1. Sermon Overview

This sermon emphasises the urgent need for believers to prepare themselves for God’s coming and His work in these last days. Using biblical figures such as Jacob, the children of Israel, and the ten virgins, Pr. Mercy Guma illustrates how preparation—through consecration, discernment, and steadfastness—is central to living a victorious and effective Christian life.

2. Expanded Themes

🔥 Urgency in the Last Days

• The time is short, and a delay in preparation can lead to regret.

• Believers must respond immediately to God’s call, not in hindsight. (Romans 13:11–12).

🙌 Understanding God’s Presence

• “Tapping in” during worship and the Word opens us to real-time encounters with God.

• Awareness of His presence transforms ordinary spaces—your room can become “Zion.” (Hebrews 12:22).

Purpose of Gathering

• Coming together as believers is more than routine—it’s preparation and empowerment.

• The church equips us as soldiers and strengthens our testimony. (Acts 2:42–47).

✝️ Significance of Jesus’ Name

• His Name represents authority, victory, and access to the Father.

• We prepare by walking in His authority and declaring His power. (Philippians 2:9–11).

🌿 Nature of God

• God is holy, requiring His people to be consecrated.

• His presence demands separation from worldly entanglements. (Leviticus 11:44).

📢 The Call to Prepare

• Like Joshua’s command, preparation precedes God’s wonders.

• Preparation is both spiritual (consecration, prayer) and practical (mindset, readiness).

🛠️ How to Prepare

• Twofold: prepare for what you pray for and prepare for what God wants to do.

• Involves sanctification (hagiazo), renewing mindset, and aligning desires with God’s will.

⚔️ Soldiers of Christ

• Endure hardship as good soldiers, not entangled with worldly affairs. (2 Timothy 2:3–4).

• Preparedness includes discipline, resilience, and focus on the mission

👑 Jesus’ Return & Our Mandate

• Like the wise virgins, readiness requires constant filling with oil (Word and Spirit).

• The Great Commission is part of our preparation for His coming. (Matthew 25:1–13).

🌱 Living the Prepared Life

• Preparation is continuous, like a farmer nurturing the field after sowing.

• It is a lifestyle of prayer, holiness, and service.

3. Key Takeaways

• Preparation is not optional but essential for God’s work in and through us.

• Consecration and sanctification set the stage for miracles.

• Readiness requires urgency, discipline, and discernment.

• Believers are soldiers, witnesses, and stewards of God’s presence.

4. Reflection & Discussion Questions

Short Answer

1. What does “tapping in” mean during worship, and what happens if we delay?

2. How does Pastor Guma redefine “Zion” for today’s believers?

3. What are the twofold aspects of preparation mentioned in the sermon?

4. Why is preparation compared to a farmer’s ongoing work after sowing?

Deep Reflection

1. Discuss the urgency of preparation in the context of the last days. How can believers avoid hindsight faith?

2. How do biblical figures like Jacob, the ten virgins, and Paul’s counsel to Timothy reinforce the sermon's core message?

3. Why is individual, personal preparation important instead of copying others?

4. What does it mean to live as a “soldier of Christ” in today’s world?

5. Practical Application

• Dedicate a daily time of consecration (prayer, Word, silence before God).

• Identify one “worldly entanglement” to lay aside this week.

• Commit to memory one scripture on preparation (e.g., Joshua 3:5).

• Share with a small group how you are preparing for God’s return.

6. Devotional Section

Memory Verse: Joshua 3:5 — “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

Prayer:
“Lord, set my heart apart for You. Teach me to prepare not only for what I desire but for what You desire to accomplish through me. Keep me alert, steadfast, and filled with Your Spirit, so I may be found ready when You come. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Declaration:
I am consecrated, prepared, and positioned for God’s work and His coming.

7. Glossary of Key Terms

• Tapping In: Engaging immediately with God’s presence.

• Zion: Redefined as the believer’s consecrated dwelling place.

• Hagiazo: Hebrew and Greek terms meaning to sanctify, consecrate, prepare.

• Consecration: Setting apart for God’s purposes.

• Discernment: Spirit-led judgment between truth and deception.

• Soldier of Christ: A believer disciplined in spiritual warfare, unentangled by the world.