Your October 22nd, Sermon & Ministry Resources

These resources are published free weekly for all who desire to use them.

Lectionary Readings — 21st Sunday after Pentecost, October 22, 2023

Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22.

---

Call to Worship (based on Exodus 33:12-23)

Leader: In the vast wilderness of our lives, we cry out, "Who will guide us?"

People: We long for assurance, for a sign of God's favor and presence with us.

Leader: When doubts cloud our path, we seek to understand the ways of the Divine.

People: We yearn for the comfort and peace that only God's presence can bring.

Leader: In moments of deep reflection, our souls whisper, "Reveal to us your essence, O Lord."

People: Though we cannot fully grasp His entirety, He shows us glimpses of His boundless goodness.

Leader: While we may not see His face in full, His hand is ever evident in our journey.

People: In every step, in every moment, God's presence is our guiding light.

All: Together, we gather in awe of the Great Revealer, seeking to know more, to feel more, and to be transformed by His wondrous revelations. Let us worship and be awed by the mysteries yet unveiled to us. Amen.

---

Opening Prayer (based on Matthew 22:15-22)

Gracious and Eternal God,

We come before You today, acknowledging Your sovereignty over all of creation. As we reflect on the teachings of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew, we are reminded of the delicate balance between our earthly responsibilities and our spiritual calling.

Lord, in a world filled with competing loyalties, guide us in discerning what belongs to the world and what belongs to You. May our hearts be ever inclined towards Your will, ensuring that while we render to Caesar what is Caesar's, we more importantly render to You what is Yours.

Father, help us recognize the image imprinted upon our souls, the mark of Your divine handiwork. Let us be reminded that we are made in Your image and belong entirely to You. May our lives reflect this truth, living as beacons of Your love and grace in our communities.

We pray for our leaders, those in positions of authority and governance. Grant them wisdom and integrity, that their decisions may align with the principles of fairness, compassion, and justice. Protect them from the trappings of power, and may they always seek the common good.

As we navigate the challenges of our daily lives, let us not be entangled by the trivialities that distract from our true purpose. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You above all else, placing our trust and hope in Your eternal promises.

In Jesus' name, we commit our lives and our loyalties. Guide us, mold us, and use us for Your glory.

Amen.

---

Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

Purpose: To inspire believers to recognize and embrace the transformative power of genuine faith, prompting them to live out authentic Christian lives that not only reflect God's work in them but also serve as influential testimonies to others. Through this, the church will be encouraged to foster deeper community, spur one another toward love and good deeds, and actively await Christ's return.

Title: Echoes of Genuine Faith (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

Introduction:

• The exemplary faith of the Thessalonian believers and what it means for us today.

• An invitation to reflect on the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.

I. Commendation and Celebration (1 Thessalonians 1:1-4)

A. Greetings and Grace:

• The timeless tradition of Christian greetings (v. 1).

• Call to Action: Extend God's love and grace to one another, reminding each other of our shared faith.

B. Gratitude for the Godly:

• Paul's thanksgiving for the Thessalonians and the need for gratitude in our faith communities (v. 2-4).

• Call to Action: Intentionally recognize and appreciate the faith-journey of fellow believers. Share testimonies.

II. Confirmation of Conversion (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7)

A. Gospel's Genuine Grounding:

• The need for our faith to be more than just words; it must be backed by the power of the Holy Spirit (v. 5).

• Call to Action: Seek a deeper infilling of the Holy Spirit. Allow the Gospel to transform your actions, not just your words.

B. Imitators and Inspirations:

• Following Christ’s example in the face of adversity (v. 6).

• Call to Action: Identify ways you can imitate Christ in your daily life. Share stories of perseverance to inspire others.

III. Conversations that Count (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10)

A. Proclaiming their Praise:

• The Thessalonians' faith echoed beyond their region. How can our faith impact our wider community? (v. 8-9).

• Call to Action: Find opportunities to share your faith story, both within and outside your community. Engage in service or mission work.

B. Eagerly Expecting the Eternal:

• The call to always be ready for Christ’s return (v. 10).

• Call to Action: Reflect on what it means to wait with hope. Engage in spiritual disciplines that prepare your heart for Christ's return, such as prayer, fasting, and studying the Scriptures.

Conclusion:

• The Thessalonians set an example for us on living out genuine faith. The challenge is before us to apply these truths in our daily lives.

• An encouragement to embrace the transformative power of the Gospel personally and communally.

• A final call: Let our lives, filled with faith, love, and hope, be a beacon of Christ's love and an invitation for others to know Him.

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers