Point of Grace Online Worship - March 23, 2025

 “Worship with Wonder – Worshiping God in Spirit – Given Wonder”

Message Notes March 23, 2025

Rev. Mike Coppersmith

WORSHIP WITH WONDER Worshiping God in Spirit-Given Wonder

John 4:23-24 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in Spirit and in truth.

“You're God, I'm not!”

GOD IS A GOD OF WONDER

Isaiah 29:13-14 The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men. 14 Therefore, once more will I astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.”

Luke 2:47-48 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished.

Mark 9:15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

GOD WANTS US TO BE PEOPLE OF WONDER

Luke 11:33-36 (The Message) No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It is put on a lamp stand, so those entering the room have light to see where they’re going. 34 Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. 35 Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don’t get musty and murky. 36 Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room.

Mark 9:15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

THE NEED FOR WONDER IN OUR WORSHIP

Matt Redman “You can’t have worship without wonder. Otherwise, it’s something lesser, like appreciation. When it comes to true worship, there has to be that element of wonder. There are many elements about our worship expressions that I think we do really well, but when it comes to wonder, reverence, mystery and awe—I don’t think we excel at that. Perhaps we don’t excel at that because we live in a culture that doesn’t always lend itself to wonder.”

THE BLESSINGS OF WORSHIPING WITH SPIRIT-GIVEN WONDER

1. DRAWS YOU INTO A DEEPER LOVE AND INTIMACY WITH GOD

"I love you, Jesus!"

2. INSPIRES JOY, PRAISE AND GRATITUDE

Psalm 65:8 The whole earth is filled with awe at Your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, You call forth songs of joy!

3. CREATES EXPECTANCY

Exodus 15:22 Who among the gods is like You, Lord? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?

4. FACILITATES FREEDOM

Acts 3:8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God.

5. CULTIVATES HUMILITY AND SURRENDER

Isaiah 6:8 “Here am I, Send me!”

6. LEADS TO PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

SIX PRACTICAL THINGS TO DO WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO RE-AWAKEN WONDER IN YOUR LIFE AND WORSHIP

1. Pray Every Day for God to Re-Awaken Your Wonder

2. Spend time Daily in Scripture

3. Intentionally Set Aside Time for Personal Worship

4. Anticipate and Focus on God's Presence in Your Life and Worship

5. Commit to Be "Present" in His Presence

6. Recall Not Only Who Jesus Is, But What Jesus Does

Point of Grace Online Worship - March 16, 2025

Point of Grace Worship 3.16.25 Sermon Notes – Lent Series on Worship – “He is God, i am Not”

“Gentlemen, This is a football.” – Vince Lombardi

Fundamentals of Worship

“He is God – I am not!”

“Come Hungry!”

Psalm 42 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Psalm 63 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 8 I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 84 How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. 10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

This soul-deep “desire” for God, to be with Him, fuels the worshiping heart. The Psalmist’s reveal the depth of this desire with powerful words and metaphors like hunger, thirst, wanting, needing, seeking, longing, clinging, yearning, panting…!” This is fuel for worship!

Worshiping God out of “duty” without “desire” grows cold … as God lamented to Isaiah, “they worship me with their lips but their hearts are far from me.” Worshiping God out of “desire” will do its “duty” with ever increasing joy!

Uncovering Desire

John 4

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I AM he.”

Down deep every human being “desires” God – His Presence … but this true desire is often buried under layers of “debris and deception”.

Into this reality Jesus enters with His invitation, “If anyone is thirsty let Him come to Me and drink ..(John7)”

This invitation is to let the “desire” rise to the surface… and then by faith we turn toward Jesus bringing our desire, our hunger, our thirst with us to … the one who said “for I am gentle and humble in heart”…

“Come Hungry…”

God knows how much we need rhythms of worship weekly, daily and as a lifestyle. Our soul needs to be able to count on us to bring it to worship. Our soul desperately needs a safe place to “Come Hungry”… don’t eat before you get there!

Have you eaten?

Jesus,

Jesus I love You!

Jesus I need You!

Jesus I want You! I bring my heart’s desires to You!

I love You! I long for You!

I worship You and You alone! You are Life!

I come to You….. Help me come hungry!

Point of Grace Online Worship - March 9, 2025

Point of Grace Worship 3.9.25 Sermon Notes – Lent Series on Worship – “He is God, i am Not”

“Gentlemen, This is a football.” – Vince Lombardi

The fundamental truth – the foundation of true worship centers around God and not around us. It is not human centered it is God centered. It is a space, place and human experience where we are declaring and intentionally living like “HE is God and i am not!” Notice the “i” is not capitalized in that sentence. My keyboard didn’t like me writing the pronoun “I” without capitalizing it. Our psyche does not like it either…. Our broken sinful nature is a powerful force constantly working to make us the “center” of our existence. “Other” centeredness is not natural for sinful human beings. True worship is “other – centered” …. And not just any ole “other”….. True worship is centered on the one true God who has revealed Himself is Jesus and is now Present by His Spirit.

Eden to Jesus

Life in God’s Presence – The Tree – Worship “You are God, I am not!” - Sin – Presence lost

The Story of God graciously “represencing” Himself and calling His people to worship Him at the center.

His Presence in pillars of cloud and fire, Ark, Tabernacle, Temple, ….. then ….. Jesus

John 4 4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in Truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in Truth.”

25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I AM he.”

John 4:23-24 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in Truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in Truth.”

Jesus is the new location for the Presence of God.

Since this new true worship is centered around Jesus, empowered by the Spirit offered to the Father then what He wants, what He loves, what He desires shapes everything.

“You are God, I am not” is the fundamental cry of the worshiper. And what a rescue that is.

The Obstacles are Powerful

Consumerism with its glorification of the “self” and self’s “preferences” subtly destroys the worshiper’s capacity for worship.

Discipleship to the Internet (excerpt from “Experiencing Jesus. Really.” By John Eldredge)

“You are God, i am Not” Worship is such a Rescue and Refuge

In His Presence –

We are not in charge – He is!

We and our needs are not in the center – He is!

Our preferences don’t prevail – His do!

He comes how He wants according to every promise He has ever made.

In this seemingly powerless place – called worship – we discover Him, we discover life in all its fulness.

Point of Grace Online Worship - March 2, 2025

Point of Grace Worship 3.2.25 Sermon Notes – “Transfiguration Sunday – Listen to Him”

Transfiguration – What happened? Why was and is it important?

Matthew 17 :1-9 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Why was it important for them?

•                          To encourage these lead disciples in their faith that Jesus is the Divine Son of God

•                          To vividly put on display that the Old Covenant (Law and Prophets) is fulfilled in Jesus and gives way to Him as the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. Jesus is the One and Only lens to see all God’s revelation through.

•                          The disciples are directed to “Listen to Him” in order to endure what following Jesus means as He turns toward Jerusalem where a cross awaits Him.

Why is it important for us?

2 Peter 1:16-18 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

Why is it important for us?

•                          We need constant encouragement to believe that Jesus is our “One and Only” Victorious Savior and our One and Only hope for a “meaningful life now and forever”.

•                          We desperately need to “Listen to Him” amidst all the voices and distractions clamoring for our attention.

“Our spiritual health and capacity to do real life well does not rise to the level of our aspirations or beliefs but falls to the level of our regular spiritual rhythms.” Ash Wednesday? Giving something up for Lent? Lent Worship Series? Preservice Prayer Room?

•                          “Listen to Him” is the only thing that will get us through the “ups and downs” of the real lives we lead. Alignment with Jesus by being in His Presence through Prayer, Word and Worship has never been more important especially considering the “kinds” of things coming against us, our families and church.

Point of Grace Online Worship - February 23, 2025

Point of Grace Worship 2.23.25 Sermon Notes – “Show Up to Armor Up – And Pray “I love You” Prayers

Ephesians 6 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 3:16-19 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Prayer (I include worship as prayer) is such a wonderful tool to celebrate, contemplate and receive Jesus as lover of our souls. Prayer is also the vital means for returning and reciprocating loving affections back to Him. The quality of my prayer life deepened when I learned to say “I love you” back to Jesus …… to adore Him as lover of my soul and let His love for me, when contemplated, draw out and ignite from within me deep affection for Him. This living in an affectionate, reciprocating, communicative love relationship with Jesus is a powerful defense and offense in spiritual warfare with the enemy. Satan does not “get love” it flabbergasts him. That is why the scriptures say that Jesus triumphed over the enemy through the cross. The cross is the ultimate love expression.”

John 21:15-19 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Jesus is not only assuring Peter of His love for him. Jesus is discipling Peter in expressing love back to Jesus. Life with Jesus is not a one-way love. His incredible sacrificial love for us makes possible a love relationship which we are fully engaged in expressing love back to Him.

The quality of my prayer life deepened when I learned to say “I love you” back to Jesus …… to adore Him as lover of my soul and let His love for me, when contemplated, draw out and ignite from within me deep affection for Him.”

More words that matter as we pray with authority against evil.

“Jesus, I love you … … …” (then let expressions of affectionate love just flow from your lips)

Luke 7:36-50 36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[c] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

www.wildatheart.org/prayer

“Moving Mountains – Praying with Passion, Confidence and Authority” by John Eldridge

Some Words that Matter as we Pray with Authority “in Jesus name”.

- proclaiming and declaring what is true over ourselves and others

- I confess (sin, weakness, reality)

- I receive (forgiveness, truth, grace)

- I renounce … (sin, evil’s lies, demonic claims and strongholds, agreements with untruth)

- I now bring the Kingdom of God, the authority rule and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ, the fulness of the work of Christ, His Life, Death, Resurrection and Ascension against satan and against his kingdom, against every force presence of evil coming against me, my family, my kingdom and domain today I bind, banish and cut them off from me and mine in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen

- “Jesus, I love you … … …” (then let expressions of affectionate love flow from your lips)

A Daily Prayer for Putting on the Armor of God

My dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You now to be restored in You, to be renewed In You. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You – You alone are worthy to receive all glory, honor, thanks and praise. Today, I renew my allegiance to You as my Savior, Friend, Lord and King and take my place alongside You as a Beloved Son/Daughter of our Heavenly Father. I love you and thank You for saving me and for the forgiveness of sins through the victory of the cross and resurrection. Thank You, that You triumphed over all principalities and powers and I stand in that victory today believing that no weapon formed against me can prosper.

(Note: Here, you might also want to declare this over your family /friends /church – name them before the Lord)

In the Mighty Name of Jesus, I put on the full armor of God today.

I buckle on the belt of truth. I believe You are the Truth, Jesus. I renounce the devil as a liar and surrender to You as Truth and your word as the truth. I confess I am vulnerable to believing lies from the devil, myself and the world around me. I repent and ask You to purge my mind and heart of all untruths. You are truth and I am in You.

I put on the breastplate of righteousness. I am a new creation, and I have received the righteousness of Christ. I renounce all my attempts to prove my self-worth, validate the value of my existence and author my own version of rightness. Jesus, I receive afresh your righteous sacrifice for me as an unmerited gift – a covering of value, worth and righteousness found only in You which protects my vulnerable heart as a breastplate. Therefore, no claim can be made against me this day.

I put on the shoes of the gospel of peace. By faith I stand, firm-footed, in Your ‘Calvary-love’ that forgives my sins and grants me perfect peace with God. I walk forward today in confidence ready to join You, Jesus, in Your Mission to share this good news with others.

I put on the Helmet of Salvation. Renew my mind afresh. I confess my thinking can be deceived. I renounce the mental influences of my own sinfulness, the enemy’s deceptions and the world’s perspectives and declare my mind set apart for You, Holy Spirit to govern. You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind. I entrust my mind to You.

I lift up the shield of faith to resist the fiery darts of the enemy. My faith is in You and You alone—I trust in Your Pardon, Your Promises, Your Power, Your Presence! Help me to stay close, locking shields with my fellow soldiers in Your family of faith. Anoint me with Your Holy Spirit. Soak my heart, my mind and my life in the living water of Your faith-building Word. I turn from every fear, anxiety and doubt as I lift up the Shield of Faith to declare, “I trust You Jesus… help me trust You more.”

I take up the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. Jesus, You said “the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” Holy Spirit, bring to my memory and to my mouth specific Scriptures, and help me to wield Your powerful Word skillfully against every scheme and attack of the enemy. When it comes to Your Word, I will soak it in, store it up, speak it forth, pray it over, and sing it out—trusting in Your promise that “the words I have spoken to you are Spirit and Life.”

In the victory of Jesus I advance today knowing that the weapons of my warfare are not human, but mighty in God to pull down strongholds, to cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God bringing every thought captive making it obedient to Christ. In Jesus name, I break the strongholds of Satan formed against me today, and choose to make Godly decisions this day, by the grace of God. I rejoice in You today, Jesus; may Your joy be my strength as Your grace and mercy follow my life.

Amen

A Bedtime Prayer (Enforcing the Kingdom of God Against Evil)

My dear Lord Jesus, I come to you now to be restored in you, to be renewed in you, to take refuge in you. I honor you as my sovereign Lord, and I surrender every aspect of my life totally and completely to you. I give you my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will. I cover myself with your blood, and I ask your Holy Spirit to restore me in you, renew me in you, and lead this time of prayer.

I proclaim the kingdom of God and the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ over my home and all things in it. [If you live in an apartment, use “apartment.” If you have only a room under your authority in someone else’s home, use “my room.” If you share a room, use “my bunk” or “my side of the room.”] I consecrate and sanctify my home and everything in it to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the Kingdom of God. I bring the cross, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout my home tonight—through every object and furnishing, bed and bedding, all media and icons, all books and magazines, movies and music, toys and games, through the atmosphere in every room, throughout the ceilings, walls, floors, and all places in them, from the land beneath to the roof above and all around this home tonight.

I take my place in the cross, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. I now bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fullness of the work of Christ against Satan and his kingdom. I bring the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ against every foul and unclean spirit—every ruler, power, authority, and spiritual force of wickedness [you might need to get specific: “Including all spirits of fear, death, torment, accusation,” etc. You know what’s been attacking you. It has more power if you name them specifically.] I command every foul and unclean spirit bound and banished from my home and from my household, with every backup and replacement, every weapon and device, in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and in his name.

I now bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fullness of the work of Christ—his cross, resurrection, and ascension—against every foul power, witchcraft, and black art. I cut them off in the name of the Lord. No weapon forged against me shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). I bring the cross and blood of Jesus Christ against every form of hex, vex, and incantation; against every spell, ritual, vow, dedication, and sacrifice; against every word, judgment, and curse. I command them broken and bound from my home this night in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I now bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fullness of the work of Christ between me and all people—their spirit, soul, and body, their sin, warfare, and corruption. [It may help to name those people now—extended family, folks you have been ministering to, anyone you know is judging you.] I send every human spirit bound back to their body; I command all of their sin, warfare, and corruption bound back to the work of Christ in their life, and I forbid it to transfer to me.

I summon the angels of the Lord Jesus Christ and instruct them to build a shield of protection around me and my home (Hebrews 1:14). I ask your Holy Spirit to fill my home with your presence, with the peace of God and the love of Christ. I ask you to send forth your Spirit to raise up prayer and intercession for me this night. I now call forth and command the Kingdom of God and the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout my home and throughout my household, all through the hours of this night and through the new day, in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and in his name.

Amen

Point of Grace Online Worship - February 16, 2025

Point of Grace Worship 2.16.25 Sermon Notes – “Show Up to Armor Up – And Pray Against Evil…”

Ephesians 6 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. As Beloved Sons/Daughters we have been given an unbelievable seat from which we pray!

Ephesians 2

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  

Some Words that Matter as we Pray with Authority “in Jesus name”.

- proclaiming and declaring what is true over ourselves and others

- I confess (sin, weakness, reality)

- I receive (forgiveness, truth, grace)

- I renounce … (sin, evil’s lies, demonic claims and strongholds, agreements with untruth)  

Matthew 6:9-13

This, then, is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name …

Your kingdom come…

Your will be done…

 … on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  

More Words that Matter as we Pray with Authority “in Jesus name”.

I now bring the Kingdom of God,

the authority rule and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ,

the fullness of the work of Christ, His Life, Death, Resurrection and Ascension

against satan and against his kingdom

against every force, presence of evil coming against me, my family, my kingdom and domain today

I bind, banish and cut them off from me and mine in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen

www.wildatheart.org/prayer

“Moving Mountains – Praying with Passion, Confidence and Authority” by John Eldridge

A Bedtime Prayer (Enforcing the Kingdom of God Against Evil)

My dear Lord Jesus, I come to you now to be restored in you, to be renewed in you, to take refuge in you. I honor you as my sovereign Lord, and I surrender every aspect of my life totally and completely to you. I give you my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will. I cover myself with your blood, and I ask your Holy Spirit to restore me in you, renew me in you, and lead this time of prayer.

I proclaim the kingdom of God and the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ over my home and all things in it. [If you live in an apartment, use “apartment.” If you have only a room under your authority in someone else’s home, use “my room.” If you share a room, use “my bunk” or “my side of the room.”] I consecrate and sanctify my home and everything in it to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the Kingdom of God. I bring the cross, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout my home tonight—through every object and furnishing, bed and bedding, all media and icons, all books and magazines, movies and music, toys and games, through the atmosphere in every room, throughout the ceilings, walls, floors, and all places in them, from the land beneath to the roof above and all around this home tonight.

I take my place in the cross, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. I now bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fullness of the work of Christ against Satan and his kingdom. I bring the cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ against every foul and unclean spirit—every ruler, power, authority, and spiritual force of wickedness [you might need to get specific: “Including all spirits of fear, death, torment, accusation,” etc. You know what’s been attacking you. It has more power if you name them specifically.] I command every foul and unclean spirit bound and banished from my home and from my household, with every backup and replacement, every weapon and device, in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and in his name.

I now bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fullness of the work of Christ—his cross, resurrection, and ascension—against every foul power, witchcraft, and black art. I cut them off in the name of the Lord. No weapon forged against me shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). I bring the cross and blood of Jesus Christ against every form of hex, vex, and incantation; against every spell,

ritual, vow, dedication, and sacrifice; against every word, judgment, and curse. I command them broken and bound from my home this night in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I now bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fullness of the work of Christ between me and all people—their spirit, soul, and body, their sin, warfare, and corruption. [It may help to name those people now—extended family, folks you have been ministering to, anyone you know is judging you.] I send every human spirit bound back to their body; I command all of their sin, warfare, and corruption bound back to the work of Christ in their life, and I forbid it to transfer to me.

I summon the angels of the Lord Jesus Christ and instruct them to build a shield of protection around me and my home (Hebrews 1:14). I ask your Holy Spirit to fill my home with your presence, with the peace of God and the love of Christ. I ask you to send forth your Spirit to raise up prayer and intercession for me this night. I now call forth and command the Kingdom of God and the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout my home and throughout my household, all through the hours of this night and through the new day, in the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and in his name.

Amen

Point of Grace Online Worship - February 9, 2025

Point of Grace Worship        2.09.25     Sermon Notes – “Show Up to Armor Up”     

Ephesians 6

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. 

As Beloved Sons/Daughters we have been given an unbelievable seat from which we pray!

Ephesians 2
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  

Some Words that Matter as we Pray with Authority

In the name of Jesus …

… proclaiming and declaring what is true over ourselves and others

… I confess (sin, weakness, reality)

… I receive (forgiveness, truth, grace)

… I renounce … (sin, evil’s lies, demonic claims and strongholds, agreements with untruth) 

Let’s Pray … 

A Prayer for Putting on the Armor of God

My dear Lord Jesus Christ,
I come to You now to be restored in You, to be renewed In You.  All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You – You alone are worthy to receive all glory, honor, thanks and praise.  Today, I renew my allegiance to You as my Savior, Friend, Lord and King and take my place alongside You as a Beloved Son/Daughter of our Heavenly Father.
I love you and thank You for saving me and for the forgiveness of sins through the victory of the cross and resurrection.  Thank You, that You triumphed over all principalities and powers and I stand in that victory today believing that no weapon formed against me can prosper. (Note: Here, you might also want to declare this over your family /friends /church – name them before the Lord)

In the Mighty Name of Jesus, I put on the full armor of God today.

I buckle on the belt of truth.  I believe You are the Truth, Jesus.  I renounce the devil as a liar and surrender to You as Truth and your word as the truth.  I confess I am vulnerable to believing lies from the devil, myself and the world around me. I repent and ask You to purge my mind and heart of all untruths.  You are truth and I am in You. 

I put on the breastplate of righteousness. I am a new creation, and I have received the righteousness of Christ. I renounce all my attempts to prove my self-worth, validate the value of my existence and author my own version of rightness.   Jesus, I receive afresh your righteous sacrifice for me as an unmerited gift – a covering of value, worth and righteousness found only in You which protects my vulnerable heart as a breastplate.  Therefore, no claim can be made against me this day.   

I put on the shoes of the gospel of peace. By faith I stand, firm-footed, in Your ‘Calvary-love’ that forgives my sins and grants me perfect peace with God. I walk forward today in confidence ready to join You, Jesus, in Your Mission to share this good news with others. 

I put on the Helmet of Salvation.  Renew my mind afresh. I confess my thinking can be deceived.  I renounce the mental influences of my own sinfulness, the enemy’s deceptions and the world’s perspectives and declare my mind set apart for You, Holy Spirit to govern. You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind.  I entrust my mind to You.  

I lift up the shield of faith to resist the fiery darts of the enemy. My faith is in You and You alone—I trust in Your Pardon, Your Promises, Your Power, Your Presence! Help me to stay close, locking shields with my fellow soldiers in Your family of faith. Anoint me with Your Holy Spirit. Soak my heart, my mind and my life in the living water of Your faith-building Word. I turn from every fear, anxiety and doubt as I lift up the Shield of Faith to declare, “I trust You Jesus… help me trust You more.” 

I take up the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. Jesus, You said “the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” Holy Spirit, bring to my memory and to my mouth specific Scriptures, and help me to wield Your powerful Word skillfully against every scheme and attack of the enemy. When it comes to Your Word, I will soak it in, store it up, speak it forth, pray it over, and sing it out—trusting in Your promise that “the words I have spoken to you are Spirit and Life.” 

In the victory of Jesus I advance today knowing that the weapons of my warfare are not human, but mighty in God to pull down strongholds, to cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God bringing every thought captive making it obedient to Christ.
In Jesus name, I break the strongholds of Satan formed against me today, and choose to make Godly decisions this day, by the grace of God.  I rejoice in You today, Jesus; may Your joy be my strength as Your grace and mercy follow my life.     

Amen

Point of Grace Online Worship - February 2, 2025

Sunday, February 2, 2024

“The Shield of Faith and the Sword of the Spirit”

Rev. Mike Coppersmith

A True Story…

Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with great fury, because He knows that his time is short.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

SHOW UP AND ARMOR UP!

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth bucked around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

DECEIVE— Belt of His Truth

DISCOURAGE—Breastplate of His Righteousness

DISTRESS—Shoes of His Peace

DISTRACT—Helmet of His Salvation

DOUBT—Shield of His Faith

DIVERT—Sword of His Spirit

Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

1 John 5:4 This is the victory that overcomes the world: our faith.

What is Faith?

A SPIRIT-GIVEN TRUST IN, AND DEPENDENCE UPON—NOT ONE’S SELF—BUT JESUS CHRIST AND HIS PARDON, PROMISES, PRESENCE AND POWER.

Matthew 9:29 It will be done for you according to your faith.

Three Things to Take Care of Your Shield:

STAY CLOSE

ANOINT

SOAK

Romans 10:17 Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Ephesians 6:17 Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

James 4:7 Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

“rhema”

A Particular, Specific Portion of God’s Written Word that is Spoken Out

Matthew 4:4,7,10 It is written…

Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword…

When it comes to the Word of God:

SOAK IT IN

STORE IT UP

SPEAK IT FORTH

PRAY IT OVER

SING IT OUT

Ephesians 6:16-17 (TPT) In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the evil one! And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken word of God.

Lord Jesus, By the power of the Holy Spirit, I now align myself with You, answering Your battle call to put on the whole armor of God. Cover and clothe me with Your very Presence. Thank You that You make it possible for me to be strong in You and Your mighty power and to stand against all the evil one would throw at me this day.

You say in Your Word, “Do not be afraid…I am your Shield and your very great Reward.” In Jesus’ Name, I take up the Shield of Faith. My faith is in You and You alone— I trust in Your pardon. I trust in Your promises. I trust in Your Power. I trust in Your Presence!

Help me to stay close to fellow soldiers in Your family of faith.

Anoint me with Your Holy Spirit. Soak my heart, my mind and my life in the living water of Your faith-building Word. I turn from every fear, anxiety and doubt as I lift up the Shield of Faith against every flaming arrow directed at me, my family, my church, my labors, and my possessions. I bind every fearful thought in the name of Jesus, and choose to “walk by faith and not by sight.”

To that end, I take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Jesus, You have said to me “the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” Holy Spirit, bring to my memory and to my mouth specific Scriptures, and help me to wield Your powerful Word skillfully against every scheme and attack of the enemy. When it comes to Your Word, I will soak it in, store it up, speak it forth, pray it over, and sing it out— trusting in Your promise that “the words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life.”

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for equipping me with everything I need to win my battles this day! I praise You that I am protected by You—the Armor of God.

I now claim Your promise to me that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper.”

In Jesus’ mighty name I pray,

Amen!