Acts 10:38; Galatians 6:9-10
Introduction:
1. This element continues the preparatory process for the ultimate evangelistic program, simply teaching the gospel to any who will listen (cf. Acts 8:4).
2. We may call this element “tilling the soil” where we hope to plant kingdom seed.
3. Teddy Roosevelt’s famous quote, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care” is fitting for this discussion.
Discussion:
I. Ministry Displayed
A. Jesus lived this mantra daily in His earthly ministry.
B. Consider a few statements pertaining to His care for the needy:
1. In Acts 10:38, Peter summarized His life as going about doing good.
2. John stated His acts of service were too vast to record (John 20:30-31; 21:25).
C. At times He paused preaching to minister (Matthew 14:13-21; 15:32-39; John 6:1-14).
II. Ministry Demanded
A. Jesus’ service was not only a display to leave His disciples in awe, but it was a pattern of life for them to follow (Luke 9:1-2; John 13:1-17; Philippians 2:5-11).
B. The overarching aim of such acts of service is eternal healing, feeding, etc., as is evident from the plain statements of the text (Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:1-4; cf. John 6:2).
C. Therefore, we must seize every opportunity we have to serve (Galatians 6:9-10).
III. Some Ways We May Minister
A. One of the simplest ways we may minister is to enhance our welcome of visitors.
B. Though more logistically challenging, we can organize community workdays.
C. Perhaps we could utilize the property to feed poor folks, put clothes on their backs, etc.
D. What if we host Bible seminars focused on matters people in the community struggle with: bereavement, addiction, crisis pregnancies, abuse recovery, etc.?
Conclusion:
1. The sample of ideas above could include any number of other issues.
2. Hopefully this gets all our gears turning looking for ways to minister to the lost.
3. If we show our care as Jesus did, we are sure to reap a harvest (Galatians 6:9).
Further Food for Thought
1. Jesus touched the untouchable and loved the unlovable at great cost to Himself.
2. Will we follow His example? If not, why not?