Holy Spirit: The Spirit LEADS The Church | Rev. Seann Duffin

>> Let's pray. >> Let's pray. God, we know that you are with us and we God, we know that you are with us and we God, we know that you are with us and we are glad. For what would we be and where are glad. For what would we be and where are glad. For what would we be and where would we be and who would we be without would we be and who would we be without would we be and who would we be without you? you? you? So, continue to move among us, God, to So, continue to move among us, God, to So, continue to move among us, God, to open us up. Open our ears and our eyes, open us up. Open our ears and our eyes, open us up. Open our ears and our eyes, our hearts and our minds, so that we our hearts and our minds, so that we our hearts and our minds, so that we might hear what you have to say. might hear what you have to say. might hear what you have to say. And God, may the words of my mouth and And God, may the words of my mouth and And God, may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of all of our hearts be the thoughts of all of our hearts be the thoughts of all of our hearts be acceptable and pleasing to you, for you acceptable and pleasing to you, for you acceptable and pleasing to you, for you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. Please be seated. Please be seated. Please be seated. We are closing up our series on the Holy We are closing up our series on the Holy We are closing up our series on the Holy Spirit this morning, and the whole goal Spirit this morning, and the whole goal Spirit this morning, and the whole goal of these several weeks has been to help of these several weeks has been to help of these several weeks has been to help each of us and all of us together to each of us and all of us together to each of us and all of us together to more confidently know who the Holy more confidently know who the Holy more confidently know who the Holy Spirit is Spirit is Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit does in us and and what the Holy Spirit does in us and and what the Holy Spirit does in us and for us and through us. for us and through us. for us and through us. Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third person of the triune God, is the third person of the triune God, is the third person of the triune God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. So, to talk about the Holy Spirit is to So, to talk about the Holy Spirit is to So, to talk about the Holy Spirit is to talk about God.

talk about God. talk about God. But more specifically, to talk about the But more specifically, to talk about the But more specifically, to talk about the Holy Spirit is to talk about God's power Holy Spirit is to talk about God's power Holy Spirit is to talk about God's power and presence in our lives today. and presence in our lives today. and presence in our lives today. That's who the Holy Spirit is, God's That's who the Holy Spirit is, God's That's who the Holy Spirit is, God's power and presence in our lives today. power and presence in our lives today. power and presence in our lives today. And what does the Holy Spirit do? We've And what does the Holy Spirit do? We've And what does the Holy Spirit do? We've talked about three big things so far. talked about three big things so far. talked about three big things so far. First, the Holy Spirit dwells in us. First, the Holy Spirit dwells in us. First, the Holy Spirit dwells in us. This is different than the Holy Spirit This is different than the Holy Spirit This is different than the Holy Spirit resting on us. That's how some Old resting on us. That's how some Old resting on us. That's how some Old Testament stories talk about the spirit. Testament stories talk about the spirit. Testament stories talk about the spirit. It rests on the judges, the prophets, It rests on the judges, the prophets, It rests on the judges, the prophets, the kings, and it gives them wisdom and the kings, and it gives them wisdom and the kings, and it gives them wisdom and power and authority to fulfill those power and authority to fulfill those power and authority to fulfill those roles. roles. roles. But if ever the spirit departs from But if ever the spirit departs from But if ever the spirit departs from them, they lose that wisdom, that power, them, they lose that wisdom, that power, them, they lose that wisdom, that power, that authority. that authority. that authority. In the New Testament, when the spirit is In the New Testament, when the spirit is In the New Testament, when the spirit is poured out on the day of Pentecost, it's poured out on the day of Pentecost, it's poured out on the day of Pentecost, it's the same spirit, but as it fills the the same spirit, but as it fills the the same spirit, but as it fills the church, it behaves differently. church, it behaves differently. church, it behaves differently. Instead of resting on us, the spirit Instead of resting on us, the spirit Instead of resting on us, the spirit dwells in us.

dwells in us. dwells in us. Which means that there's nothing Which means that there's nothing Which means that there's nothing temporary about the spirit's presence in temporary about the spirit's presence in temporary about the spirit's presence in our lives. There's no danger that we our lives. There's no danger that we our lives. There's no danger that we will lose the spirit somehow. will lose the spirit somehow. will lose the spirit somehow. In fact, the Holy Spirit dwelling in us In fact, the Holy Spirit dwelling in us In fact, the Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the fulfillment of God's promise to is the fulfillment of God's promise to is the fulfillment of God's promise to be with us always. be with us always. be with us always. Second, [snorts] the Holy Spirit makes Second, [snorts] the Holy Spirit makes Second, [snorts] the Holy Spirit makes us us us holy. holy. holy. The theological term is sanctification, The theological term is sanctification, The theological term is sanctification, and it means that the Holy Spirit who and it means that the Holy Spirit who and it means that the Holy Spirit who dwells in us dwells in us dwells in us actually changes us, forms us into actually changes us, forms us into actually changes us, forms us into people who do good and are good. people who do good and are good. people who do good and are good. Transforms us into people whose lives Transforms us into people whose lives Transforms us into people whose lives are defined by love, joy, peace, are defined by love, joy, peace, are defined by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, patience, kindness, goodness, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. But this only happens if we are willing. But this only happens if we are willing. But this only happens if we are willing. God doesn't force us to be anything. God doesn't force us to be anything. God doesn't force us to be anything. So, to be made holy, we must be willing So, to be made holy, we must be willing So, to be made holy, we must be willing partners in the work. partners in the work. partners in the work. Responding to the spirit, making Responding to the spirit, making Responding to the spirit, making ourselves available to the spirit's ourselves available to the spirit's ourselves available to the spirit's power through prayer and study and power through prayer and study and power through prayer and study and worship and service.

worship and service. worship and service. The spirit dwells in us. The spirit dwells in us. The spirit dwells in us. The spirit makes us holy. And third, The spirit makes us holy. And third, The spirit makes us holy. And third, what we talked about last week, the what we talked about last week, the what we talked about last week, the spirit gives us gifts, spirit gives us gifts, spirit gives us gifts, abilities, abilities, abilities, like leadership or faith or mercy or like leadership or faith or mercy or like leadership or faith or mercy or hospitality. Every person hospitality. Every person hospitality. Every person who confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord who confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord who confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord is gifted by the Holy Spirit. is gifted by the Holy Spirit. is gifted by the Holy Spirit. But here's the crucial part. The gift But here's the crucial part. The gift But here's the crucial part. The gift that God has given you that God has given you that God has given you is not for you. is not for you. is not for you. It's for the common good, for the good It's for the common good, for the good It's for the common good, for the good of the whole, for the health of the of the whole, for the health of the of the whole, for the health of the church and the healing of the world. The church and the healing of the world. The church and the healing of the world. The gift that God has given you gift that God has given you gift that God has given you is something that the world needs. is something that the world needs. is something that the world needs. So, the Spirit dwells in us. The Spirit So, the Spirit dwells in us. The Spirit So, the Spirit dwells in us. The Spirit makes us holy. The Spirit gives us makes us holy. The Spirit gives us makes us holy. The Spirit gives us gifts. Our focus for today, the Spirit gifts. Our focus for today, the Spirit gifts. Our focus for today, the Spirit guides guides guides the church. the church. the church. The scripture that we'll read is from The scripture that we'll read is from The scripture that we'll read is from the book of Acts, chapter 16. The the book of Acts, chapter 16. The the book of Acts, chapter 16. The Apostle Paul and his companions are Apostle Paul and his companions are Apostle Paul and his companions are traveling from place to place. Here's traveling from place to place. Here's traveling from place to place. Here's how Here's what happens.

how Here's what happens. how Here's what happens. They went through the region of Phrygia They went through the region of Phrygia They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by and Galatia, having been forbidden by and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word there the Holy Spirit to speak the word there the Holy Spirit to speak the word there in Asia. in Asia. in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they When they had come opposite Mysia, they When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go They attempted to go attempted to go They attempted to go attempted to go They attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. did not allow them. did not allow them. So, passing by Mysia, they went down to So, passing by Mysia, they went down to So, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. Troas. Troas. During the night, Paul had a vision. During the night, Paul had a vision. During the night, Paul had a vision. There stood a man of Macedonia pleading There stood a man of Macedonia pleading There stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, "Come over to with him and saying, "Come over to with him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Macedonia and help us." Macedonia and help us." When he had seen the vision, we When he had seen the vision, we When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to immediately tried to cross over to immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had Macedonia, being convinced that God had Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to called us to proclaim the good news to called us to proclaim the good news to them. them. them. We set sail from Troas and took a We set sail from Troas and took a We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the straight course to Samothrace, the straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from following day to Neapolis, and from following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is the leading there to Philippi, which is the leading there to Philippi, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia and a city of the district of Macedonia and a city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. Roman colony. Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. We remained in this city for some days. We remained in this city for some days. On the Sabbath day, we went outside the On the Sabbath day, we went outside the On the Sabbath day, we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed gate by the river, where we supposed gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer.

there was a place of prayer. there was a place of prayer. And we sat down and spoke to the women And we sat down and spoke to the women And we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. who had gathered there. who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us. of God, was listening to us. of God, was listening to us. She was from the city of Thyatira, and a She was from the city of Thyatira, and a She was from the city of Thyatira, and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was her heart to listen eagerly to what was her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. said by Paul. said by Paul. When she and her household were When she and her household were When she and her household were baptized, she urged us saying, "If baptized, she urged us saying, "If baptized, she urged us saying, "If you've judged me to be faithful to the you've judged me to be faithful to the you've judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home." Lord, come and stay at my home." Lord, come and stay at my home." And she prevailed upon us. This is the And she prevailed upon us. This is the And she prevailed upon us. This is the word of God for the people of God. word of God for the people of God. word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God. In every romantic comedy movie, there's In every romantic comedy movie, there's In every romantic comedy movie, there's a sequence called the meet-cute. a sequence called the meet-cute. a sequence called the meet-cute. This is where the love interests in the This is where the love interests in the This is where the love interests in the film meet each other for the very first film meet each other for the very first film meet each other for the very first time. time. time. And it often happens in an adorably And it often happens in an adorably And it often happens in an adorably unpredictable kind of way. They're unpredictable kind of way. They're unpredictable kind of way. They're randomly seated next to one another at a randomly seated next to one another at a randomly seated next to one another at a at a mutual friend's wedding. They knock at a mutual friend's wedding. They knock at a mutual friend's wedding. They knock into each other as they're rushing into each other as they're rushing into each other as they're rushing through the airport. They both try to through the airport. They both try to through the airport. They both try to buy the very last ticket to the sold-out buy the very last ticket to the sold-out buy the very last ticket to the sold-out show. Some chance encounter show. Some chance encounter show. Some chance encounter that leads to a whole series of that leads to a whole series of that leads to a whole series of life-changing events.

life-changing events. life-changing events. The encounter between Paul and Lydia The encounter between Paul and Lydia The encounter between Paul and Lydia here in Acts 16 is not a meet-cute. here in Acts 16 is not a meet-cute. here in Acts 16 is not a meet-cute. It's not a chance encounter. It's not a It's not a chance encounter. It's not a It's not a chance encounter. It's not a random coincidence. This is a divine random coincidence. This is a divine random coincidence. This is a divine appointment. It's an encounter that is appointment. It's an encounter that is appointment. It's an encounter that is both desired by and directed by God. both desired by and directed by God. both desired by and directed by God. I think these kinds of things happen all I think these kinds of things happen all I think these kinds of things happen all the time. We just the time. We just the time. We just mostly aren't aware of them. Sometimes mostly aren't aware of them. Sometimes mostly aren't aware of them. Sometimes we notice, sometimes we don't, these we notice, sometimes we don't, these we notice, sometimes we don't, these divine appointments. Perhaps you've divine appointments. Perhaps you've divine appointments. Perhaps you've experienced one. experienced one. experienced one. A friend calls at the exact right time. A friend calls at the exact right time. A friend calls at the exact right time. You were on edge, desperate, at the end You were on edge, desperate, at the end You were on edge, desperate, at the end of your rope, and the phone rings. A of your rope, and the phone rings. A of your rope, and the phone rings. A familiar voice on the other end. "Hey, familiar voice on the other end. "Hey, familiar voice on the other end. "Hey, I was just thinking about you. How are I was just thinking about you. How are I was just thinking about you. How are you? you? you? And it all tumbles out of your mouth. And it all tumbles out of your mouth. And it all tumbles out of your mouth. You didn't know you needed them at that You didn't know you needed them at that You didn't know you needed them at that moment, but there they were. moment, but there they were. moment, but there they were. At the exact right place at the exact At the exact right place at the exact At the exact right place at the exact right time. Was it random chance that right time. Was it random chance that right time. Was it random chance that they called? they called? they called? Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. But some moments seem too full of grace But some moments seem too full of grace But some moments seem too full of grace to have happened without God's help.

to have happened without God's help. to have happened without God's help. When Paul and his companions meet Lydia When Paul and his companions meet Lydia When Paul and his companions meet Lydia in Philippi, it's a divine appointment. in Philippi, it's a divine appointment. in Philippi, it's a divine appointment. An encounter directed by God. You can An encounter directed by God. You can An encounter directed by God. You can tell by how they end up in Philippi in tell by how they end up in Philippi in tell by how they end up in Philippi in the first place. the first place. the first place. That's one of two things I want us to That's one of two things I want us to That's one of two things I want us to talk about this morning. How How Paul talk about this morning. How How Paul talk about this morning. How How Paul and his companions end up in Philippi, and his companions end up in Philippi, and his companions end up in Philippi, and then who they meet in that place. and then who they meet in that place. and then who they meet in that place. So, how did they end up in Philippi? So, how did they end up in Philippi? So, how did they end up in Philippi? It's not because It's not because It's not because they looked at a map and made a they looked at a map and made a they looked at a map and made a strategic plan for growing the early strategic plan for growing the early strategic plan for growing the early church, identifying Philippi as a church, identifying Philippi as a church, identifying Philippi as a leading city in the district of leading city in the district of leading city in the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony to boot, the Macedonia, a Roman colony to boot, the Macedonia, a Roman colony to boot, the prime place for ensuring that the gospel prime place for ensuring that the gospel prime place for ensuring that the gospel spreads to all ends of the earth. spreads to all ends of the earth. spreads to all ends of the earth. Well, I actually think they did probably Well, I actually think they did probably Well, I actually think they did probably look at a map and make a strategic plan. look at a map and make a strategic plan. look at a map and make a strategic plan. It's just that Paul's plan wasn't God's It's just that Paul's plan wasn't God's It's just that Paul's plan wasn't God's plan. Paul's plan to was was to preach plan. Paul's plan to was was to preach plan. Paul's plan to was was to preach all throughout Asia. That's where they all throughout Asia. That's where they all throughout Asia. That's where they are when this story begins. Paul wanted are when this story begins. Paul wanted are when this story begins. Paul wanted to go all throughout modern-day Turkey to go all throughout modern-day Turkey to go all throughout modern-day Turkey and beyond to other parts of Asia.

and beyond to other parts of Asia. and beyond to other parts of Asia. They're in Phrygia when the story They're in Phrygia when the story They're in Phrygia when the story starts. starts. starts. But it says that they went through But it says that they went through But it says that they went through Phrygia and Galatia Phrygia and Galatia Phrygia and Galatia because they'd been forbidden by the because they'd been forbidden by the because they'd been forbidden by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word Holy Spirit from preaching the word Holy Spirit from preaching the word there. there. there. The Holy Spirit said no to those places, The Holy Spirit said no to those places, The Holy Spirit said no to those places, so Paul makes a second choice and tries so Paul makes a second choice and tries so Paul makes a second choice and tries to take them to Bithynia, an adjacent to take them to Bithynia, an adjacent to take them to Bithynia, an adjacent Asian province. But, this is verse 7, Asian province. But, this is verse 7, Asian province. But, this is verse 7, the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. So, they keep on going, passing by Mysia So, they keep on going, passing by Mysia So, they keep on going, passing by Mysia down to the port city of Troas where down to the port city of Troas where down to the port city of Troas where finally finally finally Paul has a vision. Paul has a vision. Paul has a vision. In the night he sees in his dream a man In the night he sees in his dream a man In the night he sees in his dream a man from Macedonia from Macedonia from Macedonia who says, "Come to Macedonia and help who says, "Come to Macedonia and help who says, "Come to Macedonia and help us." So they do. They set sail from us." So they do. They set sail from us." So they do. They set sail from Troas. They cross the Aegean Sea onto Troas. They cross the Aegean Sea onto Troas. They cross the Aegean Sea onto the European continent, go through the European continent, go through the European continent, go through Samothrace and Neapolis finally to Samothrace and Neapolis finally to Samothrace and Neapolis finally to Philippi, this leading city in the Philippi, this leading city in the Philippi, this leading city in the district of Macedonia. district of Macedonia. district of Macedonia. All of that that that All of that that that All of that that that circuitous route, that's that's how we circuitous route, that's that's how we circuitous route, that's that's how we know that this is a divine appointment.

know that this is a divine appointment. know that this is a divine appointment. That God is guiding Paul to a particular That God is guiding Paul to a particular That God is guiding Paul to a particular place. Not there, not there, not there. place. Not there, not there, not there. place. Not there, not there, not there. There. There. There. And it's not that those other places And it's not that those other places And it's not that those other places aren't important or don't need the good aren't important or don't need the good aren't important or don't need the good news. They do and Paul will actually go news. They do and Paul will actually go news. They do and Paul will actually go to most of those places, but not yet. to most of those places, but not yet. to most of those places, but not yet. Philippi first. Philippi first. Philippi first. Why? Well, the why of ministry is almost Well, the why of ministry is almost always really about the who. The people always really about the who. The people always really about the who. The people of that place who might encounter or of that place who might encounter or of that place who might encounter or experience or spread the love of God experience or spread the love of God experience or spread the love of God through the church. through the church. through the church. And that's the second thing I want us to And that's the second thing I want us to And that's the second thing I want us to explore today. Who Paul meets when he explore today. Who Paul meets when he explore today. Who Paul meets when he makes it to Philippi. makes it to Philippi. makes it to Philippi. He's seen a vision of a man in Macedonia He's seen a vision of a man in Macedonia He's seen a vision of a man in Macedonia who says, "Come here and help us." who says, "Come here and help us." who says, "Come here and help us." I suppose that's who Paul was expecting I suppose that's who Paul was expecting I suppose that's who Paul was expecting to meet, this Macedonian man. to meet, this Macedonian man. to meet, this Macedonian man. But we've said it already, the person he But we've said it already, the person he But we've said it already, the person he meets, her name is Lydia. meets, her name is Lydia. meets, her name is Lydia. And we know almost nothing about Lydia, And we know almost nothing about Lydia, And we know almost nothing about Lydia, but what we do know is fascinating.

but what we do know is fascinating. but what we do know is fascinating. She's a wealthy businesswoman making her She's a wealthy businesswoman making her She's a wealthy businesswoman making her way independently in a world that's very way independently in a world that's very way independently in a world that's very much run by men. much run by men. much run by men. She's a Gentile She's a Gentile She's a Gentile who is seeking out the God of Judaism. who is seeking out the God of Judaism. who is seeking out the God of Judaism. She came to this riverside to the She came to this riverside to the She came to this riverside to the secluded place of prayer. Maybe she went secluded place of prayer. Maybe she went secluded place of prayer. Maybe she went there all the time. Maybe she probably there all the time. Maybe she probably there all the time. Maybe she probably expected to meet other women, Jewish expected to meet other women, Jewish expected to meet other women, Jewish worshipers or Gentiles and they'd pray worshipers or Gentiles and they'd pray worshipers or Gentiles and they'd pray together. together. together. What she didn't know was that on this What she didn't know was that on this What she didn't know was that on this particular day, outside those city particular day, outside those city particular day, outside those city gates, she would meet Paul gates, she would meet Paul gates, she would meet Paul and his companions, and his companions, and his companions, missionaries looking for anyone who was missionaries looking for anyone who was missionaries looking for anyone who was seeking God. seeking God. seeking God. And there at the riverside in that And there at the riverside in that And there at the riverside in that hidden place of prayer, Lydia found the hidden place of prayer, Lydia found the hidden place of prayer, Lydia found the God God God who was seeking her. who was seeking her. who was seeking her. It says the Lord opened her heart. It says the Lord opened her heart. It says the Lord opened her heart. That's the purpose of this divine That's the purpose of this divine That's the purpose of this divine appointment. appointment. appointment. The spirit brings Paul to Philippi and The spirit brings Paul to Philippi and The spirit brings Paul to Philippi and Lydia to Paul so that she can hear the Lydia to Paul so that she can hear the Lydia to Paul so that she can hear the gospel.

gospel. gospel. It seems like a small thing, one person. It seems like a small thing, one person. It seems like a small thing, one person. The writer of Acts could have told us The writer of Acts could have told us The writer of Acts could have told us that on Paul's second missionary that on Paul's second missionary that on Paul's second missionary journey, thousands of people were saved journey, thousands of people were saved journey, thousands of people were saved because that's true. because that's true. because that's true. Or he could have told us that a a dozen Or he could have told us that a a dozen Or he could have told us that a a dozen churches were started on this journey churches were started on this journey churches were started on this journey because that's true, too. because that's true, too. because that's true, too. But that's not what the author wants us But that's not what the author wants us But that's not what the author wants us to know. What God wants us to know first to know. What God wants us to know first to know. What God wants us to know first is that one person's life is that one person's life is that one person's life was changed. was changed. was changed. So that's how Paul gets to Philippi. So that's how Paul gets to Philippi. So that's how Paul gets to Philippi. That's how Lydia is who he meets there. That's how Lydia is who he meets there. That's how Lydia is who he meets there. And I want to get that same frame, the And I want to get that same frame, the And I want to get that same frame, the how and the who, and bring it a little how and the who, and bring it a little how and the who, and bring it a little closer in. closer in. closer in. How did we How did we How did we get here? get here? get here? How did Memorial Drive United Methodist How did Memorial Drive United Methodist How did Memorial Drive United Methodist Church end up here at 12955 Memorial Church end up here at 12955 Memorial Church end up here at 12955 Memorial Drive along this little slice of a very Drive along this little slice of a very Drive along this little slice of a very long road? There's a story to tell, a long road? There's a story to tell, a long road? There's a story to tell, a narrative sequence of events, of course. narrative sequence of events, of course. narrative sequence of events, of course. A pastor was sent, people were gathered, A pastor was sent, people were gathered, A pastor was sent, people were gathered, land was given, buildings were built.

land was given, buildings were built. land was given, buildings were built. All of that's true. All of that's true. All of that's true. But I think about how Paul ended up in But I think about how Paul ended up in But I think about how Paul ended up in that particular place called Philippi. that particular place called Philippi. that particular place called Philippi. The spirit of God guided him The spirit of God guided him The spirit of God guided him on purpose, even closing some doors on purpose, even closing some doors on purpose, even closing some doors along the way. Not there, not there, not along the way. Not there, not there, not along the way. Not there, not there, not there, there. there, there. there, there. A divine placement. A divine placement. A divine placement. Perhaps God has put us in this Perhaps God has put us in this Perhaps God has put us in this particular place on purpose. particular place on purpose. particular place on purpose. Certainly, this is not the only place Certainly, this is not the only place Certainly, this is not the only place that a church like ours could flourish, that a church like ours could flourish, that a church like ours could flourish, but this is the place where God has but this is the place where God has but this is the place where God has graciously allowed us to live and serve graciously allowed us to live and serve graciously allowed us to live and serve and share the good news of Jesus for 66 and share the good news of Jesus for 66 and share the good news of Jesus for 66 years now. years now. years now. Why here? Why here? Why here? This little slice of Memorial Drive. This little slice of Memorial Drive. This little slice of Memorial Drive. Well, remember the why is actually the Well, remember the why is actually the Well, remember the why is actually the who. who. who. People People People who need to experience and know the who need to experience and know the who need to experience and know the grace of God. So So who do we meet here?

grace of God. So So who do we meet here? grace of God. So So who do we meet here? Not in this building necessarily, but in Not in this building necessarily, but in Not in this building necessarily, but in the community that surrounds this the community that surrounds this the community that surrounds this church. church. church. If you were to draw a circle around this If you were to draw a circle around this If you were to draw a circle around this building, a 3-mile radius circle, you'd building, a 3-mile radius circle, you'd building, a 3-mile radius circle, you'd discover that there are a lot of people discover that there are a lot of people discover that there are a lot of people who live in that circle. 152,903 who live in that circle. 152,903 who live in that circle. 152,903 to be exact, at least according to the to be exact, at least according to the to be exact, at least according to the most recent census. Of those 152,903 most recent census. Of those 152,903 most recent census. Of those 152,903 people, the data says that 45% people, the data says that 45% people, the data says that 45% of them are white, 27% are Hispanic, 14% of them are white, 27% are Hispanic, 14% of them are white, 27% are Hispanic, 14% are black or African-American, 9% are are black or African-American, 9% are are black or African-American, 9% are Asian. Asian. Asian. Of the people who live in that circle, Of the people who live in that circle, Of the people who live in that circle, 50% of them are worried about caring for 50% of them are worried about caring for 50% of them are worried about caring for aging parents. aging parents. aging parents. 45% are concerned that they argue too 45% are concerned that they argue too 45% are concerned that they argue too much at home. much at home. much at home. 70% of us are concerned about our 70% of us are concerned about our 70% of us are concerned about our bodies, either our weight or our health. bodies, either our weight or our health. bodies, either our weight or our health. 67% of us are stressed out in some way. 67% of us are stressed out in some way. 67% of us are stressed out in some way. Inside the the homes that surround this Inside the the homes that surround this Inside the the homes that surround this church, our anxious hearts needing hope.

church, our anxious hearts needing hope. church, our anxious hearts needing hope. It wasn't accidental that Paul and Silas It wasn't accidental that Paul and Silas It wasn't accidental that Paul and Silas ended up outside the gate by the river ended up outside the gate by the river ended up outside the gate by the river in Philippi, in that region of in Philippi, in that region of in Philippi, in that region of Macedonia. God led them there, Macedonia. God led them there, Macedonia. God led them there, to that particular place and those to that particular place and those to that particular place and those particular people, so that particular people, so that particular people, so that one heart might be opened. one heart might be opened. one heart might be opened. So that one person's life might be So that one person's life might be So that one person's life might be changed. changed. changed. 66 years ago, God led the founding 66 years ago, God led the founding 66 years ago, God led the founding members of this church to this place. members of this church to this place. members of this church to this place. And we're here today for all the people And we're here today for all the people And we're here today for all the people in that circle to make sure that in that circle to make sure that in that circle to make sure that everyone who lives in the shadow of our everyone who lives in the shadow of our everyone who lives in the shadow of our steeple knows, steeple knows, steeple knows, experiences experiences experiences the good news about Jesus. That Jesus the good news about Jesus. That Jesus the good news about Jesus. That Jesus came into the world not to condemn the came into the world not to condemn the came into the world not to condemn the world, but to save the world. That Jesus world, but to save the world. That Jesus world, but to save the world. That Jesus came into the world not just to judge came into the world not just to judge came into the world not just to judge our sins, but to forgive our sins. our sins, but to forgive our sins. our sins, but to forgive our sins. So that we could be made whole. So that So that we could be made whole. So that So that we could be made whole. So that we could flourish in our relationship we could flourish in our relationship we could flourish in our relationship with God and with each other, so that with God and with each other, so that with God and with each other, so that the world we live in can be more like the world we live in can be more like the world we live in can be more like the world God intends for it to be.

Last week, when we were talking about Last week, when we were talking about the gifts of the Spirit, I gave you some the gifts of the Spirit, I gave you some the gifts of the Spirit, I gave you some homework. I asked you to do two things. homework. I asked you to do two things. homework. I asked you to do two things. Tell someone else what gift you see in Tell someone else what gift you see in Tell someone else what gift you see in them, and use your gift. Put your gift them, and use your gift. Put your gift them, and use your gift. Put your gift to work. to work. to work. I'm always tempted, when I give an I'm always tempted, when I give an I'm always tempted, when I give an assignment on Sunday morning the next assignment on Sunday morning the next assignment on Sunday morning the next week, to ask you to raise your hand if week, to ask you to raise your hand if week, to ask you to raise your hand if you did it. But I found that that's not you did it. But I found that that's not you did it. But I found that that's not helpful. And so don't worry about that. helpful. And so don't worry about that. helpful. And so don't worry about that. I'm just going to give you another I'm just going to give you another I'm just going to give you another opportunity opportunity opportunity to live out your faith this week. to live out your faith this week. to live out your faith this week. Another assignment. It's two things Another assignment. It's two things Another assignment. It's two things again. First, think local. again. First, think local. again. First, think local. And second, pray daily. And second, pray daily. And second, pray daily. Think local. This week, I I want you to Think local. This week, I I want you to Think local. This week, I I want you to think about the place where you live, think about the place where you live, think about the place where you live, your home. your home. your home. Wherever that is, perhaps perhaps that Wherever that is, perhaps perhaps that Wherever that is, perhaps perhaps that is a divine placement. is a divine placement. is a divine placement. There's certainly many places you could There's certainly many places you could There's certainly many places you could live in this world. Perhaps God put you live in this world. Perhaps God put you live in this world. Perhaps God put you in that place on purpose. in that place on purpose. in that place on purpose. So, think about where you live and then So, think about where you live and then So, think about where you live and then think about the people who live closest think about the people who live closest think about the people who live closest to you. I like to make lists. Maybe to you. I like to make lists. Maybe to you. I like to make lists. Maybe you'll make a list.

you'll make a list. you'll make a list. But, keep it small. If there are other But, keep it small. If there are other But, keep it small. If there are other people in your home, people in your home, people in your home, write down their names. write down their names. write down their names. If you know your neighbors, write their If you know your neighbors, write their If you know your neighbors, write their names. If you don't know their names names. If you don't know their names names. If you don't know their names yet, that's okay. Write down the people yet, that's okay. Write down the people yet, that's okay. Write down the people who live in the gray house. Make a map who live in the gray house. Make a map who live in the gray house. Make a map of your street. Whatever is helpful to of your street. Whatever is helpful to of your street. Whatever is helpful to you. Think about the people who live you. Think about the people who live you. Think about the people who live closest to you. closest to you. closest to you. And then pray daily. And then pray daily. And then pray daily. Pray every day this week for the people Pray every day this week for the people Pray every day this week for the people that God has put closest to you. that God has put closest to you. that God has put closest to you. For your kids who are scrolling on their For your kids who are scrolling on their For your kids who are scrolling on their phone in the next room. phone in the next room. phone in the next room. For your spouse who's working from home For your spouse who's working from home For your spouse who's working from home or mowing the lawn outside. For your or mowing the lawn outside. For your or mowing the lawn outside. For your neighbor who lives across the street. neighbor who lives across the street. neighbor who lives across the street. For the family next door. For all the For the family next door. For all the For the family next door. For all the houses on your block. It doesn't have to houses on your block. It doesn't have to houses on your block. It doesn't have to be a beautiful flowery prayer. be a beautiful flowery prayer. be a beautiful flowery prayer. Something simple. Lord, I pray for the Something simple. Lord, I pray for the Something simple. Lord, I pray for the family that lives in the brown brick family that lives in the brown brick family that lives in the brown brick house. house. house. I don't know their names, but you do. I don't know their names, but you do. I don't know their names, but you do. And I know that you love them. So, I I And I know that you love them. So, I I And I know that you love them. So, I I pray that you'll help me to love them, pray that you'll help me to love them, pray that you'll help me to love them, too.

too. too. Every day this week, pray for those Every day this week, pray for those Every day this week, pray for those people who are closest people who are closest people who are closest to you. to you. to you. And then see what happens. And then see what happens. And then see what happens. The point is not to save all the people The point is not to save all the people The point is not to save all the people in your neighborhood. The point's not to in your neighborhood. The point's not to in your neighborhood. The point's not to get them to change their lives. The get them to change their lives. The get them to change their lives. The point's not to start some new point's not to start some new point's not to start some new neighborhood initiative. No, the point neighborhood initiative. No, the point neighborhood initiative. No, the point from our story is much simpler. God from our story is much simpler. God from our story is much simpler. God wants to change one person's heart. wants to change one person's heart. wants to change one person's heart. One person. One person. One person. Maybe there's a divine appointment Maybe there's a divine appointment Maybe there's a divine appointment waiting for you. waiting for you. waiting for you. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. God, you are good and we know it. God, you are good and we know it. God, you are good and we know it. And we praise you for all the work that And we praise you for all the work that And we praise you for all the work that you are doing in our midst. you are doing in our midst. you are doing in our midst. We pray particularly for those people We pray particularly for those people We pray particularly for those people you've put closest to us. you've put closest to us. you've put closest to us. We pray that you will touch each of We pray that you will touch each of We pray that you will touch each of their hearts with your redeeming way their hearts with your redeeming way their hearts with your redeeming way with your redeeming love. with your redeeming love. with your redeeming love. And along the way, Lord, we pray that And along the way, Lord, we pray that And along the way, Lord, we pray that you will open our hearts too you will open our hearts too you will open our hearts too so that we can be made new in the image so that we can be made new in the image so that we can be made new in the image of your son filled with his compassion of your son filled with his compassion of your son filled with his compassion and care for all the world. It's in and care for all the world. It's in and care for all the world. It's in Jesus' name that we pray.

Jesus' name that we pray. Jesus' name that we pray. Amen.