Spiritual Growth / Service

  • A Cause to Glory in Christ Jesus

    Philippians 1:25–26

    In saving us from sin, death, and His holy wrath, our God has placed us in a community that, according to His sovereign determination, needs our gifts and talents. To refuse to serve the body of Christ is tantamount to ...Read More

  • A Problem of Sensitivity

    Acts 6

    Is it a good idea for people to be made leaders who have never served under authority? Is it a good idea for men to become elders in the church who have never served as deacons? What are some opportunities ...Read More

  • A Time of Crisis

    Acts 5:1–16

    Those who sold their property showed their trust in Jesus’ words, while those who bought and/or hoarded it did not. While we are not called to act out such drastic steps, we are called to learn from what is ...Read More

  • Caring for Our Shepherds

    Galatians 6:5–6

    Our local pastors have a responsibility before the Lord for the care of our souls. They will be judged more strictly because of this (James 3:1), and we must do all that we can to help them do their ...Read More

  • Deacons

    Matthew 25:31–46

    Jesus tells us very clearly that those who want to be great in the kingdom of God must serve others (Matt. 23:11). None of us should ever think that we are too good or hold too high of a ...Read More

  • Deacons

    Matthew 25:31–46

    Are you serving others in the church and in the world as God commands? Take some time to look at the priorities in your life and see whether you are serving others as God would have you do. Then, go ...Read More

  • Doing Good to All

    Galatians 6:9–10

    The recipients of our good deeds are not to be limited to any one group, but we do have a responsibility to take care of our brothers and sisters in the Lord first. John Calvin writes, “There are duties which ...Read More

  • Entrust Your Soul

    1 Peter 4:18–19

    Today’s passage, which also says that the righteous are scarcely saved, does not warn us that salvation can be lost. Rather, as John Calvin says, it tells us that no one enters the kingdom without experiencing hardship. Even in ...Read More

  • Getting Angry at our Enemies

    Proverbs 25:21–22

    When Scripture speaks of doing good to our enemies, it is focusing on the common, everyday interactions that we have with other people. This teaching is less applicable in cases of physical violence or wars between nations, although even seeking ...Read More

  • Giving Thanks

    Luke 17:11-19

    We might think that we are grateful to God for what He has done for us, but if we never work to serve others, especially His people, then we must question the authenticity of our thankfulness. James 2:14–26 ...Read More

  • God’s Work Ethic

    Ephesians 4:28

    God’s people are called to be generous, not foolish. We want to provide real help to widows, orphans, and others who are in true need, first in our churches and then in the world. As we seek to help ...Read More

  • History and the Christian Faith

    2 Thessalonians 1-3

    All three of these types of problems still exist in the church today. Determine to stand strong in the face of persecution. Beware of false teachers—be discerning whom you follow. Resist the temptation to be idle. Pray that when ...Read More

  • How do You Spell Joy?

    Romans 12:9–21

    How do you spell joy? “J” stands for Jesus. “O” stands for others, and “Y” stands for yourself. The secret to joy is to put Jesus first, others second, yourself last. This is a child’s lesson, but it is ...Read More

  • How to Serve

    Joshua 24:14–15

    Service to the Lord is not an impossible burden but a delight. Service is hard work, so we will grow tired and face difficulties on occasion. Nevertheless, God will sustain us so that we might serve Him faithfully and store ...Read More

  • How to Serve

    Joshua 24:14–15

    Any one who leads Christian ministry in the church will tell you that his most challenging task is recruiting volunteers. Most churches depend on the same faithful people for everything while the rest of the congregation is content to just ...Read More