“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Foundation Scriptures: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:20-23

Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].  Isaiah 7:14 AMP

But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”  Matthew 1:20-23 NKJV

I.  Emmanuel means “God with us”

• Jesus came as one of us; to live with us; to die for us; so He could dwell and abide in us; so we could live eternally in His presence!
• Hebrews 8:10-12 NKJV – For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.  11 None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.  12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.
• The Father sent Jesus to die for us and pay the price for our sins so that each one of us could personally, intimately know the Father.
• Emmanuel—God IN us—not just a God far out in the heavens.
• Jesus came to show us the Father’s heart and to introduce us to Him.
• We can have our own relationship and fellowship with the Father through Jesus—we don’t need to go through another human.

II.  Jesus came to save “whosoever”

• John 3:16-18 NKJV – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
• Jesus came to save the world—not to reject, to condemn, or to pass sentence on the world (John 3:17 AMP).
• Romans 10:11-13 NKJV – For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”  12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
• Whosoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.
• Galatians 3:8-9 NKJV – And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.”  9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
• Jesus died for every person in every nation. There is no one, who comes to God in faith, whom He would ever reject.
• The Lord is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).

III.  Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and set the captives free

• 1 John 3:7-9 NKJV – Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
• For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Jesus came to destroy sin and everything that is a fruit of sin.
• Acts 10:38 NKJV – How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
• Sin, sickness, disease and death are a product of sin. Jesus came to “do good” and to save us and to completely deliver us from the devil and all his evil works.
• Luke 4:18-19 KJV – The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
• Jesus came to preach good news and to do good works.
• Luke 19:10 AMP – For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
• The Greek word for “save” is sozo (sode’-zo), which means to save; to deliver; to protect; to heal; to preserve, to do well, to make or be made whole.
• Luke 9:56a KJV – For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.

IV.  Jesus came to give us abundant life

• John 10:10 NKJV – The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
• The Amplified Bible says: The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.  Acts 1:8 AMP

Delivering power:

Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, 18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” 21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 25 So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”  Acts 5:17-25 NKJV

The apostles were flowing in the power of God – healing and delivering large numbers of people and more and more people acknowledged Jesus as Lord and Savior and were being added to the body of Christ. This infuriated the high priest and the Sadducees. They locked them in prison, but an angel brought them out of prison and instructed them to go back and preach in the temple. When we are doing the will of God, the power of the Holy Spirit is also the power of deliverance from the hands of man.

Power in the face of death:

When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:54-60 NKJV

Stephen preached the sermon of his life and the truth he spoke cut the Jews to the heart. They picked up stones and began to throw them at him. Stephen was so full of the Holy Spirit that he seemed oblivious to the stones hitting his body – he looked straight up into heaven and saw Jesus, the Father and the glory of God. Referring to his death the Bible says that he “fell asleep”. The Holy Spirit gives one peace, strength and power in the very face of death!

Power that money can’t buy:

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.  Acts 8:5-8 NKJV

The people of Samaria were enthralled with the power of God on Philip’s life. They were saved, healed, delivered, baptized in water and filled with the joy of the Lord! Even a sorcerer called Simon was saved and baptized!

Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! 21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.” Acts 8:14-24 NKJV

Simon wanted to buy the power or ability to fill people with the Holy Spirit, but his motives were evil. Peter thoroughly rebuked him. The power to pray for people to be filled with the Holy Spirit cannot be bought, controlled or manipulated. You must be thoroughly yielded to the Holy Spirit yourself. The Lord can only do through you what He is allowed to do IN you. The power to fill people with the Holy Spirit comes only through the Holy Spirit Himself – not by the power of man.

Overcoming power:

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 12:11 NKJV

The power to overcome the devil and his works is through the blood of Jesus and the word of your testimony. What the Lord has done in you, to you through you and for you, is a powerful witness and a powerful force! Keep trusting in the power of the blood and the Name, and keep testifying – preach the Word of God and the power of God – and you’ll see great miracles and victories!

 

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.  2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.  5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”  6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.  John 10:1-6 NKJV

 

When Jesus spoke to the people and told them, “He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep,” He was referring to Himself. Jesus is the Shepherd of the sheep, who came through the door. He did not try to sneak in any other way, but He came in the honest, open, right and legal way.

 

The “door” of the sheepfold that He is speaking of here is natural birth. The Son of God came down from heaven and was born a man child; born of a virgin; and became one of us in order to save us. Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:5, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

 

“Water” represents natural birth – specifically amniotic fluid – we are conceived, grow and develop in our mother’s womb for 9 months, then we are born into this world as we are pushed out of the womb and take our first breath. Every one of us is born into this earth through the process of natural birth – including Jesus. The difference between us and Jesus was that He didn’t have a natural father – He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and His Father is Almighty God.

 

In order to save us from our sins and be able to legally represent us in His death, burial and resurrection, God had to come down and actually become one of us. Jesus, the Son of God, was the Father’s legal representative – born to die – taking our sin and death and exchanging it for His eternal life! That is why there is salvation ONLY through Him! Anyone else, or any other gods, who claim to be the Way to Almighty God are only thieves, robbers and liars.

 

Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.  8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.  9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  John 10:7-10 NKJV

 

Jesus came through the natural “door” of birth so that He could become the Door through which all men must go in order to be saved from sin and enter into eternal life. He didn’t come to “take” – He came to “give”! When you believe on Jesus, and receive Him as Lord and Savior, you walk through the Door – leaving sin and death behind you as you enter into a new life in Christ! Jesus said in John 3:13-15, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

 

Jesus is the ONLY Door to the Father, the only Doorway into heaven, eternal life, and the presence of the Father. The good news is that ANYONE who believes in Him is able to come through this door and experience God’s eternal life!

 

Arriving there, they gathered the church together and declared all that God had accomplished with them and how He had opened to the Gentiles a door of faith [in Jesus as the Messiah, through Whom we obtain salvation in the kingdom of God].

Acts 14:27 AMP

 

Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.  John 14:6 AMP

 

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”  John 3:36 NKJV

 

And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40 NKJV

 

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

John 20:30-31 NKJV

 

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  Acts 16:31 NKJV

 

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  1 John 5:9-13 NKJV

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.  2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.  5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”  6 Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.  John 10:1-6 NKJV

When Jesus spoke to the people and told them, “He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep,” He was referring to Himself. Jesus is the Shepherd of the sheep, who came through the door. He did not try to sneak in any other way, but He came in the honest, open, right and legal way.

The “door” of the sheepfold that He is speaking of here is natural birth. The Son of God came down from heaven and was born a man child; born of a virgin; and became one of us in order to save us. Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:5, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” 

“Water” represents natural birth – specifically amniotic fluid – we are conceived, grow and develop in our mother’s womb for 9 months, then we are born into this world as we are pushed out of the womb and take our first breath. Every one of us is born into this earth through the process of natural birth – including Jesus. The difference between us and Jesus was that He didn’t have a natural father – He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and His Father is Almighty God.

In order to save us from our sins and be able to legally represent us in His death, burial and resurrection, God had to come down and actually become one of us. Jesus, the Son of God, was the Father’s legal representative – born to die – taking our sin and death and exchanging it for His eternal life! That is why there is salvation ONLY through Him! Anyone else, or any other gods, who claim to be the Way to Almighty God are only thieves, robbers and liars.

Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.  9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.  10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.  John 10:7-10 NKJV

Jesus came through the natural “door” of birth so that He could become the Door through which all men must go in order to be saved from sin and enter into eternal life. He didn’t come to “take” – He came to “give”! When you believe on Jesus, and receive Him as Lord and Savior, you walk through the Door – leaving sin and death behind you as you enter into a new life in Christ! Jesus said in John 3:13-15, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” 

Jesus is the ONLY Door to the Father, the only Doorway into heaven, eternal life, and the presence of the Father. The good news is that ANYONE who believes in Him is able to come through this door and experience God’s eternal life!

Arriving there, they gathered the church together and declared all that God had accomplished with them and how He had opened to the Gentiles a door of faith [in Jesus as the Messiah, through Whom we obtain salvation in the kingdom of God]. Acts 14:27 AMP

Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.  John 14:6 AMP

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”  John 3:36 NKJV

And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40 NKJV

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:30-31 NKJV

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  Acts 16:31 NKJV

If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  1 John 5:9-13 NKJV

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:

8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:

9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:

11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:

14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:

20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:

22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 136:1-26 KJV

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

The repetitive theme of this psalm is God’s mercy – His mercy, His loving kindness and His faithful love – that endures forever! This psalm might have been a responsive reading, where the congregation repeated the phrase together at the end of each sentence. The repetition makes this important lesson to sink in and become real to the worshipers. God is a God of love, mercy, kindness, and faithfulness. Obviously God wants us to know that He IS good and that His love for us and toward us will never run out; it is a river – a well, springing up – that never will run dry.

O give thanks to the God of gods, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

He is the God – Elohiym – over all other gods. Elohiym is actually “Gods” and refers to the Trinity – three in one.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.

He is the Lord – Adoniym – of lords. He is the Sovereign of sovereigns; Master of masters; and Ruler of rulers.

Because of His mercy and loving kindness:

-He does great wonders

He is always working on our behalf with signs and wonders and miraculous answers.

-By wisdom and understanding, He made the heavens, He stretched out the earth upon the waters, and He made the great lights – the sun, moon and stars.

All creation is a testament to God that He is our creator and that He is in charge and in control.

-He delivers His people – saves and protects them.

He smote (struck) Egypt’s firstborn; He brought out Israel from among them with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm; He divided the Red Sea into parts and made Israel to pass through the midst of it, but shook off and overthrew Pharaoh and his host into the Red Sea; He led His people through the wilderness. He can deliver YOU from ANY situation, no matter how impossible the situation.

-He defeated great kings and gave their land to Israel and to their descendants. 

He smote great kings; He smote great kings, Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan; and gave their land as a heritage, even a heritage to Israel His servant. No man – no matter how powerful – can prevail against God’s obedient children. Who can stand against you if God is for you? Whatever God gives you, He means for you to keep and to pass down to your children’s children. God does not give and then take away. He gives it to us and expects us to administer it wisely, in the fear of God; but if we do not remain committed to Him, we could potentially lose all He has given. Stay in God’s will and don’t allow the enemy to rob from you. God’s blessing is a blessing that remains.

-He earnestly remembered us in our low estate and imprinted us on His heart, and rescued us from our enemies.

Even if we don’t know it, God is always watching over us. He never leaves us; never forgets about us; is always working on a plan of deliverance. How awesome is it that He has imprinted us on His own heart! He is the one who rescues us from our enemies. Look to Him; trust in Him; He will not fail you. He will not allow the enemy to win. When Israel was between the Red Sea and Pharaoh and his armies, they were terrified, but God split the Red Sea and took them through it – then He drowned the whole Egyptian army in it. The three Hebrew boys were thrown into the fire, but only those who threw them in were burned up. They came through without even the smell of smoke on their clothes.

-He gives food to all flesh.

God feeds all His creation. He rains on the just and the unjust. He provides for all. How good and merciful He is!

O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.  Titus 2:1 NKJV

But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians].  Titus 2:1 AMP

The Lord, through Paul, commanded Titus to preach sound doctrine to all people. This is His command to each of us as well.

6. Preach to men-concerning grace: 

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.

Titus 2:11-12 NKJV

God’s grace has appeared to bring salvation to ALL mankind. This grace, that forgives and saves, also teaches us to:

Deny ungodliness

Deny worldly lusts

Live soberly

Live righteously

Live godly

The Greek word for “teaching” is paideuo, which means instruction as to children.

Truly I say to you, whoever does not accept and receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] shall not in any way enter it [at all].  Luke 18:17 AMP

How can a person “receive the Kingdom of God like a child”?  It means to have a humble, teachable spirit. It means that you trust Father God and you believe His word – just as a child believes the word of an adult who loves him and whom he trusts. We should be willing to be guided and taught by the Word of God. We should be willing to learn, grow and change.

7. Preach to men concerning the rapture and the second coming:

Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.  Titus 2:13 NKJV

One of the truths of the Gospel that we should believe, trust, and preach is that Jesus is coming back in His glory. In these last days, there are people who deny the second coming, but God’s Word tells us that we should comfort each other with these words. If we believe God’s Word about the resurrection and salvation then we should believe Him about the second coming.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.  

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NKJV

8. Preach to men-concerning redemption:

Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.  Titus 2:14 NKJV

Jesus gave Himself for us:

To redeem us from iniquity

To purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works

9. Preach with authority:

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.  Titus 2:15 NKJV

Four admonitions to Titus:

1. These things speak.

Speak these things – preach, say, speak, talk, tell, utter. The Gospel must be preached. It can only be preached when we open our mouths and tell it.

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?  Romans 10:13-14 NKJV

2. These things exhort.

Exhort – means to call near; invite; invoke; beseech; call for; be of good comfort; desire; entreat; pray. We are to exhort others concerning the Gospel – we are to invite them, beseech them and entreat them.

And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in [spreading] the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, to strengthen and establish and to exhort and comfort and encourage you in your faith.

1 Thessalonians 3:2 AMP

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.  

1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP

3. Rebuke with all authority.

When you preach the Gospel, preach it with boldness and authority, because when you speak, you speak with the whole of Heaven backs you up.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.  Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV

4. Let no man despise you.

What man thinks of you is of no consequence in eternity. Only what God thinks counts. Do not worry about what people think. Go ahead and boldly preach the Gospel.

1. The Great Commission
 
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age (Matthew 28: 19- 20 AMP).

• We have been commissioned to win souls.
• We have been commissioned to disciple and teach  all that Jesus commanded.
 
Each One Reach One
Each One Teach One
Make Disciples
Multiply
Win the Lost at any Cost
 
• John 4 – Jesus is seen as the greatest soul winner.
• Friendship Evangelism
• Jesus disciples the Samaritan Woman by teaching her the principles of the kingdom of God.
• John 4 :10 – Salvation
• John 4:14 – Holy Spirit
• John 4 :18 – The Gifts of the Spirit
• John 4:21- 24 – Worship

30 The fruit of the [uncompromisingly] righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise captures human lives [for God, as a fisher of men—he gathers and receives them for eternity]
(Proverbs 11:30 AMP).
 
4 Who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth
(I Timothy 2:4 AMP).
 
2. Definition of a Disciple

The intentional training of believers with accountability based on loving relationships. See Matthew 10:24.

There is no substitute for learning from example.

14 And (JESUS) He appointed [a]twelve [disciples], so that they would be with Him [for instruction] and so that He could send them out to preach [the gospel as apostles—that is, as His special messengers, personally chosen representatives], 15 and to have authority and power to cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15 AMP).

From Jesus’ character, they learned:
 
• How to have a heart for God.
• How to make decisions.
• Good conversation.
• Doing the will of God.
• Depending on the Holy Spirit.

Christian Values
• Love, faith, prayer, humility, obedience
• Discipline, self sacrifice, teachable attitude
• Openness to learn
• Heart of a servant
• Constant devotion
 
3. Jesus modeled the importance of ministry in the home.
 
• Dead brought back to life – Matthew 9:23-25
• Preach and Teach – Luke 5:17-18
• Instruction – Matthew 17:25-27
• Healing – Matthew 8:14-15
• Fellowship and Eating – Matthew 8:10-13
• Singing and Worship – Matthew 26:30
• Forgiveness of Sin – Mark 2:1-5
• Demons Cast Out – Mark 7:24-30
• Children Blessed – Mark 9:33-37
• Homes Blessed with Peace – Matthew 10:13
 
4. New Testament Church – Houses of Joy
 
42 They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers (Acts 2:42 AMP).
 
46 Day after day they met in the temple [area] continuing with one mind, and breaking bread in various private homes. They were eating their meals together with joy and generous hearts, 47 praising God continually, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:46-47).

5. Houses of Joy – Ministry Centers
 
• Houses of Healing – Matthew 8:6-7
• Houses of Deliverance – Mark 7:30
• Houses of Salvation – Luke 19:5
• Houses of the presence of the Holy Spirit  – Acts 2:2
• Houses of Evangelism – Acts  17:7-8 / Acts 21:8
 
6. Houses of Joy
 
33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just and righteous (Proverbs 3:33 AMP).

6 Great and priceless treasure is in the house of the [consistently] righteous one [who seeks godly instruction and grows in wisdom], But trouble is in the income of the wicked one [who rejects the laws of God] (Proverbs 15:6 AMP).

7. Confession
 
• Our house is a household of faith. Galatians 6:10
• Our house is a household of peace. Isaiah 32:18
• Our house is full of light. Exodus 10:23
• Our house is off limits to sickness. Psalm 91:10
• Our house is filled with salvation. Luke 19:9
• Our house is a blessed house. Proverbs 3:33
• Our house is off limits to vandalism. Proverbs 24:15
• Our house is a protected house. Isaiah 4:5
• Our house is a happy home. Esther 8:16-17
• Our house is an evangelistic center. Job 11:18-19

Foundation scriptures:

1 Samuel 17:32-59

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:4-5 KJV

1. Jesus has defeated the devil.

   a. There is a real war going on, but Jesus has already defeated the devil.
   b. Colossians 2:15 KJV – “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
   c. Ephesians 1:16-23 KJV – “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
   d. Ephesians 2:1-6 KJV – “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
   e.Just as David had five smooth stones, we have “stones” in our arsenal that can defeat the enemy.

 

2. Stone 1: We have been given The Name.
   a. Mark 16:17 KJV – “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.”b.John 16:23-27 KJV – “And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. 26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.”
   b. Acts 3:1-16
   c. Verse 6 KJV – “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”
   d. Verse 16 KJV – “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”

 

3. Stone 2: We have been given The Word.
   a. Hebrews 4:12 KJV – “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

 

4. Stone 3: We have been given The Blood.
   a. 1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV – “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
   b. Acts 20:28 KJV – “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
   c. Revelation 12:11 KJV – “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

 

5. Stone 4: We have been given the Holy Spirit.
   a. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV – “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
   b. John 4:13-14 KJV – “Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
   c. John 7:37-39 KJV – “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

 

6. Stone 5: We have been given the angels.
   a. Hebrews 1:13-14 KJV – “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
   b .Psalm 91:1-16
   c. Verses 11-12 KJV – “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”