Pastor Larry gave the last sermon in the "Next Phase" series
He shared with us God's words, not just random theories
People often slip during phases of transition, he did us remind
But encouragement in Matthew 11:12 we can readily find
It speaks of the kingdom of heaven advancing and forceful men
We all need to grow and expand, he reminded us once again
But God knows that a transition period is something we each need
To prepare for the next phase of growth and to confidently proceed
Pastor then turned to Isaiah fifty four verses one to three
There are four ways to enlarge our tent, we did hear and see
The first is to rejoice by singing praises and shouting for joy
Especially when we are overwhelmed, this is a good ploy
By singing, we acknowledge that God is the one in control
For His love can save us from even the darkest hole
This was often practiced by the apostle we know as Paul
But also when shouting brought down Jericho's wall
Paul repeated Isaiah's words from Galatians 4 verse 27
He says that we are all children of promise from heaven
The second is to take a risk - to enlarge, stretch, and lengthen
Look at how David, Daniel, and Joseph God did strengthen
God helps ordinary people do extraordinary things
We should not hold back for God can give us wings
Remember the expression that good is the enemy of great
In the same vein, God really does not want us to stagnate
He needs us to be willing vessels to fulfill His plan
Prayer is very powerful for every believing man
The third, Pastor said, is for us to take responsibility
We should not hold back when opportunities we see
This is true whether they are for ourselves or another
And also whether the person happens to be a brother
Pastor read from First Chronicles chapter four verse ten
Like Jabez, we should ask for God's blessings again
"Pray like it is all up to God" DL Moody once did say
"But work like it is all up to us" so we can do God's way
The fourth and final point is to be ready to fight
Even in the early days, things were not always right
Acts six and eight mention complaints and persecution
Psalm 118:6 says that God's presence offers the solution
For when God is with us, we should not be afraid
With Him, great power and actions can be displayed
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