There are so many things we take for granted in the Church.  We think we can have a great organization and God just has to do his part.  But we need an atmosphere that causes heaven to open up. 

Jesus, emptied Himself and was baptized and God was pleased with Him because of His submission to him, because of His humility and made Himself of no reputation.   God poured out his Spirit upon Jesus and from that moment on He was different than everyone else.  A man empowered by the Holy Spirit. He could not do the work He was called to do in His own strength.  How much more the Church today cannot do it on our own. Jesus’s main purpose was to do the will of His Father.  He said we will do the same.

Acts 1:1-2

The work of Jesus must continue.  It continues through the Spiritual body, the Church.  We are the Spiritual body of the Lord.  There are no new ideas, there is no new vision.  When we walk in the light of God’s revealed work, God blesses us.

2 Chronicles 5:13-14

The priests came in unity and something supernatural happened.  It was so powerful they could not even stand though they sang a simple song – ‘The Lord endures forever.’  We have to understand that although the song is simple it was focused on God, not man. It brought honor and glory to God.

The glory filled the temple of God.  We should want the glory of God to fill the House when we come together.

Ice-breaker:

Q. What are some very simple worship songs you can think of that are most meaningful?

Three Spiritual Hindrances that Prevent an Open Heaven

1. Sin

John 9:31; Psalm 66:18.

This means we must prepare ourselves for the presence of the Lord by confessing our sins.  

1 John 1:9

We confess, repent, and walk away from our sin.  Before we even leave to come to the church so we can gather with others who bring the glory of the Lord down.   We should not be satisfied with status quo.  We should want the presence of God with no doubt that He is with us when we gather, in power.  Jesus is still transforming, healing, and setting people free!   We are New Testament priests.  We need to take every thought captive. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 

Q. When are times when sin prevented you from bringing down the glory of God?

2. Attitude

We should not be coming to church every week with a bad attitude.  We have to let it go or it will sadden our spirit.  We have a responsibility as God’s people.  Some people are indifferent, they don’t care.  We have to care, care for one another, love one another, and be concerned for one another.  We all have issues but we need to make up our minds not to come to the House of the Lord with the wrong attitude.

Q. What are some wrong attitudes you have brought to Church?

3. Condemning Others 

We think there are levels of people in the church.  That is heresy, we all stand on equal ground before a loving God.  The Bible says Paul the apostle not Apostle Paul.  It is not a title, it is a function.  Self-righteous people condemned Jesus.  Our problem is with Christians in the Church,  self-righteous Christians who think they are above other Christians.  

Romans 8:1-4

The Lord cares for us and He will fight our battles.  We should not allow things to hinder our worship and our thanksgiving.  

John 8:36

Q. What are some feelings of condemnation and rejection you may feel now or have felt in the past?

We need:

1. An atmosphere of expectancy

We should expect something supernatural.  Our God is a living God.  We should get excited about  coming to gather with Gods people.

Q. What do you expect when you come into a service? Do you come expecting God to do something?

2. An atmosphere of no limitations

Some think only a few special people are in our gatherings, we put them on a pedestal.  God is not looking of the best.  God chooses ordinary people so no flesh may glory in his presence.  God can work through any person.  He works through anyone,  not just a handful.  All people are important to God not just the talented and gifted. 

Q. When have you thought or why do you think you cannot be used by God?

3. An atmosphere of Victorious Living

God is able to deliver anyone from anything at any time.  We have problems, we get discouraged but God is able.  We have to trust him. 

Psalm 72:12 

He is still heals the broken hearted, sets the captive free, opens the prison doors, and opens the blind eyes.

Q. What area in your life do you need victory in?

4. An atmosphere of the Truth about God’s word

Pastors must be truthful to us about the word.  People need to hear God’s voice clearly.  We hear too many voices today and then come together and fight one another because we are not listening to the word of God.  God does not care about our opinion.  

Pslam 119:105 

5. An atmosphere of not being pessimistic about the future

We should not let things bring us down and destroy our hope.  God is in control.  He is Everlasting, Eternal. 

Q. What might bring you down about the future?

6. An atmosphere of worship

We can’t come and wait for others to stir us.  We need to enter His gates with thanksgiving.  We need to shout to the Lord.  Shouting takes it away.  Shout to the Lord and sing a new song.

Challenge: Come to church expecting God to do great things!  Confess your sin, drop the attitude and starting living a victorious life in Christ!  Be a part of bringing God’s glory down from Heaven!