The Perfect Gift

Welcome to the Sermon Recap! Today, we will be discussing the difference between a good gift and a perfect gift.

James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

In the book of Genesis, before man’s fall from grace, the world was a paradise untouched by disease, plagues, storms, sorrow, death, or separation. It was a time when humanity lived in harmony with God and creation. However, when Eve fell, Adam followed suit, stepping down from a God nature to a flesh nature. With this fall came attacks. These attacks include disease and sickness.

Isaiah 53:5 reminds us of the power of healing, declaring that the same God that forgives our iniquities also has the ability to heal our diseases. This profound truth sets the stage for a journey through the Scriptures, revealing the intertwining of faith, prayer, and the Great Physician’s intervention in the process of healing.

Isaiah and Hezekiah

Isaiah’s encounter with Hezekiah provides a powerful example of the impact of fervent prayer. When Isaiah delivered the message that Hezekiah’s life was nearing its end, Hezekiah turned to God in prayer. With a pure heart and a faithful spirit, Hezekiah’s plea moved heaven and touched the heart of God. Before Isaiah could leave the court of the palace, God turned him back with the news that He would add 15 more years to Hezekiah’s life. As a sign of this miraculous healing, God stopped and reversed the movement of the sun.

This remarkable story illustrates that God not only hears our prayers but sometimes also responds with both words and miracles. It’s a reminder that divine healing can come in various ways, using different means.

What about doctors?

Think about this for a moment. Do you think that the devil provided doctors with the knowledge to perform complex surgeries or develop life-saving treatments? The devil does not want humanity saved. But God does! Some may ask if it’s wrong to go to the doctor as if perhaps we are putting less trust in the Lord if we do so. This is where the good gift comes in. God wants you to rely on Him, but at times, He uses doctors as instruments of His grace and healing. It’s important to recognize and appreciate the kindness of doctors and the blessings of modern medicine. Sometimes, God works through medical professionals to bring healing and relief to those in need. Doctors, their knowledge and skills, and the healing that can come along with them is the good gift.

The Perfect Gift

In a world where healthcare can be challenging to access and expensive, God stands as the ultimate perfect gift. His healing is not subject to waiting rooms, insurance battles, or medication schedules. It is a gift already paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Mark 16:18 – “they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

1 Peter 2:24 – “who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

Mark 9:23 – “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

Faith is powerful in the process of healing. If God wants to use a doctor to heal us, then so be it, perhaps that doctor needs a witness of God’s grace and saving power. But sometimes God wants to give us a miracle and that is accessible to us through faith. If we believe it, it is possible.

God longs to see us prosper. He wants to heal us; it’s in His will. If you haven’t gotten your healing yet, seek it with faith and perseverance, understanding that God can work through different means, including medical professionals, to bring about His gift of health and wholeness. In times of affliction, we can hold onto the promise of healing, remembering that it is a gift already paid for by the ultimate sacrifice of God’s love.

Thank you for reading! For a deeper study into this topic, watch the sermon “A Perfect Gift” by clicking HERE. God bless you!

Pastor Anthony Wynn

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Welcome to the Sermon Recap, where we dive into the teachings of the Scriptures to find guidance for our Christian journey. Today, we explore the message from a recent revelation, reminding us of God’s boundless love and His desire to bless, heal, and protect us.

Before we continue, let’s open our Bibles to Matthew 5:1-18, which lays the foundation for this message.

In our walk with Christ, we must never forget the depths of His love for us. He yearns to act in our favor, to heal us, to be our guardian, and to protect us. This fundamental truth should remain etched in our hearts.

To unlock God’s blessings, it’s imperative that we study and start walking in the Beatitudes. Embracing qualities like hunger and thirst for righteousness and recognizing our spiritual poverty creates a deep connection between us and the Lord. When we fully embrace these characteristics, even the enemy cannot hinder the divine protection, happiness, peace, and blessings that will flow into our lives.

“Blessed” signifies not just happiness but also the recognition of genuine goodness and its source in a person’s life.

Matthew 5:3 emphasizes that being “poor in spirit” doesn’t refer to financial poverty. Instead, it signifies humility and a lack of self-reliance. Those who are “poor in spirit” understand their inability to attain righteousness and goodness through their own strength. It’s crucial to avoid the trap of thinking that we can overcome our weaknesses on our own. When we struggle with any area of weakness, what we truly need is the life-giving sustenance that only God can provide.

A person who is poor in spirit, who is presented with the opportunity to help someone or minister to them, knows that without God the need will not be met. One way to recognize where you stand on being poor in spirit is when you see someone in need. Check your thoughts and see whether you are saying, “I can do this,” or “Jesus, I really need you to guide me and give me the wisdom to do what is needed.” When someone is struggling, they don’t need a worldly pat on the back, but they need the Living Water of Jesus poured into their life.

Luke 11:5-8 underscores our daily need for a touch from God. God is looking for someone who will keep coming back to Him for every need. This design of seeking God is rooted in His love for us, ensuring that we continually seek His guidance and presence. Because if we had all the answers to every question, we wouldn’t come to Him and He loves us and longs to be our friend.

The New Covenant

Under the Old Covenant, people were born under the shadow of death and faced judgment. However, the pivotal moment at Calvary marked the fulfillment of God’s law, as Jesus bore our sins and gifted us His righteousness. Man did not have the strength, will, or ability to do this by himself. Jesus paid the debt we could not pay. We now have an advocate with the Father on our behalf. When we get saved, it provides us with new hearts, aligning our desires with His and motivating us to live righteously and seek the Lord’s pleasure.

Matthew 11:11 draws our attention to the unique time we find ourselves in, when we have the privilege of experiencing the fullness of God’s grace and the redemptive power of His sacrifice. John the Baptist never got to see Jesus die and didn’t get to see His resurrection or get to experience the Holy Ghost the way we do. Jesus ushered in a new era, wrapping the law in grace and mercy.

Today, as we step into His Kingdom, we surpass even the greatest of the Old Covenant figures. It’s a reminder that there is but one way to salvation—through Jesus. While there may be countless paths leading elsewhere, it’s the blood of Christ that redeems us. The only door to Heaven is Jesus Christ.

In closing, this recap has unveiled the significance of being “poor in spirit,” the beauty of daily seeking God’s presence, and the unmatched grace and mercy that flow from the Kingdom of Heaven. Remember, it’s through Jesus that we rise above and become greater than any enemy, situation, or storm. May you continue to walk in the light of His love and grace.

Thank you so much for reading this post. I hope you enjoyed it! If you would like to share it with someone you believe would benefit from it as well, then please feel free to do so. If you would like to listen to the sermon this blog was based on to hear more on this subject, then please click the play button below to watch the message. God bless you, Dear Reader!

Pastor Anthony Wynn

Don’t Run From the Famine

Welcome to the Sermon Recap! Let’s talk about spiritual famine and what you should do if you ever find yourself walking through it.

Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Psalm 16:11 – “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

When it rains, the air is cleared, the plants are hydrated, the streams continue to flow, our wells and water supplies get replenished. Lack of rain is the number one cause of famine. Famine is followed by death, troubles, and starvation. No matter how much we do for God or how close we are to God, famine will come at some point to us spiritually.

In a famine, it’s hard to find peace and joy. It’s hard to read your Bible and get into worship. But this time will not last, the rain will come again, and you will stand because you have Jesus. How you handle yourself and what you do during times of famine matters because your actions will affect your next season, seasons, or even the rest of your life.

1 Kings 17:7 – “And it came to pass after a while, that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.”

If you have the ability to go to church, I believe God desires for you to be in His house. It’s not just for you either, when you go to church, you encourage and help others.

In famine, more people die from diseases than they do from lack of food. This is because without water, people can’t wash their clothes, their dishes, or even themselves. Sin is a disease and if we aren’t careful, we will start doing things we wouldn’t have before. Think of Samson. There was nothing wrong with him getting tired, but he wasn’t careful where he laid his head. When we are tired, going through hard times, and trying to find peace for our minds, we must be careful where we lay our head.

What do we do during famine?

Genesis 12:10 – “And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.”

Genesis 16:1 – “Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.”

I believe this Egyptian woman came from when Abraham went to Egypt during that famine. Now, Egypt represents sin and bondage; the Pharaoh can be a representation of satan. We have to make up our minds that in times of famine, we will not go back to who we were before God. We shouldn’t throw away church and run away from God.

Abraham made his decisions and found out later that what you bring back from Egypt will mock what God has planned for you. Your problem will mock your promise. Don’t leave church. Don’t leave God and make a trip to Egypt during a time of famine. We have to make up in our minds that we aren’t serving God for an emotional high, but we are serving Him because of a hill called Calvary and we will live for Him if we sink or swim.

Genesis 43:1 – “And the famine was sore in the land.”

Genesis 45:6 – “For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.”

Genesis 47:4 – “They said moreover unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land are we come; for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks; for the famine is sore in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

Genesis 47:11 – “And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.”

Here, they had left church for a while to go to Egypt and for a little bit it looked like everything was the best they had ever had. They had the best in the land.

Exodus 1:8 – “Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.”

When this new Pharaoh rose up, the Egyptians started afflicting the Hebrews and putting them under hard bondage. Moses chose to suffer this affliction with them rather than to enjoy the pleasure of Egypt’s sin for a season. We shouldn’t trade our battles while in church for a night of drinking or drugs or something else. The pleasure of sin is for a moment. Don’t make a permanent change over a temporary battle.

This is a shorter Sermon Recap, but I believe it is an important message for us to hear. Spiritual famine will come to us and our faithfulness to God will be challenged. But if we will hold out, God will visit us and bring us renewal and restoration. He will not leave us comfortless and He will not allow us to break if we keep our trust in Him. Sin can look appealing in these times of famine, but there is pleasure in sin for a season. Later, there will be affliction as we can see from the children of Israel in their bondage. So, let us remain steadfast and continue our faithfulness to God. For with Him, we will stand strong against the devil and will not be conquered by our enemy. Keep on a little longer! Hell could be fighting you so hard right now because there’s a breakthrough just around the corner.

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed this Sermon Recap. If you would like to listen to it, you can click the play button on the video below to watch the sermon this blog was based on. May God keep you and guide you in all truth!

Anthony Wynn

The Power of the Tongue

Welcome to the Sermon Recap! This week we’ll be discussing the power of bringing your battles into the light and fighting against the enemy by exposing his attacks.

It’s is important not to be ashamed of your battles.

In WW2, when our enemy saw that the tide was turning and they feared they wouldn’t win, they wouldn’t attack empty ships. Any ship they attacked was one with food, weapons, fuel, or people. It’s the same way with our spiritual enemy. If he’s been attacking your nerves and your mind, your health and your home, it’s because you’re carrying this valuable cargo called the anointing. When God saved us, He gave us some weapons! It’s our job to figure them out and learn how to use them!

2 Corinthians 10:4 – “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”

James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

The Mind

A person’s mind can be a happy or sad, clean or filthy, victorious or tormented place. A person’s mind can know peace or pain. The mind can be kind or aggressive. The mind is the blueprint of a person’s life. What a person thinks today can be their reality now or later whether it is good or bad. The greatest battlefield right now is the one in your mind.

The mind is a dark place because, other than you and the Lord, no one knows what’s going on there. It’s sort of a secret place. Things can be hidden there. The enemy attacks us there a lot because that’s where he thinks he can win, in the dark. When we are going through something, a lot of the time, it gets worse between the hours of 1 AM to 6 AM, the darkest hours of the night. How many times have you laid in your bed asking for daylight? Because darkness feeds fear, desperation, and hopelessness.

Colossians 1:13 – “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”

Luke 22:53 – “When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

How do you fight against this unseen force that comes to kill, steal and destroy?

To conquer or defeat this enemy, you have to bring him and expose him in the open.

Romans 13:12 – “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”

Ephesians 5:11 – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Proverbs 4:19 – “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”

Your battle will turn when you begin exposing your enemy. Once you bring something into the open, it is stopped. The reason why child abuse and things like it can get by is because it’s hidden and people won’t say anything about it. They keep it hidden because of fear, shame, or embarrassment. Do not be embarrassed about the enemy attacking you. He sees an anointing in you that he wants to stop. He’s attacking you because he wants you to quit.

Ephesians 6:12 – “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

There are spirits that Hell has organized to work in darkness and secret areas where no one talks about. If the devil can keep it there, he wins those battles. But if we can bring him into the light, he can’t win that battle. We will never be totally delivered from addiction or other things, until we address it, bring it into the light. Now, that doesn’t mean go post it on Facebook somewhere, but it means looking that thing in the face, finding a prayer warrior and asking for help. Let someone you trust know you are struggling and ask them to pray for you. You don’t have to tell everyone the battles that you face, but you can pray openly in your prayer closet, exposing the devil and telling the Lord that you need help.

Colossians 2:15 – “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. ”

The devil will attack you in secret, but you can put your foot on his head openly and let him know that you will not break. He is a liar! If God can bring Paul out of a storm and bring Daniel out of a lion’s den, then you are going nowhere until God opens His hand. Hell is not big enough to shorten your time or cut you off. God has a plan for you and the devil can’t stop it. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!

Daniel 9:21 – “Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.”

Psalms 34:17 – “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”

God will answer prayers prayed in the mind. But there’s something to be said about bringing your battles out into the open. The devil likes to keep things in that secret place, and as long as we fight him in our minds, and keep it hidden, it will be only the mercy of God that brings us through. God wants to hear our voice and He wants us to expose the devil! If we expose the devil, we win half the battle!

Psalms 91:15 – “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”

I’m going to give you some Scripture to counter attack the enemy when he comes to you. Declare these Scriptures over your situations. Bring his tactics to light and show him that you aren’t going to back down! You will win in Jesus’ name!

 

Scriptures for Health

Isa 53:5 – “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Psa 107:20 – “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

Psa 103:3 – “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;”

3 Jn 1:2 – “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

Scriptures for Finances

Phil 4:19 – “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Psa 23:2 – “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

Scriptures to speak against torment in your mind.

Psa 23 – “(A Psalm of David.) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

Phil 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Scriptures for lost loved ones

Rom 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Isa 53:6 – “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Scriptures against fear

2 Tim 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Heb 2:15 – “And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

Rom 16:20 – “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”

Scriptures for hope in any area

Psa 103:4 – “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;”

Isa 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

 

Thank you for reading! If the enemy is attacking you and you would like prayer, please call 1.877.226.4088 and a member of the Oasis Team will reach out to God with you. Please watch the video below to hear the sermon this post was based on. You’ll get to hear more on this topic and even get to worship with our praise team! May God bless you and keep you!

Pastor Anthony Wynn

Loose the Body of Christ

Hello and welcome to the Sermon Recap! You and me are part of the Body of Christ, but the world has tried to wrap us up and hide us away. Let’s talk about it.

1 Corinthians 12:27 – “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

Romans 12:5 – “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another”

Colossians 2:19 – “And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.”

If we are part of the Body of Christ, then whatever flows out of the pulpit should flow into you and out from you to help encourage others. I am not a lone member and you are not a lone member, but we are all part of the Body of Christ. We are part of the living, walking body that Jesus died to redeem. When everything else has ended and stores, companies, ideas, and governments have gone away, there will still be a body of Christ. There will be a Church.

Matthew 27:57-60 – “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

John 19:38 – “And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.”

Joseph of Arimathaea followed Jesus secretly. Loving Jesus, but wondering if He was really worth the cost. He loved Jesus but would not share that information because he was afraid. That being said, Joseph probably had no public records to show he was a part of Jesus’ life or Jesus was a part of his life. It was most likely that he had to beg Pilate for the body because of the lack of records. This was because after someone was crucified, to get the body, you had to prove you were kin to the person, were a part of their life somehow, or one of you had worked for the other. Wouldn’t it be sad to work somewhere for 15 years and no one knew that you are a Christian? No one knew you had the Holy Ghost or went to church?

John 19:39 – “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.”

Nicodemus came to Jesus by night signifying another person who didn’t want others to know his connection with Jesus. God will not allow people to be closet Christians much longer. There will come a point where we must make up our minds and choose who we are going to serve. These men, Joseph and Nicodemus, decided to wrap up the body of Jesus, signifying they wanted a Jesus that could be controlled. They wanted a Jesus they could wrap up and hide behind a stone, buried.

When I saw that Joseph had to beg for the body of Jesus, I knew something was wrong. We should never have to beg Jesus to move for us. A child should never have to beg its father for a pair of shoes. All we have to do is come to Jesus as we are and He will provide for us.

Matthew 11:29-30 – “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

There are people, churches, ministers, who want to take people’s money and give them a Jesus in a tomb in return. They will hand people a Jesus who used to save and used to heal. But my God is not in a tomb anymore! My God still saves, heals, and delivers! We have a church nowadays that doesn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or make anyone uncomfortable. But if a child wants to play in rattlesnake territory, is it okay to let them just because we don’t want them to dislike us when we say ‘no?’ Of course not! If we let a child play with a rattlesnake, then we don’t care about that child. If we love our children, we will chastise them and teach them not to play with things that will hurt them. Real love chastises and says no.

I want to encourage you today!

You are not dead. You are not powerless and something for the enemy to run over. I want you to be loosed of your shyness, of your past, of your intimidation. Everything that you have been wrapped up in that tells you that you don’t matter, be free of it! The devil tells you that God won’t answer your prayers, but keep praying, God’s listening! Miracles and healings are on the way! You don’t belong in a tomb or in a closet. This generation needs what you have. Living right is right and sin is wrong! There’s a Hell to shun and a Heaven to gain! If others like the LGBTQ can come out of the closet, then why can’t the Christians come out and talk about our Savior and His Word?

The business, the stress, the people who beat you down, they have to loose you and let you go. The Master has need of you! You are a part of the body of Christ and you are bigger than the storms and battles that come your way! This situation, this test, these trials are no match for you! This generation needs to see you overcome. Jesus didn’t die for us to just hold on, but He died so we could have life and have it more abundantly. We are overcomers!

Ephesians 4:11-12 – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

If you have been born again, you are called to the ministry of Christ. Stir and strengthen your ministry! You don’t have to be a preacher or some bishop. A 5-year-old can minister to a grandpa by telling him how much the child loves him. A real minister is not a tyrant or a dictator. A real minister is a servant and someone who will lay their life down for you. They will fight for you and lift your hands up and encourage you.

1 Corinthians 12:28 – “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”

We should start looking for people to help. We shouldn’t walk by needs. If we see someone who needs help, we should do something about it. After all, people will know we are Jesus’ disciples when we love each other and care for each other’s needs. If we can take care of someone’s need, let’s help them! What kind of move of God would we have if we cared for each other like real family?

Jesus didn’t die for Himself; those nails were not driven for Jesus. Jesus died for others. That is the ultimate example of how we should be. We should live and lay our lives down for others.

Thank you for reading! To listen to the sermon this post was based on then click the play button below. You’ll also get to worship with our praise team. I pray this word encouraged you and that you are blessed beyond belief! Stay tuned for the next Sermon Recap. God bless you!

Anthony Wynn

To Not Fight Is to Surrender

Welcome to the Sermon Recap!

In a world full of challenges and adversity, we often find ourselves facing battles in various areas – physical, emotional, and spiritual. As we walk this Christian life, it’s crucial to remember that if we do not fight the enemy, we are surrendering to him. So, let’s get into today’s Sermon Recap post!

Embrace the Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-11. The Bible teaches us the importance of putting on the armor of God. This armor doesn’t make us better fighters though, rather, it fortifies us to stand steadfast against trials and temptations. With the whole armor of God, no circumstance nor trial can conquer us, as it strengthens our resolve to keep standing firm in our faith.

Surrendering Battles to God

When facing battles, we often carry the burden alone, forgetting that the battle belongs to God. (2 Chronicles 20:15) Just as David surrendered his fight with Goliath to God (1 Samuel 17:46), we too should lay our struggles on the altar and trust God’s guidance. Remember, you are precious in God’s eyes, and if He is for you, then no force can be against you.

Fighting for Others

Before David came to Goliath, he asked what the king would give as a reward to the man who defeated the giant. When we stand up for those in need, God rewards our selflessness and blesses us abundantly. God’s justice will prevail and, in fighting for others, we will reap a just reward.

Fighting for Your Health

Physical and emotional health battles are real, and at times, we need to fight for our well-being. The enemy seeks to drain our energy and prevent us from shining our light. However, by calling on God, we find strength and peace that surpasses understanding. Even if we are not fighting for our health in this moment, we can help others fight for theirs and stand in the gap for them!

Protecting the Sanctity of Home

The devil attacks our homes, trying to disrupt God’s design for love and unity between a man and a woman. As we cherish what God has put together, we must stand against the forces seeking to destroy it. Homosexuality and other divisive issues are tools the enemy uses to destroy God’s original home. Let’s stand up and fight against these spirits that war against our homes, and bring up a hedge of protection around our families.

The Battle Against Fear and Anger

Fear and anger are weapons the enemy uses to manipulate and control us. However, we have the power to resist, knowing that our God is in control. By turning to God, we can overcome fear and refuse to surrender to the lies that label us as failures. (James 4:7)

Life is a battlefield, and we are called to stand firm against the enemy’s schemes. If we don’t fight against him, we are surrendering to him and his tactics of destruction. As we embrace the armor of God, fight for others, and protect our homes, and fight for the well-being of ourselves and others, we can find confidence in knowing that God has already fixed the battle. The devil has no chance of winning in the end. Together, in one mind and one accord, we can overcome any obstacle and emerge victorious in the face of adversity. We will not surrender! We will fight!

 

Thank you for reading! I would encourage you to listen to the powerful sermon below. While this blog holds the main message of this sermon, the sermon itself will elaborate and go deeper into this topic and you can even worship with our praise team as they sing at the beginning of the service. Please watch the video below by clicking the play button. I pray you are encouraged and your strength and confidence are renewed! God bless you!

Pastor Anthony Wynn

Wood Rots & Nails Rust

Deuteronomy 6:5.

In life, we all face battles that test our faith in and commitment to God. The Bible gives us verse after verse, reminding us of the importance of love and standing firm in our beliefs. In this Sermon Recap we will discuss love, examining how our relationship with God and our loved ones can help us endure the trials of life and remain standing.

A Love Beyond Measure

I remember when the nurse brought my newborn son to me. Something stirred in my heart that I had never felt before. I realized that the birth of a child often brings a newfound depth of love, and it’s a love that reflects God’s love for us. When God created humanity, He breathed life into us (Genesis 2:7). We are His creation. As parents gaze into the eyes of their child, they catch a glimpse of the unconditional love God has for people. God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden and walked with him in the cool of the day in cherished fellowship. God saw Adam needed a help meet, that it wasn’t good for him to be alone, and He made Eve. However, there was, and still is, an enemy determined to sow discord and separation between God and His beloved creation.

The Enemy’s Strategy

satan knows he can’t destroy God. So, he seeks to deceive humanity, aiming to taint and destroy what God loves most. The serpent cunningly tempted Eve, encouraging her to disobey God by taking of the fruit He forbid them to eat. Then came the disruption of harmony with God. Adam noticed Eve was different and when she told him all about the visitor who tempted her with the fruit, Adam, motivated by love for her, partook of the fruit. Adam was a type of Christ, stepping down from God nature to man nature because of love.

A Love Stronger than Death

Despite the fall of humanity, God’s love remained unwavering. Throughout history, God sent prophets and messengers to lead his people back to Him, but they continuously returned back their fallen ways. Finally, Jesus Himself came as the ultimate sacrifice and expression of God’s love. Through His sacrifice, His bride, the Church, can be redeemed. He demonstrates that true love can conquer even death itself.

Enduring Love

In our own lives, we must remember to love God for who He is, not just for the blessings He bestows. Life’s trials may test our resolve, but if our love for God is steadfast, we will persevere. Like Jesus, who carried His cross out of love for us, we should continue to carry our own crosses, knowing that God will protect, provide, and support us.

Love is the foundation of our relationship with God and with one another. When we stand strong in love, unwavering in our commitment to God, we become unshakable in the face of life’s trials. Just as God’s love remains constant, let us cultivate a love for Him that goes beyond our circumstances. Love is the key that unlocks the door to eternal fellowship with our Creator. So, let us cherish this love and be found standing firm, guided by love and faith, as we journey through life’s challenges. Remember, wood rots and nails rust. The thing keeping Jesus on that cross was His love for us.

Thank you so much for reading! I would encourage you to watch the sermon this blog was based on by clicking the play button on the video below. You are such a blessing and it is an honor to make this trip to Heaven with you. God bless you!

Anthony Wynn

Double Portion

Welcome to the Sermon Recap blog, where we dive into Sunday sermons and give a brief overview of the message to give you meaningful insights to the Word of God.

Today we are exploring the Biblical account of Elijah and Elisha, focusing on the double portion Elisha received and its significance in our walk with God. Let’s read 2 Kings 2:8-15. We will use this passage and other related Scriptures to gain insight into the lessons contained within.

The Miracles of Elijah and Elisha

The lives of both of these men were marked by God’s miraculous power, and they were anointed with the Holy Spirit to carry out incredible acts. Elijah, the prophet of God, performed at least 8 miracles, demonstrating God’s authority over creation and His care for His people. Likewise, Elisha, his devoted servant, experienced a double portion of Elijah’s anointing and went on to perform 16 listed miracles, revealing God’s continuous work though His faithful servants.

The 3 Levels to Receive the Double Portion

There are at least 3 levels to achieve before we get to experience the double portion in our own lives. The first level is Gilgal. Joshua 5:8. Gilgal was a place of circumcision, representing the cutting away of our old life and total surrender to God. It involves wholeheartedly deciding to live for Jesus both inside and out of church, leaving behind the vices that once held us captive.

A Personal Encounter with God

The second level on our journey to get that double portion is Bethel, symbolizing a one-on-one encounter with God. Genesis 28:12-18. It is essential to develop a deep, personal relationship with our Creator rather than relying solely on church encounters. It’s all well and good for someone to prophesy to us, but we need to actively seek God’s voice and guidance for ourselves. We need to desire His will above all else, and discern His voice from that of the enemy.

Overcoming Jericho’s Walls

The final level is Jericho, a place of overcoming obstacles. Joshua 6:20. Just as the walls of Jericho came down through faith and obedience, we too must overcome the doubts and limitations set by the enemy. Remember, God is the same God in every situation, and He can tear down any walls that stand in our way.

Gehazi’s Tragic Mistake

The story of Gehazi serves as a cautionary tale of unfaithfulness and greed. Elisha’s anointing should have been passed down to Gehazi, but despite being Elisha’s servant, Gehazi’s desire for personal gain led to disastrous consequences. He missed the opportunity to receive the double portion due to his lack of selflessness and genuine dedication to God’s work. 2 Kings 5:20-27.

In conclusion, the journey towards the double portion is one of complete surrender to God, personal encounter with God, and overcoming obstacles through faith and obedience. We must follow the examples set by Elijah and Elisha, embracing a life of complete devotion to God and His plan. Let’s be vigilant, guarding our hearts and allow God to work through us in mighty ways.

As we seek the double portion of anointing, may we remember the words of Apostle Paul, who understood the significance of dying to self and living for Christ. Let us daily crucify our old selves and live as new creations, filled with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Romans 6:3,8 – “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?…Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:”

Colossians 3:3 – “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

Let us press forward with determination, seeking for the double portion of God’s anointing, and impacting the world for His glory. May we live as faithful servants, committed to proclaiming the Gospel and showing God’s love to all!

Thank you so much for reading. I pray this word encouraged your walk with God and strengthened your resolve to seek God’s will for your life. To listen to the sermon this blog was based on, click the play button below on the video. God bless you, Dear Friend!

Anthony Wynn

Our Inheritance in Christ

Jesus has left us a will—an inheritance for those who believe in Him.

But possessing the paper (the Bible) alone is not enough; it must be validated, enforced, and defended against an enemy who seeks to protest its legitimacy. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of the inheritance left by Jesus and how it applies to our lives today, both on Earth and in Heaven.

Part One: The Earthly Inheritance

Just as a will often promises provisions for the heirs, Jesus’ will assures us of earthly blessings during our journey. We find solace in verses like Colossians 1:12, Ephesians 1:11, and Romans 8:17, which highlight our status as heirs of God. In His will He promises us food, guidance, forgiveness, salvation, protection, and healing. However, to fully enjoy these provisions, we must not remain spiritual infants but grow in our faith and fight against the forces that hinder our inheritance (Galatians 4:1-2).

Part Two: The Heavenly Inheritance

While earthly blessings are a significant part of our inheritance, there is a second aspect—the promise of a heavenly inheritance. This inheritance assures us of eternal peace, healing, and a place in the presence of God. The peace we experience on Earth is a testament to our divine inheritance, for we have a legal and Biblical right to peace. Unlike the temporary peace provided by worldly indulgences, the peace from God transcends circumstances and transforms our lives.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

In our journey to claim our inheritance, we are not left alone. We have a lawyer! The Holy Spirit, often referred to as the Comforter, is our advocate and guide (John 14:26). He teaches us, reminds us of God’s promises, and equips us to navigate the challenges we face. With the Holy Spirit’s presence, we can confidently walk in our inheritance, knowing that we are heirs of God (Romans 8:17).

The Empty Tomb: A Message of Victory

While the cross represents forgiveness, the empty tomb symbolizes triumph. It reminds us that just as Jesus rose from the dead, we too can overcome adversity and rebuke every devil in our path (1 Peter 1:3-5). Through the resurrection, we receive the assurance that we can rise above our circumstances and walk into the fullness of our inheritance (Romans 8:17).

Knowing the Author of the Will

If we are to understand the will and inheritance set before us, we must intimately know its author. Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), desires for us to experience the fullness of our inheritance. Our journey of seeking and diligently pursuing God leads to abundant rewards and blessings (Psalm 121:1-2).

In conclusion, Jesus left behind a will—a divine inheritance—for all who believe in Him. This inheritance encompasses both earthly provisions and a heavenly promise. By embracing our identity as heirs of God and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, we can walk confidently in our inheritance, knowing that we have legal and Biblical rights to peace and healing. Let us respond to the invitation of our inheritance, diligently seeking God and embracing the fullness of His promises. (Psalm 103:2)

Thank you so much for reading this post! If you enjoyed it, feel free to share it with your friends who might enjoy it just as much! Remember that you are a child of God and He has big plans for you life! If you would like to hear the sermon this blog was based on, I would encourage you to click the play button below! I pray you are encouraged and may God bless you, Dear Friend!

Anthony Wynn

Stand Up For Our Children

In times of historical significance, certain events have a way of awakening a dormant force, prompting it to rise and take action.

Just as the attack on Pearl Harbor awakened a sleeping giant in the form of the United States, recent societal shifts have roused a similar response from individuals who are concerned about the erosion of Biblical values and morals. This blog explores the importance of standing up for our children, particularly in light of the LGBTQ community’s advocacy for their rights and the impact it’s making on public libraries, schools, and children’s lives. Drawing from the Bible and historical examples, it’s time to discuss how we can navigate these challenges while upholding God’s principles.

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, they  awakened the sleeping giant of the United States. Similarly, recent actions of the LGBTQ community have ignited a response from Christians. A while ago, the LGBTQ placed a display in the McMinn public library. The books in this display were filthy, vulgar, and nasty. What’s worse, they targeted the children with these books. Thank God for the mayor and vice mayor who deemed these books offensive and had the display taken down. But the LGBTQ demanded a public meeting and hoped to get the vice mayor fired. I went to this meeting myself and spoke. You can find the video on the any of our socials listed at the top right of this page.

I’ve avoided discussing the separation of church and state for a long time because it’s challenging to find the right balance. However, pleasing the Lord should be our top priority. Many people didn’t fight back when they legalized pornography and prayer, along with the Ten Commandments, was removed from schools. If we don’t stand up and fight, we will have become “Closet Christians.” It’s our commission to love the Lord and love people. We need to fight for people’s souls and stand up for what is right. But what can we do to fight?

We can pray.

1 Timothy 2:1. Let’s begin to pray for our leaders and our communities. We are facing harsh spirits, but we can fight back! Do we want books that describe intimacy available for our 7 year-olds? A person has to be 18 to buy cigarettes, 21 to buy a gun, and even movies are given a ratings to warn parents about their content. Yet, some people want books explaining explicit content displayed in a public library where children can pick them up and read them. In public schools, condoms can be given out to children in the first grade! We can protect our children’s eyes and ears from things they don’t need to know about. If we keep silent, sin will take over. Jeremiah 29:7.

We can protect our children.

In a rapidly evolving digital world, it is essential for parents to be proactive in safeguarding their children. One of the most searched words by 7-year-olds on the internet is “porn.” Demons and darkness are trying to get to our children, but we can put a hedge of protection around them. Set boundaries, monitor online activities, and if we can’t do that, we do have the ability to shut the internet off. We can help preserve their innocence!

We can stand up.

Proverbs 29:2. Proverbs 28:28. Deuteronomy 1:13. By exercising our right to vote, we can contribute to shaping policies that uphold the principles of the Biblical compass. Throughout the Bible, we can find examples of people who stood up in love and compassion. Prayer and proper involvement in local governance on behalf of Biblical principles will make a significant difference.

People are precious, souls are precious. We don’t hate people; we hate the sin. This ungodly, unnatural spirit is trying to take our children. I know one thing; the devil can’t have my kids and he can’t have my grandkids. Let’s stand up and fight for our youth!

Thank you for reading this post. As we navigate these perilous times, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to the Lord. The awakening of the “sleeping giant” within us calls for action, not just in the place of politics, but in our daily lives as well. With communication, prayer, and taking action to safeguard our families, we can bring a positive, Godly change in lives all around us. With God’s love we can protect and touch the lives of others.

Don’t miss the sermon that inspired this blog! Click the play button below to listen to it! God bless you!

Anthony Wynn