We just came away from Easter weekend where we celebrated Christ's ultimate love and sacrifice for us. However I think it's true when said - none of us are as free as what Christ died for us to be.
At our Super SWAT (Staff Working As a Team) Meeting which happens the fifth Monday of the month, we take specific time to worship and to drill down on a skill or a spiritual truth. We experienced Acts 3:19 which says, “So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord“.
At our Super SWAT (Staff Working As a Team) Meeting which happens the fifth Monday of the month, we take specific time to worship and to drill down on a skill or a spiritual truth. We experienced Acts 3:19 which says, “So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord“.
What an unbelievable time and experience we shared – a time with God! We understood and embraced the fact that everything we want to accomplish here and through NewPointe will only come out of an overflow of our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I shared with the staff that this was no doubt the greatest worship that has happened in this building over the last three years. Our vision, is leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and it all begins and ends with times of repentance. We can’t lead someone where we have personally traveled.
Together we worked through 7 steps from Neil Anderson. Three of them are below, and I’ll post the rest next week. If you want to l learn more, read the books Victory Over Darkness and The Bondage Breaker.
Step 1: Counterfeit vs. Real
Step One involves prayerfully identifying and renouncing each previous or current involvement with occult practice, false religions or other non-Christian spiritual experiences. This includes any activity or group that denies Jesus Christ, offers guidance through any source other than the absolute authority of Scripture, or require secret initiations, ceremonies, or covenants. Examples include the use of tarot cards, astrology or participation with New Age seminars, mediums or psychics. Recurring nightmares or incessant negative thought patterns might suggest occultic involvement.
Step 2: Deception vs. Truth
Step Two considers the deceptive schemes of the evil one that you may be victim to. This includes false teachings, deceiving spirits, and the fears that have kept us bound. As the Holy Spirit identifies the lies we have believed we can renounce them and choose to live in accordance with the truth. This step also confronts the distorted picture we may have of God as our Father due to the choices of our human parents. It concludes with a doctrinal affirmation of biblical truth. Step One involves prayerfully identifying and renouncing each previous or current involvement with occult practice, false religions or other non-Christian spiritual experiences. This includes any activity or group that denies Jesus Christ, offers guidance through any source other than the absolute authority of Scripture, or require secret initiations, ceremonies, or covenants. Examples include the use of tarot cards, astrology or participation with New Age seminars, mediums or psychics. Recurring nightmares or incessant negative thought patterns might suggest occultic involvement.
Step Three: Bitterness vs. Forgiveness
Step Three is considered by many to be the most significant part of the Steps to Freedom. Many are caught in bitterness and resentment that allows the evil one to take advantage of them (2 Corinthians 2:10-11). This step is prefaced by a concise teaching on biblical forgiveness. Once forgiveness is understood the Holy Spirit is invited to bring to mind all instances that must be forgiven. By forgiving those who have hurt you, no matter the offense or pain, you will find freedom. It is a choice of our wills in obedience to the clear teaching of scripture.
