Paving The Way: Break Up the Fallow Ground and Take New Territory!

Paving The Way: Break Up the Fallow Ground and Take New Territory!

Speaker: Apostle Marla Eash

God is calling Faith Center and individual believers to step into new territory and finish what He has assigned them to accomplish.

I. Opening: Receive the Assignment of the Kingdom

A. Opening declaration

Apostle Marla led the congregation in a declaration of receiving three assignments:

1. The assignment of the Kingdom.
2. The assignment of the house, Faith Center Church.
3. The individual assignment God has over each believer’s life.

II. The Observation of Faith: Focus on What God Has

Already Prepared

A. Continuing the Observation of Faith series

Marla explained that the observation of faith involves turning attention toward the fullness of what God prepared from creation.

The believer’s focus should remain on:

• The fullness of salvation.
• Identity in Christ Jesus.
• God’s written Word and promises.
• Prophetic words and confirmations.
• God’s faithfulness.
• The peace He provides even when natural circumstances appear contrary to the expected outcome.

B. Genesis 1:1–2 — The substance was already present

Marla returned to her teaching on creation.

1. God prepared, formed, fashioned, and created the heavens and the earth.
2. The earth was without form, empty, and covered in darkness.
3. The Spirit of God moved over the waters.
4. Marla taught that the substance necessary for creation was already present.
5. God then spoke, and creation came forth.

She described the substance of God’s glory as present and available to work.

C. Hebrews 11:1 — Faith is the substance of things hoped for

Marla connected creation to the operation of faith.

• God places hope in the believer’s heart.
• That hope draws upon the substance already present.
• Hope must move from the heart to the mouth.
• Believers are to speak in faith toward what they are believing God for.

She emphasized that the substance does not run out.

D. Faith-filled words direct what believers are believing for

Marla taught that words carry substance toward whatever they are directed to.

She applied this to:

• Healing in the body.
• Financial needs.
• Provision.
• Daily circumstances.
• The promises of God.

She referenced a testimony of someone in the congregation who had been healed of liver disease.

Philippians 4:19: Marla used God’s promise to supply needs according to His riches in glory to demonstrate the connection between faith, hope, and speech.

E. Guard against destructive conversations

Marla explained that negative conversations can cause a difficult day to spiral further.

Her instruction was to stop, repent, put those words under the blood of Jesus, and ask the Holy Spirit to redirect the day.

Application: Observe not only what you believe internally but also where your daily conversation is directing your faith.

III. Do Not Cast Away Your Confidence

A. Hebrews 10:35 — Confidence has a great reward

“Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.”

Marla emphasized the meaning she drew from the Greek word for confidence: freedom in speaking.

She explained:

• Confidence has a voice.
• Confidence must be articulated.
• Confidence declares what God has spoken.
• Confidence speaks assurance concerning the promise on which hope has been placed.

B. The recompense of reward

Marla explained recompense of reward in terms of payment or wages coming.

Her teaching was that confidence in what God has provided carries a reward, and believers should not abandon that confidence.

C. Preach the Word to yourself

She challenged believers to preach God’s Word to themselves rather than rehearsing arguments and difficulties.

Her practical example was to imagine preparing to preach the following Sunday and begin speaking the revelation of God’s Word while driving.

Key distinction:

Preaching your problems Preaching God’s Word

Rehearsing arguments Rehearsing promises

Speaking circumstances Declaring confidence

Focusing on resistance Focusing on God’s faithfulness

Allowing doubt to dominate Maintaining hope and

assurance

D. Hebrews 10:36 — Endurance is necessary

Marla explained endurance using these terms:

• Patience.
• Steadfastness.
• Constancy.
• Perseverance.

The sequence she emphasized was obedience to God’s will, endurance, and receiving the promise.

E. Do not draw back

Hebrews 10:38–39 became a major foundation of the sermon.

Marla taught that drawing back means failing to respond confidently to what God has deposited in the believer’s heart.

She identified reasons people draw back:

• Feeling unworthy.
• Remembering past mistakes.
• Thinking an opportunity has passed.
• Allowing the enemy to persuade them to retreat.
• Responding to circumstances instead of God’s promise.

She explained the passage about God having no pleasure in one who draws back as a warning concerning the outcome He desires for that person.

She also described perdition as destruction, including destruction of a vessel or money, in her discussion of Hebrews 10:39.

F. Remember God’s mercy

Lamentations 3:22–23

Marla reminded the congregation that God’s steadfast love never ceases, His mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness is great.

Her conclusion was that past failures should not become reasons to surrender confidence.

IV. It Is Not an Earning; It Is a Turning

A. The fullness of salvation

Marla taught that under the new covenant:

• The Holy Spirit lives within believers.
• God’s grace is available.
• His promises, healing, supply, and provision remain available.
• Believers have been given a new wineskin for what God is bringing forth.

She connected this to her earlier teaching about new wine and a new wineskin.

B. Awareness of the indwelling Holy Spirit

Marla emphasized that abiding in Christ is not dependent upon a feeling.

It is a knowing that He lives within the believer.

She identified a major problem as failing to turn toward Him, which can lead to drawing back.

C. The Nancy DuFresne statement

“It’s not an earning, it’s a turning.”

Marla used this statement to explain that believers do not earn what Jesus has already accomplished. They must turn toward Him and what He has provided.

D. Romans 5:8 — God’s love preceded our righteousness

Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

Marla used this to reinforce that God’s provision originated in His love rather than human merit.

E. Romans 8:38–39 — Nothing separates us from His love

She emphasized that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

F. Passing this inheritance to the next generation

Marla challenged parents to lead their homes with the knowledge of God’s faithfulness.

Children should witness:

• Where their parents turn under pressure.
• How their parents trust God.
• The testimonies of His deliverance.
• The family’s confidence in His Word.

She described this spiritual heritage as an inheritance passed to children.

V. The Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus

A. Romans 8:1–2 — Two laws at work

Marla contrasted:

1. The law of sin and death.
2. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

She taught that the law of the Spirit of life makes believers free from the law of sin and death.

B. The blood of Jesus continues to speak

Marla connected the operation of the Spirit of life to the blood of Jesus.

She explained that the blood continues to speak concerning what Christ accomplished.

C. Conviction versus condemnation

An important distinction in the sermon was between conviction and condemnation.

Conviction, as Marla described it:

• Comes through the operation of the Spirit of life.
• Alerts believers when their responses are not Christlike.
• Leads them back into alignment.
• Helps restore obedience to their assignment.

Condemnation, in contrast:

• Is used by the enemy to discourage.
• Attempts to make believers withdraw.
• Can cause them to draw back rather than return to God.

D. Love is central to the operation of this life

Marla emphasized that love is of the highest importance, especially in how believers respond to other people.

She connected the Spirit’s inner conviction to God’s love and His work of guiding believers into Christlike conduct.

E. Justification of life

Marla quoted William Newell’s commentary on Romans, describing believers as more than justified and sharing in Christ’s resurrected life.

F. Ephesians 2:4–6 — Made alive and seated with Christ

She highlighted:

• God’s richness in mercy.
• His great love.
• Being made alive together with Christ.
• Salvation by grace.
• Being raised and seated with Christ in heavenly places.

G. Hebrews 12:24 — The blood speaks a better word

Marla taught that Jesus’ blood established the new covenant and continues to testify to His accomplished work.

The Holy Spirit makes that life effective in the believer’s experience.

Central principle: Believers are not attempting to create life through their own strength; they are to live in the life already provided through Christ.

VI. Entering God’s Rest Through His Finished Work

A. Hebrews 4:1–3 — A promise remains

Marla taught that God’s rest is connected to remembering His faithfulness and maintaining vision for what He will do next.

She emphasized the phrase:

“A promise remains.”

Her explanation was that focusing on God’s Word, fullness, and faithfulness keeps the believer mindful of the promise.

B. The Sabbath as a reminder of deliverance

Marla discussed the Sabbath in relation to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.

She referenced:

• Exodus 23.
• Deuteronomy 5:15.
• The Passover lamb and the application of its blood.
• Israel’s supernatural deliverance from Egyptian bondage.

She explained that the Sabbath provided physical rest but also served as a reminder that Israel had been delivered by God’s supernatural power, not its own efforts.

C. Colossians 2:16–17 — The substance is Christ

Marla described the Sabbath and related observances as shadows pointing to Christ.

She returned to the teaching that the substance is present in Christ and that believers are to draw upon it through faith.

D. Hebrews 4:2–3 — The Word must be mixed with faith

Marla explained that Israel failed to benefit from what was spoken because the Word was not mixed with faith.

They continually observed their circumstances rather than remembering what God had accomplished.

E. New Testament rest

Marla defined rest as a relationship with Christ in which believers:

• Cease depending upon their own efforts and ways.
• Submit to God’s work through them.
• Believe His Word.
• Remember His faithfulness.
• Respond to the Holy Spirit.
• Obey His leading.

F. Rest does not mean avoiding confrontation

Marla explained that Israel’s entry into the promised land required confronting enemy resistance.

The enemies often appeared greater than Israel’s resources.

Nevertheless, they were called to believe that the God who delivered them from Egypt would also enable them to possess the land.

Key teaching: Rest is confidence in God’s completed work while continuing to respond in faith and obedience.

VII. Every Act of Faith and Obedience Takes Territory

A. Possessing the promised land

Marla connected the conquest of Israel to the believer’s personal life.

She taught that believers take territory when they:

• Believe God’s Word.
• Speak His promises to resistance.
• Receive healing or deliverance.
• Yield to the Holy Spirit.
• Release faith in Christ’s finished work.
• Refuse to draw back.

B. The resistance may look bigger than the resources

Marla reminded the congregation that resistance is never bigger than God.

She encouraged believers to place confidence in what God has already prepared rather than what appears available naturally.

C. Psalm 136 — Remembering God’s faithfulness

Marla shared a personal practice from an earlier teaching.

She maintains her own version of Psalm 136 as a working document on her computer.

Whenever she witnesses a healing, deliverance, or other testimony of God’s supernatural power, she records it.

D. The repeated declaration

“The mercy of the Lord endures forever.”

Marla applied this declaration to:

• Her home.
• Faith Center Church.
• The building and land.
• Healing School.
• The deliverance of God’s people.
• WFEN.

She encouraged the congregation to create and continue adding to their own Psalm 136 record.

Practical application: Record testimonies and revisit them to strengthen confidence in God’s faithfulness.

VIII. Break Up Your Fallow Ground

This was one of the central turning points of the sermon.

A. Jeremiah 4:3 — Break up the unplowed ground

“Break up your fallow ground and do not sow among thorns.”

Marla defined fallow ground as ground that has not been tilled.

She applied the command to both Faith Center Church and individual believers preparing to move into 2027.

B. What fallow ground represents in the believer’s life

Marla described it as:

• Unplowed areas of life.
• Hardened habits.
• Areas neglected for years.
• Patterns of bypassing the Holy Spirit’s voice.
• Assignments from which believers have stepped back.

C. Matthew 13 — The thorns that choke the Word

Marla connected Jeremiah’s warning about thorns to Jesus’ parable of the sower.

She identified the thorns as:

• The worries of life.
• The deceitfulness of wealth.
• Attention given to surrounding circumstances.

These thorns choke the Word and make it unfruitful.

D. God’s call to new territory

Marla explained that entering new territory requires believers to plow ground they have not previously cultivated.

Her emphasis was to focus on God rather than resistance or natural resources.

E. Stop excusing hardened habits

Marla challenged the idea of excusing behavior by saying, “It’s just my nature.”

She taught that the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus lives within believers and that they must refuse the patterns that cause them to draw back.

F. Believers are made to overcome

Matthew 11:12: Marla referenced the Kingdom being taken by force.

1 John 5:4: She emphasized that faith is the victory that overcomes the world.

Romans 8:1–2: She again connected overcoming to the law of the Spirit of life.

Central principle: Breaking up fallow ground requires a decision to stop retreating and begin responding to God’s direction.

IX. Faith Center’s Assignment: Paving the Way

A. The church’s building and land project

Marla introduced the pledge initiative under the theme:

Paving the Way

She explained that:

• The church had begun its new parking lot project three weeks earlier.
• A grant had been approved for water and sewer work.
• She anticipated that work beginning the following spring.
• The parking lot was the beginning of a larger effort to complete the building.

B. The pledge cards

The congregation received two cards.

• The white card would be returned to the church.
• The green card would remain with the individual as a point of contact for faith and prayer.

C. The assignment of Faith Center

Marla described Faith Center as an apostolic equipping church.

Its assignment includes:

• Raising up believers to do the work of Christ.
• Equipping people to go out and minister.
• Seeing people return strengthened and equipped to a greater degree.
• Continuing healing and deliverance ministry.
• Releasing prayer over the region, state, nation, and nations.
• Broadcasting the Gospel through the church’s radio ministry.

D. The significance of Camp Grant

Marla referred to the historical picture of an army displayed in the church foyer and connected it to the location of Faith Center on Camp Grant.

She described the church as an army being raised up and equipped for its assignment.

E. The finisher’s anointing

Marla referenced a prophetic word from Hank Kunneman concerning a finisher’s anointing.

She connected it to:

• Completing the church building.
• Acceleration.
• Grace to bring the assignment to completion.
• Individual believers experiencing corresponding progress in their own lives.

F. God’s instruction concerning the pledge

Marla repeatedly emphasized one requirement:

“All I’m asking is you be obedient.”

She specifically stated that people were not being asked to mortgage their houses, put money on credit cards, or take money from their children’s college funds.

The focus was obedience to what each person believed the Holy Spirit was directing them to do.

X. Obedience Positions Believers for God’s Victory

A. Israel’s enemies were greater than its natural strength

Marla returned to the contrast between Israel’s resources and the armies it confronted.

She taught that God repeatedly asked Israel to obey while He accomplished what they could not.

B. God’s supernatural deliverance

Examples included:

• The wealth of Egypt coming into Israel’s possession.
• God parting the Red Sea.
• God destroying Pharaoh’s army.
• God going before Israel against its enemies.

C. Deuteronomy 9:3

Marla emphasized God’s promise to go before Israel as a consuming fire and defeat its enemies.

D. Exodus 23:27

She highlighted God’s declaration that He would send His fear ahead of Israel and cause confusion among opposing people.

E. The importance of “I will”

Marla called attention to how often God spoke of what He would do.

Her point was that the initiative, power, and promise rested on God.

F. Victory comes through Jesus Christ

She referenced:

• 1 Corinthians 15 — God gives victory through Jesus Christ.
• Romans 8:37 — Believers are more than conquerors through Him who loved them.

G. Obedience is a response to victory

“We do not obey God to make him victorious. We obey him because he is victorious.”

This was a major statement of the sermon.

XI. Jesus Is the Author and Finisher of Our Faith

A. Finishing means reaching the intended completion

Marla defined finishing as bringing something to its intended completion.

B. Hebrews 12:2

Jesus is the author and finisher of faith.

Marla emphasized that looking to Jesus moves attention away from personal strength and places it upon Christ’s faithfulness.

C. The importance of acknowledging God’s faithfulness

She connected this to her Psalm 136 practice.

Remembering God’s works reinforces confidence that He is more than able.

D. Jehoshaphat and Judah’s victory

2 Chronicles 20:22

Marla revisited the account of Jehoshaphat and Judah.

• God had declared that the battle belonged to Him.
• Jehoshaphat appointed people to sing and praise.
• Judah responded in obedience.
• The Lord set ambushes against the opposing armies.
• The enemy forces turned against one another.

E. Praise was an expression of confidence

Marla emphasized that Judah did not praise to persuade God to give victory.

They praised because God had already spoken.

She also discussed the phrase set ambushes, emphasizing her understanding of it as an action already accomplished.

F. Faith responds to God’s reality

“When my faith responds to his reality, that’s when it changes my realities.”

Marla connected this statement to:

• God’s faithfulness.
• The law of the Spirit of life.
• The blood of Jesus.
• The believer’s response in faith.

XII. Root Out Doubt and Tend the Seed of Faith

A. Return to the earlier instruction: Root doubt out

Marla reminded the congregation of a message from earlier in the year about rooting out doubt.

She applied that teaching to the pledge commitment and to other promises believers are standing on.

B. The pledge becomes a point of contact

The green card was to remain with each individual.

Marla encouraged the congregation to continue speaking God’s Word over what they had committed to do.

C. The declaration of faith

She encouraged believers to declare:

“In Christ, I can. In Christ, I will finish that pledge.”

She also connected blessing the house of God with believing God for blessing in the individual’s home.

D. Remove the thorns

Marla called believers to uproot:

• Doubt.
• Fear.
• Conversations contrary to God’s promise.
• Dependence upon natural resources.
• Thoughts that encourage drawing back.

E. Hebrews 10:35–38 revisited

Marla read an expanded rendering emphasizing:

• Fearless confidence.
• Great reward.
• Patient endurance.
• Difficult circumstances.
• Refusing to compromise.
• Carrying out God’s will.
• Receiving what has been promised.
• Living by faith instead of shrinking back in fear.

This brought the message back to its primary scriptural foundation.

XIII. Prophetic Exhortation: Step In, Don’t Step Back

A. The message to the congregation

Following the teaching, Marla delivered a prophetic exhortation calling believers to break up fallow ground.

The message emphasized that God desired to do a work not only in the church but also in individual homes.

B. Recognition of spiritual progress

The exhortation acknowledged that believers had made progress in faith during the year.

Marla described people as having:

• Been transformed.
• Moved forward in faith.
• Crossed boundaries they previously thought they could not.
• Experienced healing.
• Experienced deliverance.

C. A new opportunity to respond

The congregation was challenged not to retreat from the next assignment.

“Step into where I am leading. Step into what I am speaking.”

D. The finisher’s anointing in individual homes

Marla explained that she believed the finisher’s anointing was not only on the corporate church but also on the people and their homes.

She connected this to things individuals were believing God to accomplish.

XIV. Altar Call: Repent of Conversations That Have

Choked Faith

A. The invitation to the altar

Marla invited people forward who recognized that their conversations had not honored God’s prepared work.

She described these conversations as thorns growing around their faith.

B. Repentance concerning words

She specifically called for repentance from conversations contrary to God’s promises.

This connected the altar ministry directly to her opening teaching about the substance carried by words.

C. The farmer and the seed

Marla used the illustration of a farmer who does not simply sow seed and leave it unattended.

The farmer continues to:

• Tend the seed.
• Remove thorns.
• Pull weeds.
• Care for what has been planted.

D. Applying the illustration to faith

Marla encouraged believers to continue tending what they had sown by:

• Refusing doubt.
• Applying God’s Word.
• Declaring His promises.
• Remembering His faithfulness.
• Speaking their personal Psalm 136.
• Thanking God for the coming harvest.

E. The congregational declaration

Marla led the congregation in prayer concerning:

• Sowing into God’s Kingdom.
• Breaking up fallow ground.
• Uprooting doubt and fear.
• Removing thorns from conversation.
• Applying the blood of Jesus over giving, seed, and home.
• Acknowledging the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
• Declaring the ability to do what God has assigned.

F. Corporate and individual assignments

Marla closed this portion by emphasizing that what God is doing corporately in the church also concerns the lives of individual believers.

XV. Closing Prayer: Turn Your Observation Back to God

A. Final prayer emphasis

Marla prayed for the congregation to:

1. Break up fallow ground.
2. Continue hearing God’s Word.
3. Follow the Holy Spirit’s voice.
4. Uproot worldly conversations and thorns.
5. Step into the assignments God has given.
6. Turn attention and observation back to God.
7. Remember His faithfulness to Faith Center.
8. Come into agreement with His work.

B. Remembering God’s faithfulness to the church

She thanked God for:

• Building the church.
• Sustaining the congregation.
• Leading them through previous seasons.
• Moving them forward into their next assignment.

C. Final emphasis

The message concluded with confidence in the life of Christ dwelling within believers and the importance of responding to what God is speaking.

Complete Scripture Reference Guide

These are the scriptures referenced or discussed in the supplied transcript. References are retained as presented in the teaching, without independently correcting or supplementing them.

Scripture How Marla used it

Genesis 1:1–2 God prepared the substance of creation

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the substance of things hoped for

Philippians 4:19 God’s supply for believers’ needs

Hebrews 10:35–39 Confidence, endurance, reward, and refusing to draw

back

Habakkuk 2:3 The vision speaks and will not tarry

Lamentations 3:22–23 God’s mercies and faithfulness

Romans 5:8 Christ died for us while we were sinners

Romans 8:38–39 Nothing separates believers from God’s love

Romans 8:1–2 No condemnation and the law of the Spirit of life

Ephesians 2:4–6 Made alive and seated with Christ

Hebrews 12:24 The blood of Jesus speaks a better word

Hebrews 4:1–3 Entering God’s rest through faith Exodus 23 Sabbath rest and God’s promises to Israel

Deuteronomy 5:15 Remembering deliverance from Egypt

Colossians 2:16–17 The shadow and the substance of Christ

Psalm 136 Remembering God’s faithfulness and enduring mercy

Jeremiah 4:3 Break up fallow ground and do not sow among thorns

Matthew 13 The thorns that choke the Word

Matthew 11:12 Taking the Kingdom by force

1 John 5:4 Faith is the victory that overcomes the world

Deuteronomy 9:3 God goes before Israel against its enemies

Exodus 23:27 God causes enemies to turn back

1 Corinthians 15 Victory through Jesus Christ

Romans 8:37 More than conquerors through Christ

Hebrews 12:2 Jesus, the author and finisher of faith 2 Chronicles 20:22 Judah’s praise and God’s ambushes

Seven Core Takeaways From the Sermon

1. Keep your observation on God’s finished work.

Focus on His Word, faithfulness, provision, and promises rather than allowing circumstances to dominate your attention.

2. Do not cast away your confidence.

Maintain your assurance through faith-filled speech, patient endurance, and continued obedience.

3. Enter God’s rest by remembering His faithfulness.

Rest is confidence in what Christ has already accomplished, not withdrawal from the assignment.

4. Break up your fallow ground.

Address hardened habits, neglected assignments, and areas where the Holy Spirit’s leading has been bypassed.

5. Uproot the thorns that choke the Word.

Refuse to let worry, doubt, fear, or negative conversations make the Word unfruitful.

6. Respond in obedience rather than drawing back.

God calls believers to do what He asks while trusting Him to accomplish what they cannot.

7. Step into the finisher’s anointing.

Marla called Faith Center to finish its corporate assignment and encouraged individuals to believe God for completion in their own lives.

The Call to Action From This Message

The sermon calls believers to make a personal decision rather than merely hearing the teaching.

Marla’s specific instructions were to:

1. Identify areas where they have drawn back or neglected God’s direction.
2. Repent of conversations rooted in fear, doubt, or circumstances rather than God’s

promises.

1. Break up the fallow ground and uproot the thorns that have hindered faith.
2. Return to the scriptures and meditate on them.
3. Record and revisit testimonies of God’s faithfulness in a personal Psalm 136.
4. Respond obediently to what the Holy Spirit is directing, including the church’s Paving the

Way initiative.

1. Continue declaring God’s Word, maintaining confidence, and refusing to draw back until

the assignment is completed.

The Sermon in One Statement

God has already prepared the victory and supplied the grace. Our responsibility is to keep our eyes on His faithfulness, refuse to draw back, break up the fallow ground, and step forward in obedient faith to finish what He has assigned.