EXPERIENCE

Pentecost Series: What’s Next? May 29, 2022 MAIN IDEA: The baptism in the Holy Spirit ignites and activates believers The Promise: Acts 1:4-8 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The Purpose: Mark 16:15-18 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” The Privilege: John 14:12-18 12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. The Power: Acts 2:1-4, 14-18 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. Discussion Questions: According to the passages we read, what are some of the gifts the Holy Spirit brings to the church? Are these gifts meant for a select few or for all believers? What is the connection between the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the activation of these gifts. Since the baptism in the Holy Spirit was such an important part of Jesus’ teaching and promises, why do you think it is not emphasized more in the church? What are the results of minimizing this great gift in the Body of Christ? As a group, if you have received the baptism, share what you have experienced and how it has changed your life. As a group, invite anyone (without pressure) to be prayed for to receive the baptism. Feel free to use this format, from our resource The Baptism in the Holy Spirit:

Forgive as You’ve Been Forgiven Series: What’s Next? April 24, 2022 Matthew 18:21-35 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! 23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. 26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ 27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. 28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. 29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. 30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. 31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. 35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” MAIN IDEA: Forgiveness is essential for Kingdom advancement The Forgiveness Journey Forgiveness can become a lifestyle when consistently practiced. Step Into Forgiveness Discussion Questions: Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness can be incredibly challenging on various levels. What do you find challenging about his teaching? Explain your answer. According to the message, what are some of the negative consequences of unforgiveness? Have you seen some of those dynamics at play in your own experiences? If you feel comfortable, please share. What are some ways we tend to justify unforgiveness in our own lives? Adam talked about a “spirit of offense.” Can you describe how you have observed this spirit at work in everyday life? Adam mentioned “Areas of Unforgiveness.” What were some of those areas? How does becoming aware of these areas help you to examine your own heart? Is there an area in your life where you are feeling challenged to forgive? How does meditating on the Resurrection make forgiveness possible?

The Treasure February 27, 2022 MAIN IDEA: Following the Holy Spirit requires forming new priorities. Access We’ve been given radical access. Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV) ​​Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Decisions We’re free to cultivate a faith mindset or settle for an unbelief mindset. Priorities How can we experience a shift in priorities? 1. Realize the Father delights in granting this gift. 2. Recognize the value of this gift. Matthew 13:44-46 (NKJV) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” 3. Shift from a settler mindset to a searcher mindset. Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT) “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Activation Exercise 1. INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE: Write a prayer, sharing your heart with the Holy Spirit Express your gratitude for Who He is and that He lives inside of you Humbly confess if you haven’t made learning to follow Him your priority Profess your desire to learn how to hear Him and obey. 2. GROUP EXERCISE: Break into groups of 3-4, answer the following question and take turns praying for one another. What are you hoping to get out of this series? Discussion Questions: What are you hoping to get out of this series? In your experience, how have you experienced the leading of the Holy Spirit? If you are able, share a time in your life when you clearly experienced the Holy Spirit leading you in a particular way. “Whether or not we experience the Holy Spirit’s guidance is up to us.” Respond to this statement. Does this sound like a heavy responsibility or exciting opportunity? Why? What are some practical ways you can begin learning to follow the Holy Spirit? What does it mean to prioritize learning to follow the Holy Spirit? Practically, what does it mean for your own life? What are some obstacles to it? How can you overcome these obstacles?

Satisfaction Invitation January 9, 2022 Series Intro: We’re going to discover the Father’s heart in the “I am” statements of Jesus. Exodus 3:5-15 (NLT) 5 “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 6 I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the Lord told him, “I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them… 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” 13 But Moses protested, “If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?” 14 God replied to Moses, “I am who I am. Say this to the people of Israel: I am has sent me to you.” 15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.” MAIN IDEA: The Father invites me to find deep satisfaction in Him. John 6:35 (CSB) “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.” Everyone Gets Hangry I’m not designed to live unsatisfied. C.S. Lewis: “The Christian says, 'Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or to be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country… I must make it the main object of life to press on to that country and to help others to do the same.” We need to pay attention to our feelings! Shift Perspective Satisfaction is always closer than I think. Matthew 7:7-8 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” An Invitation The Father is inviting me to influence my world from a place of satisfaction and abundance, not inadequacy and lack. Discussion Questions: In reviewing the “lack” feelings, what are one or two you’ve experienced recently. How did you deal with them? How do you respond to the idea that our idols are things we substitute for God in a search for satisfaction? What are some examples of things that we can idolize? What are some examples of how we can idolize people? What are some of the ways we are seeking to find satisfaction in idols? Why do you think we might keep coming back to idols in our life? Based on what you’ve heard in this message, what does it look like for God to be our source of satisfaction? Can you describe a time when you found this in Him? How did it happen? Discuss the relevance of Paul’s words in Philippians 4:11-13 to what we’ve been learning: … I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Christmas is still happening, so the world still has hope. Main Idea: Jesus bridged the gap so we would never have to be alone. John 1:10-14 (NLT) He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. What is the gap? 10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. Romans 3:10-13 As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. 11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. 22 All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” Ultimately, the gap is a RELATIONAL problem How did Jesus bridge the gap? 14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. How can we know we’re not alone? 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. Discussion Questions: Describe a time you experienced a sense of isolation or loneliness. What was it like? How did you respond? What are some of the ways we try to cope with those kinds of feelings? Can you think of some common ways that Christians think and live as if we’re still waiting for God’s presence? In the sermon, Adam called this the “Advent Myth.” What examples of the “Advent Myth” have you seen in your Church experience? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in conveying the Father’s presence to us? In your past church experience, would you say the person and presence of the Holy Spirit is something you’ve learned to experience? Why or why not? What impact has that had on your sense of God’s presence in your life? How can a real, living awareness that God is present to bless change a challenging circumstance in your life right now? As a group, spend some time in the Father’s presence. Allow the Holy Spirit to minister. If someone is willing to share a difficult situation, gather and pray for them. As you do, realize that the Holy Spirit is present within you. Allow Him to minister through you to that person. Give space and time for the Holy Spirit to bring revelation.

Main Idea: We can pray confidently for healing because we know God’s will. The Rule of Faith We can’t have faith for what we don’t believe. Luke 8:49-54 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” 50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” 51 When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. 52 Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” Five Reasons You Can Know God Wants to Heal You 1. Because Jesus paid the price for your healing Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Matthew 8:16-17 When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities And bore our sicknesses.” 1 Peter 2:21-24 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. 2. Because Jesus healed everyone, and perfectly revealed the heart of the Father John 5:19-20 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 3. Because God has revealed himself as the God who heals Exodus 15:26 “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.” [JEHOVA-RAPHA; YAHWEH-RAPHA] Psalm 103:2-3 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases... 4. Because Jesus commanded his disciples to go out and heal Luke 9:1-2 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Matthew 10:7-8 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Luke 10:9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Acts 5:14-16 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. Matthew 28:18-20 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 5. Because God is a good Father Luke 11:11-13 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Main Idea: Faith Unlocks God’s Blessings Mark 10:20-24 20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Jesus’ Invitation Jesus grants us access to incredible blessing. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Forgiveness of sin & freedom to thrive Healing from sickness Spiritual authority Protection Material Provision & Purpose Gifts, Fruit & Guidance of the Holy Spirit Friendship with God Amazing Grace Jesus’ atonement paid for these blessings, making them available to us by sheer grace! Essential Faith We must exercise faith to access these blessings. Mark 11: 22-23 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.. whoever says… and does not doubt in his heart… will have whatever he says.” BONUS SCRIPTURES: Mark 16:17-18 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” John 14:12-14 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 15:15-16 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 16:25-27 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. FAITH = Revelation + Response God is looking for people who respond with audacity Five Faith Killers #1 Focus on the Horizontal Mark 11:13-14, 20 When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it… 20 Now in the morning… Matthew 21:19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. Mark 11:20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. #2 Doubt Mark 11:23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes BONUS SCRIPTURE: James 1:5-7 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven… For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. #3 Fatalism #4 Ignorance Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word [rhema] of God. #5 Indifference Psalm 81:10-11 I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. “But My people would not heed My voice, And Israel would have none of Me. The Father’s Eyes Discussion Questions: Based on what you heard in this message, how does the atonement make grace available to us? How does grace secure God’s blessings? What happens if God extends grace but we don’t respond with faith? What are some of the blessings God wants to give us (in addition to those mentioned in the message? What is the danger of limiting our idea of salvation to forgiveness of sins? What are we missing out on? What is a fuller view of salvation? How would you describe faith? What is the difference between faith and belief? What does it mean to say that God has given us access to blessings? In your own life, what does that look like? What are some of the things in your own life that make it hard to exercise faith?

The things we behold define what we become. In "Step Into Freedom", Pastor Adam Barr reminds us to meditate on the truth of our identity in Christ. #inheritancechurch #adambarr #SetFree #identity #onlinechurch