Changing the Atmosphere

11 Chronicles 5:13, 14

Atmosphere speaks of a pervading or surrounding influence or spirit. A general mood or environment. We will not only deal with atmosphere changes for us individually but also has a church.

THE FOLLOWING ARE TWELVE GOALS THAT WE SHOULD PURSUE.

1. No spiritual hindrances. An atmosphere of the Heavens being open.

·         We all have seasons when we are pressed on every side, when darkness seems to abound, and the heavens seem as brass.

1. No “business as usual services”   An atmosphere of unified Expectancy.

·         Come together with excitement believing for great things to happen. If you announced that Jesus was going to appear in bodily form at your next service, no doubt the atmosphere around the church would be a lot different. People would arrive early no doubt the pray rooms would be filled, lost love ones would be physically dragged through the doors.

1. An atmosphere of the supernatural “Our God is no common, ordinary God.

·         Come expecting, come with the right attitude. When we direct our faith toward God he will surprise you.

1. No limitations allowed to be placed on anyone. An atmosphere of anyone can receive.

·         Ex. – Rahab was a prostitute yet she is listed in Hebrews chap. 11

·         Paul was vicious in his persecution of the church.

·         David committed murder and adultery.

·         Mary Magdalene was filled with demons.

·         Gideon was a coward. We must remember there is no limit to what God can do with a life committed to Him.

1. An atmosphere of “People are important”

·         Jesus shed blood for all people. The Gospel is to all people not just the ones we like or choose. The church is an open door to all, not a private club. How friendly is your church? How friendly are you?

1. No defeatist spirit. God is able to deliver anyone at anytime. We need an atmosphere that projects that victorious living is possible for everyone.

1. No hold the fort philosophy here. We need to reach our City. There are times of visitation for every city. We are currently experiencing a visitation of the spirit throughout our entire world. Yet some will not recognize what God is doing and thus miss their time. This caused Jesus to weep over Jerusalem when they missed one of their times of visitation.

1. An atmosphere of financial blessing. We must stop making excuses for our disobedience in these areas. Stop functioning in our dysfunction. Less than 25% of people in many churches faithfully support that church with tithes and offerings on a consistent basis. Fewer than that serves the church with their time and talents!

1. An atmosphere of communion where the voice of God can be heard clearly. It is sad but true we have a lot of church without ever hearing from God at all. Yet there is a fresh out pouring of his spirit today He is speaking to those who have an ear to hear what He is saying.

1. No pessimism about the future; God is in control. So have an atmosphere of faith. We must know that God will fulfill His word. Our job is too corporate with Him.

1. An atmosphere of Vision: Where people can see the invisible and do the impossible.

·         What do you see when you look at the church? Do you just see all the imperfections or do you see what God sees? George Barna says “Vision is the single most important dimension of a successful ministry.”

1. An atmosphere of Worship: Where the spirit of God is released in its fullness. When true worship explodes in our heart great things will always happen. God will rise and His enemies will be scattered!

·         When these atmosphere changes are in place, our cities and our churches will be loosed.