Highest Praise Church

Spirit Of This World

Today, we gathered in a spirit of worship and reverence, acknowledging the power and presence of God in our lives. We began by affirming that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, and that God is our protector and guide. We prayed for the removal of spiritual darkness and for the revelation of God's heavenly host surrounding us. We declared that Satan has no power over us, and that we are victorious through Christ who lives in us. We discussed the chaotic state of the world, emphasizing that Satan is the prince of the power of the air and the god of this world. This world system operates independently of God and is filled with evil, immorality, and rebellion. We must understand that the enemy has power but no authority; Jesus took all authority from Satan at the cross. Therefore, we worship God because we reverence Him, and this reverence is the foundation of our worship. We also touched on the importance of corporate worship and the power it holds. Worship is a weapon against the enemy, and it is crucial for us to gather and exalt the Lord. We highlighted the significance of Wednesday night worship services, where we come together without any agenda other than to worship God. The sermon also addressed the current events and the spirit of rebellion and indifference to God that exists in the world. We discussed the blasphemy and mockery of Christian symbols and practices, emphasizing that these actions stem from a lack of reverence for God. We are called to be a remnant, a group of believers who are always ready and filled with the Holy Spirit. We concluded by encouraging the congregation to be passionate and enthusiastic about their faith. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. This means we must be fervent and zealous in our pursuit of God, not allowing the enemy to deter us from our destiny. We are in a spiritual battle, but the battle belongs to the Lord, and we are assured of victory through Him. 

The Holy Spirit of Promise

Today, we delved into Ephesians 1:13-14, focusing on the Holy Spirit and His role as a seal in our lives. We explored the multifaceted nature of the Holy Spirit, who manifests as oil, wind, fire, and dove, and today, as a seal. This seal signifies ownership and security, marking us as God's own. Trust and faith are inseparable; to have faith in God means to trust Him fully. We discussed the importance of believing in the gospel of our salvation, which is the good news that Jesus Christ saves us from our sins. This belief and trust lead to being sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is our guarantee of eternal life. We also examined the concept of truth and its denial. The devil, self-righteous individuals, and unbelievers all deny the truth in different ways. The devil outright denies it, self-righteous people distort it, and unbelievers reject it. We must be vigilant in recognizing and exposing these lies by holding fast to the truth of God's Word. The truth sets us free and enables us to live as separate, holy people, distinct from the world. In Revelation 19, we see a future where Jesus returns, and even then, people will deny the truth, showing the deep-seated nature of deception. This underscores the importance of clinging to the truth now more than ever. The Holy Spirit within us is our guarantee of this truth and our inheritance in God's kingdom. This seal of the Holy Spirit assures us of our salvation and eternal life, providing us with the strength to overcome the lies of the enemy.

Last Day Fire

In today's sermon, we explored the urgency and significance of heeding God's warnings, drawing parallels between the days of Noah and our current times. We began by reflecting on how moments of global crisis often drive people to seek solace and answers in the church, much like the packed congregations during the Gulf War. This led us to the story of Noah, emphasizing that the real narrative is far from the sanitized Sunday school version. The world was filled with wickedness and violence, and despite repeated warnings, people ignored Noah's message until it was too late. We then transitioned to the New Testament, focusing on Jesus' words in Matthew 24. Jesus likened His second coming to the days of Noah, where people were caught off guard despite clear signs and warnings. The coming of the Son of Man will be sudden and unexpected for those who are not vigilant. We discussed the predictability of certain signs, such as the darkening of the sun and the falling of stars, which will precede His return. However, the exact day and hour remain unknown, emphasizing the need for constant readiness. The sermon also touched on the dual aspects of Jesus' return: the rapture of the church and His subsequent return to establish His kingdom. We are living in a time where normalcy can be deceptive, and the urgency to be spiritually prepared cannot be overstated. The message concluded with a call to action for believers to stay vigilant, stir up their faith, and be ready for the imminent return of Christ.

Stir The Fire

Today, we delved into the profound significance of the Holy Spirit as fire. Fire, as depicted in the Bible, symbolizes God's presence, power, and glory. It purifies, cleanses, and transforms us. We often find it easier to accept the Holy Spirit as a dove, wind, or oil, but fire is different—it demands change and ignites passion within us. Fire draws people, just as a physical fire attracts onlookers. Jeremiah experienced this fire as a burning passion that he couldn't contain, even when he wanted to stop preaching. The fire of the Holy Spirit leads, guides, and directs us, just as it did for the Israelites in the wilderness. It brings back to our remembrance the words of Jesus and the teachings of the Bible, rekindling truths we may have forgotten. Fire also purges our speech, transforming our tongues from instruments of cursing to vessels of blessing and prophecy. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire, signifying the purification and empowerment of the disciples' speech. This fire enables us to pray with conviction, sing with passion, and preach with power. John the Baptist spoke of Jesus baptizing us with the Holy Spirit and fire, emphasizing that this fire is essential for our spiritual growth and purification. Whether we bear good or bad fruit, we cannot escape the refining fire of God. It prunes us for greater growth or consumes what is unfruitful. The fire of the Holy Spirit ignites a deep love for Jesus within us, a passion that transforms our desires and actions. It opens our ears to hear God's voice and our eyes to see His vision. Without this fire, we lack the revelation and direction needed to navigate life. The fire of God brings clarity, wisdom, and boldness, enabling us to stand firm against the enemy. To maintain this fire, we must continually stoke it, just as we tend to a physical fire. It requires effort, enthusiasm, and a willingness to remove the ashes of past failures. The fire of God is not just a one-time experience but a continual process of renewal and purification.

Holy Fire

In today's sermon, we explored the multifaceted nature of the Holy Spirit, focusing particularly on the symbol of fire. We began by acknowledging the various ways the Holy Spirit manifests, such as a dove, wind, or soothing oil, each bringing its unique form of comfort and transformation. However, today, we delved into the concept of God as a consuming fire, a theme that is both awe-inspiring and intimidating. Drawing from scriptures in Deuteronomy, Hebrews, Daniel, and Matthew, we examined how fire represents God's holy presence, power, and purifying action. Fire, unlike other symbols, is self-announcing and attracts attention. It purifies, consumes, and leaves nothing but what is of God. This purification process is essential for our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. We discussed how fire is frightening yet necessary, especially in today's world where we need God's purifying presence more than ever. The fire of God removes all that is man-made, leaving only what is divinely ordained. We also touched on personal experiences and testimonies that illustrate the transformative power of God's fire. From witnessing miraculous healings to experiencing profound spiritual awakenings, the fire of God has a unique way of manifesting His glory and power. The sermon concluded with a call to invite this consuming fire into our lives, ministries, and communities, urging us to seek God's purifying presence earnestly. ### Key Takeaways 1. **The Multifaceted Holy Spirit**: The Holy Spirit manifests in various forms, each bringing a unique aspect of God's presence. Whether as a dove bringing peace, wind clearing obstacles, or oil soothing our souls, the Holy Spirit adapts to our needs. However, the fire of the Holy Spirit is unique in its ability to purify and consume, leaving only what is of God. [01:07] 2. **God as a Consuming Fire**: Scriptures in Deuteronomy, Hebrews, and Daniel describe God as a consuming fire. This fire is not just destructive but purifying, removing all that is not of God. It is a necessary process for spiritual growth, as it refines us and aligns us with God's will. [02:11] 3. **The Self-Announcing Nature of Fire**: Fire is inherently attractive and self-announcing. When a church or a Christian is on fire for God, it becomes evident to everyone around. This fire draws people in, not through human effort but through the undeniable presence of God. [05:03] 4. **Purification and Cleansing**: The fire of God purifies and cleanses, removing impurities and making us holy. This process is essential for experiencing God's full presence and power. It is a call to allow God to consume all that is not of Him in our lives, leaving only what He has ordained. [08:04] 5. **Personal Testimonies of Fire**: Personal experiences and testimonies highlight the transformative power of God's fire. From miraculous healings to profound spiritual awakenings, the fire of God has a unique way of manifesting His glory and power. These testimonies serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's purifying presence earnestly. 

Breath: Wind of God

Today's sermon is focused on the multifaceted nature of the Holy Spirit, exploring His various symbols and operations as depicted in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is represented as a dove, fire, wind, and oil, each symbolizing different aspects of His work. We focused particularly on the Holy Spirit as wind, emphasizing His unpredictable yet powerful presence. The Holy Spirit is a dynamic and creative force, essential for the formation and sustenance of the Kingdom of God. He is the third person of the Trinity, working in perfect harmony with God the Father and Jesus Christ. We began by discussing the creative power of the Holy Spirit, who brings order out of chaos, as seen in Genesis 1. The Spirit hovered over the chaotic, formless earth, bringing life and order. This same creative power is available to us today, transforming our lives from chaos to order. The Holy Spirit also breathes life into us, as He did with Adam, making us new creations in Christ. This breath of life opens our eyes to see God in new and profound ways. We also explored the Holy Spirit's role in regeneration and revival. The wind of the Holy Spirit can blow suddenly and powerfully, bringing about significant changes in our lives and communities. This wind is a phenomenon that cannot be predicted or controlled, but its effects are undeniable. The Holy Spirit's wind can bring judgment, change, heat, or cold, each serving a purpose for our good and God's glory. Finally, we were reminded that we can generate spiritual heat through prayer, praise, and worship, inviting the Holy Spirit to blow over our situations. Whether we are in a low place or experiencing adversity, the Holy Spirit's wind can bring revival and restoration. We must remain expectant and open to the Holy Spirit's movement, trusting that He will bring about God's perfect will in our lives. Key Takeaways 1. **The Holy Spirit as a Creative Force**: The Holy Spirit brings order out of chaos, as seen in Genesis 1. Just as He hovered over the formless earth and brought life, He can transform our chaotic lives into something beautiful and ordered. This creative power is available to us, making us new creations in Christ and opening our eyes to see God in new ways. [02:49] 2. **The Breath of Life**: The Holy Spirit breathes life into us, just as He did with Adam. This breath, or "Ruach," transforms us from lifeless beings into living spirits. When we allow the Holy Spirit to breathe on us, we begin to see and experience God in profound and transformative ways. [13:17] 3. **The Unpredictable Wind**: The Holy Spirit is like the wind—unpredictable yet powerful. He moves as He wills, bringing about significant changes in our lives and communities. This wind can bring judgment, change, heat, or cold, each serving a purpose for our good and God's glory. We must remain open and expectant to His movement. [16:49] 4. **Generating Spiritual Heat**: We can invite the Holy Spirit to move in our lives by generating spiritual heat through prayer, praise, and worship. When we are in low places, our spiritual fervor can stir up the wind of the Holy Spirit, bringing about transformation and revival in our situations. [50:23] 5. **Revival Through the Wind**: Revival comes through the wind of the Holy Spirit. Just as the wind brought life to the dry bones in Ezekiel 37, the Holy Spirit can bring revival to our lives, churches, and nation. We must prophesy and believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about this revival, trusting that He will move in powerful and unexpected ways.

Potholes In His Presence

A message from Pastor Sherwood Lancaster In today's sermon, we delved into 2 Samuel 6, focusing on David's journey to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. The Ark, representing God's manifest presence, was lost to the Philistines due to Israel's negligence. David, a man after God's own heart, was determined to restore the Ark to its rightful place. Despite his passion and desire for God's presence, David made a critical error by transporting the Ark on a new cart, mimicking the Philistines' method rather than following God's instructions. This led to a tragic incident where Uzzah, in an attempt to steady the Ark, was struck down by God for his disobedience. The sermon emphasized the importance of not taking God's presence for granted and the necessity of following His ways rather than adopting worldly methods. David's initial failure and subsequent fear led him to leave the Ark at Obed-Edom's house, where it brought blessings. This period of reflection allowed David to regain his passion and desire for God's presence, ultimately leading him to retrieve the Ark correctly. The message also highlighted the concept of the threshing floor, a place of separation where God refines us by removing the unusable parts of our lives. Just as David faced a pothole on his journey, we too encounter obstacles that serve as opportunities for God to purify and prepare us for our destiny. The sermon concluded with a call to regain our passion and desire for God, encouraging us to rise again despite past failures and to pursue our God-given purpose with renewed vigor. ### Key Takeaways 1. **The Presence of God Should Not Be Taken for Granted**: Just as Israel lost the Ark due to negligence, we risk losing God's presence when we take it for granted. God's presence is not a given; it requires reverence and obedience. We must prioritize His presence above our plans and routines, ensuring that we seek Him earnestly and follow His ways. 2. **Passion and Desire for God Are Essential**: David was a man after God's own heart because of his unwavering passion and desire for God's presence. Despite his flaws and failures, David's heart was always inclined towards God. This teaches us that our relationship with God should be driven by a deep, genuine desire to seek Him above all else. 3. **Worldly Methods Cannot Usher in God's Presence**: David's mistake of using a new cart, a method borrowed from the Philistines, underscores the danger of adopting worldly practices in our spiritual walk. God's instructions are clear, and we must follow them rather than conforming to the world's ways. True worship and service to God must align with His commands, not our convenience. 4. **The Threshing Floor as a Place of Refinement**: The threshing floor represents a place where God separates the usable from the unusable in our lives. Just as David encountered a pothole before reaching the threshing floor, we too face challenges that serve to refine us. These moments of separation are crucial for our spiritual growth and preparation for God's purposes. 5. **Restoring Passion and Desire After Failure**: David's journey teaches us that failure is not the end. After losing the Ark and experiencing a period of reflection, David regained his passion and desire for God. Similarly, we must not let past mistakes or setbacks deter us. God calls us to rise again, reclaim our passion, and continue pursuing our divine destiny with renewed determination.

Tools For Today

We began by exploring Titus 1, where we discussed the significance of sound doctrine. Fathers, and leaders in general, must lead by what they believe. Doctrine, or teaching, shapes our beliefs, which in turn influence our actions and the way we lead our families. A leader’s understanding of biblical doctrine is crucial for guiding their household in faith and righteousness. We also touched on the Ten Commandments and how they were given not for us to achieve perfection but to recognize our need for God. This realization should drive us to depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. Fathers must wake up every day acknowledging their need for God’s help to lead their families. In Titus 2, we discussed the importance of being sober-minded and showing integrity, reverence, and incorruptibility. Fathers must lead by example, demonstrating these qualities in their daily lives. We also delved into the concept of being bond servants to God, willingly submitting ourselves and our families to His authority out of love and trust. We then moved to Revelation 2, where we examined the dangers of false doctrines and the importance of staying true to God’s teachings. The enemy seeks to entice and deceive, but we must stand firm in our faith and lead our families with sound doctrine. Finally, we emphasized the importance of preaching the Word within our homes. Fathers must be ready to teach, exhort, and rebuke with patience and sound teaching. We concluded with a call to prayer, encouraging fathers to continually seek God’s guidance and strength in their role as leaders. ### Key Takeaways 1. **Lead by Belief**: Fathers must lead by what they believe, as their beliefs shape their actions and influence their families. Sound doctrine is essential for guiding our households in faith and righteousness. Understanding and teaching biblical doctrine helps us lead effectively and instill strong values in our children. [02:35] 2. **Dependence on God**: The Ten Commandments were given to show us our need for God, not to achieve perfection. Fathers should wake up every day acknowledging their need for God’s help to lead their families. This dependence on the Holy Spirit is crucial for living out God’s commandments and leading with integrity. [06:28] 3. **Sober-Minded Leadership**: Being sober-minded and showing integrity, reverence, and incorruptibility are vital qualities for fathers. These traits should be evident in our daily lives, setting a strong example for our children. Leading by example helps instill these values in our families and communities. [13:30] 4. **Guard Against False Doctrines**: The enemy seeks to entice and deceive through false doctrines. Fathers must stand firm in their faith and lead their families with sound doctrine. Understanding and teaching God’s Word helps protect our families from the enemy’s schemes and keeps us grounded in truth. [21:40] 5. **Preach the Word at Home**: Fathers must be ready to preach the Word within their homes, teaching, exhorting, and rebuking with patience and sound teaching. This responsibility is crucial for guiding our families in faith and ensuring they grow up with a strong foundation in God’s Word.

Trust In God

Trusting God is pivotal in our lives. Our ability to move forward in our callings and purposes is deeply tied to how much we trust Him. Noah's story is a profound example of trust. God told Noah to build an ark because He was going to flood the earth. Noah had to trust God despite the seemingly absurd instructions. He had never seen rain before, yet he obeyed God's detailed commands to build the ark. Noah's trust in God was not about understanding the outcome but about obedience. God often asks us to do things that don't make sense to us. Our desire to do what God wants must outweigh our need for comprehension. God is more interested in our trust than the actual outcome. If we try to derive our own outcomes from God's instructions, we will be disappointed. Trusting God means letting go of our need to understand and control the outcome. I shared a personal story from my ministry school days when I felt called to pray for the sick. I hesitated because I wasn't in a leadership position. One night, a speaker gave me the public permission I had been waiting for. This experience taught me that sometimes God asks us to step out in faith even when it feels crazy. I went to Walmart to pray for people, and although the outcomes were not what I expected, it was a lesson in trusting God. We often fail to make memorials of what God has done in our lives. Memorials are important because they remind us of God's faithfulness and help us trust Him in future challenges. God Himself made a memorial with the rainbow after the flood to remind Himself never to flood the earth again. We need to build memorials of gratefulness and thankfulness to sustain our trust in God. Noah's story teaches us that trusting God involves enduring long periods of waiting and uncertainty. After the rain stopped, Noah had to wait 150 days for the floodwaters to recede. During this time, he had to trust that God was preparing provision for him and his family. Sometimes, God doesn't show us the answers to our prayers immediately because we might grab hold of them prematurely. Trusting God means waiting for His perfect timing. God's promises are often deposits that we can't use immediately. They are meant to keep us trusting Him until the right time. We must remain faithful and keep the promises alive in our hearts. Noah trusted God through the entire process, from building the ark to waiting for the floodwaters to recede. His trust was rewarded with God's covenant and promises for future generations. Holy Spirit is our guarantee of God's promises. Just as Noah's ark was a vessel of trust, Holy Spirit is our vessel. We must trust Holy Spirit daily, in every circumstance, and keep going back to Him for guidance and provision. Trusting God is not about immediate answers but about a relationship built on faith and obedience. In conclusion, trusting God is a journey that involves building memorials, enduring waiting periods, and relying on Holy Spirit. We must let go of our need for control and trust that God's timing and provision are perfect. Let's commit to trusting God in every season of our lives. 1. **Trusting God Beyond Comprehension**: Our desire to do what God wants must outweigh our need for understanding. God often asks us to do things that don't make sense, and our trust in Him should not be dependent on our grasp of the outcome. Trusting God means letting go of our need to control and understand everything. [03:42] 2. **Building Memorials of God's Faithfulness**: Memorials are crucial for sustaining our trust in God. They remind us of His past faithfulness and help us face future challenges with confidence. Without memorials, we easily forget what God has done and struggle to trust Him in new circumstances. [45:24] 3. **Enduring Periods of Waiting**: Trusting God often involves long periods of waiting and uncertainty. Just as Noah waited 150 days for the floodwaters to recede, we must trust that God is preparing provision for us even when we can't see it. Waiting for God's perfect timing is essential for receiving His promises. [34:59] 4. **God's Promises as Deposits**: God's promises are often deposits that we can't use immediately. They are meant to keep us trusting Him until the right time. We must remain faithful and keep the promises alive in our hearts, trusting that God will fulfill them in His perfect timing. [39:26] 5. **Holy Spirit as Our Vessel of Trust**: Holy Spirit is our guarantee of God's promises. Just as Noah's ark was a vessel of trust, Holy Spirit is our vessel. We must trust Holy Spirit daily, in every circumstance, and keep going back to Him for guidance and provision. Trusting God is about a relationship built on faith and obedience. [50:06]

Become

Yesterday was a joyous occasion at Southeastern Christian Academy as we celebrated the graduation of both our seniors and kindergartners. This event marked the beginning and end of significant educational journeys, and it was a time to reflect on the concept of "becoming." In life, especially in our walk with God, we are always in a state of becoming—growing, changing, and transforming. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. This transformation is crucial because the world is set against our Christian beliefs, and we must be vigilant in becoming who God has called us to be. The process of becoming is more important than merely doing. God gives us time to grow into what He has planned for us. This is evident in the lives of our graduates, who have spent years accumulating knowledge and skills. However, the real challenge lies in applying this knowledge when faced with life's adversities. It's not enough to have degrees or titles; we must be able to manifest what we have learned in practical, impactful ways. God's command to Adam in Genesis 1:28 to be fruitful, multiply, subdue the earth, and have dominion is a call to productivity and growth. This command extends to us today. We must not only be fruitful but also learn to multiply and have dominion over our circumstances. This requires a deep relationship with God, where our identity and abilities are rooted in His anointing. Jesus emphasized the importance of knowing who He is, as our identity and purpose are intertwined with His anointing. The enemy is always trying to disrupt God's plan for our lives. He uses various tactics to distract and discourage us, but we must remain steadfast. The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable, and they are always growing within us. Our ability (gifting) and identity (calling) are given by God, and they are meant to be developed and used for His glory. The enemy perceives the potential God has placed in us and tries to thwart it, but we must rely on God's revelation to navigate these challenges. In Exodus, we see how the Israelites were oppressed by Pharaoh, yet they continued to multiply and grow. This is a testament to God's power and purpose prevailing despite opposition. Similarly, our graduates and all of us are called to rise above challenges and fulfill God's plan for our lives. We must be productive and learn to multiply what God has given us, ensuring that we become who we are meant to be. In conclusion, becoming who God has called us to be requires listening to His voice and receiving His revelation. We must be like trees planted by rivers of water, unmovable and steadfast. The enemy will try to get us off track, but our identity and purpose in God will keep us grounded. As we continue to grow and transform, we will fulfill the destiny God has for us, becoming fruitful and multiplying in every area of our lives. ### Key Takeaways 1. **The Importance of Becoming**: In our walk with God, we are always in a state of becoming—growing, changing, and transforming. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. This transformation is crucial because the world is set against our Christian beliefs, and we must be vigilant in becoming who God has called us to be. [00:45] 2. **God's Timing and Growth**: God gives us time to grow into what He has planned for us. This is evident in the lives of our graduates, who have spent years accumulating knowledge and skills. However, the real challenge lies in applying this knowledge when faced with life's adversities. It's not enough to have degrees or titles; we must be able to manifest what we have learned in practical, impactful ways. [02:32] 3. **Productivity and Multiplication**: God's command to Adam in Genesis 1:28 to be fruitful, multiply, subdue the earth, and have dominion is a call to productivity and growth. This command extends to us today. We must not only be fruitful but also learn to multiply and have dominion over our circumstances. This requires a deep relationship with God, where our identity and abilities are rooted in His anointing. [27:19] 4. **Overcoming the Enemy's Disruptions**: The enemy is always trying to disrupt God's plan for our lives. He uses various tactics to distract and discourage us, but we must remain steadfast. The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable, and they are always growing within us. Our ability (gifting) and identity (calling) are given by God, and they are meant to be developed and used for His glory. [10:41]