Community - A Series #5: Yield Ahead (Guided by the Holy Spirit)

The following is a summary of not only the series of topics, but the final topic on yielding ahead. Tonight we summarize and conclude, but also capstone to our understanding and concluding with yielding to the Holy Spirit.

Introduction to the Series on Community.

As we conclude this five-part series in September 2025, we reflect upon the fundamental question that has motivated our discussions: "Who are we?" This inquiry is pivotal as we explore our identity within the church community, often referred to by the Greek term “Ek-kla-sia.” This term, which translates to "assembly" and links back to the Hebrew roots of Ecclesiastes, encapsulates the beauty of our gathering as the body of Christ. 

Throughout this series, we have delved deeply into the concepts of community, fellowship, and ministry, striving to fully immerse ourselves in the teachings of the Bible. Today, we focus our attention on yielding to the Holy Spirit, culminating in a broader understanding of what God wishes to achieve in us and through us. As we engage in this final discussion, let us not only ponder our roles but also our responsibilities within the body of Christ, united as one despite our diverse functions.

Understanding Koinonia: The Essence of Fellowship.

One of the central themes of today’s discussion is “Koinonia,” which embodies the idea of fellowship within the Christian context. As we further engage with this biblical terminology, we enhance our understanding of how the early church operated and what this means for our current church interaction. Koinonia is not merely about social interaction; rather, it speaks to a deep and abiding communion among believers, reflecting our mutual commitment to each other and to Christ. 

The “One Another” Passages

To illustrate this, we revisited the “one another” passages that are prevalent in Scripture—over 100 verses that articulate how we should relate to one another in love, support, and accountability. These passages serve as a directive from Scripture and guide us toward a robust expression of community life.

In Romans 12:4-5, we find a profound illustration of this idea:

"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (NIV).

This encapsulates the essence of our identity and purpose: we are not solitary individuals, but rather intertwined parts of a larger body, dependent on each other to accomplish the ministry of the church.

Reflections on Community at LWC (Lancaster Wesleyan Church)

At LWC, we must continually ask ourselves: “What could God do in us and through us if we let Him?” This probing question reminds us that the church is not just a building or a weekly gathering but a dynamic community with immense potential. It challenges us to consider how we can maximize our collective abilities to serve God's purposes.

Embracing our Community's Potential

Realizing the potential of our community means understanding that in God’s Kingdom, mediocrity is not acceptable; rather, we are called to strive for excellence in our faith, in our witness, and in our knowledge of the Word. The question is not just about capability, but how we apply the truths of the Gospel in our daily lives as believers. What does God expect from each of us, both individually and collectively?

Yielding Ahead: Submission to the Holy Spirit

As we delve into this week’s theme, Yielding Ahead, it becomes crucial to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Yielding can be defined as a state of submission that leads us to discover God's will for our lives. 

The Call to Yield

Yielding means being watchful and prepared for God’s leading. In Ecclesiastes 12:12-14, we read the final counsel of the Teacher: 

 "Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad." 

This charge is a vital reminder that our faith must translate into action, characterized by obedience to God's directives. This Week 5 focuses on the concept of “submission” as a delightful act of surrendering to the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Living as the Body of Christ: Practical Steps

In this concluding session, we will expand upon previously discussed themes while solidifying our identity within Christ's body. Each week's sermon has contributed to a mosaic of understanding regarding living in community for Christ’s sake, illustrating our roles and responsibilities. 

1. Stronger Together - Christ & Others

The concept of community in the church reminds us that we are “stronger than I but not stronger than One.” This acknowledgment is encapsulated in the phrase “A triple-braided cord is not easily broken” from Ecclesiastes 4:12:

 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

- Christ as our Cornerstone: He is our foundation, the chief cornerstone upon which our faith is built.

- Others as Fellow Believers: Our relationship with one another enables mutual support and encouragement to fulfill God’s mission.

2. Manna and Ministry

In the notion of Manna, we dive into God’s provision, a testament to His faithfulness even when we stray from His will. As Ecclesiastes 5:16-17 notes:

 "And this, too, is a very serious problem. People leave this world no better off than when they came. All their hard work is for nothing—like working for the wind. Throughout their lives, they live under a cloud—frustrated, discouraged, and angry."

God provides for our needs through the gift of Koinonia, manifesting in ministry—our ability to serve and share God’s love with others.

3. Unity in Diversity

Unity is not synonymous with uniformity. Being neighborly necessitates an acceptance of our differences as we work toward the common goal of glorifying God together. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 reminds us:

 "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

By standing united, we model God's love to a world in desperate need of hope.

4. Intercession and Truth

A vibrant community engages in intercession, praying fervently for one another and our shared mission, embodying the role of Christ to intercede on behalf of others. As Ecclesiastes 8:14 states:

 "And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless!"

Truth, the unchanging foundation of our faith, guides our actions and our witness in the world around us.

The Empowering Role of the Holy Spirit 

In Ephesians 5:21, we find the directive to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This invitation to mutual submission highlights the empowering nature of the Holy Spirit in leading our community life, guiding us toward unity and love, as we seek to honor God through our actions.

Awakened to the Light

Living in the spiritual power of the Holy Spirit means actively discerning the will of God. Ephesians 5:8-16 emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and understanding God’s purpose for our lives:

 "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."

As we navigate our daily interactions, we must be mindful of how we reflect the light of Christ to others. Understanding what pleases the Lord influences how we engage in community life.

Conclusion: Yielding Ahead in Faith

As we wrap up our series, let us take to heart the overall theme and task of yielding ahead. To yield means to embrace mutual submission to one another and to always seek God’s will. This journey involves:

- Being cautious in our prayers and asking God to guide us.

- Prioritizing temperance in how we engage with the world.

- Using our testimonies to highlight God’s faithfulness.

We further gain understanding from the word, Oikonomia. This is a word that means God‘s economy and household management. It is a term that we find in Jeremiah 29:7 that tells us that we should pray and work for the prosperity of the nation of which we are exiles. God promised that he would deliver, but that he would also continue to bless even in the midst of disobedience in captivity. This is this true for us today, as it was for them when they entered into Babylon. We need to work for the prosperity and welfare of the nation. It is God‘s economy since he owns everything.

Take, for example when my children were young. I took them to McDonald’s and when we sat down to eat, I took two of their fries. They protested, of course, to which I reminded them that I purchased that meal, including the fries. They insisted and said it was theirs. They had not realized that I provided them with what they had. It’s a lesson that often we forget.  God owns everything and we are simply stewards of the resources given to us.

Let us commit to living out our identity as a community that glorifies Him. 

In Ephesians 3:20-21, we are reminded of God’s infinite ability to accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine:

 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

We are called to yield ahead, ready to embrace what God has in store for us as individuals and as a church community. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to Him, leaning on the Holy Spirit for guidance as we walk together into the future.

Why Story … STILL … Matters!

It is through parable that Jesus taught! Deeply instilled into the understanding of Jesus are many parables. Jesus used illustration in nearly every opportunity he had to tell about his mission, purpose, and principles for living. Even miracles became an illustration that helped unveil for the world and us today about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Story STILL matters. (Emphasis added.) 

It is very important for story you’ll be a part of the witness of the gospel. People can relate to story because they can see themselves in relevant ways. To tell us story gives the listener the ability to imagine and vision in their own minds as well as to find themselves connected through emotion and personal experiences.

Whether we’re trying to get our point across or simply trying to convey a message, story must underpin the very concept of our message. Whether preaching or teaching or making a presentation, story must be included. It goes beyond, just simply an illustration, but it does include the capacity for a listener to better understand the message you are trying to communicate.

Those in marketing know this. Those that popularize the streaming movie platforms and even social media no the value of human connection through story. 

So it’s here when I need to pause and give you time to reflect through a story. 

Having served in several ministries, I am always amazed at how God chooses to work in the lives of others. Thankfully, I get to be able to witness the incredible and miraculous of those who have found Jesus right in front of me.

In my jail ministry, I was witness to God’s grace In an inmate who was held in jail pending charges and trial with the shooting of a police officer. At the trial, the officers testified that he was off duty, yet, he identified  himself as a policeman. The inmate prisoner was seated right in front of him. The officers stated that the gun was fired during the struggle. 

The officer, though seriously injured was not killed. Nevertheless, his injuries left him a paraplegic. His inability to walk made life very difficult. Yet, neither one of the men knew Jesus at the time of the altercation but, God was doing a spiritual work in both of their lives. The young man who was on trial and seated in my class at the jail found Jesus for the first time and was growing dramatically both in my class and became a leader as he defended his case in the courts. He was not trying to get out of the responsibility of the officers injury, yet, he was hoping that he would be able to tell his story to others about God‘s grace.

When it came to the court case and trial, the Lord was working in the officers part as well. Even though the police officer would never walk again, he felt that when he came to God and his life was transformed that he should forgive the inmate. In fact, not only did he forgive, but he became a witness for the defense of the inmate. He testified that he could learn to forgive, and that part of the situation that happened was the result of a deliberate decision on his part to wrestle with housing, his own injury.

As a result of the testimony of the officer, the inmate received a lighter sentence. The police officer and the inmate  became friends. Both of them came to realize that it was God‘s grace that saved their soul. Circumstances that led up to both a prison sentence and a permanent disability was for God‘s glory, and through that circumstance, they both became followers of Jesus Christ.

Story theme remains, like a thread, woven throughout each experience we have. God proves that He can redeem even the most difficult of experiences. It is in that redemption that we find a new purpose and meaning to our story.

Nevertheless, I learned that story is primarily how people connect. Details are crucial in building a better citizen and cultivating hope in my faith. Although moving stories connect, trust must be established to maintain the repeatable experiences. As I met with my objectives, I remember those who stood out were remembered longer!

What is the point if this article? 

All of us have a story and all of us can tell a story. It’s remarkable to think that with all of the technology and information that we have, a simple story conveys more to the heart and mind that any amount of information could.

Story matters because it is transformational, not just informational. Story matters because it is filled with emotion and if told correctly will leave the experience into the very be of those who read it or even see it in a film or drama production.

I encourage everyone to look for a redemptive thread in their story. Something that God is willing to do or is working toward no matter the hardship and difficulty or drama of your personal experience.

It is in your story, but you can give testimony. Story STILL matters. While we have facts and figures, it is in story that we come to a deeper understanding both emotionally and intellectually. Story is transformational not just informational. Story is inspirational.

Community - A Series #4: Intercession & Truth

As we delve into the fourth part of our series on community, it’s essential to remember that our journey is rooted in understanding and expressing our identity as the Body of Christ. This week, we explore two crucial themes: intercession and truth. In a world that often sidesteps genuine relationships and real commitments, this message challenges us to refocus on our responsibilities to one another and to God. 

We will come to understand what it means to be a united community as we nurture a spirit of intercession through prayer and reflect on the profound importance of truthfulness both in our interactions and through our prayers. Intercession, as we will discover, is more than simply praying for others; it's about aligning our prayers with God's will and engaging in sincere, honest relationships. 

Who Are We? Understanding Our Identity

The Greek term "ek-kla-sia," which translates to "assembly" or "church," serves as a reminder of our calling as a community. As we seek to define who we are, let’s first reflect on what it means to be part of the ekklesia. It’s about more than membership; it’s about identity, belonging, and responsibility toward one another. The gathering of believers emphasizes fellowship, known in Greek as "koinonia." 

Koinonia represents the concept of sharing life together and building each other up in faith. It’s a faith that calls us not only to come together but to actively support one another in grace and love, embodying the essence of Christ's teachings. Thus, understanding koinonia offers insights into how we should interact as a community, providing a framework for our relationships based on love, vulnerability, and accountability.

The Importance of Unity

The Bible teaches us that “for just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4-5 NIV). This unity is crucial for us as a community at LWC (Lancaster Wesleyan Church). We achieve collective strength when we enrich one another through our unique giftings and experiences.

Unity is not a call to uniformity; rather, it's an invitation to embrace our differences while being centered in Christ’s love. As we explore unity’s implications, we must engage in dialogue on how we can maximize our community's potential. What could God do in us and through us if we align ourselves with His purpose?

A Biblical Framework for Intercession

Intercession is not merely about presenting our needs but rather praying on behalf of others and seeking divine alignment with God’s will. Throughout Scripture, we witness the power of prayer. Jesus often prayed for others, interceding for His disciples, the sick, and those lost in sin. His example challenges us to adopt a similar posture towards each other—in both our individual and collective prayers.

As James states, “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). This power is available to us, and we must act upon it. When we intercede for one another, we take on the spiritual role of advocates, carrying each other’s burdens. We strive to be a community that genuinely seeks the welfare of one another and honors God in the process.

The Role of Truth in Our Community

Throughout the Bible, the theme of truth resonates deeply. In John 8:31-41, Jesus speaks about the freedom that truth provides. As believers, we are called to embrace and share the truth—not only within our community but also with the world. 

Understanding truth means acknowledging our need for a firm grounding in God's Word. The wisdom found in Ecclesiastes reminds us of the futility of human existence without God. Conversely, where truth thrives, our community flourishes. 

Intercessory prayer and truth-telling work in tandem—they fuel each other. As we commit to prayer, we open doors for God’s truth to permeate our lives and community. Truth governs our speech, shaping how we interact with one another. When we embrace honesty—both with ourselves and others—it cultivates a culture of trust that is vital for the health of our community.

Practical Applications of Intercession and Truth

Cultivating Honest Relationships

In cultivating honest relationships, we must embrace vulnerability. This starts with being truthful in our communication and foregoing any tendency to sugarcoat our realities. When we share our struggles and victories with one another, we create an environment where people feel safe to be themselves, fostering deeper connections. 

Engaging in Intercessory Prayer

To practice intercessory prayer, we can implement simple yet impactful actions within our community:

1. Prayer Groups: Organize small groups that dedicate time specifically to pray for each other’s needs, sharing insights and testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

2. Designated Prayer Times: Create regular times—be they weekly or monthly—when members of the community gather to pray for one another, the church, and broader societal issues.

3. Prayer Chain: Create a method for members to request prayer and stay informed about each other’s spiritual and physical challenges.

Theological Insights into Intercession and Truth

We can find rich insights across biblical texts, including Ecclesiastes and the letters of James. In Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, maintaining a reverent posture before God is highlighted; we are reminded to listen more than we speak when we approach God in prayer. 

Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus’ teachings illustrate how abiding in Him and His truth sets us free. This theme underscores the transformative power of truth within our community, reminding us to engage with God’s Word earnestly. 

Conclusion

As we conclude this exploration of intercession and truth, I encourage you to reflect on two essential questions: “How can I contribute to the unity of our community?” and “In what ways can I live out a commitment to intercession and truth?”

While we are all individual members, our strength lies in our unity. The collective impact of prayer and truth-telling stands to transcend our individual contributions, leading to a vibrant, thriving community that glorifies God. 

Let us come together as we move forward, believing that our shared commitment to intercession, truth, and unity will foster an abundant harvest for His Kingdom. 

— Pick up the next article as I conclude the lessons of this series, as we dive deeper into yielding ahead in our faith journey. Together, we will uncover God’s incredible plans for us as a community. We will explore this in the next article.