Living in the Truth's Podcast

A podcast brought to you by Joe Granieri of Providence Life Center, Providence Rhode Island, ministering God's word.

The Extravagance of God: A Hundredfold Blessing 11/18/2025

Living as an Overcomer in Life 11/11/2025

Taking the Limits Off of God 10/22/2025

From Believer to Disciple 10/06/2025

Paul's Thorn in the Flesh 09/25/2025

Paul's Thorn in the Flesh SYNOPSIS Pastor Joe Granieri discusses the nature of Paul's Thorn in the Flesh, arguing against the common interpretation that it was a physical sickness. Instead, the Joe interprets the "thorn" as a messenger of Satan or a demonic spirit that brought persecution to Paul, a view supported by scripture such as 2 Corinthians 12. Joe then addresses the broader topic of whether born-again Christians can be oppressed by demonic spirits in their minds and bodies, concluding that they can be attacked, but not possessed in their spirit. Throughout the sermon, Joe emphasizes that the fullness of salvation includes forgiveness, healing, and deliverance, urging listeners to recognize their identity in Christ to overcome spiritual bondage and fear.Pastor Joe Granieri discusses the nature of Paul's Thorn in the Flesh, arguing against the common interpretation that it was a physical sickness. Instead, the Joe interprets the "thorn" as a messenger of Satan or a demonic spirit that brought persecution to Paul, a view supported by scripture such as 2 Corinthians 12. Joe then addresses the broader topic of whether born-again Christians can be oppressed by demonic spirits in their minds and bodies, concluding that they can be attacked, but not possessed in their spirit. Throughout the sermon, Joe emphasizes that the fullness of salvation includes forgiveness, healing, and deliverance, urging listeners to recognize their identity in Christ to overcome spiritual bondage and fear. ATONEMENT, SALVATION, HEALING, AND DELIVERANCE Joe interprets salvation, healing, and deliverance as intrinsically linked concepts that are all fully provided for in the atonement of Jesus Christ. Interpretation in Relation to the Atonement He emphasizes that healing, salvation, and forgiveness are all part of the atonement. This understanding is derived, in part, from 1 Peter 2:24, which states, "by whose stripes you were healed". The sources teach that once a person realizes this truth, they understand that they can be healed just as they were born again. Salvation (Sozo) The Greek word for salvation, sozo, is interpreted as encompassing more than just forgiveness; it includes healing and deliverance. The message of the kingdom of God is defined as forgiveness, healing, and deliverance. Key aspects of salvation highlighted by this ministry include: • Forgiveness and the Breaking of Sin’s Power: Through Jesus's death, he died to sin once and for all, breaking the power of sin. This death accounted for the penalty, the punishment, and the imputation of sin. God no longer imputes sin to believers, and he forgives their iniquities and remembers their sins no more. • No Condemnation: Being in Christ Jesus results in no present-tense condemnation. Condemnation is identified as a spirit that attacks the mind and heart, and the gift of no condemnation is a freedom Christ gives. • Freedom from the Fear of Death: Through his death, Jesus destroyed him who had the power of death (the devil) and released those who were subject to bondage through the fear of death. The ministry teaches that fear of death is bondage, which leaves a person who understands the fullness of their salvation. Healing Healing is considered an element of salvation. It is associated with the resurrection power of Christ, which resides in the spirit of the believer. Joe teaches that: • Spiritual Component: Healing sometimes has a spiritual or demonic component to it. A physical problem in a person may have a spiritual component attacking them. • Pathway to Healing: When a person is delivered from spiritual oppression, they are on the pathway to healing. Deliverance Deliverance is presented as a vital part of the gospel of the kingdom and was a major facet of Jesus’s ministry, often preceding healing. • Demonic Oppression: The ministry holds that born-again Christians can be oppressed by demonic spirits in their mind and body, although their spirit (where Jesus lives) is perfect and cannot be possessed. • Torment and Weakness: Demonic spirits manifest as "torment". Paul's "thorn in the flesh" is interpreted as a "messenger of Satan"—a demon spirit sent to torment him by stirring up persecution, riots, arrests, and beatings. This is viewed as a form of attack against which Paul was helpless, requiring total reliance on Jesus. • Deliverance from Oppression: Deliverance is necessary to overcome spiritual bondage caused by spirits of religion, fear, guilt, bitterness, condemnation, and infirmity. The crown of thorns Jesus wore during the atonement was specifically meant to deliver believers from all the oppression that would attack their minds. • Jesus’s Methodology: In Jesus’s ministry, approximately 50% of the miracles involved deliverance from demonic spirits. For example, the woman crippled for 18 years was first set free from her infirmity (a spirit of infirmity), and then Jesus laid hands on her, and she straightened up. Joe emphasizes that to receive freedom, one must know the truth, as "the truth shall set you free". If a person believes wrong things (such as believing God causes sickness or that demonic spirits cannot attack them), they may not be set free or healed. PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR Fear is described as a master spirit and one of the most dominant things in the world. The ministry teaches that fear involves torment, which is how it operates. Although Joe acknowledges, "Do I have perfect love? It's a quiz. No, I don't have perfect love", he clarifies that Jesus has perfect love. Therefore, the love of Christ that's in your spirit can free you from fear. Joe also connects fear to other concepts: • Bondage: Fear of death is explicitly identified as bondage. • Torment: Fear brings torment with it. • Faith's Opposition: Faith is described as the enemy of fear, noting that they cannot operate at the same time; a person is either in faith or in fear. Joe advises that if a believer is living in the fear of death, they are subject to bondage, and they can pray that the love of Christ will release it out of their spirit so they can overcome it. /episode/index/show/livinginthetruth/id/38359370

4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice 09/09/2025

Are You a Prisoner of Hope? 08/26/2025

Are You a Prisoner of Hope? Briefing Document: The Power of Hope This document summarizes key themes and ideas from Joe Granieri's sermon, "Are You a Prisoner of Hope?", focusing on the multifaceted nature of biblical hope and its transformative power in a believer's life. Main Themes: Defining Biblical Hope: Hope is presented not as a wishful desire but as a "confident expectation of good" rooted in the absolute goodness of God. It's a forward-looking mindset that transcends past hurts and negative emotions. The Goodness of God as the Foundation of Hope: A foundational belief in God's unwavering goodness, even in the face of suffering (e.g., cancer, disease), is essential for hope. The sermon asserts that after Jesus' sacrifice, God is "never angry with Christians" and desires salvation for all. Hope, Faith, and Love: An Interconnected Trinity: These three concepts are presented as inseparable and mutually reinforcing. Hope is positioned as central, with faith expressing itself through love. Hope as an Anchor for the Soul: Biblical hope provides stability and steadfastness, particularly during life's storms and emotional turmoil, connecting believers directly to the presence of God. Hope's Practical Manifestations and Benefits: Hope actively impacts a believer's daily life, leading to joy, peace, amplified imagination, perseverance, and ultimately, victory over depression and adverse circumstances. Discipleship and Outward Focus: A disciple is defined by an outward focus, caring for others rather than being self-absorbed. This selfless love is a byproduct and expression of hope. The Role of Imagination and Experience: Hope is connected to the imagination, allowing believers to "see the invisible" and envision their God-given future. Christianity is described as an "experiential thing" where hope is cultivated through divine encounters. God's Restoration and Inheritance: Hope is sustained by the belief that God is a God of restoration, capable of returning what has been lost, even "twice as much" as seen in the story of Job. Believers have an "inheritance from God" encompassing healing, peace, joy, and every spiritual blessing. Overcoming Depression through Hope and Praise: Hope, coupled with praise, is presented as a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety, enabling believers to maintain a positive outlook even when circumstances are dire. The Example of Abraham: Abraham serves as a prime example of someone who, "contrary to hope" (natural hope), believed in God's supernatural power, demonstrating unwavering faith despite challenging circumstances and personal weaknesses. Most Important Ideas and Facts: Definition of Hope: "Hope looks to the future. It does not let your past affect you. Hope doesn't allow negative emotions or past hurts to defeat it. If you have hope, then you have a positive expectation of good." The Absolute Goodness of God: "If you do not believe in the absolute goodness of God all the time, then you cannot have hope." This includes believing God does not cause negative events like cancer or earthquakes. Post-Calvary Perspective of God's Wrath: "The net result of that is God is never angry with Christians. He's never angry with us." Jesus took all the wrath and judgment. Hope's Connection to Imagination: "Hope is the New Testament word for imagination." It allows us to "see the invisible" and envision our future. Hope as an Anchor: "The hope we have is an anchor to your soul. That's your emotions... sure and steadfast which enters the presence behind the veil." This anchor connects our emotional state to the "fullness of joy" in God's presence. God's Will for Salvation: "God's will is that every person would be born again and go to heaven. Hell was not made for man." Discipleship vs. Believer: Moving from being a "believer to being a disciple" involves becoming "not self-focused and not self-absorbed or self-entitled," but caring about others. Faith without Love is Worthless: "Paul said, 'Faith without love is worthless. It doesn't have any any positive effect in your life.'" God's Word Creates Hope: "God's word creates hope in our heart... so that through the patience and comfort of the scriptures we might have hope." Hope Defeats Depression: David's example in Psalms 42 and 43 demonstrates how to overcome being "cast down" by "Hope in God" and "yet praise him." Living Effortlessly: Drawing an analogy to eagles and lilies of the field, the sermon suggests God wants believers to "live effortlessly" by receiving from Him and flowing in the Spirit. Abraham's Faith and Hope: Abraham "contrary to hope" (natural circumstances) "in hope in the supernatural power of God, he believed." God looked at Abraham through "faith righteousness," overlooking his faults. Our Inheritance in Christ: Believers have a "living hope" through Jesus' resurrection, leading to an "inheritance... incorruptible, undefiled, that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you." This inheritance includes "soundness of mind, healing for your body, peace, joy, everything that he died for, it's even blessing and prosperity." Prosperity of the Soul: "As your soul prospers, how does it prosper? You grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. You learn about your imagination. You learn about your identity. You learn about the finished work of Christ. You learn about the absolute goodness of God." In essence, Granieri's message emphasizes that biblical hope is an active, confident, and transformative force rooted in God's character, experienced through faith and love, and manifested in a life of purpose, joy, and peace, regardless of earthly circumstances. It is a choice to believe in God's unfailing goodness and His ability to fulfill His promises, both in this life and the next. /episode/index/show/livinginthetruth/id/37956070

Unveiling Your Identity: Life in Christ 08/03/2025

The Prefect Love of Abba Father 07/17/2025

The Prefect Love of Abba Father I. Core Concepts of God's Nature God as "Abba Father": Meaning of "Abba": A Hebrew word meaning "daddy," signifying an intimate and close relationship. Biblical Basis: Romans 8:14-16 and Galatians. Implications for Relationship: God does not withhold good things or do evil against His children. It implies full adoption rights, including the same inheritance as Jesus (co-heirs with Christ). Contrast with Human Perspective: The concept challenges traditional views of God as distant or formal. God is Love (Agape): Definition of Agape Love: Unconditional, independent of human actions, unmerited, and undeserved. Biblical Basis: 1 John 4:16 ("God is love"), John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world..."). Intensity of God's Love: Emphasized by the word "so" in John 3:16, leading to the ultimate sacrifice of His only begotten Son. "World" in John 3:16: Refers to the people of the world, not just the planet. Eternal Life (Zoe): Defined in John 17 as knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. It is a person, not just a concept or a place. God's Love in the Old Testament vs. New Testament: Old Testament Context: Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5): "O Israel, the Lord our God is one." The word "one" (echad) is a "uni-plural" word, implying a unified plurality (like "group" or "herd"), which the Jewish people often misunderstood as a strict singular, creating an obstacle to seeing Jesus as Son of God. Greatest Commandment: Love the Lord with all heart, soul, and strength. No one could perfectly keep this, highlighting the need for a Savior. Purpose of the Law: To make people conscious of sin and point them to a Savior (Romans 3:20, Law as a schoolmaster). Perception of God: Portrayed with anger and wrath (e.g., Flood, Sodom & Gomorrah, deaths under the Law). New Testament Context: New Commandment (John 13): Love one another as Jesus loved us (demonstrated through servant leadership like foot-washing). This supersedes the Old Testament law. Love as an Action Word: Not merely a feeling, but something demonstrated and done (e.g., Timothy caring for others in Philippians 2:20-21). Impact of Love: Fulfills the law (Romans 13:8), covers/obliterates a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), and drives out fear (1 John 4:18). The Finished Work of Christ: Jesus absorbed all God's wrath and judgment on the cross (John 12, Isaiah 53-54). God promises never to be angry with His people again (Isaiah 54). God's Provision: Everything needed for life and godliness is already provided (2 Peter 1). Faith receives what God has already provided, it doesn't move God. God's Nature in the New Covenant: God does not cause sickness, disease, or natural disasters; these are not "acts of God" in the sense of divine judgment against His children. He is for us, not against us (Romans 8). II. The Power and Practicality of God's Love Love Fulfills the Law and Covers Sin: Romans 13:8: Love fulfills the law, meaning there is no law against one who lives in love. 1 Peter 4:8: Love covers/obliterates a multitude of sins – God "remembers your sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12). God's Perception of Believers: Sees them as perfect, complete, lacking nothing through Christ. Love Drives Out Fear: 1 John 4:18: "Perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment." Receiving God's Perfect Love: As we receive His love, fear and anxiety are dispelled. Overcoming Fear: Through active participation (singing songs of deliverance, asking in faith). Perspective on Demons: They are powerless "maggots" that can deceive but not defeat. Our Identity and Acceptance in Christ: Accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6): The Greek word "charito" (highly favored/blessed) is applied to believers, just as it was to Mary. We are "the Beloved." Ephesians' Emphasis: Shows our identity, how we are blessed, forgiven, redeemed, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and seated with Christ in heavenly places. Knowing God's Love: It surpasses knowledge; it's an experience in the heart, not just a mental concept. Love Compels Our Actions: 2 Corinthians 5: The love of Christ compels us; our lives are no longer our own. Motives for Action: Not for personal gain, financial benefit, or praise of men, but out of care for others (like Timothy). Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15): A profound picture of the Father's unconditional love, compassion, eagerness to forgive, and restoration. The father ran, embraced (epipto – a bear hug), kissed (continuously), restored (ring, robe, sandals), and celebrated. He would not let the son even finish his repentant speech. Love is Preeminent: 1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us." God initiated the relationship. God's Foreknowledge and Orchestration: God knows who will choose Him and orchestrates their lives from the womb (Psalm 139). Goal: Discipleship: God's goal is to make disciples who can operate in His love and bless others (like the good ground in the parable of the sower). Remembering God's Interventions: Keep a "book of remembrance" of how God has supernaturally intersected your life. The Greatest of These is Love: While faith and hope are important, love is eternal and central to God's defining characteristic. How Love is Expressed (Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23): Joy in the Lord, Peace, Longsuffering (Patience), Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. Gentleness: A gentle answer turns away wrath. Self-Control: Speaking life, controlling appetites. Love Surpasses Understanding: Ephesians 3: God's love has immeasurable width, length, depth, and height, surpassing all knowledge. It is infinite in all directions, as is His forgiveness. Being Filled with the Fullness of God: Living out of our spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit within us to flow out in supernatural ways (healing, deliverance). Our Perfection in Christ: Our spirit is perfected the moment we are born again; sin cannot penetrate it (Hebrews 10:14, 1 John 3:9). This perfection is our witness to the world. God as Our Daddy: 1 John 3:1: "Behold what manner of love the Father (Abba) has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God." Receiving His Love: It is a gift to be received. II. Quiz What is the significance of the word "Abba" in understanding our relationship with God, and where in Scripture is it primarily found? Explain the concept of "agape" love as described in the source material. How does it differ from a conditional or earned love? How does the speaker differentiate the meaning of the word "world" in John 3:16, and what does he say eternal life (Zoe) truly means according to John 17? According to the source, what was the primary obstacle for Jewish people in the Old Testament to recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, related to their understanding of the Shema? What was the ultimate purpose of the Old Testament Law, and how did it demonstrate humanity's need for a Savior? Describe how Jesus's "new commandment" in John 13 supersedes the Old Testament law, and what specific action did Jesus perform to demonstrate this new commandment? How does the "finished work of Christ" change the perception of God's wrath and anger, particularly in relation to natural disasters? Explain the concept of "faith" as receiving what God has already provided. How does this differ from the idea of "moving God" through prayer or other actions? According to the source, how does God perceive believers after they accept Christ, and what happens to their past sins? Describe at least three actions of the father in the parable of the Prodigal Son that illustrate God's unconditional love and forgiveness. III. Quiz Answer Key "Abba" is a Hebrew word meaning "daddy," signifying an intimate and close relationship with God. It is primarily found in Romans 8:14-16 and Galatians, emphasizing that we have received a spirit of adoption, allowing us to cry out "Abba, Father." "Agape" love is described as unconditional, independent of human actions, unmerited, and undeserved favor of God. It means that we don't have to do anything to receive it; it is freely given once we become His child. The speaker states that the word "world" in John 3:16 refers to the people of the world, not just the planet. Eternal life (Zoe) is defined in John 17 as a person: knowing God the Father and Jesus whom He sent. The primary obstacle was their misunderstanding of the Hebrew word "echad" (one) in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4). While a singular word, it has a plural meaning (like "group" or "herd"), but they interpreted it as strictly singular, preventing them from seeing Jesus as the Son of God. The Old Testament Law's purpose was to make people conscious of their sin (Romans 3:20) and to point them to a Savior. Its impossible standards, such as being perfect as God is perfect, demonstrated that no one could keep it, highlighting the universal need for a redeemer. Jesus's "new commandment" in John 13, "love one another as I have loved you," supersedes the Old Testament law, including the Ten Commandments. He demonstrated this by washing His disciples' feet, showing what it meant to be a servant and to love others through action. The "finished work of Christ" means that Jesus absorbed all God's wrath, anger, and judgment on the cross once and for all time. Therefore, God is no longer angry with His people and does not cause sickness, disease, or natural disasters as a form of judgment. Faith, in this context, is described as simply receiving what God has already provided for us through the finished work of Christ. It differs from "moving God" because God has already moved and provided everything; faith is our act of reaching out and taking hold of what is already available. God perceives believers as perfect, complete, and lacking nothing, through Christ. Their past sins are not remembered by God; they are "covered by the blood of Christ" and "obliterated," as if God has no recollection of them. Three actions of the father in the Prodigal Son parable illustrating God's love are: (1) He saw his son "still a great way off" and had compassion, running to meet him; (2) He "fell on his neck" (gave him a bear hug) and began continuously kissing him, not allowing him to complete his repentant speech; and (3) He immediately restored his son with a ring, cloak, and sandals, and celebrated his return, refusing to treat him as a servant. IV. Essay Format Questions Discuss the speaker's emphasis on God's love being "multifaceted" and "like a mosaic." How does this perspective challenge a "one-dimensional" understanding of God, and what are the practical implications for believers? Compare and contrast the Old Testament and New Testament portrayals of God, focusing specifically on the concept of God's wrath and judgment versus His unconditional love. How does the "finished work of Christ" serve as the turning point in this theological understanding? Analyze the role of "love as an action word" in the Christian life, drawing on examples from the source material such as Timothy's character and Jesus's "new commandment." How does this active love relate to fulfilling the law and addressing sin and fear? The speaker states that God's love "surpasses knowledge" and is an experience of the heart. Explain what this means in terms of intellectual understanding versus spiritual reception. How does this concept connect with the idea of being "accepted in the beloved" and filled with the "fullness of God"? Examine the speaker's discussion on the nature of faith as "receiving what God has already provided." How does this understanding impact a believer's approach to prayer, healing, and general reliance on God, and what common misconceptions about God's responsiveness does it challenge? V. Glossary of Key Terms Abba: A Hebrew word meaning "daddy" or "father," used to denote an intimate, affectionate, and close relationship with God. Agape: A Greek word for unconditional, selfless, and benevolent love, often used to describe God's love for humanity. Charito (Accepted in the Beloved): A Greek word meaning "highly favored" or "blessed," used in Ephesians 1:6 to describe believers' status in Christ and also used by Gabriel to Mary. Discipleship: The process of becoming a follower of Jesus Christ, mimicking His character and putting faith into action, going beyond simply being a "believer." Echad: A Hebrew word for "one," which in the context of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) implies a "uni-plural" unity (like a group or herd), rather than a strict singular, which the speaker argues was misunderstood by some Jewish people. Epipto: A Greek word meaning "fell on" or "embraced," used in the parable of the Prodigal Son to describe the father's bear hug and in Acts to describe the Holy Spirit "falling upon" believers. Finished Work of Christ: Refers to the complete and perfect salvation achieved by Jesus Christ's death and resurrection on the cross, through which all of God's wrath and judgment for sin were absorbed. Law (Old Testament): The Mosaic Law given to Israel, which, according to the speaker, served to make people conscious of sin and point them to a Savior, rather than being a means of salvation itself. New Commandment: Jesus's command to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 13), presented as superseding and fulfilling the Old Testament Law. Perfect Love: Refers to God's flawless and complete love, which, when received by believers, has the power to drive out all fear. Portrait of God: The speaker's method of presenting God's multifaceted nature, similar to assembling pieces of a mosaic, to provide a comprehensive understanding beyond simple definitions. Prodigal Son: A parable from Luke 15 used by the speaker to illustrate the Father's unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, and restoration towards those who return to Him. Royal Law of Love: A New Testament principle emphasizing love as the guiding law for believers, fulfilling all other laws. Zoe (Eternal Life): A Greek word for eternal life, which John 17 defines not as a concept or a place, but as a person: knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. /episode/index/show/livinginthetruth/id/37440435

Harnessing Divine Memory and Imagination 06/11/2025

Harnessing Divine Memory and Imagination Unlocking Divine Potential Through Positive Memory and Imagination I. Introduction and Core Thesis The central message of this sermon revolves around the idea that believers possess everything they need for "divine healing, divine deliverance, favor, prosperity, perfection" within their spirit, which is where the Holy Ghost resides. The key to "releasing everything you have in your spirit" and experiencing a "forceful, powerful, and supernatural" life is a positive and God-centered use of memory and imagination. The speaker emphasizes that God desires to teach believers how to utilize these faculties in alignment with His thinking, moving away from dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties. II. Key Concepts and Themes A. The Spirit as the Source of All Divine Provision Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Ghost, healing, the voice of God, and the power of the resurrection all reside "in your spirit." "Everything You Need": Citing 2 Peter 1, the sermon asserts, "I've given you everything you need for life and godliness. Well, I can tell you it's all in your spirit. Favor, prosperity, perfection, it's all there." Rivers of Living Water: The goal is to move from a "trickle and a drip" to a "forceful, powerful, and supernatural" flow, referencing Jesus' statement about "rivers of living water" flowing from one's "belly" (spirit). B. The Power of Memory and Imagination (Hebrew: Yet) Positive Memory as a Key: A significant portion of the sermon highlights the importance of using memory "in a positive way." This is presented as "a real key to releasing everything you have in your spirit." Avoiding "What-ifs" and "If-onlys": The speaker strongly discourages living in past regrets or hypothetical scenarios ("if only I would have done this," "what if I was born into a rich family"). "God is a today God." Imagination as Mental Image and Faith's Partner:The Hebrew word yet (translated as "thoughts" in 1 Chronicles 29:18 and "frame" in Psalm 139:15) is presented as referring to imagination. Imagination is defined as "the power of forming a mental image that is not yet present." It is directly linked to faith and hope: "This is what faith is. Faith is being sure of what you hope for. Hope is like the switch that turns on faith... Faith works with hope to produce a positive image of yourself. You're not going to be healed unless you see yourself in your mind healed." Vision and Purpose: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." God desires everyone to have a "purpose in life, a vision, some type of a calling." This ties back to the Catholic Catechism's purpose for humanity: "to know him, to love him, and to serve him in this world." C. Communion as a Tool for Positive Memory and Healing Remembering Christ's Sacrifice: Taking communion is presented as an act of remembering Jesus' "sacrifice," "finished works," and the reality of being "forgiven... healed... whole." Healing is the Children's Bread: The sermon emphasizes that "healing is the children's bread," citing the Corinthians' premature deaths due to their inability to "discern the body of the Lord" as healing. Practical Application: Communion can be taken "every day," even "three times a day," and does not require a church setting. Each instance has a "tangible presence of God" and "puts you in a status of Christ consciousness, not sin consciousness." Testimony of Healing: The speaker shares a personal testimony of his daughter's tumor disappearing after one cancer treatment, attributing it to taking communion and remembering Jesus' finished work. D. The Battle of the Mind and Overcoming Negative Imagination/Strongholds Imagination's Dual Nature: While powerful for good, imagination can be used negatively (e.g., Noah's time, Tower of Babel). Strongholds and Casting Down Imaginations: Strongholds are "something in your mind that occupies your thoughts, something that's just all consuming" (e.g., fear, hatred, anger). The battle is in the mind, and believers are called to "pulling down of strongholds... casting down imaginations... bringing thought every thought into captivity to obedience to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Paul's Example of Forgetting the Past: Paul, despite his past as a murderer of Christians, exemplified forgetting "about the things that are behind" and pressing forward, knowing he was forgiven. Thinking Like God: "As a man thinks in his heart, so he is." Believers are encouraged to "begin to think the way God thinks" by focusing on "whatsoever things are true, are noble, are lovely, are good, are excellent, are praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8) and setting their minds "on things above, not on the things of the earth" (Colossians 3:1-2). Controlling Emotions through Positive Memory: Recalling a negative memory (like an Italian family member's 30-year grudge) illustrates how negative memories control emotions. Thanksgiving is presented as a powerful tool: "Thanksgiving will free you from every toxic emotion." God's Perspective on Memory: "You will keep him in perfect peace. Him whose mind [imagination] is stayed or focused on you." God's thoughts are not our thoughts; His ways are higher (Isaiah 55). E. God's New Covenant and His Forgiving Nature Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness: Under the New Covenant, God's nature is characterized by "grace," "mercy," and "forgiveness." The law made people "sin conscious"; Jesus made us "grace conscious" and "Christ conscious." God's Forgiveness of Sin: God's forgiveness is complete and eternal. "I will be merciful to their unrighteousness... and their sins, and their lawless deeds, I will remember no more." This means God "blotted it out of his memory." God Remembers Only the Good: At the judgment seat of Christ, God will remember only the "gold, with silver, and with precious stones" (redemptive, blessing actions) and burn away the "wood, hay, and stubble" (negative things). Believers are encouraged to emulate this and "remember only the good things of the past." God's Unconditional Love: "Father, you love them [disciples], As much as you love me." God's love is "beyond our belief, beyond our imagination." F. God's Foresight and Orchestration of Life Predestined Purpose: Psalm 139:15-16 is interpreted to mean that God "wrote everything in a book before you were born." He has "perfect foreknowledge without control," knowing when a person will choose Him and orchestrating their life accordingly. Imitating God: Believers are called to "be imitators of God as his dear children and walk in love as Christ also has loved us" (Ephesians 5:1). This means thinking and acting like Him. G. New Testament Laws (Laws of the Spirit) The sermon clarifies that "we're not under the law" of the Old Testament (10 Commandments, dietary laws, Sabbath), as they were "nailed to the cross." Instead, there are New Testament "laws" written in the mind and heart: Law of Love: "Love one another as I have already loved you" (John 13). Laws of Giving: "Give and it shall be given unto you." God desires prosperity to be a blessing to others. Law of Liberty: "Stand fast in the liberty where Christ has set us free." Not burdened by the "yoke of slavery." Law of Faith: (Romans 3:28) Not "name it and claim it." "Faith without works is dead." It requires action. Based on God's promises. Believing "they've received before you even get it." Looks back at "the finished work of Christ. It's already done." God speaks from the "inside out," not the "outside in," often through "thoughts and impressions" in one's own "vernacular." "Faith has a voice. It speaks. It's not silent. It speaks. It declares." Believers should "speak to the problem," not just tell God about it. H. Benefits of the New Covenant (Psalm 103 as Prophecy) Psalm 103 is presented as a prophetic psalm about the "finished work of Christ," not fully applicable to David in his time. "Don't forget all his benefits":"Who forgives all your iniquities." (Unlike the Old Testament's temporal forgiveness). "Who heals all your diseases." (Jesus' stripes healed us; healing is part of the atonement, "it's in your spirit"). "Who redeems your life from destruction." (Crossing from death to life; spirit is "impenetrable" by sin). "Who crowns you with loving kindness, which is the word hesed, which is grace. And he crowns you with mercy." Goodness and mercy "shall follow me all the days of my life." "Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like an eagle's." This refers to speaking life and experiencing renewed strength, effortlessly soaring like an eagle by "waiting upon the Lord." III. Practical Applications and Call to Action Daily Communion: Actively engage in communion as a daily practice to remember Christ's finished work and activate healing. Control Your Thoughts: Be intentional about focusing your mind on God's truth, positive images, and His character. Cast down negative imaginations and strongholds. Practice Thanksgiving: Cultivate a spirit of gratitude to overcome toxic emotions. Speak to Your Problems: Use your voice to declare God's will and truth over challenging situations, not just tell God about them. Live in the Present: Embrace the "I am" nature of God by focusing on "this moment" rather than past regrets or future fears. Document God's Work: Keep a "book of remembrance" of all the times God has supernaturally intersected your life. Seek Help When Needed: While God is supernatural, if struggling for years, seek help from those with spiritual gifts (visions, prophetic, word of knowledge) who can "lift you from the realm of doubt into a point of reception." IV. Distinguishing the Old and New Covenants The sermon frequently contrasts the Old Testament (law, temporary forgiveness, sin consciousness, God not forgiving all iniquities/healing all diseases) with the New Testament (grace, permanent forgiveness, Christ consciousness, complete healing, God's indwelling in the spirit). This distinction is crucial to understanding the believer's current position and access to divine power. /episode/index/show/livinginthetruth/id/36959970

Identity, Gratitude, and Prayer 05/28/2025

Identity, Gratitude, and Prayer Understanding Christian Identity and the Power of Prayer based on the book of Ephesians and related scriptures. Key Themes: Gratitude and Thanksgiving: The importance of expressing thanks to God in all circumstances, recognizing the source of all blessings. Freedom and Sacrifice: Acknowledging the sacrifices made for earthly freedom and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for spiritual freedom. Divine Health vs. Healing: A desire to live in continuous divine health rather than moving from one healing to the next. Standing on Truth and Fighting for Beliefs: The necessity of holding firm to God's word despite opposing thoughts, feelings, or circumstances. The Power of Giving Thanks (Eucharisto): Connecting the Greek word for thanksgiving to grace and joy, and highlighting Jesus' practice of giving thanks before miracles. God's Abundance and Compassion: Illustrated through the feeding of the multitude, emphasizing focusing on what is available rather than lack. Victory Over Death (Physical and Spiritual): Demonstrated through the resurrection of Lazarus and the understanding of Christ's power. The Significance of Communion: Remembering Jesus' sacrifice and giving thanks for the freedom and new covenant established through his body and blood. Raising the Next Generation: The importance of older believers supporting families and teaching children God's word. The Church at Ephesus as a Model: Examining a historically significant and initially strong church, noting its characteristics and eventual decline in "first love." Christian Identity in Christ: Focusing on the spiritual realities and blessings believers possess through their union with Jesus as described in Ephesians. The Power of Confession and Declaration: Using voice-activated faith to bring spiritual realities into physical manifestation. The Workmanship (Poema) of God: Seeing believers as God's perfect and complete creations in their spirit. Paul's Prayers in Ephesians: Highlighting specific prayers for enlightenment of understanding/imagination and comprehension of the love of God. The Power Working Within: Recognizing the resurrection power of Christ dwelling in believers. Most Important Ideas/Facts: Gratitude as a Core Principle: The speaker repeatedly emphasizes the centrality of thanksgiving in the Christian life. "Such a heart of gratitude today." This is presented as a key to accessing God's promises and experiencing his glory. "Eucharisto is the original Greek word used that means thanksgiving. In each instance, Christ offers thanksgiving before a miracle is performed." Gratitude is linked to glory and receiving things from God. Identity in Christ is Found in Scripture, Particularly Ephesians: The main focus of the latter part of the briefing is on understanding who believers are in Christ, drawing heavily from Ephesians. This identity is presented as a spiritual reality that needs to be accessed and lived out. Ephesians is described as the "most powerful book in the New Testament" for new Christians because it reveals "how God sees you. You see your identity. You see your authority. You see your position in heaven." The speaker highlights several aspects of this identity: Blessed with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3): "He has blessed us. It's done. It's past tense... Everything that Jesus died for is your spiritual inheritance. It's all there. It's in your spirit. We want to access it." This includes prosperity, peace, joy, deliverance, and healing. Chosen, Holy, and Blameless (Ephesians 1:4): "You're chosen. You're holy. You're blameless before the foundation of the world." This is God's perspective on believers, regardless of their current state. Adopted into God's Family (Ephesians 1:5): "This is aba daddy. He adopted you into his family... you had the same rights as every other child." Accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6): Using the Greek word "Charito," meaning highly favored or blessed by God, highlighting the same status as Mary. "You are God's beloved... God loves you not based on what you good thing you did or what bad thing you did. His love love is absolute and constant." Redeemed and Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7): Emphasizing that redemption and forgiveness are received through the blood of Jesus, not obedience, and are according to the "riches of his grace." Forgiveness is presented as continuous and covering all sins (past, present, future, omission). Obtained an Inheritance (Ephesians 1:11): "Your inheritance is everything Jesus did for you. The gifting, the anointing he put in you, his favor in your life, his desire to give you divine health." Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13): The moment of salvation, where the Holy Spirit "vacuum-acked and sealed your spirit. Everything you ever need is already there." Raised Up and Seated in Heavenly Places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6): This position signifies being "seated above all powers, principalities, and spirits of darkness," leading to an identity that is "invincible," "more than a conqueror," and an "overcomer," not a victim. God's Workmanship (Poema) (Ephesians 2:10): Believers are the "masterpiece of God's creation," seen by God as "perfect, complete, lacking nothing" in their spirit. Possessing the Fullness of Christ (Colossians 2, referenced): The reality that "the fullness of Christ is already in you," meaning "Onethird of you is Jesus. Jesus and the Holy Ghost living within you." Accessing Spiritual Realities through Faith and Confession: The gap between the spiritual realities of identity in Christ and the believer's experience is bridged through renewing the mind with God's word and speaking declarations based on faith. "Now, the rest of our life is trying to activate everything God deposited inside of you. Getting your mind into agreement with your spirit. How do you do that? Well, you renew it by God's word." "Getting your body under submission. These are things that God wants us to do." "Faith is voice activated." Confessing "I am blessed" or reciting identity statements brings them to life. Philemon 1:6 is highlighted: "that the communication the expression the way you speak about your faith may become affected that word is powerful dynamic transformative by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus". The Power of the Resurrection Working Within Believers: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in believers, enabling them to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we think or ask (and imagine)." This power is connected to operating in Christian identity and fulfilling God's purpose. Overcoming Negativity and Focusing on Truth: The speaker shares personal anecdotes about battling negative diagnoses and thoughts, emphasizing the importance of not repeating them and instead focusing on God's word and promises. "You go to the doctors... they start throwing out all these diagnosis, and you just don't want to let them stick. See what I'm saying? You don't repeat them. You don't own them. You acknowledge something, but you don't let it stick." Martha's focus on the "lack" (Lazarus stinking) when standing before Jesus is used as an example of negative focus to avoid. The media and the world are described as "very dark stuff" and "very evil," contrasting with the truth of God's word. The Purpose of the Body of Christ and Ministry: The church community is essential for support, teaching the next generation, and helping believers overcome difficulties through prayer and prophetic gifts. The example of older women giving moms a break to teach children is mentioned. When individuals are struggling, "you need help from another Christian to pray you through." This is a purpose of the body of Christ "to lift you out of that problem and bring you into freedom." Prophetic gifts are seen as having the purpose "to set you free and to set you back on track for what God's doing." The Nature of God's Love: God's love is described as absolute, constant, and not dependent on human performance. It is a love that "lavishes" itself on believers, seeing them as beloved as much as Jesus. This love is both theological and experiential. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3 is to comprehend "the width and length and depth and height of the love of God." Experiencing God's love through salvation, healing, deliverance, etc., leads to thankfulness. Conclusion: The message strongly emphasizes that Christian identity is not based on performance but on what God has already accomplished and deposited in believers through Jesus Christ. This identity, described in detail using passages from Ephesians, includes being blessed, chosen, holy, blameless, adopted, accepted, redeemed, forgiven, possessing an inheritance, sealed by the Holy Spirit, seated with Christ, and being God's masterpiece. Accessing and experiencing these spiritual realities is achieved through renewing the mind with God's word, speaking declarations of faith, and cultivating a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. The power of God, specifically the resurrection power, resides within believers, enabling them to overcome challenges and fulfill God's purposes. The church community plays a vital role in supporting believers in this journey. /episode/index/show/livinginthetruth/id/36750785