Embracing the Unexpected: The Holy Spirit's Call

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to have you here at Shepherds Community United Methodist Church. Today, we discussed the importance of being open to the unexpected ways the Holy Spirit works in our lives and communities. We began with some announcements about upcoming events, including our "Ask a Pastor Anything" Sunday, a garden workday, a chili cook-off, and the annual Methodist conference. We also welcomed Katrina, our summer pastoral intern from Yale Divinity School.

Our main focus today was on Acts 11, where Peter receives a vision that challenges his understanding of who is considered clean and unclean. This passage teaches us that the Holy Spirit often calls the least likely among us to fulfill God's purposes. Peter's willingness to set aside his assumptions and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance opened the door for the Gentiles to receive the Gospel, radically expanding the reach of God's love.

We explored how the church has historically placed barriers around who is considered worthy of God's love and how the Holy Spirit continually breaks down these walls. From the early church's inclusion of Gentiles to modern examples like the acceptance of women in ministry and the use of contemporary worship elements, the Holy Spirit calls us to be open and inclusive.

We also discussed the importance of welcoming all people into our church community, even when it leads to awkward silences or challenges our comfort zones. True welcome requires us to be willing to learn from others and to create spaces where questions can be asked and experiences shared. If we fully open our doors, we will witness an overwhelming harvest of souls eager to experience God's love.

Finally, we were reminded that the Holy Spirit believes in us and has entrusted us with the mission to transform our neighborhood and beyond. Our calling is not to the obvious or the expected but to those who have been rejected by the church. By expecting the Holy Spirit to call the least likely, we can make a significant impact in our community and the world.

### Key Takeaways

1. Expect the Unexpected from the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit often calls the least likely among us to fulfill God's purposes. Just as Peter was called to minister to the Gentiles, we must be open to the unexpected ways the Holy Spirit works in our lives and communities. This openness can lead to transformative experiences and broaden the reach of God's love. [34:07]

2. Radical Inclusion: The church must strive to welcome all people genuinely, without hidden asterisks or fine print. True inclusion requires effort and a willingness to embrace awkward silences and learn from others' experiences. By fully opening our doors, we can witness an overwhelming harvest of souls eager to experience God's love. [42:03]

3. Breaking Down Barriers: Historically, the church has placed barriers around who is considered worthy of God's love. The Holy Spirit continually breaks down these walls, calling us to be open and inclusive. From the early church's inclusion of Gentiles to modern examples like the acceptance of women in ministry, we must follow the Holy Spirit's lead in breaking down barriers. [46:31]

4. The Holy Spirit Believes in Us: The Holy Spirit has entrusted us with the mission to transform our neighborhood and beyond. Just as the Holy Spirit believed in Peter, the Holy Spirit believes in Shepherds Community United Methodist Church. We are called to make a significant impact in our community by expecting the Holy Spirit to call the least likely. [52:14]

5. Action Steps for the Congregation: We are encouraged to pray for the unexpected to happen in our church and neighborhood. Additionally, we should be on the lookout for new inroads for the Holy Spirit to move through us. By finding new ways for the Holy Spirit to work, we can make the kingdom of God come and dwell among us. [55:03]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[17:41] - Announcements
[30:02] - Introduction to the Sermon
[34:07] - Expect the Holy Spirit to Call the Least Likely
[42:03] - Radical Inclusion and Welcoming All
[46:31] - Breaking Down Barriers
[52:14] - The Holy Spirit Believes in Us
[55:03] - Action Steps for the Congregation
[58:27] - Closing Prayer and Communion
[01:05:10] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Acts 11:1-18

#### Observation Questions
1. What vision did Peter receive in Acts 11, and how did it challenge his understanding of who is considered clean and unclean? ([35:05])
2. How did Peter's willingness to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance impact the Gentiles? ([36:08])
3. What were some of the historical barriers the church placed around who is considered worthy of God's love, as mentioned in the sermon? ([46:31])
4. What does the phrase "never consider unclean what God has made pure" mean in the context of Acts 11 and the sermon? ([47:03])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Peter's vision in Acts 11 illustrate the unexpected ways the Holy Spirit works? ([34:07])
2. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of radical inclusion in the church today? ([42:03])
3. How can the church today break down barriers similar to those faced by the early church in Acts 11? ([46:31])
4. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit believes in us and has entrusted us with a mission, according to the sermon? ([52:14])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the Holy Spirit working in an unexpected way in your life. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([34:07])
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for radical inclusion. How can you personally contribute to making your church a more inclusive community? ([42:03])
3. Think about a barrier you have seen in the church that prevents people from feeling welcomed. What steps can you take to help break down that barrier? ([46:31])
4. The sermon mentions the importance of welcoming all people, even when it leads to awkward silences. How can you prepare yourself to handle such situations with grace and openness? ([42:35])
5. The Holy Spirit believes in us and has given us a mission. What specific actions can you take this week to make a positive impact in your neighborhood or community? ([52:14])
6. The sermon encourages us to pray for the unexpected to happen in our church and neighborhood. What specific prayers can you offer this week to invite the Holy Spirit to move in new ways? ([55:03])
7. Identify a new inroad for the Holy Spirit to work through you. How can you actively pursue this opportunity in the coming days? ([55:42])

Devotional

Day 1: Expect the Unexpected from the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit often calls the least likely among us to fulfill God's purposes. Just as Peter was called to minister to the Gentiles, we must be open to the unexpected ways the Holy Spirit works in our lives and communities. This openness can lead to transformative experiences and broaden the reach of God's love. Peter's vision in Acts 11 challenged his understanding of who was considered clean and unclean, teaching us that God's love knows no boundaries. By setting aside our assumptions and being receptive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can witness the miraculous and unexpected ways God works through us. [34:07]

Acts 11:5-9 (ESV): "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. Looking at it closely, I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’"

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt unqualified or unlikely to be used by God. How can you open yourself to the possibility that the Holy Spirit might be calling you to step into that role?

Day 2: Radical Inclusion
The church must strive to welcome all people genuinely, without hidden asterisks or fine print. True inclusion requires effort and a willingness to embrace awkward silences and learn from others' experiences. By fully opening our doors, we can witness an overwhelming harvest of souls eager to experience God's love. This means creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard, even if it challenges our comfort zones. Radical inclusion is about breaking down barriers and extending God's love to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. [42:03]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt excluded or unwelcome. How can you ensure that others do not feel the same way in your church community?

Day 3: Breaking Down Barriers
Historically, the church has placed barriers around who is considered worthy of God's love. The Holy Spirit continually breaks down these walls, calling us to be open and inclusive. From the early church's inclusion of Gentiles to modern examples like the acceptance of women in ministry, we must follow the Holy Spirit's lead in breaking down barriers. This involves challenging long-held beliefs and practices that exclude others and embracing a more inclusive approach that reflects God's boundless love. [46:31]

Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

Reflection: Identify a barrier in your own life or church community that prevents others from experiencing God's love. What steps can you take to break down this barrier?

Day 4: The Holy Spirit Believes in Us
The Holy Spirit has entrusted us with the mission to transform our neighborhood and beyond. Just as the Holy Spirit believed in Peter, the Holy Spirit believes in Shepherds Community United Methodist Church. We are called to make a significant impact in our community by expecting the Holy Spirit to call the least likely. This mission requires faith, courage, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to reach those who have been rejected by the church. [52:14]

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV): "For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: Think about a person or group in your community that has been overlooked or rejected. How can you reach out to them and show them God's love?

Day 5: Action Steps for the Congregation
We are encouraged to pray for the unexpected to happen in our church and neighborhood. Additionally, we should be on the lookout for new inroads for the Holy Spirit to move through us. By finding new ways for the Holy Spirit to work, we can make the kingdom of God come and dwell among us. This involves being proactive in seeking opportunities to serve and minister to others, and being open to the surprising and transformative ways the Holy Spirit might lead us. [55:03]

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What is one new way you can allow the Holy Spirit to work through you this week? How can you be more attentive to the unexpected opportunities God places in your path?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Holiness and God's goodness cannot be contained and it cannot be controlled. Answering our calling requires us to be comfortable with the wildfire of God's love." [30:39]( | | )

2. "The wildfire of the Holy Spirit is meant to consume the world. This isn't some sort of small little sect that we get to keep for ourselves, a small little movement that we get to hold in our church, on our property. It is a wildfire meant to consume the world. May we always expect the Holy Spirit to call the least likely." [39:40]( | | )

3. "If the church is willing to fully open her doors, our reward will be an overwhelming harvest. You see, the church has created this sort of energy, this sort of reputation as one that is welcoming with asterisks, welcoming with subtext. If we could fully open our doors, and welcome all, you'd be amazed at what the Holy Spirit would bring." [44:08]( | | )

4. "Never consider unclean what God has made pure. So my tattoos, the drums, the guitar, you know, anything else pretty much here, was considered unclean and God has made it pure." [47:03]( | | )

5. "Our calling is not to the obvious or the expected. It is to those who have been rejected by the church. Our calling is not to the obvious or the expected, the easy road. It is our job, our to offer a radical welcome. May we always expect the Holy Spirit to call the least likely." [54:34]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "To follow Christ. To be a part of a powerful movement leading towards the world changing. Christianity for a long, long time has been something nice and polite. Doesn't want to bother. Doesn't want to make a fuss. But if we look at Scripture, that's not what Christ came to do. That's not what the Holy Spirit does. The church exists to change our neighborhood." [32:18]( | | )

2. "If the church stops finding new ways folks are unclean, they would be able to see the way the Holy Spirit has made them new. There's no way Saul could be redeemed. Thomas, write him off. Mary Magdalene, she's crazy. And yet the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit made them new. And may we always expect the Holy Spirit to call the least likely." [50:29]( | | )

3. "Friends, sit up. The Holy Spirit believes in us. We're the ones. We're the ones that have been entrusted with this welcome, with this gospel, with this hope. And may we always expect the Holy Spirit to call the least likely. Friends, this church will save this neighborhood." [52:53]( | | )

4. "What would it look like if we were a church that was willing to learn from experiences of people who look, feel, and act different than we do, that maybe have been hurt by the church, maybe have been hurt by people that were calling themselves the church? What if we could learn from those people? What would it look like? Well, let me tell you, if the church is willing to fully open her doors, our reward will be an overwhelming harvest." [43:38]( | | )

5. "The Holy Spirit believes in shepherds. The Holy Spirit believes in this church. The Holy Spirit believes in this church so much that the Holy Spirit has given us this neighborhood, has given us these 10 acres, this community that we can love. Beyond that, the Holy Spirit believes in shepherds so much, the Holy Spirit is sending us across town to Highland City, giving us a new campus and a new community, a new neighborhood to love." [52:14]( | | )

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?