Disciplined and Defended | Pastor Tre Townsley

Disciplined and Defended

The parent has a responsibility to teach the child

• Deuteronomy 11:18-19 “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
• Ephesians 6:4 “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
• Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother
• Psalm 127:3 “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward.”

Heritage: [nachalâh] (nakh-al-aw’) An heirloom

Eli the Priest/Judge/Father

Read 1 Samuel chapters 2 and 3 

• 1 Samuel 3:13 “For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.”
• 1 Samuel 2: 29 “Why do you kick at my offering which I have commanded in my dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?”

Positions of law/authority allow or disallow certain things.

• “It may be true that morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be

regulated.”

• “It may be true that the law cannot change the heart, but it can restrain the

heartless.”

• “It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can restrain

him from lynching me.”

• “And so, that while legislation may not change the hearts of men, it does

change the habits of men.” ---Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Authority can only be given by one who is authorized. 
• It is not visible, only its effects can be seen
• Parents have authority from conception
• Children have a responsibility to be protected

• Malachi 4:6 “And He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
• Deuteronomy 4:9-10a Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren…

The heart can only be returned if it has first turned away

• Colossians 3:21 “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

Discouraged: [athumeo] To be broken in spirit or spiritless

• Proverbs 7:2 Keep my commands and live

Those closest to us have the ability to inflict the most damage

• Luke 11:17 But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.”

Living Fascinated | Bishop Kyle Searcy | 9.17.23

Living Fascinated

Psalm 139:1-6

O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. 5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.

THE HUMAN PROPENSITY TOWARDS FASCINATION

Gen 2:8-9

The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.

Gen 3:6

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 

We were Created to Be Fascinated

When a human being is fascinated these biochemical reactions take place:

Dopamine Release

Engaging with something fascinating often leads to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

Activation of the Reward Circuitry

The reward pathways in the brain are activated. This system, which includes regions such as the nucleus accumbens and the ventral tegmental area, is involved in processing rewards and motivation.

Enhanced Attention and Focus

The noradrenergic system, which releases norepinephrine, becomes more active, enhancing attention and focus.

Cortisol Fluctuation/Reduction

An immersive, fascinating experience might reduce cortisol levels, suggesting a reduction in stress.

Engagement of the Hippocampus

The hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with memory and learning, becomes more engaged. This engagement facilitates the encoding of new information into memory.

More Focus

Certain brain networks, including the default mode network (DMN) and the executive network, are activated, aiding in introspection and focused, goal-directed activity.

Sensory Integration

The sensory regions of the brain process the visual, auditory, or tactile information being received, integrates it to create a detailed perception of the fascinating object or topic.

Emotional Engagement

The amygdala and other emotional centers in the brain are engaged, leading to emotional responses ranging from joy and wonder to surprise.

Neuroplasticity

Engaging deeply with fascinating phenomena can encourage neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to form new neural connections, enhancing learning and memory.

10. Serotonin Release

Serotonin is often released, contributing to feelings of well-being and happiness.

11. Increased Blood Flow

Blood flow increases to various regions of the brain, supplying the necessary oxygen and nutrients to the areas that are more active during the fascination experience.

THREE AREAS OF FASCINATION TO PURSUE

Fascination with God

Ezek 1:26-28

And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. 27 Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

 

Rev 4:2-8

2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”

Dan 7:9-10 

“I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; 10 A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened.

Creation

Psalm 19:1-6

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. 6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end

a. Gravity

Gravity is fine tuned to allow for the existence of life as we know it. Any slight variation would result in a universe where life could not exist.

b. DNA and Genetic Code.  

The DNA molecule carries complex, detailed information in the form of a genetic code, which is used to create every protein necessary for life. This code is both highly specific and remarkably efficient, packing a vast amount of information into a very small space.

c. The Human Brain. 

100 billion neurons

Each neuron forms 1,000 to 10,000 connections with other neurons

Processes 393 feet per second

Developing babies in womb first few months develop 250,000 neurons per minute

Storage estimated to be over 1 million Gigabytes

d. The Eye   

The eye is a remarkably complex organ that is capable of converting light into an electrical signal that the brain can interpret. 

Can distinguish between 10 million different colors

Fast: can process a visual scene in as little as 13 milliseconds blinking takes 100 milliseconds

Individually unique retina

How much He knows and Loves Us.

Psalm 139:1-6

O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. 5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

Searched - to penetrate; examine intimately:—find out,  search out, seek out, try.

 

Known - perceived, acquire knowledge, to be acquainted, realized,  arrived at a full knowledge of my  condition.

 

Down Sitting / Uprising

All that I do from one end of the day to the other. 

  Thoughts Afar

while it is just forming—long before it is a fully developed thought.

Also motivations behind the thought

Comprehend My Path (Deeds) and my rest

Comprehend - Scatter, fan winnow, sift my path.

Acquainted with All My WAYS

Word on Tongue 

Before we can frame a word on our tongue, the Lord knows already

  Hedged Before and Behind

Hand on Me

                Wonderful

He allowed Himself to be wondered by it!!!

HOW TO LIVE FASCINATED

Col 3:2

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

A TRIANGLE OF BIBLICAL MANHOOD

I. MANHOOD UNDER ATTACK

A. TOXIC MASCULINITY TALK

Background: first used by psychologist Shepherd Bliss in the 1980s and 1990s,

who sought to separate the negative traits of men from the positive and used

‘toxic masculinity’ as a means of making the distinction.

Definition: Toxic masculinity refers to the notion that some people’s idea of

“manliness” perpetuates domination, and aggression. Toxic masculinity involves

cultural pressures for men to behave in a certain way. It likely affects all boys and

men in some fashion.

B. CELEBRATION OF EFFEMINATE MEN

1 Cor 6:9

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not

deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor

abusers of themselves with mankind.

II. JESUS

Matthew 3:16-17

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and

behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God

descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17  And suddenly a voice came

from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 17:5

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and

suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in

whom I am well pleased. Hear Him.

A. His Humanity

Gen 3:15

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, and between your seed and

her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive

and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

1 Tim 2:4-5

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ

Jesus

.

Gal 4:4-5

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a

woman, born under the law, 5  to redeem those who were under the law, that we

might receive the adoption as sons.

Heb 2:17-18

Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a

merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation

for the sins of the people. 18  For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted,

He is able to aid those who are tempted.

2 Tim 2:8

Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead

according to my gospel.

Evidence of His Humanity

a. Circumcision. Lu 2:21.

b. Growth. Lu 2:51-52

c. Hungering. Mt 4:2

d. Sleeping Matt 8:24

e. Tiredness John 4:6

f. Side Pierced John 19:34

g. Death. John 19:30

B. Dominate Characteristic: Submission to the Fathers Will

John 8:28-29

Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know

that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I

speak these things. 29  And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left

Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.

John 4:34

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish

His work

John 6:38

For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him

who sent Me

Matthew 26:39

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if

it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You

will.”

III. DANIEL

Dan 10:10-11

Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the

palms of my hands. 11  And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand

the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.”

While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.

A. Dominate Characteristic: Steadfastness

1. Kings Meat. Dan 1:8

2. Lions Den. Dan 6:3

3. Prophetic Words. Dan 4:19

4. 3 Kings of Babylon (Consistent)

1 Cor 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in

the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

IV. King David

Acts 13:22

And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also

He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My

own heart, who will do all My will.’

1 Sam 13:14

But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man

after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His

people

A. Dominate Characteristic: “After” “Heart”

Psalm 27:1-6

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the strength of my life;

Of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked came against me

To eat up my flesh,

My enemies and foes,

They stumbled and fell.

3 Though an army may encamp against me,

My heart shall not fear;

Though war may rise against me,

In this I will be confident.

4 One thing I have desired of the LORD,

That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the LORD

All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the LORD,

And to inquire in His temple.

5 For in the time of trouble

He shall hide me in His pavilion;

In the secret place of His tabernacle

He shall hide me;

He shall set me high upon a rock.

6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me;

Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;

I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD

Summary:

1. Live to Do His Will

2. Remain Steadfast in Babylon

3. Relentlessly Pursue God’s Heart

FORORDAINED NOT FORGOTTEN | BISHOP KYLE SEARCY | 10 AM

FORORDAINED NOT FORGOTTEN 

Gen 40:1-41:1

It came to pass after these things that the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt offended their lord, the king of Egypt. ² And Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief butler and the chief baker. ³ So he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, in the prison, the place where Joseph was confined. ⁴ And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them; so they were in custody for a while.

⁵ Then the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were confined in the prison, had a dream, both of them, each man’s dream in one night and each man’s dream with its own interpretation. ⁶ And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad. ⁷ So he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the custody of his lord’s house, saying, “Why do you look so sad today?”

⁸ And they said to him, “We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.”

So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell them to me, please.”

⁹ Then the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, “Behold, in my dream a vine was before me, ¹⁰ and in the vine were three branches; it was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. ¹¹ Then Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand.”

¹² And Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days. ¹³ Now within three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your place, and you will put Pharaoh’s cup in his hand according to the former manner, when you were his butler. ¹⁴ But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house. ¹⁵ For indeed I was stolen away from the land of the Hebrews; and also I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon.”

¹⁶ When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and there were three white baskets on my head. ¹⁷ In the uppermost basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.”

¹⁸ So Joseph answered and said, “This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days. ¹⁹ Within three days Pharaoh will lift off your head from you and hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from you.”

²⁰ Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. ²¹ Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. ²² But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. ²³ Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.

41 Then it came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh had a dream.

BAFFLING SEASONS

• In prison yet his gift still works

• Nice to people but not reaping what’s sown

• Strange things happen you did nothing to contribute to…

• You see favor but it’s prison favor.

• Despair knocking on your door

• Start Doubting Your Abilities

• On the edge but never go over the edge

WHAT GOD IS DOING IN SUCH SEASONS

• (Hiding) 

• (Training) 

• (Testing). 

• (Separating)/(Solitude) 

• (Timing) 

FOREORDAINED

Psalm 139:13-16

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. ¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. ¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

Eph 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 1:4-5:

"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will."

Romans 8:29-30:

"For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified."

Jeremiah 1:5:

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Psalm 139:13-16

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. ¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. ¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

1. Hold on
2. Dig Deep 
3. Reach Up
4. Stay the Course