God's answer to misuse of His gifts is not disuse, but pursuing the use of the gifts in love for building up His people. + Sam Storms, Practicing the Power: Welcome the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life
Sermon Audio | Free to Pursue, Desire & Practice the Gifts of the Spirit Together
Sermon Scriptures | 1 Corinthians 14:1-26, 39-40; Ephesians 5:18-21; Philippians 3:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6
Sermon Book References + Stories |
+ The Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts and Practicing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life by Sam Storms
+ Chasing the Dragon: One Woman's Struggle Against the Darkness of Hong Kong's Drug Dens by Jackie Pullinger
+ C.H. Spurgeon's Autobiography: The Life of the Great Baptist Preacher - Compiled from his diary, letters, records and sermons
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
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 Beginner's Guide to Spiritual Gifts and Practicing the Power: Welcoming the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Your Life by Sam Storms
+ Chasing the Dragon: One Woman's Struggle Against the Darkness of Hong Kong's Drug Dens by Jackie Pullinger
+ C.H. Spurgeon's Autobiography: The Life of the Great Baptist Preacher - Compiled from his diary, letters, records and sermons
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
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 | Joel 2:12-13, 28-29
12 That is why the Lord says, “Turn to Me now, while there is time. Give Me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. ... 28 “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out My Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 In those days I will pour out My Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.
We Have Come (Bless the Lord)
United Pursuit Band, 2010 A.D.
We have come to give You glory!
We have come to give You praise!
You’re welcome in this place!
You’re welcome in this place!
You’re welcome in this place!
Have Your way, have Your way,
Have Your way!
Bless the Lord, oh my soul,
And let all that’s within me shout out!
Spirit Lead Me
Influence Music, 2018 A.D.
This is my worship, this is my offering.
In every moment, I withhold nothing.
I’m learning to trust You,
even when I can’t see it.
Even in suffering, I have to believe it.
If You say it’s wrong, then I’ll say "No."
If You say release, I’m letting go.
If You’re in it with me, I’ll begin.
And when You say to jump, I’m diving in
If You say be still, then I will wait.
If You say to trust, I will obey
I don’t want to follow my own way.
I’m done chasing feelings,
"Spirit, lead me."
It felt like a burden, but once I could grasp it
You took me further, further then I was asking.
Simply to see You, it’s worth it all
My life is an altar, let Your fire fall. (Chorus)
When all hope is gone and Your Word is all I got.
I have to believe You still bring water from the Rock
To satisfy my thirst, to love me at my worst.
And even when I don’t remember,
You remind me of my worth.
I don’t trust my ways, I’m trading in my thoughts.
I’d lay down everything, cause’ You’re all that I want.
I’ve landed on my knees, this is the cup You have for me.
And even when it don’t make sense,
I’m going to let Your Spirit lead!
Spirit lead me, Spirit lead me ... (Chorus)
12 That is why the Lord says, “Turn to Me now, while there is time. Give Me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the LORD your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. ... 28 “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out My Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. 29 In those days I will pour out My Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.
We Have Come (Bless the Lord)
United Pursuit Band, 2010 A.D.
We have come to give You glory!
We have come to give You praise!
You’re welcome in this place!
You’re welcome in this place!
You’re welcome in this place!
Have Your way, have Your way,
Have Your way!
Bless the Lord, oh my soul,
And let all that’s within me shout out!
Spirit Lead Me
Influence Music, 2018 A.D.
This is my worship, this is my offering.
In every moment, I withhold nothing.
I’m learning to trust You,
even when I can’t see it.
Even in suffering, I have to believe it.
If You say it’s wrong, then I’ll say "No."
If You say release, I’m letting go.
If You’re in it with me, I’ll begin.
And when You say to jump, I’m diving in
If You say be still, then I will wait.
If You say to trust, I will obey
I don’t want to follow my own way.
I’m done chasing feelings,
"Spirit, lead me."
It felt like a burden, but once I could grasp it
You took me further, further then I was asking.
Simply to see You, it’s worth it all
My life is an altar, let Your fire fall. (Chorus)
When all hope is gone and Your Word is all I got.
I have to believe You still bring water from the Rock
To satisfy my thirst, to love me at my worst.
And even when I don’t remember,
You remind me of my worth.
I don’t trust my ways, I’m trading in my thoughts.
I’d lay down everything, cause’ You’re all that I want.
I’ve landed on my knees, this is the cup You have for me.
And even when it don’t make sense,
I’m going to let Your Spirit lead!
Spirit lead me, Spirit lead me ... (Chorus)
Revelation Song
Phillips, Craig, & Dean, 2009 A.D.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
Holy, Holy, is He.
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat.
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come!
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You!
Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder;
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be to You the only wise King!
(Chorus)
Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name.
Jesus, Your Name is Power,
Bread, and Living Water,
Such a marvelous mystery! (Chorus)
May Your Power Rest on Me
Sojourn (via poem by I. Watts), Early 1700s A.D.
Let me hear my Savior say, “Your strength shall return.”
Then I’ll rejoice in my weakness
As I lean on Your grace, as I lean on Your grace.
May Your power rest on me.
You are strong when I am weak.
I can bear all things when temptation springs
For You sustain me all my days.
Let me know my Savior’s face. Let my hope be secure.
Then I’ll rejoice in my weakness
As I lean on Your grace, as I lean on Your grace.
(Chorus)
Once from the Lord withdrawn
I thought that I could live my life alone.
Leaving the solid ground, I sank beneath His wisdom.
The harder I tried to climb the closer I was to find
How great is my weakness.
(Chorus)
Though the trial still goes on, Your grace will be my song!
For I can bear all things when temptation springs
For You sustain me all my days.
Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me
City Alight, 2018 A.D.
What gift of grace is Jesus my Redeemer!
There is no more for heaven now to give.
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom,
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace.
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus,
For my life is wholly bound to His.
Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Savior He will stay.
I labor on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed.
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me,
Through the deepest valley He will lead.
Oh the night has been won, and I shall overcome!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven.
The future sure, the price it has been paid.
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave.
To this I hold, my sin has been defeated,
Jesus now and ever is my plea!
Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
With every breath I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home;
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne.
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus,
All the glory evermore to Him!
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
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 + liturgy notes: Free to Be Adopted by the Father through the Spirit w/ Jon Watts
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 + liturgy notes: Free to Be Adopted by the Father through the Spirit w/ Jon Watts
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,
