Series: How to improve your serve?
Thesis: As Christians we are called to be servants! Yes, I said the “s” word “servants” – for many this term seems to imply to some – a slave, a person lacking self-esteem, someone of lower class, a person crushed in spirit, a person with low self-worth. But Jesus (The Great I Am) came to serve and so should we. If we choose to be like Jesus we will serve and see transformational change occur to those we serve!
Scripture Texts:
Philippines 2:4-8 (NIV)
4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Introduction to series:
Quote Swindoll:
He states, “Listen as He declares His primary reason for coming: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). No mumbo jumbo. Just straight -from-the shoulder admission. He came to serve and to give. It makes sense, then to say that God desires the same for us” (Page 18).
Why improve our serve today? Because our Covid world has caused even more and more people to disconnect from each other – it has caused Churches and organizations to lose volunteer people who are willing to serve others like never before. Our impersonal world is causing more distance than ever – we have the highest rate of suicide ever – highest rate of mental health problems, depression, hopelessness and so I see the need is greater than ever to start serving again. We need to be the church and be like Jesus by choosing to improve our serve by serving others: More than ever before we need to commit to work on improving our serve in the following areas:
1. We need to improve our serve with God!
2. We need to improve our serve in our community!
3. We need to improve our serve in the workplace!
4. We need to improve our serve in church and in other ministries!
5. We need to improve our serve in our families!
Sermon: How to Improve our serve at Church!
Thesis: The church is the vital community through which worship to God happens, it’s the place where people grow spiritually, it’s the place where most evangelization originates, it’s the place that equips and sends out missionaries and leaders into the world, it’s the place that fosters connection with God and others. It’s essential for fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus which was established by Jesus to change the world.
Introduction:
Thought: “No one wants to end life's journey wondering: Did my life count for something? Did I have a reason for being here? …the ability to find fulfillment is within reach, and that the discovery is waiting to be made in homes, workplaces, communities, neighborhoods, and schools all across America.” (as we serve others). https://www.amazon.com/Power-Serving-Others-Start-Where/dp/1576753662
Illustration: Korczak Ziolkowski the creator and designer of the Crazy Horse monument was commissioned in 1948 to build this monument. The monument is 8’ taller than the Washington Monument 9 times larger Mount Rushmore and he spent 3 decades working on it until he passed in 1982 – His family says the monument will be completed in 2050 – So think about that from the beginning to end of this project will be about 100 years! Korczak stated this at the end of his life “ When your life is over, the world will ask you only one question: ‘Did you do what you were supposed to do?” (Batterson, All In, page 93-95).
Let me repeat the question: “Did you do what you supposed to do?” When you come to the end of your life will you be able to say “Yes, Lord – I did what I was suppose to do!”
We here this Parable and its key verse a lot at funerals: We find it in Matthew 25:14-30 - It’s called the Parable of the Talents. The parable is about how we used the talents and gifts we have been given in our life. The ones who did what was right were told by the Master “Well done, good and faithful servant!” The ones who did not use the gifts or even broke even were rebuked by the Master for being wicked servants because they did not use what they were given by the Lord!
Did you catch that in this parable?
Jesus' entire life was one of service to others, the most notable example of His servanthood was that of washing His disciples' feet on the evening of His betrayal, recorded for us in Jn. 13:1-17. The instance was notable both because of the setting and because of the mundaneness of His service.
Jesus of course knew that it was the night of His betrayal and that the very next morning He would suffer on a cross for the sins of the world. He would, from our viewpoint, have had every reason to be preoccupied with His imminent sufferings. Yet Jesus took time to tend to a duty—that of washing the feet of guests—that was usually left to the lowest servant in a man’s household. He did this under full awareness of His own Divine dignity. John says of Him, "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him" (Jn. 13:3-5)
Lets read the passage:
Scripture John 13:1-17: Jesus Washes the Feet of His Disciples
1It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.
2Even before the evening meal started, the devil had made Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot,£ decide to betray Jesus.
3Jesus knew that he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power.
4So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
5He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples’ feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.
6But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7Jesus answered, “You don’t really know what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8“You will never wash my feet!” Peter replied. “If I don’t wash you,” Jesus told him, “you don’t really belong to me.”
9Peter said, “Lord, don’t wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head.”
10Jesus answered, “People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of you.”
11Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, “except for one of you.”
12£ After Jesus had washed his disciples’ feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again.£ Then he said: Do you understand what I have done?
13You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am.
14And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other.
Quote: “It was not in spite of His greatness but because of His greatness that Jesus served His disciples on that evening. Through His own attitude toward servanthood He taught us that true greatness in the Kingdom of God consists not in position or authority but in serving one another. If we are to master the scriptural principles of true biblical fellowship, we must master this one: true greatness in the Kingdom of heaven consists in serving one another. Jesus said, "... whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Mt. 20:26).” From https://bible.org/article/loving-serving
Story of a senator in Dc stacking chairs after a teaching seminar!
Every believer and spiritual leader is part of the body of Christ and is placed there by the Lord for specific reasons to be transformed by presence and power and to bring transformational change to themselves by denying themselves and then to serve others so they can be transformed by a personal encounter with Jesus.
Handout 25 verses which speak of serving and volunteering!
Churches are placed by God to help Christians and non-Christians learn how to connect with God through the rhythm of life and through the traumas of life! The church is made up of God’s people who seek to be prepared to serve others in the arenas of life! The church body is built up and made stronger when each member grows in grace and see’s the importance of serving others like Jesus did. When they realize we are not be served but to serve like Jesus. The body of Christ when unified and mature steps out into a broken culture to bring healing and hope. They do this by serving the broken hearted and bringing truth to a person’s heart and mind! When the church realizes Jesus is the head of the church - not the boards, congregations or even pastors then a church is ready to impact it’s community, nation and world! When the church decides to serve we will change the world!
1. The rise of Jesus Church - Acts
a. Christianity was birthed by Jesus and the Holy Spirit and you see this in the book of Acts – have you ever read Acts and been surprised by God?
i. The Churches or the Body of Christ was emerging as people converted to Christianity all over the Mideast – it happened in local cities, villages and certain areas it was quit miraculous!
ii. Why did Jesus rise up the church this way?
1. Answer: He knew this would impact the culture and people around them!
b. This church is a local tangible community rising up to present the Gospel (Good News of Jesus).
i. The church reveals God’s love and God’s design for this world.
1. Question: Why did God create the church? Because it facilitates the transformation of the culture around it with Jesus, truth and love.
ii. The church could be large, medium or small!
iii. The church could meet in a building or not!
iv. The church could be cell group focused or celebrate in a large stadium!
v. The church could be in a home or meet in a church building!
vi. The church is to connect with God and to connect with others.
1. Christianity is about relationships with God and others! The church is the people who attend the church – not the building!
vii. The church is and was established to function in a specific city, region, and nation to impact a secular non-Christian culture and train the saints to grow in Christ!
c. The church – the body of Christi – shocked me when I became a Christian in the late 70’s – Yes, you could say God surprised me with His Biblical Community!
i. I pray today that Jesus would surprise you too today with the church! But I also pray that He would surprise you with His Biblical Community as you connect with it and serve within it.
ii. How did God Surprised me with His Community.
1. When I became a Christian, I was surprised by the biblical community Jesus placed me in – people who did not really know me but actually loved me.
a. I grew up in home which was fractured and disconnected at times!
b. The Bible describes the church as:
i. A FELLOWSHIP
ii. A FAMILY
iii. A BODY
iv. A FLOCK.
1. All these descriptions of the church point us to what the church is to be according to the Word of God. It’s a community of people looking out for one another and helping one another! Its primary goal as a biblical community is to be a large support group for those who follow Jesus and are searching for a relationship with Father God.
c. The church is designed to be a model of 1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter.
i. Note this chapter was written to a church that was divided and Paul wanted them to understand what the church was suppose to act like and look like –
ii. They were to model the character trait of Love that Jesus modeled!
1. If you get a chance this week read this chapter in your devotions and remember it was written to a divided church!
2. The Lord surprised me with biblical community in how he used them to answer my prayers for help after becoming a Christian and being kicked out of my house:
a. After I got saved I got kicked out of my house by my dad! I came home one night after work and there was all my stuff sitting in the front yard. My dad had kicked me out for becoming a Christian and going to an African American Pentecostal Church. He said I was in a cult! I was brainwashed! I had lost my mind!
i. I was hurt but not surprised! So, I prayed to Jesus for help that night as I was loading my things into my truck. I asked the Lord “Where should I go?” The Lord spoke to me to go to Outreach Church – I got there and Pastor Nate was there – he helped me place my stuff in a storage room off the balcony and he prayed with me.
ii. He then called Roland Hunt to help me and that next day I moved in with Roland at NCBC – he gave me his bed and he slept on the floor for over a month! He did this for some white guy he hardly knew! This is what biblical community does! I was surprised to say the least! Now that is what I call family!
iii. Others started having me over for dinner every Sunday after church especially the Mullen’s and the Jackson’s. Jesus rallied his family around me!
iv. Here are my heroes of the faith: My family!
1. Pastor Nate and Gail Mullen
2. Roland Hunt
3. Bobby Joe Jackson
4. Bill and Jill Jackson
5. Rufus and Diane Thibodeaux.
b. I lost my family for a short time for my decision to follow Jesus, but God gave me a new family called the Body of Christ at Outreach Church – His Biblical Community – I was surprised by how God did this for me!
i. I want you to know these acts of love changed my life and proved to me Jesus was the real deal!
ii. I was surprised by Jesus and discovered the amazing presence of His biblical community – the church!
iii. I have discovered that church is more than just Sunday morning service it’s about Biblical Community! Connecting with God and connecting with others!
3. I have come to understand the importance of Biblical Community as I read the Bible, I learned God’s heartbeat:
a. For example, in 1 Corinthians 12: 12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
i. God’s Word here tells me that He has placed people within His body to help minister and care for everyone in the church – the church is part of His body- it’s an extension of Him on earth!
ii. When we serve each other we in essence serve God personally! We serve for Jesus!
iii. I learned how Jesus through the Holy Spirit is involved in the church by building it and shaping it:
1. Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
a. Question - Who builds the church? Answer – Jesus does!
i. Matthew 18:20: For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
1. Two people coming together in His name represent His church and He promises to be there!
2. Church surprised me in that it is more than just meeting together on Sundays it’s about doing community and life together.
a. Outreach Church as a whole embraced me into their families and into their community! It was not just a Sunday morning church but a community which served each other 24-7! I was surprised and loved like I had never been before by these believer’s!
i. It changed my life!
iv. Acts 2 reminds me of the importance of the community of believer’s:
1. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
a. Why did the church grow? Because they served each other and did life together!
v. I believe that the church will grow in America when it decides to function within Biblical Community.
1. Dr, B states, “The silent churning at the core of our beings is the tormenting need to know and to be known, to understand and to be understood, to possess and to be possessed, to belong unconditionally and forever without fear of loss, betrayal, or rejection.” Bilezikian, Gilbert (2009-08-30). Community 101 (p. 15). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
a. This is what the church was designed by Jesus to do – be relational – care for each other – be there for each other!
2. When the church does this new life is produced!
a. I don’t believe church growth comes from just good preaching!
b. I don’t believe it comes from just great worship!
c. I don’t believe it comes from having enough finances!
d. I don’t believe it comes from having a great school!
e. I believe church growth – new life comes from we being relational and in connection with each other! By us choosing to serve each other!
vi. God loves community – the church – which is people by the way not buildings! We were designed to be helping each other – caring for each other and being there for each other within the church!
1. Dr. B. states, “Christ desired that his church would be the earthly community of oneness modeled after the eternal community of oneness. Jesus went on to declare that he had provided his followers with everything they needed to bring about this oneness. He prayed, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one” (v. 22). All the resources the Father had entrusted to the Son were now made available to his followers for the purpose of creating the new community of oneness. Despite this almost embarrassingly repetitious insistence on oneness, Jesus went on praying, “That they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me” (v. 23 NRSV). Just prior to his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus’ heart ached for his followers to band together in communities that would reflect authentic oneness so that their witness to the world would be effective.”
a. Bilezikian, Gilbert (2009-08-30). Community 101 (pp. 36-37). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
2. Dr. B adds, “God’s supreme achievement was not the creation of a solitary man, but the creation of human community.”
a. Bilezikian, Gilbert (2009-08-30). Community 101 (p. 19). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
i. A community centered in Jesus and His Word knows each other’s name, they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and they still love each other anyway!
ii. Jesus loves His church so much that He died for her! Even though the family of God is not perfect just forgiven Jesus died for it anyway! We too should be willing to be like Christ and die for each other to honor what Jesus did for us!
vii. Community – the church – is to be a place that loves unconditionally in intimate settings!
1. Dr B states, “For contemporary Christians, to meet regularly in small groups is not an option or a luxury. It is a biblical mandate that they must obey if they want to experience communal life and if their churches are to become biblically functioning communities.”
a. Bilezikian, Gilbert (2009-08-30). Community 101 (p. 55). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
i. We have life groups for this purpose! Also I would like to start more home life groups to take community here to a deeper level!
1. If you are interested in stating a Home life group email me!
d. Paul addressed the divided church in Corinth with these words about biblical community!
i. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1. I was loved like this by the way at Outreach Church! This added to the renewing of my mind and to my spiritual transformation! God used the family to help change me – to renew my mind and to grow spiritually! But I had to choose to connect and be a part of the family not just on Sundays but on other days of the week! We did meals together – we prayed together – we did Bible Studies together!
2. Jesus wants a community – His followers – His disciples to love each other – this means sacrificing for each other – not being selfish and wanting everything their way!
e. Community 101 – The Biblical model of church community!
i. Every member of the team Jesus died for – gave their life to Jesus but one! Don’t ever forget that! When you look at another be reminded of that fact. Every team member is loved by God – He knows them by name. Every team member needs to sacrifice for the team – serve each other:
1. Romans 12:1-5: 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
ii. Biblical community sacrifices for each other – serves each other – in time-in giving-in loving! According to Scripture we are here in this place to serve one another!
1. Jesus prayed …that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:21 (NKJV).
a. The truth is the world will be WON when the church is united as ONE. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (NASV)
b. The church will outlast governments, nations and other institutions in the world but the church is here for eternity! It needs to act like it will in heaven in the here and now!
2. Dr. B states, “The biblical metaphor of “family” more appropriately describes what the church should resemble—a group of people, few enough in numbers to sit around in a circle, facing each other and sharing the joy and the benefits of togetherness.”
f. Personal growth or spiritual growth does not happen in isolation.
i. It is the result of interactive relationships.
1. Small groups are God’s gift to foster changes in character and spiritual growth. Jesus had many followers, but he chose from among them a small group of twelve, and then he formed from among the twelve an even smaller group of four, including himself. This smaller small group surrounded Jesus, in total or in part, at critical points in his ministry (Matt. 17:1; Mark 5:37; 14:33; John 13:23; 18:15; 20:2; 21:7, 20).
a. When he sent the disciples as short-term missionaries, he was careful that they would not go alone but two by two (Mark 6:7). He even made sure that they would not go alone for lesser errands (11:1; 14:13). He emphasized the effectiveness of small group prayers (Matt. 18:19), and he promised that when two or three people would gather as a small group—surprise!—he would be there with them (v. 20). Obviously, Jesus loves small groups. He, with the Father and the Spirit, formed the original and quintessential small group (Bilezikian, Gilbert (2009-08-30). Community 101 (p.54- 55). Zondervan. Kindle Edition).
2. Matthew 18:20: For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
a. Two people coming together in his name represent His church and He promises to be there! For us to experience God requires us to be a part of the biblical community – this verse by Jesus reiterates this point of the Kingdom. When we connect with Biblical Community we experience God’s presence and along with God’s presence comes God’s power! Are you willing to connect – be a part of His community?
i. Are you willing to serve like Jesus did?
T.S. – God will surprise you with biblical community when you enter into His community by serving others – while you are serving you quickly discover His presence and power.
2. The power of serving others!
a. The church of Jesus and it’s followers have done more historically than any other spiritual or secular organization is regards to serving those in need! For example:
i. The church is the number 1 agency sending out missionaries to other countries to serve them, help them, feed them, water them and reveal the truth to them.
1. These men and women of God have stopped cannibalism, child sacrifice, child mutilation and a host of other distorted beliefs causing harm to other people.
a. Example Bob Goff:
i. Mark Batterson shares this story: “I have a friend, Bob Goff, who is full of whimsy. That’s a nice way of saying he’s crazy! And Bob would be the first to admit it, to celebrate it. If you haven’t read his book Love Does, you need to. We had dinner one night after he spoke at National Community Church, and Bob challenged us to take over a country! He wasn’t kidding! ... Much of Bob’s work in Uganda involves fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. Every year, witch doctors kill hundreds of children as ritual sacrifices. A little boy named Charlie was supposed to be one of them, but despite being brutally disfigured, he managed to escape with his life. Bob prosecuted and got the very first conviction against a witch doctor in the history of the country. He also became friends with Charlie. He flew Charlie to the U.S., where he could get the surgical intervention he needed, and secured a scholarship so Charlie can get a college education when that day arrives.”
1. Batterson, Mark. All In (p. 86). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
2. This country the United States itself was started by Christian Missionaries coming here to establish a nation under God where each person has a right to liberty and religious freedom!
a. Side note – “By the way the West was won not by gun slingers but by preachers who went west to bring the truth of the Gospel to the new frontier’s and they preached love and forgiveness.”
i. It was spiritual awakenings that changed the wild west frontier not gun slingers!
ii. The church and its people have established and founded more Schools and Universities.
1. For example Harvard was founded by Christians (ministers) and when Harvard deviated from their traditional Christian roots and became liberal years later – Yale was founded to counteract the liberalism and get back to the basics of the Gospel and then when they drifted away – so – Princeton was formed by Christian Ministers of the Great Awakening the most famous being Jonathan Edwards!
2. All these Schools and Universities started with biblical principles and focus but have since rejected Christianity – because educated men and women know more than God’s Words does!
3. But Christians – the church keep starting more schools to get the truth out!
iii. The church – the Body of Christ has also established and built more medical and hospitals to help the hurting all around the world.
1. Examples like: Christ Hospital/Silver Cross and many other hospital here in Chicago – Illinois and the nation!
2. Have you ever heard of the Red Cross?
a. A pioneering nurse and a dedicated humanitarian, who founded the American Red Cross, and cared for wounded and sick soldiers during the Civil War. One of the most respected woman in American history, Clarissa ‘Clara’ Harlowe Barton was an educator and a pioneering nurse. A symbol of charitable and self-sacrifice, she worked tirelessly on the front lines of the Civil War. Known as the ‘Angel of the Battlefield’ Clara Barton risked her life to take supplies, support and tended to injured soldiers as well as maintain a high standard in Army hospitals. She founded the American Red Cross – one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the United States. Clarissa Barton was one of the great heroines of the 19th century – A Woman of Valor. Despite the many risks she took during her lifetime, Clara Barton lived until the age of 90. On April 12th, 1912, she passed away from tuberculosis in her home at Glen Echo, Maryland. USA.
i. From https://showsta.com/biography/Clara.Barton
b. The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that has saved or aided more African-American lives on and off the battlefield, here and around the globe, than almost any other non-profit. They now provide 40 percent of all donated blood in the United States. Their founder, Clara Barton, was a Christian motivated by her faith who nursed men on both sides of the Civil War although she hailed from Union territory. The Red Cross’s first local chapter was established in 1881 at the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dansville. Barton often sought the advice of her good friend, Dr. Frederick Douglass, a renowned African-American leader. The Red Cross’ commitment to diversity and equality is not only obvious but a direct outgrowth of its Christian roots.
c. Nicole Russell is a contributor to The Federalist. She lives in northern Virginia with her four kids. Follow her on Twitter @russell_nm.
3. We at CHC helped build Hope Clinic in Guinea West Africa – we work with CAMA a missions organizations establishing Christian Hospitals and clinics around the world. Our own missionary Jon Erickson and Moses a native pastor helped establish this medical outreach!
a. I have been there and seen the great work they did and do!
i. Sadly Moses was martyred for the cause of Christ bring medical care and the Gospel to a tribe in Guinea a few years back!
4. Also, if you study your Christian history not the rewritten history in school text books today – which seek to eliminate God and Christianity from history – you will discover many Christians discovered treatments for illness and disease. And they credited the Lord for showing them the cure!
iv. The church the body of Christ has established more social programs, adoption agencies and missions which help the oppressed, the abandoned, the suffering, the traumatized and the addicted.
1. Salvation Army
a. Started by William and Katherine Booth!
i. Show Christian History magazine!
ii. The Salvation Army also claims Christian roots. Established in 1865, it’s been providing everything from hunger relief and housing assistance to after-school programs and help with substance abuse rehabilitation. In 2014, about “30 million people received help from money collected through cash giving and the donation of clothing, furniture, vehicles, and household items.” Booker T. Washington, a former slave and one of the most famous African-American leaders of all time, once said of The Salvation Army: “I have always had the greatest respect for the work of The Salvation Army, especially because I have noted that it draws no color line in religion.”
1. Nicole Russell is a contributor to The Federalist. She lives in northern Virginia with her four kids. Follow her on Twitter @russell_nm.
2. AA groups – Christian foundations! Teen Challenge another example!
3. New Life Clinics and many other clinics started with Christian foundations!
a. And a host of others
4. Adoption agencies and couples were formed during the time of the Roman Empire as Christianity grew and started taking in the unwanted children abandoned on temple steps.
5. Soup Kitchens – inner city missions!
v. The church the Body of Christ has raised up and trained up many Christian leaders.
1. Some - Who serve in public office as servant leaders both locally, state wide and nationally!
a. Example: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight Eisenhower
2. Millions have been trained to lead like Jesus as servant leaders!
3. The Christian men and women scientists have contributed significantly to scientific discoveries – leading in the field of science.
a. George Washington Carver and the use of the peanut!
i. He said God showed me!
4. Christian men and women have been involved in studies on Physics, gravity, and much more these Christian’s have lead the way in tremendous lifechanging discoveries!
vi. The church has led the fight for Social Justice!
1. They have led the charge in the Abolition movement to end slavery.
a. Finney’s converts were the founders of the abolitionist movement!
i. See Christian History Magazine!
b. When William Wilberforce, a member of Parliament and radical Jesus-lover, became aware of the atrocities within the British slave market, he was appalled. He was so disgusted, he worked for four decades to abolish the British slave industry. That’s about as long as Whoopi’s been tooling around Hollywood. One white Christian man led the charge to abolish the massive slave trade that had prospered in Britain for years. Let that sink in.
i. Nicole Russell is a contributor to The Federalist. She lives in northern Virginia with her four kids. Follow her on Twitter @russell_nm.
2. The church people have fought for reform in labor laws and fought against child labor and established orphanages – and adoption agencies.
a. The Wesley Brothers in England!
3. The church people have fought for the right to life and against the abortion holocaust and against Nazi Germany’s desire to eradicate the Jewish nation.
4. The Story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer – see Christian History magazine!
5. The Christian’s have fought against sex slavery and trafficking.
a. At home and abroad!
vii. The church has produced some of the greatest artist, writers and music of all time!
1. The Renaissance age of art.
2. The greatest symphonies and music was written and performed by Christian musicians and artists!
3. Think of how many Christian authors have impacted generations upon generations!
T.S. – The Church – the Body of Christ – Christians who choose to serve and do what God directed them to do impacted their communities, areas and nations – and yes even the world!
3. So how can I serve Jesus and His church to see transformation happen in our culture and lives?
a. Handout 75 ways you can serve Jesus’ Church!
i. Highlight!
b. You can also talk to our Pastors which will be down front to the right of the stage to let you know areas where we need help after service for CHC.
Conclusion:
What do they need to know?
Answer: Jesus set the standard for serving others by serving and washing his disciples feet and then telling us to do the same.
Why do they need to know this?
Answer: Today in our society serving is at an all time low and the church needs to step up to the plate and serve as Jesus instructed us too.
What do they need to do?
Answer: So find a place to serve – find a ministry to serve – serve within the Kingdom of Heaven and see God change the world through your service and sacrifice.
Why do they need to know this?
Answer: Can you imagine what would change in America if we everyone caught the vision of Jesus and serve one another?
