Spiritual Disciplines: Service

Admin — Fri, 17 May 2019 02:10:57 +0000

Not all Spiritual Disciplines need to be done on your own in solitude and silence. As we discussed this past Sunday, reading Scripture and Bible study are good to do both on your own and in a small group setting, as well as individually. Another Spiritual Discipline that works best when done with others is serving. For Christians, we are called to serve one another, put the needs of others before our own, and care for those who are weak. James says that true religion is “to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27). Jesus told His disciples after He had washed their feet that they should wash each other’s feet, that is to serve each other (John 13:1-17). He also said that for those who truly follow Him that they are to care for the hungry and thirsty, show hospitality to the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit those in prison (Matthew 25:31-46). He even said of Himself that the “Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

There are many areas and ways in which we can serve others — there is no shortage of need in our culture! But as Christians we’re actually called to care for the needs of fellow believers first, and then move outward from there. In more than one location in Scripture we’re called to serve one another (Galatians 5:13, 1 Peter 4:10). This is a reminder that as we’re part of the same body we need to care for the body first before we can effectively care for others. As we care for, serve and love each other we will honour God. And the wonderful by-product of that is that those on the outside looking in will see how we care for one another and they will be drawn to us by God’s Spirit.

On Sunday we gather to learn and grow and receive from God, but we also gather to serve — the two go hand in hand. This Sunday I encourage you to come with the mindset and purpose of serving others, of looking to the needs of others before your own. Our gathering will start at 4pm, but you are welcome to come earlier (3:15pm) for prayer. Hope to see you there.

Blessings, Pastor Mike

Acts: What Do You Have To Offer?

Admin — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 13:23:14 +0000

What can you give me? What do you have to offer? For many people when they’re sizing a person up for the first time this is what’s going through their mind — perhaps not consciously, but subconsciously they’re likely thinking, “Is this person worth my time?” While it might sound cold and calculating, more often than not it’s the truth. Just recently Amanda and I sat down for a meeting with a fellow community stake holder and I quickly began to think, “How can this relationship benefit The Centre?”

I’m so thankful that God doesn’t approach us that way. He looks at us, and sees us as valuable even though we’re broken and damaged goods. He sees us worthy of saving and redeeming, and important enough to invest in for eternity. And He doesn’t look at us, wondering how He might use us, but how He might bless us instead. His blessing may not be what we’re anticipating or looking for, but it’s what we need. This is what we see in Acts 3 as Peter heals a lame beggar. The beggar is hoping for money, but gets something much better than that! And through it, God receives the glory due His name.

A challenge for you this week: try to see people as Jesus sees them, and approach them the same way He would. One other thing to do to prepare for our Sunday gathering is read through Acts 3. See you this Sunday at 6pm.

Pastor Mike

Serving – The Centre Community Church

Spiritual Disciplines: Service

Acts: What Do You Have To Offer?