As I Think in My Heart, So I Am - Br Allistair Francis

This sermon, titled "As I Think in My Heart, So I Am," uses the biblical types of Jacob and Esau to explore the dual natures within the believer and the necessity of moving from religious pretense to authentic spiritual identity. The Two Natures: Jacob vs. Esau The message defines the two sons of Isaac as representations of two spiritual forces within the church: Esau (The Carnal Believer): Outwardly attractive, gifted, and seemingly "good." He takes care of the ministry and looks like the perfect believer, yet he "despises" his birthright because he doesn't value the spiritual over the natural. Jacob (The Spiritual Believer): Outwardly "plain" or even "evil" in the eyes of others. He is a "supplanter" and a struggler. However, his heart is consumed with a desire for the Birthright—the Eternal Inheritance. ----------------------------------------------- The Crisis of False Identity The sermon highlights a period in Jacob's life where he denied who he was to receive the blessing. He put on goat hair to feel like Esau and brought "meat" to trick his father. Religious Filters: Today, many in the "Message" are acting like Esau. They use "filters" (standards, dressing, specific phrases) to look spiritual, while their hearts remain unchanged. The Ministry’s Blindness: Isaac, representing the ministry, was old and blind. He could smell the anointing and feel the "hairy hands" (works), but he lacked the discernment to see the true nature of the son before him. --------------------------------------------- The Transformation: From Jacob to Israel The turning point comes at Peniel, when Jacob is left alone and wrestles with the Angel. Honesty in the Presence of God: When the Angel asks, "What is thy name?" Jacob finally stops pretending to be Esau. He admits, "I am Jacob." * The Name Change: Only after admitting his true, fallen nature does God give him a new name: Israel, a Prince with God. The Limp: Jacob leaves the encounter with a limp. He has less natural ability and "limps" toward his inheritance, proving that the victory is "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." -------------------------------------------- Preached at BCF Lima, Ohio on the 20th Nov 2022