Dear friends,
How do you answer this question, “What do you believe is the purpose of your Christian life and the purpose of any Christian church?”.
When Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment in the law, he replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt. 22:36-40)
Our love for God and others is motivated by God’s love. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!…This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him…Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another… We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 3:1; 4:9,11,19)
God loves us so generously! The lavish love we receive from God is not for us to keep to ourselves, but to share freely and generously with others in acts of service. The scripture makes it clear that our calling as the church, as the body of Christ, is not merely to run worship services on Sunday mornings, but to live out the life of Christ …. to be His ambassadors…to building bridges inside and out. To love others is such a great privilege. To have an impact on another person in the name of Jesus is a gift and honor. When we participate in ministry we do so not out of guilt or coercion, but generously with gratitude, freedom, and great joy.
How appropriate then, that this Sunday (September 15) we will have a Ministry Fair right after each service where you will be given many opportunities to “Step Right Up” and put into action your love for God and others.
It is my prayer that, as we consider ways in which we can serve, we remember the words of the Apostle Peter, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:8-11)
Following Jesus is such a great adventure! Let the Lord, through your passion and purpose, motivate and move you into active ministry service…all for the glory of God!
See you Sunday!
- Andy Drake