Tag: serving others

March 13, 2024 Uncategorized Post a Comment

Spiritual Growth and Service

Opening Scripture

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” – 1 Peter 2:1-2 NKJV

Tonight’s Message

In our journey of faith, it’s essential to focus on growing closer to God, mirroring Jesus’ life as described in Luke 2:52,

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” – Luke 2:52 NKJV

This growth involves a conscious effort to lay aside the weights of sin and earnestly seek spiritual maturity through God’s Word, prayer, and humble service to others.

Shedding the Weights That Hold Us Back

Spiritual growth starts with identifying and removing the hindrances that slow us down. Sinful habits like malice, deceit, and envy act as heavy burdens that prevent us from running our race with ease. By seeking the pure milk of the Word, we find the nourishment needed to shed these weights and grow stronger in our faith.

Walking as Jesus Did

Jesus’ life provides the perfect blueprint for growing in wisdom and favor. He dedicated Himself to serving others, teaching humility, and showing us the importance of prayer. By following His example, we learn to look beyond our desires, focusing on the needs of those around us and serving them with a pure heart.

Investing in Relationships Through Prayer

Our relationships, especially in marriage, thrive when we place God at the center. Praying for our future spouses or current partners, and seeking God’s wisdom in our interactions, paves the way for relationships rooted in mutual respect and love. By renewing our minds with biblical truths, we foster connections that reflect God’s love and grace.

Serving Others: The Key to Growth

Humility and Service

Jesus taught us the profound lesson of humility and service when He washed the disciples’ feet. This act reminds us that greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by our willingness to serve. Growing in favor with God and men involves lowering ourselves to lift others, addressing their needs with empathy and love.

Building Dependable Relationships

Being dependable and supportive in our relationships directs us towards a life of service. By prioritizing others’ well-being and guiding them with their best interests at heart, we not only grow in favor with people but also reflect Jesus’ love and compassion in our daily lives.

Conclusion: The Journey of Growth

Spiritual growth is a journey marked by continuous learning, serving, and evolving in our relationship with God and those around us. By laying aside sin, immersing ourselves in God’s Word, and embodying Jesus’ humility and service, we embark on a path that leads to wisdom, stature, and favor with both God and man. Let’s commit to this journey, one step at a time, knowing that each act of service and prayer brings us closer to the heart of God.

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February 7, 2024 Tuesday's Meeting Post a Comment

Faith, Eternity, and Investing in Others

Opening Scripture:

“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

In a world that often emphasizes the importance of material wealth and temporal success, the Bible offers us a radically different perspective on investment. Through the lens of Scripture, we are invited to consider the eternal value of our actions, choices, and priorities. Tonight we explored key biblical insights into making wise eternal investments—choices that resonate not just in the here and now but in the everlasting.

Life’s Brevity and Wisdom’s Call

“So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

The Psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 90:12 underscores a profound truth: our days on earth are numbered, and with this awareness, we should seek wisdom. This wisdom involves recognizing the fleeting nature of earthly life and prioritizing what truly matters—our relationship with God, our character, and how we impact others.

Investing for Earthly and Eternal Matters

Colossians 4:5 (KJV): “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

Colossians 4:5 encourages believers to walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, seizing every opportunity. This speaks to the importance of making investments that have both earthly and eternal implications. How we live, work, and interact with others can be a testament to our faith, influencing not just our lives but those of others as well.

Rest from Labor, Deeds That Follow

Revelation 14:13 (KJV): “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Revelation 14:13 offers comfort and hope, reminding us that our labor for the Lord is not in vain. Believers look forward to a rest from their earthly toils, yet their deeds will follow them into eternity. This eternal perspective motivates us to serve, give, and love with the end in mind.

The Ultimate Service: Sharing the Gospel

Romans 1:16 (KJV): “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Romans 1:16 declares the gospel of Christ as the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. Sharing this message is perhaps the most significant investment we can make in the lives of others. It transforms destinies, changing hearts and bringing new life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Breaking Spiritual Blindness Through Prayer

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (KJV): “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Prayer is a powerful tool in the spiritual investment portfolio. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 highlights the reality of spiritual blindness that prevents people from seeing the light of the gospel. Through prayer, believers can play a crucial role in breaking down these barriers, asking God to open eyes and hearts to His truth.

A New Spirit Through Faith

John 3:3-8 (KJV): “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

John 3:3-8 speaks of being born again—a fundamental transformation that occurs through faith in Jesus Christ. This new birth gives us a new spirit, enabling fellowship with God and setting the foundation for a life invested in eternal matters.

Conclusion: Wise Investments for Eternity

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of life, let us be mindful of the eternal significance of our choices. By investing our time, talents, and treasures in serving others, sharing the gospel, and fostering our relationship with God, we make wise eternal investments. These investments not only enrich our lives on earth but also prepare us for the joy of eternity with our Creator. Through wisdom, prayer, and faith in Christ, we can ensure that our lives reflect a heart focused on eternity, making a lasting impact that transcends the boundaries of time.

Closing Scripture:

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” – Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

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