When I’m really anticipating a movie release, I get online and do some research on the director, actors, and plot. I try to avoid spoilers, but get enough basic knowledge so I can appreciate the film more when I see it. In a similar way, people who read the sermon text in advance often get more out of the message.
Read
We’re providing the sermon texts for the next couple months so you can get in on where the Spirit is leading us, in advance! You might consider making it a devotional text, reading it over and over during the week, or using them in your fight clubs.
Pray
To prepare for the Spirit’s work on Sundays, engage the Spirit on every other day. Cultivate a habit of hearing the Spirit’s voice by inviting his “interruption” throughout the day. As you begin each day, consider saying a brief prayer like: “Spirit please fill and direct me today. Help me to be sensitive to your voice so I can bear your fruit for those around me. Amen.”
Gather
As you get ready to gather with the Church, consider asking the Spirit to prepare you to receive the Word and minister the Word to others. Come ready to receive and to give. The Spirit is eager to work in you and through you.
Sermon Schedule
- Jan 20 – The Visible Spirit (Isaiah 63)
- Jan 27 – Organizing the Mission (Numbers 11:16-30)
- Feb 3 – Flesh & Stone (Ezekiel 36:22-32)
- Feb 10 – Fire & Water (Acts 2:1-13)
- Feb 17 – Prayer in the Spirit (Various Epistles)
- Feb 24 – Flesh & Spirit (Romans 8:1-8)
- March 3 – Prompts & Prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1-25)
- March 10 – Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
- March 17 – Neighborhood Church Gathering
- March 24 – Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26)
- March 31 – Suffering with the Spirit (Romans 8:18-30)
- April 7 – Future of the Spirit (Revelation)
Further Reading
- Here in Spirit: Knowing the Spirit who Creates, Sustains, and Transforms Everything
- The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament – In this brief book Chris Wright, who runs the legacy ministry of John Stott and is an OT scholar, does a great job explaining who the Spirit is in the Old Testament and how that relates to our New Testament experience.
- The Spirit-filled Church – This book by a veteran church and organizational leader and contains a lot of wisdom for Spirit-filled living. The chapters on leadership and prayer are excellent.
- Practicing the Power – A balanced book on the miraculous gifts of the Spirit. You may not agree with everything but will find it challenging and helpful.
- The Holy Spirit – A solid introduction to a theology of the Spirit by a renown Reformed theologian.