Prepper Church-November 26, 2023
I. Opening Session
- Welcome and Introduction
- Opening Prayer: Gracious Father, as we gather in this sacred space, we invite Your Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and minds. Prepare us to receive the timeless message of repentance and belief, echoing the call of John the Baptist. May our hearts be open to the transformative power of Your Word. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
- Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:1-6 (NIV) - "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' ... People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River."
II. Worship and Praise
- Video Link: Herman's Hermits "Henry The VIII, I Am" on The Ed Sullivan Show
- Reflection: This isn't what we would consider a "typical worship song" but there's a lesson in the song that means a lot. Contemplate the following while you enjoy the enthusiasm of the performers and the audience. Feel free to sing along with them.
- Repetition and simplicity: Notice the enthusiasm from the audience of the simple, repeated message in the song "Henry the VIII I AM" and contemplate the strength and value in this reinforced simplicity.
- Leverage for God's Purpose: Consider John the Baptist and his repeated message of "Jesus is Messiah" and how he repeated this message through his entire life.
- Contemplate John the Baptist's message: In the simplicity of John the Baptist's message, we find a call that transcends time and cultural differences. It's a call that penetrates the heart, beckoning us to turn from our old ways and embrace the Kingdom that draws near. John stood in the wilderness, a voice crying out, preparing the hearts of those who would listen.
- Change the lyrics: Here's a suggested structure for a new "song" based on John the Baptist's repetitive message, fitting rhythmically with "Henry the VIII I Am"
Jesus is the Great I Am I Am
John the Baptist has a message for all
Repent, believe, and heed His call.
Jesus is Messiah, hear me clear,
Turn from sin and have no fear.
Jesus, the Lamb, takes our sin away,
Believe in Him, in His light, stay.
Jesus is the Great I Am I Am,
Jesus is the Great I Am!
SECOND VERSE, SAME AS THE FIRST!
Here's an instrumental version of "Henry the VIII I Am" if you want try to sing along.
III. 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 Communion, please share the cup and break the bread as is suitable for your gathering,
IV. Message: "Jesus is I Am I Am - the Message of Repentance"
Imagine the scene—a figure clothed in camel's hair, a leather belt around his waist, standing beside the Jordan River, proclaiming a message that would resonate through generations. John the Baptist, a voice in the wilderness, echoing a simple yet profound call: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near."
The Wilderness Proclamation
Matthew 3:1-3 (AMP): In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the Wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This is the one who was mentioned by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the road for the Lord, Make His highways straight (level, direct)!'"
The Simplicity of Repentance
Matthew 3:7-8 (AMP): But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath [of God that is] to come? Therefore, produce fruit that is worthy of [and consistent with your] repentance [that is, live changed lives, turn from sin and seek God and His righteousness]."
The crowds that gathered were diverse, and John's message was direct. It wasn't about elaborate rituals or complex doctrines; it was a call to turn from sin and embrace a transformed life. Repentance, a change of heart, became the doorway to the Kingdom.
Baptism - Symbol of Transformation
Matthew 3:13-17 (AMP): Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan [River], to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him [vigorously protesting], saying, "It is I who need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" But Jesus replied to him, "Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then John permitted [it and baptized] Him. After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!"
As a symbol of repentance, John baptized those who confessed their sins. The act of immersion in water represented a cleansing—a shedding of the old self and the emergence of a new creation. Jesus Himself participated in this act, setting an example for all believers.
The Kingdom Draws Near
Matthew 4:17 (AMP): From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17, AMP)
John's message echoed Jesus' proclamation: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near." The Messiah, the fulfillment of God's promises, was present among them. The call to repentance was not a condemnation but an invitation to partake in the Kingdom's reality.
Conclusion
John's repetitive message wasn't a mere redundancy but a rhythmic call, echoing the heartbeat of God's desire for His people. Today, as we hear the song "Jesus is I Am I Am," let its rhythm penetrate our souls, reminding us of the timeless call to repentance, a call that still echoes today.
V. Offering
VI. Closing
- Closing Remarks and Gratitude for Community Participation
- Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we conclude this time of reflection and worship, may the message of repentance linger in our hearts. Empower us to carry this divine rhythm into our lives, echoing the call to repentance in our words and actions. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Local Group Discussion and Fellowship
Continue to gather in fellowship, using these discussion points to reflect on the sermon and John the Baptist's message:
- What does repentance mean to you, and how has it shaped your journey of faith?
- In what ways can the simplicity of John the Baptist's message inspire us in sharing our faith with others?
- Consider the symbolism of baptism as a representation of transformation. How has your own baptism impacted your spiritual journey?
- Reflect on the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven. How does knowing that the Kingdom is near influence your perspective on daily life?
- In what practical ways can we echo the call to repentance in our communities, following the example of John the Baptist?
- In the world of being prepared: is repentance something that we should prepare to do in the future, or is it something that we do immediately?
These discussion topics aim to engage participants in meaningful conversations about gratitude, its practical implications, and how it can be woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
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