Church In The City, Chicago Il

Is there a better Sunday than TESTIMONY Sunday? We think not. Jesus is glorified for all that He is doing among us, and we celebrate one another because...we're just better together!

Worshiping God takes many forms, but why do we sing?When the enemy comes against you, SING.Because when you sing, God brings VICTORY.When life is against you, SING.Because when you sing, God brings INCREASE.When circumstances are against you, SING.Because when you sing, God brings FREEDOM & SALVATION.

Through Jesus, God has accomplished a matchless salvation for us, and although we are exiles in this world we can stand firm in what has never changed: God's grace.

When we begin to agree with the devil’s lies we start to question the word of God. We must resist him. How? By standing strong in the Lord — spiritual warfare is not about strategies or techniques; it’s about relationship with Jesus.

By living counter-culturally, we get to “show and tell” others the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection (He is my Savior and therefore I am free) and His ascension (I trust Him as my Lord because He knows how to lead me).

Living as believers in Jesus in the midst of a hateful, unjust and broken world means that we must endure. But we endure on God's terms-- not ours-- because the endurance God calls us to bears eternal fruit.

As Christians — as God’s holy and royal priesthood — we have been given the greatest right of all: the right of access to His presence. But unless we exercise that right, it means nothing.

God has expressed the Gospel in mystery, grace, holiness and love. We respond by expressing the Gospel in our lives through belief, hope, holy living and sincere love for one another.

Who's voice are we listening to? Everyone and everything around us? Or are we listening to God's voice?

Times of hardship, trial and sorrow don’t have to harden us. They can actually make us softer, wiser, more compassionate. In their midst, we can actually find a joy that is both glorious and unspeakable when we remember who we are in Jesus and what He has done for us.

If we are clear on God's design of His Church, His gifts, His love and our response, then we have a choice: live according to the power freely given to us by the Holy Spirit, or accept a lifeless, partial substitute.

We must eagerly desire the gifts but we must never boast in them; we must never find our worth, our value or our identity in them – there is something, or someone, far greater for us to boast in.

How do the gifts of the spirit impact those around us, the lost and those we love within our spheres of influence? The Holy Spirit highlights the love of God in us and causes the world to see His love, His grace and His power unto salvation.

We need to eagerly desire and fan into flame the gift of tongues because, as a way to pray and praise, it deepens our relationship with God – the very thing prayer and praise are meant to do.

The prophetic is such a beautiful way to know Jesus and to make Him known. It draws us into a closer and more intimate relationship with God, as it reveals the incredibly passionate and compassionate heart of God. The great news is it's freely available to us!

As we move in the Spirit we move in God’s character and nature, which is love. Because God is love we can live in the Spirit from that truth...including moving in the gifts from Father, Son or Holy Spirit.

The fitting response to how God has designed the Body of Christ ("One"), His good gifts (from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and His partnership with us is FAITH. As a church matures, faith will be her response, more and more- the humble expectation that God will do what He's more than able to do, according to His commands, desires and purposes.

Manifestation gifts are from the Holy Spirit; they are the power of God made available to us all to reveal God’s nature and will.Minimizing the "flesh" maximizes the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the life of God through the gifts of the Spirit.

Maturity is knowing Jesus and trusting Him completely. Jesus is desperate for us to grow up – perhaps more than anything – because He’s coming back for a mature bride. So to help us, Jesus has given us gifts (servant-leaders) who with skillful hands and integrity of heart help us prepare for His return.1. A mature church – made up of mature believers – is one that operates effectively in each of the 5 areas of gifting.2. When we invite Eph-4 gifts it’s for our collective and your pesonal good so prioritize the time.3. When we receive these gifts with honor we receive the benefit of the grace of God on their lives.4. Honor the gifts but ultimately desire to become more like Jesus.

When I function faithfully in the grace God has given me to serve others, not only do I release God’s grace to those I serve, but I’m refreshed and recharged as well.1. Everyone is uniquely gifted.2. Ultimate purpose of the grace gifts is to serve others to the glory of Jesus.3. The context for grace gifts (all gifts) is ALWAYS the body of Christ.4. Don’t judge or compare with others who are not graced as you are.5. Remarkably God doesn’t remove these grace gifts from our lives.6. Practice the impartation.