Prepper Church: November 5, 2023
Opening Session
- Welcome and introduction
- Opening prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, as we gather today, we open our hearts to your guiding presence. Bless us with wisdom and unity as we embrace the call to be sent, mirroring the disciples of old. May our worship and reflection be pleasing to You, and may we be empowered to spread your love and grace to all we encounter. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
- Scritpure reading: Isaiah 6:8 (NIV) - "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'”
Worship and Praise
- Video Link: Kenny Rogers - Children, Go Where I Send Thee (feat. Home Free)
- Reflection: Here are two points of reflection or questions to accompany the service using the lyrics of "Children Go Where I Send Thee":
- Growth: Notice the progression in the song from sending one by one to larger groups. What does this progression teach us about unity in mission? Notice that only Christ (the "Little bitty baby") was alone, but even He had the Virgin Mary. How does sending disciples in pairs or groups reflect the importance of community and collaboration in fulfilling God's mission? Reflect on the significance of working together in spreading the Gospel.
- Symbolism and Commitment: Explore the symbolic representation of the numbers in the song (e.g., three for the Hebrew children, ten for the Ten Commandments). How does each number carry a specific meaning or story in the Bible? What can we learn from these symbols in terms of commitment, faithfulness, and following God's instructions? Consider how our commitment to God's mission is reflected in our understanding of biblical symbols.
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,
Message: Being Sent
Good morning, Prepper Church family! Today, we gather to explore our purpose as believers, diving into the profound command of Jesus to go forth and make disciples. We are not just called to occupy a seat in the church; we are called to be sent ones, spreading the transformative message of the Gospel. As we study Scriptures, let us understand our mission: to be ambassadors of Christ, proclaiming His love to the world.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20
Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 (AMP)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
In Matthew 28, Jesus commissions His disciples to make disciples of all nations. This command is not limited to a select few but extends to each one of us. It’s a call to share the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ, bringing others into a relationship with Him.
Mark 16:15 - Proclaiming the Gospel
Scripture: Mark 16:15 (AMP)
"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'"
Mark 16:15 emphasizes the universality of the Gospel message. We are entrusted with the task of proclaiming the good news, not withholding it from anyone. Every person, regardless of background or status, deserves to hear the message of salvation.
Luke 9:2 - Being Empowered for the Mission
Scripture: Luke 9:2 (AMP)
"And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing."
In Luke 9:2, we see that Jesus not only sent His disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God but also empowered them to perform healing. Likewise, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our mission. As we step out in faith, God equips us with His supernatural abilities to impact lives.
John 20:21 - The Sending Continues
Scripture: John 20:21 (AMP)
"So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you [as My representatives].'”
Just as the Father sent Jesus into the world, Jesus sends us as His representatives. We carry His authority, love, and grace into every sphere of influence. Our mission is an extension of His divine purpose on earth, and in embracing it, we participate in God’s redemptive work.
Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth
Scripture: Acts 1:8 (AMP)
"But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 reminds us of the source of our strength: the Holy Spirit. He empowers us to be witnesses not just in our immediate surroundings but also to the ends of the earth. Our mission knows no geographical boundaries; we are called to reach every corner with the message of Christ.
Practical Steps for Being Sent
As we embrace our mission, let us take practical steps. Engage in conversations, demonstrate Christ’s love through acts of kindness, and pray for divine encounters. Being sent is not just a theoretical concept; it’s lived out in our daily interactions, where the light of Christ shines through us.
Each one of us is called to fulfill the Great Commission, sharing the love and grace of Christ with a world in need. As we go from this place, let us carry the mission in our hearts. Let us be intentional in our actions, courageous in our words, and faithful in our prayers. May we, as a community, embrace our identity as sent ones, making an eternal impact in the lives of those around us.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we go forth, empowered and commissioned, to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world. Amen.
Offering
Closing
- Closing remarks
- Closing prayer: Heavenly Father, just as Isaiah declared, 'Here am I. Send me!' we echo his words in humble obedience. We thank you for empowering us today and sending us forth with a renewed sense of purpose. Guide our steps, Lord, as we go out to fulfill your mission, sharing your love and grace wherever we are sent. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Local group discussion and fellowship
- Wilderness Calling: Share experiences or aspirations related to being "sent" into the wilderness. Have you ever felt a calling to explore or serve in remote or outdoor settings? How can outdoor enthusiasts utilize their skills and passion for the outdoors to serve others or share the message of God's love?
- Survival Lessons: Discuss parallels between spiritual preparedness and survival skills in the wilderness. In what ways does being prepared in the outdoors teach us about readiness and adaptability in our faith journeys? Share examples of how outdoor skills can translate into valuable life lessons.
- Community Outreach in Nature: Brainstorm outdoor community outreach ideas, such as organizing camping trips for underprivileged youth, cleaning up natural habitats, or teaching bushcraft skills to others. How can these activities create unique opportunities to share faith and God's love while connecting with nature?
- Faith and Self-Reliance: Explore the balance between self-reliance and reliance on God. How can prepping and bushcraft skills align with the biblical principles of stewardship and preparedness without fostering fear or anxiety? Discuss how faith empowers us to be resilient in challenging situations.
- Nature as God’s Creation: Reflect on the spiritual connection between outdoor enthusiasts and God's creation. How does spending time in nature deepen our understanding of God's creativity and majesty? Share personal encounters with God in the midst of natural beauty and discuss how these experiences strengthen faith.
- Prayer for Outdoor Missions: Take a moment to pray specifically for outdoor missions, wilderness ministries, and those who are passionately engaged in outdoor activities. Pray for safety, guidance, and impactful opportunities to share God's love while exploring the wonders of His creation.
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