Highest Praise Church

These Things

• In today's message, we explored the profound truth found in Romans 8:28, which assures us that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This doesn't mean that everything we experience will be comfortable or enjoyable, but rather that God uses every circumstance to shape us into the image of His Son. Our journey through life's challenges is not about what we endure but what we gain from those experiences. It's about the wisdom, strength, and perspective we acquire as we navigate through trials.
  
  We discussed the importance of perspective in facing life's difficulties. Like David before Goliath, we should focus on God's greatness rather than the size of our problems. Our faith is not measured by our enthusiasm but by the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Whether we are full of energy or feeling weary, our faith remains anchored in Him. The story of the two Hebrews at the first Passover illustrates that our salvation is not dependent on our emotional state but on the blood of the Lamb.
  
  Furthermore, we examined the concept of spiritual immunity. Just as a physical immune disease makes us susceptible to illnesses, spiritual discouragement can weaken our defenses against the enemy's attacks. It's crucial to maintain a healthy spiritual perspective, recognizing that we are more than conquerors in Christ. Our identity in Him is not about what we do but who we are becoming.
  
  Lastly, we reflected on the relationships in our lives, likening them to leaves, branches, and roots. Root relationships, like our relationship with God, are steadfast and supportive, regardless of the season. In Christ, we have an inheritance, not based on our works but on our relationship with Him. As we face life's challenges, we must remember that our ultimate victory is in Christ, and our faith is rooted in His unchanging love and grace.
  
  **Key Takeaways:**
  
  1. **God's Purpose in Trials:** Our trials are not meant to make us comfortable but to conform us to the image of Christ. The true measure of our journey is not what we endure but what we gain from it—wisdom, strength, and perspective. [02:16]
  
  2. **Perspective in Adversity:** Like David, we should focus on God's greatness rather than the size of our problems. Our perspective determines our spiritual health and resilience in the face of challenges. [05:14]
  
  3. **Faith's Object, Not Intensity:** Our faith is not about how enthusiastic we are but about the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Whether we are full of energy or weary, our faith remains anchored in Him. [19:32]
  
  4. **Spiritual Immunity:** Discouragement can weaken our spiritual defenses, making us vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. Maintaining a healthy spiritual perspective is crucial to overcoming challenges. [14:59]
  
  5. **Rooted Relationships:** Our relationship with God is like a root—steadfast and supportive, regardless of the season. In Christ, we have an inheritance based on our relationship with Him, not our works. [30:15]
  
  

Works of the Enemy

In today's message, we explored the spiritual battles that Christians face, particularly focusing on the concepts of regression, repression, suppression, and depression. These are tactics used by the enemy to hinder our spiritual growth and expression. We began by discussing the importance of being part of something greater than ourselves, recognizing that God is at work in our lives and communities. This sense of belonging and purpose is crucial in combating the darkness that tries to seep into our lives, especially during times like the Halloween season when the focus on darkness is more pronounced. We delved into the teachings of Paul, particularly Ephesians 4:27, which warns us not to give place to the devil. This involves being vigilant and on guard, recognizing the enemy's attempts to interact with our lives. The enemy's tactics include causing us to regress, which means reverting to old behavior patterns and losing the progress we've made in our spiritual journey. We are reminded that we are built for progress and advancement, and any backward movement is a sign of negative spiritual forces at work. Repression, on the other hand, involves restraining our natural expressions of joy and exuberance that God desires for us. We are encouraged to be expressive in our faith, allowing our hearts to burn with passion for God, much like the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Suppression takes this a step further, pushing us under and concealing our victorious Christian lifestyle. It is crucial to resist these forces through prayer, worship, and maintaining a close relationship with God. Depression, a more severe form of spiritual attack, can lead to feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. However, we are reminded that peace is a powerful weapon against these strongholds. By seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we align ourselves with His will and protection, ensuring that all other needs are met. This lifestyle of seeking God first shields us from the enemy's attacks and allows us to live in the fullness of joy and peace that God intends for us. 

Demons & Pigs

Today, we delved into the topic of demons and their influence, particularly focusing on the story of the man possessed by a legion of demons in Mark 5. We explored the Greek term for demon, which translates to "demonized," meaning to be affected or influenced by demons. This influence is not limited to non-believers; even Christians can give place to the devil through disobedience and sin. We examined various scriptures, including Ephesians 2:2 and Acts 5, to understand how disobedience opens doors for demonic influence. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of lying to God and how it can fill our hearts with the enemy. We also discussed the importance of not giving place to the devil, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:27. Christians need to be vigilant and consistent in their walk with God to avoid fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, as stated in Galatians 5:16-17. We emphasized that while a born-again Christian's spirit is regenerated and cannot be possessed by evil spirits, their mind, will, and emotions can still be affected. Therefore, it is crucial to walk in the Spirit consistently. The story of the man in the tombs, who was possessed by a legion of demons, illustrates the destructive power of evil spirits but also highlights Jesus' authority over them. When Jesus cast the demons into a herd of pigs, it demonstrated His power to set people free from demonic influence. We concluded by reminding everyone that Jesus has the final say over any chaos or destruction in our lives. No matter how severe the situation, Jesus' authority and power can bring deliverance and peace. We need to continually seek the Holy Spirit's filling and submit ourselves to God to resist the devil effectively. ### Key Takeaways 1. **Disobedience Opens Doors to Demonic Influence**: Disobedience to God gives evil spirits the right to influence and work within us. Ephesians 2:2 and Acts 5 illustrate how even church members can fall prey to demonic influence through disobedience and lying to God. It's crucial to live in obedience to close these doors. [01:46] 2. **Christians Can Be Affected by Demons**: While a born-again Christian's spirit is regenerated and cannot be possessed, their mind, will, and emotions can still be affected by evil spirits. Walking in the Spirit consistently, as stated in Galatians 5:16-17, helps us avoid fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and keeps us protected. [07:35] 3. **The Power of Consistent Faith**: Persistent faith in God and knowledge of the truth are essential for spiritual growth and protection. James 4:7 teaches that submitting to God and resisting the devil will make him flee. This requires a continuous, not sporadic, commitment to God. [11:50] 4. **Jesus' Authority Over Evil Spirits**: The story of the man possessed by a legion of demons in Mark 5 demonstrates Jesus' authority over all spirit beings. Even the most chaotic and destructive spirits must bow to Jesus. This story reassures us that no matter how severe our situation, Jesus has the power to bring deliverance. [35:27] 5. **The Importance of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit**: Continuously seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit is vital for maintaining spiritual health and protection. Ephesians 4:30 warns against grieving the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for a constant, deep relationship with God to keep demonic influences at bay.

Order In The House

Today, we delved into Acts chapter 8, focusing on the story of Philip and the early church's persecution. We began by discussing the concept of strongholds, which are areas where Satan has seized control, causing us to live with symptoms like anger, depression, and anxiety. These strongholds can be passed down through generations, but we must be vigilant and fight against them. We explored the persecution faced by the early church, particularly the havoc wreaked by Saul. Despite the persecution, those who were scattered continued to preach the Word, demonstrating that adversity can lead to growth and multiplication. We emphasized that if one person in a household can break free from the enemy's control, it can lead to freedom for the entire household. Philip's journey to Samaria was highlighted, where he preached Christ and brought great joy to the city. This joy was contrasted with the stronghold of Simon the sorcerer, who had deceived the people with his sorcery. Despite the joy and miracles, the region was still under Simon's influence, illustrating that we can experience temporary relief but still be under a stronghold. We discussed the importance of not settling for temporary joy but striving for complete freedom from strongholds. The enemy is a master deceiver, and we must be aware of the principalities and powers that seek to control us. We must get our houses in order, both spiritually and physically, to experience the full glory of God. In conclusion, we must be vigilant and proactive in breaking free from strongholds. By doing so, we not only free ourselves but also our families and future generations. Let's strive for complete freedom and not settle for temporary relief.

Influence

We delved into the concept of influence and its profound impact on our lives. We began by examining the story from Numbers 13, where Moses sent spies to scout the Promised Land. Despite the land flowing with milk and honey, the spies were intimidated by the giants residing there, leading to fear and doubt among the Israelites. This narrative underscores the importance of being mindful of who or what influences us. As believers, we are responsible for discerning and stewarding the influences in our lives, ensuring they align with God's word and promises. We also explored the story of Samson in Judges 15, where he used the jawbone of a donkey to defeat a thousand Philistines. This story illustrates that the anointing was not in the jawbone itself but in God's power working through it. Similarly, we must be cautious not to cling to past methods or traditions that God has moved on from. Instead, we should seek what God is using today to accomplish His purposes. The sermon emphasized the need for faith that defies reality. Faith acknowledges the presence of giants and mountains but refuses to submit to them, trusting instead in God's power to overcome. We looked at David's encounter with Goliath, where David's faith in God, rather than Saul's armor, led to his victory. This story serves as a reminder that our confidence should be rooted in God alone. Finally, we discussed the importance of attitude, using the analogy of a lion's belief system. A lion's confidence and attitude stem from its belief in its own strength, despite facing larger and more powerful animals. Similarly, our spiritual attitude should be fueled by our belief in God's power and promises, enabling us to face and overcome any adversary.

Buy In To The Promise

We are exploring the profound message of "buying into the promise" through the story of Jeremiah in Jeremiah 32. Jeremiah, despite being in a dire situation—imprisoned in a dungeon and surrounded by the siege of Jerusalem—received a word from God to buy a seemingly worthless piece of land. This act of faith, buying land that appeared to have no future, symbolized his trust in God's promise that one day, houses, fields, and vineyards would again flourish there. Jeremiah's obedience, even in the lowest circumstances, teaches us that faith often requires us to invest in God's promises when it seems most illogical. Jeremiah's uncle, Hanamel, whose name means "the grace of God," brought the offer, signifying that grace is always on the way, even in our darkest moments. Grace empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own. It shows up with action and hope, urging us to take steps of faith even when we are still bound by our circumstances. The message encourages us to buy into God's promises, not just when things are good, but especially when they are tough. We are reminded that our present suffering is not the end. God calls us to build, plant, and increase even in our waiting periods. We are to impact our current situation positively, believing that the same place of our weeping will become a place of rejoicing. The true test of faith is whether we can hold on to God's promises and act on them, even when the outcome is not visible. Finally, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus is coming back, and we must live every day with the belief that our God is in control. We are called to buy into this truth and live out our faith actively, impacting the world around us while we wait for His return. ### Key Takeaways 1. **Faith in Dire Circumstances**: Jeremiah's act of buying land while imprisoned teaches us that faith often requires us to invest in God's promises when it seems most illogical. True faith is demonstrated not when the outcome is clear, but when we trust God in the midst of our darkest moments. [05:10] 2. **Grace in Our Lowest Points**: The arrival of Jeremiah's uncle, Hanamel, whose name means "the grace of God," signifies that grace is always on the way, even in our darkest moments. Grace empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own and shows up with action and hope, urging us to take steps of faith even when we are still bound by our circumstances. [08:00] 3. **Active Waiting**: While waiting for God's promises to manifest, we are called to build, plant, and increase. We should not become complacent but should positively impact our current situation, believing that the same place of our weeping will become a place of rejoicing. [20:25] 4. **Endurance Through Suffering**: The question is not how long our suffering will last, but how long we will last through our suffering. We must hold on to God's promises and not sell out, even when the pain of our past makes it hard to buy into the future. [16:00] 5. **Living with Eternal Perspective**: We must live every day with the belief that Jesus is coming back and that our God is in control. This eternal perspective should drive us to buy into God's promises and live out our faith actively, impacting the world around us while we wait for His return. [29:10] ### YouTube Chapters [0:00] - Welcome [01:01] - Jeremiah's Purchase [01:48] - Nothing is Too Hard for God [02:31] - Jeremiah's Imprisonment [04:01] - The Siege of Jerusalem [04:34] - The Real Estate Deal [05:10] - Faith in Low Circumstances [06:54] - Buying In While Bound [07:30] - Grace is On the Way [09:02] - Grace Brings Action [10:02] - Grace Brings Hope [11:05] - Buy the Truth [12:41] - Buying Into the Promise [14:18] - From Weeping to Rejoicing [16:00] - Endurance Through Suffering [18:27] - Paul's Thorn and God's Grace [19:43] - Active Waiting [21:15] - Impacting Our Current Situation [23:34] - Building in Bondage [25:02] - Keep Building and Believing [27:12] - Jeremiah's Act of Faith [28:27] - Jesus is Coming [30:28] - Invitation to Salvation [32:34] - Prayer of Salvation [33:47] - Take Ownership of the Promise

Giving Them To God

Today, we gathered to celebrate Children Dedication Day, a significant moment where families publicly declare their commitment to raising their children in the ways of the Lord. This dedication is not just a ceremony but a profound declaration that we are entrusting our children to God, acknowledging that they are His gifts to us. We reflected on the story of Abraham and Isaac, emphasizing the importance of surrendering our children to God, just as Abraham did. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated his ultimate trust in God and his understanding that Isaac belonged to God first and foremost. We also discussed the critical role of parents in nurturing their children’s spiritual growth. This involves loving God more than anything else, including our children, and ensuring that our love for God sets the foundation for how we raise them. By doing so, we are not only showing our children the way to live but also securing God's blessings and guidance in their lives. The dedication of children is a reminder that our primary responsibility is to lead them to God, teaching them to live according to His will. Moreover, we touched on the challenges parents face today, especially with the increasing attacks on the identity and values of our children. The enemy seeks to devour, but God’s grace abounds even more. We must be vigilant and steadfast in our faith, ensuring that our homes are places where God is honored and His principles are upheld. This dedication is a commitment to raise our children in a godly manner, understanding that it requires daily obedience and reliance on God’s strength and wisdom.

Christian Parent Pt. Three

Today, we reflected on the importance of investing in the next generation and the spiritual warfare that surrounds them. We began by celebrating the blessings and growth our church has experienced, including the expansion of our school and the upcoming dedication service. This season of new beginnings, with the start of the school year, is a perfect time to take inventory of our spiritual investments in our children and youth. We emphasized the critical role parents play in declaring God's blessings over their children and the importance of being vigilant against the adversary, the devil, who seeks to distort and destroy. We delved into the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel, who fervently prayed for a child and dedicated him to the Lord. This act of dedication is a powerful declaration that parents have the God-given authority to speak blessings over their children, regardless of external influences. We were reminded that God is our ultimate source of blessing, and His divine intervention can turn our work into success. Hannah's story teaches us that even in moments of anguish and frustration, we can boldly approach God and remind Him of His promises. We also discussed the importance of parental involvement and vigilance in the digital age, where social media and technology can expose children to harmful influences. Parental control must go beyond mere restrictions; it requires active engagement and spiritual guidance. We concluded with a powerful reminder that God's blessings are not limited by our imperfections. Even when we fall short, we can always return to God, seek His help, and trust in His abundant grace. ### Key Takeaways 1. **Investing in the Next Generation**: As parents and guardians, we have a divine responsibility to invest in the spiritual growth of our children. This involves not only bringing them to church but also actively declaring God's blessings over their lives. Our words and actions can shape their future and protect them from the adversary's schemes. [01:58] 2. **The Power of Dedication**: Hannah's story in 1 Samuel teaches us the significance of dedicating our children to the Lord. This act is a declaration of faith and trust in God's plan for their lives. It reminds us that no external authority has the power to define our children's destiny; only God does, and we must continually speak His blessings over them. [05:11] 3. **Vigilance Against the Adversary**: The devil is constantly seeking to distort and destroy the lives of our children. As 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, we must be sober and vigilant. This means being aware of the spiritual battles our children face and actively praying for God's protection and guidance over their lives. [04:02] 4. **Parental Engagement in the Digital Age**: In today's world, parental control must go beyond setting restrictions on devices. It requires active engagement and spiritual guidance. We must be aware of what our children are exposed to and ensure that we are the primary influence in their lives, teaching them to seek God in all things. [24:33] 5. **God's Abundant Blessings**: God's blessings are not limited by our imperfections. Even when we fall short, we can always return to Him and seek His help. Hannah's story shows us that God can do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. Our faithfulness in seeking Him and reminding Him of His promises will result in His divine intervention in our lives. [20:49] ### YouTube Chapters [0:00] - Welcome [00:49] - Celebrating God's Blessings [01:58] - Investing in the Next Generation [02:57] - The Importance of Routine [04:02] - Vigilance Against the Adversary [05:11] - The Power of Dedication [06:49] - Parental Authority and Leverage [08:08] - Jesus' Prayer of Blessing [09:15] - Hannah's Anguish and Vow [10:53] - Reminding God of His Promises [13:16] - Praying for Our Children [14:52] - The Reality of Spiritual Warfare [18:12] - God's Divine Intervention [20:49] - God's Abundant Blessings [24:33] - Parental Engagement in the Digital Age [29:57] - Teaching Our Children About God [34:37] - Trusting God with Our Children [39:09] - The Story of the Shunammite Woman [42:43] - Returning to God in Our Imperfections [44:46] - Closing Prayer and Thanksgiving

Christian Parent Pt. Two

As parents, we have three primary responsibilities: keeping our children safe, raising them to be well-mannered and productive members of society, and most importantly, evangelizing and discipling them. The world is aggressively trying to shape their identities, and if we don't take an active role in their spiritual upbringing, the world will. Drawing from the example of Paul and Timothy, we see the impact of sincere faith passed down through generations. Timothy's faith was nurtured by his mother and grandmother, and he grew up acquainted with the sacred writings. This is a powerful reminder that we must instill a love for God's Word in our children from a young age. In our home, we emphasize the importance of reading the Bible daily, setting a foundation of discipline, desire, and delight in God's Word. Our children look to us as their primary spiritual guides. They trust us implicitly, and it's our responsibility to model a life of faith and integrity. Hypocrisy can be a significant stumbling block, and we must strive to live authentically both at church and at home. Our children are watching, and they need to see a consistent example of what it means to follow Christ. We cannot afford to be passive parents. The world is not passive in its efforts to influence our children, and we must be intentional in our parenting. This means setting clear boundaries, teaching them the truth of God's Word, and creating an environment where they can grow in their faith. Our goal is to see our children become passionate followers of Christ who are equipped for every good work. In closing, I want to encourage you to pray and seek God's guidance in your parenting. We don't have all the answers, but we serve a God who delights in helping us. Let's commit to parenting on purpose, creating homes where our children can thrive spiritually and grow in their love for God and others. ### Key Takeaways 1. **The Battle for Our Children's Souls**: There is a fierce battle for the minds and souls of our children, driven by aggressive ideologies and societal pressures. As parents, we must be vigilant and proactive in guiding our children towards a relationship with God, ensuring they are grounded in biblical truth. [02:21] 2. **The Importance of Sincere Faith**: Timothy's faith was nurtured by his mother and grandmother, highlighting the importance of sincere faith passed down through generations. We must instill a love for God's Word in our children from a young age, ensuring they are acquainted with the sacred writings and understand their significance. [05:28] 3. **Modeling Authentic Faith**: Our children look to us as their primary spiritual guides, and they trust us implicitly. It's crucial that we model a life of faith and integrity, avoiding hypocrisy and living authentically both at church and at home. Our consistent example will help them understand what it means to follow Christ. [08:09] 4. **Intentional Parenting**: We cannot afford to be passive parents. The world is not passive in its efforts to influence our children, and we must be intentional in our parenting. This means setting clear boundaries, teaching them the truth of God's Word, and creating an environment where they can grow in their faith. [10:30] 5. **Prayer and Dependence on God**: Parenting is challenging, and we don't have all the answers. However, we serve a God who delights in helping us. Praying and seeking God's guidance in our parenting is essential. Let's commit to creating homes where our children can thrive spiritually and grow in their love for God and others. [18:37] ### YouTube Chapters [0:00] - Welcome [01:41] - Introduction and Overview [02:21] - The Battle for Our Children's Souls [02:54] - Responsibilities of Parents [03:38] - The World's Influence [04:59] - The Example of Timothy [06:08] - Importance of Scripture [06:44] - Discipline, Desire, Delight [07:26] - Affirming Identity in Christ [08:09] - Modeling Authentic Faith [09:23] - Children's Prayer Requests [10:07] - The Role of Scripture [10:30] - Intentional Parenting [11:39] - Knowing God for Ourselves [12:21] - The Sacred Relationship [12:58] - The Story of Moses [14:18] - Spiritual Edge for Our Children [15:21] - Loving God and Others [16:06] - Parenting on Purpose [17:48] - The Reality of Social Media [18:37] - Prayer and Dependence on God [19:05] - Jesus in the Temple [20:22] - The Power of the Bible [21:14] - God's Love for Our Children [21:44] - Invitation to Partner in Parenting [22:15] - Declaration to Serve the Lord

Christian Parent Pt. One

Our primary focus is to combat the spirit of the world and nurture the spirit of God within our students. We recognize that today's youth are exposed to adult content and challenges at a very young age, often through social media and other digital platforms. Therefore, we must not shy away from having mature conversations with them and guiding them towards spiritual maturity. We are here to support you as parents, offering various avenues of involvement and communication to ensure your children are growing in a healthy, God-centered environment. We also highlighted the importance of setting boundaries, such as limiting phone usage after 10 PM, to protect our children from harmful influences. Our youth group is not just a social experience; it is a place where real, meaningful connections are made, and spiritual battles are fought and won. We are available to your children and to you, offering our contact information and support whenever needed. Our Wednesday night services are designed to engage students through pre-games, worship, and the Word, creating an environment where they can experience God's presence and develop a deep conviction to live a life of freedom and purity. We believe that the level of freedom our students experience is directly related to the level of conviction they hold within themselves. In conclusion, we are here to partner with you in raising a generation that loves God, lives right, and is prepared to make a positive impact on the world. We are committed to being available, supportive, and proactive in addressing the challenges our students face, ensuring they grow into mature, responsible, and spiritually grounded individuals. ### Key Takeaways 1. **Combating the Spirit of the World**: Our children are exposed to adult content and challenges at a very young age, often through social media. We must not shy away from having mature conversations with them and guiding them towards spiritual maturity. This involves setting boundaries and being proactive in addressing the influences of the world. [30:22] 2. **The Importance of Discipline and Guidance**: Discipline, like the humorous story of Miss Wanda, plays a crucial role in shaping young lives. It is essential to guide our children through their identity crises, attitudes, and future planning, ensuring they grow into responsible and spiritually grounded individuals. [27:19] 3. **Availability and Support**: We are committed to being available to your children and to you. Our contact information is readily accessible, and we are here to support you in any way possible, whether through phone calls, meetings, or text messages. This availability is crucial in building meaningful connections and providing the necessary guidance. [45:50] 4. **Creating a God-Centered Environment**: Our Wednesday night services and other activities are designed to engage students in a God-centered environment. Through worship, the Word, and meaningful interactions, we aim to nurture their spiritual growth and conviction, leading them to live a life of freedom and purity. [39:23] 5. **Partnership with Parents**: We are here to partner with you in raising a generation that loves God and lives right. Together, we can address the challenges our students face, ensuring they grow into mature, responsible, and spiritually grounded individuals. This partnership is essential in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for our children. [55:04] ### YouTube Chapters [0:00] - Welcome [25:37] - Introduction and Humor [27:19] - Importance of Discipline [28:07] - Addressing Modern Challenges [29:23] - Battling Two Worlds [30:22] - Mature Conversations [31:19] - Encouraging Parental Involvement [32:34] - Practical Guidance [33:06] - Identifying Harmful Influences [34:13] - Authority and Choices [35:40] - Growing Up [37:33] - Lessons from Peter Pan [38:30] - Freedom and Conviction [41:11] - Setting Boundaries [45:50] - Availability and Support [55:04] - Partnership with Parents