“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.
Acts 2:40-47
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Foundational Pillars in the life of the born again believer can be defined as the core system of values, beliefs, and fundamental truths, which are based completely on the Word of God, upon which all Truth is established. These foundational pillars are to be lived out and modeled in everyday life in order to strengthen and advance the Kingdom of God in the Earth through the life of every believer!
It is of paramount importance that we begin and continue our Christian walk on solid, Christ-centered, Biblical foundations. It is on these sound, Biblical foundations that all Truths of the Word of God rest. These foundations anchor us to the Kingdom of God and empower us to fulfill God’s purposes and plans for our lives here on the Earth. The strength of and commitment to these Biblical foundations largely affect how we finish the race set before us and the impact we make on eternity.
Foundational Pillar #1: PRAYER
•Acts 1:14 & 2:1-4 – The Church was birthed through prayer.
•Jeremiah 33:3 – God reveals things to His people through prayer.
•Mark 11:22-26 – God answers the prayer of faith from His people.
•Luke 18:1 & Matthew 6:5 – Jesus commands us to pray!
•James 1:5 – God grants wisdom to those who pray.
•Acts 12:1-17 – God sends supernatural deliverance due to the Church praying.
•James 5:13-18 – The prayers of the righteous are full of power!
•2 Chronicles 7:14 – God moves on a nation when His people seek Him through prayer, repentance, and holy living!
Foundational Pillar #2: PRAISE AND WORSHIP
•Psalm 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, & 150 all start with praise unto the Lord! Praise and Worship elevates us into the presence of God where His power is readily available!
•Acts 16:23-26 – Chains and shackles are broken, prison doors are opened, and people are set free through praise and worship!
•2 Samuel 6:14-15 – David ministered unto the Lord through praise and worship!
•Our praise is irresistible to God. As soon as He hears us call His name, He is ready to answer us. Every time we praise Him, His presence comes.
•PRAISE entreats the favor of the KING! (See Judah, whose name means praise, and Joseph in Genesis 44&45)
Foundational Pillar #3: PREACHING AND TEACHING THE WORD OF GOD
•The greatest voice of faith that you will hear is YOUR VOICE speaking the Word of God!
•John 1:1-3, 14 – Jesus is the Word of God!
•Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing the Word of God!
•John 17:17 – The Word is TRUTH!
•John 14:66 & John 10:10b – The Word is LIFE!
•Hebrews 4:12 – The Word is ALIVE and full of POWER!
•2 Timothy 3:16 – The Word is God breathed!
•Matthew 6:18 – The gates of Hell shall not prevail against a person who has revelation of the Word of God!
Foundational Pillar #4: THE FLOW OF THE HOLY GHOST
•Everything that Jesus did during His earthly ministry was based upon His relationship with the Father and the Holy Ghost! Jesus stayed in the flow of the Holy Ghost!
•M 3:11 & Luke 3:16 – Jesus is the baptizer of the Holy Ghost! To get in the flow of the Holy Ghost, you need to be filled with the Holy Ghost!
•Acts 1:8 – POWER to be a WITTNESS!
•Acts 4:31 – BOLDNESS!
• – COMPASSION for others!
•John 14:16-18, 26 – Comforter, Spirit of Truth, with you and in you!
•John 15:26 – The Holy Ghost reveals Jesus!
Foundational Pillar #5: FELLOWSHIP
•With the FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST!
•With your FAMILY! (wife, husband, children)
•With your CHURCH! Hebrews 10:25
•Mark 16:15-20 – And you GO INTO THE WORLD TO SHARE JESUS WITH THEM!
