“There comes a time in a man's life when to get
where he has to go –
if there are no doors or windows
he walks through a wall.”
- Bernard Malamud, Jewish Author,
The Natural (book and baseball movie).
Are you ready for the next level of your spiritual
journey?
By Mike Bacon
Season of Our Joy 2012
Copyright © Oct. 3, 2012 Version 1.00 All Rights Reserved.
Permission to distribute this material is freely granted when the entire document is freely
transmitted in its entirety.
PURPOSE: To encourage you to develop a
close(r) relationship with YHVH and Yeshushua
/ Jesus in order “to do”, to have answered
prayers, to be an overcomer, to be a firstfruit--to be a bride.
Roadmap for Today
I.
INTRODUCTION
II. The 7 “C’s”
III. CONCLUSION
IV. Q & A
V. APPENDIX
Two (2) articles on Faith by Daniel Botkin for
those downloading this PowerPoint on SOOJ.
Definition: Commitment is making moment by
moment decisions on proper choices.
- Nancy Missler Deut 30:19
“Commitment starts when the fun stops”.
--Robyn Benincasa – How Winning Works.
Conversion involves the Calling and Conviction
to Christ, as personal savior, with repentance of
sins and obedience to His Commandments, but
afterwards, commitment is needed.
Why commitment? 2 Pet 1:3-10
A. What does commitment embody?
1) Courage
Joshua: Num 13:30. Josh. 1:5-6, Psa. 27:14, 31:24
Example: 1977 government protest–denied an opportunity.
2) Practicing the truth. John 17:17, Matt 4:4, Rom 12:2
Accept and Claim the Word: His promises.
Example: Mike First Job.
His Plan / Our Reward.
“I want the truth!. – Tom Cruise/Attorney
“You can’t handle the truth”. – Col. Jessup” – A Few Good Men
Why commitment? 2 Pet 1:3-10
A. What does commitment embody?
3) Proving all things. I Thess 5:21
-> Not Jewish Traditions: e.g. 8th day, Pentecost.
4) Doing One’s Best Ecc. 9:10; Psalm 26:2 “Try my reins”
4. Living a Righteous, Diligent Life:
I John 3:22, Ps 66:18-19; Isa 59:1-2, Deut 6:17,
Psalm 119:4; Heb 11:6
Fruit.
John 15:8; Gal 5:22-23, Matt 25:35+,
Luke 8:14-15
The Basics: Hit, Run, Throw, Catch
Study, Meditate, Pray, “Do”
Fellowshipping. Heb 10:25;
Encourage to be more. Deut. 1:38, 3:28, Phil 4:13
Celebrate together. I Cor 6:9, Gal 5:19-21. Prov 16:7
John 6:28
Positive Attitude. Phil 4:8, Rom 8:28, I Pet. 4:12
Example: How are you doing?
Employment Realm. Pro 24:27
Physical / Health Realm . I Cor 11:6, Eph 4:26
Family and Fellowship Realm
I Pet 3:7, Col 3:18-21, James 2:15-16, Matt. 6:14-15
NO Exceptions. Bill Cosby – Noah
Rev 2 and 3 = Overcomers
Study is form of worship. Overcoming?
Collapsing the Comfort Zone. James 1:22
Proving All Things. I Thes 5:21
Legalism: Relax--be patient….Yehushua is Lord!
– Self Acceptance. I John 3:20
B. People’s Level of commitment varies
Take Stock:
Luke 14:28-35, Matt 10:39, Matt 16:25,
Rom 12:1-2, Philip. 3:14, Heb 2:3,
James 1:25
C. Recognizing roadblocks to prayer, including:
Believe. Mar 11:23.
Disobedience. (many, I John 5:3)
Doubt not. Matt 21:22
Hard Heart, no . Prov 21:13
Honor your Wife. I Pet 5:7
Lust not. James 4:3.
Plan, Not His. II Cor 6:2
Repetition, no. Matthew 6:7, 8.
Sinning. Ps 66:18
Unforgiving. Matt 6:14-15
Conscience: “Internal or self knowledge, or
judgment of right and wrong… a moral sense, and
considered as an original faculty of our nature” –
Noah Webster
“Conscience functions with the aid of reason,
conviction, impressions made upon the mind, and
persuasion in order to judge, decide, and
deliberate. It acts as an internal moral guide
directing us to our duties and obligations.” Both
quotes from Gai. Ferndon, A Republic If You Can Keep It”, 2008,
p170.
A. Take care of your conscience!
James 4:17; I John 3:20;
5:14-15, I John 3:20-22, Pro. 4:23, Matt 18:15-17, Acts 24:16,
Rom 2:15, I Tim 1:5, 19; 3:9, I Cor 8:12-13, Heb 9:14
Example 1: Mike going before a man 3 times.
Example 2: California man’s similar example.
Example 3: Mike burying an offense and coming back to him.
haunt him.
Resource: Repairing the Breach: Rooting Out Bitterness in
Hebrew Roots Mag. April-July 2012
A. God: How does God communicate with us?
Ancient Times
1) Angels. Mary
2) Circumstances. Job
3) Directly. Gen 12: 1-3 Now the Lord said to Abram
4) Dreams. Daniel 4 empires.
5) His Written Word. Matt 4:4
6) Prophets. Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc.
7) Signs. Gideon
8) Ruach Ha Kodesh / Holy Spirit. Acts 16:6-7
9) Visions. Christ, Elijah, and Moses
A. God: How does God communicate with us?
Today
1) His Word
2) Other people / Counseling / Prophets?
Purposeful vs. passive listening. John 10:27
Resource: How to listen to God- Charles Stanley
3) Inspiration: What is it? How does it work?
---“Out of left field”
Example: In church services.
Example: Prescott Man and Guitar 2006
Example: Mike and Motorcycle 1992
Example: Mike and driving.
Example: While fasting
A. God: How does God communicate with us?
Today
4). Answered Prayers in time of need.
Example: 1958 Iron Canyon Fire and Mr. Davies
Example: Elks Bugling in the Forest.
5) Signs – are not Coincidences.
Told, asked, announced in advance.
Example: Whale plays tag.
Example: Mike
Example: Tim Kelly
6) Blessings
Example: Results of Mike’s government protest in 1977.
7) Dreams?????
B. God: How do we communicate with God?
1) Personal Prayer : Seek Him
Gen 32:34-35
Ann Landers: Wrestling with your angel.
Psalm 26:2 “Try my reins”
2) Intercessional Prayer as a priest for others.
Rom 8:34, 36; Ezek. 22:30-31; Isa 59:16
Example: Intercessor as a Priest for others (sinners)
Abraham: Gen 18:23+; Moses (many); Job 42:1
B. How do we communicate with God?
3) Forms and Methods of prayer include:
Knees, prostrate. Ezk 1:28
No vain repetition. Matt 6:7
Use his name. John 14:13-14
Not a circus act, no genie, no rabbit’s foot.
It is His power; His answer. But your prayer.
Be Specific! Be VERY specific! Rev 5:8 - Signs
Keep coming back. Unjust judge: Luke 18: 2+
4) Second Witness Deut 19:15
To prove to others.
B. Communicating with others
Words and Keeping one’s word.
Example: Messages from Water, DVD
- Masaru Emoto, Japanese Scientist
Fellowshipping: Not Cliques. Mal 3;16,: Rom 12:10
Communication and Confidence on Another Level
---Can you keep one? Gossip. II Cor 12:20
Example: Midwest Pastor and my 6th Sense.
Provoking one another. Heb 10:24, Prov. 27:17
---Fruits of the Spirit. John 15:4-5
A. Confess with a humbled heart.
Lev 26:40-41: 5:5, John 1:9; Psalm 32:5
Ego:
Micah 6:8; Isa 66:2, Psa 34:18, Psa 51:17, Isa 57:15
I Pet 5:6, Gal 6:3
Trashy Statements:
“Never apologize -It’s a sign of weakness”
– John Wayne She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.
“Love means not having to say you’re sorry”.
– Hollywood Movie.
Many cannot say I am sorry or apologize when they
are wrong. James 5:15-16
Can you handle dynamic (deliverance) answered
prayer.............So, you now have “arrived”.?
1. We sin against Elohim. Ps 51:4.
2. Do not Self Condemn and Fear.
Matt 22:37-39; II Tim 1:7
Resource: I’m Not Much Baby, But I’m All I Got. Jess Lair
3. Do not compare yourself to others. 2 Cor 10:12
Esteem others better. Phil. 2:3, Rom 12:3, I Pet. 5:5-6
4. Build Accountability / Support System
Jam. 1:19, 5:16, Matt 5:22, Matt 7:1-2, I John 4:21
5. Contriteness builds faith.
Ego: The power is not a circus act. I Peter 3:4
A. Christ / Yeshushua as Our Captain and Coach
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the
flesh with the affections and lusts.
Rom 13:14, Luke 9:23; James 4:3, Rom 8:12-14; Phil 1:6,
Eph 5:5, I Cor 6:8-10
Double-mindedness . James 1:8; Rom 8:6
Temptation is not a sin. Phil 2: 12; 1:6
A. Compassion Builds Community
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion
one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Love: “It’s something that we do”. – Clint Black
“Love is a decision” – Gary Smalley
I Pet. 3:8-9; Rom 12:10; Heb 5:2; Matt. 6:14-15,
Prov . 21:13; I John 3:23
Example: Mormon Family
Example: My neighbor.
Collapsing the Comfort Zone. Doers..not hearers. James 1:22
B. The Love of God is revealed in our Actions.
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep
his commandments: and his commandments are
not grievous.
Eze 9:4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through
the midst of the city, through the midst of
Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of
the men that sigh and that cry for all the
abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
C. The Power:
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on
me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works
than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father
Mat 10:7-8, Luke 9:2, Luke 10:8-9
….but the people that do know their God shall be
strong, and “do” --Dan 11:32
D. The Power “to Do” depends upon “agape”.
“…but faith which works by love.” Galatians 5:6
Example: Signs: Mike
Psa 105:1 Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
E. Caveats to Compassion
Givers and Takers. Physically and Spiritually
Negative & broken people with holes in their hearts.
Example: Small fellowship helping a family: Jam 2:14-16
Guard the issues of your heart. Prov 4:23
RESOURCE: Looking Out for Number #1 by Robert Ringer.
The just shall live by faith. Rom 1:17
---”Let go and let God”.
A. Confidence . I John 3:20-21
Confidence Exhibits Belief and trust/faith in God that he
will perform His Word.
We believe John 14:12, Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 21:22 and do.
John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do,
that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus
answered and said unto them, This is the work of God,
that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. James 2:19
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearer
only, deceiving your own selves.
B. Faith – What is it?
“I…exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the
faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” --Jude 6
What it is not: positive thinking, wishing, hoping, traditions.
Two definitions of faith:
1) Today’s definition: A series of doctrinal
statements that define what you believe.
2) Scriptural definition: Heb 11:1, Mar 11:23, John 6:28-29
3) How do you obtain faith? Rom 10:17
4) How does faith work? Gal. 5:6
C. The Just shall live by faith. Heb 10:38
Types of Faith
1) Academic / Intellectual
Examples: Prophecy Date Seekers:
Christian and 2 Messianic Ministers
FEAR Religion
Example: Daniel’s good prophecies (Josephus)
“Something wonderful is about to happen Dave”
—2001: A Space Odessy
Josephus: Antiquities of the Jews X.xi.7
“…for he (Daniel) did not only prophesy of future
events, as did the other prophets, but he also
determined the time of their accomplishment. And
while prophets used to foretell misfortunes, and
on that account were disagreeable both to the
kings and to the multitude, Daniel was to them a
prophet of good things, and this to such a
degree, that by the agreeable nature of his
predictions, he procured the goodwill of all men;
and by the accomplishment of them, he procured
the belief of their truth, and the opinion of [a sort
of] divinity for himself, among the multitude.”
C. The just shall live by faith. Heb 10:38
Types of Faith
1) Academic / Intellectual. Study.
2) Blind Faith. Belief w/o logic.
3) Childlike Trust. Raising their hands. Ex: Tim Kelly
4) Deliverance Faith. Miracles
5) Identity Faith (my term). Men and Organizations
6) Superstitious faith. Genie, rabbit’s foot
7) Sustenance / Living Faith- Mar 11:23 Matthew 21:22
8) Unfeigned {unpretended} Faith - II Tm 1:5
D. Approaching Him Boldly . Phil 4:13, Heb 4:15-16
Greek Word “Bold”: parrhesia #3954 2 definitions
1) freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech,
TO SAY IT ALL…does not mean demand
1a) openly, frankly, i.e without concealment
2) free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage,
assurance
Many translations render boldly in 4:16 as confidence.
AV :boldness 8, confidence 6, openly 4, plainly 4, openly
“True godly fear is different from fleshly fear. Godly fear is
trusting God in matters of life and death. This is the
fear of God that was required of Israel and of us as
well. For this reason Moses told the people, “do not
be afraid,” and then seemed to contradict himself by
telling them that God had come to test them, “that
the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may
not sin.” (Ex. 20:20). These are two different qualities
of fear. The first makes us run FROM God; the second
makes us run TO God. The New Testament tells us that
“perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). This tells
me that true godly fear, when mature, is actually
perfect LOVE.” ---(I Lost the Author.)
.
E. Be soldiers. II Tim 2:3-4; Eph 6:13
Understanding when answers do not come.
Israel: The wickedness was not full.
Delayed (Daniel). Different. Denied.
Develop the fruits of the Spirit.
He is in control: Savior of the World! John 3:17! Rom 11:
Keep praying! I Thess 5:17; Luke 18:1+, Luke 21:6
F. “God is big enough for all of us”--Rav David Champ.
Psalm 139 (all)
“As a result, we miss God’s fingers working things out for us.
“Who are we that God would take notice of us?” Tim Kelly
SUMMARY: The 7 “C’s”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Commitment to the Conviction and High Calling
Conscience
Communicate
Confession with a Contrite Heart
Crucifying the Flesh
Compassion
Confidence at the “Cellular” level –
not the “Crowing” level.