Sermon Tone Analysis

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.

Mission – in bulletin.

How we progress toward reaching this vision.

Follow Jesus, Serve Others, Make Disciples.

We Are Church = We Worship – Natural response to God, We Gather – Natural Communion With God, We Serve – Natural Compassion of 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.

Jesus, Disciples, Apostles

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

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

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.

Examples –

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.

The Home

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

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

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

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.

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

clothe yourselves with compassion

clothe yourselves with compassion

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

“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.