Date: September 4, 2022
Bible Text: | Todd Dugard
Series: Means of Grace
The past two and a half years have brought many changes to our lives. One effect of the pandemic has been a drop-off in those willing to volunteer their time. There may be some legitimate reasons why a given person may not be able to return to serving as they once did, but for most it is a choice based on ease. It is interesting that churches across the spectrum have had challenges when it comes to serving. Volunteers, as we call them, are few and far between compared to pre-pandemic numbers. Pretty much the first thing any pastor says when asked about the effects of the pandemic on their church is that there aren’t enough people serving. This ought not to be so in the church. Our motivation for using our time and talents is grounded in mission and our love for God and people.
As we close out our series, Means of Grace, this Sunday, we’ll look at serving as a further way that God dispenses his grace to both the server and the ones receiving that service. We’ll be looking at various passages in the letters of Paul as well as Jesus’ stunning account of the final judgment in Matthew 25:31-46, where he speaks of the difference between the sheep and the goats.
Series: Means of Grace (Summer series)
Message: 10 – Service
Text: Various scriptures
Todd Dugard
Harvest Bible Chapel
September 4, 2022
Am I serving…
…gladly?
…under compulsion?
…not at all?
Community groups in Toronto have seen a decline in the number of volunteers over the past year and experts say pandemic fatigue, fear of getting infected with COVID-19 and financial barriers are all contributing to the drop.
Sara Jabakhanji, CBC News July 20, 2022
My work for Christ is a means of his grace to me and to those I serve.
• I am equipped to serve (1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Romans 12:4-8)
Spiritual gift assessment tool: https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/quizzes-and-assessments/what-type-of-spiritual-gifts-do-you-have-quiz.html
• I am part of God’s ministry plan (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 4:16)
• I am to serve even when it is hard(2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
2 Corinthians 11:23b-28
• I will be judged if I don’t serve (1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matt 25:31-46)
• I serve with my focus on the finish line (2 Timothy 4:7)
Serving Commitment Card download
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