Amazing Grace, Unexpected Grace, Maverick Grace
Take time to gather informally and preview the service outline. If you'd like to participate in communion, please be prepared to do so.
Service
I. Opening
Welcome and Introduction: Welcome, fellow preppers, to our service for the second Sunday in 2024. As we learn to overcome the challenges of preparing for uncertain times, let us also prepare our hearts for the arrival of the greatest gift—Jesus Christ.
Opening Prayer: Gracious and Eternal Father, as we gather in Your presence today, we are reminded of Your boundless mercy and abounding compassion. We come before You with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence, acknowledging that Your lovingkindness is as vast as the heavens are high above the earth. Lord, open our hearts to receive Your undeserved, gracious gift of salvation through faith. Let this time of worship be an offering of gratitude for the removal of our transgressions, as far as the east is from the west. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 103:8-12 (AMP) The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in compassion and lovingkindness. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins [as we deserve], nor rewarded us [with punishment] according to our wickedness. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence]. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
II. Worship and Praise
Let's enter into a time of worship, reflecting on the importance of taking action and responding to God’s call.
Video Link: Amazing Grace by The Maverick Choir
Reflection: Today we have a delightful treat for our worship—a rendition of "Amazing Grace" that might surprise you. In 1994, the movie "Maverick" hit the screens, starring Mel Gibson as Bret Maverick. As part of the movie's promotions, a group recording by "The Maverick Choir" brought an upbeat country twist to this timeless hymn. While the movie itself may not be the epitome of Christian living, the rendition of "Amazing Grace" encapsulates the theme of grace and redemption that resonates universally. So, as we listen, let's reflect on the unending grace that God showers upon us, even in unexpected ways.
- Unexpected Grace: Consider the unexpected places and moments where you've experienced God's grace in your life. Grace has a way of showing up when we least expect it, reminding us of God's constant presence.
- Redemption in Unlikely Settings: Just as the Maverick Choir put a country spin on "Amazing Grace," think about how God's grace can transform and redeem even the most unlikely situations in your life.
- Joyful Redemption: The upbeat and lively rendition reflects the joy that comes with redemption. As you listen, let that joy resonate within you, reminding you of the freedom found in God's amazing grace.
- Community in Worship: The Maverick Choir is a testament to the power of community, even in unexpected places. As we worship together, let's celebrate the sense of community we find in God's grace and forgiveness.
- Expressing Gratitude: Take a moment to express gratitude for the grace you've received. "Amazing Grace" is not just a song; it's a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the unmerited favor God showers upon us.
Enjoy the lively performance let it uplift your spirits as we reflect on the boundless grace of our Lord.
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. Communion is for those who have made the decision to accept Jesus as the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives. There is no pressure from us and the decision is yours alone. If you have not taken this step, we ask that you do not participate in this portion of the service and want you to rest assured that no one will think less of you in any way. You are welcome to observe and be present.
For those that have made that choice, we invite you to take communion as we guide you through preparation, prayer, and reflection.
We will distribute and share the bread and cup at this time (or as is suitable for your gathering).
The account of what we have come to call The Last Supper is told in two places in the Bible:
- Matthew 26:26 (AMP): Now as they were eating Jesus took bread, and after blessing it, He broke the bread and gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is My body.'
- Mark 14:22 (AMP): While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had blessed it, He broke it and gave it to them, and said, 'Take it. This is My body.'
For those that participate in Communion, please partake of the bread now.
The account of The Last Supper continues in both records:
- Matthew 26:27-28 (AMP): And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which is being poured out for many [as a substitutionary atonement] for the forgiveness of sins.'
- Mark 14:23-24 (AMP): And when He had taken a cup [of wine] and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, 'This is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many.'
For those that participate in Communion, please partake of the cup now.
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the New Covenant, for the Blood of Christ, for the forgiveness of sins, and the blessings of The Holy Spirit in our lives.
IV: Message: Maverick Grace
Prayer: Gracious God, as we gather in Your presence today, open our hearts to receive the unexpected grace You offer us. May the message resonate within us, igniting a desire to embrace and share the Maverick love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray. Amen.
Introduction
The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word “maverick” as a person who thinks and acts in an independent way, often behaving differently from the expected or usual way. The word has been used for the characters in the “Maverick” TV shows and movies; in politics to describe politicians who want to be considered as independent (this usually is a “self-description”, but that’s beyond our lesson here), and there is even a professional basketball team called the Dallas Mavericks.
There is no record that Jesus ever gambled or played poker. He never ran for office. And He didn’t play professional basketball. But Jesus consistently demonstrated a gloriously independent approach. Jesus frequently behaved in ways that defied societal norms.
Today, we explore how Jesus, the ultimate maverick, extends to us Amazing Grace that we don't deserve at all.
Forgiveness of the Adulterous Woman
In the crowded streets of Jerusalem, Jesus found himself in a tense situation. The Pharisees brought before Him a woman caught in adultery, placing her in the center for judgment. The crowd, poised for condemnation, anticipated Jesus' response. Instead of aligning with societal expectations, Jesus did something unexpected. Let’s observe the scene from John 8:1-11 in the Amplified Bible:
"But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning (at dawn), He came back into the temple [court], and all the people were coming to Him. He sat down and began teaching them. Now the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. They made her stand in the center of the court, and they said to Him, 'Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women [to death]. So what do You say [to do with her—what is Your sentence]?' They said this to test Him, hoping that they would have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and began writing on the ground with His finger. However, when they persisted in questioning Him, He straightened up and said, 'He who is without [any] sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.' Then He stooped down again and started writing on the ground. They listened [to His reply], and they began to go out one by one, starting with the oldest ones, until He was left alone, with the woman [standing there before Him] in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?' She answered, 'No one, Lord!' And Jesus said, 'I do not condemn you either. Go. From now on sin no more.'"
In this encounter, Jesus defied the expected judgment and condemnation. His response, a call for those without sin to cast the first stone, shattered the crowd's anticipation.
This unexpected grace breaks through the harshness of judgment, revealing Jesus as the ultimate maverick, challenging societal norms with compassion and forgiveness. This account sets the stage for our exploration of the Amazing Grace that Jesus extends to us all.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector
As Jesus journeyed through the bustling city of Jericho, He encountered a man named Zacchaeus, a tax collector. This encounter, found in Luke 19:1-10 in the Amplified Bible, reveals the unexpected nature of grace and its transformative power:
"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man called Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector [a superintendent to whom others reported], and he was rich. Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, but he could not see because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran on ahead [of the crowd] and climbed up in a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way. When Jesus reached the place, He looked up and said to him, 'Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.' So Zaccheus hurried and came down, and he received Jesus joyfully and welcoming Him. When the people saw it, they all began muttering [in discontent], 'He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a [notorious] sinner.' Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, 'See, Lord, I am [now] giving half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I will give back four times as much.' Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this household, because he, too, is a [spiritual] son of Abraham; for the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.'"
In this account, Jesus chooses to dine with Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector known for his corruption. The crowd's disapproval echoes societal norms, but Jesus extends grace beyond expectations.
Zacchaeus responds not with defiance but with repentance and generosity. The unexpected grace of Jesus transforms hearts and challenges cultural judgments, emphasizing once again the maverick nature of our Savior.
You and Me
Now, let's talk about you and me. It's not a distant story; it's personal, and it's real. In Titus 3:4-7, it's laid out plain and simple: God's goodness and love showed up, not because we were knocking on perfection's door, but because He is full of compassion and mercy.
"But when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared [in human form as the Man, Jesus Christ], He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we would be justified [made free of the guilt of sin] by His [compassionate, undeserved] grace, and that we would be [acknowledged as acceptable to Him and] made heirs of eternal life [actually experiencing it] according to our hope (His guarantee)."
When we were still tangled up in our mess, God's grace didn't hesitate. It's not about us getting everything right; it's about God's wild love reaching right where we are. His love isn't earned—it's a freebie, a gift. And through this jaw-dropping grace, we get absolute refreshing forgiveness and total life makeover with no strings attached.
This isn't some distant tale; it's your story colliding with God's supernatural and collosal love. Just like Jesus changed the entire world for the woman caught in the act and turned Zacchaeus' life upside down, He's extending that same game-changing grace to you and me. Our Maverick Savior is flipping the script, freely offering us redemption that blows past all our screw-ups.
So, in the midst of your journey, grab hold of the unexpected, undeserved grace flowing from the heart of our Maverick God. It's for you, my friend.
Conclusion
So, here we are, wrapping up this journey through Unexpected Amazing Grace. We've seen the Maverick Savior at work, defying expectations, and rewriting stories with grace that catches us off guard.
In this world the expected and ordinary often dominate. Yet, our Maverick God introduces the unexpected! He offers grace in the face of condemnation, transformation in the midst of societal scorn, and redemption when we least deserve it. The heart of our Maverick Savior beats with a rhythm of love that surprises and upends our preconceived notions. And the voice of our Maverick Holy Spirit is with us always, guiding us with wisdom, grace, and an ever-present love that never leaves us.
As we leave this space today, let's carry this truth with us: God's grace is a game-changer. It surprises, it transforms, and it's for everyone, including you and me. So, let's be Mavericks of grace. Let's embrace the unexpected in our lives, extending the same grace to others that our Maverick Savior poured out on us. In a world desperate for a different story, we have the privilege of sharing the unexpected, undeserved grace that changed our lives. Are you ready to be a Maverick of grace? Let's go out and live it.
V: Offering
As we continue in our worship, we have the opportunity to participate in the act of giving. The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV), "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Let's bow our heads in prayer as we prepare our hearts for this act of giving. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon us. As we bring our offerings before You today, we do so with hearts full of gratitude. May these gifts be used for the furthering of Your Kingdom and the spreading of Your love. Bless each giver abundantly, and may our cheerful giving be a reflection of Your generosity toward us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
As we collect the offering, we do want to remind everyone that this part of the service is an opportunity to give but is in no way considered a requirement. We have the special opportunity here at Prepper Church to give all of the offering to a good cause that we choose.
Thank you for your generous hearts and faithful giving. Your contributions play a vital role in supporting the causes that we support. May God bless you abundantly as you continue to be cheerful givers. Amen.
VI: Closing
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we depart from this sacred moment with hearts overflowing with gratitude for Your Unexpected Amazing Grace. May the awareness of Your love accompany us, inspiring us to extend grace to others as we navigate life's journey. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Closing Remarks: As we conclude this time together, let's carry the message of Unexpected Amazing Grace into our week. Embrace the surprises of grace in your life, and let the Maverick Holy Spirit guide your steps.
Local Group Discussion and Fellowship
Feel free to continue the celebration in your local groups, discussing the message, sharing your reflections, and enjoying fellowship. Here are some points to consider in discussion for after the service.
- Reflect on a time when you experienced unexpected grace in your life.
- Consider how you can extend unexpected grace to others, even in challenging situations.
- Meditate on the Maverick nature of Jesus, who often surprised society with His radical love and forgiveness. How can we emulate His example in our daily lives?
- Share your thoughts on Unexpected Amazing Grace with someone this week.
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