Lecture Notes: The Heart of an Armor Bearer

Introduction

• Speaker expresses gratitude for being present and meeting with the pastors and community members.
• References to Joe and Sandy who reached out and were certified to teach the Armor Bearer course.

Current Context

• Reflections on the tumultuous times as predicted in Matthew 24: pandemics, wars, and ethnic conflicts.
• Emphasis on the importance of establishing foundational truths in the church.
• Alarming statistics: 1 in 3 people stopped attending church, 1 in 5 churches have closed, and many pastors leave the ministry monthly.

Importance of Community and Gathering

• Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to neglect gathering together, especially as the "Day" approaches.
• Importance of community support and being connected as a body of Christ.
• Analogy of the body parts from 1 Corinthians 12 emphasizing the importance of every member.

The Role of the Armor Bearer

• The Armor Bearer: not an office, but an attitude of servanthood and support.
• Example with David and Saul: David was Saul's armor bearer and respected the spiritual authority.
• Armor Bearers hold the shield, protecting leaders from metaphorical 'arrows' of criticism and negativity.

Spiritual Gifts and Ministry

• Relating to the Fivefold Ministry: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher.
• Need for people to fulfill their calling in everyday places, not just behind the pulpit.
• Urgent call for individuals to use their gifts in the "marketplace."

Understanding the Times

• Study of revivals and the pattern of mercy before judgment.
• Encouragement to be intercessors reaching out to the community.
• Concept of mercy coming before judgment, as evidenced in various historical revivals.

Heart and Soul Unity

• Acts 4:29-32: Unity in heart and soul leads to bold declarations and signs and wonders.
• Analogy and illustration of moving from being "behind" a leader to being "with" them.

Servanthood and Leadership

• Jesus as the ultimate servant leader.
• Importance of humility, submission, and obedience to release God’s kingdom.
• Challenges of maintaining the correct 'attitude' in ministry and avoiding spiritual stall due to pride or offense.

The Story of the Armor Bearer

• Personal story of being called as an Armor Bearer and laying down personal vision for God’s vision.
• The principle of serving someone else's vision leading to the fulfillment of one's own.

Generational Unity and Prophetic Teams

• Acts 2 prophecy: three teams - Prophetic, Vision, and Dream Teams.
• Urging older generations not to retire from dreaming but to mentor younger generations.
• The role of spiritual fathers and mothers in nurturing the next generation.

Conclusion

• Encouraging listeners to adopt a servant attitude and find ways to support their church and leaders.
• Exhortation to find practical ways to serve and engage with the church community.

Final Remarks

• Invitation to stand and reflect on the message.