3 We Serve
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
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Social
Introduction
Introduction
Very brief review
all things in common. There was not a needy person among them.
Repeat vision as part of review = Community powerfully transformed by Jesus Christ, from Mt Rock outward.
assigning of deacons to serve widows
From Mt. Rock. Begins right here as we gather. Then working outwardly to the community where we gather. Mt. Rock, Dentler, Lenwood, etc. Then outward – Shippensburg, SC PA, and to the rest of the world.
27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Mission – in bulletin. How we progress toward reaching this vision. Follow Jesus, Serve Others, Make Disciples.
16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
We Are Church = We Worship – Natural response to God, We Gather – Natural Communion With God, We Serve – Natural Compassion of God
8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
do justice, show mercy, walk humbly with God.
do justice, show mercy, walk humbly with God.
Story: Social Security. US Government programs designed to be a retirement investment, but has also become a way to provide support to those who are not able to work. Other programs to help with food and housing and medical care for those who struggle. Not getting into the political battle surrounding that program. Not considering today the good or bad, right or wrong or the management practices of these programs.
do justice, show mercy, walk humbly with God.
Indonesia taught us a lot about social security. Wealth and need. Helping and being helped. Financial need, practical need, spiritual need.
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The Lord is good to all,
and his compassion is over all that he has made.
Jesus, Disciples, Apostles
Jesus, Disciples, Apostles
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Celebrate Advent – Christ Mass. The coming of Jesus – Immanuel – God in the flesh. A season of giving and serving, recognizing Who came and Why He came. Giving and serving.
Read
18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
Start with passage on foot-washing – symbolic act of humility, service. v.15 Says do for others v.17 blessed if you do them
Read Matthew 26:26-28
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
9 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, 10 do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
then Jesus giving the ultimate service, crucifixion death, burial, resurrection – practical and sacrificial act of love. sacrifice self. Lay down life for a friend.
then Jesus giving the ultimate service, crucifixion death, burial, resurrection – practical and sacrificial act of love. sacrifice self. Lay down life for a friend.
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Examples –
12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
The long list of miracles and helps provided by Jesus, by the disciples as He taught them, the apostles as they led the early church, the forming of deacons to serve practical needs, the churches as they helped one another and other churches.
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
The Home
The Home
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Those closest to us
and 6 very specific examples. Husband laying down life for his wife as Christ does for the church. Serving each other. Parents serving their children. Masters caring for their slaves.
The Fellowship
The Fellowship
Early Church – and 4. Served each other by giving for needs, not just money. C4. Not a needy person among them.
assigning of deacons to help serve the widows.
religion = orphans & widows = least able to help themselves
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
gifts to serve one another
living for the will of God rather than our own will. Love others. v.10 use your gifts to serve one another. faithful steward.
bear one another’s burdens – fulfills the law of Christ. Love God, Love others.
The World
The World
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
defending/serving those who cannot help themselves.
defending/serving those who cannot help themselves.
Parable of Good Samaritan – helping others. You are the neighbor.
– serving the needs of those who are unable to help themselves.
18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
not love in words or talk but love in deed in truth
not love in wordlove in deed in truth
love in deed in truth
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
clothe yourselves with compassion
clothe yourselves with compassion
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
Key = motivate each other to love and good works/deeds.
Key = motivate each other to love and good works/deeds.
Key = motivate each other to love and good works/deeds.
Key = motivate each other to love and good works/deeds.
Conclusion
Conclusion
“Serve-ay” – complete the survey, name optional.
What burden on God’s heart is a burden on your heart?
What are you already doing to serve in the community?
Who is serving with you?
What needs exist in that area?
Who could you take along?
Would you help organize an effort to grow this ministry?
We do not need to create new ministries until we are effectively serving in our current areas.