Change Church Podcast: "Access Granted" Summary

Host: Pastor Dharius Daniels
Episode: Access Granted
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Website: www.lifechange.org

Introduction

In the "Access Granted" episode of the Change Church Podcast, Pastor Dharius Daniels delves into the profound themes of spiritual access and empowerment available to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Mark 16:17, Pastor Daniels emphasizes the transformative power and the comprehensive blessings that come with genuine belief and acceptance of God's word.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Pursuit of Growth and Expectation of God's Word

Pastor Daniels begins by highlighting the congregation's passionate pursuit of growth in God, underscoring the expectation that God's word leads to tangible outcomes. He cites Mark 16:17 to illustrate the signs that accompany true believers, such as driving out demons, speaking in new tongues, and healing the sick.

"Mark. Chapter 16, verse 17 says, and these signs will accompany those who believe in my name."
[00:01]

2. Illustration: The Cruise Ship Analogy

To contextualize his message, Pastor Daniels shares an engaging story about a man saving diligently for a cruise. Despite his financial constraints, the man's perseverance allowed him to embark on the cruise, where he fully participated in all activities. However, due to a misunderstanding, he confined himself to his cabin, missing out on the all-inclusive experience. This analogy serves to illustrate how believers might limit themselves spiritually, not realizing the full access granted to them through salvation.

"It's possible on the ship of salvation to do what this man did. On the ship of the sea, it is possible to be confined to the cabin when you've got access to the whole ship."
[05:45]

3. The Nature of God's Love: Freedom Without Coercion

Pastor Daniels emphasizes that God's love permits believers to choose their spiritual journey without force or manipulation. He differentiates genuine love from control, clarifying that true love guides rather than coerces.

"Love doesn't force. So God says, I paid for the ship, and even though I don't want you to choose the cabin, I'll let you choose the cabin."
[09:20]

4. Understanding Witchcraft and Manipulation

Addressing the misuse of influence, Pastor Daniels warns against manipulative behaviors likened to witchcraft. He defines witchcraft in the Old Testament context as predatory behavior that exploits emotional vulnerabilities, stressing the importance of discerning such manipulations.

"In the Old Testament, witchcraft is preaching predatory behavior. It is when a person recognizes the emotional fragility of a person and they use their influence in a predatory manner to exploit that individual."
[11:30]

5. Theological Insights: Old Testament Lessons and New Testament Fulfillment

Pastor Daniels reflects on Israel's desire for a king as depicted in the Old Testament, illustrating how God's responses—granting and then withdrawing kingship—teach reliance on His will over personal desires. He connects this to the believer's spiritual journey, emphasizing that access to God's provisions depends on the believer's willingness to embrace His will.

"So it is an agreement or will... because the Bible's divided into two testaments, Old and New. The word Testament means agreement or will."
[14:10]

6. Born Again: Transformation Through the Holy Spirit

Delving into the concept of being "born again," Pastor Daniels explains the union with the Holy Spirit that empowers believers to transcend their previous limitations. He discusses the ongoing spiritual struggle between the flesh and the spirit, asserting that sanctification involves renewing the mind and overcoming fleshly desires.

"When you become born again, you actually go from one nature to two natures... Struggle is evidence of growth."
[18:15]

7. Spiritual Warfare and Liberation

Highlighting the signs mentioned in Mark 16:17, Pastor Daniels addresses spiritual warfare, explaining that believers are equipped to overcome demonic influences and heal the sick. He clarifies that supernatural signs are expressions of the Holy Spirit's power, not endorsing literal snake handling but symbolizing spiritual immunity and resilience.

"Jesus is not commissioning snake handling. When he talks about handling snakes, he's talking about how the Holy Spirit... gives you longevity."
[22:00]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mark 16:17 Explanation:
  "Mark. Chapter 16, verse 17 says, and these signs will accompany those who believe in my name."
  [00:01]

• Cruise Ship Analogy:
  "It's possible on the ship of salvation to do what this man did. On the ship of the sea, it is possible to be confined to the cabin when you've got access to the whole ship."
  [05:45]

• God's Love and Freedom:
  "Love doesn't force. So God says, I paid for the ship, and even though I don't want you to choose the cabin, I'll let you choose the cabin."
  [09:20]

• Witchcraft as Manipulation:
  "In the Old Testament, witchcraft is preaching predatory behavior. It is when a person recognizes the emotional fragility of a person and they use their influence in a predatory manner to exploit that individual."
  [11:30]

• Testament as Will:
  "So it is an agreement or will... because the Bible's divided into two testaments, Old and New. The word Testament means agreement or will."
  [14:10]

• Born Again and Spiritual Struggle:
  "When you become born again, you actually go from one nature to two natures... Struggle is evidence of growth."
  [18:15]

• Spiritual Immunity:
  "Jesus is not commissioning snake handling. When he talks about handling snakes, he's talking about how the Holy Spirit... gives you longevity."
  [22:00]

Insights and Applications

1. Embracing Full Access: Believers are encouraged to fully embrace the spiritual resources and blessings that come with salvation, avoiding the temptation to limit themselves spiritually.

2. Discernment Against Manipulation: Understanding the nature of manipulation and predatory behaviors helps believers protect their spiritual integrity and foster genuine relationships.

3. Reliance on God's Will: The theological exploration of testaments underscores the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will, trusting in His provision and timing.

4. Sanctification Through Struggle: Recognizing that spiritual growth often involves internal struggles can help believers persevere and appreciate the transformative process of sanctification.

5. Empowerment for Spiritual Warfare: Equipped with the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to engage in spiritual warfare, casting out demons, healing the sick, and overcoming adversities with divine assistance.

Conclusion

In "Access Granted," Pastor Dharius Daniels masterfully weaves biblical teachings with practical illustrations to convey the depth of access and empowerment available to believers. By encouraging listeners to step out of their comfort zones and fully utilize the spiritual blessings granted through Jesus Christ, he inspires a deeper, more engaged faith. This episode serves as a compelling reminder that salvation is not merely a static state but a dynamic journey of accessing and experiencing the fullness of God's promises.

If you haven't yet embraced this transformative journey, Pastor Daniels extends an invitation to take that crucial step towards a vibrant and empowered spiritual life.