An new encounter sermon
Here's a sample sermon on the topic of "New Encounters":
Title: "New Encounters: Embracing the Unexpected"
Text: John 4:4-26 (The Samaritan Woman at the Well)
Introduction:
Have you ever had one of those moments where you felt like your whole world was turned upside down? Maybe it was a sudden change in your job, a move to a new city, or a unexpected diagnosis. Whatever it was, it was like your whole routine was disrupted, and you were forced to adapt to a new reality.
As humans, we often prefer the familiar and the comfortable. We like to know what to expect and how things will turn out. But sometimes, God has other plans. He wants to take us on a journey of discovery, of growth, and of transformation. And that's exactly what happened to the Samaritan woman in today's passage.
The Story:
The Samaritan woman was a woman who had been living in the shadows. She had been married five times, and was currently living with a man who wasn't her husband. She was a woman who was used to being rejected and marginalized. But Jesus saw something in her that no one else did. He saw a woman who was worthy of love and respect.
As Jesus and the Samaritan woman encountered each other at the well, they had a conversation that would change her life forever. Jesus asked her for a drink, and she was surprised that a Jewish man would even speak to her. But Jesus wasn't just interested in her physical needs; he was interested in her spiritual needs.
The Message:
The message of this passage is that God is always looking for new encounters with us. He wants to meet us where we are, even if that means in the most unexpected places. He wants to speak to us, to listen to us, and to transform us.
But sometimes, we can be like the Samaritan woman, and we can be hesitant to open up to God. We can be afraid of being rejected or judged. But Jesus is not like that. He is a God of love and acceptance, and he wants to meet us where we are.
The Challenge:
So, what does this mean for us today? It means that we need to be open to new encounters with God. We need to be willing to step out of our comfort zones and to take risks. We need to be willing to listen to God's voice, even when it's hard to hear.
And when we do encounter God, we need to be willing to receive from him. We need to be willing to let him transform us, to heal us, and to set us free.
Conclusion:
The Samaritan woman's encounter with Jesus was a turning point in her life. It was a moment of transformation, of healing, and of freedom. And it can be the same for us. When we encounter God, we can experience a new sense of purpose, of direction, and of joy.
So, let's be open to new encounters with God. Let's be willing to take risks, to step out of our comfort zones, and to receive from him. And let's remember that God is always looking for us, always seeking us out, and always wanting to meet us where we are.
Prayer:
Dear God, we thank you for the opportunity to encounter you today. We ask that you would meet us where we are, and that you would transform us in the process. Help us to be open to your voice, and to receive from you. May we be willing to take risks, to step out of our comfort zones, and to follow you wherever you lead. Amen.