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The time has come: restrictions are dropping off and many churches are beginning to meet together again. Now the question becomes: what's next?
We can't simply go on with business as usual when a pandemic still rages all over the world and people continue to suffer. We are the Church - it's our job to meet people where they are and equip them for a time such as this. At Igniter, we want to help you prepare gatherings that will strengthen, encourage, and challenge your congregation, so we've provided a few sermon series ideas that we hope will inspire you as you begin to plan for the summer.
TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS
Without question, this is the greatest widespread hardship the world has seen in a long time. The degree of physical illness, financial destruction, and mental distress that people are experiencing simultaneously is nothing short of tragic. The Church and those around us need to hear of the hope we have in the midst of trouble. We need to be reminded of how God's Word has guided us to respond, and we need to be comforted by the truth that He is near to the brokenhearted.
Some Scripture to consider:
James 1:2-4, 12 - We can and should rejoice in the midst of trouble.
Romans 8:18-30 - There is hope for our future; our current pain can't compare to our promised good in Christ.
John 16:33 - This is not a surprise to God, nor is it greater than Him.
Psalm 34 - God is near, He hears our cries, and He delivers His people.
Sermon series ideas:
CHURCH IDENTITY
Having been apart for a few months, the idea of "church" has really begun to change. But the Church itself—the bride of Christ—is the same as it always has been. The purpose and character of the Church is immovable. It was established long before our present circumstance and it will carry through until Christ returns in glory. Our identity as God's people never changes, and now is a great time to re-up with our people on who we, the Church, are called to be.
Some Scripture to Consider:
Colossians 1:18 - We are not a building, but a body under the headship of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:16 - We (every believer) are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:42-47 - We are unified, generous, and grateful as we serve God and others; He brings good fruit from our work.
Colossians 3:15-17 - We teach, admonish, and worship together to grow in Christlikeness.
Matthew 28:19-20 - We are ministers of the gospel.
Matthew 5:14 - We are a city on a hill, sent to spread the light of Christ to a dark world.
Sermon series ideas:
FEAR & ANXIETY
In response to worldwide suffering, many people's instinct is to become fearful. Even those who know Christ often fall into anxious thoughts and fear-based living—this can become my bent all too easily. We are all capable of forgetting the promises and commands of God when we are tested by hardship. So this is a perfect time to preach them to the hearts of those who are struggling and those surrounded by others who are struggling.
Some Scripture to Consider:
Isaiah 41:10 - There is nothing to fear. God is our strength, our help, and our hope in trouble.
Philippians 4:6-7 - God commands us to seek Him in prayer & gratitude when we are tempted to be anxious.
Joshua 1:9 - Believers should be the most courageous people on earth; we have God's power and presence with us!
Psalm 23 - We have a good Shepherd who is for us; we don't have to fear even in the valley.
Sermon series ideas
SERVING OTHERS
Part of being God's Church is the call to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Our opportunity to be a light by stepping into people's pain is tremendous today. There are needs everywhere, and the more we can meet them, the more we can show a watching world the love of God. If you have already had the chance to comfort and encourage your congregation with hope, now might be the time to challenge them to step out and serve others!
Some Scripture to Consider:
Mark 10:44-45 - We are called to live by Christ's example of servanthood.
1 Peter 4:10-11 - God has given us skills to steward for the sake of others.
Galatians 5:13-14 - The freedom we have in Christ is not to be used for selfish gain, but for selfless service.
Matthew 25:35-40 - We should care for the needs of those around us as if Christ Himself is the one we are serving.
1 John 3:18 - Love does not just speak, it acts; love your "neighbor" with action!
Sermon series ideas:
THE PROBLEM OF PAIN
Believers (and many unbelievers) tend to react in one of two ways when suffering hits: either they draw nearer to God for help, or they begin to doubt his goodness. When so many people are hurting, it's easy to ask the question: "If God is sovereign and good, why does he allow pain?" This is a significant moment for the doubter; addressing such concerns head-on may be the most loving thing to do in this time. Even if many in your church body are not wrestling with this question, they certainly know someone who is, and would greatly benefit from being equipped to have conversations on the topic.
Some Scripture to Consider:
Genesis 3:17-19 - Brokenness & pain originated with the sin of Adam & Eve.
Romans 5:3-5 - God uses suffering to make us holy.
James 1:2-4 - God brings good fruit from our pain.
Romans 8:32 - God is not withholding good from us.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 - God is restraining the work of the Enemy and will later destroy it altogether.
2 Peter 3:9 - God is not slow to fulfill his promises.
Sermon series ideas:
BONUS:
SOMETHING A LITTLE LIGHTER
A lot of these are really heavy topics—which is totally appropriate, given the circumstances. Maybe you want to tackle them, but want to take a lighthearted approach this summer. Here are a few more open-ended sermon series that will allow you to frame things however you want. Plus, they're kinda fun.
Sermon series ideas:
Whatever it is you're trying to communicate this summer (or the rest of the year), we have hundreds of sermon series collections and thousands of title graphics designed specifically to support you in it. Looking for something a little different than these? We probably have something that will fit.
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