Intentionally Proclaiming God.

Communion

I wanted to start with communion for a three reasons

Common is an intentional act of seeking God.

Communion is an intentional act of Worship

Communion is an intentional act of Interacting with God

Communion is an intentional act of the represents our belief

Communion is and intentional act that declares the amazing nature of God - demonstrating his grace, his sacrifice and his victory.

Come to this table, not because you must - but because God says you may, not because you are strong, but because you are weak. Come, not because any goodness of your own gives you a right to come, but because you need mercy and grace. Come, because you love the Lord a little and would like to love him more. Come, because he loved you and gave himself for you. Come and meet the risen Christ, who paid the ultimate cost to restore you into a loving relationship with God and with His children.

1 Corinthians 11:23–33 NIV

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. 32 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. 33 So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together.

1 cor:11

Intentionally seeking God.

Intentionally seeking God.

We continue to look at our word for the year - to be intentional in our walk with God. To IntentionallySeek HimWorship HimEngage with Him - We looked at prayerRepresent Him, This week we are looking at how we should be intentional in haw we declare him,Declare Him (refer), promulgate [to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation .

1 Corinthians 11:23–33 NIV

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. 32 Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world. 33 So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together.

Intentionally proclaiming God

We continue to look at our word for the year - to be intentional in our walk with God.

We continue to look at our word for the year - to be intentional in our walk with God.

To Intentionally

Seek Him

Worship Him

Engage with Him - We looked at prayer

Represent Him,

This week we are looking at how we should be intentional in how we declare him, how we proclaim his name

Proclaim means to cry out about something - to give outward indication of something.

We are called to proclaim Jesus to the world to make Him know.

Last week we spoke about how we represent Jesus in the way we are, this week we are going to see how we are to speak about him how are we are to make God known by open declaration

Him (refer), promulgate [to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation .

What are we to proclaim?

Proclaim our identity in Christ

There are three places or audiences that I believe we have to proclaim who we are to.

Ourselves

The World

The enemy and the spiritual realms.

Proclaiming to the the world, proclaiming to ourselves and proclaiming to the enemy.

Proclaiming to ourselves.

Read - 12 & 13

Proclaiming to the enemy.

The enemy is only attacking you because you are valuable to God. Thieves don’t break into an empty house.

The enemy is not after your money or your stuff. He wants your mind, your attitude, your hear. our Faith your peace. Understand that you are not being attacked over the tangible things in your life, The enemy is fighting over the things you can not see.

your peace. Understand that you are not being attacked over the tangible things in your life, The enemy is fighting over the things you can not see.

This is why we are to declare our identity in Christ.

We are to declare we belong to the almighty God, we are to declare we covered by his blood.

Luke 10:19 NIV

19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

We need to go all out on proclaiming our identity as coheirs, as royal priest, as sons and daughters of God. as a people who have the same power that raised Christ from the Dead to Ourselves, to each other and to the enemy

Proclaiming to the world.

But then we have the world.

How many of you know that if you stand in the middle of Lincoln and declare I am covered by the blood of Jesus. While true, it is something that people don’t understand, it is not effective.

People get the wrong image. The don’ tall think redeemed Child of God, some will think ‘Texas Chains saw massacre, or whatever horror film they remember, others will not get the imagery at all.

We have to be mindful of who we are talking to

When we proclaim the gospel we should never dilute the message but we can be sympathetic to the recipient. The best gospel message is sensitive to the person receiving it and has relevancy because of the person proclaiming it. The best gospel delivery in the world is the one that is how God impacted you.

Paul mentions this in Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 9:19–23 NIV

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

It is better to declare that you go to Chruch and it is good than to beat someone up with theology and doctrine that has no evidence of impact in your life.

What stories can you tell in your life of how you believe God has changes something, helped you. from the major to the minor that joint story of you and God has massive impact.

Proclaim the name

We should not miss out proclaiming the name Of Jesus. There is power in it.

BOB’s story.

Exodus 34:6 NIV

6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

Proclaim the nature.

We should proclaim the nature of God in people lives.

We proclaim the what and the why.

roclaim the why & the what

Proclaim the the Authority

John 3:34 NIV

34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

John 3:34 AMP

34 For since He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaims God’s own message], God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly or by measure, but boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit!

Proclaim the why & the what

P 22 or P30 of Freedom in Christ.

The most effective proclamation of the nature of God. Is the story of transforming opposites.

I felt this - but God says this and I am now...

When we do this though we better make sure that our lives and our words match.

You don’t have to have a perfect life, but your attitudes, behaviours, beliefs and words should show that you are on the journey

The attributes of GOD that are desperalty needed in this world are...

Grace

freedom

renewal

Redemption

forgivness

restoration

mercy

Hope.

Love.

Comfort

Any one can relate to these. We know that what under lies these though is

The blood that Jesus spilled, that he destroyed death, that he is a Saviour and Kings

When we declare the attributes of God we link the gift and the giver.

jesys blood spilled

love

death destroyed

delivered

rejoice saviour

king worship

sing

worth.

free

renewed

redeemed

forgivn

restored

mery

reborn

jesys blood spilled

love

death destroyed

delivered

rejoice saviour

king worship

sing

worth.

Proclaim the the Authority

When we proclaim what God has done and is doing in our lives we do that not only in our own strength but because of the Holy Spirit that lives within us.

John 3:34 AMP

34 For since He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaims God’s own message], God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly or by measure, but boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit!

That makes an amazing difference. the moment you open your mouth and are obedient , you give the Holy spirit permission to move.

Obedience gives God permission.

You won’t always be popular or well received but we should always be honest. Paul tells us....

Acts 20:20–21 AMP

20 How I did not shrink from telling you anything that was for your benefit and teaching you in public meetings and from house to house, 21 But constantly and earnestly I bore testimony both to Jews and Greeks, urging them to turn in repentance [that is due] to God and to have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ [that is due Him].

Some will reject it outright, some will embrace it but most will be on a journey.

Where ever they are you can not deny the separating effect of declaring the name of Jesus

The separating effect of declaring the name of Jesus

Luke 8:26–36 AMP

26 Then they came to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 Now when Jesus stepped out on land, there met Him a certain man out of the town who had [was possessed by] demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but in the tombs. 28 And when he saw Jesus, he raised a deep (terrible) cry [from the depths of his throat] and fell down before Him [in terror] and shouted loudly, What have You [to do] with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? [What have we in common?] I beg You, do not torment me! 29 For Jesus was already commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For many times it had snatched and held him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and fetters, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilderness (desert). 30 Jesus then asked him, What is your name? And he answered, Legion; for many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged [Jesus] not to command them to depart into the Abyss (bottomless pit). 32 Now a great herd of swine was there feeding on the hillside; and [the demons] begged Him to give them leave to enter these. And He allowed them [to do so]. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered into the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep cliff into the lake and were drowned. 34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and told it in the town and in the country. 35 And [people] went out to see what had occurred, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right (sound) mind; and they were seized with alarm and fear. 36 And those [also] who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was restored [to health].

Luke 8:26–39 AMP

26 Then they came to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27 Now when Jesus stepped out on land, there met Him a certain man out of the town who had [was possessed by] demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he lived not in a house but in the tombs. 28 And when he saw Jesus, he raised a deep (terrible) cry [from the depths of his throat] and fell down before Him [in terror] and shouted loudly, What have You [to do] with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? [What have we in common?] I beg You, do not torment me! 29 For Jesus was already commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For many times it had snatched and held him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and fetters, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilderness (desert). 30 Jesus then asked him, What is your name? And he answered, Legion; for many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged [Jesus] not to command them to depart into the Abyss (bottomless pit). 32 Now a great herd of swine was there feeding on the hillside; and [the demons] begged Him to give them leave to enter these. And He allowed them [to do so]. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered into the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep cliff into the lake and were drowned. 34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they ran away and told it in the town and in the country. 35 And [people] went out to see what had occurred, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right (sound) mind; and they were seized with alarm and fear. 36 And those [also] who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was restored [to health]. 37 Then all the people of the country surrounding the Gerasenes’ district asked [Jesus] to depart from them, for they were possessed and suffering with dread and terror; so He entered a boat and returned [to the west side of the Sea of Galilee]. 38 But the man from whom the demons had gone out kept begging and praying that he might accompany Him and be with Him, but [Jesus] sent him away, saying, 39 Return to your home, and recount [the story] of how many and great things God has done for you. And [the man] departed, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Luke 8:26

Proclaim it back to God.

The New International Version Chapter 8

26 They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.

30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

32 A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. 33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.

34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured. 37 Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.

38 The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

We are called to tell of God to proclaim His name, His nature, His grace.

We are called to tell the world starting with our Jerusalem, our family friends, neighbours. Our Judea - our FB friends the wider circle of people and the whole world.

Matthew 28:16–20 NIV

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Finally. we are called to proclaim - to call our back to God.

Psalm 66:1–4 NIV

1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth! 2 Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.”

Psalm 66 NIV

For the director of music. A song. A psalm. 1 Shout for joy to God, all the earth! 2 Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.” 5 Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! 6 He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot— come, let us rejoice in him. 7 He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations— let not the rebellious rise up against him. 8 Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; 9 he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. 10 For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. 11 You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. 12 You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. 13 I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you— 14 vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble. 15 I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. 16 Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. 17 I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. 18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; 19 but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. 20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

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This is worship in the end it always comes back to Worship - we tell people about Jesus not because it is good for them, but because we love God, we are loved by God and we want people to be too.