Radiant Church Weekend Sermon

Why do you believe? What is your faith rooted in? It’s easy to forget our jewish roots due to Christianity being watered down by our western understanding. WHY I BELIEVE is a brand new series taking us into the Easter season where we'll discuss our belief in God, His word, and how to navigate the world in its current state.In week three of our Why I Believe series, special guest Dr. Michael Brown brings a powerful word on why the Bible is relevant.

Why do you believe? What is your faith rooted in? It’s easy to forget our jewish roots due to Christianity being watered down by our western understanding. WHY I BELIEVE is a brand new series taking us into the Easter season where we'll discuss our belief in God, His word, and how to navigate the world in its current state. In week two of our Why I Believe series, Pastor Lee dives into why our world is a mess and how we’re supposed to respond in this hour.

Why do you believe? What is your faith rooted in? It’s easy to forget our jewish roots due to Christianity being watered down by our western understanding. WHY I BELIEVE is a brand new series taking us into the Easter season where we'll discuss our belief in God, His word, and how to navigate the world in its current state. In week one of our Why I Believe series, Pastor Lee unpacks our belief in God and gives five reasons why he believes that God is real. According to Barna Research. 51% of respondents polled stated they believe in a biblical worldview. When questioned with supplementary research it was found that only 6% actually do. There is more evidence for God and without acknowledging the evidence and the Creator that it points to, we will never be able to understand the world. Everyone has a belief about God. Each belief about God forms a story. Five reasons I believe in God: 1. Creation and the universe we all live in 2. The moral law we all possess 3. The beauty we all observe 4. The revelation of God we have received 5. My personal experience with God

Faith that only exists inside the four walls of the church is not faith at all. God is challenging household idols and restoring the family altar. Don't miss this word from Zach Dillon!

How do you respond when God comes? Watch part two of this powerful sermon from Lee Cummings in response to what Lord is doing in our city and across the nation. The reason God walks along the aisles of our church is because He evaluates the health and spiritual climate of the church. He has a heart of intention towards us (which is why He writes the letters in Revelation). God is the great interrupter. Revival is God in His mercy interrupting our conversation before it goes too far. If we have ears to hear, He is doing this (revival) in America. Sin is like gravity, it pulls you. The first stop on that gravitational pull is religion - going through the motions. The next stop is when we completely walk away. In His mercy he steps in and interrupts the gravity of sin and wakes us up. Jesus doesn’t condemn, he refines. Jesus is knocking on the door of the church saying, “I want my church back”. What happens when Jesus steps back in the room when we open the door? Spiritual vitality. Our heart gets lit on fire.

How do you respond when God comes? Watch this powerful sermon from Lee Cummings in response to what Lord is doing in our city and across the nation. We are in a sovereign and special moment. What is God doing in this hour?You have nothing more important than being in the eye of Jesus’ visitation.Whenever God comes, He comes with an agenda.In the desert there will be seasons where it is dry for months on end and then suddenly there is rain and the seeds are watered and the river beds are filled.When you find yourself in a spiritual season of rain, ask Him for more.Jesus is the resurrected Son of the living God.Respond to the Lord like Isaiah, "Here I am Lord, send me.”

As we enter this brand new year and this brand new season, it’s time that we remember that when we intentionally draw near to the Lord and seek Him, He rewards us. Join us for The Seeker’s Reward, our first series of 2023 that runs alongside our SEEK: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. To wrap up our series, Pastor Lee shares a word out of Romans 4 talking about our faith and the journey it goes through as believers and followers of Jesus. For Abraham to leave everything to pursue a promise was a step of faith. Our faith is at once a singular moment, an ongoing journey, and an ultimate destination. We are saved by grace. We are saved because of faith. Faith grows as we go through the process of living all the days of our lives. Faith is a single moment in time. Faith is also a journey - an ongoing process. The journey of faith is one of discovery. The journey of faith is one of maturity. The journey of faith is one of friendship. Faith is a destination. Our destination is when we see Him.

As we enter this brand new year and this brand new season, it’s time that we remember that when we intentionally draw near to the Lord and seek Him, He rewards us. Join us for The Seeker’s Reward, our first series of 2023 that runs alongside our SEEK: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Jon Zondervan continues our Seeker’s Reward series with a sermon focused around the daily decision we can make to invite God to move in grace and power in our lives. Repent: to change your mind, thus turning from sin and toward God To be truly impacted by the power of the Gospel is not primarily an emotionally charged response, it’s not just being sorry for our sins or conduct, neither is it simply reciting a sinners prayer. True repentance occurs when we encounter the presence, love, and conviction of God where we are awakened to the truth found only in Jesus, humble ourselves, and become fully persuaded that our thinking, philosophy, behavior and very lives must be conformed solely to what God has revealed through the Holy Spirit and His written word. This daily decision prepares the way for God to move in our lives and opens the door to the unmerited grace & power we need to live Godly lives.

As we enter this brand new year and this brand new season, it’s time that we remember that when we intentionally draw near to the Lord and seek Him, He rewards us. Join us for The Seeker’s Reward, our first series of 2023 that runs alongside our SEEK: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.In this sermon, Caleb Culver speaks on the corporate altar and how we’re called to tend to it and take our spot on the wall.There are 4 different types of altars: - Personal altar someone would create - Family altar, place of family worship - Communal altar, in a village or town overseen by a levite - Corporate altar The fire that was used on personal and family altars was man-made. The fire on the corporate altar was sent by God. We have a new order: the living stones of God gathering is the temple, the hearts of the people are the altar, and the fire is the Holy Spirit. Prayer is the primary purpose of the altar of the new covenant. Why are we so quick to neglect the corporate altar? People. There’s something about getting in the room together and praying. There is an inextricable tie between the purity of the corporate altar and the condition of individual’s hearts. As the leader goes, so goes the altar. As the altar goes, so goes the nation. The forsaking of the corporate altar causes the fire to go out, which causes the sacrifices to stop, which leads to the breaking down of the family and personal altar.

As we enter this brand new year and this brand new season, it’s time that we remember that when we intentionally draw near to the Lord and seek Him, He rewards us. Join us for The Seeker’s Reward, our first series of 2023 that runs alongside our SEEK: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. God is looking for the willing ones. In this sermon, Pastor Lee dives into ways we can live our lives willing and positioned toward Christ. David was a man who captured the heart of God. David is the model of one who seeks hard after the Lord. At our core, humans are created to worship. God is looking for the willing ones. God is looking for the ones willing to make a bigger deal of God’s presence and power than our problems, enemies, and fears around him. God is looking for the ones willing to worship and Intercede beyond their comfort zone or the minimum requirement. God is looking for the ones willing to pray and worship God beyond their intellect and understanding. God is looking for the ones willing to seek God beyond our feelings. God is looking for the ones willing to do whatever it takes to create a dwelling place for God’s presence.

As we enter this brand new year and this brand new season, it’s time that we remember that when we intentionally draw near to the Lord and seek Him, He rewards us. Join us for The Seeker’s Reward, our first series of 2023 that runs alongside our SEEK: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. In this sermon, Pastor Lee begins our series with reminding us the “why” behind our prayer and our fasting. Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Matthew 6:6 “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” What is a Seeker? Someone searching, looking or pursuing a greater proximity to God’s Presence; someone who has set their heart on a journey. What is the Reward? He is. The Seeker’s Reward is receiving more of Him, with every step made in His direction. 3 keys to saying “yes” to God’s invitation: 1. Seek God first (law of priority - reading God’s word first) 2. Seek God often (habitually - developing an appetite for God) 3. Seek God together (community - we grow best together - hunger stirs hunger)

2023 kicks off with a stand-alone sermon from Jon Zondervan.

We are people in waiting. There is a promise of the long awaited one returning. God has not forgotten His people, nor His good creation. He would deliver. Don’t miss our “The Awaited One” series this Christmas season at Radiant. Watch our Christmas Eve from Pastor Lee that concludes our “The Awaited One” series.

We are people in waiting. There is a promise of the long awaited one returning. God has not forgotten His people, nor His good creation. He would deliver. Don’t miss our “The Awaited One” series this Christmas season at Radiant. In the part two from this series leading into our Christmas Eve sermon, Pastor Lee dives into Luke 2 to share how to keep our hearts awaiting His return. Why did so many people miss Jesus’ first coming?Ignorance. Prejudice. Complacency. Distraction. What was the difference in all those who welcomed His arrival?They were actively waiting. Would it be any different today?It won’t be any different before Jesus returns. Because the same conditions exist right now.The Promise of His return remains.The Prophecies still stand.Signs are beginning to occur. How do we keep our hearts awaiting His return?Searching the scriptures - like the MagiAching and longing for the Savior – like SimeonPraying and fasting – like AnnaPurifying and preparing a People – like John the Baptist

We are people in waiting. There is a promise of the long awaited one returning. God has not forgotten His people, nor His good creation. He would deliver. Don’t miss our “The Awaited One” series this Christmas season at Radiant.In the first sermon from this series, Pastor Lee dives into several Old Testament scriptures to unpack the origins of the Christmas story in a way you've maybe never thought of before.

In this stand-alone sermon to kick off the month of December, Jon Zondervan shares a word out of Colossians 3 on gratefulness. Gratefulness doesn't come naturally. Gratefulness begins with seeing God as good. Gratefulness isn't false happiness. Gratefulness is about perspective.

You were created to thrive in the presence of God. In our Flourish series, we’ll explore and unpack how God has designed us to grow, and what happens inside of us and our families when we plant ourselves deep in the root system of the local church. In this sermon from Pastor Lee, we learn about how the legacy we build and leave behind is generational, global, and eternal. Reward is what we send ahead to heaven. Legacy is what we leave behind here on earth.  Legacy is GENERATIONAL and goes beyond your sight. Legacy is GLOBAL and goes beyond your reach. Legacy is ETERNAL and goes beyond your life. Legacy is not just leaving something for people, it’s leaving something in people.

You were created to thrive in the presence of God. In our Flourish series, we’ll explore and unpack how God has designed us to grow, and what happens inside of us and our families when we plant ourselves deep in the root system of the local church.In order for each of us to grow up into mature disciples of Jesus, we need the place where strength is built. Don’t miss this important sermon from Pastor Lee.Never underestimate your importance.You’re far more important than you believe.Your past, perspective, and giftings have shaped you.Your life only makes sense in the context of the Church.Never overestimate your importance.You are gifted but not complete.You need gifts to strengthen your gifts.Myth: I go to church to hear the minister.Fact: I am the church and I have leaders in my life that equip me to minister.

In this stand-alone sermon from Pastor Jimmy Evans, we learn about what it takes to have successful, God-honoring communication in your marriage. Communication is the most important skill in marriage because it transcends every area of marriage and is essential for health & intimacy. For effective communication to take place we must realize that there are different reasons for it and different levels we communicate on. Keys to successful communication in marriage:1. The right tone2. Enough time3. An atmosphere of trust4. The truth spoken in love5. A team spirit Types of time needed for effective communication in marriage:1. Proactive communication time2. Personal communication time3. Intimate communication time Man and woman’s needs are different by God’s design. Trust is the key ingredient that allows us to open our hearts to each other. Truth without grace is mean. Grace without truth is meaningless. Truth and grace is medicine. We have God-given differences that are there to make us stronger and better – but they only work when we understand and celebrate them. Commit to:1. The right tone2. Enough time3. Creating an atmosphere of trust4. Speaking the truth in love5. Creating a team spiritas permanent, inviolable standards of communication.

You were created to thrive in the presence of God. In our Flourish series, we’ll explore and unpack how God has designed us to grow, and what happens inside of us and our families when we plant ourselves deep in the root system of the local church. In this sermon, Pastor Lee shares on community and the importance of having relationships, vision, values, and a Godly worldview. Whatever and whomever you identify with most is your community. You can tell who you are really in community with based on how you live your life. You can’t follow the way of the world and the way of Jesus at the same time. You have to set the direction of your heart. What do you believe about yourself and the world around you? What’s your vision? What are you living for? What are your values? What is important to you? Surround yourself with those with wisdom. You need to stand up out of the seat of the scoffer. You need to turn around toward the right direction. You need to walk against the grain and be counter-cultural.

You were created to thrive in the presence of God. In our Flourish series, we’ll explore and unpack how God has designed us to grow, and what happens inside of us and our families when we plant ourselves deep in the root system of the local church.In week four of this series, Lee Cummings shares a powerful word on our identity in Christ.

You were created to thrive in the presence of God. In our Flourish series, we’ll explore and unpack how God has designed us to grow, and what happens inside of us and our families when we plant ourselves deep in the root system of the local church.There is one revelation that has the ability to change the trajectory of your life and cause you to thrive in the purpose and destiny that God has for you. Watch this sermon from Lee Cummings to discover this revelation and learn how to apply it to apply it to your life.One Revelation has the power to shift your life and cause you to thrive.Jacob had been searching for IDENTITY, PURPOSE, BLESSING, and HIS PLACE IN GOD’S PLAN.Jacob was searching in all the wrong environments.Jacob had a revelation that changed the trajectory of His life: PRESENCE OF GOD, GOD’S HOUSE, GATE OF HEAVEN, AND PROMISES OF GOD.Jacob’s response to the “Bethel Revelation” was SETTING HIS ROCK, POURING HIS OIL, AND OFFERING HIS TITHE.

In this stand-alone sermon from special guest Dina Hackert, we hear about the life of Josiah and learn how to be the somebody that nobody has ever been.

In this sermon titled “Who Do You Think You Are?” from Jon Zondervan, we discuss our identity in Christ and unpack scripture that tells us who He says we are.You will never be confident in who you are in Christ unless you really know who God is.You have to go to the source.You are born into the Kingdom of God – that is how God sees you.Identify yourself as in Christ.We won’t always have everything together, but He does, and we are in Him.Your position is who you are before the Lord, not your performance.

In this weekend’s sermon, Pastor Lee goes off-script and speaks on an upcoming state constitutional amendment trying to passed in the state of Michigan and how we must not be silent in defending injustice against the unborn.

In week two of Flourish, we discuss the importance of the environment you’ve planted your life in. Focus Scripture: Colossians 2:6-11 You were created for the presence of God – the environment that He calls His house. You have to be placed in the right environment to reach your full God-given potential. God understands the power of environments. Seeds need good soil to thrive. You have the same DNA of righteousness that Jesus Christ himself has.What is your legacy going to be?

In week one of Flourish, Pastor Lee unpacks how we were designed by God to flourish and be a light to the world. Focus Scripture: Psalm 92 “The righteous flourish like the palm treeand grow like a cedar in Lebanon.They are planted in the house of the Lord;they flourish in the courts of our God.They still bear fruit in old age;they are ever full of sap and green,to declare that the Lord is upright;he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” Flourish: To achieve, succeed, and thrive. To grow luxuriantly and be in a state of productivity. To reach a height of development or influence. You have been designed by God to flourish. You were called to be the light of the world. God gave every single person IDENTITY, AUTHORITY, a call to be FRUITFUL, and DESTINY.

For 26 years, Radiant Church has existed for one purpose and one action: PURSUIT. Watch this powerful sermon from Lee Cummings as he shares the 4 primary pursuits of Radiant Church.We will pursue the presence of God with reckless abandonWe will be relentless in our pursuit of transformed lives We will tirelessly labor for the flourishing of this city With urgency and joy, we will pursue an inheritance for the nations of the earth

To wrap up our WIND + FIRE series, Tim Matthews preaches a powerful sermon out of Acts 28.Scripture: Acts 28We must be unashamed and willing to suffer for the Gospel The grace, power, and calling we receive from the Gospel came from a person, not our performance You can lock up the messenger, but you can’t stop the message If we miss Jesus, we miss everything Jesus and His Kingdom is now and forever the unstoppable force The unstoppable force started in the book of Genesis What we do with our lives will impact where and how people will spend in eternity Remember who you are in Christ: a Kingdom-carrier Why live for the anything less than the glory of God, when we know one day the glory of man will fade away If we end this series and we don’t see Jesus the way He wants us to see Him, then it was all for nothing In prayer it’s not always about the results – it’s about the amount of faith you’re showing your Father Our lives are a love song back to Him His mercies are new every morning, and there’s a mission and holy calling, that by His Spirit, we can walk into and enjoy

WIND + FIRE continues with a powerful word from Pastor Sonny Misar out of Acts 27-28 sharing how to stay tethered to God’s plan through every storm of life. Scripture: Acts 27-28 Be tethered to God’s call God has a call for you – you don’t have to be in ministry to have a call, it is about serving His plan and purpose with your one and only life There are two people who are fully convinced of your calling and destiny – God and the devil Be tethered to God’s care When God’s ownership and intimacy collide in our heart, there we are convinced of Father’s care for us Another word for faith is trust – when you are storm-tossed, do you power up to fix it, or do you lean into Father’s supernatural care? Be tethered to God’s character Are you convinced of the goodness of God’s character like fishing line or a barge rope? Sometimes our faith has to get some swag, some confidence, and some determination Stay strongly tethered to God’s call, God’s care, and God’s character so that when there’s a shipwreck, you’re not a wreck, but an overcomer

In this weekend sermon from Pastor Lee, we look at the background and calling of the single most influential person in the New Testament, outside of Jesus. Scripture: Acts 26:1-18 God’s heartbeat for the life of young people is the very same as the dawn of creation Paul’s manner of life was shaped early in life Your patterns, perspectives, and passions form your manner of life Paul’s parents helped establish footings and foundations in his life that would ultimately prepare him to encounter and serve God Teach by example Prioritize environments that shape faith Raising “free range” kids trains them to be “deranged” adults Sending is an intentional act of directing your children in the way they should go Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)“Train up a child in the way he should go;even when he is old he will not depart from it.” The direction that we aim our children will become the aim of our children The intentional modeling of Paul’s parents prepared his life to meet Jesus personally, and there, find his salvation and calling

In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, special guest Pastor Rick Renner from Russia delivers a powerful word on faith from the life of Paul. (Part 1/2)

In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, special guest Pastor Rick Renner from Russia delivers a powerful word on faith from the life of Paul. (Part 2/2)

In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, Lee Cummings returns to the pulpit with a powerful word out of Acts 20. Acts 20:17-32 (ESV) 17 Now from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church to come to him. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” When it comes to the Church Paul knows: - What begins as pure can become tainted - What starts powerfully can become weak - What originates in heaven can get hijacked by hell - What God builds through mans obedience and become corrupted and coopted because of rebellion and selfish ambition Satan’s greatest tool is deception Paul identifies three groups of people to pay attention to Shepherds: those who have been called by Jesus to lead His Church Wolves: false teachers or influencers, who present themselves as either sheep or shepherds but have a secret motive or ambition besides your maturity in Christ The Flock: made up of both sheep and goats (Matthew 25) True shepherds lay down their lives, while wolves have their own agenda Shepherds are appointed by God and recognized by men, while wolves appoint themselves Shepherds point and lead to Jesus, while wolves draw to themselves Sheep know the voice of their shepherd Sheep stick together and follow the shepherd Goat ignore the voice of their shepherd Goat are reckless and are driven by curiosity and their own personal appetites Beware of anyone teaching you a doctrine or “new” perspective of the bible that has been formed on the anvil of culture and not in the forge of the Holy Spirits fire and attested to by those who’ve paid in martyrs blood throughout the ages of church history Ours is a faith to be received – theirs is a faith to be deceived

In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, Jon Zondervan discusses revival in the Church and what it can and should look like today.Acts‬ ‭19:8-20‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.”REVIVAL — “An extraordinary move of the Holy Spirit producing extraordinary Kingdom results” -Charles Finney SO WHAT ARE THE TRUE MARKS OF REVIVAL?A PERSON OR PEOPLE WHO RECOGNIZE THE NEED‭‭Acts‬ ‭17:16‬ (‭NKJV‬‬)“Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.”FAITHFUL PREACHING OF GOD’S WORD‭‭Acts‬ ‭19:8-10‬ (‭NKJV‬‬)“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.”MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS‭‭Acts‬ ‭19:11-16‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”GENUINE REPENTANCE‭‭Acts‬ ‭19:17-18‬ ‭(NKJV‬‬)“This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds.”

In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, Tim Matthews discusses idolatry and how we as believers can use humility to connect with those around us.Acts 16:16-24 (NKJV)“Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.”Spiritual Warfare is RealEphesians 6:10-12 (NKJV)“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”Not Everything Spiritual is HolyThree General Types of Demonic Spirits- Territorial - Deceiving - Vexing or TormentingUse Your Spiritual Weapons to Fight this BattleII Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”1. Your Identity I John 3:1-3 (NKJV) “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 2. The Truth Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ””3. The Church Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV)“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Jon Zondervan continues our WIND + FIRE series with a sermon that breaks down spiritual warfare, the demonic, and spiritual weapons we can use to combat and protect against the demonic.Acts 16:16-24 (NKJV)“Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities. And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.”Spiritual Warfare is RealEphesians 6:10-12 (NKJV)“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”Not Everything Spiritual is HolyThree General Types of Demonic Spirits- Territorial - Deceiving - Vexing or TormentingUse Your Spiritual Weapons to Fight this BattleII Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”1. Your Identity I John 3:1-3 (NKJV) “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 2. The Truth Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ””3. The Church Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV)“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Caleb Culver continues our WIND + FIRE series with a sermon talking about what God is doing on the earth today. Acts 15:1-18 (NKJV) “And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” 6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.” 12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: 14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: 16 ‘After this I will returnAnd will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;I will rebuild its ruins,And I will set it up; 17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,Says the Lord who does all these things.’ 18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works.” God is not a reactive God – He is always initiating – He is always moving FIRST and the enemy is counteracting God reestablishes the spiritual rebuilding of David’s tabernacle that has been demolished God wants to dwell with people, but humans wants separation He won’t be handled, restrained, or controlled – but He will be hosted by people who want Him David was a man after God’s own heart, and God’s heart was to dwell with man Worshipping warriors are formed in David’s tent You will pass on no greater legacy to your children than your worship and prayer life Why a tent? It’s global Why a Tent? It’s evangelistic Why a Tent? Because God’s presence can’t wait Every home an altar – every church a house of prayer

In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, Jon Zondervan teaches on the Church in Antioch and reveals how we can position our lives to be sent by God and live out the Great Commission. Acts 13:1-12 (ESV)"Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. 6 When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7 He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord." 5 Attributes of the Church in Antioch: 1. They were united around the word of God 2. They were focused on the glory of God 3. They postured themselves to hear the voice of God 4. They were obedient to the direction of God 5. They were empowered by the spirit of God Following Jesus was never supposed to be easy, but it’s always worth it

In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, Garrett Prechtl shares about the Church of Antioch and our role as Jesus’ disciples to go and make more disciples. Acts 11:19-30 (ESV)“Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. 27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.” You don’t get the Holy Spirit because you are good – you get the Holy Spirit because He is good Instead of professionals, places, and programs – at Antioch what we find are “some people” The Church of Antioch was a church where the disciples were making disciples “In no other way can the believer become as fully involved with God’s work, especially the work of world evangelism, as in intercessory prayer” - Dick Eastman Like a dandelion fills fields with more dandelions, so disciples of Jesus are to fill the earth with more disciples of Jesus

For this special sermon on Father’s Day, Radiant Church is joined by Brother Abraham, global partner and leading voice in India who oversees over 4,000 churches in 22 different states throughout the nation. We pray this word encourages you and the entire body of Christ.

In this special prophetic presbytery service, Pastor Lee teaches on the history of meaning of prophetic ministry. Acts 10:1-8 (ESV)“At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.” God still speaks to those who fear Him God speaks in various ways God speaks through creation God speaks through His Word God speaks through still small voices God speaks through dreams, visions, and angels God speaks through wise counsel, the gift of prophecy, and spiritual authority

In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, Tim Matthews speaks on the life of Paul and how the church must rise up. Acts 8:1-3 (ESV)“And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.” In this passage, Saul is ravaging the church – causing harm, severe distress – then he gives examples – Saul enters the homes of believers dragging men and women from them But like all great stories there’s a plot twist, a radical change – Saul falls Saul goes from predator to prey – from hunter to hunted What happened? How does Saul go from a feared enemy to one needing an escape route out of a city? Jesus happened! Jesus enters the story! The one who was crucified now resurrected Jesus Jesus says that the Holy Spirit WILL come Jesus says that they WILL receive power Jesus says that they WILL be his witnesses Jesus says that His life and message will not only reach Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria but also to the ends of the earth How does Saul rise? He rises by God sending him a brother to help him rise We don’t need the church to fall but we need the church to rise We the church are the chosen family on earth to catch people when they fall and to help them rise Here’s another plot twist for us: Saul needed the church and now the church needs Saul If we want to be where God dwells, a good place to start is to be a part of His body Imagine the grace we could offer the world, even our enemies, if we truly believed that there is no one on earth that is too far gone Imagine if we believed that the resurrected Jesus actually listens and answers our prayers, that He is not indifferent, that He goes into action – would that motivate us, wake us up, deliver us from the deception of prayerlessness Imagine how our lives would be if we could lay our hands on someone and call them brother, sister, solely because they belong to Jesus

In this sermon from our WIND + FIRE series, Lee Cummings delivers a word from Acts 6 on turning growing pains into growing gains.Acts 6:1-7 (ESV)“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”Growth always comes with problems, pain, and opportunityAnything that is growing is also adjustingIn Acts 6, the Church was exploding with growth and the presence and power of GodThere is no perfect church, just perfecting churchesGods standard is not perfection, but graceGrace is God’s empowerment – He’s giving us grace where we are and taking us to a new level of gloryGrowth and expansion always reveal weaknesses, problems, and points of painThe Church was experiencing persecution from the without, warfare from beyond, and tensions from withinProblems and pain are not evidence that God is not “present” in a church, it is often the catalyst for further growth and expansion for the Church and the GospelHOW TO TURN GROWING PAINS INTO GROWING GAINS:1. Defend unity2. Protect priorities3. Delegate ministry responsibilitiesGod’s math for His people:- Use addition and multiplication for disciples- Use division to reveal the false and subtraction to prune themThe devil’s math:- Use addition and multiplication for disease and dissension- Use division among brothers and subtraction to prune the truthThe Church and Gospel prospers in spite and even because of the struggle and sufferingThe Church grew from “added” in Acts 5:14 to “increasing” in Acts 6:1 to “multiplied” in Acts 6:7

In this special weekend sermon, friend of the house Lisa Bevere brings a powerful word from her recent book Lioness Arising that will encourage and equip you to live how God intended you to live.Sermon Highlights:God wants His people at ease with their strength and at rest with their powerWe all have the same 24 hours in a day – it’s up to us to decide how to use themSow in secret firstWhat is the light level in your life?This is the time to read the WordWe need men and women if we are going to fight and winThe enemy does not want men and women to remember who we areGod did not save you to tame youYou are fearfully and wonderfully madeBe dangerous and fully awakeWe must step in to what God has created us to beBeing "stunning" has nothing to do with what you look like and has everything to do with what you were created to do in Jesus’ nameNumbers 23:24 (NIV)“The people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion that does not rest till it devours its prey and drinks the blood of its victims.”

In Week Four of WIND + FIRE, Jon Zondervan brings an important word to the church on how you're supposed to respond when you're faced with persecution.Acts 5:22-32 (NKJV)"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!” 26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” 29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”This whole book of Acts is the birth of the churchThe Gospel of Jesus Christ, when faithfully preached, will always garner two responses: praise and persecutionThe scripture above is an excellent testimony of what it looks like to be an ambassador of Christ despite facing persecutionHow should Christians navigate persecution for their faith?I. Be preparedII. Respond in the right way (in obedience and love)III. Access your secret weapon – Holy Spirit boldnessToo many Christians think that following Jesus is like a cruise ship, when it’s really a battle shipSpeak the truth in loveBoldness is only possible through intimacy with JesusBuild equity with God in the secret placeYou will never be confident in something you don’t have knowledge in

In Week Three of WIND + FIRE, Lee Cummings returns with a powerful word called Power, Persecution, and Counter-Cultural Living that you do not want to miss.Sermon HighlightsActs 4:1-22 (ESV)“And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.”How to become a counter-cultural people:I. It requires seeing life through a different lensII. It requires a radically different responseIII. It requires a willingness to suffer in the short-termWhat is counter-cultural?A culture in which the values expressed and promoted are in potential or actual opposition to those of the dominant culture, sometimes amounting to a wholesale rejection of that cultureA Kingdom of God focus will agitate the world around you, because you are both confronting it’s brokenness and demonstrating a superior way

In Week Two of WIND + FIRE, special guest Jon Tyson delivers a powerful message out of Acts 2 that teaches us the significance of living in permanent encounter with the fire of God.Sermon HighlightsActs 2:1-4 (NIV)“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”Presence becomes personal in proximity to GodIt is God’s will for us to live in permanent encounter with the personal fire of GodWe must keep the new covenant of God burning and over our heartEncounter leads to empowermentWhenever you call upon the name of the Lord, you open a portal to HeavenWe don’t need more content – we need more powerPower without practices can lead to dangerPower requires character or it causes damageGod won’t give his power to a generation that doesn’t have the character to carry itYou need to prepare - not just encounterThe power of Pentecost was poured into shared practicesDespite our biblical knowledge, many of us still look like the worldWe can have so much knowledge, yet so little transformationInvite the presence of God into your life every dayThere is no formation without repetitionReject the zap view of spiritual growthPower & Practice = History Shaping CommunitiesThese types of churches are extremely rareWhen God finds people that place a priority on His presence, He finds community that He can make history withWhy not us?God comes where He is wantedKalamazoo, you’re a boiling river - If you want Him, He will comeDon’t miss it with daily distractionsDon’t have a second-hand encounterWe are open to divine disruption

We must carry on the ministry and mission of Jesus through His Church. In Wind + Fire: The Extraordinary Outpouring of the Holy Spirit and Uprising of the Church in the Book of Acts, discover how to return to the pattern of Acts and position ourselves for when Jesus returns.To kick off this series, Pastor Lee teaches out of Acts 1 and reveals four important priorities we must live by on a daily basis.Sermon HighlightsActs 1:1-14 (ESV)“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”Four priorities that brought critical mass:I. They were to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit Jesus knew that the same power that fueled His ministry must fuel the ChurchII. Mobilize to reach the ends of the earthJesus was forming a Gospel Catalytic Movement, not a stagnant institutional MonumentThe Book of Acts is the chapter by chapter radioactive mushroom cloud that moved across the EmpireIII. Anticipate Jesus’ return and reign Reminiscent of Elijah, being caught up and dropping his mantle upon ElishaOur anticipation should create a sense of urgencyIV. Stay united in prayerful focus

In this special Easter sermon from Lee Cummings, hear how Jesus’ decisive victory on the third day paved a way for our future. He is Jesus, our Christus Victor!Sermon HighlightsColossians 2:13-15 (ESV)“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”If Good Friday asked the question “Who is this man?” then Easter morning answered the question…He is Jesus, our Christus VictorWhat occurred on the morning of resurrection that made Friday “so good”?Jesus’ decisive victory on the third day means that your history ended at the cross and your future began with the resurrection“We understand and acknowledge that the resurrection has placed a glorious crown upon all of Christ’s sufferings!”A.W TozerI. Forgives all your sins/trespassesII. Cancelled your record of debtIII. Disarmed the rulers of hell against youIV. Raised us up with Him