LWC SERMON GUIDE

Scriptures to Read and Ponder

Isaiah 61:1–4 – The Spirit-anointed Messiah’s mission and His people’s calling to rebuild ruins.
Luke 4:16–19 – Jesus reads Isaiah 61, launching His ministry as His manifesto.
John 20:19–22 – The resurrected Jesus breathes on His disciples: “As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.”

1 Corinthians 4:20 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
Nehemiah 2:17 – “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.”
Nehemiah 3:28 – “Each repaired the wall in front of his own house.”

Coventry Cathedral was reduced to ruins in 1940, yet the Provost, Richard Howard, chose forgiveness over vengeance.
He formed a cross from two burned nails and inscribed “Father, forgive” — not “forgive them,” but a confession of shared human brokenness.
From that ruin came the Centre for Reconciliation, still active today.
Key truth: Restoration and reconciliation are not born in comfort — they are born in ashes.

Jesus made it His custom to gather weekly in worship and Scripture.
Out of 27,000 Old Testament verses, He chose Isaiah 61 to define His mission.
His ministry combined teaching and power — “not a matter of talk but of power.”
His manifesto declared:
- Proclamation — Good news to the poor
- Healing — Binding the brokenhearted
- Freedom — Release for captives
- Comfort — For those who mourn
- Transformation — Beauty for ashes, praise for despair

Isaiah spoke to a Jerusalem in ruins — smoke, silence, and sorrow.
Yet he saw a coming King, the Messiah (the Anointed One), who would restore what was lost.
Pastor John shared personally:
“Since Christmas 1993, Jesus has been binding my shattered heart, announcing good news in my darkest hours, and exchanging my ashes for a crown of beauty.”
Grace has no expiration date. What Jesus has done in one life, He can do in all.

In verse 4, the text shifts from “Me” to “They.”
The restored now become restorers:
- The healed become healers.
- The comforted become comforters.
- The redeemed become rebuilders.
The Church continues the Messiah’s mission — we are now the hands and feet of Isaiah 61.

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to fearful disciples and said:
“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.”
Then He breathed on them, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
This was not a comfort moment — it was a transfer of anointing.
The same Spirit that anointed Jesus now anoints His Church.

“The Holy Spirit was given not to make the Church comfortable, but to make the Church contagious.”

Nehemiah saw Jerusalem in ruins and called the people:
“Come, let us rebuild.”
He didn’t wait for professionals — he invited participants.
Each family repaired “the section of wall in front of their own house.”
Likewise, we may not rebuild Gibraltar overnight, but we can rebuild what’s in front of us:
- Heal family relationships.
- Restore dignity at work.
- Bring hope to your street.
- Comfort a neighbour quietly breaking inside.

The same Spirit that anointed Jesus in Nazareth now rests on His people in Gibraltar.
We are anointed to rebuild lives, families, and the moral ruins of our culture.
The message is simple:

They will rebuild. They will restore. They will renew. And the “they,” my friend, is you.

“Restoration and reconciliation are not born in comfort — they are born in the ashes.”
“The healed become healers. The comforted become comforters. The restored become restorers.”
“Grace doesn’t have an expiration date.”
“The Holy Spirit was given not to make the Church comfortable, but to make the Church contagious.”
“Start with the section of wall in front of your own house.”
“The same Spirit that anointed Jesus in Nazareth now anoints His people in Gibraltar.”

Ashes to Beauty: Where do you see ruins — in your own life, relationships, or community — that God might be calling you to rebuild?
Jesus’ Custom: What healthy spiritual customs (worship, prayer, gathering) do you need to re-establish in your rhythm?
Your Isaiah 61 Calling: Which part of Jesus’ mission — proclaiming, healing, freeing, comforting — resonates most with your life right now?
The Handover: What does it mean for you personally to be “sent” as Jesus was sent?
Empowered Living: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit’s power this week, not just your words?
Nehemiah’s Strategy: What is “the wall in front of your house”? What small step can you take this week to rebuild?
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Where might God be calling you to write “Father, forgive” over pain or conflict in your life?

Thanksgiving and Vision
- Father, thank You for turning ruins into testimonies. Give us eyes to see where You are already rebuilding in Gibraltar.
Fresh Anointing
- Jesus, breathe on us again. Fill us with Your Spirit so we can proclaim good news and bring hope where there is despair.
Personal Restoration
- Bind up every broken heart in our church family. Exchange ashes for beauty, mourning for joy, and despair for praise.
Handover Courage
- Lord, make us oaks of righteousness — people who rebuild, restore, and renew our city for Your glory.
Neighbourhood Mission
- Show each of us the “section of wall” in front of our home or workplace and give us courage to begin rebuilding this week.
Spirit of Reconciliation
- Teach us to write “Father, forgive” over conflict and offence. Let Living Waters Church be known for grace and unity.
Kingdom Power
- Let Your Word be confirmed with power — healing the sick, freeing the oppressed, and reviving the brokenhearted across Gibraltar.