The Next Decade Part 3

Eph. 4:11, 12. Ministry is work. It is equipping and perfecting the saints. A personal relationship with God requires relationship with others. God will build a perfect church. Don’t focus so much on your part that you lose the plan for the whole Body. John 3:16 tells us that God loves the world, and you should love what He loves. Eph. 5:24-27 explains that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the church. Jesus loves the church. Family is the first description of the church. John 10:10 strongly lets us know that Jesus Christ came to give us life abundantly. The abundant life is in the context of a good shepherd. The abundant life is in an abundant body of believers. People need to know that you care. You have something to give in the Body. The acronym for this body is T(ransform), E(quip), A(nd), M(obilize). The church should be the best equipping service in all arenas. You need all the ministry gifts. Mobilize; do something; get busy. Your ministry is where you are. Begin with prayer and your sphere of influence. Do what love would do. Read and personalize I Cor. 13:4-8. Offering Message: (Pat Murphy) I Chron. 16:25-33. Praise is part of bringing an offering. David worshiped and was a big giver. He provided for the needs of the temple to be built, from worshipers to gold. When the Ark of the Covenant was being moved the right way, an offering was made after every six steps. For a four mile distance, that would have been 6500 oxen and 6500 sheep. Real worshipers give liberally and give as an expression of love. Are you giving what God tells you to give?