Church 3/5/2022
Offertory scripture:
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Sermon message:
Thesis: when you release, you increase
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| [Picture of a hot air balloon] |
Point #1: release and increase by forgiving others
This is something we hear a lot but the truth is we need to hear this often.
Unforgiveness is a plague that has been in this world for a long time. We can be chained when we don’t let go of past hurts. We need to get rid of unforgiveness so we can increase. It otherwise will be tethered to you whenever you try to rise up. It’s time to cut loose and remove unforgiveness.
Jesus died and rose again. Death could not hold Him back. Neither could the grave, nor the stone blocking the entrance to the tomb.
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.
Jesus prayed forgiveness over those who persecuted Him.
Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Point #2: Release and increase by not concentrating on past mistakes.
Don’t let your mistakes weigh you down.
Consider Peter and the other apostles. They made huge mistakes. They eventually came face to face with it and released the guilt. Once they they did, God used them to expand His kingdom: building churches and writing what would become the New Testament.
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
Philippians 3:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/
Don’t dwell on the past. Think instead about the future. God is a positive person. He likes to look toward the future. Your past may be messed up but your future is bright.
Point #3: Release and increase by changing your thinking.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Renew your mind; be transformed.
Quit thinking thoughts that are lower; start thinking thoughts that are higher.
The payoff is God’s thoughts become your thoughts as you release your old thoughts and conform your thoughts to His Word.
Point #4: you can release and increase by getting rid of extra weight
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
What is the Holy Spirit calling you to lay aside as that “extra weight”?
Point #5: Rise higher by growing in the fruit of the Spirit
The fruit is God’s character. It is uplifting. Satan’s character will bring you down; God’s character lifts you up.
Make a decision to grow in the fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/
Love, joy, peace, patience (long-suffering), gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith, meekness, self-control
The Law is heavy. Against the fruits of the Spirit, there is no law or heaviness. The fruit of the Spirit lifts you up.