SERMON INSIGHTS

The Progression from Foundation to Abundant Life

Central Spiritual Truth: Faith is the initial mechanism that brings a believer into a new nature, but that nature must be cultivated through humility and submission to divine order to reach spiritual maturity.

• The Entry Point of Faith: Redemption begins with being “saved by grace through faith” and the “remission of sins” upon confession.
• The Second Level of Power: Beyond reconciliation, there is a “raising in status” where eyes are opened and spirits are lifted into the “vision of the abundant life.”
• The Danger of High Status: As one rises, they must guard against pride; “If you don’t die to yourself and you get to the next stage, you become proud, and you think the gift is from you.”
• The Submission to Clergy: Authority is maintained by honoring those God has set over the church, for “rejecting the preaching and teaching of God’s leaders is tantamount to rejecting Christ.”
• The Scriptural Basis: Confidence is rooted in the fact that “it is always in Him what we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

 The Architecture of the Ascended Glory

Central Spiritual Truth: The current works of God are no longer patterned after Christ’s suffering but after His present state of victory and universal reign at the Father’s right hand.

• The Shift in Pattern: The “third course” of this spiritual meal is the “victory life,” which is the “resurrection power and the divine supernatural highway in active operation.”
• Ascended Authority: The believer is called to operate from the “throne of glory,” walking in a “majestic glory” that transcends human natural powers.
• The Universal Footstool: Christ is currently “gathering all things under his feet” before handing the kingdom to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
• The Reality of the Godhead: The believer’s authority is derived from the fact that “Jesus Christ is the fullness of the Godhead Body” (Colossians 2:9).
• Above the Natural: This realm allows one to walk “risen above human natural powers,” where the laws of sin and death are superseded by the Spirit of life.

 The Mandate for National Liberation

Central Spiritual Truth: The end-time church is tasked with moving beyond individual salvation to the spiritual liberation of nations by declaring Christ’s Lordship over territories.

• A Mission to Nations: The focus has shifted to the “salvation of nations” and “liberating people by confronting the spiritual foundations” of their lands.
• The Identity of the King: The church must boldly declare that Jesus is not just a prophet or a philosopher, but “God, King, Lord, and the current Governor of the land.”
• Spiritual Gatekeeping: Believers are “gatekeepers” who must not “rest prematurely,” because an empty gate allows the enemy to operate without opposition.
• The Mystery of Godliness: This mission is fueled by the revelation that “God was manifest in the flesh to reclaim the earth. (1^st Timothy 3:16)
• The Warning to the World: Christ must be proclaimed as the “Judge of the world,” an inescapable reality for all people and nations.

The Authority of the Command and Divine Inspiration

Central Spiritual Truth: True spiritual work in the ascended realm is characterized by the “word of command” and an inspiration that compels obedience from the unseen world.

• Commanding the Unseen: In this realm, the believer operates where “spirits and angels obey your words” because they are spoken in union with Christ.
• The Power of the Voice: Preaching and teaching are not merely human speeches but must be “by divine commandment and inspiration.”
• Beyond Visible Miracles: The highest works of God involve a “higher glory that is not seen,” which is more significant than visible physical healings.
• The Spirit of Humility in Power: Even when God uses a person for great works, they must remember “you are not the one doing it, Jesus Christ” is the actor.
• Mercy in Authority: Higher authority leads to greater compassion; “when you sin and you come out of it, next time somebody sins, you’ll be more merciful.”

The Progressive Banquet: The Five-Course Meal of Faith

Central Spiritual Truth: Spiritual growth is a systematic progression where each stage of revelation, from salvation to victory prepares the believer for the final mission of God.

• The First Course (Salvation): The journey begins with the “foundation of the call,” where fresh identification and empowerment as an “end-time army” take place.
• The Second Course (Abundant Life): This stage involves a “raising in status” where eyes are opened to the “inheritance and treasure of God” through the spirit of faith.
• The Third Course (Victory Life): This level introduces the “resurrection power and the divine supernatural highway,” where the crown of redemption is first realized.
• The Fourth Course (The Works of God): Transitioning into the “pattern of ascended glory,” where the works performed are modeled after Christ seated at the Father’s right hand.
• The Fifth Course (The End-Time Mission): The final stage where the believer sits at the “mission table” to enact the liberation of nations.

The Architecture of Ascended Glory

Central Spiritual Truth: The current operation of the church is not patterned after the earthly suffering of Jesus, but after His present position of majestic authority in heaven.

• Patterned After the Throne: The “works of God” today are determined by the fact that Jesus is “ascended in glory” and is no longer on the cross but on the throne.
• A Majestic Walk: You are called to walk in a “majestic glory” that exists above “human natural powers” and the limitations of the physical realm.
• Gathering All Things: Christ is actively working to gather “all things under his feet” before the final handover to the Father. (KJV Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
• Victory Over the Elements: In this ascended realm, the “mechanisms of sin, Satan, and death” no longer have a functional hold on the believer’s mission.

Exhortations and Calls to Action

• Occupy Your Post: Do not leave your spiritual “gate” unattended; stay alert in prayer to prevent the enemy from finding a “resting place.”
• Decide for Christ: Make a “definite decision about the Jesus you have ‘put on'” and commit to being part of the “end-time army.”
• Study for Diligence: Use “diligent Bible study and constant prayer” to prepare yourself for the “glory land.”
• Reject Secular Doubt: Do not be moved by “secular scholars”; hold fast to the conviction that Jesus is the coming King and Governor.
• Walk in Love: As you are built up, be mindful to “be more merciful towards” those who stumble, remembering your own need for mercy.

Prayers and Benedictions

• For Spiritual Perception: Pray that the “eyes of your spirit” remain open to the treasures of God.
• For Fruitful Labor: May the “simplistic but powerful works of God” count in your life and ministry.
• AMEN.