Prepper Church: November 19, 2023

 

Prepper Church: November 19, 2023

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Opening Prayer

• Welcome and introduction
• Opening prayer:  Gracious Father, as we gather in this sacred space, we open our hearts to the gentle leading of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to follow where You lead. May the blessed authority of Jesus Christ guide our thoughts, words, and actions as we seek to serve You with humility and love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
• Scripture reading:  John 16:13-15 (NIV):  "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you."

Worship and Praise

• Video Link:  Chris Tomlin - I Will Follow
• Reflection:   Here are five points of reflection or questions to accompany the service using the lyrics of "I Will Follow":
• Commitment to Follow: Consider your own commitment to follow God, especially in challenging times. Reflect on moments when you felt God's guidance and how that strengthened your faith and resolve.
• Trusting God's Guidance: Contemplate the trust you place in God's guidance, even in moments of uncertainty. Think about how your faith empowers you to face challenges with confidence, knowing that God is leading the way.
• Courageous Faith: Reflect on the courageous faith of soldiers at war and how their bravery can serve as an inspiration for your own spiritual journey. Consider how their dedication to their mission parallels the devotion required to follow God wholeheartedly.
• Strength in Surrender: Ponder the concept of finding strength in surrendering to God's will. Reflect on times when you surrendered your plans to God, and how that surrender led to unexpected blessings and victories.
• Gratitude for God's Presence: Express gratitude for God's constant presence and guidance in your life. Consider the ways in which God has provided comfort, strength, and courage during difficult times, reinforcing your trust in His unwavering love.

Communion

preparation

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 Communion, please share the cup and break the bread as is suitable for your gathering,

Message:  Following the Spirit's Lead-serving with Blessed Authority

In our faith journey, we find ourselves at the intersection of divine guidance and humble service. Today, we study the profound call to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit, serving the will of God the Father with the blessed authority bestowed upon us by Jesus Christ, our Lord.

I. The Promise of Guidance - The Holy Spirit as our Guide

Scripture: John 16:13 (NIV) - "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."

The Holy Spirit is not a passive observer but an active guide, leading us into the profound truths of God. In our journey of service, acknowledging and surrendering to the Spirit's guidance is paramount.

II. United in Purpose - Sons and Daughters of God

Scripture: Romans 8:14 (NIV) - "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."

The Spirit unites us in purpose, affirming our identity as children of God. As we serve, recognizing this shared identity fosters a sense of familial connection and a common commitment to the Father's will.

III. The Blessed Authority - Authority Given by Christ

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”

Jesus, in His resurrection, declared His authority over all things. The command to make disciples is not merely a duty but an exercise of the authority Christ has given us as we participate in His Great Commission.

IV. Humility in Service - Christ's Model of Humility

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-7 (NIV) - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

Christ's humility becomes the cornerstone of our service. As we follow the Spirit's lead, embracing humility allows us to serve with love, placing the interests of others above our own.

V. Empowered to Serve - The Empowering Work of the Holy Spirit

Scripture: Acts 1:8 (NIV) - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The Spirit empowers us for effective service. Our authority to be witnesses and servants is not rooted in our own strength but in the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. Moving beyond our limitations, we become instruments of God's transformative power.

Conclusion

As we embark on this journey of following the Spirit's lead and serving with the blessed authority of Christ, let us remember that our call is not one of mere duty but a divine invitation to participate in the unfolding of God's kingdom. May the Spirit guide our steps, may the authority of Christ propel us forward, and may our service be a testament to the love and grace of our Triune God.

Closing Prayer:  "Gracious Father, we thank You for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit and the blessed authority given to us through Jesus Christ. As we go forth, may Your Spirit continue to lead us, and may we serve with humility and 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
• Closing Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we stand before You, grateful for the presence of Your Holy Spirit that has illuminated our hearts and minds. As we leave this place, may the blessed authority of Jesus Christ empower us to walk in Your will, serving others with love and compassion. May we be vessels of Your grace and instruments of peace. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

Local group discussion and fellowship

Continue to gather on your own in fellowship and discussion as you see fit.  Here are some ideas to spark points of discussion about the sermon in relation to bushcraft and prepping:

• Reflecting on Guidance:  How has the Holy Spirit guided you in your life recently? Share an experience where you felt led by the Spirit, and discuss how that guidance influenced your decisions or actions.
• United in Purpose:  In what ways can recognizing our identity as children of God impact our interactions with others? Discuss practical ways to foster a sense of unity and purpose within your community or family.
• Authority and Service:  Consider the concept of authority as presented in Matthew 28:18-20. How does understanding the authority given by Christ shape your approach to serving others? Share insights on how authority and service intertwine in your life.
• Humility in Action:  Reflect on the passage in Philippians 2:3-7. How can you actively practice humility in your daily interactions and service to others? Share specific examples or challenges related to embodying Christ's humility.
• Empowerment for Service:  Acts 1:8 emphasizes the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. Discuss moments when you felt empowered by the Spirit in your service to others. How does relying on the Spirit's power change your perspective on service?
• Practical Steps Forward:  As you go about your day, consider one practical step you can take to follow the Spirit's lead and serve with the authority of Christ. Share these steps with others and encourage each other to actively live out the sermon's message.

These discussion points aim to encourage personal reflection and group dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of the sermon's teachings and their application in everyday life.