Fear Not Luke 1:26-35 December 14, 2025 Fear: Mental, emotional projection of an unwanted result. Fear: A result of “broken connection” (see Adam) Inadequacies: failure; past; lack Others judgement; rejection; second-guessing; close circle; “outside” enemies “Lingering labels”; hearsay, critics perceptions Loss, lack, disability Fear Not! A loving and Direct Command! Poisons relationships! Fear drives manipulation, control Root of anxiety, unrest Quenches productivity, aspiration Counters Love (1 John 4:16-18) Invites spiritual enemies! Interrupts the ministry of the Holy Spirit Fighting Fear Recognize it! Ask the Holy Spirit (The Spirit of Truth) to reveal it! (Evident and hidden) Resist it! “Declare war” on it in our heart, mind, words! (2 Timothy 1:7) 2 Timothy 1:17 Ask for greater revelation of the Love of God! (1 John 4:18) Tell yourself the Truth! (Philippians 4:6-8; Joshua 1:8, 9; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 91) ✸We connect with the power and authority of the Word of God through faith and Our profession! Pastor Steve Franklin Birmingham Alabama

Review James 1:21 – “Save Your Souls” Born again by life in Word of God; received, reinforced Word of life (John 14:6; John 1:4; John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12) The “implanted” Word: heard, received, confessed, obeyed Soul – (psuche); can refer to both spirit and soul; or to our spiritual personality i.e., our mind, will, emotions Operation of our spirit, indwelled by the Holy Spirit; living room or control center, with other rooms, information sources. Sozo: to save, deliver, make whole, heal Addictions; memories; lusts; temperament; rejection; doubt/worry; fear; anxiety; bitterness; shame; etc. The implanted word: believed, received, re-enforced, obeyed. The Spirit, soul, body composition: 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12 Our Soul and body are “Under renovation”. The flesh and the enemy work to delay, even hijack the renovation. Strongholds are areas where there is Resistance to the Lord’s access/ownership. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) (Unsubmitted, accumulated, thought patterns) The “Spirit” vs. The “Flesh” ★Our spirit and soul are inseparable, but distinguishable Our body is the “home”, “clothes”, of our spirit-man. It gets information from the outside, (for example media, other people, even the devil, etc.) and from inside sources (such as our brain, mind, the Holy Spirit). Our soul is our spiritual personality. It can be under the influence, direction of the Spirit or the body/flesh and the enemy. The mind is a receiver and a processor of information from outside and inside (the flesh and the Spirit). The mind makes projections, forms opinions, and is subject to deception. It must be trained and disciplined by the Spirit of truth. (See John 16:13-15 and John 17:17) ★“Self-talk” can be good or bad. If it is based on wrong information, it projects the wrong perspective, leading to the wrong beliefs, which yields wrong results!” Our spirit is “headquarters, home” for the Holy Spirit received through our new birth. Our spirit receives revelation, information, messages, promptings from the Lord. The Spirit’s witness: (Romans 8:16 and John 16:13-15) (Philippians 2:13 – God at work in you) (The Spirit’s weapons: Ephesians 6:10-17)

Review James 1:21 – “Save Your Souls” Born again by life in Word of God; received, reinforced Word of life (John 14:6; John 1:4; John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12) The “implanted” Word: heard, received, confessed, obeyed Soul – (psuche); can refer to both spirit and soul; or to our spiritual personality i.e., our mind, will, emotions Operation of our spirit, indwelled by the Holy Spirit; living room or control center, with other rooms, information sources. Sozo: to save, deliver, make whole, heal Addictions; memories; lusts; temperament; rejection; doubt/worry; fear; anxiety; bitterness; shame; etc. The Spirit, soul, body composition: 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12 Our Soul and body are “Under renovation”. The flesh and the enemy work to delay, even hijack the renovation. The “Spirit” vs. The “Flesh” ★Our spirit and soul are inseparable, but distinguishable Our body is the “home”, “clothes”, of our spirit-man. It gets information from the outside, (for example media, other people, even the devil, etc.) and from inside sources (such as our brain, mind, the Holy Spirit). Our soul is our spiritual personality. It can be under the influence, direction of the Spirit or the body/flesh and the enemy. The mind is a receiver and a processor of information from outside and inside (the flesh and the Spirit). The mind makes projections, forms opinions, and is subject to deception. It must be trained and disciplined by the Spirit of truth. (See John 16:13-15 and John 17:17) ★“Self-talk can be good or bad. If it is based on wrong information, it projects the wrong perspective, leading to the wrong beliefs, which yields wrong results!” Our spirit is “headquarters, home” for the Holy Spirit received through our new birth. Our spirit receives revelation, information, messages, promptings from the Lord. The Spirit’s witness: (Romans 8:16 and John 16:13-15) (Philippians 2:13 – God at work in you)

The Roots Of Spiritual Success James 1 – Session 5 November 9, 2025 Review James 1:19,20 – Wrath: aged anger; consuming anger; takes over motives, thoughts, actions Disrupts righteous anger: Vs. heart of Father; agenda of His Kingdom Desires hurt, destruction of people, evil agenda ★Have enemies; pray for those who oppose you (God will defend and promote you ultimately) ★Don’t wait on an apology! Ephesians 4:26 James 1:21 – “Save Your Souls” Born again by life in Word of God; received, reinforced Soul – (psuche); can refer to both spirit and soul; or to our spiritual personality i.e., our mind, will, emotions Operation of our spirit, indwelled by the Holy Spirit; living room or control center, with other rooms, information sources. Sozo: to save, deliver, make whole, heal Addictions; memories; lusts; temperament; rejection; doubt/worry; fear; anxiety; bitterness; shame; etc. The Spirit, soul, body composition: 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12 Our Soul and body are “Under renovation”. The flesh and the enemy work to delay, even hijack the renovation. The “Spirit” vs. The “Flesh” ★Our spirit and soul are inseparable, but distinguishable Our body is the “home”, “clothes”, of our spirit-man. It gets information from the outside, (for example media, other people, even the devil, etc.) and from inside sources (such as our brain, mind, the Holy Spirit). Our soul is our spiritual personality. It can be under the influence, direction of the Spirit or the body/flesh and the enemy. The mind is a receiver and a processor of information from outside and inside (the flesh and the Spirit). The mind makes projections, forms opinions, and is subject to deception. It must be trained and disciplined by the Spirit of truth. (See John 16:13-15 and John 17:17) ★“Self-talk can be good or bad. If it is based on wrong information, it projects the wrong perspective, leading to the wrong beliefs, which yields wrong results!” Our spirit is “headquarters, home” for the Holy Spirit received through our new birth. Our spirit receives revelation, information, messages, promptings from the Lord. The Spirit’s witness: (Romans 8:16 and John 16:13-15) (Philippians 2:13 – God at work in you) Covenant Heirs Church Birmingham Alabama

Review: Tests, trials, temptations – Pressure and the power of resistance! The role of patience in faith’s development. Driven by doubt or “all in” faith. Wisdom is available! Ask in faith. “Pursuing” …. What am I pursuing? (Focusing on, chasing, absorbed with) If riches, I will lose my opportunity to make a difference, leave a legacy! Riches (trusts in and pursues riches) 1 Timothy 6:17, 18 Money: Gift of Grace (Philippians 4:19); Tool to have, not lord to have you! Not to allow money or lack of it define us. Endurance: temptation is inevitable; endurance is invaluable (1 Corinthians 10:13) James 1:16 – ✸✸Deceived: moved away from Truth: deceiver Vehicles in our culture (Media; AI) James 1:17 – Our Father is the True Giver of everything Good and Perfect! And He does not Change! James 1:18 – The Word of Truth: Inseparable from Jesus! (John 1:4; John 6:63) John 8:31, 32 Hebrews 4:12 ✸✸The voice, information of the deceiver is often very convincing; looks and sounds right on the surface! (“spins” circumstances, wants; “twists” Scriptures to fit agenda)

The Value Of Testing In The Development Of Faith James 1 – Session 3 October 19, 2025 Review: Tests, trials, temptations: only know the true value of something when (and after) it is tested! True patience is a strong force of the Holy Spirit, that bears a strong inner witness that grants a confidence that God is at work in every circumstance and that He will sustain you and therefore, you will see His victory! “Let”, Allow patience …. Can’t “work it up”. Patience is deposited in your reborn spirit. It must be accessed by faith and developed through obedience. (Galatians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 13:4) Godly patience involves persistent waiting (on relief, results desired), but it is undergirded with confident expectation that the Lord is “at hand” and is “at work”! (Philippians 4:5; Philippians 2:13) James 1:9 – “Glory in high position (A few examples!) Child of the Most High God (John 1:12) Heir of God, joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:16, 17) Forgiven, made Holy, Righteous, Accepted, Beloved in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-7) Granted every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-7) Guaranteed eternal life (John 3:16) Given Grace in God’s eyes and Favor for life’s journey (Ephesians 2:8,9) Granted unconditional love (1 John 4:16-18) Guaranteed victory over death and every enemy (Romans 8:31-37) Granted an Intercessor in Heaven (Romans 8:34) James 1:10-11 “The rich …. “Humiliation” what it does NOT mean (See Timothy 6:17,18) Humble self: Recognize True Security, Identity (tool not source) James 1:12 The Blessing of enduring temptation The “Crown” implies that one has come through intense tests, trials, temptations James 1:13-15 The true source of temptation (We will NOT succeed in our own strength!

The Value Of Testing In The Development Of Faith James 1 – Session 2 October 12, 2025 Review: Responding to tests, trials, temptations: A key to our successful development! James 1:6-8 – Faith: Essential For Relationship with God and all that flows from Him! (Hebrews 11:6) Faith’s Origin: “Hearing His Word” (Romans 10:17); His Gift deposited in you (Ephesians 2:8,9); All receive “a measure” (Romans 12:3) Satan’s agenda: Stop the Word process (Mark 4:15) The poison of unbelief: torment, instability To believe, or to doubt, is a choice! (The difference in mind and heart) (See Mark 11:23) ✸Get your mind, heart lined up! What are you saying (2 Corinthians 4:13) Attacking Doubt Reinforce what you Do Know Talk back! Speak to the poisonous doubt! (Proverbs 18:21; Joshua 1:8) Refresh your spirit with worship and prayer! Engage prayer covering, support in the battle! James 1:9 Lowly: Without worldly position, proud, no monetary wealth, etc. Exaltation: Relationship with King, family of God, Citizen of Heaven, inheritance of every spiritual blessing. James 1:10 The rich, in this book, refers to those whose identity and security is in their possessions and positions. They are arrogant and oppress those without the trappings of wealth. ✸The Lord will be Gracious and help us in our journey (Mark 9:24)

The Value Of Testing In The Development Of Faith James 1 October 5, 2025 James 1:1 – Bondservant: set free from slavery but chose to stay and serve the Master who set him free! Half brother of Jesus (James was born of Joseph and Mary) Resurrection was Gamechanger! (1 Corinthians 15:7) Pastor of the Church at Jerusalem and its leaders! (Acts 12:17; Acts 15:13; Acts 21:8; Galatians 1:19; Galatians 2:9) Martyred in 60’s A.D. Practical, “Boots on the Ground” letter James 1:1,2 – Twelve tribes disbursed ….” (See Acts 8:1-4; Genesis 50:20; 1Corinthians 2:8) God can take what the enemy desires for evil and use it against the enemy and, ultimately, for His glory and our good! “Count it” …. An act of the will. “When”…. Not if; various (many, of different sorts); “life happens” Trials …. Peirasmos (tests, trials, temptations) ✼God sometimes uses the enemy as an “unwilling agent” James 1:3 Knowing …. Not just in the mind, surface, but in your “knower”, your spirit (When the Holy Spirit is dwelling and bearing witness!) Testing …. Proof …. Impurities burned out via fire Produces …. Katergazomai …. “works out”, develops Patience …. Steadfast endurance “to bear up” in the wait! James 1:4 Perfect …. Fully mature, complete James 1:5 Wisdom …. The ability to see from God’s perspective. Must be received, through request by Faith (confident assurance based on His Word)

The Power Of Spiritual Covering 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:5, 17; 1 Peter 5:2-4; John 10:3,4 September 14, September 21, 2025 Session 2 The Principle Of Spiritual Covering Seen in Old Testament: Priests, Prophets, Kings (*Priests – Joshua 3, Numbers 6) Seen in New Testament: Apostles, Shepherds, Overseers (Acts 20:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (“Over you in the Lord”: **If Jesus Christ our Lord is the Great Shepherd (and we are His sheep), then He has an “assistant shepherd (shepherds) for each of us! The Lord Has Called Out Shepherds …. FOR YOU!! Be selective, Discerning! (John 10) (lead, feed, protect) Hebrews 13:17 1 Peter 5:2-4 – Serves, not celebrity! James 3:1 – stricter judgement Dangers of No Spiritual Covering More easily deceived, and don’t see it! (Hebrews 3; 1 Peter 5) Become isolated and more attractive to the enemy, the devil (1 Peter 5:6,7) Negligence, drift, losses increase! Peace, perspective, relationships, resources suffer ** Someone (or someones) who has been given responsibility of serving the Lord and his people through “watching over, ministering to, and interceding for another! (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-4) Benefits of Right Spiritual Covering: Direction Warfare reinforcement Blessing, affirmation, encouragement Resources Support: i.e. Counsel, Crisis Support, Emergency Help Discerning the RIGHT SPIRITUAL COVERING (Remember, people are NOT perfect! But God honors the position) Identify and Invest! Shepherd and “spiritual” DNA: John 10 “My sheep hear My voice; I lead them; Connection in Spirit Are you “Spiritually Covered”? (Word of God ministered? Personal prayer offered? Worship encouraged? Faith Family connection? Godly, proven leadership?) For independent ministers/ministries New Testament example is an extension of the Church You and your family need a place to Receive Ministry A place to Multiply the ministry of the Church A place of encouragement, protection, support A place with covering, “weightier leadership” (See James, the brother of Jesus and Pastor of the Jerusalem Church; Acts 12:17; Acts 15:13; Acts 21:18; Galatians 1:19 and Galatians 2:9)

THE POWER OF SPIRITUAL COVERING 1 THESSALONIANS 5:12; HEBREWS 13:5, 17; 1 PETER 5:2-4 SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 è The Principle Of Spiritual Covering • Seen in Old Testament: Priests, Prophets, Kings (*Priests – Joshua 3, Numbers 6) • Seen in New Testament: Apostles, Shepherds, Overseers (Acts 20:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (“Over you in the Lord”: **If Jesus Christ our Lord is the Great Shepherd (and we are His sheep), then He has an “assistant shepherd (shepherds) for each of us! è The Lord Has Called Out Shepherds …. FOR YOU!! • Be selective, Discerning! (John 10) (lead, feed, protect) • Hebrews 13:17 • 1 Peter 5:2-4 – Serves, not celebrity! • James 3:1 – stricter judgement è Dangers of No Spiritual Covering • More easily deceived, and don’t see it! (Hebrews 3; 1 Peter 5) • Become isolated and more attractive to the enemy, the devil (1 Peter 5:6,7) • Negligence, drift, losses increase! • Peace, perspective, relationships, resources suffer ** Someone (or someone's) who has been given responsibility of serving the Lord and his people through “watching over, ministering to, and interceding for another! (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2-4) NEXT …. è Benefits of Right Spiritual Covering: • Direction • Warfare reinforcement • Blessing, affirmation, encouragement • Resources Support è Discerning the RIGHT SPIRITUAL COVERING (Remember, people are NOT perfect! But God honors the position) • Identify and Invest! • Shepherd and “spiritual” DNA

Receiving And Releasing The Power Of The Word Joshua 1:6-9 August 17, 2025 Review: John 1:1-3, 14; John 14:9; Hebrews 1:3; John 8:31,32; John 15:1-7 The Power Of The Word In Overwhelming Circumstances (Joshua 1:7-9) The Witness Of His Presence! Right here, Right now! (Joshua 1:5, 9) Regardless! (See also Philippians 4:4-7) The Mind and Mouth connection! (Joshua 1:8) The key to obedience, key to success! Remember! The Word is full of LIFE and POWER! (John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12) (See also Mark 11:21-24; Romans 10:9,10)