Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Podcast: Dufresne Ministries Podcast
Episode: God's Plan Is His Covenant | Noel Ramos | Prayer Conference 2025 | Wednesday AM
Date: April 16, 2025
Speakers: Pastor Noel Ramos, Pastor Nancy Dufresne

In this message from the Dufresne Ministries Prayer Conference, Pastor Noel Ramos delves deep into the theme of God’s covenant—how God’s master plan for believers is shaped and secured through covenant between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. With practical illustrations and an encouragement to greater fellowship with God, Pastor Noel explores biblical foundations, the privilege and necessity of prayer, and how walking out the plan of God means living from a place of close relationship and divine impartation. Pastor Nancy Dufresne adds significant teaching on the importance of being led by the Spirit, especially for ministers, as well as spiritual "etiquette" in serving the church.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. You Grow First, Then the Church Grows

[00:08–05:45]

• Pastor Noel reflects on personal growth as the foundation for corporate or church growth.
  • Quote: “He said, son, you grow first. It’s from the inside. So you grow first. The church will grow." — Pastor Noel [00:31]
• Emphasizes spiritual growth over mere attendance numbers.
• Cites example from Jesus’ ministry where many left despite initial crowds.

2. God’s Covenant Originates in Genesis

[05:45–16:00]

• God’s creation of man is an act of covenant, not random choice; rooted in the agreement between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • “It was a covenant made by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Everything about the Word is a covenant.” — Pastor Noel [05:58]
• Humanity was created to receive God’s impartation, not to strive for it.
• The dominion given to man includes dominion in the natural world, not just spiritual things.
  • Playful tone as Pastor Noel references “the fish filet... the birds of the air, that’s your chicken…” [08:23]

3. Receiving by Faith; The Nature of Fellowship

[16:00–28:00]

• Adam and Eve were designed to simply receive God’s blessing without questioning or doubt—faith is receiving as soon as the Word is spoken.
  • “The moment the word was spoken, that spirit received it. No ifs, nothing.” [11:24]
• Prayer and fellowship are privileges, not burdens.
  • “It’s a privilege that was given to us by God. ... The greatest privilege, but the most neglected privilege given to the body of Christ.” — Pastor Noel [14:14], referencing Pastor Nancy
• Personal testimony about being sustained in ministry by doing what God led, not by circumstances or numbers.

4. Progressive Revelation; Importance of Ongoing Fellowship

[28:00–37:00]

• Adam and Eve’s knowledge was progressive; they didn’t know everything instantly, and it’s the same for believers.
  • “It’s a progressive revelation of what was finished.” [18:22]
• Lack of fellowship leads to struggle, as illustrated by the parable of the prodigal son.
  • “If I don’t fellowship with my Father, if I’m away from my Father one moment of time, I’ll struggle.” [25:47]
• The closer you are to God, the clearer you hear His voice.
  • “The moment I go nearer to her [my wife], her voice gets louder. ... It’s just the same with God. When we are not in fellowship... we can’t hear.” [27:16]

5. Obedience Before Understanding; Testimonies of Following God

[37:00–43:00]

• Walk in obedience to what God has spoken before seeking further revelation.
  • “You got to do what you heard first. If not, you’re not going to know the second one.” [28:28]
• Pastor Noel shares about obeying God’s instruction to go to Bible school despite not having funds, highlighting:
  • The value of receiving God’s plan by faith.
  • Divine provision follows obedience.
  • God pays back in abundance when you trust His covenant.

6. Jesus’ Priestly Prayer: Eternal Relevance

[43:00–54:40]

• Explores John 17, emphasizing Jesus’ prayer not just for Himself but for all believers.
  • “When He prays to the Father, it just doesn’t affect Him. It’s not just for Himself; it’s also for us. This prayer... is still at work today.” [45:08]
• We participate in the “glory” that Jesus prayed for—seated with Him spiritually in heavenly places.
• The “holiest of all”—believers worship and fellowship directly with God now, not restricted to earthly places or performance.

7. Fellowship, Righteousness, and the True Place of Ministry

[54:40–1:09:45]

• The veil is gone; we worship in spirit, from the place of righteousness Christ provides.
  • “Come boldly in the throne of grace. What is the throne of grace? That’s the holiest of all.” — Pastor Noel [49:41]
• Reframes ministry and calling as God-originated, covenant-driven, and not for personal promotion or performance.
• True prayer and worship are about being in God’s presence, not striving for favor or striving to be “good enough.”

Practical Instructions and Ministry Ethics

Pastor Nancy Dufresne on Ministerial Integrity and Spiritual Etiquette

[58:34–1:21:00]

• Every believer has two ministries: one inside the local church and one outside, sharing Christ.
  • “Every believer has two ministries, one in the church and one out of the church. ... We’re never fulfilled just doing one of them.” — Pastor Nancy [59:29]
• Ministers must prioritize being led by the Spirit and avoid self-promotion, especially in traveling ministries.
  • “If you’re going to take your calendar in your hand, you just took it out of God’s. ... It’s my job to fulfill the plan.” — Pastor Nancy [66:30]
• Scheduling should leave room for God’s direction, not be packed for the sake of busyness.
• True apostles, prophets, evangelists, and teachers build the local church and always point people to their pastor.
  • “If an apostle isn’t building the local church, he’s not needed. ... Your job is not complete until they have turned those people over to a pastor.” — Pastor Nancy [73:56]
• Warns of the dangers of ministers seeking admiration or building their own name—the focus should always remain on serving the pastor, congregation, and the plan of God.
• Spiritual etiquette: the Holy Ghost moves in a way that uplifts all and never belittles or creates division.
  • “The etiquette of the Holy Ghost is supreme. ... Someone who’s flown with the Holy Ghost never points to what someone doesn’t know. They say, come on up, come on up.” — Pastor Nancy [82:36]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On spiritual growth:
  “He said, son, you grow first. ... You can have numbers but no growth, no spiritual growth, just numbers.” — Pastor Noel [00:31]

• On the covenant origin:
  “It was a covenant made by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit... Everything about the Word is a covenant made by God for us.” — Pastor Noel [05:58]

• On prayer as privilege:
  “Prayer is a privilege. It’s not work, it’s a privilege. ... The most neglected privilege given to the body of Christ.” — Pastor Noel [14:14], referencing Pastor Nancy

• On obedience before understanding:
  “You got to do what you heard first. If not, you’re not going to know the second one.” — Pastor Noel [28:28]

• On the spiritual place of worship:
  “We are in the holy of holies of heaven. ... Every time you get into the spirit, your spirit doesn’t dwell on the earth. It was seated in the right hand of the Father.” — Pastor Noel [50:35]

• On ministerial integrity:
  “If you’re going to take your calendar in your hand, you just took it out of God’s. ... It is not my job to fill my calendar. It’s my job to fulfill the plan.” — Pastor Nancy [66:30]

• On spiritual etiquette:
  “The etiquette of the Holy Ghost is supreme. ... Someone who’s flown with the Holy Ghost never points to what someone doesn’t know. They say, come on up, come on up.” — Pastor Nancy [82:36]

• On true ministry:
  “I refuse to dread what I’m born for. I will only enjoy every moment of what I’m born for. ... To worry is to doubt His ability.” — Pastor Nancy [90:28]

Key Timestamps

• [00:08] Opening remarks and tone-setting by Pastor Noel
• [05:58] The Genesis covenant and the design of man
• [14:14] Privilege and often-neglected value of prayer
• [18:22] Progressive revelation vs. instant knowledge
• [25:47] Fellowship with God using the prodigal son as illustration
• [28:28] Obedience to God’s word before expecting the next instruction
• [43:00] Jesus’ high priestly prayer and its ongoing impact
• [49:41] The holiest of all—worship from a spiritual place
• [58:34]–[59:29] Two ministries of every believer: in and out of the church
• [66:30] Calendar, calling, and the necessity of being led by the Spirit
• [73:56] Ministerial purpose: building the local church
• [82:36] Supreme etiquette of the Holy Ghost
• [90:28] Refusing worry and enjoying the call of God

Conclusion

This episode offers a rich, in-depth teaching on understanding God’s covenant plan, the necessity of spiritual growth and continual fellowship, prayer as a privilege, and functioning in ministry with integrity and spiritual etiquette. With heartfelt personal anecdotes and robust biblical exposition, both Pastor Noel Ramos and Pastor Nancy Dufresne urge ministers and believers alike to listen for God’s direction, prioritize fellowship with Him, and serve within His divine plan, not their own ambitions.

For anyone seeking to grow in their knowledge of covenant living, deepen their prayer life, or serve more effectively in ministry, this episode is full of biblical wisdom, refreshing encouragement, and practical guidance.