Title: Securing Destinies from the Court

Series: Courtroom of Heaven

Icebreaker: If you were to write an autobiography what would you title it and why?

This Sunday our Bishop delivered another insightful message in his latest sermon series, Courtroom of Heaven. We previously learned about the books of the court where God has written out his perfect plan for each of our lives. Our challenge is accessing the books so that we may live out God's plan, and Satan does all he can to keep us from doing so...

Luke 22:31-34

I. The Role of the Accuser (Job 1:6-12)

a. We've learned through this series that heaven operates like a courtroom where God is seated as the Judge, Jesus acts as our mediator, and Satan comes like the prosecution bringing accusations against us that are intended to hinder our prayers, and ultimately, our destinies.

b. When he can't find personal sin or sins in our bloodline to hold against, Satan will go before the Judge and accuse us of having impure motives. We see this example in the story of Job, who God allowed to be attacked fiercely to prove that his motives were pure. What distinguishes us today from Job is the blood of Jesus...

c. Job lived and was tried so harshly by Satan with God's permission before Jesus' death and resurrection, so none of the voices in the court that we've learned provide testimony on our behalf were in position yet. Now that we have the blood of Jesus and the great cloud of witnesses in the courtroom at our defense we have a much greater advantage.

d. With this advantage comes great responsibility. Are God's people spending time praying or complaining? 1 Peter 5:8 calls us to attention, reminding us that our accuser is relentless so we must be also. We must be fervent in prayer, not only for ourselves but for those God calls us to intercede for. The enemy will not stop bringing accusations before the Judge, and every accusation must be answered, otherwise the enemy is granted the legal right to wreak havoc in people's lives. This is how powerful and essential our prayers are...

Discussion:

When we don't know what to pray, what tools can we draw from?

II. Silencing the Accuser

a. Remember, while we are here on the earth we still have a voice in the courts of heaven. We are given authority to pray, but that authority does come with limitations. We must be cautious to pray what we hear by the Spirit, not going rogue and calling our spirits that we have not been given authority to confront, or we may fall victim to the enemy's accusations (2 Corinthians 10:13).

b. In silencing the enemy's accusations we must be sure to address the things we need to repent for, not just brush them aside. Be specific and repent for every action and word you know has not aligned with the will of God. Then turn the tables on your accuser and put him on trial. The enemy cannot defend against God's word, so we proclaim it.

c. When we pray according to what the Spirit of God reveals to us our prayers silence the accuser. More specifically, when we pray the word of God and remind God what he's said about us we partner with God to contend against Satan and answer his accusations (Isaiah 43:25-28).

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

Spanish Services at City Church: Spanish services are now in full swing at City Church! Every Sunday you can worship with us in the chapel at 10 AM, alongside our English service. We look forward to seeing you there!

GriefShare: Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you, or someone you know, has lost a loved one you can begin your journey from mourning to joy through GriefShare at City Church. Meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:00 AM in the District Pastors’ Office. For more information please visit citychurchnola.life/GriefShare.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: You can participate in corporate prayer every Wednesday morning at 7 AM on Facebook. Join us each week as we continue to pray for our church, our city, and our nation.

City Life TV: You can watch our Bishop deliver thoughtful messages throughout the week. Tune in to WHNO, channel 20, Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email you would normally receive, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and spirit-filled group!