2024-08-11 _ SERVING WITH ETERNITY IN MIND

Title: Serving Like Jesus: The Heart of a Deacon

You might wonder why the role of a deacon is so crucial in the church. Or perhaps you’ve asked yourself, "How can I serve my church in a way that truly honors God?" Today, we’re diving into the heart of what it means to serve as a deacon, inspired by a recent sermon on 1 Thessalonians 2. Whether you’re a deacon, aspiring to be one, or simply looking to deepen your service to God, this message is for you.

The Heart of Service: Glorifying God

The main point of the sermon is clear: True service in the church is about glorifying God, not ourselves. Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 remind us that our service should be God-centered. Paul and his team served the Thessalonians not for personal gain or recognition but to honor God. They faced opposition and hardship, yet their focus remained on glorifying God through their actions.

Why is this important for you? Because when your service is rooted in glorifying God, it transforms not only your life but also the lives of those around you. It shifts the focus from self-promotion to God-promotion, creating a ripple effect of genuine, Christ-like love and service within the church.

The Substance of Service: The Gospel

Paul’s ministry was not just about preaching; it was about living out the gospel. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Paul describes his gentle, nurturing approach, likening it to a nursing mother caring for her children. This imagery underscores the importance of sharing not just the message of the gospel but also our lives with others.

What does this mean for you? It means that your service should be deeply rooted in the gospel. The good news of Jesus Christ should inform and transform every aspect of your life. When you serve others, you’re not just meeting their physical needs; you’re also sharing the love and truth of Jesus with them.

The Context of Service: Relationships

Paul and his team didn’t just preach and leave; they lived among the Thessalonians, building deep, meaningful relationships. In 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12, Paul emphasizes the importance of sharing their lives with the new believers, working night and day to support them.

Why should you care? Because real, impactful service happens in the context of relationships. God created us for community, and it’s through these relationships that we grow and help others grow in their faith. When you invest in relationships within your church, you’re creating a strong, supportive community that reflects the love of Christ.

Action Steps: How You Can Serve Like a Deacon

1. Examine Your Motives: Reflect on why you serve. Are you seeking recognition, or are you genuinely aiming to glorify God? Ask God to purify your motives and help you serve with a heart focused on Him.

2. Root Your Service in the Gospel: Make the gospel the foundation of your service. Share the love and truth of Jesus in every act of service, whether big or small.

3. Invest in Relationships: Build meaningful relationships within your church. Spend time with others, listen to their needs, and support them in their walk with Christ.

4. Lead by Example: Whether you’re a deacon or not, strive to be an example of Christ-like service. Show others what it means to serve selflessly and with a heart full of love for God and His people.

Conclusion

The point is clear: Jesus wants your whole heart in service. What will you do this week to give it to Him? Will you examine your motives, root your service in the gospel, invest in relationships, and lead by example? Remember, without taking these steps, you’ll miss out on the fullness of what Jesus wants for you and your church community.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of selfless service that Jesus set for us. Help us to serve with hearts that seek to glorify You above all else. Root our service in the gospel and guide us to build meaningful relationships within our church. May our actions reflect Your love and truth, and may we lead others to do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2024-08-04 BASIC TRAINING

Title: Living in Light of Eternity: BASIC TRAINING-Four Fundamentals for a Faithful Life

Have you ever wondered how to live your life today with an eye on eternity? If you're like me, you might find it challenging to balance the demands of daily life while keeping your focus on the eternal promises of God. In our recent sermon series, "Living in Light of Eternity," we explored the book of 1 Thessalonians to uncover practical ways to live faithfully in the here and now, all while keeping our eyes on the future that God has promised us.

The Centrality of Prayer

One of the key takeaways from our study is the importance of prayer. Prayer isn't just a ritual; it's a lifeline. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, emphasizes the need for comprehensive and focused prayer. He says, "We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers" (1 Thessalonians 1:2).

Why is prayer so crucial? Because it connects us directly to God. It’s our way of communicating with Him, sharing our burdens, and seeking His guidance. Imagine having a direct line to the Creator of the universe—why wouldn't we use it?

Action Step: Make prayer a central part of your daily routine. Start with a few minutes each morning, thanking God for His blessings and asking for His guidance throughout the day.

The Confidence of Life Change

Another fundamental is having confidence in the life-changing power of the gospel. Paul assures the Thessalonians that their faith is genuine because they have seen the power of the gospel at work in their lives. He writes, "For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit and with full assurance" (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5).

Have you experienced this life change? The gospel isn't just a story; it's a transformative power that changes lives. Whether it's breaking free from addiction, finding peace in turmoil, or experiencing joy in sorrow, the gospel has the power to change your life.

Action Step: Reflect on how the gospel has changed your life. Share your testimony with someone this week to encourage them in their faith journey.

The Commitment to Discipleship

Discipleship is another cornerstone of living in light of eternity. Paul and his team lived among the Thessalonians, setting an example for them to follow. He says, "You yourselves became imitators of us and of the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 1:6). Discipleship is about relationships—learning from those who are further along in their faith journey and helping those who are just starting out.

Who is your Paul? Who is pouring into your life, helping you grow in your faith? And who is your Timothy? Who are you mentoring and guiding?

Action Step: Identify a mentor who can pour into your life and someone you can disciple. Commit to meeting with them regularly to grow together in your faith.

The Call to Faithfulness

Finally, Paul commends the Thessalonians for their faithfulness. He writes, "For the word of the Lord rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achai, but in every place that your faith in God has gone out" (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Their faithfulness was evident to everyone around them, and it made a significant impact.

Are you living a life that echoes the gospel? Your actions, words, and attitudes can be a powerful testimony to those around you.

Action Step: Be intentional about living out your faith in your daily interactions. Let your life be a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel.

Conclusion

Living in light of eternity means making prayer central, having confidence in the gospel's life-changing power, committing to discipleship, and being faithful in our daily lives. These fundamentals are not just for our benefit but for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

So, what will you do this week to live in light of eternity? Will you make prayer a priority? Will you share your testimony? Will you commit to discipleship? Will you live faithfully?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word and the guidance it provides. Help us to make prayer central in our lives, to have confidence in the life-changing power of the gospel, to commit to discipleship, and to live faithfully each day. May our lives echo Your love and grace to those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.