Let me start with some fun.....Father O'Malley answers the phone. The voice on the other end says "Hello, is this PastorO'Malley?" ..."It is" ...."This is the IRS. Can you help us?" ... "I will try" "Do you know a Ted Houlihan?" ...."Yes, I do" ...."Is he a member of your congregation?" ..."Yes, He is"...."Did he donate $10,000 to the church?" ....There is a pause, and pastor O’Malley says..."I believe He will now".
The message today asks the question....Who has sent you....Are you just doing your own thing, or are you sent....When Craig shows up at a fire scene, they can see his uniform and badge, and know he’s not just taking a stroll and happened on the scene....They know He’s sent by the fire department, this is official business, not monkey business. EXODUS 3:14 “And God said unto Moses, “I Am That I Am.” And He said, “This is what you shall say unto the children of Israel, ‘I Am has sent me to you”.......When Moses outdid the Pharaoh’s magicians, released the plagues, parted the Red Sea, and drowned the Pharaoh’s army, I would say, it was a pretty good clue, He was sent. WHAT A CALLING CARD! Remember, When Moses was first sent by God, at the burning bush, it was “check in your attitude time. Lay down your ego and don’t pick it back up... God told him to take off his shoes, because it was Holy /7854Ground. Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer”, God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Moses also bowed himself to the ground so that he would not look upon God’s manifested presence. He understood the privilege of standing in the presence of the Great “I am”. He knew that it was a special privilege and honor to hear the voice of God and to be sent by Him.... Holy Ground is a place of consecration, it is a place of surrender, it is where we step out from behind the wheel and let Jesus do the driving.... We stop giving excuses and asking questions and accept His answers and His direction... The song says “this is holy ground, we’re standing on Holy Ground, for the Lord is here and where He is, is Holy (repeat)
I’m afraid that we have lost so much of that today in the church world, and as a result, we have lost the power, and the passion that goes with this revelation of His glory. Sent ones have taken their shoes off....
It reminds me of a little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, who was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for church. As she ran she prayed, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord, please don't let me be late!" About then, she tripped on a rock and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again. As she ran. she once again began to pray, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late... But please stop pushing!" Sometimes God has to give us a gentle nudge, to get us there....
Little by little, nudge, by nudge, Moses went from “Let Aaron speak for me, because I am a man of stammering lips”, to standing before all of Pharaoh’s magicians and army, in the power of that manifested glory. By some nudging from God....He began to understand that it was not about him anymore, it was about the one who sent him....
Moses began to see that The Great I Am, will do what He needs to do, when He can just find an instrument that will let Him be the All sufficient, All knowing, All seeing, All Powerful God.... Someone who will understand that when God is fighting for you, none can stand against you....
He’s the way maker, the Red Sea divider, the food multipling, disease cleansing, Demon overcoming, mountain moving, life giving, All sufficient, Creator and healer, the I am that I am......and He’s nudging you now...
If you know the answer to the question “Who Has Sent You?” Then you aren’t surprised when He does the impossible, performs the unbelievable, releases the miraculous, and brings forth the un-imaginable....
That’s why one of the most important things in the resume of John the Baptist is found in John 1:6 “There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John”. What a statement.....You can have degrees, and certification by this or that organization, and titles on top of titles.... but do you have this item in your resume folder......”He/She was sent from God”....That statement levels the playing field of life....
It's important because if you are sent by God, you don’t have to wonder what you should be doing, because it’s clear in your God contract you have been given, by the one you owe your existence to... Mark 16:17-20 “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 If they take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19 So then after the Lord had sent them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following”. Do You believe the one who has sent you? The New Testament name for the church that you have become part of is “The ecclesia” or sent ones.... When Winnie and I got married, we understood that we didn’t just go to a church, we were sent there. My job moved us around, and when we went to a new area, the first thing we did, was find out where we were being sent to. After seeking the Holy Spirit’s confirmation, we would find a church that needed workers, and volunteer, to teach, lead worship, play music, work with children, youth, men, women, boys and girls clubs, wherever there was a need, because we were sent there. The Lord, our master had already made that decision, it was ours to accept.... “God can’t steer a parked car.” We have to start our engines and give God access to us. He will pass over the best and the brightest for the available and obedient.
From the time that David was born, then Chris, then Karen, we made our decision that our children were to be part of a new sent generation.... We would love to have them with us now, so we could see our grand kids and great grand kids, but we want them to know the glory of God and the power of God, that comes by being sent by Him.... Right down to our little Parker who is entering the 2nd grade and goes around her neighborhood witnessing for the Lord, and our great grand babies who love to worship and dance before the Lord in His house....That’s all they have ever known. That, to us is far better than being able to see them every week.... because we prayed “Lord send them” and now we are going to rule and reign together with Christ forever and forever..... What could be better than that!!! What a great deal God has given us....
In Acts 10:17-20, While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision he had received while praying on the roof top, (that he was to eat the unclean animals God revealed to him and he was repulsed at the thought) the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. 19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said tohim, "Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." God told Peter to go to people he used to avoid – the Gentiles! If you’re willing to be sent, you will see things differently than you used to... You will be willing to do things you never thought you could ever do, you will go where you never ever thought you would go. Peter, go into your world. Take who you are, your background and experiences, your strengths and weaknesses, your lifepreparation, and the good and the bad and I’ll use it to impact your world!
God said, Go with My message to a place where others will talk bad about you and accuse you, because you make them feel guilty for not being willing to be sent themselves! God said Go, because He doesn’t show favoritism to anyone.... Acts 11:2 – And they accused Peter..." v2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, the apostles and brethren that were of the circumcision contended with him, v3 saying, you went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them." The ones who were supposed to have his back, were now criticizing him... Acts 10:34 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You may have to minister to folks you wouldn’t have anything to do with before! Folks who will never thank you, praise you, or even appreciate you.... as a result they all were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.. So, you know that Jesus turns to the Father and says... “Hey Dad, that’s my kid, see what he’s doing, aren’t you proud of him. Dad I love to see them growing and developing, bless them and let them know we’re with them and let others know that we have sent them.”
Sent people begin to receive gifts of discernment, knowledge, wisdom, healings, and miracles because they’re letting God call the shots and they are willing to just be the instrument He chooses.. Hallelujah...... Moses had only a staff. David had only a slingshot. A little boy had a simple lunch of 5 barley cakesand 2 fish, that somehow fed 5,000 people. The question isn’t whether what we have is good enough for God—it’s whether we will offer what we have for his service. And watch Him do the rest... Don’t be like the following little guy who just didn’t get it.. Little Tommy's new baby brother was screaming up a storm and didn’t sound like he would stop soon.Johnny asked his mom, “Where did you get him from, mom?”“He was sent to us from heaven, Johnny.” Johnny responded: “Wow! I can see why they threw him out!”. Have you been trying to avoid some folks that God sent you to, that you wonder if heaven kicked them out?. You might as well give up and surrender! 1 Corinthians 1:6-29 “For yousee your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God haschosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence.”
Paul is saying that we need to understand that it isn’t about us, because we could never do it in ourselves, it is about the presence of the one who said, “If you are willing to go for me, I will be with you, in you, and upon you....the Sent ones of God.... I want us to look at these 4 scriptures.... Of the benefits which come with being a Sent one....
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Ephesians 2:6 He has raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus...
2 Corinthians 5:20 “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, (sent ones) and God is making His appeal through us”. Wow, and another Wow, And the Holy Spirit is signing folks up even as I speak!!!
I know Saul’s story is a lot different from Peter’s, but they both have this in common: they’re both a good example of how Good, God is, in the sending business. The sons of Sceva found out how important it is to be a sent one. You can believe, Satan wants to know who sent you.... Acts 19:13 Then some Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped on them, overcame all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded”. Satan will be askingfor sure, “Who sent you”! God equips those He sends....So don’t rule yourself out, because You’ve been signed up...Moses was 80 when he liberated the Israelites from bondage. Sarah and Abraham were 90 and 100, respectively, when they became first-time parents in a covenant to create a great peoplewho would change the world. And of course, Noah was 500 years old when he started building the ark. The results of their actions show that God’s timing is perfect. Age is no impediment to being used powerfully by God. Moses was a stutterer...Samson was a woman chaser....Paul was a murderer....Jacob was a liar...The woman at the well, was a prostitute....The man of Gadara was demon possessed....Gideon was hiding in fear when he was chosen.....if you’re imperfect and flawed, then you’re the right person....
Now, that brings us to our main point. (This sermon really only has one point – and this is it) God is Sending You John 17:18) As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. John 20:21) Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, even so, I am sending you." He sent angels to announce many things, but He sent Moses to speak to Pharaoh, Jonah to speak to the Ninevites, Nathan to speak to David, Jeremiah to speak to Judah, and Elijah to speak to Ahab. God is in the sending business. It shouldn’t surprise you that accepting His forgiveness and receiving Him as Lord of your life, also means being sent in His behalf, and for His glory. Instead of just going to work, what if you’re sent, instead of just going shopping, what if you’re sent.... Instead of just going to lunch, what if you’re sent... Instead of just being a mom or dad, or son or daughter, or grand dad or grand ma. What if you’re sent.... Oh, it changes everything! Now His business is my business, His purposes become embedded in my purposes, and there is another dimension added to everything I do! You have to go anyway,.... WHY NOT BE SENT? Colossians 3:1-3 If you have been raised up with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.3 For you are a new creation, and your life is embedded with Christ in God.
Jesus lived His life with a sense of Divine urgency. Look what He said.. John 9:4 I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day, for the night is coming, when no man can work. Jesus lived like there was no tomorrow, no second chance, and no do-overs... He knew our nature. When you lose your sense of urgency you stop witnessing. When you lose your sense of urgency you stop praying. When you lose your sense of urgency, just any old thing will do, and you begin a spiritual decline. Less study of God’s word, less concern about your family’s or your friend’s eternal destiny... other things become more important than being sent by the lord.... Someone wrote this prayer.. they prayed....”Precious God, forgive the mewho tries to override your call, by arguing for a compromise, an easier, less challenging way. Forgive the me who hesitates, puts you on hold for a while, because I miss the urgency within your voice, and the reason why, just now, that you have sent me”. John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat (purpose) is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work which He sent me to do.
Prayer......Lord Jesus, heal in me whatever You see that needs healing. Heal me of whatever might separate me from you. Heal my memory, heal my heart, heal my emotions, heal my spirit, heal my body and heal my soul. Lay Your hands upon me and heal me through and through. Lord, I am praying for what only You can do. I’m praying for a miracle. I know that you are my source from which it will come. I trust in You from the beginning to the end of it. Bless me with the faith to always believe, and to affirm that my miracle is on it’sway. Lord, my limitless and abundant supply is even now being made manifest. I believe and declare Your power and authority to conquer the darkest enemy, break the strongest barrier, and silence the greatest deceiver. Your name is Worthy, Glorious, Mighty in power and I claim victory today in Your name. I believe and receive that Your mightiest warriors are now fighting this battle with me. Father, guide and direct me by your Holy Spirit, as I choose to follow in your way.Give me the wisdom to seek You first, before each decision. Enlighten me and guide me through the wise counsel of Your Word. May I be enabled and Spirit led to minister to others in a way that brings You fullness of glory. In Jesus name, Amen
we are going to send you into this week, wherever you go, whatever you are doing, anywhere, anytime, for every reason....We declare that you are the Sent ones of the Father.Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.... We’re going to believe for “Miraculous Mondays, Tremendous Tuesdays, Wonderful Wednesdays, Terrific Thursdays, Fabulous Fridays, Spectacular Saturdays, and Supernatural Sundays!!! In Jesus’ name!!!
