WHEN THE HEAVENS ARE OPENED

Title: WHEN THE HEAVENS ARE OPENED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 3:16-17
“When He had been baptised, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’”

Supporting Texts:
Isaiah 64:1-3
Genesis 28:12-17
Ezekiel 1:1
Acts 7:55-56
Deuteronomy 28:12

INTRODUCTION:
Open heavens signify divine access, favour, and intervention. When the heavens are opened, the supernatural becomes evident in the natural, and God’s blessings, presence, and voice are revealed. It is a season of transformation, where limitations are removed, and breakthroughs are experienced. This message explores what happens when the heavens are opened and how we can position ourselves to enjoy this divine reality.

1. SIGNS OF OPEN HEAVENS

When the heavens are opened, certain signs are evident.

a) Divine Encounters:
Open heavens bring encounters with God (Genesis 28:12-13).

b) Manifestation of God’s Glory:
The glory of God is revealed when the heavens open (Isaiah 64:1).

c) Outpouring of the Holy Spirit:
The Spirit descends and empowers when the heavens open (Acts 2:2-4).

d) Angelic Activities:
Angels ascend and descend to carry out divine assignments (John 1:51).

e) Biblical Example:
At Jesus’ baptism, the heavens opened, and the Spirit descended upon Him (Matthew 3:16-17).

2. BLESSINGS OF OPEN HEAVENS

Open heavens release divine blessings and transformation.

a) Abundant Provision:
Open heavens bring divine supply (Deuteronomy 28:12).

b) Unstoppable Breakthroughs:
Limitations are broken under open heavens (Isaiah 45:8).

c) Supernatural Favour:
God’s favour flows when the heavens open (Psalm 102:13).

d) Clarity of Divine Direction:
God’s voice is heard under open heavens (Acts 10:9-16).

e) Biblical Example:
Ezekiel saw visions of God when the heavens were opened (Ezekiel 1:1).

3. KEYS TO OPENING THE HEAVENS

Certain principles unlock the heavens over our lives.

a) Prayer and Fasting:
Persistent prayer opens the heavens (Luke 3:21).

b) Sacrificial Giving:
Giving to God in faith opens heavenly blessings (Malachi 3:10).

c) Obedience to God’s Word:
Obedience aligns us with heaven’s agenda (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

d) Lifestyle of Worship:
Worship draws God’s presence and opens the heavens (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).

e) Biblical Example:
Cornelius’ prayers and giving caused the heavens to open, and he received divine visitation (Acts 10:1-4).

4. CONSEQUENCES OF CLOSED HEAVENS

When the heavens are closed, challenges abound.

a) Spiritual Dryness:
Closed heavens result in a lack of spiritual nourishment (Amos 8:11).

b) Hindered Prayers:
Prayers may not ascend when heavens are closed (Daniel 10:12-13).

c) Stagnation and Lack:
Progress is hindered under closed heavens (Haggai 1:10-11).

d) Absence of Divine Guidance:
Confusion and misdirection prevail (Proverbs 29:18).

e) Biblical Example:
During Elijah’s time, closed heavens brought famine upon Israel (1 Kings 17:1).

5. LIVING UNDER PERPETUAL OPEN HEAVENS

To enjoy continual open heavens, certain practices must be maintained.

a) Consistent Prayer Life:
A life of prayer keeps the heavens open (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

b) Walking in Holiness:
Holiness invites God’s presence (Hebrews 12:14).

c) Faith and Expectation:
Faith connects us to heaven’s resources (Hebrews 11:6).

d) Gratitude and Thanksgiving:
Thanksgiving sustains open heavens (Psalm 100:4).

e) Biblical Example:
The early church lived under open heavens through prayer, unity, and thanksgiving (Acts 2:42-47).

CONCLUSION:
Living under open heavens is God’s desire for His children. It is a realm of divine encounters, blessings, and breakthroughs. By aligning with God through prayer, obedience, and worship, we can experience the fullness of open heavens in every area of our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, open the heavens over my life and family.

2. Lord, let Your glory manifest in my life under open heavens.

3. Father, grant me divine encounters that will transform my destiny.

4. Lord, release Your abundant provision from open heavens.

5. Father, let my prayers ascend and receive answers under open heavens.

6. Lord, break every barrier causing closed heavens over my life.

7. Father, let my worship and obedience attract open heavens.

8. Lord, send angelic assistance to me under open heavens.

9. Father, let my life reflect the blessings of open heavens.

10. Lord, grant me grace to live perpetually under open heavens.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare the heavens are open over your life and destiny.

2. You will encounter God’s glory and power like never before.

3. Every form of spiritual dryness is replaced with divine refreshment.

4. You will experience unstoppable breakthroughs under open heavens.

5. The voice of God will guide you in every decision you make.

6. Abundant provision is released to you from heaven’s storehouse.

7. Angelic activities will increase in your life for divine help.

8. Your prayers will receive speedy answers from the throne of grace.

9. Your life will radiate the blessings and favour of open heavens.

10. From today, you will walk in perpetual divine access and glory!