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COMPLETE SERMON NOTES
Part 4: TOPICAL: Hearing His Voice Thru Prayer
There is power in the name of Jesus to break…
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This power is not accessed by going thru the motions.
Our foes are many – they go by the name “legion” – they are sent to kill, steal, and destroy – they do not sleep and they do not slumber. They are looking for prey to devour.
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SCURRYING THRU A QUICK DEVOTIONAL ISN’T GOING TO CUT IT.
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READING THE BIBLE AS IF YOU’RE A NASCAR DRIVER IS OF LITTLE VALUE.
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DEAD, COLD, AND FORMAL WORSHIP ONLY EMBOLDENS THE ENEMY.
We serve and all sufficient Savior – who was an all sufficient sacrifice
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“Oh, Jesus…help…my marriage is collapsing.”
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“…my fiances have dried up.”
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“…my health is diminishing.”
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“…my life is falling apart.”
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“…my hope is gone.”
This isn’t weakness, it’s realizing where our strength comes from!
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By the grace of God we have the most powerful Military that has ever lived. But even the Navy Seals will call for air support: “we are backed against a ridge.”
“God, I’m backed in the corner…”
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“Where does my help come from?”
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And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.”
If you could see the spiritual battle, you’d run for the prayer closet.
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I’m coming after your daughter . . . your son . . . your spouse AND …
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I DON’T WANT TO SCARE, BUT I DO WANT TO MOTIVATE!
Persistent Prayer: Old saints, “I’m not letting go.”
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We “wrestle”; we don’t have a tea party
We’ll train boxers to go 15 rounds, NASCAR to drive 3 hrs., and Olympic athletes to train years for a medal that perishes.
Break Every Chain – “I can hear the chains falling”
But I’m still bound:
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The bondage should drive us to our knees
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Strongholds are not easily broken
Passionate Prayer: The God of the Universe [not just America] holds everything in place. He creates life and sustains it. He is not a CO-EQUAL. By “words” He conquered kings and kingdoms.
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He says, “I will listen…and I will listen for hours. Not only will I listen, I will lead you…I will direct…I will conquer your enemies and devour your foes.”
He doesn’t look at the time, text people, or say He’s too busy! HE CAN BREAK EVERY CHAIN; SUBDUE ANY ADDICTION; CONQUER ANY OBSTACLE.
It’s time to recover our passion for prayer
This is why worship is too “emotional” for some people – their heart is disengaged. Its grown cold and callous – they don’t worship and they don’t pray. BUT . . .
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I REMEMBER WHEN THE CHURCH PRAYED IN AN UPPER ROOM FOR DAYS – THEN FIRE FELL
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I REMEMBER WHEN WE WEREN’T IN A HURRY AND SITTING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD WAS BIBLICAL; NOW IT’S HERETICAL – too emotional.
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I REMEMBER WHEN PRAYER DROVE THE CHURCH; now it seems like methods, marketing, programs, and potlucks are front and center.
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I REMEMBER WHEN YOU’D COME EARLY TO PRAY AND STAY LATE TO LAY HOLD OF GOD.
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I REMEMBER WHEN PRAYER WAS AN ASSET AND ENTERTAINMENT WAS A LIABILITY
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I REMEMBER WHEN PEOPLE GOT EXCITED ABOUT PRAYER AND WORSHIP
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I REMEMBER WHEN PRAYER CHANGED LIVES – and it can do it again.
Powerful Prayer: The day of passive, dead, ritualistic prayer is over. The Pharisees prayed, cults pray, heathens pray – BUT “When you pray…”
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There is a distinction; there is a difference; there is power: “There is power in His name”
PRAY as if God is listening
PRAY as if eternal destiny’s depend on it.
PRAY as if your marriage depends on it.
PRAY as if your spiritual life depends on it. BECAUSE IT DOES…
That’s why the enemy seeks to destroy it. If a kingdom divided cannot stand, do you think a church divided can?
Prayer and worship breaks disunity – Arrogant Pharisees become humble servants. Prideful Bible thumpers fall on their face and worship God. Prodigals run to the alter. Lukewarm believers fully surrender their lives.
CLOSING: If you’re dying spiritually, if God seems distant and depression is setting in, this is the only tool … the only medication known to mankind to set you free.
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