(John 1:12, Ephesians 3:20, Romans 8:28 )

Guest Speaker: Associate Pastor Eugene Phillips

RAW has many meanings. It can mean "uncooked". Some people have an acquired taste for uncooked/unprocessed food. Raw can also mean "unchanged from its original form". And even still, Raw can mean "untrained and inexperienced".

R = Receive

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" - John 1:12

When we receive God, we have the power, right and exclusivity to become the sons of the Living God. "Become Me!" The old saying "tarrying for the Holy Spirit" is very true. Anything worth receiving is worth working for.

A = At work in you

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us..." - Ephesians 3:20

God gives us power, and through the power that works within us, he is able to amazing things. So when trial and tribulations come, be confident that God will give you the power to get through it. "Go through Samaria, don't divert to Capernia to avoid the conflict."

In Jesus' name, we have the power to turn Hell upside-down.

W = Working together for your good

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

Raw is the place where every believer starts, because God has an ending predestined for us. "Lord, I'm a mess. Please fix me!"

When people become saved they try to hide their imperfections, using different masks for different situations. When we can take the mask off and be "raw" (ie. be real with God), that's when healing comes. God knows our heart. After we come to the altar in our "raw" state, we can then be ready for "war".

We all experience trials and tribulations and this is the kiln where we're prepared for "war". We need to go through these things to be the spiritual warriors God wants us to be.

Quote of the sermon:

"We are no longer 2nd class citizens! We are sons of the living God! " - Associate Pastor Eugene Phillips

Scripture References:

Sunday, December 10th, 2006

• Luke 1:31-33, 37, 50 - Prayer & Scripture (Minister Cheryl Green)
• John 1:12 - "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God..."
• Ephesians 3:20 - "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us..."
• Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God..."