Learning to Say "No"

2. So these were the gifts that He gave. Some were
to be apostles, others prophets, others evangelists,
and others pastors, and teachers. Their job is to give
God’s people the equipment they need for their work
of service, and so to build up the King’s Body.
The purpose of this is that we should all reach unity
in our belief (in), and loyalty (to), and in knowing
God’s Son (Jesus). Then we shall reach the
stature of the mature Man (Jesus) measured
by the standard’s of (His) the King’s fullness.
(Fivefoldsurvey.com)
EPHESIANS 4:11-13 (KNT)

3. THIS WEEK
Learning to
say “no”…

4. SOUL TRAINING EXERCISES or
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES…
Bodily habits that help our heart, soul, mind, and strength
connect with God; where we put ourselves in the position
to receive grace from God to do what we otherwise couldn’t,
and be who we otherwise wouldn’t…

5. DISCIPLINES of ABSTINENCE
To strengthen spiritual “NOT-DOING” muscles
(helpful when w/DOING something we DON’T want to
do…)
DISCIPLINES of
ENGAGEMENTTo strengthen spiritual “DOING” muscles
(helpful when struggling w/NOT DOING something...)

6. SOUL TRAING by SELF-DENIAL
- SABBATH
Doing no “work” to simply rest in God’s person, and provision;
praying/playing, with God/others. Not a “law” to be followed,
but an “invitation” to be entered into…

7. - SECRECT SERVICE
Not making our good deeds or qualities known to others;
to let God or others get the credit, or receive attention;
to find our sufficiency in God…
SOUL TRAING by SELF-DENIAL
- SABBATH
Doing no “work” to simply rest in God’s person, and provision;
praying/playing, with God/others. Not a “law” to be followed,
but an “invitation” to be entered into…

8. - SILENCE
Not speaking; being in a quiet place in order to quiet our minds,
and whole self, and attend to God’s presence; or not speaking
so we can listen to others, hear them, and bless them
SOUL TRAING by SELF-DENIAL

9. - SOLITUDE
Refraining from interacting with other people in order
to be alone with God, and be found by Him
(some say this is “completed” by silence...)
SOUL TRAING by SELF-DENIAL
- SILENCE
Not speaking; being in a quiet place in order to quiet our minds,
and whole self, and attend to God’s presence; or not speaking
so we can listen to others, hear them, and bless them

10. - SUBMISSION
Not asserting ourselves in order to come under the authority,
wisdom, and power of Jesus as our Lord, King, and Master
(if done in a job, etc., can be a practice of “engagement”)
SOUL TRAING by SELF-DENIAL

11. - SUBMISSION
Not asserting ourselves in order to come under the authority,
wisdom, and power of Jesus as our Lord, King, and Master
(if done in a job, etc., can be a practice of “engagement”)
- FASTING
Going without food (or something else) for a period of
focused prayer — may be “complete,” or “partial”
* Coffee/soda
* Computer/video games
* Desserts, etc.
* Social Media
SOUL TRAING by SELF-DENIAL

12. When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do,
for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting.
Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
But when you fast, put oil on your head, and wash your face,
so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting,
but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father,
who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
MATTHEW 6:16-18

13. ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say,‘ and You have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?’
Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit
all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling, and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast
as you do today, and expect your voice to be heard on high.
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed,
and for lying in sackcloth, and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the Lord?
ISAIAH 58:3-5

14. Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice,
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free,
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry,
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh, and blood?
ISAIAH 58:6-7

15. Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I.
If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger, and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry,
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday
ISAIAH 58:8-10

16. The Lord will guide you always;
He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land,
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins,
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings
ISAIAH 58:11-12

17. 21-DAY FAST to PREPARE OUR
HEARTS
FOR the NOVEMBER ELECTION &
BEYOND
Sunday, October 2nd (after lunch) to
Sunday, October 23rd (after service)
* Three weeks of focused prayer:
- Lamenting (Oct 2 – 8; Mickey to Uganda)
- Repenting (Oct 9 – 16; FP week; Arlyn to Uganda)
- Celebrating (Oct 17 – 23; Arlyn returns)

18. FALL BAPTISM SERVICE
{ Sunday, September 25 @ 10:30am }
Directions to Bloomington Beach
& food instructions are online at
vintagelawrence.com