2011 – The Vision – The Sword and Scepter

Simplified, the vision for 2011 is to grow in our understanding of HOW TO USE The Word of God, and HOW TO WALK in the authority we’re called to, in order to reach way beyond our own church membership, to have a city-wide and global impact for the Glory and Honor of our King, Jesus

It’s 2011

2010 was such a blessing.  The Name of the Lord was glorified at NCCA in 2010.  New Covenant saw people come to know the Lord, which is the greatest event we could ever ask for, Baptized in the Holy Spirit, miracles, and so many other wonderful blessings.  We saw a record year in giving, first time visitors, and retention of those first time visitors.  God “moved us forward” into a new location that will seat 350-400.  We also saw God using us beyond our own abilities and capacities.  God is good.  The most important dimension of revival was given to us  – GOD WAS GLORIFIED. 

Now, as we look toward 2011, the Lord has spoken that this year would have a two-fold, prophetic blessing – “The Sword and The Scepter.”

The Sword and Scepter

Revelation 19:15a – From [Jesus’s] mouth came a sharp sword, and with it he struck down the nations. He ruled them with an iron scepter.

Matthew 28:18-20 –  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

In the Revelation passage of Scripture, we see a sword and a scepter and Jesus utilizing both.  In His earthly life, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus gained legal authority over every nation and people and the principalities and powers of darkness that rule over every nation and people.  He now has given us His Word, which is the Sword of the Spirit, and His Authority through His Name to rule and reign with Him in heavenly places over principalities and demonic influences that continue to hold people in bondage, illegally (Eph. 2:6, Col. 2:10,15, Matthew 28:18-20).  He seeks to set us and the nations free with the Sword of His Word, so that we can live in the light of His Love, become active in the life that He has called us to live and enjoy, and to see the power of the Word of God established in the earth that will fulfill the prayer “Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  This is the essence of the Sword of the Spirit and the Authority of the Name of Jesus, to enforce and implement the Victory over the enemy (Satan) that Jesus has already gained.  Many people all over the world are held in bondage to Satan; the Sword goes out of His mouth to strike those strongholds down (Rev. 19:15a).  Jesus has given us His Sword, the Sword of the Word, and the Scepter, the Authority of His Name, to set nations and people free – to see them fall in love with the One who loves them more than any other, and to see them walk in His Will for their lives becoming all of who they are called to be.

When God spoke and said that 2011 would be the year of the Sword and the Scepter, I feel that the Lord was saying through these prophetic images that we must gain more proficiency with the Word of God because He is moving us into a new level of responsibility and authority, individually and corporately.

Promotions, spiritual and natural are coming in 2011.  Be prepared in the market place and in ministry.  As you become more proficient in the Word, studying it, praying it, and speaking it, God is going to give you a new dimension of authority.

Are you ready to receive this new level of responsibility and authority?  This season will be a season of laughter, joy, encouragement… It will also be a season of change, shifting, pruning…  However, in all of these, God has set His Hand to us, and is ready to trust us as an Abrahamic, “Father of Many Nations” church.  Already we have 7 nations represented within our membership.  Are you ready to take up the sword and scepter and see the Nations, all people, declare the Lordship of Jesus Christ?  2011 is the year to see massive strides in these endeavors, come on and take part.

Simplified, the vision for 2011 is to grow in our understanding of HOW TO USE The Word of God, and HOW TO WALK in the authority we’re called to, in order to reach way beyond our own church membership, to have a city-wide and global impact for the Glory and Honor of our King, Jesus.

Strategies for taking up the Sword and Scepter:

Passion and Fasting – get “tired” of normal.  Get feisty with your desire for the Will and Plans of God to become accomplished.  Stir your hunger for the things of the Spirit by diminishing the hunger for the things of the flesh.  Spend some time fasting and stirring passion toward God and His Word.

Stir up fervent prayer – it will get a lot accomplished (James 5:16).  Pray with fervency.  Also, spend time listening to God, quietly.  Allow Him to reveal Himself.

Assemble with other believers – get “tired” of just once a week fellowship.  Get stirred up about meeting at coffee houses, movie theaters, malls, etc.  Connect with other believers, and as you put God first in those moments, God will sovereignly act to move you into moments when you will get opportunities to take authority in prayer and demonstrate that the King is reigning because where two or more are assembled, He will be right there in the middle of it, demonstrating His Kingship (Matthew 18:20).

Prayerfully expect to see more happening – Soon, we will be launching new initiatives, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, for outreach.  The 72 will come to life before Summer.  The Immersed Conference is already being planned, we are expecting 350-400 people here this year.  The ministries that have been in place are going to begin pouring out of the 4 walls into the streets of Atlanta. The quarterly 24 Hour Prayer Meetings are underway, and Intercessory Prayer and Worship are gearing up for 2011 with renewed vision.   The coffee house and www.TakeByForce.com initiatives have begun, Covenant Care, Deliverance Ministry have all begun, and soon leaders will be positioned by God to receive more responsibility.  God is birthing a Foreign Missions Team here at NCCA with a goal of going into 3 more nations in 2011.  The Covenant Network is experiencing many, wonderful processes as well, and change is coming.  Much is taking place, prayerfully expect to see more.

Above all these things, set your hearts on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Love Him with all your heart, give Him praise and honor, and be prepared to see Him move in ways you could have never dreamed.

Remember, Jesus Christ is Lord,

Apostle Randy and Pastor Johnny Layton-Morgan

404.929.1400