01/10/2: Faith, Dreams & Community Vision
- gkhanselman
- Jan 17
- 4 min read
Quick Summary: Apostle Garth reflected on Psalm 47, emphasizing the spiritual power and significance of clapping and shouting praises to God as acts of faith that invite God's creative power into our lives. He highlighted the importance of childlike trust in God, urging believers to call on Him (Jeremiah 33:3) and be watchful and faithful amid societal challenges, referencing Habakkuk 1:1-5 for hope that God is working miracles unseen. The message underscored unity in the body of Christ, drawing from John 17 about being in the world but not of it, and the transformative power of the Word as Jesus speaking directly to us. Apostle Garth encouraged the Church to embrace God's timing with patience and obedience, trusting that God is both author and finisher of our lives and dreams, citing insights from Lou Engel on destiny and perseverance.
Detailed Summary Outline:
1. The Power and Meaning of Worship (Psalm 47)
Apostle Garth taught the significance of Psalm 47, especially the phrase "Oh, clap your
hands" and its deeper meaning in Hebrew as a passionate call to action. Clapping and shouting in worship were described as acts of faith, spiritual warfare, and tools to allow God's creative power (Elohim) into one's life. Emphasis on engaging with worship not just emotionally, but as a spiritual command for all people.
There were parallels drawn between physical expressions of worship (like clapping) and biblical events (e.g., Jesus shouting "It is finished" with an exclamation point, signifying victory and access to God).
Faith in Action: The church was encouraged to grow in expressive and passionate worship individually, and as a community.
2. Childlike Faith and Trust in God
Apostle Garth Stressed the importance of having a childlike trust in God, akin to how children trust their parents due to experience and faithfulness. Encouragement to not just know about God but to experience and walk with Him daily.
He referenced Jeremiah 33:3 as God’s invitation to call on Him and receive
revelation.
Some Key Questions to Ask Oneself:
How do we maintain and nurture childlike faith in the midst of challenges?
How can we become more open to experiencing God, not just knowing about
Him?
Faith in Action: Regularly revisit foundational scriptures and encourage testimonies
of trust.
3. Watching and Praying for the Nations (Habakkuk 1)
The Church reflected on societal unrest (mentions of Venezuela, Minnesota, New York)
and Apostle Garth gave prophetic encouragement from Habakkuk: to "look among the nations and watch" with faith, not fear.
He taught that God’s response in Habakkuk is our assurance that He is at work behind the scenes, and believers are called to be active watchmen, praying and expecting God’s intervention. He emphasized the difference between being passive observers and active participants in God’s plans.
Decision: The church is to take an active role as "watchmen," praying for current
events and trusting God’s timing.
Faith in Action: The Church was encouraged to pray over news/current events with discernment.
4. Vision, Dreams, and Destiny
Apostle Garth shared teachings from Lou Engel about God having a dream for each person before they were born, wrapping a body around that dream.
He discussed the journey of vision/dreams: receiving, waiting, giving it back to God (like Abraham and Isaac) and trusting God to finish what He started. The Church was encouraged to reflect on dreams that move them emotionally, as tears can indicate one’s calling.
Apostle Garth taught on the importance of unity, humility, and walking in agreement (using marriage as a metaphor for collaboration with the Holy Spirit).
Key Points:
Faithfulness and waiting for God’s timing are essential.
Destiny is discovered and fulfilled in partnership with God.
Faith in Action: Encourage journaling of dreams/callings and regular reflection. Foster a culture where sharing and praying over personal dreams is safe and encouraged.
5. The Power of Corporate Unity (John 17)
Apostle Garth explored Jesus’ high priestly prayer for unity among believers, highlighting that oneness with God and each other is a powerful witness to the world.
He discussed the importance of both personal and corporate encounters with God—like the difference between individual and family gatherings. For example: 120 gathered in unity, resulting in Pentecost and mass salvations.
The Kingdom of God is a team effort, not a solo mission; everyone has a role
(football analogy—execution and teamwork).
Decision: Prioritize building deeper unity and functioning as a spiritual family.
Faith in Action: Plan more group activities, both spiritual (prayer, worship) and social, to deepen bonds. Seek the Lord on the value of each person’s unique role in the church.
6. Final Blessing and Encouragement
Shared the priestly blessing from Numbers, emphasizing God’s desire to bless, guard, and grant peace.
Apostle Garth shared that he is 50 years Born in the LORD. He gave a Testimony of his personal faith journey and his deep gratitude for God’s ongoing work in his life. He encouraged the church to never lose awe for God’s faithfulness and to continue
pursuing more of Him.
7. Announcements & Practical Matters
Thursday: Meet at church at 6:00pm for local prayer walks, with optional
fellowship after.
Offering: Encouraged to give as led by the Holy Spirit, treating offerings as
seeds of faith. Online giving available at championshousenj.com.
Upcoming: Introduction of fasting as a lifestyle practice (details to follow).
Healing Rooms: Opportunity to visit or learn from a local ministry, Shade of Worship, who offer healing rooms with plans to start similar rooms in this church.
To Watch the Full Sermon, Click the YouTube Link:
Comments