The Power Of First | Keion Henderson | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

The Power Of First

Keion Henderson

The Lighthouse Church of Houston • Mar 24, 2026 • 115 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this powerful teaching, Pastor Keion Henderson examines the biblical principle of first fruits and spiritual growth. True expansion requires us to become flexible new wineskins capable of holding God's new wine, allowing Jesus to be our absolute Lord rather than just a consultant. When we honor God first with our resources and lives, He purifies, directs, and protects everything that remains.

Themes

First Fruits & StewardshipThe Lordship of ChristCapacity & ExpansionFaithfulness in FamineDivine Provision & Protection

Pastor's Points

1.

God will not lie (Numbers 23:19).

2.

God will not compete (Exodus 20:3).

Key Points

1.
God cannot put new wine into old, brittle wineskins because new wine expands, requiring believers to be flexible and willing to stretch.
2.
If the foundation of your life or ministry is unstable, the entire structure will inherit its weakness.
3.
God will not lie, nor will He compete for your worship, attention, or loyalty.
4.
Jesus desires to be your Lord and Director, not merely a consultant whose advice you pick and choose to follow.
5.
Giving God the first portion purifies, dedicates, and releases divine protection over everything that remains.
6.
When God's favor is on your life, even in a drought, He can turn things that normally steal into delivery systems of provision.
7.
Faithfulness over a little is always the prerequisite for God making you ruler over much.
8.

Sermon Moments

“God says, 'Listen, the only way I can give you new wine is if you have the ability to expand.'”

“If the foundation is unstable, then the frame will inherit its weakness.”

“God won't lie, but he will not compete... I'm not competing for your worship. I'm not competing for your attention.”

“God says, 'Tell the people that I am not accepting applications to be their consultant.'”

“Giving God what is first purifies what remains.”

“Because when you have the favor of God on your life, he will make something that normally steals become a delivery system.”

“God says, 'I don't want some. I want the. I want what's mine.'”

“When you change your mind, your circle changes on you.”

This Week

Honor God first with your time, talents, and financial increase before allocating resources elsewhere.

Evaluate whether you treat Jesus as your true Lord and Director or simply as a consultant for advice.

Ask God to expand your heart and mind, letting go of rigid traditions that prevent spiritual growth.

Commit to being completely honest and authentic in your giving and service, avoiding pretense.

Trust God to protect your remaining resources after you surrender the first portion to Him.

Seek out spiritually mature relationships that encourage joy, faith, and obedience during difficult times.

Remain faithful in small responsibilities, trusting that God is preparing you for greater stewardship.

Remember This

When you give God the first of your life and resources, He expands your capacity and protects everything that remains.

A Challenge for You

Surrender your life and resources completely to God today—stop treating Him as a consultant, lay down your brittle mindsets, and trust Him with your first fruits.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.