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Study Guide: Satan is Defeated

William Thompson

1. The Problem of Lukewarmness

Key Idea: The church has become comfortable with being average, unlike sports teams that strive to improve.

Warning: Lukewarm attendance and presence in the community reflect spiritual complacency.

Memory Verse: Revelation 3:16 – So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Discussion Questions:

  1. 1. What does spiritual lukewarmness look like in your life?
  2. 2. Why do you think Jesus warns so strongly against being lukewarm?
  3. 3. What practical steps can you take to rekindle your passion for Christ?

2. Victory Over Satan

Core Scripture: Revelation 12:11 – They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.

Two Weapons for Victory:

  • The Blood of Christ – Represents Jesus’ sacrificial death and atonement for sin.
  • Our Testimony – Declaring faith in Christ boldly.

Memory Verse: Romans 8:37 – Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Discussion Questions:

  • 1. How does the blood of Jesus give us victory over Satan?
  • 2. Why is your testimony a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare?
  • 3. Share a time when your testimony encouraged someone else.

3. Satan’s Strategy

Starts in the Mind: Fear, doubt, and negative thoughts are his entry points.

Common Fears: Rejection, unworthiness, failure.

Scripture Defense: Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon formed against you shall prosper; 2 Timothy 1:7 – God has not given us a spirit of fear.

Memory Verse: Philippians 4:8 – Whatsoever things are true… think on these things.

Discussion Questions:

  • 1. Which fear do you struggle with most?
  • 2. How can renewing your mind with God’s Word defeat Satan’s attacks?
  • 3. What practical habits help you guard your thoughts?

4. Understanding Satan

Origin: Once an angel, fell through pride (Isaiah 14:12).

Nature: Accuser, tempter, seeks vulnerable believers.

Limitations: Can only act within God’s permission (Job 1:8-12).

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Discussion Questions:

  1. 1. How does knowing Satan’s limitations strengthen your faith?
  2. 2. Why is vigilance important in the Christian life?
  3. 3. What does resisting the devil look like practically?

Satan is Defeated Study Guide

Memory Verses & Discussion Questions

Prepared by Pastor William Thompson

Date: December 18, 2025

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Kingdom Awakening Study Guide

William Thompson

Lesson Theme

Rekindling God’s fire in our hearts to accomplish His work with vision, unity, and faith.

Key Scriptures

  • Jeremiah 20:9 – God’s Word is like fire in our bones; it cannot be contained.
  • Nehemiah 2:17–18 – Vision inspires action and unity in rebuilding.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:1–11 – God’s presence brings renewal and worship.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:13–14 – Humility, prayer, and repentance lead to restoration.
  • Mark 16:17–20 – Signs follow those who believe and act in faith.

Lesson Objectives

  • Understand the importance of vision in God’s work.
  • Recognize the role of God’s presence in revival.
  • Learn how unity and teamwork accomplish Kingdom goals.
  • Apply principles of prayer, humility, and obedience for spiritual renewal.

Main Points

  1. God’s Word Ignites Passion – Jeremiah reminds us that God’s Word cannot be silenced—it burns within us. Application: Let Scripture fuel your calling.
  2. Vision Leads to Action – Nehemiah’s clear vision inspired leaders to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. Application: Share God-given ideas boldly and trust the Spirit to move others.
  3. God’s Presence Brings Revival – Solomon’s dedication of the Temple shows that worship and sacrifice invite God’s glory. Application: Create space for God’s presence through prayer and praise.
  4. Repentance Restores the Land – God promises healing when His people humble themselves and turn from sin. Application: Personal and corporate repentance precede awakening.
  5. Faith Produces Signs – Believers empowered by Christ demonstrate His authority through miracles. Application: Live boldly in faith, expecting God to confirm His Word.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is vision essential for accomplishing God’s work?
  • How can we rekindle spiritual fire when discouragement sets in?
  • What practical steps can we take to invite God’s presence into our lives and churches?
  • How does unity among believers impact Kingdom advancement?
  • What does Mark 16 teach us about the power of faith in action?

Action Steps

  • Pray for God to rekindle His fire in your heart.
  • Share your vision for ministry with others.
  • Commit to humility, repentance, and obedience.
  • Work together to accomplish God’s purposes.
  • Expect God to confirm His Word through signs and transformed lives.
Coffee with the Preacher

Study Guide: Spirit-Filled Power

William Thompson

Key Verse

Zechariah 4:6 – ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.

Background

  • • Zerubbabel’s Role: Tasked with rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 3:2, 8; Haggai 1:1; 2:23).
  • • Prophetic Support: Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people spiritually while Zerubbabel oversaw the work.
  • • Core Principle: Success comes through God’s Spirit, not human strength.

Main Theme

Human strength is insufficient for lasting spiritual impact. God’s Spirit empowers believers to accomplish His purposes.

Task:

The call to lead Christ Community Church.

  1. No building to meet in.
  2. Not chartered
  3. Only 12 people to work with.
  4. Bi-vocational
  5. In School to obtain a degree in Pastoral Ministries
  6. Married with three small children

Marks of a Spirit-Filled Life

  • Confidence: Calm under pressure, unshaken in chaos, unworried in times of lack.
  • Transformation: ‘The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you… and you will be turned into another man.’ (1 Samuel 10:6)
  • Fullness: ‘Be filled with the Spirit…’ (Ephesians 5:18)

Results of Spirit-Filling

  • Boldness: ‘They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.’ (Acts 4:31)
  • Hope and Joy: ‘May the God of hope fill you… through the power of the Holy Spirit.’ (Romans 15:13)
  • Examples: Stephen (Acts 6:5), Barnabas (Acts 11:24), Disciples (Acts 13:52)

Practical Applications

  • Controlled by the Spirit: Yielded will, Spirit-led thoughts and actions (Ephesians 5:18).
  • Strength for Life: Produces fruit—love, joy, peace.
  • Spiritual Maturity: Renewed mind, full of faith and wisdom (Acts 6:5; 11:24).
  • Ongoing Process: Daily dependence on God’s power.
  • Manifested in Action: Evident in relationships, work, and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6).
  • Joyful Witness: Enables effective testimony (Acts 13:52).

Discussion Questions

  1. Why does God emphasize His Spirit over human strength in Zechariah 4:6?
  2. How can you cultivate a Spirit-filled life in practical ways?
  3. Which mark of a Spirit-filled life challenges you most, and why?
  4. How does being Spirit-filled impact your witness to others?
  5. What does ‘Not by might nor by power’ look like in your daily decisions?
  6. How do you recognize when you are relying on your own strength instead of God’s Spirit?
  7. What role does prayer play in staying Spirit-filled?
  8. How can the examples of Stephen, Barnabas, and the early disciples inspire your walk with God?
  9. In what areas of your life do you need boldness from the Holy Spirit?
  10. How can you encourage others to depend on the Spirit rather than their abilities?
Coffee with the Preacher

Church Revitalization Triage

William Thompson

What’s the First Step to Save a Declining Church?

Church revitalization triage helps pastors work logically and not give in to the pressures of people who want their problems fixed.

By Luke Holmes

“We want you to fire the janitor.”

That’s what they told me in my first week on the job at a new church. They had wanted her fired for some time, but seemingly, nobody had the nerve to do it. So they thought they’d wait until they got a new pastor and make him do it. Before I could even unpack a box, they had plans for what I needed to do.

Everybody has an idea about what the new pastor should do first. They want him to fix the thing that’s been bugging them. Sing more new songs or more old songs. Fire the janitor, or quit spending so much. Still, others want the pastor to rewrite the bylaws, fix the leaky roof, or shake some sense into that wayward staff member. Others might want the pastor to start a new Sunday School class, be more evangelistic, or talk about the pressing political issue of the day. The pastor is still new and doesn’t know up from down in this new church; he only knows what people talk to him about.

But the pastor is not just a listener; he’s a leader. How does the pastor decide what to do first? How can a pastor choose where to spend his time, energy, and leadership capital in a church that needs revitalization and renewed organizational and spiritual health?

Revitalization triage

In these situations, a pastor must learn to practice triage. In medical practice, triage allows doctors to estimate the severity of a patient’s problem quickly. A scraped knee is not as urgent as a gunshot wound to the chest. In times of crisis, doctors must learn what they need to address first.

Theological triage is the idea of differentiating tiers of doctrines and how tightly or loosely we should hold onto them. Theological triage helps Christians and churches address the urgent issues of our times, helps Christians prioritize their theological beliefs and disagreements, and helps us focus on the needs of our cultural moment.

In a similar way, a new pastor at a declining church must practice revitalization triage. This helps a pastor prioritize what issues to focus on first in a church and where to spend his time and effort for the maximum gain. Thinking of the church as a body can help a pastor prioritize his time at a church and focus on things that will make a difference. By thinking through the categories of head, heart, hands, feet, and vision, the pastor can quickly assess the state of the church’s health.

Head

The head or brain of the church is the bylaws and policies of the church that keep it organized. Unhealthy churches love to focus on the process and structure of a church to the detriment of getting real ministry done. These churches often have business meetings that are dominated by talk about the bylaws. Some of them have documents arranged to make it harder for a church to get healthy, such as allowing a small group to control key parts of the church. A church that’s not healthy organizationally will ultimately fail in other areas.

Heart

Many churches don’t have a good spirit or attitude among their people. There might be bickering, fighting, gossip, or even worse. What good is it for a church to have active ministries and programs if people constantly fight with each other? It would be like a man making sure he brushes his teeth every night while suffering heart attacks every day. A bad heart soon affects all other areas of the body. Similarly, a church with a bad heart might have good programs, but the fighting and bad spirit will eventually creep into all areas of the church and bring those good ministries down.

“A church with a bad heart might have good programs, but the fighting and bad spirit will eventually creep into all areas of the church and bring those good ministries down.”

Hands

A church’s hands enable it to get things done in ministry inside and outside its walls. These church programs are often what people think of when it comes to the ministry of a church. Some churches have unhealthy hands because they’re so busy keeping up pet programs they can’t do what needs to be done. A church might have a crystal-clear vision for its future but no ministries to carry out that vision. This church needs to focus not on heart or vision but on effective practical ministry.

Feet

A church’s feet enable it to share the gospel with its community. Some churches are lazy and require great motivation to get up and do the work of ministry. Still, others are perfectly content with the people they have in the church and adopt a country club mentality. These churches often say all the right things and believe all the right things but won’t get up on their feet to be a witness in their own community.

Vision

The vision of a church is what gives it purpose and direction. A visionless church has no real reason for gathering besides habit and custom. This elevates those traditions to a high level and causes strife when they’re changed. Still, other churches suffer from competing visions, with everyone thinking their ministry is the most important and should take precedence over all the others. As a pastor, you have the power to shape and communicate the church’s vision, influencing its direction and purpose.

Take time for triage

Each of these areas of need requires a different approach. As a pastor, it’s your responsibility to assess the church’s needs and prioritize them. A pastor who’s in a church with good feet might have people ready to go, but if they have no vision or direction, they’ll ultimately fail. Another pastor might start working on the bylaws and policies of a church while neglecting the fact that the people have bad hearts and constantly fight with one another. The best bylaws will not help the church that’s constantly at war within itself and has hatred in its heart.

Church revitalization triage is a tool to help pastors assert their leadership and figure out where to focus their time, attention, and energy. By taking time to study for themselves and not just trust what others want them to do, pastors can make sure they spend time on the most pressing matters in the church.

“Church revitalization triage helps pastors work in a logical manner and not give in to the pressures of people who want their problems fixed.”

Maybe the janitor needs to be fired, but it’s a safe bet that’s not the most pressing issue in the church. Pastors need to slow down, observe things for themselves, and make decisions on the most pressing matters to help the church get back to health. Church revitalization triage helps pastors work in a logical manner and not give in to the pressures of people who want their problems fixed. Working this way allows a pastor to stay focused on the issue that matters the most in every church: the spread of the gospel from its neighbors to the nations.

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Don’t anger the Lord

William Thompson

ABANDON (Leave, Desert, Betray)

There is a loud cry for us not to anger the lord by abandoning Him for other gods that cannot help us.

The way to failure and destruction is to abandon the God who gave you all that you have.

Judges 2:6–15 (NLT):

After Joshua sent the people away, each of the tribes left to take possession of the land allotted to them.

7 And the Israelites served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the leaders who outlived him—those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel.

8 Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110.

9 They buried him in the land he had been allocated, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash.

10 After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.

11 The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal.

12 They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord.

13 They abandoned the Lord to serve Baal and the images of Ashtoreth.

14 This made the Lord burn with anger against Israel, so he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them.

15 Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress.

ABANDONING GOD

How can people, once they are aware of God, even consider abandoning him?

King rehoboam was an example of one who knew the lord and then abandon him.

 But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin. (2 Chronicles 12:1)

“Israel” refers to Judah, the southern kingdom.

During his first three years on the throne, Rehoboam made an attempt to obey God, and as a result, Judah prospered.

But then, at his peak of popularity and power, he abandoned God.

The result was destruction because God allowed Judah to be conquered by Egypt.

Reasons why we abandon God.

At the height of his popularity and power, the king abandoned the Lord.

What happened?

Often it is more difficult to be a believer in good times than in bad.

Tough times push us toward God; but easy times can make us feel self-sufficient and self-satisfied.

When everything is going right, guard your faith.

Personal consequences when we abandon God.

Popularity and power, the two benefits that Rehoboam chose above God, were the first two things he lost when the Egyptians invaded the land.

Through Rehoboam we discover the real price to be paid for rejecting God.

Even though Rehoboam later confessed his sin, the damage had already been done.

He was not destroyed, but much of what was precious to him was lost.

His reign could have been as glorious as the golden shields in Solomon’s temple, which the Egyptians took.

Rehoboam inherited a unified kingdom but his abandonment of God caused him to lose it.

Consequences for others when we abandon God.

We don’t have to be a king, like Rehoboam, before our actions deeply affect the lives of others.

Rehoboam’s abandonment of God led to the humiliation of his people.

How does the quality of your relationship with God affect those around you?

1 Timothy 4:1–2 (NLT)

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.

Hebrews 3:12 (KJV)
12  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

Matthew 24:10 (KJV)
10  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

Rehoboam had a foundation that was questionable.

2 Chronicles 10:1–11 (NLT): Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king.

2 When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of this, he returned from Egypt, for he had fled to Egypt to escape from King Solomon.

3 The leaders of Israel summoned him, and Jeroboam and all Israel went to speak with Rehoboam.

4 “Your father was a hard master,” they said. “Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects.”

5 Rehoboam replied, “Come back in three days for my answer.” So the people went away.

6 Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?”

7 The older counselors replied, “If you are good to these people and do your best to please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.”

8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.

9 “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?”

10 The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!

11 Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’ ”

The way to help prevent abandonment of God is to keep a heart for God.

Heart of love for all people

Heart of forgiveness

Heart of mercy

Heart of gratefulness

Heart of longsuffering

Heart of peace

Heart of joy

Heart of kindness

Coffee with the Preacher

Pray the Right Way

William Thompson

Pray first for the Spirit to make the intercession through you.

  1. Pray to be Guided
  2. Pray to be Guarded
  3. Pray to be Groomed

Jesus promised that the Father would send the helper which is the Holy Spirit.

In this life time you will find opportunities to quit the position you hold or the place you stand in.

In this life there will be hard times and trails that you will pray for God to let you leave!

Pressure today comes to Christians in an even greater intensity than we have ever experience.

When you pray the right way, it will make a difference.

  1. Strength you to stand
  2. Strength you to go on.
  3. Strength you to resist Satan will come forth.

Praying the Right way comes from developing the heart that seeks after God.

King David was known as a man whose heart followed after God.

David goal and greatest desire.

  1. Was not to be the greatest king.
  2. Was not to be the greatest musician.
  3. Was not to be the wealthiest man.
  4. Was not to be successful.
  5. Was not to be popular.

David’s goal and greatest desire can be found in a Psalm he wrote.

Psalm 27:4 (KJV)

4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

David’s search in life was to have God’s heart.

If we are to pray right, we must first know the ministry of Glorifying and Honoring God.

1 Peter 2:5 (KJV)

5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Jesus being our great example taught us to make Prayer a habit.

Right prayer was the key to His Anointing, Wisdom, and Endurance.

Luke 22:39–40 (NLT)

39 Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.”

The Prophet Daniel understood the Habit of Prayer.

Daniel 6:10–11 (NLT)

10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.

11 Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help.

I had to pray to the Spirit to help me get my Prayer life Right so the rest of my life could be Right.

Right Prayer contains 4 ingredients.

  1. Adoration to God. Praise
  2. Confession of Sin. My short comings
  3. Thankfulness for what God has already done.
  4. Supplication. Asking God to meet a need or a desire.

Right Prayer places us in alignment with God’s desire for us.

2 Kings 4:1–6 (NLT)

One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves.”

2 “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?”

“Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.

3 And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. 4 Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.”

5 So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another.

6 Soon every container was full to the brim!

“Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons.

“There aren’t any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing.

The widow woman had a choice.

She could gather many vessels or she could gather a few vessels.

This story teaches us the power of obedience.

When did the oil stop?

The oil stopped when the widow ran out of jars.

She held the key to her miracle.

If she had gathered more jars, she would have had more oil to sell.

If she had gathered less jars, she would have less oil to sell.

The widow could have used excuses, It is hot today and I will gather only enough jars to show Elijah I need help.

She could have said I have been under so much stress I don’t feel well.

She could have said I don’t have many friends so I can’t find many jars.

Elijah didn’t tell her where to get the Jars from.

The key to the Right Prayers is Faith!

Why pray if you lack the faith to do what you can.

Holy Spirit, I believe but help me with my unbelief.

Just like Solomon when we pray, we should learn to pray the Right prayer.

Solomon did not ask for riches or the life of his enemies but for wisdom.

Are you praying the Right Prayers.

Thou Kingdom come, thy will be done through me and in me.

Coffee with the Preacher

God has a Purpose for your Pain

William Thompson

God has assigned a Purpose to your Pain

Numbers 14:23–24 (KJV)

23 Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:

24 But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

The pains of life should not cancel out your purpose in life.

Your purpose has more to do with where you were born and raised than you might expect.

You may have spent the large part of your life seeing it as an evil, yet God meant it for good.

All your life experiences, which may be ups and downs, have only been shaping you for your purpose.

God had led the people to edge of the land he promised to give them, but the lack of faith and doubt hindered them from entering.

There was one man that God pointed out as having another spirit in the KJV but in the Living Bible it is translated different attitude.

Caleb knew and understood that God had a purpose for his life.

God has a purpose in all our lives for us to fulfill.

You are not here by accident.

Your birth will not define your destiny.

You have a destiny in God to fulfill.

The way you find your purpose is in seeking God.

Once you find your purpose you must make the decisions to fulfill that purpose God created you for.

Your purpose was God ordained, and your purpose was God-destined time.

The people God called to go into the Promised Land had a God-destiny timetable and they were God ordain to possess the land.

They wasted forty years out of disobedience.

They were born in Egypt, raised in slavery, and traveled in the wilderness yet God had a purpose behind their whole existence.

Because of doubt and the lack of faith they missed their purpose in life.

For forty years they had walked in circles in the wilderness.

All the males older than twenty had died.

People with no purpose seem to walk in circles blaming their failures on God and everyone who crosses their path in life.

They walk until they dig holes for themselves and eventually die.

So often the die without living and they die full of bitterness, mad at other people, the world, and without saying it out loud mad at God.

Caleb who walks in the circle with Joshua had another spirit.

Caleb and Joshua knew they had a purpose and a calling on their lives.

They knew will God’s help they could possess the land.

They had to wait forty years to fulfill their destiny, but they never lost faith in God to for-fill the promise.

Yes, they could have enjoyed their destiny/purpose, but they had to wait on the rebellious one to die out.

Now don’t get discourage when the people go has placed in your life rebel against God just remember.

Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)

31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Lack of faith will make you abandon your purpose     and move ahead of God or move away from God.

2 Timothy 1:9 (KJV)

 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

When you know and understand your purpose comes from God you have the patience to see it come to fruit fulness.

Hebrews says in Sundry times God spoke.

When the time was right. A certain times. A different times.

God told Esther through Mordecai who knows your purpose was not for such a time as this.

Your birth, your being without parents, your adoption, your opportunity to be queen was to save your people Israel.

Not this is not the time to hold your peace.

1 Peter 5:6 (NLT)

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.

Your purpose is tied to time.

At the right time God will call you to your life purpose will you be in the place to hear the call.

The wrong place is the place of bitterness, doubting, and fear.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT)

10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

While eternal life is a free gift given on the basis of God’s grace, each of us will still be judged by Christ.

He will reward us for how we have lived.

God’s gracious gift of salvation does not free us from the requirement of faithful obedience.

All Christians must give account on the day of judgment of how they have lived.

Are you walking in your purpose.

Age, education, location, should not keep you from walking in your purpose.

Caleb waited 40 years and at the age of 85 when the land was being divided Caleb didn’t ask God for favoritism due to his age.

Caleb didn’t ask for a handicap sticker or a special seat in the church.

Caleb understood his purpose and asked for the mountain where the giants live.

Stop seeing yourself as less than or not good enough.

Many are called but few are chosen and if you have been chosen for a job by God refuse to allow fear or anyone to stop you or block you from your purpose.

Your purpose reaches beyond your happiness and well-being.

Finding your purpose.

  1. Find out what drives you.  
  2. Find out what energizes you.  
  3. Find out what you are willing to sacrifice for.  
  4. Find out who you want to help.  
Coffee with the Preacher

DOES MY CHURCH ADD VALUE TO MY LIFE?

William Thompson

I have notice the recent shopping habits of people an attitude of looking more at value shopping.

The question that came across my mind this morning was why are people slow to return to the church building?

Could it be value shopping? Or may I say value added?

Even a less made product becomes valuable when the price is reduced or two for one sale.

Then the question arises, what value does attending church add to my life verses staying home and listening to the word online?

The value of the church is to connect worshippers with God and people of like-mind faith.

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

The cost is giving of time, talent, and money.

In going to church I feel a growing relationship with the creator and with like-minded people.

 What if people no longer feel that the church is connecting them to God, people, and purpose?

What if, instead, people have stop believing that the church has value and lacks spiritual health or that no one befriends them or that there is no place of meaningful service for them in the church?

Do you think people will continue to pay the price of attending with time, tithing, and volunteering?

Should the church be afraid to examine its purpose for existing?

Should the church have this conversation?

Will this value consumer added society where people know value and expect value willing to exchange what they see as value for what the church is offering?

Is the church delivering a Christ that adds value to the lives of people?

After Paul considered everything, he had accomplished in his life, he decided to write it all off as “worthless” when compared with the greatness of knowing Christ.

We should value our relationship with Christ as more important than anything else.

To know Christ should be our ultimate goal.

Yet how do we know him better?

(1) Study the life of Christ in the Gospels. See how Christ lived and responded to people (Matthew 11:29).

(2) Study all the New Testament references to Christ (Colossians 1:15–2:15).

3) As you worship and pray, let the Holy Spirit remind you of Christ’s words (John 14:26).

(4) Take up Christ’s mission to preach the gospel and learn from his sufferings (Matthew 28:19; Philippians 3:10).

To do these things, however, may mean that the church must make major changes in its thinking and what it is doing on Sunday and Wednesday nights.

Value Added.

Is the church willing to change its values in order to show forth Christ better?

Could this be why people are not willing to fix or rearrange their crowded schedule in order to set aside a few hours on Sunday?

Could this also be the reason people are not willing to change some plans, goals, and desires in order to conform with what Christ wants from their lives?

Whatever a person changes or give up to gain must have more value than what they are giving up.

Christ to me has greater value than the worldly things but inside the building is not the only way we can gain Christ.

John 18:36 (KJV)
36  Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Summary:

Matthew 13:44–47 (AV)

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

The Kingdom of Heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it.

The man who discovered the treasure hidden in the field stumbled upon it by accident but knew its value when he found it.

Although the transaction cost the man everything, he paid nothing for the priceless treasure itself. It came free, with the field.

Nothing is more precious than the Kingdom of Heaven; yet God gives it to us as a gift.

Coffee with the Preacher

“FAILURE COMES TOO OFTEN”

William Thompson

Because we enter the ring with the lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge,  

Ephesians 6:12

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

We wrestle with Satan, and we fail because of:

1. We want to. The pleasure of sin is hard to resist.

2. We’ve developed bad habits that need to be unlearned. So thinketh a man so is he.

3. We fail to have accountability partners who will ask us the hard questions. The scriptures say encourage one another.

4. Even though the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak.

5. We fail to recognize that we are in the middle of spiritual warfare.

6. We have not learned to recognize the triggers that trip us.

7. We do not practice daily walking in the fullness and power of the Spirit.

A) God, I hear you.

B) God, I see you.

C) God, I feel your spirit is presence in this situation.

8. We are not practicing spiritual disciplines that help us to put off the old person and put on the new.

9. We typically react out of our pain from past or present experiences rather than respond to God.

10. We are still imperfect and in the process of being made whole and sanctified by God. We have not arrive to the point of being.

A) Saved

B) Sanctified

C) Satisfied in Christ

Ephesians 6:11b–13 The purpose of putting on God’s armor is to be able to stand against the schemes or tricks of the devil or adversary (cf. 4:27).

Ephesians 4:14 (NLT)

14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

Ephesians 4:27 (NLT)

27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

The armor is not for warfare of the believer but to enable him/ her to stand in warfare.

Christians are not to attack Satan, or advance against him; they are only to “stand” or hold the territory Christ and His body, the church, have conquered.

When under attack the believer will sing, I won’t go back.

William McDowell had a song:

I’ve been changed (I’ve been changed)

In the presence of the lord, I’ve been (healed)

Freed (freed)

Delivered (delivered)

In your presence, lord (I’ve found joy)

(Peace)

Grace (grace)

And favor (and favor)

And right now (right now is the moment) today

(Today is the day) I’ve been changed (I’ve been changed)

I’ve been changed (I’ve been changed)

And I have waited (I have waited for this moment to come)

(And I won’t let it pass me by) so we say

(I won’t go back, can’t go back, to the way it used to be)

(Before your presence, came and changed me)

Say I won’t, oh, can’t go back (I won’t go back)

(Can’t go back, to the way it used to be) to the way it used to be

Before your presence came and changed me

(All my shame)

(Guilt)

(Sins) they’ve been forgiven

(Forgiven)

(No more chains)

Fear

My past (my past)

Is over (is over)

Say right now (right now is the moment) today

(Today is the day) I’ve been changed (I’ve been changed)

Come on, somebody declare that, I’ve been changed (I’ve been changed)

And I have waited (I have waited for this moment to come) this moment right here, I’ve waited all my life

(And I won’t let it pass me by) so we say

Without God’s armor believers will be defeated by the “schemes” of the devil which have been effective for thousands of years.

The struggle is not physical (against flesh and blood); it is a spiritual conflict against the spiritual “Mafia.”

Though the ranks of satanic forces cannot be fully categorized, the first two (rulers and authorities) have already been mentioned in 1:21 and 3:10.

Paul added the powers of this dark world (cf. 2:2; 4:18; 5:8) and the spiritual forces of evil.

Their sphere of activity is in the heavenly realms,  

Satan, who was in the heavens (2:2) until he will be cast out in the middle of the Tribulation (Rev. 12:9–10), is trying to rob believers of the spiritual blessings God has given them (Eph. 1:3).

Too, the word stand in verse 13 “to withstand or stand against”.

James 4:7 (NLT): So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you

1 Peter 5:9 (NLT): Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

Satan thought he had defeated Jesus on the cross at Calvary.

Jesus suffered on the cross.

Jesus submitted to death and the grave on Friday afternoon.

Three days Satan claimed the victory, but Sunday morning came, and Jesus got up.

I need somebody hear me, today. “You got the victory so just stand”.

Your depression will not win.

Your sickness will not win.

Your fear will not win.

That loneliness will not win.

Jesus like Jesus you will suffer but Sunday morning is coming, and you will rise against.

On Sunday morning Jesus rose from the dead.

O death where is your sting?

O grave where is your victory?

Jesus got the victory.

Coffee with the Preacher

Theme: “We are Stronger Together”

William Thompson

1 Corinthians 12:18

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

Value of the Vision

  1. Reach People for the Lord
  2. Teach People about the Lord
  3. Gather People in the name of the Lord
  4. Inspire People in the Lord

Encourage (Urging one another to stay faithful), (Exalt (Overflowing declaration of Christ), Equip (Making disciple with the power of the Spirit) and Evangelize (Fishing for men)

  1. Encourage –Hebrews 3:13
  2. Exalt – Psalm 34:3
  3. Equip – Ephesians 4:11-12
  4. Evangelize – Acts 1:8

The early church was devoted to the Four E’s. 

 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship (EQUIP), to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

And awe came upon every soul (EXALT), and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need (ENCOURAGE).

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.

And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (EVANGELIZE)” Acts 2:42-47