Highest Praise 9am weekend service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving As we enter the Christmas season, it's a time to reflect on the light of the world, Jesus Christ, and how His presence transforms our lives. The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 serves as a powerful reminder of the initial encounter with the divine light. The shepherds, upon witnessing the glory of the Lord, were compelled to seek out the Savior, illustrating the importance of moving beyond a single encounter with God to a life of continual seeking. This journey of seeking is not just about reliving past experiences but about setting ourselves up for new and greater encounters with God. The Christmas story, as depicted in the movie "The Christmas Pageant," highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus. The orphans in the story, unfamiliar with the Christmas narrative, find themselves in roles that lead them to a deeper understanding of the story of Jesus. This mirrors our own spiritual journey, where initial encounters with Christ should propel us into a life of seeking Him more deeply. The danger lies in becoming stagnant, in allowing a past encounter to define our entire spiritual journey, rather than using it as a stepping stone to further growth. The Greek word "zetao," meaning to seek, encapsulates the essence of our spiritual journey. It calls us to set ourselves in order to find God continually. Our encounters with God should lead us into seasons of seeking, where we align our lives to pursue Him with greater fervor. This seeking is not just about finding answers but about deepening our relationship with God, allowing His light to illuminate our path continually. The story of Saul's transformation into Paul in Acts 9 further illustrates the journey from being a seer to a seeker. Saul's initial encounter with the light of Christ was a catalyst for a life of seeking, leading to profound transformation. This narrative encourages us to move beyond distractions and to focus on seeking God, trusting that in our seeking, we will find Him and experience new and greater encounters. As we celebrate the light of the world this Christmas, let us commit to being seekers of God, setting ourselves in order to find Him continually. In doing so, we open ourselves to the fullness of His presence and the transformative power of His light in our lives. **Key Takeaways:** 1. **The Journey of Seeking:** Our initial encounter with Jesus should be the beginning of a lifelong journey of seeking Him. This journey is about setting ourselves in order to find God continually, allowing each encounter to propel us into deeper relationship and understanding. [14:10] 2. **Avoiding Stagnation:** It's crucial not to become stagnant in our spiritual journey by clinging to past encounters. Instead, we should use these experiences as stepping stones to seek God more fervently, trusting that He has greater encounters waiting for us. [17:16] 3. **The Power of Seeking:** The Greek word "zetao" emphasizes the importance of seeking God. Our encounters with Him should lead us into seasons of seeking, where we align our lives to pursue Him with greater fervor, allowing His light to illuminate our path continually. [15:02] 4. **Transformation through Seeking:** Saul's transformation into Paul illustrates the power of seeking God. Despite initial distractions, Saul's encounter with Christ led to a life of seeking, resulting in profound transformation and a deeper understanding of God's purpose. [18:48] 5. **The Promise of Seeking:** The safest and most fulfilling path in life is to be a seeker of God. In our seeking, we are promised to find Him and experience new and greater encounters, allowing His light to transform our lives continually. [25:35] **Youtube Chapters:** [00:00] - Welcome [02:31] - The Christmas Story Begins [05:58] - The Christmas Pageant Movie [12:04] - Encountering Jesus [14:10] - The Journey of Seeking [15:02] - The Greek Word "Zetao" [17:16] - Avoiding Stagnation [18:48] - Saul's Transformation [21:06] - The Promise of Seeking [25:35] - Greater Encounters Await [28:29] - The Importance of Seeking [29:39] - The Power of Seeking [30:50] - Aligning Your Life [32:46] - The Season of Seeking [36:17] - The Light of the World [37:10] - Discipleship and Seeking [39:30] - God's Game of Hide and Seek [41:47] - Understanding the Encounter [42:55] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Highest Praise 9am weekend service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving In today's message, we explored the profound significance of the Passover meal that Jesus shared with His disciples, as recounted in Mark 14. This event, often referred to as the Last Supper, is a pivotal moment in Christian history, symbolizing the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant through Jesus Christ. The Passover meal was not just a remembrance of the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage but also a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance from sin and spiritual death through Jesus, the true Passover Lamb. Jesus meticulously prepared for this meal, demonstrating His foreknowledge and divine orchestration. He instructed His disciples to follow a man carrying a pitcher of water, a rare sight, to find the place where they would celebrate the Passover. This preparation underscores that Jesus is not only a preparer but a pre-preparer, ensuring that everything was in place for this significant event. During the meal, Jesus introduced a new meaning to the elements of bread and wine. The bread symbolized His body, given for the fellowship we have with Him, and the wine represented His blood, establishing a new covenant. This new covenant signifies that through Jesus' sacrifice, believers are sanctified, delivered, and redeemed. The disciples were reminded that spiritual death would pass over them, just as physical death passed over the Israelites' homes marked by the lamb's blood. Judas Iscariot's betrayal was a stark contrast to the redemption offered to all. Despite his actions, the message is clear: no sin is beyond the redeeming power of Jesus. Judas believed the lie that he was beyond redemption, a belief that led to his downfall. In contrast, the other disciples embraced the truth of redemption, never forgetting who Jesus was and what He had done for them. As we partake in communion, we remember that we have been sanctified, delivered, and redeemed. We look forward to the day when we will join Jesus in the marriage supper of the Lamb, celebrating the ultimate victory over sin and death. **Key Takeaways:** - Jesus is a pre-preparer, orchestrating events with divine precision. His preparation for the Passover meal demonstrates His foreknowledge and care for His disciples, reminding us that He is always working ahead of us to fulfill His purposes. [03:00] - The Passover meal symbolizes the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant. Jesus redefined the elements of bread and wine, representing His body and blood, establishing a new covenant of redemption and eternal life. [15:08] - Judas Iscariot's betrayal highlights the danger of believing the lie that one is beyond redemption. Despite his actions, the message is clear: no sin is too great for Jesus' redeeming power. [19:50] - Communion is a reminder of our sanctification, deliverance, and redemption through Jesus. It is a celebration of the new covenant and a proclamation of our faith in His sacrifice and promise of eternal life. [28:26] - The fourth cup, which Jesus did not drink, symbolizes the future gathering of believers in the marriage supper of the Lamb. It represents the ultimate victory over sin and the fulfillment of God's promise to gather His people. [34:52] **Youtube Chapters:** [00:00] - Welcome [01:24] - Judas the Opportunist [03:00] - Jesus' Divine Preparation [10:00] - The Passover of Passovers [11:12] - Redemption for All [12:13] - The First Cup: Sanctification [13:03] - The Second Cup: Deliverance [15:08] - The New Covenant [16:23] - Betrayal Foretold [18:13] - Judas' Departure [19:50] - The Third Cup: Redemption [24:25] - The Lie of No Hope [28:26] - Communion: A New Remembrance [31:36] - The Fourth Cup: Future Promise [34:52] - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb [38:04] - Invitation to Redemption [44:40] - Prayer of Redemption

Highest Praise 9am weekend service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving We explored the theme of "Defeating Disappointment," drawing from the rich tapestry of scripture to understand how God meets us in our moments of despair. We began by honoring our veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices, and then transitioned into a time of worship, recognizing the presence of the King among us. Our primary texts were Ezekiel 1 and Psalm 107, which provided a framework for understanding how God operates in our lives, even when we feel like we've missed our appointments or opportunities. Ezekiel's vision by the river Kabar, on what should have been a significant day in his life, serves as a powerful reminder that no place is too far for God to reach us. Despite being in Babylon, a place of exile and broken dreams, Ezekiel experienced the heavens opening and saw visions of God. This illustrates that even in our darkest moments, God is present and working. Psalm 107 offers a structured approach to understanding disappointment through its four stanzas, each representing different types of disappointments: accidents, wrongs done by others, personal failures, and running from God. Each stanza ends with a call to give thanks to the Lord, emphasizing that crying out to God in our distress leads to deliverance. This psalm reassures us that God is never late, and He is always ready to guide us back to the right path, heal our wounds, and calm our storms. We also discussed the importance of having an active relationship with the Holy Spirit, likening it to having an instructor who guides us through life's challenges. Without this guidance, we risk walking through life with a list of instructions but no understanding of how to apply them. The Holy Spirit is essential for living a life of faith and overcoming the disappointments that inevitably come our way. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and encouragement. No matter the source of our disappointment, whether it be external circumstances, personal failures, or running from God, He is always ready to meet us where we are. We are reminded that God is not only present in our lives but actively working to bring about His purposes, even when we cannot see it. **Key Takeaways:** - **God's Presence in Exile:** Ezekiel's vision by the river Kabar teaches us that no place is too far for God to reach us. Even in our darkest moments, God is present and working, reminding us that we have not missed our divine appointments. [01:01] - **Understanding Disappointment:** Psalm 107 provides a framework for understanding different types of disappointments, whether they are accidents, wrongs done by others, personal failures, or running from God. Each type of disappointment is met with God's deliverance when we cry out to Him. [19:48] - **The Role of the Holy Spirit:** Having an active relationship with the Holy Spirit is crucial for navigating life's challenges. Without this guidance, we risk walking through life with a list of instructions but no understanding of how to apply them. The Holy Spirit is our instructor, guiding us in faith. [08:18] - **God's Timeliness:** One of the most important truths is that God is always on time. We may feel like we've missed our opportunities, but God is already in our future, working things out for our good. Our disappointments are not the end of the story. [09:26] - **Hope in God's Deliverance:** Regardless of the source of our disappointment, God is always ready to meet us where we are. He is actively working to bring about His purposes, and our role is to trust Him and cry out in our distress, knowing He will deliver us. [27:53] **Youtube Chapters:** - [00:00] - Welcome - [01:01] - Opening Scripture: Ezekiel and Psalms - [01:51] - Defeating Disappointment - [03:51] - Personal Reflections and Humor - [05:49] - The Importance of an Instructor - [08:18] - The Role of the Holy Spirit - [09:26] - Understanding Disappointment - [10:24] - Personal Story of Disappointment - [13:42] - Structure of the Psalms - [15:24] - The Five Books of Psalms - [17:13] - The Enemy Stealing Your Song - [19:00] - Structure of Psalm 107 - [22:49] - Stanza Two: Disappointment by Others - [24:20] - Stanza Three: Personal Failures - [26:23] - Stanza Four: Running from God - [28:26] - God's Deliverance in Disappointment - [31:07] - Ezekiel's Vision and God's Timing - [32:36] - God's Reach: Even in Babylon - [35:17] - Crying Out to God - [37:41] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement

Highest Praise 9am weekend service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving In today's message, we explored the story of the twelve spies sent to scout the Promised Land, focusing on the contrasting perspectives of Caleb and Joshua versus the other ten spies. The narrative from Numbers 13 and 14 reveals a profound lesson about faith, vision, and the spirit of limitation. The ten spies returned with a report that, while acknowledging the land's abundance, emphasized the formidable obstacles, thereby instilling fear and doubt among the Israelites. This fear led to a loss of hope and vision, a common experience for many of us when faced with life's challenges. The spirit of limitation often tries to hinder our commitment to God's promises, using past experiences, relationships, or negative reports to keep us from realizing our potential. However, Caleb and Joshua demonstrated a different spirit, one of faith and wholehearted devotion to God. They saw the same giants and fortified cities as the others but chose to focus on God's promise rather than the obstacles. This story reminds us that the enemy may try to hinder us, but he cannot stop us from reaching our promised land if we remain steadfast in faith. Like the dog in the story, we often become accustomed to limitations that no longer exist, failing to recognize the freedom already granted to us through Christ. Jesus has cut the rope of bondage, and we are called to live in the fullness of that freedom. The key to overcoming the spirit of limitation is to have a vision of where God is leading us and to follow Him wholeheartedly. Caleb's life exemplifies this, as he was distinguished by his unwavering faith and commitment. The narrative encourages us to resist the temptation to settle for less or to lower God's standards for our lives. Instead, we are called to embrace the vision of the promised land, to taste the grapes of God's promises, and to pursue them with determination and faith. The glory of God is our sustainer, and by hosting His presence, we can counter opposition and live differently, as Joshua and Caleb did. **Key Takeaways:** 1. **The Spirit of Limitation:** The spirit of limitation seeks to hinder our commitment to God's promises by using past experiences and negative reports to instill fear and doubt. However, the enemy cannot stop us from reaching our promised land if we remain steadfast in faith. We must resist the devil, and he will flee from us. [03:47] 2. **Freedom in Christ:** Like the dog accustomed to a short leash, we often fail to recognize the freedom already granted to us through Christ. Jesus has cut the rope of bondage, and we are called to live in the fullness of that freedom, resisting the enemy's attempts to convince us otherwise. [07:10] 3. **Wholehearted Devotion:** Caleb's life exemplifies wholehearted devotion to God, which is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving God's promises. By following God with our whole heart, we can see His promises fulfilled in our lives, regardless of our background or circumstances. [15:42] 4. **Vision and Faith:** To achieve beyond where we are, we must have a vision of where God is leading us. The grapes from Canaan were a taste of the promised land, intended to propel the Israelites forward. We must not settle for a taste but pursue the fullness of God's promises with faith. [12:47] 5. **The Glory of God:** The glory of God is our sustainer, and by hosting His presence, we can counter opposition and live differently. The world is looking for the glory of God to fall, and when it does, it changes hearts and exposes the lies of the enemy. [23:23] **Youtube Chapters:** - [00:00] - Welcome - [01:47] - The Report of the Spies - [03:47] - The Spirit of Limitation - [04:55] - Resisting the Enemy - [07:10] - The Dog and the Rope - [08:25] - Freedom in Christ - [09:14] - Two Ways to Fail - [10:20] - Joshua and Caleb's Faith - [11:02] - David and the Giant - [11:57] - Cutting Off the Enemy - [12:47] - Vision and the Grapes - [13:42] - Taste of the Promised Land - [15:42] - Caleb's Different Spirit - [17:18] - Faith Beyond Lineage - [19:07] - Faith Never Settles - [23:23] - The Glory of God - [25:00] - Being Different - [26:37] - Opportunity to Change - [27:25] - Wholehearted Living

Highest Praise 9am weekend service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving Send us a direct message if you would like one-on-one prayer.

Highest Praise 10:45am weekend service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving Send us a direct message if you would like one-on-one prayer.

Highest Praise 10:45am weekend service! Digital Connect Card: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/people/forms/195624 Give: https://highestpraise.churchcenter.com/giving Taking a step of faith is often synonymous with taking a risk. Baptism is a profound act of faith, symbolizing a believer's commitment to follow Christ and become His disciple. It is not a prerequisite for salvation but a public declaration of the transformation that has already occurred within. Baptism requires humility, a willingness to die to the old self, and a commitment to live in the newness of life that Christ offers. It is a dramatization of the burial of the past and the resurrection into righteousness, where God sees not our imperfections but the righteousness of Christ in us. The act of baptism is a radical step of faith, a decision that signifies a believer's adherence to the teachings of Jesus. It is a commitment to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, regardless of societal or political pressures. In a world where the lines between good and evil are increasingly blurred, baptism is a declaration of allegiance to Christ and His kingdom. It is a reminder that we are not remodeled versions of our old selves but new creations in Christ, something that has never existed before. Faith is inherently risky, requiring us to step out of our comfort zones and trust God with the unknown. Biblical figures like Abraham, David, and Peter exemplified this radical faith, taking significant risks that led to profound transformations. Their stories remind us that where there is no risk, there is no faith, and without faith, there is no power, joy, or intimacy with God. Risk takers are those who hear God's voice and obey, trusting that He knows best. In our journey of faith, God often brings us to the edge of a decision, challenging us to take a radical step of faith. This decision is not just about following Christ but fulfilling the purpose He has for our lives. It involves a willingness to risk everything for the sake of gaining everything in Christ. As believers, we are called to be risk takers, stepping out in faith and trusting God to do the impossible. This radical faith is what transforms us from good to great, enabling us to experience the fullness of God's promises. **Key Takeaways:** - Baptism is a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the burial of the old self and the resurrection into a new life in Christ. It requires humility and a commitment to live in righteousness, where God sees the righteousness of Christ in us. [03:58] - Faith involves taking risks, stepping out of our comfort zones, and trusting God with the unknown. Biblical figures like Abraham and David exemplified this radical faith, leading to profound transformations. [34:09] - Baptism signifies adherence to the teachings of Jesus, a commitment to live by every word from God, regardless of societal pressures. It is a declaration of allegiance to Christ and His kingdom. [08:53] - Radical faith is about making decisions that align with God's purpose for our lives, even when it involves significant risks. It transforms us from good to great, enabling us to experience the fullness of God's promises. [22:29] - Risk takers are those who hear God's voice and obey, trusting that He knows best. This obedience is a sign of trust and respect, leading to a deeper intimacy with God. [29:23] **Youtube Chapters:** [0:00] - Welcome [01:01] - The Significance of Baptism [03:58] - Humility and Righteousness [07:04] - New Creation in Christ [08:53] - Adherence to Jesus' Teachings [11:48] - Faith and Risk Taking [12:22] - God's Exposures and Guidance [13:41] - Choosing the Right Path [17:23] - Sincerity in Baptism [18:23] - Dying to the World [20:39] - Radical Steps of Faith [22:04] - The Cost of Faith [22:29] - Decisions and Faith [25:00] - The Greatest Decision [26:40] - Faith and Transformation [27:51] - Risk and Faith [29:23] - Obedience and Trust [30:40] - Abraham's Radical Faith [34:09] - David and Peter's Faith [36:57] - Jairus and the Woman's Faith [39:48] - Blind Bartimaeus' Faith [43:00] - Radical Faith and Transformation [45:53] - Prayer and Commitment

In today's message, we explored the profound truth found in Romans 8:28, which assures us that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This doesn't mean that everything we experience will be comfortable or enjoyable, but rather that God uses every circumstance to shape us into the image of His Son. Our journey through life's challenges is not about what we endure but what we gain from those experiences. It's about the wisdom, strength, and perspective we acquire as we navigate through trials. We discussed the importance of perspective in facing life's difficulties. Like David before Goliath, we should focus on God's greatness rather than the size of our problems. Our faith is not measured by our enthusiasm but by the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Whether we are full of energy or feeling weary, our faith remains anchored in Him. The story of the two Hebrews at the first Passover illustrates that our salvation is not dependent on our emotional state but on the blood of the Lamb. Furthermore, we examined the concept of spiritual immunity. Just as a physical immune disease makes us susceptible to illnesses, spiritual discouragement can weaken our defenses against the enemy's attacks. It's crucial to maintain a healthy spiritual perspective, recognizing that we are more than conquerors in Christ. Our identity in Him is not about what we do but who we are becoming. Lastly, we reflected on the relationships in our lives, likening them to leaves, branches, and roots. Root relationships, like our relationship with God, are steadfast and supportive, regardless of the season. In Christ, we have an inheritance, not based on our works but on our relationship with Him. As we face life's challenges, we must remember that our ultimate victory is in Christ, and our faith is rooted in His unchanging love and grace. **Key Takeaways:** 1. **God's Purpose in Trials:** Our trials are not meant to make us comfortable but to conform us to the image of Christ. The true measure of our journey is not what we endure but what we gain from it—wisdom, strength, and perspective. [02:16] 2. **Perspective in Adversity:** Like David, we should focus on God's greatness rather than the size of our problems. Our perspective determines our spiritual health and resilience in the face of challenges. [05:14] 3. **Faith's Object, Not Intensity:** Our faith is not about how enthusiastic we are but about the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Whether we are full of energy or weary, our faith remains anchored in Him. [19:32] 4. **Spiritual Immunity:** Discouragement can weaken our spiritual defenses, making us vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. Maintaining a healthy spiritual perspective is crucial to overcoming challenges. [14:59] 5. **Rooted Relationships:** Our relationship with God is like a root—steadfast and supportive, regardless of the season. In Christ, we have an inheritance based on our relationship with Him, not our works. [30:15] **Youtube Chapters:** [0:00] - Welcome [01:08] - All Things for Good [02:16] - Conformed to His Image [03:28] - Speaking to Challenges [05:14] - David's Perspective [06:08] - Lessons from Trials [07:52] - What Did I Leave With? [09:32] - Suffering with Purpose [10:51] - Vulnerability in Discouragement [12:16] - Identity in Christ [14:59] - Spiritual Immunity [16:01] - Passover Faith [19:32] - Object of Faith [21:56] - A Merry Heart [25:49] - God's Sense of Humor [27:02] - Inheritance Over Harvest [30:15] - Rooted Relationships [32:38] - Remembering God's Greatness [34:44] - Closing Blessing