Title: "Letting the Spirit Lead"

Introduction:

"Beloved family in Christ, I'm reminded of Isaiah 43:19, where God says, 'Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?' Today, let us be attentive to possibly the new thing God is doing among us, led not by our plans, but by His Spirit."

Building Trust:

"In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are called to trust the Lord with all our heart. This trust is crucial as we embark on a journey led by the Spirit. Consider also Psalm 37:5, 'Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.' Our trust in God is the bedrock of our Faith, especially in times of change."

The Role of the Holy Spirit:

"Jesus, in John 16:13, promised the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth. Acts 2 shows us a church dynamically and unpredictably led by this Spirit. They were a community constantly responding to the Spirit's promptings."

Embracing Change:

"Change is often where God meets us. Abraham's journey in Genesis 12:1 and the disciples' call in Matthew 4:19-20 remind us that God's plans often disrupt our own. Embracing change is embracing God's work in our lives."

A Spirit-Led Community:

"A Spirit-led community resembles the believers in 1 Corinthians 12, diverse in gifts but united in purpose. Like Peter in Matthew 14:29, we're called to step out in Faith, not knowing what lies ahead but trusting in God's guidance."

Prayer and Discernment:

"Colossians 4:2 urges us to 'Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.' Our path forward must be forged with prayer and an openness to God's direction, seeking His will above our own."

The Joy of Spiritual Freedom:

"Living by the Spirit, as Paul describes in Galatians 5:25, invites us into a life of freedom and joy. It's a journey marked by the fruits of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, and a deeper communion with God."

Preparing for Resistance:

"Embracing a Spirit-led path always meets resistance (at least in my experiences), as shown in the story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10. Yet, God's vision often transcends our understanding, inviting us to expand our horizons in Faith."

Conclusion:

"Today, our service might look different. Like the believers in Acts 13:2-3, who worshiped and fasted before the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul,' let us be open to the Spirit's guidance, whether it leads us into prayer, worship, or silent waiting."

"Let's pray: 'Heavenly Father, as we stand at the threshold of Your new thing, guide us by Your Spirit. Help us to perceive and embrace the path You set before us. In Jesus' name, Amen.'"

Note: My point is this: all of the well-oiled "programs" that are working and blessed by The Lord in many of God's churches should NEVER become the replacement for crying for The Holy Spirit to move in every service! The Holy Spirit is not "Confined" to any size church, yet He is often "Denied."

Love God, Love People, and trust The Holy Spirit :)

Pastor Terry