Next Sunday, April 9th we will layout our vison and plans for the building redesign and expansion. Open House Saturday, April 22nd from 1-5pm A team of people will be located in different areas of the building to help you picture the layout and answer all of your questions.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

More Power

Luke 24:19 …he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied Luke 24:19 …he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Acts 1:8 …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

We are to be like Jesus, we are the Body of Christ, and Jesus has great supernatural power

Super heroes are tapping into the God given desire of every human To be special and unique To have a world changing cause and purpose To have supernatural power to accomplish that purpose

It is Christ-like to experience and demonstrate the power and authority of God

We need God’s power

How does God’s power increase in us and through us?

Welcome God’s power into all the areas of your life If you want authority come under authority If you want to learn to minister in God’s power, personally experience that power

Understand that you have an authority that is not your own John 14:10-11 …The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. John 5:19-20 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.

God’s power comes through our words and our works Jesus Matthew 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 12:22-23 Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see. 23 The crowd was amazed and asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah? Matthew 7:28-29 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

God’s power comes through our words and our works Jesus Disciples Acts 14:3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. Acts 8:4-7 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.

A few suggestions in experiencing more of God’s power Open your life to God and others and ask people to pray for you often Spend more time in God’s presence focused on yielding your heart and life to Him and asking Him to fill you with His Spirit Ask God to empower what you say and what you do throughout your day Be faithful to step out on any action or words God brings to mind

What it may look like Words Ask someone how they are doing in a way that gives them an invitation to answer honestly Tell people your story. Testify about who Jesus is and how He has affected your life Ask God to show you how He sees a person and then tell them the unique characteristic(s) that God loves in them Ask God to give you a prophetic word for someone and tell them that word in a non-religious way Thank them for a way that their life has blessed yours

What it may look like Actions (works) Ask: “Can I pray for you right now” Gather a few people to devote an hour to pray for someone Take time, be present and enter into what someone is experiencing (Weep with those who weep & rejoice with those who rejoice) Do an act of service that meets a need Give a gift that meets a need Give a gift that blesses and expresses love Pray specifically for others

Challenge (Do one or all of these this week) Tell your spiritual story to someone this week Speak a direct word of affirmation and encouragement to another person Ask someone : “Can I pray for you right now” Bless someone with a gift or act of service