Prepper Church: October 29, 2023

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Opening Session

Welcome and Introduction: Welcome! Embracing faith and preparedness, we gather as a community of resilient souls in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Let our shared journey strengthen us and inspire others.
Opening Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, as we gather here today, we humbly come before You, acknowledging that in Your boundless love, we can begin where we are. Grant us the courage and wisdom to embrace this truth, guiding us on our spiritual journey. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Worship and Praise

Video Link: In Remembrance of Me - Cheri Keaggy
Reflection: As listeners engage with these reflections, they can find parallels between the song's message and the values upheld in prepping and outdoor living, emphasizing the importance of faith, preparedness, and community support.

Embrace Sacrificial Love: Reflect on the profound love in the broken bread and wine. Consider Jesus' sacrifice, inviting you into a covenant of forgiveness and grace.
Self-Reflection: Pause and introspect. Examine your relationship with God, seeking repentance and renewal. Reflect on the transformative power of Christ's love in your life.
Gratitude and Remembrance: Feel deep gratitude for Christ's sacrifice. Remember the cross and the crown, symbols of His victory and redemption. Be thankful for your spiritual rebirth.
Follow Christ's Way: Contemplate Jesus as the Way to salvation. Internalize His teachings on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Challenge yourself to embody these principles in your daily actions.

Communion

Communion symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice, offering forgiveness and eternal life to those who believe. It's for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. We invite you to take communion at home, guiding you through preparation, prayer, and reflection. It's an opportunity to introduce the practice to your family, fostering meaningful conversations about its significance.

During the time of the scripture reading, please share the cup and break the bread as is suitable for your gathering,

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (AMP): "For I received from the Lord Himself that which I passed on to you [it was given to me personally], that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was treacherously delivered up and while His betrayal was in progress took bread, And when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and said, Take, eat. This is My body, which is broken for you. Do this to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance. Similarly when supper was ended, He took the cup also, saying, This cup is the new covenant [ratified and established] in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink [it], to call Me [affectionately] to remembrance. For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are representing and signifying and proclaiming the fact of the Lord's death until He comes [again]."

Message: Begin Where You Are--Embracing God's Perfect Grace

Everyone, today we gather under the encompassing love of God, knowing that His grace knows no bounds. Reflecting on the diverse backgrounds and life experiences present here, we celebrate the inclusive nature of God's invitation through Christ that we may indeed hear the Holy Spirit invited and accepted to dwell in us.

Every prepper began someplace--and every Chrisitan also has to begin someplace. If you have not begun prepping, the best place to begin is right now, right where you are. And if you have not began your Christian journey, the best place to begin is also right now, right where you are.

And for those of us all on the journey, the rest of our journey will also begin... right now, right where we are.

I. Embracing God's Open Invitation

A. Proclaiming God's Inclusive Love

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 (AMP) - "Does not wisdom call, And understanding lift up her voice? ... The Lord created and possessed me [Wisdom] at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old." Wisdom's call echoes to all, emphasizing that God's invitation to His wisdom and grace extends universally.

John 3:16 (AMP) - "For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life." God's love, exemplified through Christ, is a universal invitation for all humanity to experience eternal life.

B. The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)

Luke 14:23 (AMP) - "So the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the streets and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled [with guests].'" God's invitation goes beyond the expected, reaching out to the marginalized and overlooked, ensuring all are welcome at His banquet.

II. God's Sufficient Grace

A. Understanding the Concept of Grace

Ephesians 2:8-9 (AMP) - "For it is by grace [God's remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God." God's grace, a gift freely given, is more than sufficient to save us, emphasizing our reliance on His unmerited favor.

Romans 5:8 (AMP) - "But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Christ's sacrifice exemplifies the depth of God's love, showcasing His willingness to extend grace even in our imperfection.

B. Overcoming Doubts and Insecurities

Romans 8:1 (AMP) - "Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]." In Christ, there is no condemnation, liberating us from doubts and insecurities, allowing us to embrace God's grace fully.

1 John 1:9 (AMP) - "If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]." Confession brings cleansing, assuring forgiveness, and dispelling insecurities, reminding us of God's continuous grace.

III. Practical Steps to Begin Where You Are

A. Repentance and Acceptance

Acts 3:19 (AMP) - "So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]." Repentance leads to refreshing, signifying a new beginning in God's grace, welcoming us to a transformative journey.

Romans 10:9-10 (AMP) - "Because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Confession and belief usher in salvation, initiating a profound relationship with God grounded in His grace.

B. Growing in Faith and Community

Hebrews 10:24-25 (AMP) - "And let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ's return] approaching." Fellowship and encouragement within a community foster spiritual growth, solidifying our foundation in God's grace.

2 Peter 3:18 (AMP) - "But grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." Spiritual maturity stems from growing in God's grace, emphasizing a continuous journey toward understanding His love and knowledge.

Conclusion

The boundless grace of God is grace that extends to all, regardless of our past or present circumstances. God's invitation stands, inviting everyone to experience His transformative love and eternal life.

Embracing God's grace is not just a one-time decision but a lifelong journey. It's about understanding the depth of His love, accepting His forgiveness, and growing in faith. As we stand at the threshold of this divine invitation, let us respond with gratitude and humility, knowing that His grace is more than sufficient for all our needs.

Heavenly Father, we bow before Your throne in awe of Your perfect grace. Thank You for the invitation You extend to every soul. As we conclude this time of worship, we pray for Your guidance. Empower us to walk in the light of Your love, embracing Your grace at every step. Bless us with courage to accept Your invitation wholeheartedly, to repent, to believe, and to grow in faith and community. May Your grace abound in our lives, transforming us into instruments of Your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Offering

We trust each local group to manage their offerings locally, guided by faith and the Holy Spirit. Let all our generosity strengthen our community and reach those in need around us.

In other words: do collect the offering, but don't send it to me. You decide what to do with it.

Closing

Closing Remarks and Gratitude for Community Participation
Closing Prayer: As we prepare to depart from this place, we carry Your message of love with us. We ask for Your guidance and strength as we walk out into the world. We pray courage for those who may still be hesitant, those who have yet to accept Your invitation. We commit our lives into Your hands, trusting in Your perfect plan. Bless us as we go our separate ways, and may the lessons we've learned today echo in our hearts, reminding us of Your unending love. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, we pray. Amen.

Local Group Discussion and Fellowship

Continue to gather on your own in fellowship and discussion as is suitable for your gathering. Here are five questions to spark discussions about the sermon in relation to bushcraft and prepping:

Survival in Faith: In bushcraft, preparedness is key to survival. How can the concept of preparedness in bushcraft relate to being spiritually prepared in our faith journey? What tools and knowledge do we need to navigate life's challenges while staying rooted in our faith?
Resourcefulness and God's Grace: Bushcraft teaches us to be resourceful with what nature provides. How can this resourcefulness mirror God's grace? Discuss instances where God's provision was unexpected, akin to finding resources in the wilderness, and how these experiences deepen our understanding of His grace.
Community and Support: In both prepping and faith communities, the strength of the group is vital. How can our church community support one another in our spiritual journeys, much like a prepping community supports each other in preparing for challenges? Share ideas on fostering a supportive environment within the church.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Bushcraft emphasizes adaptability to different environments. How can the concept of adaptability apply to our spiritual lives? Discuss ways we can remain flexible and open-minded in our faith, allowing God's grace to work in unexpected ways.
Stewardship and Responsibility: Prepping often includes an emphasis on responsible resource management. How does this concept align with being good stewards of God's grace? Explore ways we can responsibly share and spread God's grace within our church, local community, and beyond.

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