The Word for All Nations
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1:
The Word for All Nations is based on notes of sermons delivered at All Nations Christian Center (formerly Word of Truth International) in Huntsville, Alabama. Unless otherwise noted, these sermons were taught by Bishop Bob Hellmann, senior pastor and founding pastor of ANCC.
2012 JANUARY
KNOWING GOD
The Key to Knowing God Everyone has a need
To fully communicate
God made me; He
to get into God’s pres-
with God, He has to be
knows me more inti-
ence, a need to communicate with Him. A key to doing this is found in John 20:28 Thomas said, "My Master! My God!" He has to not just be
my savior,
my Lord,
my healer,
else ever could. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the persons with whom I am sup-
my provider,
posed to be the most
my Father,
intimate. He alone re-
my friend,
my teacher,
my counselor …
God, but be my God! He is not just a rock; He is my Rock!
mately than anyone
ally knows me. Psalm 139 tells me that God knows everything about me – the good and the bad – and still loves me intensely. He blesses me. He gives me grace. He gives me His presence. He is always near. He precedes and follows me.
Because God is my God and is always near me, I can know Him!
Inside this issue: The Key to Knowing 1 God How to Get in God’s 4 Presence Developing a Rela- 7 tionship with the Holy Spirit Experiencing the Presence of God
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PAGE 4
Choose to focus on God!
Seek God!
HOW TO GET IN GOD’S PRESENCE
► Discipline your mind to stop all intruding, distracting thoughts while you pray. Control your mind to be involved in your praying. Realize that you choose what to think about.
► Focus, concentrate on the Lord. Fix your thoughts on the Father, Jesus, and/ or the Holy Spirit. Observe the Lord fully. Exercise your mind to think carefully about Him. Concentrate on Him while you are talking to Him.
► Realize that you are talking to real Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Think about God! THE
WORD
► Sing to the Lord – He loves it! Singing helps you get in God’s presence. Sing a song to God that moves you, sing your prayer, sing your request, and sing your worship.
FOR
ALL
NATIONS
► Close your eyes, so you won’t be distracted. Or Lift your head to look up as you pray. God is in heaven – lift your eyes and look up to Him.
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Continued: How to Get in God’s Presence ► Be still. To really get in God’s presence without distraction, you need to stay in one place so you won’t have to watch where you’re going. Prayer-walking is good; but this type of prayer is to be still and focus on God. ► Have a place of prayer – a room, a closet, a place outside, etc. where you can be alone and not have to worry about who is listening. Close the door, unplug the phone, turn off the TV – and fix your thoughts on God.
► Don’t time your prayer time, or you will get legalistic. Just spend some time with God as you would a close friend or family member.
► Let God minister to you; download from Him … in abundance! Seek God’s fullness; desire to have as much of His presence as possible so you can live abundant life.
► Realize that prayer has nothing to do with righteousness -- so your motivation for praying will be correct. Don’t allow prayer to become a religious act; don’t pray just because you think that you are supposed to. Pray because you want to be a friend of God and spend time with Him; because you want to be near the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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KNOWING GOD
PAGE 6
Continued: How to Get in God’s Presence ► Don’t just talk to God – Really get in His presence. When you get in God’s presence, you automatically get filled with His Spirit … and the Holy Spirit helps us get in God’s presence and feel His presence – It is a cycle.
► Be completely honest, completely yourself. Don’t put on an act, or try to be someone you’re not. If you are angry, tell God about it and ask His help handling it. You can worship God, give thanks, present your requests, be completely honest in discussing your day with God, etc. God is easy to talk with!
Pray with the motivation of knowing the God who created all things — the God who focuses His love on you!
Remember that the more you practice these steps, the easier they become!
PAGE 7
DEVELOPING A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Matthew 28 Verses 18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All power in heaven and on earth is given to me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have taught you, and I will be with you always, even until the end of this age."
THE
In Matthew 28, Jesus is speaking. He mentions the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He mentions them as being equal persons. The Holy Spirit is a Person. He is equal with the Father, and equal with Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby. He is God! And He remains with us forever! As our Advocate, the Holy Spirit is our Defense Attorney. No matter what piece of evidence comes up, no matter how bad you mess up, He says, “This doesn’t mean a thing. He’s not guilty. Innocent!” The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth.
The Holy Spirit will be with us forever! He never leaves you ...so make sure that you don’t leave, ignore, or pull back from Him. He will never force Himself on you ...You must approach Him if you want a relationship with Him.
WORD
FOR
ALL
NATIONS
PAGE 8 John 14:16—26 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. -20
THE
WORD
In John 14:16—26, we see a glimpse of all three members of the God-head at once. The Holy Spirit’s presence is by grace. It is a gift. You can never earn it, never be good enough to deserve it. You must avoid a works mentality, thinking that He is with you when you are good and repelled from you when you are bad. His presence with you is a sheer, unearned, gift.
You must never ignore the Holy Spirit,
You must recognize And welcome Him In order for His ministry to be performed in your life.
The Holy Spirit lives with you and in you! He is here in the name of Jesus, in the place of Jesus. Every thing He says and does is in the place of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is your Teacher. He will teach you all things: Spiritual things, how to pay your bills, how to get along with people, how to eat so you will live healthy, how to exercise the best way for your body, etc. … ALL THINGS!
FOR
ALL
NATIONS
VO E E1 :1 : O LL UUMMEE 1 1, , I S I SS SU U KNOWING GOD
PAGE
KNOWING GOD
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Continued: Developing a Relationship with the Holy Spirit
Inside Story Headline
In John 15 and 16, Jesus told the disciples that it would be better for them to have the Holy Spirit come. They had been This story can fit 150-200 words. include a calendar of upcoming vert it to a Web site and post it. Caption close to Jesus for threedescribing years: laughing with Him, eating with events or a special offer that proOne benefit of using your newsleta new picture or product. ter as a promotional toolwith is that Him,motes Him, rejoicing asking Him questions and getting you can reuse content from other You can also research articles or graphic. answers from what a wonderful relationmarketing materials, suchHim. as press This findtells “filler” us articles by accessing the releases, market studies, and reWorld Wide Web. You can write ship is available to us with the Holy Spirit! ports. about a variety of topics but try to keep your articles short. While your main goal of distributing We can see Jesus because HolyyouSpirit a newsletter might be to sell your Much of the the content put in is here! product or service, the key to a your newsletter can also be used successful newsletter is making14, it for your Microsoftknew PubIn John, chapters 15, andWeb 16site.Jesus that He was apuseful to your readers. lisher offers a simple way to conproaching the end of His ministry. vertearthly your newsletter to a Web He was preparing A great way to add useful content publication. So, when you’re finto yourdisciples newsletter is toto develop His do without His physical presence. He was ished writing your newsletter, conand write your own articles, or
saying, “I want you to meet My replacement: the Holy Spirit.
Heavenly Father, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven! “To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.”
Inside Storycontinue Headline My ministry.” He will
Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would continue His ministry on earth …ternally, healings, miracles, signs and wonThis story can fit 100-150 words. you might comment upon new procedures or improvements ders, teaching …and more will be done through Him. The subject matter that appears in even to the business. Sales figures or newsletters is virtually endless. You earnings will show how your busiThe Holy Spirit would physically replace Jesus on the earth can include stories that focus on ness is growing. current technologies or innovations after Jesus returned to Some heaven. in your field. newsletters include a column that is updated every issue, for You may also want to note business This is why any miracle you read the Bible is possiinstance, an adviceabout column, ain book or economic trends, or make prereview, a letter from the president, dictions for your customers or ble today: The Holy Spirit here, or an is editorial. Youcontinuing can also profile Jesus’ ministry clients. new employees or top customers Ifon the earth. newsletter is distributed inor vendors.
Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Inside Story Headline Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the HoThis story can fit 75-125 words. you can choose and import into ly Spirit and began to speak in other as the Spirit enabled them. your newsletter. Theretongues are also Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter.
several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
In the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit took up residence on earth.
Once you have chosen an image, Think about your article and ask place it close right to the article. Be sure He is physically living on earth now! You have yourself if the picture supports or to place the caption of the image enhances the message you’re trying Him any time and all theneartime. He is here with you! the image. to convey. Avoid selecting images that to beto outknow; of context.He will do any miracle for you! youappear want Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which
access to Him! You can talk to He will teach you everything Caption describing picture or graphic.
VO E E1 :1 : O LL UUMMEE 1 1, , I S I SS SU U KNOWING GOD
PAGE
KNOWING GOD
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PAGE 10
Continued: Developing a Relationship with the Holy Spirit
Inside Story Headline
This story can fit 150-200 words. One benefit of using your newsletter as a promotional tool is that you can reuse content from other marketing materials, such as press releases, market studies, and reports.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and love of God, and the fellowship includethe a calendar of upcoming vert it to a Web site and post it. Caption events or a special offer that prodescribing of the Holy Spirit be with you all. motes a new picture or product. You can also research articles or graphic. find “filler” articles by accessing the World Wide Web. You can write about a variety of topics but try to keep your articles short.
TALK TO HIM!
While your main goal of distributing a newsletter might be to sell your Much of the content you put in product or service, the key to a 13:14 your newsletter can also be used Second Corinthians mentions “the fellowship (social interaction, commu“To catch the reader's attention, successful newsletter is making it for your Web site. Microsoft Pubplace an interesting sentence or nication, presence) of the quote from the story here.” useful to your readers. lisherHoly offers aSpirit. simple way to convert your newsletter to a Web A great way to add useful content publication. So, when you’re fin- The Holy Spirit may show you to your newsletter to develop This is how isyou fellowship: engage ished writing your newsletter, conand write your own articles, or
Him in conversation. Talk to Him
something that is wrong in your life,
about anything and everything.
but He never condemns you, and
Inside Story Headline
Talk to Him about people, your job, This story can fit 100-150 words. might comment upon your family, your health,ternally, youryoubank new procedures or improvements
He always shows you a way out, an answer regarding how to get out of
The subject matter that appears in to the business. Sales figures or or escape trouble. newsletters is virtually You your account, yourendless. home, yard – how your busiearnings will show can include stories that focus on ness is growing. current technologies or innovations everything you care about! If anyone ever tells you something in your field. Some newsletters include a column that is updated every issue, for You may also want to note business bad is going to happen but doesn’t instance,dreams an advice column, a book He will talk to you – through or economic trends, or make prereview, a letter from the president, dictions for your customers or tall you the way out, then that is not or an editorial. You can also profile and clients. visions, through angels, new employees or top customers from the Holy Spirit: resist them by If the newsletter is distributed inor vendors.
through the Word, etc.
not agreeing with them, rebuking
Inside Story Headline
them, and rejecting what they told you.
This story can fit 75-125 words. Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter. Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context. Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which
you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols.
The Holy Spirit wants to be your best Friend! Once you to have you chosen an image, let Him be your Friend! It is up ...so place it close to the article. Be sure to place the caption of the image near the image.
Caption describing picture or graphic.
02.01.27
PAGE
11
Caption describing picture or graphic.
Inside Story Headline
The Holy Spirit lives with us, lives in us, and remains with us forever! Inside Story Headline
“To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.”
The Holy Spirit is God — equal with the Father and the Son!
The Holy Spirit wants to be your best Friend! Inside Story Headline
Caption describing picture or graphic.
THE
WORD
FOR
ALL
NATIONS
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE KNOWING GOD
1:
PAGE
12
Inside Story Headline This story can fit 150-200 words. One benefit of using your newsletter as a promotional tool is that you can reuse content from other marketing materials, such as press releases, market studies, and reports. While your main goal of distributing a newsletter might be to sell your product or service, the key to a successful newsletter is making it useful to your readers. A great way to add useful content to your newsletter is to develop and write your own articles, or
include a calendar of upcoming Caption events or a special offer that prodescribing motes a new picture or product.
vert it to a Web site and post it.
You can also research articles or graphic. find “filler” articles by accessing the World Wide Web. You can write about a variety of topics but try to keep your articles short. Much of the content you put in your newsletter can also be used for your Web site. Microsoft Publisher offers a simple way to convert your newsletter to a Web publication. So, when you’re finished writing your newsletter, con-
“To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here.”
If you are risen with Christ, seek those things Inside Story Headline that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This story can fit 100-150 words. The subject matter that appears in newsletters is virtually endless. You can include stories that focus on current technologies or innovations in your field. You may also want to note business or economic trends, or make predictions for your customers or clients. If the newsletter is distributed in-
ternally, you might comment upon new procedures or improvements to the business. Sales figures or earnings will show how your business is growing.
God is
Some newsletters include a column that is updated every issue, for instance, an advice column, a book review, a letter from the president, or an editorial. You can also profile new employees or top customers or vendors.
Selecting pictures or graphics is an important part of adding content to your newsletter. Think about your article and ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the message you’re trying to convey. Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context. Microsoft Publisher includes thousands of clip art images from which
My Lord, My healer, My provider,
Inside Story Headline This story can fit 75-125 words.
My Refuge and my Fortress My God, in whom I trust My savior,
My Father, you can choose and import into your newsletter. There are also several tools you can use to draw shapes and symbols. Once you have chosen an image, place it close to the article. Be sure to place the caption of the image near the image.
My friend, My teacher, My counselor My righteousness My peace Caption describing picture or graphic.
PAGE 13
Experiencing the Presence of God
Through Jesus we have access to the Father by the Spirit Do not just seek an experience
Ephesians 2:18 — For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. We all should experience God’s presence more than we do. We can taste His presence and His goodness.
with God ...instead, seek God
“Access” = “Admission.” You can’t pay your own admission price into God’s presence; Jesus paid for it with His own blood.
Believers have a need to know & feel God’s presence as much as possible! If you go too long without spending time with God, you begin to feel “dry.”
Himself! Psalm 89: 15, 16 — Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. THE
WORD
FOR
ALL
NATIONS
>God’s presence gives us light and blessing.
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KNOWING GOD
Psalm 139:7—10 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
>“Presence” = “Face” >When two people love each other, they crave to be together. Crave God’s presence! >Your natural hunger & thirst should remind you of your spiritual hunger and thirst to be with God!
Psalm 16:8
When you sense God’s presence, nothing can shake you! So any time that something bothers or scares you, go into His presence. His presence destroys or dispels trouble, agitation, and darkness. God is light; He drives out all manifestations of darkness.
I keep the Lord before me always. Because he is close by my side, I will not be hurt.
Psalm 110:5 The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you. He will strike down many kings in the day of his anger.
The Lord is at your right hand ...even when you have no awareness of Him at all!
Acts 2: 25-28 King David said this about him: 'I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in hope.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. You have shown me the way of life, and you will give me wonderful joy in your presence.'
God doesn’t rush to you when you call to Him ...He is always with you: 24/7. At times we feel His presence; other times we don’t.
PAGE 15
God is with you everywhere you go! He wants you to seek His presence everywhere you are!
Galatians 5: 16, 25 So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves.
If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
>We walk by the Spirit, following Him as a companion. >Be occupied with Him! This is how you “walk in the Spirit” and “live by the Spirit”.
Psalm 27: 4, 8 The one thing I ask of the LORD -- the thing I seek most -- is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple.
THE
WORD
FOR
ALL
NATIONS
My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "LORD, I am coming."
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KNOWING GOD
Thoughts to Help You Experience God’s Presence: Give God your best, most alert moments of the day. Especially seek His presence when you are the most alert, whether this is morning, afternoon, or evening.
2
4
Express your love to God. This is what being in His presence is all about. Worship Him; praise Him; and thank Him. Sing to Him. Talk to Him, telling Him of your love.
5
7
To experience God’s presence all day long, learn to worship Him as you are on the go: in your car, working around the house or at your job, etc. Worship Him in the stillness but don’t make that your only worship.
1
Do not hurry! God is never in a hurry ...hurry and anxiety conflict with who God is.
3
As much as possible, clear your mind of all distractions.
6
Avoid all legalism as you fellowship with God ...such as timing yourself as you pray. Spend time with God out of friendship, not out of duty.
Relax and slow down as you seek God and fellowship with Him. Do not seek an experience with God ...Seek God, Himself!
This type of worship has the same effect as writing a love letter to your spouse:.
Being in God’s presence is like soaking Him in! 02.01.30
Psalm 50 Verses 3,4 From the dazzle of Zion, God blazes into view. Our God makes his entrance, he's not shy in his coming. Starbursts of fireworks precede him. Verses 14, 15 Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises, And call for help when you're in trouble - I'll help you, and you'll honor me." Verse 23 It's the praising life that honors me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I'll show you my salvation."
May the truth in these notes lead you into closer and closer fellowship with God! Sermon notes are from: Bishop Bob Hellmann All Nations Christian Center 2721 Winchester Road Huntsville, AL 35810 http://allnationschristiancenter.net/