The first letter of Peter reminds the early christian communites to "serve one another with whatever gift each of you have received." (1 Peter 4:10b NRSV) The Church exists to offer people a place to practice and grow in Christian religious expression, that is, to BE the Church. Learning through bible study, attending to the needs of others through outreach & mission, and worshiping God with the gathered community are some of the ways we respond to Peter's reminder.
When we "serve one another", it's easy to do when it's our friends from church. But what about when it's strangers on the outside? That's when it matters most, for our call is to make disciples of the nations. And through organizing our ministry efforts more intentionally, with clearer purpose, we will better serve one another, and all people we encounter.
Peter's reminder goes a little farther, "Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 4:11a NRSV)
May we go into the world prepared by the Word, to serve and to speak in Christ's name, for the glory of God.
Be Excellent To Each Other! <>< Rev. Andy Beck
When we "serve one another", it's easy to do when it's our friends from church. But what about when it's strangers on the outside? That's when it matters most, for our call is to make disciples of the nations. And through organizing our ministry efforts more intentionally, with clearer purpose, we will better serve one another, and all people we encounter.
Peter's reminder goes a little farther, "Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 4:11a NRSV)
May we go into the world prepared by the Word, to serve and to speak in Christ's name, for the glory of God.
Be Excellent To Each Other! <>< Rev. Andy Beck