“The Power to Get It Done: Living in the Fire of Pentecost”

Posted on June 13, 2025 by growintheword

Synopsis of Sermon 06/08/25

Sermon Deliverer: Bishop Walker III

Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV)

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

I.                      Introduction

There are moments in history that change everything—moments that shift the course of human events and redefine what is possible. Pentecost was one of those moments. It wasn’t just a festival. It wasn’t merely a religious experience. Pentecost was a divine interruption—a supernatural invasion that empowered ordinary individuals to do extraordinary things.

The disciples had walked with Jesus. They saw miracles. They sat under His teaching. They had front-row seats to the Kingdom of God in motion. But even after all of that, they still lacked the power to fulfill their calling. They had the knowledge—but they needed the fire.

Pentecost—meaning “50th”—was originally a Jewish festival held 50 days after Passover, commemorating the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was a time of thanksgiving, a celebration of harvest and God’s provision. But while the Jewish people were celebrating the giving of the Law written on stone tablets, God was giving His Spirit, to be written on the hearts of men.

Today, as we turn to Acts chapter 2, we see another kind of harvest—a spiritual one. On that day, God poured out His Spirit, birthed the Church, and empowered His people. Jesus had told the disciples in Acts 1:8 to go to the upper room and wait. And they went, with expectation. They waited for 10 days—and then it happened. Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Suddenly, a mighty rushing wind filled the house. Tongues of fire appeared. Everyone was transformed.

They went from:

  • Waiting to working
  • Silence to speaking
  • Fear to fire

That moment was not just for them—it’s for us. The same power that fell at Pentecost is available today. The same Spirit of boldness, comfort, wisdom, and power is waiting to be poured out on our lives. Too many of us get stuck in the “waiting room,” asking: When is it going to happen for me?

I came to tell you: today is a shift—from potential to power, from intention to execution, from hesitation to activation.

The Holy Spirit is not just about shouting and dancing. Don’t reduce Him to a feeling. The Holy Spirit is intelligent. He comes to:

  • Help you
  • Teach you
  • Guide you
  • Empower you to get it done

You’ve been trying to live this Christian life in your own strength—your own mind, your own logic—and that’s why it’s been a struggle. You feel like life is a figure eight: you start strong, loop around, and end up back where you began. That’s what happens when you try to walk this walk in the natural.

But God is sending help. And it’s not just encouragement—it’s power!

II.                  The Book of Acts: More Than a Story—It’s a Blueprint

Let’s step back for a moment. The book of Acts was written by Luke, a physician and historian. He also wrote the Gospel of Luke, and both were addressed to “Theophilus”—which means “lover of God.” Whether Theophilus was a person or a community, the message is the same: this word is for those who love God.

You can love God with all your heart and still lack the power to get it done.

Acts is part two of Luke’s writings. The Gospel of Luke is what Jesus began to do and teach. Acts is what He continues to do and teach through the Church. The book of Acts is a history of about 30 years—from Jesus’ ascension around AD 30 to Paul’s imprisonment in Rome around AD 60.

Say this with me: “The book of Acts is a book of history.”

III.              Why Pentecost Matters Today: Five Theological Truths

  1. It’s the Fulfillment of a Promise
    1. Jesus promised in Acts 1:8 that power would come—and it did.
    1. God always fulfills His Word.
  2. It’s the Birth of the Church
    1. The Church didn’t begin with a service. It began with power.
    1. The Spirit didn’t just visit; He indwelled believers.
  3. It’s a Shift in Dispensation
    1. In the Old Testament: God above us (e.g., Mount Sinai).
    1. In the Gospels: God with us (Emmanuel).
    1. In Acts: God in us (Holy Spirit dwelling within).
  4. It’s Power for Mission
    1. Not just goosebumps—it’s empowerment to fulfill your calling.
    1. You are called to be a witness, and the Spirit equips you to do so.
  5. It’s Unity in Diversity
    1. People heard the gospel in their own language.
    1. Pentecost reversed Babel (In Genesis 11, got confused the people’s language so they could not communicate with each other, because they were trying to build a tower to heaven). Where confusion once scattered, the Spirit now gathers and unites.

IV.             How Do I Tap into This Power?

  1. Align Yourself Under the Anointing
    1. The anointing isn’t a churchy word. It’s supernatural empowerment for divine assignment.
    1. Acts 2 shows us they were in the right place, on one accord—hearts, minds, and spirits aligned.
  2. Position Precedes Power
    1. The anointing flows where there is alignment.
    1. You can’t be out of position and expect an outpouring.
  3. Expect the Unexpected
    1. The disciples didn’t know the when—but they knew the what.
    1. Be ready for your Kairos moment. God’s timing may not match your watch, but it’s always on time.
  4. Submit to Spiritual Leadership
    1. Stay connected. Don’t isolate.
    1. You need covering, instruction, and impartation.
  5. Make Room for the Spirit
    1. When the Spirit shows up, He doesn’t just move you—He makes you.
    1. He turns ordinary people into Kingdom ambassadors.

Five things to write down. They give us a big job—they give us the backdrop to Pentecost. There was a promise among us. The Holy Spirit empowers you to fulfill your mission and purpose. It’s about unity in diversity: people of different languages and backgrounds heard the gospel in their own tongue.

What do I need to do? I’m glad you asked. Pay attention. Take good notes, because we’re about to go to school.

The first thing I want you to hear today is: you must align yourself under the anointing.

  • The anointing is not just a religious term—it is the supernatural empowerment of Godto accomplish what He has ordained for your life.
  • The disciples were not just in any place—they were in the right place. They were gathered together on one accord, meaning their minds, hearts, and spirits were aligned with God’s agenda. The Bible says, “When the day of Pentecost had fully come…” This signals a divine moment—aKairos moment. Whenever God tells you to do something, you must put yourself in a position of expectation. Don’t sit looking at your watch—look to heaven and say, “God, whenever it happens, I know it’s the right time.” God’s timing is never your timing. He may seem late on your watch, but He’s always right on time for what He’s trying to do in your life.

Pay attention to this: the anointing flows where there is alignment.

  • Let me say it again for the people in the back: The anointing only flows where there is alignment.
  • If you’re out of position, you’re going to miss the outpouring of God, because the anointing is not given for entertainment or self-promotion—it is given for the fulfillment of a divine assignment. When the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, they didn’t just feel something—they became something.

We often associate the Holy Spirit with feelings: “Who felt the Spirit?” But you can’t always trust your feelings. What you can trust is that when the Holy Spirit is present, He transforms you into what you were not before.

  • The power of God transforms ordinary people into Kingdom ambassadors.

If you want to walk in the power of Pentecost, you’ve got to be positioned correctly. That means:

  • Staying under spiritual leadership. What you stand under is what you understand.
  • Submitting to the will of God: “Lord, whatever Your will is, I accept it.”
  • Making room for the Spirit to move in your life—even if you’ve already written out your plans. Say, “God, whatever You want to do with that—it’s all right with me.”

Understand this: the anointing isn’t just for a one-time event. The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, and if you walk in the Spirit, there is a continuous flow. You didn’t receive the Holy Spirit to do nothing—you received Him to walk in everything God has for you.

People will look at you like you’re a mystery: “How is it happening for you and not for me?” Let them know:

“It’s not because I’m better—I’m just yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Three men spoke in a dialect they had not been taught—because only the Holy Spirit could empower them. The Spirit gave them the ability to take the gospel to the whole world, and so they began to speak in different languages—so that everyone present could hear the message in their own tongue.

“Christo” may be “hello” in Greek.

“Thank you” in Hebrew.

“Gracias” in Spanish.

“Merci” in French.

“Danke” in German.

“Shalom” in Israel.

So, when the crowd heard, “Wait… how are you speaking in my language?”—they were drawn in. The world only had one explanation: this must be God.

And guess who defended them? Because the Holy Spirit is not just a feeling—you become something else under His power. The same Peter who denied Jesus three times, the coward who cowered when Jesus ascended—that Peter was now in the upper room. And when he experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, something shifted. That same Peter—who last time we saw him was weeping in shame—is now bold under the power of the Holy Spirit. And when they said, “They must be drunk,” Peter stood up and said:

“No, no, no. I know drunk. This ain’t that. This is what was prophesied by the prophet Joel: In the last days, God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh, And your sons and daughters will prophesy.”

V.                 This tongue at Pentecost:

Now—that’s distinct from the gift of tongues, because the Apostle Paul says, “To some, He gives the gift of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.” So everybody who has the Holy Spirit may not have the gift of tongues—but that does not mean you don’t have the Holy Spirit.

Who do you think put all that creative genius in you? That innovation? That intellect? That strength to keep going? That’s the Holy Spirit.

And we minimize the Holy Spirit to just tongues and shouting—but He’s so much more.

Here’s how the gift of tongues works:

A person can be preaching, and suddenly begin to speak in tongues—and then continue preaching, interpreting what they just said. But if someone grabs the mic and says, “I have a word for the house,” and then only speaks in tongues with no interpretation—then they’re out of order.

  • Because if you are speaking to the body, then it must edify the body.
  • If there’s no interpreter, what’s the message?
  • Yes—this is a legitimate gift. And it still happens.
  • In places like Africa and across the globe, people operate in this gift regularly. They speak in tongues—and then interpret—and the people are amazed.

There’s the gift of tongues and interpretation, but then there is also a heavenly language—a prayer language—between you and God. That’s what you hear in worship when someone breaks into what sounds like tongues—it’s not for you. They’re not talking to you. They’re talking to God.

And I’ll say this:

  • In 33 years of pastoring this church, I have never once prayed for this ministry in the natural. In my first year, God did something in me—He elevated my prayer life. The first time I prayed in the Spirit, I didn’t know what was coming out of my mouth. I said: “Lord… what is this?
  • And He said: “I’ve shifted your frequency. Because when you pray in the natural, the devil can intercept your prayer. But I just took you from AM to FM. And now, the enemy can’t interpret what’s happening between you and Me.”
  • Who am I talking to today? You’ve been going through warfare, and sometimes as you pray, things come out of your mouth you don’t understand. Don’t be afraid. That’s the Spirit making intercession on your behalf.
  • The Bible says in Romans 8:26: “We don’t know what to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
  • And in Jude 1:20, it says: “But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith—praying in the Holy Spirit.”
  • This is not the time for “Now I lay me down to sleep”—this is the time to go to another realm, to say:“God, I need to talk to You on a different dimension.”

And the reason why some of you haven’t reached that level yet is because you’re still holding on—to your own thoughts, your own way, your logic, your pride. But when you empty yourself, the Holy Spirit fills you.

When they began to pray like that, when they experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—Acts 2 says 3,000 souls were saved in one day.

Listen:

When I became pastor of this church, we had 175 members. We saw thousands join within a year. People called us a cult. You know why? Because religious people don’t know what to do with growth. Only spiritual people can discern it.

Same with you—when you start growing in your career, your calling, your business—folk will look at you funny. And you need to look them back and say:“Ain’t nothing wrong with me. I’m just under the anointing of God.”

Because wherever the anointing is, there is going to be: Growth. Favor. Increase. Breakthrough.

I declare that when you surrender to the power and move of God, everything in your life is going to start shifting. You won’t even recognize yourself a year from now.

Remember that man in Acts 3—laying at the temple gate, begging every day for alms?

All religion could do was drop coins in his cup. But Peter and John—fresh from the upper room—saw him and said: “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, I give unto you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” And the man jumped up and ran into the temple, leaping and praising God.

Because when you get around somebody anointed, everything in your life begins to shift.

Touch your neighbor and tell ‘em: “You’re on the right pew today.”

Listen to me:

I’m not perfect. I’m an imperfect man under the anointing of a perfect God. I’ve been in rooms others only dream of. I’ve seen church games. And I told God—I don’t want to play.If it’s not real, I don’t want it.

I want the real thing. I want to pastor people who want the real thing—people who will surrender to the Spirit, not perform for the crowd.

Yes, I’m different. I’m a charismatic intellectual.

I’m the Presiding Bishop of a charismatic reformation, but I read my Bible.

And even if you don’t like me, don’t speak to me, or don’t agree with me…

You can’t deny—God’s hand is on my life.

There’s too much division in the body of Christ.

Every preacher thinks the next one is wrong. But the devil’s not even fighting us—he’s letting us fight ourselves.

It’s time to come together. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

You may not have what I have—and that’s fine. Because what you have, I may not have. But we need each other.

Let me close with this:

There was a little boy with a jug that had a pebble stuck inside. Every time he filled it with water, the pebble contaminated it. He couldn’t get it out. Tried shaking it—didn’t work. Tried digging—his hand couldn’t fit.

So one day he said,“Daddy, can you help me?”

That pebble? That’s the thing in you. The addiction. The pain. The generational curse. The trauma.

But when you start filling yourself with the Holy Spirit, the more He pours in,

the higher that thing rises—until it’s forced out.

You can’t get more of Him. But He can get more of you.

I speak this now:

That thing you’ve been battling for 10 years—today it breaks!

That thing that’s held you captive for 20 years—today it lifts!

Lift your hands. Open your mouth. Say: “Fill me, Lord. Overflow. Until the pebble comes out.”

You’re not leaving here the same. You’re walking out in power, in purpose, in freedom!

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Part 4: I Know For Myself 

Posted on May 30, 2025 by growintheword

 

Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III 
May 25, 2025

 

“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.” — Job 42:5 (NKJV)

I.               Introduction

  • True knowledge of God, I believe, goes beyond the testimonies of others, though they are valuable. While second-hand information, catechisms, or structured teachings are essential, they cannot replace the transformative experience of personal encounters with God. It is through personal trials and challenges that God reveals Himself to us in profound ways. Today, we delve into the story of Job, not only as a tale of resilience but also as a demonstration of glorifying God amid loss and adversity.

A.    The Journey of Job

  • Job was a man blessed with wealth, health, family, and prestige. His life seemed perfect until a series of tragic events stripped him of everything. Yet, in the depths of his suffering, Job encountered God in ways that would change him forever.

1.      Navigating Voices of Misunderstanding

  1. At the onset of his suffering, Job faced conflicting voices from those closest to him. His wife, overwhelmed with grief, misunderstood God’s purpose and urged Job to “curse God and die.” His friends, instead of offering support, interrogated Job, suggesting that his suffering must have been a consequence of hidden wrongdoing. Despite their misunderstanding and interrogation, Job managed these relationships with unwavering faith.
  2. This narrative reminds us that our challenges are not the end of our story. Instead, they set the stage for divine revelation. What we endure brings greater clarity of who God truly is.

2.      Job’s Status and the Heavenly Conversation

  1. To grasp the depth of this story, it’s essential to understand Job’s position during the patriarchal era—a time when wealth was measured by livestock, land, and legacy. Job was a man of integrity, respected and righteous, described as “blameless and upright.” His relationship with God was so profound that he interceded for his children, praying as though it was a spiritual insurance policy.
  2. Above Job’s head, unbeknownst to him, a conversation took place between God and Satan. Satan, wandering the earth, sought someone to tempt, and God offered Job as an example of unwavering faith. Without Job’s consent, God volunteered him, trusting Job to represent His glory even in adversity. Satan challenged this, claiming Job’s faithfulness was rooted in the blessings he had received. God allowed Satan to test Job, but with one limitation: Job’s life belonged to God.

B.    Can God Trust You with Trouble?

  • This scenario poses a profound question: Can God trust us with trouble? Can we endure trials and emerge with a greater revelation of who God is? Job’s life became a case study of seeking God, moving from hearing about Him to truly seeing Him.

1.      From Loss to Legacy

  1. Job’s suffering was transformative. He experienced profound social, economic, and psychological loss, yet never sinned or charged God with wrongdoing. Through this, Job matured to a place of worship that few attain—a place where God is glorified not for His blessings but purely for who He is.
  2. Ultimately, Job’s story transcends loss. It is a testament to legacy. Job lived to see four generations, proving that his narrative was not defined by tragedy but by enduring faith and a legacy of revelation.

II.               God’s Revelation Through Trials

  • God’s revelation often emerges through the trials He allows us to face. Without enduring challenges, we cannot fully grasp the deeper truths about His nature or the ways He manifests Himself. Job’s suffering was not just about losing wealth, family, or health—it ultimately led to encountering God in profound ways. Similarly, God reveals Himself even in moments of immense loss and pain.
  • When we reflect on life comprehensively, we recognize the transformative nature of our struggles. There are seasons where merely hearing about God is insufficient; it is through personal experiences—those trials and tribulations—that we truly come to understand His power and faithfulness. As the songwriter aptly puts it, “I thank God for the mountains and the storms He brought me through, for if I never had a problem, I wouldn’t know what faith in His word could do.” Through hardships, we learn to rely on Him, and it is during such times that God reveals Himself most vividly.

A.    Encountering God in Suffering

  1. Suffering is not wasted—it becomes the fertile ground for testimony and revelation. Every trial, tear, and tragedy contributes to the story of God’s faithfulness. Job’s compounded losses—economic, familial, relational—mirror the struggles many of us face, yet they also show how pain draws us closer to God. Like Job, we encounter God in our pain. Just as the three Hebrew boys saw Him in the furnace and Paul experienced His presence in a jail cell, we too find God in the midst of adversity.
  2. Revelation often comes through situations orchestrated by God. Isaiah 6 reminds us that it was only after King Uzziah’s death that Isaiah saw the Lord. Similarly, pain and loss pave the way for divine encounters. Worship is vital, especially when we don’t understand the reasons behind our struggles. In moments of temporary pain, we must refuse to forget God’s eternal promises. What we endure is temporary, but His promises are everlasting.

B.    Pain as Pathway to Intimacy

  1. Pain drives us closer to God, fostering a deeper intimacy with Him. The apostle Paul encapsulates this truth in Philippians 3:10, where he speaks of knowing Christ through the “fellowship of His sufferings.” It is through our most challenging moments that we gain a clearer perspective of God as our provider, healer, and miracle worker. Our songs of praise become more authentic, not because we’ve heard of His works, but because we’ve experienced His power firsthand.
  2. Suffering adjusts our vision, pushing us beyond questions like “Why me?” to seeking God’s purpose in our trials. Adversity, though painful, often works in our favor, elevating us and granting us clarity. As the enemy’s attempts to break us fail, they inadvertently drive us closer to God, sharpening our focus and advancing our spiritual growth.

C.   Trusting God’s Sovereignty

  1. Job’s story underscores the importance of trusting God, not for what He does, but for who He is. The enemy miscalculated Job’s faith, assuming it was tied to his blessings. Yet Job demonstrated unwavering trust, declaring, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” This perspective teaches us that loss often makes room for greater blessings and revelations.
  2. God does not owe us explanations for the trials He allows; rather, these experiences deepen our understanding of His sovereignty. We learn to thank Him for the clarity and growth that come from adversity. As we endure suffering, we gain a clearer vision of His purpose, recognizing that everything—good or bad—ultimately works together for our good.

D.   Purpose Revealed Through Trials

  1. Every trial serves a purpose in God’s plan. From Joseph’s betrayal and imprisonment to David’s afflictions and Paul’s hardships, each moment of suffering was preparation for a greater destiny. As David proclaimed, “It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.” Similarly, James urged early believers to “count it all joy” when facing trials, knowing that testing produces perseverance and maturity.
  2. Our trials provide revelations and intimacy with God, revealing His larger purpose in our lives. They teach us to manage our relationships with others, showing that our relationship with God sets the tone for all human interactions. Job maintained his faith despite the interrogation of his friends and the despair of his wife, standing firm in his convictions and declaring his faithfulness “until my change comes.”

E.     Final Reflection

  1. Suffering, though painful, opens our eyes to God’s purpose and helps us see Him more clearly. It transforms adversity into a platform for elevation, turning what was meant for harm into a blessing. Trusting in God’s sovereignty allows us to embrace His promises, knowing that our trials are not designed to destroy us, but to refine and bless us. As we endure, may we find strength in the assurance that God’s purpose is always at work, drawing us closer to Him and revealing His glory.

 

III.               Your Relationship with God Sets the Tone for All Other Relationships

  • Thank you, Pastor. Well, in Job Chapter 14, we see a profound truth. Job opens his discourse by saying, “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.” I want you to really hear this: life is inherently challenging. Everyone’s days are few, and those days are filled with trials.

A.    Be Faithful Until Your Change Comes

  1. If trouble in life is guaranteed, why would I add to it by creating more trouble for myself? Instead, I choose to trust God, standing firm and waiting until my change comes. This waiting isn’t passive—it’s active. It isn’t about sitting idly, hoping for something to happen. Just as waiters in a restaurant actively serve, we are called to serve God while we wait. Job exemplifies this by maintaining his worship and steadfastness, even in the darkest moments.
  2. Can you still show up and praise God when life knocks you down? That’s the question. Worship in the midst of suffering positions you for restoration. It’s a sign of spiritual maturity—showing that your relationship with God isn’t tied to material things but rooted in faith and trust.

B.    Restoration From God Transforms Our Lives Forever

  1. The story of Job teaches us that restoration with God is more than simply regaining what was lost. When Job’s life was restored, God gave him double of what he had before. This wasn’t just about material blessings—it was a complete transformation. Worship during trials positions us for this kind of restoration. Job’s unwavering faith, even when he lost everything, set the stage for his restoration.
  2. When God restores, He doesn’t just fix what’s broken—He elevates us to a new level. Think of it like a modern software update for cars or phones. The update doesn’t merely correct glitches; it often adds new features that you didn’t even know you needed. Similarly, God doesn’t just “fix” us; He upgrades us in ways that exceed our expectations.
  3. God’s restoration isn’t limited to the physical—it’s emotional, spiritual, and relational. It transforms our perspective, our relationships, and our purpose. Job’s life after restoration was not just about having more—it was about seeing more clearly: seeing God, seeing others, and seeing himself in a new light.

C.   Release to Receive

  1. One of the most overlooked aspects of Job’s story is that his restoration began when he prayed for his friends. To receive blessings, we must be willing to release bitterness, resentment, and misunderstanding. Revelation comes when we let go. Holding on to pain only hinders the blessings God has for us.
  2. This is your season of restoration. Just like the famous Emmanuel bell in Notre Dame, which was cracked and silent for years, restoration doesn’t just repair—it enriches. When the bell rang again after being restored, its sound was richer, deeper, and more resonant. The cracks didn’t disqualify it; they gave it character. Your trials and cracks in life are not meant to silence you but to refine and amplify your testimony.

D.   Conclusion

  1. God’s restoration is about more than returning to the status quo—it’s about transformation. When you trust in Him, He not only restores what is lost but blesses you with more than you could imagine. Release what holds you back, worship through the trials, and step into the fullness of God’s plans for your life. This is the season for restoration, transformation, and elevation.
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Part 3: Don’t Give Up On God 

Posted on May 21, 2025 by growintheword



Delivered by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III 
Synopsis 5/18/25

John 11: 20-27 NKJV 
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

I.               INTRODUCTION

Life often challenges our faith, especially when we’ve prayed earnestly for a breakthrough, yet it seems delayed. During these moments, the enemy tempts us to give up on God. This struggle is familiar to all of us—the waiting feels endless, and doubt begins to creep in. Yet, remember this: God has not abandoned you, so don’t lose faith in Him. Even in the midst of your trials, God remains actively involved in your situation.

Jesus shared a close friendship with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, who lived in Bethany. When Lazarus fell ill while Jesus was away, the sisters sent word to Him, hoping He would come quickly. However, Jesus deliberately delayed His journey, knowing that something greater was unfolding. Days later, the news came that Lazarus had passed away, and many thought it was too late for Jesus to intervene.

Explaining to His disciples, Jesus revealed that Lazarus was only sleeping, and He intended to wake him. Although they struggled to grasp His meaning at the time, Jesus was preparing to demonstrate God’s immense power. By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days, and the funeral had already taken place. Martha, frustrated and grieving, confronted Jesus, believing He had arrived too late.

Despite Martha’s doubts, Jesus came to show that no human condition is ever beyond God’s ability to transform and redeem.

II.               TRUST GOD’S TIMING, EVEN IN TROUBLE

Life’s greatest test often lies in trusting God when your situation worsens despite your prayers. Can you hold onto faith even when trouble deepens? Trusting God’s timing requires unwavering belief, especially when delays seem to overshadow progress.

A.    Delays Are Not Denials

  • Delays often serve a purpose—they may protect us from unseen dangers or position us for greater outcomes. Consider the way a plane circles the airport before landing. You might not know whether the delay is caused by mechanical issues, weather conditions, or traffic at the destination, but the ultimate goal is your safety and successful arrival. Similarly, God’s timing ensures you reach your destination without collisions.
  • When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, His purpose was not merely to console but to bring resurrection. Delays often allow us to witness the full scope of God’s power. Sometimes, He lets situations exceed human ability to make His divine intervention unmistakable.

B.    Faith Must Function Beyond Frustration

  • Even in her frustration and grief, Martha demonstrated remarkable faith by saying, “Even now, whatever you ask of God, He will give it to you.” Faith does not ignore the pain or frustration you feel; instead, it encourages you to trust God despite them.
  • It is natural to hurt or cry, but know this: God’s plans often exceed your expectations, and His best work is often yet to come. Hold on to faith, for you haven’t seen the entirety of what He can do yet.

III.               Treasure God’s Truth, Even in Testing

It is during challenging times that you must hold tightly to God’s word. When God sends forth a word, it will always fulfill its purpose.

A.    God’s Word Is Greater Than Your Worry

  • In the midst of her heartache, Jesus reminded Martha of who He is by declaring, “I am the resurrection.”
  • Resurrection is not merely an event—it is embodied in the person of Jesus.
  • When life seems insurmountable, recall that through Christ, you have the strength to overcome all things.

B.    Your Reality Does Not Remove His Reliability

  • Martha was consumed by her reality—the death of her brother. Sometimes, your reality can be overwhelming.
  • Paraphrasing Martha, she expressed doubt: “I hear You, but my brother is stinking. He’s been dead for four days and decomposition has already begun.”
  • Even when situations seem beyond hope, refuse to settle for finality.
  • Trust His ability to turn things around and believe beyond the present moment.

C.   Take God’s Terms, Even in Tears

  • Reflecting on “Jesus wept,” the shortest verse in the Bible, reveals the profound union of divinity and humanity.
  • Jesus, while fully divine, also embraced His humanity by grieving for Lazarus, His friend. This teaches us that it is entirely valid to cry and express pain—it is not a sign of weakness.
  • While Jesus wept, He simultaneously moved into action to raise Lazarus from the dead. This mirrors our own journeys. While we may hurt deeply, we are also moving forward toward healing and redemption.
  • The mistake lies in trying to separate our humanity from our progress. Jesus exemplifies that strength and vulnerability can coexist.

D.   Breaking Harmful Stereotypes

  • Jesus was fully God and fully human, yet He still wept.
  • One of the most harmful beliefs is that crying or showing emotion makes one weak. This mindset often leads young individuals to suppress their tears, turning them into anger.
  • Recognizing that expressing emotion is a natural and healthy part of humanity can lead to greater healing and understanding.

IV.               Take God’s Terms, Even in Tears

A.    Your Pain Does Not Prevent His Power

  • Jesus is already working on your behalf, even in the midst of your pain and confusion.

B.    Obedience Precedes the Outcome

  • When Jesus told the people, “Show me where you have laid him,” and then commanded them to “Roll the stone away,” He illustrated an important principle: obedience often comes before the miracle.
  • By asking those who had sealed Lazarus in the tomb to now unseal it, Jesus demonstrated how God transforms those who carried burdens into those who assist in liberation. He can turn your pallbearers into your armor bearers!

1.      Key Lessons to Apply:

  • Follow His command to take action, even when it defies logic.
  • Stop questioning His directions and trust His wisdom.
  • Believe in the process, even when the outcome seems uncertain.

V.               Trust God’s Triumph, Even in Transition

Faith in Action

·      Believe in Victory During the Process

  • The journey may be excruciating, but rest assured, God wouldn’t have you endure it if victory wasn’t awaiting you. When Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth, it was a call to breakthrough, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

·      Jesus Sends a Word Into Dead Situations

  • In ancient times, the deceased were mummified and bound in grave clothes. Despite these circumstances, Jesus didn’t enter the tomb but instead sent His word into it. This demonstrates a powerful truth: the living do not dwell among the dead, but the word of life can penetrate even the darkest spaces.
    • When Jesus said, “Lazarus, come forth,” Lazarus had every excuse to stay in his dead situation—bound in burial clothes, confined by the limitations of death. Yet, he didn’t remain stagnant. He moved, hopped, and emerged from his bondage!

·      Empowered, Not Enabled

  • When Jesus sends a word, it’s not to enable you but to empower you. Faith without works is dead. When you receive God’s word, you must take action, even if it means rolling out, crawling out, or hopping out of your circumstances. The key is to move towards liberation—because breakthroughs require effort.
    • A common mistake is attempting to pull others out of their dead situations without letting them take the steps themselves. True transformation happens when individuals actively participate in their own deliverance.

A. What You Release, God Will Resurrect

1.     Breaking Free from Grave Clothes

  • Lazarus’s resurrection was incomplete as long as he remained bound by his burial clothes. The grave clothes represent whatever holds you back, keeping you stuck in your past or struggles. However, God’s power is about to break everything that’s been weighing you down.
  • Release to Resurrect: Let go of what binds you, and God will bring new life into your circumstances.
  • Bound Must Be Broken: God is preparing to shatter every chain that has kept you captive.
  • Trust that when God calls you forth, He equips you not only to rise but also to thrive in the freedom He provides.
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Part 2: Believe It Or Not 

Posted on May 15, 2025 by growintheword


Part 2: Believe It Or Not 
Delivered by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III 
Synopsis 5.11.25

John 9: 17-25 NKJV 
17 They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” 18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24 So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.” 25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

I.         INTRODUCTION 

  1. Ever had something that was impossible to believe? This is where we are in this scripture. This blind man had spent his whole life in darkness, but one encounter with Jesus, everything changed
  2. You would think everyone would rejoice over the healing this man received, but he was instead interrogated.
  3. Earlier in John 9, when the disciples first encountered the blind man who was blind at birth, they asked Jesus who sinned him or his parents? Jesus response was, “neither”. He told them that it was so God could get the glory Back then, when you were born with some kind of handicap, they believe it was a result of sin from one of the parents.
    1. Afterwards, Jesus spit on the ground and made a mud pie and put it on his eyes. Then he instructed the man to go to the pool of Siloam which means sent. When the man washed in the pool as instructed, he came back seeing.
    1. The Pharisees were upset, because Jesus did this on the Sabbath. They wanted to use this to discredit Jesus by making him out to be a sinner.   
  4. Some people will celebrate your transformation, and others will struggle with it.
    1. There will always be those that question whether it is real or not. When God changes your life, no one can undo what God has done. You are setting next to a miracle.
    1. Sometimes, your transformation will make believers out of others.
    1. If you ever experience a breakthrough where others don’t believe, don’t worry about it. Go on the newness God has given you.
  5. In the text it happened around Jerusalem. The Jews were divided by who Jesus, was. The Pharisees were always worried controlling the crowd. Healing the blind man on the Sabbath added fuel to the fire.
  6. Even in the outrage of the Pharisees, we see conflict, religion and relationships.
    1. The miracle wasn’t just physical; it was also to open spiritual eyes. God would use the blind man’s miracle to show us that no matter your situation, God can turn it around.
    1. In this miracle you see:               
      1. The Pharisees – They represent the system. The religious people that don’t understand what God is doing in our lives.
      1. The Sabbath – The Jews believed that you couldn’t work on the Sabbath.
      1. The crowd of Jews. – Onlookers, waiting to see what was going to happen.
  7. We see a miracle playing out right before our eyes.
  8. We want to examine how the miracle occurs. There is a miracle about to hit your house!
  9. The blind man wasn’t just blind; he was also an outcast socially.

II.         ENDURING A CRIPPLING CONDITION 

  • Jesus sees you even when other people don’t see you.
  • His condition wasn’t the inclusion of his story. Just because it is a tough place it doesn’t mean that you have to stay there.

A.  Acknowledge Your Limitations 

  1. You can’t fix yourself. The blind man couldn’t heal himself. He had to depend on Jesus.
  2. The first step of your miracle is reaching out your hand and saying, “Lord, I need you every hour”

B.  Avoid Letting Your Condition Define You 

  1. The blind man is labeled based on his condition. What would be your name if you were defined by your condition?
  2. God labels us by our potential.
  3. We know that who we are is what we answer to, and not what people call us.
  4. We need people with raw and rugged testimonies to testify. Time out for cookie color testimonies. If you only knew how far God has brought me.

III.         EXPERIENCE CHRIST’S COMPASSION 

  • Jesus constantly demonstrates compassion. Compassion is a deep awareness of another suffering combined with the strength to want to alienate it.
  • Jesus responds with mercy and action.
  • Jesus did not ignore his cry. He healed his situation. He restored the brokenness.

A.  He Sees You in Your Situation 

  1. God sees you. He knows what’s going on. Late at night, when you are struggling, He still sees you.
  2. When your spirit is sorrowful, God sees you.
  3. The blind man knew that God saw him.

B.   Trust God’s Process Even When It’s Unconventional 

  1. Jesus healed the blind man in an unconventional way. He used spit and mud on the blind man’s eyes.
  2. Jesus moves in ways we don’t expect. You don’t have to understand His process to experience his power.
  3. We are waiting on a miracle, and God is waiting on our obedience.
  4. People are not about the moment, but instead the method. A show draws attention to eyes, but miracles transform lives.
  5. Creation language:
    1. Echoes of Genesis – Remember the law of primary reference. Go back to where God used it first.
      1. Genesis 2:7 (NKJV) says 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.– By using dirt to give sight, was a symbol that He was not just healing the man, he recreating him, because we came from dirt.
      1. When you’ve been wounded by culture, you need to be made whole.
    1. Cultural disruption:
      1. What was considered unclean – Spit and dirt was unclean. Jesus takes what was unwanted and used it for something great! You don’t know how your miracle is going to come to you.
    1. Personal involvement:
      1. A hands-on miracle – The blind man doesn’t just receive a miracle. He feels it. Jesus gets in the dirt with us to bring about a breakthrough.
    1. Obedience and trust:
      1. Jesus tells the blind man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam – sometimes the miracle is on the other side of obedience.
    1. Because of his obedience, his eyes were opened.

IV.         EXPECT YOUR CRITICS’ CONFRONTATION 

  • The blind man receives his sight and receives opposition.
  • Some people are more disturbed by your breakthrough, than they are your situation.
  • They didn’t offer help when you were down, but as soon as you walk into your purpose, they have something to say.
  • Instead of celebrating the healing, they started an investigation.
  • Some people can’t handle your blessing if it doesn’t have anything to do with them. They will try to bring you back to your former ways.

A.  Don’t Let Doubters Distract You 

  1. Your testimony is undeniable.

B.   Stand Firm in Your Faith 

  1. They asked the parents. The Pharisees asked was the blind man their son, and has he been blind since birth. They also asked how he was able to see now. The parents told them to ask him, since he was of the age to answer.
    1. Mothers gave us the power to speak for ourselves.
  2. This the expression of maturity. You can speak for yourself. Let your testimony do the talking.
    1. Fruit don’t lie. You shall know a tree by the fruit they bear.

V.         EXPRESS YOUR CONFESSION OF CHANGE 

  • The blind man didn’t just see, he spoke. God doesn’t save us to be silent. When he changes your life, you can’t keep it to yourself.

A.  Boldly Declare What God Has Done 

  1. Your testimony has power. The blind man gave God all the credit.
  2. You have to be boisterous in your testimony. You once was this, but now you’re that.

B.   Live Like You’ve Been Changed 

  1. Your transformation needs to be visible. It’s not about what you say, but how you live.
  2. Walking in confidence of your healing. You are undeniable proof about the power of God.
  3. He opened our eyes, so we will open up our mouth.
  4. Somebody needs to know what God did in your life. God’s been good to you.
  5. Story_ A man survived a roll over crash. When people saw the wreckage, they said, no way anyone could live through that. The guy told them, “All I know, I shouldn’t be here, but I am!

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