Sunday, January 7th, 2007 - (11:30 AM, Morning Glory Service)

“VICTORY!” (Part 1)

(1 John 5:4-5 , 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 )

Pastor George Dix Jr. began his first sermon of 2007 encouraging us to have a closer relationship with God and to be aware of the work He's doing in our lives. Over the last 6 years, God has been working... preparing to take us to a new place in Him. To that ever expanding realm of glory, power and provision. This is the beginning of the 7th year of the new millenium and God is about to rest.

In 2006 Pastor George asked us "Did we get it?". Did we understand what God was trying to tell us through his Word? We don't want to be on the sidelines when God unveils his Glory. Are you in position to receive what God has in store for you or are you just going along for the ride?

If we mean business with God, we shouldn't quote the Bible frivolously. We say "...we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us...", yet we still allow ourselves to get beaten up by the Devil. As a Christian, we need to stand firmly on God's Word and on the solid rock that is Jesus Christ. Our walk should match our talk. We need to corporately and individually, walk in a spirit of anticipation. God wants to loose the bonds... and give us Victory!

Quote of the sermon:

"Declare this to be the year of VICTORY!" - Pastor George Dix

Scripture References:

 

Sunday, January 7th, 2007

• Isaiah 54:15-17 - Prayer & Scripture (Minister Cheryl Green)
• 1 John 5:4-5 - "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
• 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 - "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ..."
• Psalm 98:1 - "O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."

Sunday, January 14th, 2007 - (11:30 AM, Morning Glory Service)

“VICTORY!” (Part 2 - "Seedtime & Harvest")

(1 John 5:4-5 , 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 )

Pastor George Dix Jr. began this weeks message by reminding us that we are in the right place at the right time. It's never about us. It's about what God is doing. We cannot achieve the victory without following God's plan. The great commission is what we are tasked to do.

"You are worthy, our Lord and God,  to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." - (Revelation 4:11)

The most potent and powerful seed there is is the Word of God. Where there is no seed, there is no harvest. For as long as the Earth remains, seed time and harvest time will remain. It takes a receptive heart to receive God's Word.

We say we want to have a "now I know" moment with God, but how many of us in the past year have come to church and have never taken a notepad and pen and written anything that God has spoken to us? We need to treat God as if we know He's real. God wants us to experience victory. A victory that will change our lives forever. We need to receive and understand God's Word now, otherwise we won't be ready.

Remember, the higher you fly, the thinner the air becomes. We need to be spiritually strong to withstand the battles that lay ahead.

Life is a journey of 2 phases, 2 battles and 2 choices.

• mortality and immortality
• present & eternal victory and present & eternal defeat
• your battle and God's battle

Our battles are not worth fighting, but the real battle (God's) continues. God never promised to fight the battles we've created. Don't be ashamed to praise and honor God with your life. We can't be victorious if we fight our own battles. If we're doing what God wants us to, we should trust Him and we'll be victorious.

Quote of the sermon:

"Some of us have been dibbling-dabbling around the edges too long. To experience God, you have to move to where God wants you to go! " - Pastor George Dix

Scripture References:

 

Sunday, January 14th, 2007

• Jeremiah 33:3 - Prayer & Scripture (Pastor Ralph McKnight)
• 1 John 5:4-5 - "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
• 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 - "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ..."
• 2 Chronicles 20 - Jehosephat and the battle with the Moabites and Ammonites.
• 2 Chronicles 28 - The Reign of King Ahaz
• Joshua 1:15 - "...ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it..."
• Hebrews 13:5 - "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Sunday, January 28th, 2007 - (11:30 AM, Morning Glory Service)

“VICTORY!” (Part 4 - "Seedtime & Harvest")

(Genesis 8:22, Revelation 1:8, 11a )

Pastor George Dix Jr. began part 4 of his message "Victory" by encouraging us to want to know God, and know Him in Victory. God's Word is true, for Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6), and we have Victory through Jesus. People may appear victorious in the physical realm, but if Jesus is not present in their lives, there is no true, complete and everlasting Victory.

Pastor George defined Victory as: "The result of walking by faith in the purpose and promises of God."

By standing on God's Word, by faith... "If God said it... I believe it... and that settles it!"

God deals in the spirit realm. Satan also deals in the spirit realm, but he attacks us in the physical realm to distract us so we'll take our attention away from God. Pastor George Dix Jr. reminded us "Don't look at what you see!" If we have Jesus, we have everything we need! The Devil may have us running, but what are we running from? If we have Jesus, we have nothing to fear. You're already delivered! Satan can't hold you down!

As the Apostles have said, "I come in the name of Jesus Christ". In the Old Testament, even David said, "I come in the name of the LIVING God!". The Devil doesn't want you to receive your breakthrough, he doesn't want to see you delivered.

Paul said, "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)

John said, "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4)

Believe it and speak it! Defy circumstances when you see them! To walk in Victory, we first need to receive the seed of God's Word and the ground must be fertile. If God's Word is declared, have faith and walk in that!

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." - (Romans 10:17)

We are being empowered today by hearing God's Word!

Pastor George concluded this week's message by summarizing the seven criteria for walking in Victory.

Seven Criteria for Walking in Victory

1. Realize whose battle it is.
2. Praise God at the outset.
3. Don't be ignorant of Satan's devices.
4. Put on the whole Armor of God!
5. Prayer and Fasting
6. Follow God's instructions
7. Don't attempt to fight God's battle with stolen property

Realize whose battle it is - We need to know that it's God's fight and we need to know who we are in Christ Jesus. Wait on the Lord, for it is written, "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." (Isaiah 40:31)

Praise God at the outset - When we see the storm coming, we need to praise Him. Make a down payment on your Victory. God inhabits the praise of His people. We need to get the attitude of thanksgiving for what God has already done in our lives. ("Lord, if you don't do anything else for me, you've already done enough!")

Don't be ignorant of Satan's devices - The Devil wants us to go back to our old habits. He reminds us of where we were and tries to trick us into going back there, and he knows exactly how to tempt us. But the Devil is a liar! "I'm NOT going back!"

Put on the whole Armor of God - Satan sees that we're getting closer to what God has for us, so make sure you're protected for battle. (Ephesians 6:11-18)

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 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.

 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Prayer and Fasting - We should routinely pray and fast so that we can hear God and receive His instructions. Surprise God by praying and fasting more. Feed your spirit man, and seek God early.

"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me" (Proverbs 8:17)

Follow God's instructions - By faith, practice the Word! If it's time to take a turn, take a turn. Those who get serious with God receive supernatural blessings.

Don't attempt to fight God's battle with stolen property - God said "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." "I am number one! Worship no other gods but me!" No one is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent but God. Honor God for who He is in EVERY area of your life.

"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase." (Proverbs 3:9)

God honors those who honor Him. God blesses us with Time, Resources and Abilities. Be obedient! God is the one who opened the door!

Don't look at life through your natual eye. Satan will trick you. God doesn't need money. It all belongs to God anyway. Remember, we're all on a "fixed income". Give God his 10% off the top and He will take care of you.

In conclusion, Pastor George Dix reminded us that when we come to church, it's so that we can reconnect and refresh our relationship with God. When all is said and done, would you be able to say that you lived for yourself or for God? Would God feel as if he was Number One in your life? God wants a people who will treat Him as #1!

Lucifer was the most powerful angel in Heaven. He was head of the angelic choir, talented, beautiful and influential. But eventually, he thought too much of himself and decided to stop worshipping God and focused the attention back on himself. Lucifer was kicked out of Heaven for his rebellion. We must not let the "Luciferian" spirit rob us of our blessings. Have a "now I know" moment with God as Abraham did, and be blessed beyond belief and know that you have the Victory in Jesus Christ!

Quotes of the sermon:

"Last year I doubted you, but this is the year of VICTORY! "
"Victory is the result of walking... by faith... in the purpose and promises of God." - Pastor George Dix

Scripture References:

 

Sunday, January 28th, 2007

• Colossians 2:14-15 - Prayer & Scripture (Minister Cheryl Green)
• Genesis 8:22 - "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, ... shall not cease."
• Revelation 1:8, 11a - "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending..."
• John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
• 1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
• 1 John 5:4 - "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
• Romans 10:17 - "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
• Isaiah 40:31 - "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength..."
• Ephesians 6:11-18 - The Armor of God
• Proverbs 8:17 - "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me"
• Proverbs 3:9 - "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase."