In the Groove-Intro Sermon

Intro to 2026 New Year sermon series.

Prayer for reading scriptures AND preaching.

Galatians 5:25 (ESV) If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

(Also, CSB, Lexham, Legacy, )

Galatians 5:25 (NLT) Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Galatians 5:25 (MSG) Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.

I am completely dependent on the Holy Spirit to convince all of us of the absolute necessity of following His lead in every area of our lives.

It’s not a matter of being a better Christian or a better person by staying in-step with the Holy Spirit…

Getting out-of-step with the Holy Spirit risks eternal peril.

You see, the Holy Spirit is not going to scream at us to listen to Him.

He is not going to force us to stay in-step.

The voice of the Holy He is like what Elijah heard in the wilderness when he was running from God.

1 Kings 19:11–13 (NLT) [God said to Elijah] “Go out and stand before Me on the mountain,” … And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a Voice [the voice of God] asked a second time, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

As I read the entire context of this conversation, I believe that it must have taken a while for Elijah to be READY to hear the voice of the Lord.

Isn’t that like us?

Like I said, the Holy Spirit is not going to force us to listen to Him.

Are we READY to hear?

Do we WANT to hear Him.

Or will we do as Ephesians 4:30 (NASB95) Do [we] grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Grieving the Holy Spirit has horrible consequences:

Isaiah 63:8–10 (NASB95) [God] said, “Surely, they [the nation of Israel] [surely those who call themselves Christians] are My people, Sons who will not deal falsely.” So [God] became their Savior. 9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. 10 But they rebelled And grieved His Holy Spirit; Therefore He turned Himself to become their enemy, He fought against them.

Oh, dear God, please keep us from grieving Your Holy Spirit.

Keep us from doing what 1 Thessalonians 5:19–20 (NASB95) Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances.

Holy Spirit, please let us hear You.

Listen to You.

Willingly, zealously follow Your guidance.

Fan Your Words of life into a holy fire in our souls.

Stay in-step with You and Your people so that we can accomplish supernatural feats that advance the Kingdom of God.

Staying In-step (Marching)

I hope we can see that staying in-step with the Holy Spirit is of paramount importance.

Even more so than staying in-step if you are in the military.

And if you have been in the military or ever been around the military, or watched movies about the military — you know how vital it is to stay in-step.

One of the first lessons I was taught in military basic training was how to march.

That means every person in-step …

with the one in front,

the one behind

and the ones beside you.

Everyone cues off the person in-charge.

When that person says “Forward march!

On the word “March!” everyone steps out with their left foot.

And then, to help everyone stay in-step the leader will often call cadence…

They will count… 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4

Or they will tell you when the left foot is moving forward ...

Left, your left ...

Your military left

Your left your right, Now pick up the step

Your left your right your left.

Or they might “sing” a cadence like...

I wanna be an airborne ranger

I wanna live a life of danger

Here we go!

All the way!

All those are ways to keep a company of soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, probably even space-force people in-step with one another.

This morning God is calling us to be in-step with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is leading the army of God.

HE is the One calling out our marching orders.

HE is the one “singing” a cadence to keep us in-step with what God is calling us to do.

Romans 3:28 (MSG) We’ve finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting Him set the pace, not by [US] proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.

We are NOT the leader.

We are NOT giving the marching orders.

THAT is the role of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul himself, who wrote our text of Galatians 5:25, had to stay in-step with the Holy Spirit, even as he wrote to the Galatian believers.

Most of these believers were Gentiles, but Judaizers had come in among them.

The Judaizers were telling the Galatians they must follow the Moasaic Law..,.

The men have to be circumcised.

Everyone has to eat a Kosher diet.

The feasts have to be observed.

Etc., etc.

But Paul reminded them in…

Galatians 3:11 & 13 (NASB95) Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; … Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us …

Under the New Covenant established by Jesus the Mosaic Law performs a different function …

Galatians 3:24–25 (NASB95) Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

We are no longer under the tutor of the Law, we walk in the FREEDOM of the Holy Spirit:

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

But the Freedom of the Spirit is NOT an undisciplined life.

It is not a life of chaos.

If we will get in-step with the Holy Spirit we will experience a totally different kind of life than someone who lives under the Mosaic Law.

Whereas I was in the Army for 3 years and spent many hours marching, I didn’t realize the full rationale behind marching — of being in-step with the leader and my fellow soldiers.

But I saw on a website a fuller understanding of WHY we were taught to march ...

The website said:

Marching serves as a fundamental building block, reinforcing key characteristics crucial for military success:

Discipline: Perhaps the most obvious benefit, marching demands absolute obedience to commands and synchronization with fellow soldiers. The precision and uniformity required cultivates a habit of immediate responsiveness and adherence to orders, essential for any hierarchical organization.

Teamwork and Unit Cohesion: Marching necessitates coordinated movement and mutual dependence. Soldiers must trust their comrades and work together to maintain formation, fostering a sense of shared purpose and responsibility. This shared experience builds esprit de corps and strengthens bonds within the unit, crucial for morale and combat effectiveness.

Marching can provide a sense of accomplishment, pride, and belonging. The shared experience of working together to achieve a common goal can boost morale and strengthen unit cohesion, contributing to the overall psychological well-being of soldiers.

Physical Conditioning and Stamina: Sustained marching, particularly with heavy gear, is a rigorous physical activity. It builds endurance, strength, and stamina, preparing soldiers for the physical demands of combat and other operational environments.

Mental Discipline and Focus: Maintaining formation and executing commands while marching requires mental focus and the ability to block out distractions. This mental discipline translates to improved concentration and performance under pressure in other situations. enhancing decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Instilling Tradition and Heritage: Marching often involves historical drills and ceremonies, connecting soldiers to the traditions and heritage of their military branch. This reinforces a sense of identity and pride, fostering a deeper commitment to service.

Marching helps develop leadership skills

Leading a marching unit requires confidence, communication skills, and the ability to motivate others. Officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) learn to command effectively, make quick decisions, and take responsibility for the performance of their unit.

Marching helps soldiers adapt to unfamiliar environments

The discipline and mental focus cultivated through marching enable soldiers to adapt more readily to unfamiliar environments. The ability to follow orders, maintain situational awareness, and work effectively as a team are crucial for success in any operational setting.

I hope we can see the spiritual parallels.

Staying in-step with the Holy Spirit...

Discipline

Teamwork and Unit Cohesion

SPIRITUAL Conditioning and Stamina

Mental Discipline and Focus

Leadership skills

Adapt to unfamiliar environments

NOT In-Step With the Wicked

As we stay in-step with the Holy Spirit we will stay out-of-step with wicked people and the evil the devil brings into this world.

This is described in …

Psalm 1:1–2 (TPT) What delight comes to those who follow God’s ways! They won’t walk in step with the wicked, nor share the sinner’s way, nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat. 2 Their pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in His true revelation of light.

When we are in-step with the Holy Spirit, we will be out-of-step with

wicked people

with sin

with darkness

with worldly culture.

One of the first things you realize as you learn to march is the importance of staying in-step.

Because when you get out-of-step, someone is going to step on your heel.

And that doesn’t feel good!

Well, that WILL happen when we get out-of-step with the world.

The world starts stepping on you heel.

And it will hurt!

But that’s alright.

I’d rater be out-of-step with the world and in-step with the Holy Spirit, than the other way around.

I’d rather be in-step with my brothers and sisters in Christ so they DON’T HAVE TO step on my heal.

The Holy Spirit is Holy — He gets us in-step with the holiness God demands.

Hebrews 12:14b (NLT) … work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.

In-Step With God’s Will

Instead of being in-step with this world, we will be in-step with God and His will.

Psalm 26:2–3 (MSG) Examine me, GOD, from head to foot, order your battery of tests. Make sure I’m fit inside and out 3 So I never lose sight of your love, But keep in step with you, never missing a beat.

Keeping in-step with God’s will involves recognizing that life consists of individual steps, with God guiding each one.

God does not reveal His entire plan at once, but instead reveals His will day by day, moment by moment.

It’s important to understand that revealing God’s will is the Holy Spirit’s responsibility, while our responsibility is to obey what is revealed.

At every moment, we are either submitting to the Spirit’s control or rebelling against it.

Those who consciously submit to the Holy Spirit are kept filled with the Spirit.

This begins with a complete commitment to God’s will, searching His Word, and walking step by step in faith and dependence on the Holy Spirit, trusting Him to guide.

The key is to develop a settled conviction about being in God’s will and then patiently continue doing what He has revealed, rather than constantly seeking a change of direction.

By yielding ourselves entirely to God’s will and the power of His Holy Spirit, our courage will grow strong in understanding His path.

In-Step With God’s People

So...

Out-of-step wit this world and its sin

In-step with God’s will

And so, in-step with God’s people.

Colossians 3:15 (MSG) Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.

Ephesians 4:16 (MSG) [Christ] keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.

If we would accomplish what God desires to see done in this world, we need to be in-step with one another.

Live in-Step with the Spirit

So, may the Holy Spirit keep us in-step with Him.

Hearting His marching orders.

Hearing Him call cadence to keep us in-step.

Our lives should reflect His guidance and power…

Because we actively seek the Holy Spirit's leadership in our daily lives.

In moments of indecision, confusion, or struggle, we are not alone.

We have divine help us navigate life's challenges.

True followers of Jesus actively seek to be led by the Holy Spirit.

We make a conscious effort to align our actions and decisions with the leading of the Holy Spirit, which transforms lives and relationships.

Christ gave the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers.

John 14:16–18 (NASB95) [Jesus said] “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. 18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you [through the power of the Holy Spirit].

Throughout scripture, Christ's work of salvation and His promise of sending the Spirit are interconnected, showing that the Spirit's work in our lives is a direct result of our relationship with Christ.

To live a truly transformed life, we must intentionally align ourselves with the Holy Spirit, who transforms our thoughts, actions, and relationships in accordance with God's will.

We must follow the Spirit's Footsteps

Living by the Spirit involves daily choices and aligns us with Christ's ongoing work in our lives.

The Spirit empowers and guides us as we open our hearts to His influence, transforming our thoughts and actions to reflect God's purposes.

May these realities encourage us to seek the Spirit's guidance in every decision,

May we know that as we seek the Spirit’s guidance we will receive Christ's promise of the Spirit's presence and power in our lives.

The Lord’s Supper

A good place to start is by dying to self, dying to the sin nature.

The Holy Spirit will help us to do this.

Water Baptism reminds us that not only did Jesus die for us…

We are to die with Him.

The scripture we read to remind us of what water baptism is all about is in…

Romans 6:3–8 (NASB95) Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,

Romans 6:11 (NASB95) Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

So, this morning, as we partake of the Lord’s Supper on this final Sunday in 2025, let’s ask Jesus to help us die to self, so that we might walk in-step with the Holy Spirit.

What a good way to prepare to partake of the Lord’s Supper this morning.

1 Corinthians 11:27–31 (NLT) … anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. 29 For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. 31 But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way.

Prayer

Jesus, baptize us afresh and anew into Your death.

Let the old self be crucified, so that our body of sin might be done away with

No longer slaves of sin

But alive in Christ.

In-step with the Holy Spirit

INSTRUCTIONS:

As Sister Becky comes to serve the bread.

As the Worship Team comes and receives the elements in preparation for us all partaking together at the same time…

You don’t have to be a member to partake.

Please pick up a cup of juice that reminds us of the Blood of Jesus shed for us.

Please receive a piece of the bread that reminds us of the Body of Jesus beaten, pierced and crucified in our place.

Please hold these 2 emblems until we can all partake together at the same time.

Please stand across the front as one big family of God.

For so we are in Christ.

BREAD:

Isaiah 53:3–6 (LSB) He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our peace fell upon Him, And by His wounds we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But Yahweh has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.

Prayer over the Bread:

End prayer with prayer from Seder:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who brings forth bread from the earth.

CUP:

Hebrews 9:11–14 (NLT) So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. 12 With His own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—He entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. 13 Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. 14 Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Prayer over the Cup:

End prayer with prayer from Seder:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Jesus IS coming back!

1 Corinthians 11:26 (LSB) For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes.

If Jesus doesn’t come first, may we stay in-step with the Holy Spirit in 2026 — so that we can answer the question of that asks…

2 Peter 3:11–12 (NASB95) … what sort of people ought [we] to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, …

The answer is, people in-step with the Holy Spirit.