An Active Church: Part II
Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
Introduction
This morning we continue our study of the active church
Now remember last week we began our study by looking at the Theology of an Active Church. That is, we looked at why God calls each of us to be actively involved in His house.
This morning I want us to look at the Distinctives of an Active Church. That is, I want us to look at what Biblical service is and how it is different from simply doing nice things
Important: later on today, in the course of our parish meeting, we will present ourselves and the ministries of this parish to God for service throughout this year.
Therefore, as we prepare to come and make our presentations to God, I want to make sure that we understand exactly what it is that we are presenting. As such, this morning I want us to examine 4 essential traits of Biblical service.
A] Biblical Service is Specific:
That is, Biblical Service self-consciously and intentionally seeks to promote godliness in others. As such, Biblical Service is more than merely being helpful or nice. It is not random deeds of kindness nor is it religious busywork. Rather, it is service that seeks to make God and the Gospel known. In other words, it seeks fruit that remains
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
B] Biblical Service is Focused:
That is, Biblical Service keeps the objective of making God known at the heart/forefront of all it does. As such, Biblical Service is bathed in prayer. That is, Biblical Service continuously seeks God’s blessing and God’s objective in all that it does/offers (Imagine church where every task and every duty, every aspect of what you see from the time you walk through the doors– from the refreshments, to the children’s church, to the finances, to the vacuumed carpet, to the music, to the readings, to the linens on the altar– have all been bathed in prayer).
Ephesians 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
C] Biblical Service is expectant. That is, Biblical Service expects God to bless and use the service that He has commissioned. (Think about it: God has saved, included, equipped, and called you to serve)
Isaiah 55:10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, 11 So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
1 Corinthians 12:6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons
D] Biblical Service is contagious. That is, when believers are actively engaged in faithful ministry, visitors will see a place where God, His people, and His Word matter. The result is that an active church will be a place where others will want to be involved because of what God is doing palpably in its midst. In other words, an active church is an attractive church
Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 “For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you, and His Glory will appear upon you. 3 “And nations will come to your light, and kings will come to the brightness of your rising.
Bottom line: Biblical Service is specific, it stays focused, it is expectant, and it is contagious. In addition, is exactly the kind of service that God calls each of us to offer.