Contend for the Supernatural #2

“Building an Atmosphere for Miracles”

1. Introduction:

Jude 1:3 - - “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints”

· “Earnestly contend” = 1864 = epagonizomai = to struggle, contend or fight an adversary for a prize.

· Faith = Doctrine and Power that was entrusted to the early church.

· Delivered = 3860 = to entrust something precious, to commit e.g. like baton in relay.

· There is resistance and opposition to the church moving in the Supernatural Power of God.

1 Corinthians 4:20 “The Kingdom of God is not in word but in Power.”

· The ministry of Paul was not just knowledge but in demonstration of the Power of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:4)

· Bible knowledge puffs people up with pride – we must have the power of the Holy Spirit transforming us.

· God does not change - God of Yesterday did great miracles.

- Jesus is the same Today (Hebrew 13:8)

- Jesus still does Miracles.

· Miracles are part of God’s plan and provision for your life to make impact.

· Don’t draw back from disappointment, discouragement – stir self – contend!

Genesis 21:14 – 19 Hagar sat alone in the desert, weeping with despair, son dying of thirst – “And God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water . . . .”

· Miracle of provision was just beyond her reach, hidden out of sight.

· Faith enables us to see beyond circumstances to hidden provision of God.

· We must open our eyes, ears, spirit man to hear and see what God has.

2. Miracles flourish in a strong Spiritual Atmosphere:

(a) Atmosphere:

· Definition: The mass of air around us, a prevailing influence.

· Natural atmosphere e.g. humid = invisible environment that effects us - air and water.

· Atmosphere can be polluted and have a harmful affect on us.

· All living things need an environment that favours then flourishing.

· Atmosphere can be built:

e.g. Romantic – subdued lights, candles, water.

- music, meal.

(b) Spiritual Atmosphere:

· Definition: The surrounding spiritual influences that prevail to affect and influence people.

· Spiritual atmospheres are filled with spiritual substance: Demonic or Holy Spirit.

· The Spiritual atmosphere can be “heavy”, “oppressive”, “and resistant to miracles”.

· The prevailing spiritual atmosphere over a city affects thinking of all who dwell in it.

· Spiritual atmosphere can be resistant to miracles.

Mark 6:5 “He could do no mighty work ....” - Unbelief

Mark 6:44 “And those who ate of the loaves – 5000 men

Mark 6:56 “And as many as touched him were made whole!”

· Matthew 11:12 “The Kingdom of heaven suffers violence – violent - take it by force.

· Violence = 971 = to exert effort, be forcible, overcome spiritual resistance.

· There is strong opposition to Kingdom of God manifesting miracles resistance.

· People can arise and alter the spiritual atmosphere so miracles can be released.

3. Building an Atmosphere for Miracles:

(i) Strong Desire:

1 Corinthians 12:3 “Covet earnestly the best gifts”

· Covet earnestly = 2206 = to burn with passion or longing for something valuable.

· E.g. “Gold Fever”

· Must pursue God with passion – must long to see His power released.

· Hunger for God and hunger for His power to manifest.

· Position yourself so you can receive from the Men of God by impartation.

· Mark 11:23 “Whatsoever things you desire when you pray – believe.

(ii) Fervent Prayer and Fasting:

James 5:16 “…the fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man avails much”

· Fervent = passionate, zealous, on fire, intense.

· Releases much power into the earth when praying fervently in harmony of the Word.

· Focus on Prayer: Intimacy and the Kingdom of God will be coming forth.

· Prayer and Fasting released miracle power in Jesus’ life. Luke 4:14

· Prayer and Fasting released the power to break bondages. Matthew 17:21

(iii) Faith – Believing heart:

Mark 9:23 “If you can believe – all things are possible to him that believes”.

John 14:12 “He that believes in Me – the works I do shall he do also”.

Mark 16:17 “These signs follow them that believes”.

· It is easy to become discouraged, disappointed and gripped with unbelief.

· The Western Church is full of unbelief and cynicism.

(iv) Confessing the Word of God:

Mark11:23 “Whosoever shall speak to this mountain be removed”.

· Whatever is in your heart will overflow out of your mouth. (Matthew 12:34)

· It takes time and effort to fill your heart with the will of God – Meditation!

· You must learn to agree on the Word of God and speak it forth.

· Hebrew 10:38 “Hold fast the confession of our faith without wearing”.

(v) Practicing the Presence of God:

(vi) Expecting:

(vii) Unity:

(v, vi, vii - to continue on next teaching)