 So God created mankind … male and female he created them. |
God commanded they not eat of the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. | Ge 2:17 “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die.” |
satan tempted them to eat the core sin: | Rev 20:2 the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or satan, |
“You will be like God.” | Ge 3:5 “you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” |
We are in the likeness of God, in His image. | Ge 1:26 Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness. |
But mortals (people) are not God or gods. We do not have God’s wisdom. | Eze 28:2 In the pride of your heart you say, ”I am god.”… but you are a mere mortal not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god. |
Through the sin of Adam all have sinned. Through Christ is resurrection of dead. | 1 Co 15:21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. |
In Christ all believers will be made alive. | 1 Co 12:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive |
Christ will return for those who believe. | 1 Co 15:23 when he comes, (for) those who belong to him. |
In traditional beliefs: the supreme being is distant, uncaring, and uninvolved in our personal affairs.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
God continues to seek us.
God turns our darkness into light. | Ps 18:28 God turns my darkness into light. |
God gave us the Law as light. | Ps 19:8 Commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. |
God gave us His Word as light. | Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. |
God gave us His Son as light. | Jn 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. |
God gave us the task to be light. | Mt 5:14, 16 You are the light of the world. Let your light shine.
|
God wants us to earnestly pursue light. | Lk 11:35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. |
God gave us the role to be light: To turn them from darkness to light To you show them The Way to forgiveness To show them how to have faith in Jesus. | Ac 26:17, 18 I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn, them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God, so and that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me. |
Traditional beliefs and rituals have been passed down through generations in almost every culture in the world.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
The Word of God is light. | Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. |
Scriptures are written by humans.Scriptures are inspired by Holy Spirit.Scriptures are the very Word of God: | 2 Pe 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
|
To teach us the ways of God,To give us salvation through faith in Christ,To teach us how to live holy lives, To equip us for ministry, andTo encourage us to do good works. | 2 Ti 3:15-17 The Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God- breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that you, a man of God may be thoroughly Equipped for every good work. |
In traditional beliefs there are: many gods, many spirits of ancestors and things who need to be worshiped.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
God is the only one God. | Ro 3:30 There is only one God. |
We are not to worship any other gods. | Ex 20:2, 3 I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods.
|
A Holy Trinity, One God in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. | Mt 28:19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. |
God, the Father, is the one true God God is over all.and in all. | Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all
|
God is the creator. | Col 1:16 In him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth. |
God is the sustainer. | Col 1:17 In him all things hold together. |
God is over all nature. | Job 25:2 God is in control and rules the heavens. (CEV) |
God is over all humans. | Jer 32:27 I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. |
God is over all evil spirits. | Rev 12:11 They triumphed him (satan) by the blood of the Lamb. |
Jesus is God’s one and only son. | Jn 3:18 God’s one and only Son. |
Jesus is the only Way.Jesus is the truth and the life. | Jn 14:6 I am the way, and the truth and the life no one comes to the Father but by me. |
Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus calls us to leave darkness | Jn 8:12 I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” |
Jesus has authority from the Father. | Mt 28:18 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. |
Jesus is our example. | Jn 13:15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done. |
Jesus is our Savior. | Lk 2:11 a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. |
Jesus is our forgiveness of sins. | Lk 1:77 salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. |
Jesus reconciles us with the Father. | 2 Co 5:18 God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ. |
Jesus intercedes for us to the Father. | Heb 7:25 He (Jesus) always lives to intercede for them. |
In traditional beliefs there is still need for sacrifices and rituals to please spirits of ancestors or other beings.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
We are not to worship other gods. We are not to sacrifice to other gods. | 2 Ki 17:35 Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them. |
Jesus’ Blood the only sacrifice for all sin. | Heb 7:27 He sacrificed for their sins once for all. |
Jesus sent to the world to die for our sins. So those who believe in Him will live. | Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that who so ever believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life. |
Salvation is through faith, a gift of God. We receive by believing in and following. | Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. |
Jesus gave us The Great Commandments: To love God, | Mk 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. |
To love others. | Mk 12:31 Love your neighbor as yourself. |
Jesus gave us The Great Commission: To go and make disciples,To teach obedience, To trust in His presence. | Mt 28:19, 20 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. |
Jesus is The Great Physician. | Mt 4:23 healed every disease and sickness. |
Jesus sent us Holy Spirit. | Jn 16:7 I will send him to you. |
Holy Spirit is the only one Spirit of God. | 1 Co 12:13 One Spirit so as to form one body. |
Holy Spirit speaks Father’s words. | Jn 16:13 He will not speak on his own he will speak only what he hears |
Holy Spirit goes from the Father. Holy Spirit testifies about the Son. | Jn 15:26 the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about Me. |
Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus words. | Jn 14:26 will remind you of everything I have said to you. |
Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. | Jn 16:8 He will prove the world wrong about sin. |
Holy Spirit guides us to truth. | Jn 16:13 the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into truth. |
Holy Spirit teaches us what to say. | Lk 12:12 Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. |
Holy Spirit empowers us. Holy Spirit enables us to be witnesses. | Ac 1:8 receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses. |
Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness Holy Spirit intercedes for us.Holy Spirit prays for us. | Ro 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. |
Holy Spirit is given to those who ask. | Lk 11:13 Father in heaven [will] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. |
Holy Spirit gives us Gifts of the Spirit:Manifestations: wisdom, knowledge, | 1 Co 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
|
Faith, healing, miraculous powers,Prophesy, distinguishing spirits, Speaking and interpretation of tongues. | 1 Co 12:8-10 (wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophesy, distinguishing spirits, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues.) |
Holy Spirit gives us Fruit of the Spirit. Love joy, peace, patience, kindness. | Gal 5:22, 23 Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. |
Holy Spirit is the power against evil. | Mt 12:28 it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons. |
In traditional beliefs there is a concern about many spiritual beings, of ancestors and objects that are evil.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
There are other spiritual powers,There are other forces, and They are aligned with the evil one. | Eph 6:12 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. |
The evil one, or satan, is a fallen angel. Demons are angels who follow satan. | Rev 12:9 Satan who leads the whole word astray. He was hurled down to the earth, and his angels with him. |
Demons do perform signs. | Rev 16:14 They are demonic spirits that perform signs, |
The evil one pretends to be light. | 2 Co 11:14 For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. |
The evil one is a liar and father of lies. | Jn 8:44 for he is a liar the father of lies. |
Do not believe every spirit. Test spirits to see if from the evil one.If they are from GodThey will say Jesus Christ is God’s Son. They will say Jesus Christ is God’s Son. | 1 Jn 4:1, 2 do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every Spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. |
In traditional beliefs and there is a powerlessness against bewitching, curses and spiritual beings.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Remember that God gives us victory Through Jesus Christ.
| 1 Co 15:57 Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. |
Remember Jesus keeps believers safe. So the evil one cannot harm believers. | 1 Jn 5:18 the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. |
God has given us authority over the enemy: | Lk 10: 19 given you authority.to overcome all the power of the enemy. |
First. submit to God. Then, resist the evil one and he will flee. | Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. |
Ask the Lord for protection from evil. | 2 Th 3:3 He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. |
Put on the full armor of God Against the evil one’s plans |
Eph 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take yourstand against the devil’s schemes. |
Be strong in the Lord’s strength, not own. | Eph 6:10 be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. |
Put on Truth of Jesus and Holy Spirit. | Eph 6:14 with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, |
Follow commandments to be righteous. | Eph 6:14 with the breastplate of righteousness in place |
Stand on peace know the Good News. | Eph 6:15 with your feet fitted with… readiness …from the gospel of peace |
Put on faith to block the lies of satan. | Eph 6:16 the shield of faith, extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. |
Protect the mind with the gift of salvation. | Eph 6:17 the helmet of salvation, |
Use the Word of God an offensive weapon. | Eph 6:17 the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. |
Pray continually with Holy Spirit. | Eph 6:18 pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers. |
Be alert do not be passive or ignorant. | Eph 6:18 be alert and always keep praying. |
The Bible tells how the evil one is defeated. The evil one was defeated by Jesus death.The evil one is defeated by our testimony. The evil one is defeated by not fear death. |
Rev 12:11 They triumphed him (the evil one) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. |
The evil one is defeated by God’s Word. | Eph 6: 17 the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. |
Tell your testimony against the evil one. Give others hope in Christ. | 1 Pe 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. |
Speak God’s Word from within you To overcome the evil one. | 1 Jn 2:14 the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. |
Jesus used words of Isaiah when tempted. | Mt 4:1-11 Jesus answered, “It is written …” |
Speak the name of Jesus against evil. | Mk 16:17 In my name they will drive out demons. |
In traditional beliefs there is use of idols, charms, and magic turning to evil for power over circumstances.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
There is an end for those who do magic.They will be in hell. | Rev 21:8 those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. |
The Bible explicitly condemns idolatry. They will be shamed. | Isa 42:17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame. |
The Bible explicitly condemns magic. They will have God against them. | Eze 13:20 the sovereign LORD says: I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people. |
In traditional beliefs one uses seers, sorcerers and witch doctors to fight curses and evil spirits causing illnesses.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Not to consult sorcerers or witch doctors. | Dt 18:10 divination, sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, |
False seers are a source of shame. | Mic 3:7 The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced. |
Jesus is The Great Physician. | Mat 4:23 healing every disease and sickness among the people. |
If we are sick, call the church elders. To pray and anoint in the name of the Lord. The prayer in faith will make him well. Because the Lord will raise them up. Confess your sins one to another. Pray for each other so you may be healed. | Jas 5:14-16 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. |
God forgives sins and heals diseases. | Ps 103:3 forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. |
In traditional beliefs one uses divination to determine the will of evil or ancestral spirits to plan for the future.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Divination is wrong. | Lev 19:26 Do not practice divination or seek omens. |
Divination is deception of the evil one. | Jer 29:8 Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. |
Paul cast a demon out of a diviner. Using the Name of Jesus Christ. | Ac 16:18 “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her.” At that moment the spirit left her. |
Christians should use discernment.Discernment is seeking God’s will.Seeking His best will for your life. |
Ro 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be trans-formed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. |
If your earnestly seek discernment. | Pr 2:3, 4 If you cry out for discernment, … if your seek her NKJV |
God will give you understanding, God will give you knowledge of His will. | Pr 2:5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. |
Discernment guide
It must agree with the Word of God. |
Heb 4:12 The Word of God …is a discerner of thoughts. NKJV |
It must Glorify God. | 8 |
9 | 9 |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
13 | |
14 |
1 Co 10:31 whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.
It must use your gifts to serve others.1 Pe 4:10 use whatever gift you have received to serve others.
It is confirmed by mature Christians.1 Co 14:29 the others should weigh carefully what is said.
It is in surrender to God’s will.1 Jn 5:14 if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
It must include aspects of contentment.Php 4:11 be content whatever the circumstances.
It must express the love of Jesus Christ.Jn 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
It will come to pass or bear fruit.Dt 18:22 does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken.
In traditional beliefs there is continued fear of angry spirits, bewitching or evil eye.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Th | |
Go | Ge |
Be | Ge |
B | B |
B | B |
C | C |
7 | 7 |
8 | 8 |
9 | 9 |
To fear the Lord means to revere him.Ps 33:8 fear the Lord, let all the people of the world revere him.
God is not an angry God to be feared.Ps 86:15 Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger.
God is love.1 Jn 4:8 God is love.
We express love for God with obedience.Jn 14:23 Any one who loves me will obey my teaching.
We express love for God by loving others.1 Jn 4:11 Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Perfect love casts out fear.1 Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.
We should not to be anxious.Php 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by
Instead we should pray and give thanks. prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Jesus said we should not worry.Mt 6:33, 34 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all
Jesus said to seek His righteousness first.these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry.
Holy Spirit dispels fear,2 Ti 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid (fearful),
Holy Spirit replaces it with power and love.but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
In traditional beliefs one seeks to have power and there is power in evil, but that is aligning with satan.
Th | |
Go | Ge |
Be | Ge |
In contrast, the Bible teaches
God is all powerful. He is omnipotent.Rev 19:1 Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
Jesus gave us power and authority.Mt 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them
So we can resist.authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease.
Jesus gave us power over evil.Lk 10:19 I have given you authority … to overcome all the power of
So nothing will harm us.the enemy; nothing will harm you.
In traditional beliefs curses and evil eye lead people to retaliate with curses and evil of their own.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Th | |
Go | Ge |
Be | Ge |
B | B |
B | B |
C | C |
7 | 7 |
Do not curse parents.Ex 21:17 One who curses their father or mother is to be put to death
Do not curse rulers.Ex 22:28 Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people
Do not repay evil with evil.1 Pe 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the
Instead, repay evil with blessing.contrary, repay evil with blessing.
In this way overcome evil with good.Ro 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Bless and pray for those who curse.Lk 6:28 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Anger gives the evil one a foothold.Eph 4:,26, 27 In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down
Do not go to bed if you are still angry.while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Instead cancel out anger with forgiveness.2 Co 2:10, 11 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have
In Christ, God forgave us.forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the
In Christ, we are commanded to forgive.sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us.
Forgiveness fights the evil one.For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Summary:
Th | |
Go | Ge |
Be | Ge |
B | B |
B | B |
C | C |
7 | 7 |
8 | 8 |
9 | 9 |
10 | |
11 | |
12 | |
13 | |
14 | |
15 | |
16 |
The people of Africa are very religiousJesus died on The Cross to defeat the evil one
They are very aware of spiritual realitiesJesus gave us The Great Commandments
They need to learn how to test the spiritsJesus gave us The Great Commission
Traditional beliefs and ritualsJesus is The Great Physician
Try to influence spirits aligned with the evil oneHoly Spirit gives us The Gifts
Through divination, sacrifices, and magicHoly Spirit gives us The Fruit
To fight against curses, bewitching and evil eyeHoly Spirit gives us The Power
The forces of evil give fearsWe give Glory to God
The forces of evil give darknessWe give Compassion to others
The forces of evil give condemnationWe give Thanks in all circumstances
The Bible says to resist evilInstead of divination—discernment
The Bible says to give our testimonyInstead of anger–forgiveness
The Bible says to put on the Armor of GodInstead of darkness—light
God gave us LifeInstead of curse–bless
God gave us LightInstead of lies–truth
God gave us His SonInstead of fear–love
Unless otherwise indicated verses from the NIV New International Version by Biblica, Inc of Zondervan Pub 2011
NKJV New King James Version Thomas Nelson 1982 CEV Contemporary English Version American Bible Soc. 1995
Pew Forum report Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saran Africa 2010
Click to access sub-saharan-africa-full-report.pdf
Dalene Rooks DeGraaf, PhD Missionary Set Free Ministries: East Africa © 3/2011
If you have questions or comments please email me at dalenedegraaf@yahoo.com
Intro. to Immanuel Approach
December 28, 2018 at 4:35 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentThe “Immanuel Approach” is a process with a primary purpose of greater intimacy with God and can also be used the help the deeply wounded heal. Immanuel sessions for healing are often lead by a “Facilitator” experienced in the Immanuel Approach, but can also be done by one alone while journaling.
The Immanuel Approach promotes increasing intimacy with God and His children with three processes: Deliberate Appreciation, Positive Memories, and Attunement. Additionally, these three processes are part of healing prayer by increasing ease, effectiveness and transferability. Taken together they provide a “Safety Net” to return to if there is a difficulty during healing prayer such as extremely strong emotions, losing Perceptible Connection with The LORD, or running out of session time.
1. “Deliberate Appreciation” of God or His children increases intimacy. When we express appreciation to God or others there are changes in our body, mind, heart and spirit to open ourselves to greater intimacy. Deliberate Appreciation is part of thanksgiving in Philippians 4:6.
Examples of Deliberate Appreciation:
Appreciative expressions to God:
Praise, worship, thanksgiving.
Identifying characteristics of God:
Almighty, all loving, redeemer.
Personal experience with The LORD:
Comforter, healer, guide, friend.
Appreciation toward a person:
For loving things given, done, or said.
Their personal characteristics:
Caring, empathetic, available.
2. Recalling “Positive Memories” of God or His children also promotes greater intimacy in the body, mind, hear and spirit. It is similar to all the times God told the children of Israel to remember His faithfulness to His people.
Examples of Positive Memories.
Those with God may include:
When God with His Holy Spirit comes more powerfully within or upon during worship.
When God has been palpably present during time of crisis.
When God has clearly highlighted a part of His Word.
When God has spoken truth during a time of prayer.
When God unexpectedly speaks in an image, word or song.
When God expresses His love and desire to be with us.
Those with His children may include:
When they say a word of encouragement to lift us up.
When they were silent, but present when words are not enough.
When they express caring through works of service.
When they have heard, seen, empathized, understood and genuinely wanted to be with us.
3. Receiving “Attunement” from God or His children increases intimacy.
Attunement is described as the experience of being seen, heard, empathetic, validated, accepted by one who genuinely is happy to be with us. In the Psalms Attunement was experienced by David, a man after God’s own heart.
Attunement may be experienced from God when deep feelings are expressed in prayer and we know in our knower God sees, hears loves and wants to be with us.
Attunement may be experienced from a parent, loved one, friend or counselor who is truly with us in crisis. Sometimes affectionately called someone who is “Jesus with skin on.”
Deliberate Appreciation, Positive Memories, and Attunement are all processes that increase intimacy.
It is during these times of increased intimacy we are most open to healing of current hurts or traumatic memories. Utilizing these processes before healing ministry increases the ease, effectiveness and transferability.
Before going into more detail about healing ministry it is helpful to understand why one over-reacts to some events in the present. Briefly they are echoesfrom our past.
It is helpful to understand how
Stress and “Triggering”
Can make it difficult
To relate to others going into
“Non-relational mode.”
Whereas, Deliberate Appreciation
and Attunement
Can make it easier to once again
Relate to others going back to
“Relational Mode.”
Stress
Often times when something
Stressful happens.
A car back fires
A slight burn on the stove.
There is a brief stress response.
Muscles tense and heart races.
If the stressor is non-threatening
Within twenty minutes
The body returns to relaxed.
When the stressor is perceived as
threatening, rejecting or shaming.
The physical stress response
Alters every system in the body
To fight, flee, or freeze.
The emotional stress response
Mirrors the physical
Altering the emotions
With anger, anxiety or numbing.
Expressed socially
As aggressive, defensive, withdrawn.
Viewing others
As rejecting, shaming. and unhelpful.
Stressed distancing responses are
“Non-relational Mode”
In contrast, the relaxation response
Is physical relaxation
Relaxing every system in the body.
Preparing the body
To rest, digest and be intimate.
Relaxed emotions are
Peace, joy and love.
Viewing others
As safe for intimacy and love.
Relaxed increased intimacy is
“Relational Mode”
Deliberate Appreciation,
Positive Memories, and
Attunements are all processes
that promotes returning from
Non-relational Mode
Back to relaxation and intimacy into
Relational Mode.
Being “Triggered” is more complex.
When the stressor in the present is
Actually mild threat, rejection, shame;
However, it is miss-perceived as an
Extreme threat, rejection, shame,
Because it echoes or reminds one of
Events in the past which were an
Extreme threat, rejection, shame.
A history of experiences that were
Traumatic and extremely
Threatening, rejecting, shaming.
Predisposes one to over-perceive
Threat, rejection, shame
In the present.
Often called an
Over-reaction, overly-sensitive.
But when Triggered it is
Not felt by one to be
Over-reaction or over-sensitive.
It is genuinely experienced as
extremely upsetting now.
Sometimes when one is
Returned to relaxed Relational Mode
Recalling the experience it appears
To the person that they were
Over-reacting or overly-sensitive.
Other times even when one is
Returned to relaxed Relational Mode
Recalling the experience it continues
To be miss-perceived to be extremely
Threatening, rejecting and shaming.
Immanuel Approach to healing
During Immanuel prayer a Facilitator experienced The LORD saying,
“The most important purpose of emotional healing is to remove the blockages that hinder your heart from coming to Me.”
Often when triggered by rejection
We also experience The LORD
As rejecting, shaming. and unhelpful.
Thus, we are in Non-relational Mode
With The LORD.
It is then threatening to approach
The LORD when we are wounded.
This is when the processes
Deliberate Appreciation,
Positive Memories, and
Attunement
ease the session of healing prayer.
Even when in Non-relational Mode,
Beginning a healing prayer session
With Deliberate Appreciation of God
Recalling Positive Memories of Him.
Receiving Attunement from Him
In the Positive Memory
Restores one to Relational Mode
Increasing intimacy with The LORD.
During this increased intimacy
We can ask for a “Perceptible
Connection” ‘with The LORD.
This Perceptible Connection is
Experienced in many various ways
Unique to the individual or session.
For some it may be seeing Jesus
In the Positive Memory
Receiving Attunement from Him.
For others it may be a felt sense
Of the Holy Spirit
In the Positive Memory
Receiving His comfort and guidance.
For others it may be awareness
Of The Father
In the Positive Memory
Receiving His protection and love.
It seems important to experience
The Perceptible Connection
In whatever way The LORD leads.
Following The LORD’s leading
Is the essential feature of the
Immanuel Approach to healing.
During the Perceptible Connection
We can ask The LORD where He
Wants us to go today.
We can ask The LORD what He
Wants us to experience today.
For some it may be
“I want you to stay in this Positive Memory and experience My unending love for you.”
For others He may lead to a recent triggering event to experience receiving Attunement from Him.
For others He may lead to a past deeply hurtful event to experience His healing so it doesn’t cause Triggering ever again.
Following The LORD’s leading
Is the essential feature of the
Immanuel Approach to healing.
It is easy for the recipient or the Facilitator to have a preconceived notion of which memory needs to experience healing in that session. Or they may have a preconceived idea of what The LORD wants the recipient to see, hear or experience in a given memory.
For example, one of my first experiences with healing prayer I decided it was important to go back to one of my earliest most traumatic memories: when 2.5 years old I was sent away to strangers’ home for six weeks while my mother was caregiver of my terminally ill father. Although The LORD blessed me with a measure of comfort in the memory, it didn’t feel completed and I tried the same thing during several other prayer times with the same incompleteness. When I let The LORD lead He has taken me to more recent less traumatic memories for His Attunement and healing there. He has not yet taken me where I thought I ought to go. Sometimes following The LORD’s leading is an exercise in patience.
Another more general example, as a psychologist I have had years of experience dispensing insightful, Biblically based, psychologically sound interpretations of experiences and memories. I have been reinforced by the client’s expressed appreciation of the new insight. I am not speaking of words of knowledge or words of wisdom which are gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are my own thoughts. Now, as the Facilitator of an Immanuel Approach session waiting in silence is the most difficult thing. When the recipient asks The LORD for a Perceptible Connection and asks what He would like them to experience. Or when the recipient is in a memory and loses the Perceptible Connection or there is a long silence when they outwardly appear to be hearing nothing. Silence is a challenge for me. Most fascinating is the way The LORD surprises me with leading the recipient to experiences and wisdom I could never have imagined. Immanuel Approach is my journey into sovereign serendipity: God’s providential joy filled experiences.
In the Immanuel Approach the Facilitator’s primary role is reminding the recipient to ask for and maintain the Perceptible Connection with The LORD. Beginning in the Positive Memory and following The LORD’s leading to other memories the Facilitator’s role is to ask, “Do you still experience the Perceptible Connection with The LORD? Or “Do you still see Jesus?” Observing for any nonverbal changes that may signal a lost connection.
Staying in Perceptible Connection with Him throughout the session allows The LORD to have the recipient experience whatever He has for them. It is helpful for the recipient to share any subtle experiences with in the memory. Every one uniquely experiences The LORD in a memory. Some do hear a voice, others are given an image or series of images almost like a dream, or others may be reminded of a verse or lyrics. The LORD is very creative in the ways He leads and communicates. Paying attention to and reporting subtle changes in experience allows for full attention to what He wants to share.
While in a memory the recipient may experience so much stress they become Triggered, go into Non-relational Mood and lose the Perceptible Connection with The LORD. In order to restore this intimate connection the recipient may need to return to the Positive Memory as a Safety Net. Once again they can increase intimacy in the Positive Memory with The LORD. They return to Relational Mode and restore the Perceptible Connection with The LORD. Then The LORD may lead them back into the painful memory for more healing.
It is important to not end a session with the client still Triggered in the midst of a painful memory. If time is limited always prompt the recipient to return to the Safety Net and Positive Memory and receive Attunement from The LORD so they can complete the session in Relational Mode.
Discernment
When listening for guidance from The LORD we could be misled by our own human desires or deceived by the enemy’s lies. These are guidelines for discernment to test if what is heard or experienced during prayer is from The LORD.
1. Does it glorify Jesus Christ?
2. Is consistent with what God has already said in the Bible?
3. Is it confirmed by mature Christians?
4. Does it bring forth Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Does it produce good fruit in the future?
5. Is it consistent with the character of God? God will not say something in prayer that is condemning. God is LORD, faithful, merciful, and most of all love. Condemnation is from the accuser. It is judgement about the past angrily shaming our character. Conviction is from the Holy Spirit. It is guidance for the future lovingly encouraging us to become more like Christ.
Summary
The Immanuel Approach increases the ease, effectiveness and transferability of healing prayer. Deliberate Appreciation, Attunement and Positive Memory each increase intimacy with The LORD. In this place of intimacy the recipient is in Relational Mode with The LORD and more able to establish a Perceptible Connection with Him. Then, The LORD can lead them to experience Him in the memory of His choosing. If the stress within the memory is so high they become so Triggered they lose connection or if session time is running out; then the recipient can be prompted to return to the Safety Net of the Positive Memory. These processes have made the Immanuel Approach more effective and safer. Guidelines for discernment assist in ensuring what is experienced are of God.
The Immanuel Approach was developed by
Karl Lehman for more information go tohttp://www.immanuelapproach.com
Spiritual Warfare Teaching
December 28, 2018 at 2:05 pm | Posted in Spiritual Warfare | 1 CommentRun Free with Christ: Epistles
December 28, 2018 at 2:08 am | Posted in Epistles | Leave a commentRun with God’s Grace
Forgiven He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 Jo 4:10
Declare Who acknowledges Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they are in God. 1 Jo 4:15
Grace For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith … It is the gift of God. Eph 2:8
Faith And this is not from yourselves … Not by works, so that no one can boast. Eph 2:8,9
Purposeful. For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. Phil 2:13
Trust The Spirit helps us in our weakness … Intercedes for us. Rom 8:26
Depend Christ Jesus … is at the right hand of God is also interceding for us. Rom 8:34
Relinquish The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace Rom 8:6
Sanctified May God himself, … Sanctify you through and through. 1 Th 5:23
Equipped Equip you with everything good for doing His will Heb 13:21
Run with Other’s Encouragement
Respond Dear friends, Since God so loved us we also ought to love one another1 Jo 4:11
Serve Each one should use what ever gift he has received to serve others 1 Pe 4:10
Encourage Encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Th 5:11
Spur Let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds. Heb 10:24
Comfort We can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received. 2 Co 1:4
Pray Is any of you sick? Call elders to pray over him. Anoint him with oil. Ja 5:14
Confess Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. Ja 5:16
Correct If one of you should wander away from the truth someone should bring him back. Ja 5:19
No divisions Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way. Rom 16:17.
No obstacle Make up your own mind not to put . . obstacle in your brother’s way. Rom 14:12
Run with Perseverance
Obey Those who obey His commands live in Him and He in them. 1 Jo 3:24
Make effort Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. 2 Pet 3:14
Renew Do not conform to … this world, be transformed by the renewing of your mind, Rom 12:2a
Study Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting 2 Tim 3:16
Discern Be able to test and approve what God’s will is His good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom 12:2b
Discipline Take every thought to make it obedient to Christ 2 Co 10:5
Persevere Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial Ja 1:12
Armor Put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Eph 6:11
Praise Declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light 1 Pe 2:9
Always Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Th 5:16-18
Glorify Do every thing to the glory of God. 1 Co 10:31
Bible quotations from the New International Version (NIV ) Biblica 2011
A summary of Epistles Dalene DeGraaf www.WalkFreeMinistries.com © December 2011
Walk Free with Christ: Gospels
December 28, 2018 at 1:57 am | Posted in Walk Free With Christ | Leave a commentWalk Free With Christ
Loving the Son of God
EMBRACE Surely I am with you always. “With” you to help you become more and more like Him. Mt 28:19 c
GRASP Hold to my teaching, … Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Jn 8:31,32 c
LOVE Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul … mind and … strength. Mk 12:30 c
BELIEVE Believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life. Jn 20:31 c
TRUST Prodigal: Trust God will welcome you back as His child even if you have wandered away. Lk 15:11-32 p
PRAY Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. early in the morning Lk 5:16 ex
DEPEND I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. Jn 8:28 ex
OBEY Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man. Mt 7:24 c
FOLLOW I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness. Jn 8:12 c
SUBMIT Jesus surrendered to God even though in anguish “Yet not my will, but yours be done.” Lk 22:42 ex
RECEIVE He will give you another advocate (the Holy Spirit) to help you and be with you forever. Jn 16:14 ex
Loving the Children of God
LOVE By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. Jn 13:35 c
SERVE The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life. Mk 10:45 ex
RESTORE To reconcile: first go to brother alone, then with two others, then the church. Mt 18:15-17 c
MEDIATE Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Mt 5:9 c
FORGIVE Have mercy on others and forgive them just as God, the Father, has forgiven you. Mt 18:21-35 p
BLESS Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Lk 6:28 c
HELP Help those in need to express faith: hungry, thirsty, stranger, unclothed, ill or in prison. Mt 25:33-40 c
CARE He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep with out a shepherd. Mk 6:34 ex
DISCIPLE Make disciples of all nations … and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded. Mt 28:19,20 c
BAPTISE Baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Son and the of Holy Spirit. Mt 28:19 c
REMEMBER “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” Likewise the cup…. Lk 22:19,20 c
Loving the Kingdom of God
SEEK Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you. Mt 6:33 c
VALUE Know the value of the kingdom. Be willing to give up all you have to posses the kingdom. Mt 13:44-46 p
GROW Just like a plant grows slowly in good soil, growing spiritually takes time in the Word. Mk 4:10-29 p
USE Use your talents or gifts, no matter how few they appear to be, for God’s glory. Mt 25:14=30 p
ACCEPT Accept others, so you do not accidentally damage a new Christian. Let God judge later. Mt 13:24-30 p
SHINE Let your light shine before others, that they may see … and glorify your Father. Mt 5:16 c
IMITATE I (Jesus) have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. Jn 17:4 ex
REST Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Mt 11:28 c
DISCERN False messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive. Mk 13:22 c
REBUKE You deaf and mute spirit … I command you, come out of him and never enter him again. Mk 9:25 ex
EMULATE Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things. Jn 14:12 c
Walk Free With Christ summarizes teachings of Christ He taught with commands = c, example = ex , and parables = p
With Christ helping us, we can become more like Him each day and disciple others: a process called sanctification.
Written as a response to “Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20.
Bible quotations from the New International Version (NIV ) Biblica 2011 in italics Bible summary regulator font.
A summary of the Gospels Dalene De Graaf, RN PhD
Thank God for Unanswered Prayers
December 28, 2018 at 12:10 am | Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a commentThank God for unanswered prayers
Yes, it was thirty years ago..
I prayed and prayed and prayed
somethings broken would be fixed.
My heart, my mind, my life broken.
Shattered pieces on the ground.
My prayers went unanswered
Or so I thought.
Nothing was fixed to the way it was.
Romans 8:28 seemed to mock me.
“All things work together for good”?
Another mocking verse 1 Thes 5:18,
“In everything give thanks” Really?
Written as a universal command
Read as a very personal beaconing.
I began giving thanks for things
Slowly lifting my eyes to The Giver.
Prayers for fixing it to the way it was
Diminished first out of hopelessness
Then slowly out of surrender to Him.
How to move forward still broken?
Another verse was highlighted
“For we are God’s workmanship
Recreated in Christ Jesus
To do those good works
Which He prepared for us to do.”
My works was to be a whole mom,
A loving mom, tho still fragile mom.
My other good works was to finish
School that was almost completed.
“I have clients for you to counsel.”
To fulfill His purpose for me.
Wondering how my fragile mess
Could possibly ever help anyone.
Nouwen’s “The Wounded Healer”
Opened understanding as to how
My shattered pieces on the ground,
My partially healed brokenness and
My slowly strengthening fragility
Could become a healing testimony
When placed in His hands.
In addition to thanksgiving,
In addition to surrendering and
In addition to a purposeful calling
A release of bitterness was needed:
Bitterness toward ones who broke,
Bitterness to the One Who allowed,
Bitterness even directed at myself.
Anger needs more than releasing.
Bitterness needs conversion into
Forgiveness to give radical renewal.
Over time, forgiving all involved and
Choosing also to bless, I was given
“Freedom thru Forgiveness”
Love isn’t love til you give it away.
Forgiveness isn’t Freedom if kept.
The testimony of forgiveness,
I was told, would defeat the enemy.
The testimony of forgiveness
I believe Glorifies God the Forgiver,
Furthermore it encourages believers.
Believers here and believers far,
Across cultures and languages,
Find Freedom thru Forgiveness, too.
Isaiah 50:4 my personal life verse
“The Lord God hath given me
The tongue of the learned,
That I should know how to speak
A word in season
To him who is weary:
He wakeneth morning by morning,
He wakeneth mine ear
To hear as the learned.”
Wisdom, to speak a word
In season to him who is weary
Is not from an advanced degree,
Is not from scripture knowledge,
Is not from chronological age.
It is from listening to The LORD
Morning after morning as
He whispers wisdom into my heart.
It is a still mystery how challenging
Consistency in listening remains.
So I will persevere in starting over
Jim Wilder gave a new perspective
On Ephesians 2:10 my paraphrase:
“For we are God’s poetry
Recreated in Christ Jesus
So we rhyme His thoughts and thus
Know how to rhyme His actions
Which He has prepared for us.
Counseling has become discipling.
Teaching them to obey everything:
Believing, loving, trusting, following,
Forgiving, blessing, encouraging,
Praying, listening, discerning, and
Rhyming to walk in their calling.
Romans 8:28 understood with 29
All things work together for good.
The good being defined as being
Conformed to the image of Christ.
Then it becomes a known and felt
Truth: It is not I who lives
But Christ Who lives within me.
It is not my thoughts
But rhyming His thoughts.
It is not my actions
But rhyming His actions.
It is not my heart
But beating in unison with His.
Thanking Him in all things, including
Thirty years of unanswered prayers.
Things are not the way I planned.
Nor the way I hoped or dreamed.
The more and more surrendered
The more I become conformed
To His image with in me.
Day by Day Day by Day
Oh Dear LORD three things I pray
To see Thee more clearly
Love Thee more dearly
Follow Thee more nearly
Day by Day by Day….
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