World Services 2022 Materials

World Services/ Self Denial 2021–22

Encouraged in

HEART, United in

SPIRIT Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

—Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

World Services/Self-Denial 2021–2022 Salvationist in every part of the world, including your corps, support the Army’s mission

through Self-Denial giving and World Services fundraising. The USA Eastern Territory’s World Services/Self-Denial team has produced a collection of materials to reinforce the 2021-2022

theme-“Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit” (Ephesians 4:2-3). As you receive this material, our prayer is that you will be encouraged to utilize this resource and inspire your congregation

to unite in spirit with Salvationist that partner with us in ministry in the Army’s worldwide work.

RESOURCES •

Territorial Commanders’ Letter

•

Four Sermon Outlines for Corporate Worship: "Unity is a Verb"

"Make Every Effort"

"The Bond of Peace"

"Worthy of Our Calling:

The Four Characterizations of Unity"

•

Four “Children’s Five” Lessons: “Be Humble” “Be Patient”

“United in Spirit”

“The Bond of Peace” •

Arriving Separately: Coin Boxes Poster

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

Sermon Outline for 2021-2022 World Services/Self Denial Emphasis

By Major Philip Wittenberg

UNITY IS A VERB Ephesians 4:2–3

INTRODUCTION

Paul’s Context – Ephesians 4:1 “A prisoner FOR serving the Lord”

There are negative circumstances that we create for ourselves that have nothing to do with

our ministry. However, there are also negative circumstances that arise as a direct result and consequence of our Kingdom work! Such is the case here with Paul, “A prisoner FOR serving the Lord.” This scripture gives us the context and the contour of our study.

It leads to an important question:

"Where in my life have I or am I suffering as a DIRECT result of following Christ and NOT for any wrong I have done?"

It also raises other questions: •

What has been my response in the Lord to this?

•

Am I trusting Him in my circumstances?

•

Am I resentful towards Him?

•

Do I recognize that He is using me in my circumstances for His greater honor and glory?

Let’s look at our text within this context:

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — Unity is a Verb

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

BEING UNITED IN SPIRIT AND REMAINING UNITED IN SPIRIT IS HARD WORK. Ephesians 4:3a – “Make EVERY effort…”

Maintaining unity is the responsibility of the entire Body of Christ. This truth, however, never absolves us of our individual responsibility to pursue and seek unity. Sometimes we will have to take the first step to maintain or restore unity as we “Make EVERY effort.”

READ:

Jesus: Matthew 5:23-24 – Here Jesus emphasizes the personal responsibility we must take to initiate and pursue unity, a text of “first things first.” If you are in wor-

ship and the Spirit reminds you that there is a barrier between you and another believer, be reconciled (be UNITED) with him or her first, THEN continue your worship.

Paul: Romans 12:18 – note the phrase “as much as it depends on you.” This speaks

clearly to the biblical pattern and call to take the initiative to maintain and restore unity within the Body of Christ.

Questions for reflection AND action: •

Is the Spirit reminding me of anyone with whom I need to be reconciled, forgiven

•

Am I willing to take the initiative, take the first steps, to see those things happen?

•

Will I wait around for those people to come to me, or in doing the hard work of

or restored?

pursuing unity, will I leave my worship and seek them out?

As you can see in this context – UNITY is a verb. It is something we must DO and PURSUE constantly.

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — Unity is a Verb

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

UNITY IN THE SPIRIT IS A CALL TO MAINTAIN WHAT WE ALREADY POSSESS. This is a different call. This is not a call to restore what has been lost but to maintain what we already have.

UNITY ignored is UNITY lost.

Ephesians 4:3 “KEEP yourself united” Stand your ground in the unity of the Spirit – don’t retreat.

Questions for reflection and action: •

Where in your corps (church) do you see strong signs of unity?

•

Why do you think that is?

•

If UNITY ignored is UNITY lost, what can you do (again, the initiative thing!) to

•

In thinking of UNITY as a VERB, what actions steps can you take on a regular basis

maintain UNITY where it already exists? to “keep us united”?

We can see in this short text that UNITY is: a. A PAST CONDITION to be RESTORED; often through our initiative (us taking the first steps)

b. A CURRENT condition to be maintained (UNITY ignored is UNITY lost) c. A FUTURE condition to be pursued

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — Unity is a Verb

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

Children’s Five Outline for 2021-2022 World Services/Self Denial Emphasis

By Fabi Soto

BE HUMBLE John 4:22–30

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Large sheet of paper with the word HUMBLE written on it, and markers.

DEVOTIONAL:

Today, we are going to learn about a small word that has a big meaning! [Show your paper to the children] Can anyone read what is on the paper? [Give the kids time to answer] Yes,

that is correct. The word is humble, does anyone know what it means to be humble? [Allow

one or two kids to give you some examples]. Being humble means that we give more importance to things or people than to ourselves. We can be humble when we help our friends

at school, when we buy food for the homeless person, and even when we do good things without telling anyone about it.

Do you know someone who is humble? [Allow kids to give you the names and write them

down on your paper] I know someone who was very humble. His name was John the Baptist.

[Briefly retell the story of John the Baptist in John 4:22–30 using your own words] John wanted everyone to know that what Jesus was going to do here on earth was more important

than what John was doing that day at the river. He was being humble because he wanted others to see how important Jesus was!

By being humble, we can show other people how important Jesus is to us. Instead of telling our friends that we have more toys than they do, we should share our toys with them. When we see that our friends need help with their math homework, we should help them, if we

are getting good grades in math. It’s easy to be humble when we remember that it’s not all about us! Remember the names we wrote down? I’m going to also write down your names

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Children's Five Outline — Be Humble

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

because this week, we are going to work on being humble. I want you to think about one

thing that you can do this week to be humble. After we pray, you can share that one thing with your parents!

PRAYER:

Let’s pray together. “Dear God, we are so thankful for everything you give us. We may not have

everything we want, but we have everything we need—in YOU. I pray that You would help us to be humble by helping our friends and family when they need us. Help us to remember that You always love us so we can love others better. We love You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!”

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Children's Five Outline — Be Humble

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

Sermon Outline for 2021-2022 World Services/Self Denial Emphasis

By Major Brett DeMichael

MAKE EVERY EFFORT Ephesians 4:3 (NLT)

Things are different now, something happened to me When I gave my heart to Jesus.

Things are different now - I was changed, it must be, When I gave my heart to Him.

Things I loved before have passed away,

Things I love far more have come to stay.

Things are different now, something happened to me When I gave my heart to Jesus.

— Stanton W. Gavitt, 1911–1985

https://hymnary.org/text/things_are_different_now

INTRODUCTION:

This chorus by Stanton Gavitt, a pastor in Rhode Island, is a pretty good summary of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. There is good news for people who place their faith in God through Jesus Christ – things are different than they were before.

In his notes on Ephesians in the NIV Student Bible, Philip Yancey says, “If you feel discouraged, or wonder if God really cares, or question whether the Christian life is worth the effort, read Ephesians. You will no longer feel like an orphan. Paul describes the ‘riches of Christ’ available to all and points to us, God’s adopted children, as his sparkling ‘Exhibit A’ in all the universe.” https://www.biblegateway.com/

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — Make Every Effort

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

Illustration: Charles Loring Brace – Children’s Aid Society/The Orphans Train… https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/people/brace-charles-loring/ In Ephesians 1–3, Paul explains the theology; the doctrine. “So now you Gentiles are no longer

strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.” (Eph. 2:19-20, NLT) In chapter 4, he

speaks practically about how the great truths of the first half of the book should impact the way we live, day to day.

“MAKE EVERY EFFORT…”

a. Effort: Exert oneself; endeavor; make a difference https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4704/kjv/tr/0-1/ b. Illustration: Things may or may not be worth the effort, such as eating a lobster c. “Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude.

Effort is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with forgiveness of sins alone” (Dallas Willard, The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus’ Essential Teachings on Discipleship). d. II Peter 1:3–8

“…TO KEEP YOURSELF UNITED IN THE SPIRIT…”

a. “Make it your aim to be at one in the Spirit, and you will inevitably be at peace with one another” (vs. 3, JB Phillips paraphrase).

b. “The seat of Christian unity is in the heart or spirit: it does not lie in one set

of thoughts, nor in one form and mode of worship, but in one heart and one

soul. This unity of heart and affection may be said to be of the Spirit of God;

it is wrought by him, and is one of the fruits of the Spirit. This we should endeavor to keep” (Matthew Henry). https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ ?search=Ephesians+4%3A2-3&version=NIV

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — Make Every Effort

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

c. Illustration: In a “Peanuts” cartoon, Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn't. "What makes you think you can

walk right in here and take over?" asks Linus. "These five fingers," says Lucy. "Indi-

vidually they're nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold." "Which channel do you want?"

asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, "Why can't you guys get organized like that?" http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/u/unity.htm

d. A great word picture of unity: “He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evange-

list, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and eas-

ily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature

adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ” (Eph 4:11–13, The Message).

“…BUILDING YOURSELVES TOGETHER WITH PEACE.”

a. Illustration: Background on building the wall in the book of Nehemiah – “The

laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon” (Neh. 4:17, NLT).

i. Building AND defending: We won’t allow anything in our midst that will divide us.

b. “Peace”: Greek “eirene” (eye-RAY-nay) Peace between individuals; harmony (as opposed to a self–focused inner peace) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1515/kjv/tr/0-1/\

c. “…Let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to

put an obstacle or a stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way…So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make

for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth]” (Rom. 14:13,19, Amp. Ver.).

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — Make Every Effort

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

Children’s Five Outline for 2021-2022 World Services/Self Denial Emphasis

By Fabi Soto

BE PATIENT Romans 8:25

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

A gift box wrapped in a few layers, but with nothing inside.

DEVOTIONAL:

We are going to play a game today. I need you all to get in a circle. We will pass this present

around. If you have the present in your hand when I say stop, then you can unwrap one layer

and then continue to pass it around. OK, let’s start! [Note how the children play and their reaction when they eventually discover that nothing is in the box].

How many of you expected something to be in the box? I noticed that many of you were anxious to get the box and unwrap the layers. Some of you quickly passed it and others grabbed it. There was a lot going on! It can be hard to wait for our turn when we are excited about

what’s going to happen next! Waiting is not something that comes naturally. Usually, we fill our time with things to do so we don’t have to wait. What do you usually do when you have to wait? [Let a few children respond].

Patience can be a gift from God, especially when it doesn’t come naturally to us. God asks us to be patient with others, with ourselves, and at times, even with Him. We like to see things

happen quickly and sometimes we are so focused on what we want—like what was inside the box—that we quickly forget to enjoy what is happening now!

Let’s take time everyday to pause and wait, to remember to be patient with our friends, and

to focus on what it going on around us. We want to take time to enjoy life and not be rushed.

So, I challenge you this week to wait, and see what God will do in your life this week. Romans 8:25 (ICB) says “But we are hoping for something that we do not have yet. We are waiting for it patiently.”

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Children's Five Outline — Be Patient

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

PRAYER:

Dear God, this morning we ask that you help us to be patient. We want to wait on you Lord

and follow your path. So help us to remain focused, rather than distracted or busy during the wait. Give us the patience we need to endure. We love You, Jesus. We want to be the best for You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Children's Five Outline — Be Patient

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

Sermon Outline for 2021-2022 World Services/Self Denial Emphasis

By Major Andrew Murray

THE BOND OF PEACE

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

(Ephesians 4: 2–3 NIV)

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9 KJV).

INTRODUCTION

We live in a tumultuous world. Division and strife separate us. We are divided by race, we are

divided by culture, we are divided by our economic status, we are divided by education, we are divided by our immigration status, we are divided by our politics, this list seems endless. In

Ephesians chapter 4, Paul urges us to live a life of unity, to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Paul is in prison. He was imprisoned for being a faithful follower of God. It would have been

understandable for him to be angry at those people who imprisoned him. It is human nature to get angry with injustice, especially when injustice is focused on you. Yet, Paul modeled a different response. He modeled a response of peace grounded in the love of God.

Paul encourages us to take our intellectual understanding of God’s peace and transform it into a lifestyle that is independent of our circumstances. As we live God’s peace, we share God’s peace and we become the model for others to understand God’s peace.

WE CAN KNOW GOD’S PEACE

• God’s peace is seen in mature Christians who have proceeded us • God’s peace flows from His overwhelming love for us • God’s peace is independent of our circumstances

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — The Bond of Peace

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

WE CAN LIVE GOD’S PEACE • In our Christian community • In our home and family • In our work or school • In our neighborhood

WE CAN SHARE GOD’S PEACE • With people who are like us

• With people who disagree with us • With people who persecute us

CONCLUSION

Jesus reminds us in Matthew chapter 5, that the children of God are indeed peacemakers.

If we are to take the title “Christian, child of Christ,” then we must strive to bring peace to

people around us. As we come to understand God’s peace, then we can truly live His peace.

When we truly live His peace, others will see this and desire it for themselves. May we be God’s peacemakers.

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — The Bond of Peace

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

Children’s Five Outline for 2021-2022 World Services/Self Denial Emphasis

By Fabi Soto

UNITED IN SPIRIT Acts 4:32

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

Pictures of Salvation Army churches around the world.

DEVOTIONAL:

When Jesus was here on earth, He had a group of people who always came along on His adventures. We call them the 12 disciples. They learned a lot from Jesus. But when Jesus went

back to heaven, His disciples, who were also his friends, felt sad. They didn’t know who would

teach them new things and take them on adventures anymore. But before Jesus left them, He

promised that they wouldn’t be alone. He told them He would send His Holy Spirit to accompany them.

In Acts 2, the disciples are gathered in a room. Then the Holy Spirit comes and they are filled

with the Spirit. They go out and do many things but the most important thing they did was

to share everything. Acts 4:32 (ICB) says “The group of believers were joined in their hearts, and they had the same spirit. No person in the group said that the things he had were his own.

Instead, they shared everything.” Do you like to share? It can be easy for us to share when we

have plenty of stuff but what about sharing our favorite toy or giving up our dessert? God asks us as believers to share with a joyful heart so that others can be blessed.

As a church, we are united in spirit and we should share what we have with other believers.

There are many Salvation Army churches around the world that don’t have a big building like ours or even comfy benches like the ones we use.[Share pictures so children can see]. So we as believers and followers of Jesus want to share some of our things by giving money to help

them and by praying for the churches around the world. The Holy Spirit that connects us in our church also connects us to believers around the world so we are all together praying and praising Jesus for being our King! Let’s pray together for those believers today.

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Children's Five Outline — United in Spirit

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

PRAYER:

Dear God, we are thankful that You have made us part of the body of Christ. We ask that You

give us Your peace this week as we deal with tough situations. Help us to be who You created us to be so others can see Your light in us. We pray that we can bring Your peace to the places we go this week. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Children's Five Outline — United in Spirit

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

Sermon Outline for 2021-2022 World Services/Self Denial Emphasis

By Dr. Bryan Cook

WORTHY OF OUR CALLING: THE FOUR CHARACTERIZATIONS OF UNITY (Ephesians 4:1-2)

INTRODUCTION

Illustration: In the Disney animated feature, The Lion King, young Simba experienced an identity crisis. He had forgotten who he was. In the climax of the movie, Simba experienced a vi-

sion where he was reminded who he truly was: The son of King Mufasa and the true heir to the throne. As Simba was reminded of who he was, it shaped how he acted.

Who we are should shape how we act. In Ephesians 4:1 (NIV) Paul urges the Christians in

Ephesus to “Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Paul then goes on to describe the four characterizations of a life worthy of that calling.

A life worthy of our calling is characterized by….

I. Complete Humility

Humility is having an accurate understanding of who you are, seeing yourself as God sees

you, “With infinite and inherent value but with no more value than anyone else. It means being

willing to accept God as the authority over your life rather than insisting on being your own supreme authority.”1

Complete humility is about living in right relation to: a. God b. Others c. Self Paul reminds the Christians in Rome:

Romans 12:10 (NIV) - Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Anders, Max E. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians, Broadman and Holman, Nashville, TN, 1999, p. 148.

1

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — The Four Characterizations of Unity

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

A life worthy of our calling is characterized by….

II. Gentleness

As one rightfully considers their own relation to God and others, the natural outflowing of that right understanding is gentleness.

Gentleness is not weakness. Gentleness presupposes strength.

Illustration: Gentleness is controlled strength. A St. Bernard dog has a biting force of over 500

pounds per square inch (twice that of a German Shepherd or Pitbull), but is widely regarded as one of the gentlest dog breeds, so much so that they were frequently bred for search and rescue in the Alps.

Jesus models gentleness for us in John 8:1-11 Psalm 18:35 (ESV) — You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.

A life worthy of our calling is characterized by….

III. Patience

“Patience is believing that God’s timetable is good, no matter what it is.”2 We exhibit patience:

a. As we wait for God to move

b. As we wait for others to move Like gentleness, patience is rooted in humility. As we deprioritize ourselves, our agendas, and our ambitions, we discover how to patiently wait on the Lord and how to patiently wait on others. God calls us to be patient because He is patient. (Psalm 103:8)

Psalm 103:8 (NIV)— The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

2

Anders, Max E. Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians & Colossians, Broadman and Holman, Nashville, TN, 1999, p. 149.

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — The Four Characterizations of Unity

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

A life worthy of our calling is characterized by….

IV. Forbearance in Love

This type of forbearance is about putting up with each other’s failings in the spirit of Agape love (the commitment of the will to benefit others).

Often, forbearance requires the sacrifice of our own desires for the good of others. Forbearance is at the heart of Self Denial. We give of ourselves to benefit others.

Four Characteristics of Forbearance: a. Forbearance sacrifices b. Forbearance endures

c. Forbearance forgives (Ephesians 4:32) d. Forbearance restores (Galatians 6:1)

Illustration: As a loving mother forbears the immaturity and unruliness of her small children, let us forbear one another in love. She sets aside her own priorities to care for them. She endures them. She forgives them. She restores them.

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

CONCLUSION:

Let each of us make the willful commitment to living a life worthy of the calling we have received, a life characterized by love and unity.

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Adult Sermon Outline — The Four Characterizations of Unity

The Salvation Army—USA Eastern Territory

2021–2022 World Services/Self-Denial Worship Resources

Children’s Five Outline for 2021-2022 World Services Self Denial Emphasis

By Fabi Soto

THE BOND OF PEACE 1 Corinthians 12:12

DEVOTIONAL:

What does the word peace mean to you? [Allow for some responses]. Peace makes me think of being quiet, of feeling free and even getting along with my friends. Do you get along with

your friends? [Allow kids to answer]. Sometimes it’s not easy to be at peace or to get along with everyone. It can be challenging to agree with your friends when they have different opinions. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be friends. We have been created differently with unique gifts and talents that make us special. When we work together with our friends we can do great things.

1 Corinthians12:12 (ICB) says “A person’s body is one thing, but it has many parts. Yes, there

are many parts to a body, but all those parts make only one body. Christ is like that too.” We who believe in Jesus Christ, make up the body of Christ here on earth. We all work together

to spread the message of God into the world so that everyone has a chance to get to know Jesus. But in order to do this we must be at peace with each other. That means we can’t be fighting. When we do something wrong, we need to say we are sorry.

Jesus binds us together with His peace so that we can continue to do good work here on

earth. As the body of Christ we have different jobs, but we all work together to accomplish one goal. We want to bring peace into the world by sharing the good news of Jesus. But we can’t give others peace if we don’t have peace in our own hearts. We are going to pray together and ask God to give us His peace this week.

PRAYER:

Dear God, we are thankful that You have made us part of the body of Christ. We ask that You

give us Your peace this week as we deal with tough situations. Help us to be who You created us to be so others can see Your light in us. We pray that we can bring Your peace to the places we go this week. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.

Encouraged in Heart, United in Spirit — Children's Five Outline — The Bond of Peace