Brief Summary
The sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians actively engaging in spiritual warfare and bridging the gap between the earthly and divine realms. It highlights the decline of the church in America, the influence of the enemy in hindering God's blessings, and the need for believers to step into their roles as intercessors and worshippers. The ultimate goal is to reclaim lost ground, experience miracles, and impact communities for Christ.
- The church in America is in decline, with membership growth primarily occurring outside the United States.
- The enemy actively hinders God's blessings and seeks to fill the gap between humanity and God.
- Christians are called to be worshippers and intercessors, standing in the gap to experience miracles and impact their communities.
Opening Remarks and Scripture Reading
The speaker begins by reading from Psalms 136, emphasizing God's enduring mercy through generations and creation. He encourages the congregation to prepare their hearts to receive God's message, like the Virgin Mary's acceptance of the angel's words, trusting in God's plan without fully understanding it. A prayer is offered, asking God to minister to the needs of each person present, from the beginning to the end of the service.
Praise and Worship
A praise duet encourages praising God in all circumstances, through good times and bad, sickness and health. The lyrics emphasize dancing through darkness, singing through fire, and praising even when it doesn't make sense. The message is to trust God, welcome wonder, and worship with uplifted hands, giving Him praise in the highest. The songs "Faithful All My Life" and "Evidence" are performed, celebrating God's faithfulness, blessings, and the evidence of His goodness in every aspect of life.
Introduction of Wife and Summer of Service
The speaker introduces his wife, Debbie, and shares about their "summer of service," where they focused on local ministry. This included a boys' camp where seven young men gave their lives to Jesus, hosting senior living residents for a fishing event, and ministering in rehab centers. He emphasizes the importance of practical ministry and caring for people, sharing a touching story of a man from the senior living center whose last memory was catching a catfish at their pond.
The State of the Church and a Call to Action
The speaker expresses concern that the church in America is not fully realizing the benefits of Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary. He notes that while the Church of God is growing globally, its membership in the United States has stagnated. Research in his county reveals a decline in church attendance and a high percentage of unchurched individuals. He emphasizes that one person dies and potentially goes to hell every day in his county, urging the church to grow and take full advantage of the power and authority provided through Christ's sacrifice.
Ezekiel 22:30 and the Search for a Man
Referencing Ezekiel 22:30, the speaker emphasizes God's search for someone to "stand in the gap" and intercede for the land. He clarifies that this call is not limited by gender but extends to all of mankind. He shares a personal testimony about a woman named Sister Granny Goss who stood in the gap for him, praying for his healing and direction. He prays for God to use him to preach a message that will transform lives.
The Three Heavens: Understanding the Spiritual Realm
The speaker references 2 Corinthians, where Paul speaks of being caught up into the third heaven, a paradise with unspeakable wonders. He explains the concept of three heavens: the first heaven is the visible sky, the third heaven is the ultimate destination of believers, and the second heaven is a spiritual realm, a gap between God and man. Before sin, God communed directly with man, but sin created a separation. Jesus bridged this gap through his sacrifice, but now the Holy Spirit fills this gap, and the church must also fill it to prevent Satan from taking control.
Ephesians 6:10-12 and Spiritual Warfare
The speaker references Ephesians 6:10-12, emphasizing the need to put on the full armor of God to stand against the wiles of the devil. He clarifies that the battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. He asserts that the devil occupies the second heaven, attempting to block blessings from reaching earth and treasures from being laid up in heaven.
Jude 1:9 and the Archangel Michael
Using Jude 1:9, the speaker illustrates how the devil can hinder blessings by recounting the story of Michael the Archangel contending with the devil for the body of Moses. Michael, sent from the third heaven, was opposed by the devil in the second heaven, who sought to prevent Moses' body from being taken to the third heaven. This demonstrates how the devil tries to stop treasures from earth from reaching heaven, sending sin, temptation, and persecution.
Daniel 10:2-13 and Hindered Prayers
The speaker uses Daniel 10:2-13 to show how the devil can keep blessings from the third heaven from reaching the first heaven. Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days, but the angel sent with the answer was hindered by the prince of Persia for 21 days. Michael, one of the chief princes, had to come to help. This illustrates how the enemy can delay or block deliverance, healing, and other blessings.
The Enemy in the Gap and the Decline of Morality
The speaker expresses concern that the enemy has taken control of the gap in America, leading to moral decline, such as debates over gender identity, drug legalization, and the spread of misinformation. He laments the biblical illiteracy of the current generation and the watering down of the gospel. He worries about the future and the values that will be instilled in the next generation.
John 9:31 and the Importance of Worship
Referencing John 9:31, the speaker emphasizes that God does not hear sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, Him He hears. He explains that the devil tries to keep people from worshiping because he knows that worship opens the door for God to hear and answer prayers. He notes that there are often conflicts in churches over worship styles, hindering unity and effectiveness.
The Example of Sister Goss: A Life of Worship and Obedience
The speaker shares stories about Sister Goss, a godly woman who lived a life of worship and obedience. He recounts how she walked miles to church when no one could take her, how she removed ungodly influences from her life, and how she prayed for others, even those who had wronged her. He emphasizes that anyone can stand in the gap by being a worshipper and doing God's will.
Romans 16:20 and Ephesians 2:1-6: Taking Back the Gap
The speaker references Romans 16:20, stating that God will bruise Satan under our feet shortly. He clarifies that this is not an individual effort but a collective one, achieved through unity and obedience. He then reads Ephesians 2:1-6, explaining that while we were dead in trespasses and sins, God, through His mercy and love, has quickened us together with Christ and raised us up to sit together in heavenly places. This enables us to get to the second heaven and stand in the gap.
The Power of Agreement and Intercession
The speaker emphasizes the power of agreement, stating that if two agree on anything in the second heaven, God will hear from the third heaven and act in the first heaven. He defines intercession as getting to the second heaven, opening the windows of heaven, and bringing blessings to the first heaven. He urges the church to strive for a higher place of praise and to not be satisfied with mere routine attendance.
Personal Conviction and a Call to Return to the Gap
The speaker shares a personal conviction that he needs to return to the gap and do the things he used to do in his early ministry, such as fasting and praying. He recounts stories of miracles he witnessed, including the healing of a blind woman, and expresses concern that such miracles are not as frequent now. He challenges the congregation to examine their own lives and identify what is hindering them from getting to the second heaven.
The Importance of Influence and Community Impact
The speaker shares examples of how his church, when it reached 10% of the city's population, had significant influence in the community. He recounts how the governor, county administrator, sheriff, and school superintendent sought his input and partnership. He emphasizes that the reason he wants to grow is to have more influence to change his county and impact the nation.
Closing Plea and Invitation to Prayer
The speaker concludes with a plea for the congregation to seek God and ask Him what is hindering them from getting to the second heaven. He emphasizes that it is not about physical travel but about spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit. He invites everyone to find a place to pray, seeking God with a purpose, to get in the gap, and to see the power and deliverance that He wants to manifest in their lives and communities.
