2024-09-29 UNTIL JESUS COMES...

Title: Building a Gospel Community at Highland

How often do you think about what we’re building together at Highland Baptist Church? You might walk in and out of the building every week, but have you ever paused to consider what our collective efforts are creating? If you’re like most of us, you might not have given it much thought. But understanding our mission is crucial for our growth and unity as a church family.

At Highland, we’re committed to building a gospel-shaped community. This means everything we do—from how we spend our money to how we invest our time—is aimed at creating a community that reflects the teachings and love of Jesus Christ. But how do we achieve this? Let’s explore four key actions that can guide us in building this gospel community until Jesus comes.

1. Honor Those Who Lead You

Until Jesus comes, we are called to honor those who lead us. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Paul urges us to recognize and respect those who labor among us and lead us in the Lord. These leaders work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to guide us in our spiritual journey. They could be our deacons, growth group leaders, or even those who serve in children’s ministry.

How can you honor them?

• Recognize their efforts: Take note of their hard work and dedication.
• Regard them highly in love: Show genuine love and appreciation for their service.
• Live peaceably: Avoid conflicts and support their leadership.

2. Encourage the Weak

Until Jesus comes, we must encourage the weak among us. Paul gives us a clear directive in 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 to warn the idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. The weak could be those struggling with physical ailments, spiritual doubts, or life’s challenges.

How can you encourage them?

• Warn the idle: Lovingly correct those who are straying from their path.
• Comfort the discouraged: Offer a listening ear and a comforting word to those who are downhearted.
• Help the weak: Provide support, whether it’s through prayer, a helping hand, or just being there for them.
• Be patient: Understand that everyone’s journey is different and requires time and grace.

3. Continue Personal Spiritual Growth

Until Jesus comes, we must continue our personal spiritual growth. Paul emphasizes the importance of rejoicing always, praying constantly, and giving thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). These outward expressions of faith are crucial for our spiritual development.

How can you grow spiritually?

• Rejoice always: Cultivate a joyful heart that finds its source in Jesus.
• Pray constantly: Make prayer a regular part of your daily routine.
• Give thanks in everything: Recognize God’s grace in all circumstances, even the challenging ones.

4. Let Christ Work in You

Until Jesus comes, let Christ work in you. Paul’s prayer in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 is a powerful reminder that God is committed to sanctifying us completely. He who calls us is faithful and will complete the work He has begun in us.

How can you let Christ work in you?

• Trust in His faithfulness: Believe that God will complete the work He has started in you.
• Partner with God: Actively participate in your spiritual growth by following Jesus and His teachings.
• Stay connected: Engage with your church community to support and be supported in your faith journey.

Conclusion

Building a gospel community is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. What steps will you take this week to honor your leaders, encourage the weak, grow spiritually, and let Christ work in you? Remember, our faithfulness to the gospel is not measured by numbers or buildings but by our commitment to living out these principles until Jesus comes.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the leaders who guide us, the community that supports us, and the grace that sustains us. Help us to honor those who lead, encourage the weak, and grow in our faith. May we always let Christ work in us, shaping us into a gospel community that reflects Your love and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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.