Agape: The Authority of the Believer

In this message, Pastor Alan teaches on the difference between outward behavior and inward spiritual growth.

He says people often want to be anointed without facing weakness, but God works through honesty, not pretense. The goal is not to look spiritual on the outside, but to let the Holy Spirit develop the inner life. He stresses that growth in the inner man is real progress, even if it seems small.

He also says ministry should be done with a servant’s heart, not for status, promotion, or attention. He warns against religion that feeds self-worth or uses ministry to meet personal needs. Every person’s role matters, whether visible or hidden, and no calling is more important than another.

A major theme is the distinction between the new nature and the outward man. He describes the new nature as a seed of righteousness placed in believers at new birth, while the outward man remains carnal. That seed must be fed through prayer in tongues, worship, and Scripture so Christ’s character can mature in the inner person.

He argues that the authority of the believer is not simply faith or the name of Jesus alone, but agape love formed in maturity. He connects this to Galatians 5: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He says miracles come through the Holy Spirit, but the Spirit works through Christ formed in the believer.

He closes by urging continued prayer, accountability, and patience with the growth process. He says believers should not despair over where they are now, but stay faithful and let the Holy Spirit bring them forward.