Waiting in the Wilderness — When God is Silent

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Proposition: Even when God seems silent, we can trust his faithful character and follow his clear calling to grow as disciples and help others follow Jesus. Theme: Trusting God through seasons of waiting and rediscovering our calling to nurture faith in every generation. Objective: Lead listeners to surrender their expectations and timetables to God, identify their own next step in following Jesus, and prayerfully choose someone they can encourage toward spiritual growth.

Notes

Transcript

THEME: Write one sentence about the topic. A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!

EQUIP THE SAINTS!!!

Overview: WHAT IS THE SINGULAR THEME OF THE MESSAGE? WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL TEACHING THAT IS CENTRAL TO THIS MESSAGE?

Proposition: Proposition of Message (What is the main point?)

Theme: The theme of the message.

Objective: What does the message hope to accomplish? How will it change the lives of the listeners?

✔️TRANSFORMATION!!!

✔️AMBASSADORSHIP!!!

✔️DISCIPLESHIP!!!

How does this message change lives?

How does it CHANGE LIVES?

How is it tied to our testimony?

How do we apply it in our lives?

How does it make us better AMBASSADORS?

How does it make us better DISCIPLES (Discipleship)?

What is the one thing hearers should walk away with, if they do not hear anything else?

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✔️CHECKLIST

REDUCE NOTES!!! 📋

INCREASE SLIDES!!! 🎞️

CREATE NOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPH AS AN INSERT IN THE BULLETIN.

Select Background

Create an Introductory Slide (with name).

Create a Promotional Slide (with name) for Social Media / Website.

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I. THE CHURCH GATHERS

Welcome and Announcements

(Lay Leader) WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Include invitation to fellowship

Pastor Announcements (with slides below)

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Slide Announcements:

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

WE NEED YOU.

Volunteers needed.

Lay Leaders

Greeters

Ushers

Hospitality (provide Food for after service Fellowship)

Nursery and Sunday School Teachers.

Food Bank workers (meet the community).

Worship Leaders (see Pastor Dave).

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

NIGHT OF PRAISE

Starts Sunday evening.

7:00 PM

2nd and 4th Sunday of each month

Starts on September 13.

Praise and Worship leaders (musicians) needed. (see Pastor Dave)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

THE FORGE MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Men’s Study and Fellowship Team

Every 4th Monday Evening

7:00pm

Starts on Monday, September 28

If you wish to know more about the group, watch the movie called “The Forge” (it’s a Christian movie).

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

PRAYER CARDS

If you have prayer requests (none too big or too small)

Prayer Cards are in the Pews or in the Lobby

Turn them into the church.

Put in the offering as it is passed.

Give personally to Pastor Dave or the Lay Leader.

God answers prayer (we’ve seen it over and over)

Prayer Team prays.

Pastor and his wife pray.

Prayer requests are CONFIDENTIAL.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

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INTRODUCTION TO WORSHIP

Call to Worship

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Psalm 96:1–6 NIV

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 4 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

(LAY LEADER) Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

(PEOPLE) Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.

(LAY LEADER) Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

(PEOPLE) For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.

(LAY LEADER) For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

(PEOPLE) Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

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II. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

🎶CHOIR ANTHEM, SPECIAL SONG, OR CONGRGATIONAL SONG

Christ is with Us

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[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDES]

🎶CONGRGATIONAL SONG

(Book/Screen) 🎵#389

Be Still, My Soul

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Today’s Bible Reading

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

(LAY LEADER) BIBLE (Reading): John 21:15–19 - NIV (PAGE #1688)

John 21:15–19 NIV

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

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[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

(LAY LEADER) This is the Word of the Lord.

(PEOPLE) Thanks be to God!

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[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

🎶CONGRGATIONAL SONG

(Book/Screen) 🎵#369

I Surrender All

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[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

🎶CONGRGATIONAL SONG

(Book/Screen) 🎵#370

Seek Ye First

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[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

III. THE CHURCH PRAYS

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER (Monthly Prayer)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Psalm 103:1–5 NIV

1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Sharing Our Joys and Spiritual Needs

(LAY LEADER) PRAYER NEEDS AND REQUESTS

[Go to front after Sharing of Prayer Requests.]

PASTOR: SILENT PRAYER

PASTOR: PASTORAL PRAYER for NEEDS (Below):

1. Personal Prayer

Unspoken requests

Thanksgiving

Repentance and spiritual growth

2. Our Church Family

Warden Community Church

Spiritual health

Those who serve on the Boards and Committees

Teachers

Volunteers

Worship team

Ministries we currently have, and those ministries in development

Givers and stewards of this church

Unity and revival

3. Christ's Church Around the World

Missionaries and mission organizations

The persecuted church

Believers serving in difficult places

4. Those Who Suffer

Those battling illness

Those grieving

Those struggling with mental illness

Those battling addiction

The homeless

The hungry

The poor

Those in prison

Victims of abuse or violence

"We pray for all who are suffering physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually."

5. Our Community

First responders

Military

Teachers and schools

Local businesses and farmers

Local government

Neighboring churches

6. Evangelism

We pray for those who are seeking You,

those who have wandered from the faith,

and those who have never known Christ,

that Your Holy Spirit would draw them to repentance and faith."

7. Family and Friends

And we lift up our families, friends, and

and those close to our hearts,

that they may seek and find You, Lord.

8. Closing

Lord, we know there are countless needs known only to You.

Hear the cries that remain unspoken, and

accomplish Your perfect will for Your glory."

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

And we pray as You, Lord, taught us to pray . . .

PASTOR: LORDS PRAYER (Bulletin)

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)

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(Lay Leader) 🎵GLORIA PATRI

[PROCEED THE COMMUNION TABLE]

🎵Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

as it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen, Amen.

[CLICK TO COMMUNION SLIDE]

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IV. THE CHURCH COMES TO THE TABLE

COMMUNION

(1st Sunday only - BELOW)

[REMOVE ON 2nd - 5th SUNDAYS]

INVITATION TO COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)

RITE OF COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)

PASTOR: COMMUNION PORTION

1. Call to the Table

Brief introduction and opening prayer.

Jesus was not timid or surprised as He prepared for the cross.

He knew exactly what awaited Him.

On the night He was betrayed, He gathered His disciples around a Passover table.

This was a celebration . . .

and a remembrance.

God's people had remembered how the blood of the lamb marked them as God's redeemed people and

And how God, through the Blood of the sacrificial lamb,

delivered them from judgment.

But that night was different.

Jesus took the bread and the cup and directed their attention to Himself.

The greater deliverance had come.

The true Lamb was about to give His life.

We do the same today.

This is a celebration

and a remembrance.

When we come to this Table, we do not merely remember that Jesus died.

We remember why He died

and for whom He died.

His body was given for you.

His blood was poured out for you.

But the judgment for our sins

Sins that we deserved

fell upon Christ, and

Through Him, and only Him,

we have forgiveness,

reconciliation, and

peace with God.

NOW we are to examine ourselves

not to determine whether we are worthy enough to come,

none of us is

but to determine whether we are coming in repentance and faith,

resting in Christ alone.

We come,

not merely grieving over our sin,

but rejoicing in the Savior who has paid for it.

All of it.

LET’S PRAY

Opening Prayer (Variable)

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts,

remembering the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

As we partake of this bread and cup,

we proclaim His death

until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Cleanse us from sin,

renew our hearts, and

help us to approach this Table with reverence and faith.

Thank You for the cross,

for the blood that was shed, and

for the grace that saves each of us.

May this meal strengthen our unity,

deepen our love for Christ, and

stir our hope in His return.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Scripture & Communion Meditation

Variable monthly text and 3–5 minute exposition.

READ/PREACH:

Draw Near

— Hebrews 10:19–22

Hebrews 10:19–22 ESV

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that we have access to the throne of God by the blood that Jesus shed for each of us.

This transforms communion from mere remembrance

into participation in the reality of what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross.

The writer of this passage calls believers to draw near

with sincere heart

in full assurance of faith, with

hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience.

This isn’t conditional.

It’s unconditional.

No matter where we are in our walk with God,

He hears our hearts

He hears our cry for repentance

He forgives us our sins

He makes a path for us to this table

We celebrate because Jesus has freed us.

We remember because we know and understand what He has done for us.

We step forward because Jesus has invited us to the Throne of Grace,

Where barriers dissolve

Where we meet God,

through His shed blood.

3. Examination & Confession

1 Corinthians 11:27–28 ESV

27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

Brief silence

Prayer.

4. Invitation to the Table

Invitation (Variable)

This Table belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ.

All who have repented of their sin and are trusting in Christ alone for salvation, and

who seek to walk in fellowship with Him and His church,

are invited to come and partake with us.

If you have not yet placed your faith in Christ,

we ask that you remain where you are and

instead consider the Savior whom this Table proclaims.

The bread and the cup point to the good news that

Jesus Christ gave Himself for sinners so

that all who turn to Him in repentance and faith may be forgiven and reconciled to God.

You may not be ready to come to this Table today, but Christ Himself invites you to come to Him—to turn from your sin, trust in Him, and receive the gift of eternal life.

And now, all who belong to Christ and are prepared to receive the Lord’s Supper,

I invite you to come forward to His Table.

🖐🏼Come remembering His sacrifice, rejoicing in His grace, and proclaiming His death until He comes.

PEOPLE COME TO THE TABLE TO RECEIVE THE ELEMENTS

🛑👁️STOP!!! WAIT FOR PEOPLE TO SIT DOWN!!!

5. The Bread (HOLD HIGH)

1 Corinthians 11:23–24 ESV

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

(Eat the bread together)

6. The Cup (HOLD HIGH)

1 Corinthians 11:25 ESV

25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

(Drink the cup together)

7. Gospel Declaration & Hope

"Church, hear the Word of the Lord . . .

1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

8. Prayer of Thanksgiving

Gracious Father,

We thank You for the body and blood of Christ, given for us.

May the gospel we have just proclaimed through this meal dwell richly in our hearts.

Strengthen our faith,

deepen our repentance, and

renew our love for You and for one another.

Help us leave this Table not unchanged,

but resolved to walk in holiness,

bearing fruit in keeping with our salvation,

until Christ returns in glory.

To you be all glory and honor and praise.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen.

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[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

🎶CONGRGATIONAL SONG OF THANKSGIVING

(Book/Screen) 🎵#41

To God Be the Glory

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V. THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

OFFERINGS

🎶Music during offering up to the Doxology.

(PASTOR or LAY LEADER) BRIEF WORD on GIVING/TESTIMONY

Invite the Ushers to come forward.`

I want to invite each of us into something sacred.

We’re about to participate in an act of worship—our offering.

This is where we give up something we value—our treasure—

as a sacrifice to God, from us to Him,

It’s expressing our love and devotion for Him

in a way that is simple and sincere.

This isn’t primarily about paying bills or funding programs,

though those things matter.

This is one of the purest opportunities for worship we have in our service together.

Think about what your giving communicates.

When we bring our offerings,

we’re acknowledging that everything we possess comes from God and

expressing our gratitude and devotion.

Our gift—whether large or small—

declares something profound about where our hearts are

and what we truly value.

What matters most is not the size of our gift but

our motivation as the giver.

God sees the heart behind every dollar.

He sees whether we’re giving from abundance

or our sacrifice,

from joy or obligation,

from trust or fear.

So as we move into this time,

I invite all of us to worship.

When we give from a heart of gratitude,

we are declaring our allegiance to God’s eternal plan and

to our willingness to be part of it.

LET’S WORSHIP AND GIVE THANKS.

(PASTOR or LAY LEADER) PRAYS FOR OFFERING

OFFERING: Ushers collect offering (pass the plates)

Ushers return to the front for the dedication.

(PASTOR or LAY LEADER) PRAYER OF DEDICATION (for Offering)

PASTOR WALKS TO THE PODIUM DURING SONG

🎶DOXOLOGY:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

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VI. THE CHURCH HEARS THE WORD

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PRAYER OF PREPARATION (for the message)

PASTOR: May the words of my mouth . . .

PEOPLE: And the meditation of our hearts,

be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, Our Strength and Our Redeemer.

Amen. (Psalm 19:14)

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PASTOR’S PRAYER (for the message)

Prayer 1 – "Speak, Lord"

Based on: 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalm 119:18; Hebrews 4:12

Heavenly Father,

As we open Your Word, we ask that You would speak, for Your servants are listening. Open our eyes that we may behold wonderful things from Your Word. Let these not be merely the words of a man, but may Your Holy Spirit take Your eternal truth and write it upon our hearts. Search us, convict us where we need conviction, encourage us where we need hope, and strengthen us where we need faith. May Your Word accomplish the purpose for which You have sent it, and may we leave this place changed because we have encountered You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Waiting in the Wilderness — When God is Silent

Pastor Dave Marks

Warden Community Church

😁ANIMATED, EXPRESSIVE, PASSIONATE, POSITIVE. 😊❤️

Welcome Church 😊❤️

1. GATHERED TO WORSHIP — The Joy of Coming Together

Good morning, church family!

It is such a joy to gather together today in the presence of the Lord.

There is nowhere else I would rather be on a Sunday morning than right here, worshipping alongside each of you.

And I certainly missed it last week.

God has brought us together for a purpose—

to turn each of our hearts toward Him,

to lift our voices in praise, and

to be reminded again of His goodness.

I appreciate Larry Garza stepping in for me last week.

Welcome Guests and Visitors

1. GATHERED TO WORSHIP — Welcoming Guests to Worship with Us

And if you're visiting with us today, we want to extend a very special welcome to you. We're truly glad you're here, and we hope you'll feel right at home as we lift our hearts and voices together in worship of the Lord.

Who We Are (WCC) ⛪♥️

1. GATHERED TO WORSHIP — A People Who Worship God

We are a Bible-believing,

Christ-centered church where

we gather to worship God,

grow in His Word, and

seek Him together in prayer.

Our desire is that worship would extend far beyond Sunday morning into lives that honor Christ each day,

as we share the hope of the gospel

with our community and the world.

Special Invitation (after the service)

We invite you to join us in the Fellowship Hall following the service for some food and fellowship. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend some time together, and if you’re visiting with us today, we’d especially love the opportunity to meet you and get to know you better.

Special Recognition and Thanks

LAY LEADER:

HOSPITALITY:

GREETERS:

USHERS:

SOUND/MEDIA:

MUSIC / WORSHIP:

Waiting in the Wilderness — When God is Silent

Introduction to Message

A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!❤️😁

Story or Quote (with history)

STORY

TIME OFF

Last week, my body called an emergency meeting.

My mind said, “We have things to do.”

My calendar said, “We really don’t have time for this.”

My body said, “Thank you for your input. We’ll be staying in bed.”

I appealed the decision. The appeal was denied.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I find it much easier to preach about patience than to practice it.

Especially when I’m convinced that what I’m accomplishing is important.

Especially when I think I know best what needs to be done.

Prior expectations (I problems 👁️)

Right effort, good things,

but God . . . (He had a different plan).

Like Dezi grabbing my face.🙂

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

THE SCRIPTURE THAT COMES TO MIND FOR THAT TIME IS FOUND IN PROVERBS:

Many of us know the first two verses . . .

Proverbs 3:5–8 ESV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. [CLICK] 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

This was God’s message to me regarding my life over the past ten days.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN ONE OF THOSE DESERT WANDERINGS (like . . . the Israelites, Job, Elijah, Abraham, Moses, Peter, James, Thomas, etc.)

GOD . . . WHERE ARE YOU? (Movie clip - Abandoned)

Sometimes we feel the same way.

God has abandoned us. (examples)

VIRUS (Nature of virus) - No matter what I did, the virus continued through Sunday (ran its course).

HE NEEDED ME TO . . .

Reassess priorities,

Know His will

To Seek Him

Draw closer to Him

To embrace my relationship with Him

To know that He is sovereign.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Isaiah 14:27 ESV

27 For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?

God puts us in a desert place . . . (we ask) for what reasons.

Change our paths.

Correct our behavior.

Instill a behavior.

Give us perspective.

Put ourselves in someone else’s shoes.

Get our attention.

Teach us humility.

OFTEN: ALL OF THE ABOVE.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

What was God teaching the Israelites in their wanderings?

Deuteronomy 8:2–3 ESV

2 And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

WHAT PROCEEDS FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD?

THE WORD OF GOD.

THE BIBLE

JESUS CHRIST

God used Israel’s wilderness experience to teach humility and dependence upon Him.

Perspective (what is priority, and what is God telling me)? Is it . . .

Earthly, temporal, carnal, material . . .???

Godly, eternal, spiritual, a Kingdom perspective???

God said WAIT! REDIRECT! LOOK AT MY PEOPLE! FEED MY SHEEP.

Doing God’s work, serving Him is IMPORANT . . . HOWEVER

When you burn the candle at both ends

You lose the candle.🕯️

You lose the fire.🔥

What are you (Congregations) going through?

Illness

Loss

Emptiness

Helplessness

Loneliness

Uncertainty about

the future

relationships

finances

What God Told Me . . .

NIGHT OF PRAISE WILL HAPPEN, BUT NOT THIS MONTH.

It will happen, just not this month.

We do all by excellence (we are not ready).

THE LORD SAID TO ME: Feed my sheep . . .

PETER - John 21:15-17

I THOUGHT WE NEEDED TO DO MORE OUTREACH TO BUILD OUR BODY?

Feed my sheep.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Hebrews 5:12–14 ESV

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

GOD HOLDS US ACCOUNTABLE AS A BODY OF BELIEVERS.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

2 Timothy 2:15 NASB95

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

WE ARE A CHURCH THAT NEEDS A SOLID FOUNDATION.

OUR KIDS ARE IN TROUBLE, UNPREPARED

In 12 weeks they had enough information to

Reasonably defend their faith.

Know where to seek the answers.

THAT WAS 12 WEEKS WITH THREE VERY BRIGHT KIDS.

JUST THINK WHAT 12 YEARS WOULD DO.

OUR ADULTS NEED TRAINING IN DISCIPLESHIP TO DISCIPLE OTHERS

IN ABASSADORSHIP, TO TESTIFY TO OTHERS.

IN LEADERSHIP, WHEN OTHERS FOLLOW

WE NEED TO CHANGE IF WE ARE GOING TO BE

AN EMBASSY FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Apostle trained before being sent out.

Matthew 10:1–15, Mark 6:7–13, Luke 9:1–6, Luke 10:1–12

(Show baptismal)

WE HAVE NOT HAD A BAPTISM (Except for Dick Skoggin) IN YEARS.

A TELL-TALE SIGN THAT WE ARE NOT EFFECTIVE AS A CHURCH.

ISN’T OUTREACH IMPORTANT

DISCIPLESHIP COMES BEFORE OUTREACH.

STUDY LEADS TO DISCIPLESHIP (and mentoring).

I’VE TAUGHT ON EPHESIANS 4:11-16

PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH (If you build it, they will come? FIELD OF DREAMS - Kevin Costner)

DURING MY TIME OFF, GOD SET ME DOWN AND SAID HE HAS FOUR GOALS FOR ME AND THE CHURCH.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

G1-G4 (How/If to present)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Ground our church in God’s truth and clarify our shared purpose. (Biblical Identity & Direction)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Help every generation know Jesus and grow as His disciples. (Biblical Discipleship)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Deepen our worship, prayer, fellowship, and care for one another. (Church Life & Spiritual Growth)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Share the gospel and serve our neighbors in Warden and the surrounding communities. (Community & Regional Gospel Impact)

IF WE ARE GOING TO BE A CHURCH THAT DOES GOD’S CALLING, THAT SEES GROWTH

PERSONALLY

ECCLESIALLY (CHURCH)

THEN WE NEED TO HAVE . . .

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

DISCIPLES (Raising others to be disciples)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

AMBASSADORS (Reaching others to be followers)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

OUTREACH (Representing Jesus Christ to the community/world)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

LEADERS (Rearing our children in the ways of the Lord)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

SENTINELS / DEFENDERS (Resisting evil in the Community/World)

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Paul writes:

1 Corinthians 3:6 ESV

6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

YES, God causes the growth, and that’s what we tend to focus on . . . BUT DID YOU READ THE REST.

God uses the works of the PLANTERS.

God uses the works of the WATERERS.

THOSE BOTH COME FROM US . . .

THE BODY OF CHRIST

THE CHURCH

GOD’S TIME - NOT MINE.

Night of Praise will happen - but when the time is right.

The Forge Men’s Fellowship will start this month.

WE NEED:

Discipleship is harder when people remain relationally disconnected.

Serving becomes more natural as people know one another and understand ministry needs.

Care becomes stronger when relationships exist through which needs are noticed.

Newcomer integration works better when visitors enter a congregation where love and belon ging is already intentionally cultivated.

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Will of God

Have you heard anyone ever say?

I’m just waiting for God to show me His will.

THAT’S NEXT WEEK.

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Inspirational Conclusion

BRINGING US BACK HOME . . .

Many of us are asking . . . “God, where are you?”

There is an empty chair at your table.

A concern you cannot resolve.

An unanswered prayer.

Maybe life has become a routine, and somewhere along the way you have lost your sense of purpose.

I cannot tell you

why your wilderness has lasted this long.

that tomorrow you will understand it.

But I can point us all to the One

we can trust while we wait.

whose always with us.

His name is Jesus Christ.

At the cross, we see how far God’s love was willing to go.

At the empty tomb, we see that suffering and death will not have the final word.

That is where our hope rests.

When we cannot see what God is doing,

we trust who He is and

we take the next faithful step.

Our weakness does not make us a burden to this church.

Our age does not put us beyond God’s usefulness.

Our failures do not place us beyond Christ’s grace.

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How we go through these times is a testimony to others of the power of God through Jesus Christ, and by the Holy Spirit.

We are His Children

We are His Kings and Priests

We are His DISCIPLES

We are His AMBASSADORS

Message to Non-believers

And if you are wondering but don’t know Jesus Christ -

that may be the message He’s sending you right now.

You do not have to understand your wilderness before you come to him.

Turn from your sin and

place your trust in Christ.

He does not promise an easy road,

but he offers forgiveness, eternal life, and his presence along the way.

Your next faithful step may be your very first:

Come to Jesus.

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VII. THE CHURCH IS SENT

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CALL TO ACTION

WHAT SHOULD WE DO DURING THESE TIMES OF GOD’S SILENCE?

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Reach for God at all times. Seek Him.

Rather than viewing spiritual dryness negatively,

recognize it as a wilderness season

where hunger and thirst for God become something to pursue,

Do it with Scripture and tradition

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Renew spiritual disciplines despite emotional emptiness.

Prayer

Read His Word

Church, Bible Studies, Small Groups, Fellowship.

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Reframe the desert as a season of deepening hunger.

We truly, fervently, seek after Him.

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Revive our souls

Life giving activities (walking, running, camping, hiking, retreats, and more.

Find some time for just you.

Meditate on the things God tells us in

Philippians 4:8 NASB95

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Fellowship with believers (spouses are included).

Worship (set your issues aside and worship).

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Rely on God’s promise.

Understand what God is accomplishing.

Trust God when He says

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

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PASTOR: INVITATION TO PRAY

Option 6

Peter reminds us to cast all our cares upon the Lord because He cares for us. If you'd like someone to pray with you today, I'll be available in the lobby or fellowship hall after the service. I'd be honored to pray with you. (1 Peter 5:7)

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BENEDICTION

PASTOR: 🎉😁❤️

May we step out in FAITH, KNOWING that God is with us.

May God accomplish the TRANFORMATION in each of us as He calls on each of us.

May God always be our ROCK and our FOUNDATION.

May our hope prevail, trusting for what we do not see, and

waiting eagerly for it with perseverance.

Let us remember that the Holy Spirit’s work doesn’t depend on whether we feel God;

He operates through our commitment to believe regardless of emotional confirmation.

Romans 15:13 (NASB95) 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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PASTOR: FINAL PRAYER (WALK with LAY LEADER) ->

Lay Leader joins pastor in front.

As we bow our heads .

Please pray with me . . . (While walking)

(WALK WITH THE LAY LEADER TO THE LOBBY)

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