Sermon Info
Summary
The fifth purpose of the church is ministry. Many times we think that ministry is reserved for those on a church staff –for the “professional” ministers. In reality, God calls all followers of Jesus to be ministers. Ministry is when we help and serve others in the name of Jesus. Every Christ-follower has spiritual gifts to use for God’s glory. May we step out in faith and minister to those God has put around us, starting at home, then in His Church, then in our community, and, finally, to all we meet. When we become involved, this is where the Christian life becomes a great adventure!
Content
So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13
Fine print: Becoming a Christian is easier than being one.
Understanding faith is a gift; boldly ask for an increase.
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5
God has granted each of us with different gifts.
According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts. Romans 12:6
“Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter.” - Francis Chan
Scripture never weakens grace, but it also never downplays duty.
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17
At Rolling Hills…
Core Value #3: Every person through Christ is a minister and essential to this community of believers.
If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Philippians 1:22
Why people don’t serve? A limited collection of reasons:
- misunderstood value
- misplaced skills
- feelings of inadequacy
- fear of failure
“I don't know. I'm making this up as I go.” - Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) - outright disobedience
In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, “We are good-for-nothing slaves; we’ve only done our duty.” Luke 17:10 (ESV)
Every person here is worth something now and forever.
“Who knows? In a thousand years, even you may be worth something.” - Dr. Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman)
