Accept the offering of our lives, O God; we do not know quite what to do with them. We place them before You as they are, encumbered and fragmented, with no hints, no suggestions, no attempts to order the working of Your Spirit upon us. ... Amen. + Howard Thurman, “The Light of His Spirit”
Sermon Audio | Free to Receive Gifts of the Spirit for the Common Good
Sermon Book References + Quotes | Practicing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life by Sam Storms and Here in Spirit: Knowing the Spirit Who Creates, Sustains, and Transforms Everything by Jonathan K. Dodson
The Spirit wants to be pursued but refuses to be pushed. God loves to be pursued. Our petitions are the means by which God has purposed to give us what He already knows we need. The manifestation of a gift is His good will to determine. "God produces each gift in each person. The Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each as He wills" (1 Corinthians 12:6, 11). + Sam Storms, Practicing the Power
We don't want counter helpers in contrast to the Holy Spirit, like over reliance on explanation, emotions, and/or experiences. We want to hear from Him. Are we listening ("Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening" + 1 Samuel 3:10)? How do we listen?
(1) Slow down with your Bible open;
(2) Offer praise and repentance (ex. empty yourself of sin, renounce earning His attention);
(3) Ask the Holy Spirit for insight into your life, Scriptures, etc;
(4) Ask the Spirit to help you see the need for the common good in your neighborhood, in your local, in your city or town; and
(5) Ask the Spirit to help you pray your response to God.
+ Jonathan K. Dodson, Here in Spirit
Pass the Peace | In the Story of God, Jesus declared, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:26) during humanity's darkest, most tragic weekend of His death. And then after Jesus was crucified and resurrected, defeating evil and death, He said, "Peace be with you ... Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:21-22). Somehow, with Jesus, peace is possible even in our darkest moments. During this time, we desire to share with each other peace that passes understanding, empowered by the Spirit of Christ.
The Spirit wants to be pursued but refuses to be pushed. God loves to be pursued. Our petitions are the means by which God has purposed to give us what He already knows we need. The manifestation of a gift is His good will to determine. "God produces each gift in each person. The Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each as He wills" (1 Corinthians 12:6, 11). + Sam Storms, Practicing the Power
We don't want counter helpers in contrast to the Holy Spirit, like over reliance on explanation, emotions, and/or experiences. We want to hear from Him. Are we listening ("Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening" + 1 Samuel 3:10)? How do we listen?
(1) Slow down with your Bible open;
(2) Offer praise and repentance (ex. empty yourself of sin, renounce earning His attention);
(3) Ask the Holy Spirit for insight into your life, Scriptures, etc;
(4) Ask the Spirit to help you see the need for the common good in your neighborhood, in your local, in your city or town; and
(5) Ask the Spirit to help you pray your response to God.
+ Jonathan K. Dodson, Here in Spirit
Pass the Peace | In the Story of God, Jesus declared, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:26) during humanity's darkest, most tragic weekend of His death. And then after Jesus was crucified and resurrected, defeating evil and death, He said, "Peace be with you ... Receive the Holy Spirit" (John 20:21-22). Somehow, with Jesus, peace is possible even in our darkest moments. During this time, we desire to share with each other peace that passes understanding, empowered by the Spirit of Christ.
The peace of the Lord by always with you.
And also with you.
Call to Worship | Exodus 35:21-22a, 30-35
Holy Spirit
Jesus Culture, 2014 A.D.
There's nothing worth more that could ever come close,
No thing can compare, You're our living hope,
Your presence, Lord!
I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of loves,
When my heart becomes free and my shame is undone,
Your presence, Lord!
Holy Spirit, You are welcome here,
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere.
Your glory God is what our hearts long for,
To be overcome by Your presence, Lord.
Let us become more aware of Your presence!
Let us experience the glory of Your goodness!
For Your Gift of God the Spirit (to the tune of 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus)
Edith Margaret Clarkson, 1960 A.D.
For Your gift of God the Spirit,
Power to make our lives anew,
Pledge of life and hope of glory,
Savior, we would worship You.
Crowning gift of resurrection
Sent from Your ascended throne,
Fullness of the very Godhead,
Come to make Your life our own.
He, Himself, the living Author,
Wakes to life the sacred Word,
Reads with us its holy pages
And reveals our risen Lord.
He it is who works within us,
Teaching rebel hearts to pray,
He whose holy intercessions
Rise for us both night and day.
Father, grant Your Holy Spirit
In our hearts may rule today,
Grieved not, quenched not, but unhindered,
Work in us His sovereign way.
Fill us with Your holy fullness,
God the Father, Spirit, Son;
In us, through us, then, forever,
Shall Your perfect will be done.
I Surrender
Hillsong United, 2012 A.D.
Here I am down on my knees again
Surrendering all, surrendering all.
Find me here, Lord, as You draw me near
I’m desperate for You, desperate for You.
(I surrender.)
Drench my soul as mercy and grace unfold
I hunger and thirst, I hunger and thirst.
With arms stretched wide, I know You hear my cry.
Speak to me now, speak to me now.
I surrender, I surrender.
I want to know You more, I want to know You more. (x2)
Like a rushing wind, Jesus breathe within!
Lord, have Your way, Lord, have Your way in me!
Like a mighty storm, stir within my soul!
Lord, have Your way, Lord, have Your way in me! (x2)
Holy Spirit
Jesus Culture, 2014 A.D.
There's nothing worth more that could ever come close,
No thing can compare, You're our living hope,
Your presence, Lord!
I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of loves,
When my heart becomes free and my shame is undone,
Your presence, Lord!
Holy Spirit, You are welcome here,
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere.
Your glory God is what our hearts long for,
To be overcome by Your presence, Lord.
Let us become more aware of Your presence!
Let us experience the glory of Your goodness!
For Your Gift of God the Spirit (to the tune of 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus)
Edith Margaret Clarkson, 1960 A.D.
For Your gift of God the Spirit,
Power to make our lives anew,
Pledge of life and hope of glory,
Savior, we would worship You.
Crowning gift of resurrection
Sent from Your ascended throne,
Fullness of the very Godhead,
Come to make Your life our own.
He, Himself, the living Author,
Wakes to life the sacred Word,
Reads with us its holy pages
And reveals our risen Lord.
He it is who works within us,
Teaching rebel hearts to pray,
He whose holy intercessions
Rise for us both night and day.
Father, grant Your Holy Spirit
In our hearts may rule today,
Grieved not, quenched not, but unhindered,
Work in us His sovereign way.
Fill us with Your holy fullness,
God the Father, Spirit, Son;
In us, through us, then, forever,
Shall Your perfect will be done.
I Surrender
Hillsong United, 2012 A.D.
Here I am down on my knees again
Surrendering all, surrendering all.
Find me here, Lord, as You draw me near
I’m desperate for You, desperate for You.
(I surrender.)
Drench my soul as mercy and grace unfold
I hunger and thirst, I hunger and thirst.
With arms stretched wide, I know You hear my cry.
Speak to me now, speak to me now.
I surrender, I surrender.
I want to know You more, I want to know You more. (x2)
Like a rushing wind, Jesus breathe within!
Lord, have Your way, Lord, have Your way in me!
Like a mighty storm, stir within my soul!
Lord, have Your way, Lord, have Your way in me! (x2)
Throne Room Song
People & Songs, 2019 A.D.
Jesus is in this room here right now, here right now
Making this place I stand holy ground, holy ground.
Your Spirit moves and breathes all around, all around,
All good and perfect things flowing down, flowing down.
If all of the heavens are singing along
With the saints and the elders in glorious song,
And the praises they sing never seem to get old,
Then I’ll stay here forever singing ...
"Holy, holy, holy Lord!
God almighty, over all!
You were, You are, and You’ll be forever,
The King, enthroned in glorious splendor!
Holy, holy Lord!"
Gentle love calling me closer still, closer still,
Jesus, You’re guiding me to Your will, to Your will.
(Pre-Chorus + Chorus)
The veil is torn and the doors fling wide,
I see glory, as I run inside
Your throne room, before You, I bow!
(Repeat 3x + Chorus)
This We Believe (The Creed)
Hillsong (from Apostles' Creed), 390 A.D.
Our Father everlasting, the all creating One,
God Almighty.
Through Your Holy Spirit conceiving Christ the Son,
Jesus our Savior.
I believe in God our Father, I believe in Christ the Son,
I believe in the Holy Spirit, our God is three-in-one!
I believe in the resurrection, that we will rise again,
For I believe in the name of Jesus!
Our Judge and our Defender, suffered and crucified,
Forgiveness is in You.
Descended into darkness, You rose in glorious life,
Forever seated high!
We believe in God our Father, we believe in Christ the Son,
We believe in the Holy Spirit, our God is three in one!
We believe in the resurrection, that we will rise again,
For we believe in the name of Jesus!
We believe in You! We believe You rose again!
We believe that Jesus Christ is Lord! (Communal Chorus)
We believe in life eternal, we believe in the virgin birth,
We believe in the saint's communion
And in Your holy Church!
We believe in the resurrection when Jesus comes again
For we believe in the name of Jesus! (Communal Chorus)
Prayers to be Receive Gifts of the Spirit
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
for Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory
now and forever. Amen.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
for Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory
now and forever. Amen.
Prayers of Preparation for Eucharist
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He
has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in you, His holy people, and His incomparably great resurrection power for all of you who believe. You are sent out in the Spirit-fueled resurrection power and peace of Jesus Christ!
Next sermon audio and liturgy notes: Free to Pursue, Desire & Practice the Gifts of the Spirit Together
Emmaus City Church is a local church made up of City Groups.
A City Group (CG) is a group of 10-30 people – children, women, and men included – who are befriending, serving, and loving a community together in Jesus' name in Worcester. CGs are small enough that people can know you and value you, but large enough to make an impact in communities throughout Worcester. Each CG gets together throughout a month (i.e. dinners, times of prayer or learning from the Story of God in the Bible, acts of service, parties, etc.) to see Worcester become a city of neighbors and friends that showcase Jesus' love and compassion to all. Those who are cautious or curious to hear and see what it means to follow Jesus are just as welcome as those who believe Jesus is Lord and God and seek to follow Him in every area of life.
Current City Groups: Lincoln Street City Group | W.R.A.P. City Group
To connect with one of the City Groups above, please contact info@emmauscitychurch.com
Christ is all,
Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Prayer Asking for Jesus' Help
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
I want to see. Please reveal to me who You are.
Give me ears to hear You, and understanding for
the Good News You are saying to me today. Amen.
Prayer for Communion with Jesus and Each Other
Jesus, by Your Spirit, fill us with Yourself,
the true Bread and Vine. We turn to You now to
unite us, strengthen us, and empower us
to be Your Kingdom family of servants and witnesses
together until You return and make all things new. Amen.
Eucharist | Thanking God for Communion with Christ and His Church
Benediction | Ephesians 1:17-20Prayer Asking for Jesus' Help
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.
I want to see. Please reveal to me who You are.
Give me ears to hear You, and understanding for
the Good News You are saying to me today. Amen.
Prayer for Communion with Jesus and Each Other
Jesus, by Your Spirit, fill us with Yourself,
the true Bread and Vine. We turn to You now to
unite us, strengthen us, and empower us
to be Your Kingdom family of servants and witnesses
together until You return and make all things new. Amen.
Eucharist | Thanking God for Communion with Christ and His Church
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He
has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in you, His holy people, and His incomparably great resurrection power for all of you who believe. You are sent out in the Spirit-fueled resurrection power and peace of Jesus Christ!
Next sermon audio and liturgy notes: Free to Pursue, Desire & Practice the Gifts of the Spirit Together
A City Group (CG) is a group of 10-30 people – children, women, and men included – who are befriending, serving, and loving a community together in Jesus' name in Worcester. CGs are small enough that people can know you and value you, but large enough to make an impact in communities throughout Worcester. Each CG gets together throughout a month (i.e. dinners, times of prayer or learning from the Story of God in the Bible, acts of service, parties, etc.) to see Worcester become a city of neighbors and friends that showcase Jesus' love and compassion to all. Those who are cautious or curious to hear and see what it means to follow Jesus are just as welcome as those who believe Jesus is Lord and God and seek to follow Him in every area of life.
Current City Groups: Lincoln Street City Group | W.R.A.P. City Group
To connect with one of the City Groups above, please contact info@emmauscitychurch.com
Christ is all,
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