Read
John 4:31-38 – 31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
Ephesians 6:18-20 – 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Colossians 4:2-4 – 2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
PONDER
Consider the promise of Jesus: the fields are white for harvest, and fruit is being gathered for eternal life. Is your food to do the will of the one who sent you?
Meditate on the mystery of the gospel of Christ: in Him, sinful man is made holy. In Him, we go from death in sin, condemned already, to new life, transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son. Let this reality lead you to worship!
PRAY
- Father, we know that you are the Savior of the world. Open our eyes to see the fields are white for harvest.
- Father, give us the words to boldly proclaim the mystery of the gospel.
- Father, open doors for us to declare Christ to those around us—to our neighbors and to the nations.
- Father, as we study your Word, may we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing, may we have life in His name.
- Father, prepare me to gather with my church and worship you. You are worthy! To you be the glory!
Sing: Listen to this week’s songs on Spotify
Sing: Songs for Holy Week on Spotify
PRactice
Gather! 9:30 or 11:00am. Purpose your heart to read, sing, pray, and give to worship the Lord and spur on your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Leading up to Easter, pursue Go Moments. Look for opportunities to share the truth of the resurrection, and invite others to believe and live in Jesus.
Learn more about opportunities for Neighbors and Nations.
5 Practices for Gathering Well:
- Be Present – The first step to gathering well: Gather!
- Be Early – Prioritize the gathering with your time. Don’t be late. The practical discipleship of this priority can be profound for you and your family.
- Be Prepared – Ponder, pray, sing, fast, and praise are all good ways to prepare.
- Be Uncomfortable – Sit with different people. Sing loud. Challenge routines. Gather on mission.
- Be Responsive – Don’t just be hearers of the Word, be doers. Pray. Ponder. Practice. Too often we gather to affirm what we already hold, rather than be taught, rebuked, corrected, or trained in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Gather to be transformed.
- Get help and accountability in Prepare Sundays at either 9:30 or 11:00 downstairs in the adult hall. Prepare is a Go Study Group aimed to help us grow as doers of the Word by working through the next steps required to faithfully apply the biblical text we’re reading and preaching through at TCBC.