Service Required

Mark 10:45 

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

There’s a common thought among young people as they come into new responsibilities. Whether it’s home chores or a first job it’s easy to look at the work they’re required to do, what they’d rather be doing (nothing), and see it from a very limited perspective. They look at the one who assigned the tasks and naively think that they’ve just dumped on them the things they didn’t want to do. 

We’ve probably all spoken the words, or something to the effect of, “When I’m the [parent/boss] I can’t wait to make my [kid/underlings] do all the work, and then I’m just going to sit around and enjoy life.”

We tip our hand at our cluelessness when we think this way. First, we don’t understand the responsibilities that the boss or parent has. We are clueless to the weight of the stress, the decisions, and the ever-increasing list of things that have to be done. We don’t realize that the parent or boss more than likely looks at us and thinks, “oh, to go back in time, and have such little responsibilities!”

We are clueless to the purpose we’ve been given. What we are required to do may seem mundane and pointless but it is an ingredient of a larger recipe that we may not even be aware of. Whether it’s making the bed, sweeping the floor, moving boxes around, or filling out the TPS reports we are bringing about change. Our work helps advance the organization, and it helps us to develop character, maturity, and responsibility.

Work is a blessing. The job we are given by a parent or boss, or even God, is an invitation to be a part of something – a family or an organization, or a Kingdom! As a parent, there were so many times that the chores I assigned to my kids I could have accomplished quicker myself but involving them helped them build character and a work ethic. It helped them become better people and helped share the load as we worked together as a family. 

There is work to be done in God’s Kingdom, and we are invited into the process. Trust me, God could do it quicker and better, (and He’s already done the hard stuff) but He lets us be a part of what He’s up to. It builds us and grows us and it makes an eternal difference. 

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:

 

  • What does this verse reveal about who Christ is?
  • What does it mean “to give his life as a ransom for many?”
  • How does this verse challenge the entitlement culture today? 
  • Where is God leading you to serve in our community and the world?



Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Today’s post is by Jon Price

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Servant Leaders

Acts 6:1-6

“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.”

Hollywood actors hire people called “fixers” who make sure the actors keep their image. These individuals are paid to do everything behind the scenes from lawsuits to criminal activity. I wonder, if these fixers were not hired, how much would actors have to answer for themselves. As bad as Hollywood is, I am convinced fixers are priceless. Nonetheless, not to the criminal extent of Hollywood, every organization needs people behind the scenes to keep things moving forward.

As a matter of fact, I believe that people who work behind the scenes are the most important people in any organization. Yes, everything rises and falls on leadership. And yes, leaders have to lead well for people to buy in. But thank God for people who are willing to buy in. Not just buy in, but willing to be last so the organization can be successful. 

Deacons or servant leaders are those who have the task of making sure the mission continues. If something needs to be done, these people are present. If something is in the way, these people are willing to move it. God blesses His church with individuals and families who will give their lives for the cause of Christ. 

I want to be absolutely clear that I am not talking about the person who has a title. I am talking about the individuals who are deacons because they are willing to do whatever it takes. They may have a title, but they only got the title because they are true servants of Christ.

All I can say is, I am so grateful for our deacons. I am also grateful for those who may not have the title but are deacons, servant leaders, and examples of Christ. And we see the results of helping others live and love like Jesus through these faithful servants in the following verse. 

v7 “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”

May that be our results as well!

Use the HEAR method as you spend time with today’s scripture.

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Today’s post is by Pastor Stephen Williams

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Small Group Discussion

This week, we’ve been reading about the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the early church, as well as our lives today.  

Discuss with your small group what you’ve drawn from your reading this week and how God has spoken to you. You can also pull from the questions in each day’s reading.

  • The HEAR method is also an excellent structure for your discussion as a group. If you aren’t currently in a group we’d love to help you connect with one. Contact sharon@mybelmont.org or go to mybelmont.org/smallgroups

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

 

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Do Not Grieve the Spirit

Ephesians 4:30-32

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

When I was first studying this passage, I thought to myself, “In what ways can we grieve the Holy Spirit?” We grieve the Spirit by neglecting its presence, lying, stealing, being bitter, being unforgiving, or just simply living in a sinful manner. In this sense, the passage is talking about grieving the Holy Spirit by using thoughtless words, tearing others down, and being a discourager. 

As a believer, we should strive to respond in ways that glorify God. Instead of having a resentful spirit, we should seek reconciliation. Losing control of our emotions, having outbursts of anger, and living with a callous heart must all be put away in order to effectively impact the Kingdom. We should be eager to maintain unity in our friendships, relationships, family, and church.

A believer should desire to show others the same kindness and forgiveness that God has so graciously shown us. God continues to offer forgiveness even after we sin again and again. God offers his kindness to those who are far from Him and He still wants to have a relationship with them. God sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins, even though we all deserve Hell. He offers restoration in our lives. God still wants to associate ourselves with Him even after we have wronged Him over and over. God still wants to use us to impact His kingdom even though we are broken. And we need to offer this kind of holy, merciful love to those around us.

As you go about your week, remember to speak truth and be a grace giver.

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
  • Can you think of some people that you find it hard to show kindness, grace, and forgiveness toward? 
  • What are the areas where you are most prone to grieve the Spirit? 

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Today’s post is by Elise Jones

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Access to God Through the Spirit

Romans 8:15-17

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

“The Spirit of God living inside of you” is one of those things that we say and hear a lot but can oftentimes be difficult to nail down what that looks like exactly. Sometimes I think we’re guilty of equating the “Spirit” in us to an emotion or feeling. We say things like, “I was feeling the Spirit this morning,” or “I can sense the Spirit moving.” We hear the Spirit referred to in these ways but they don’t do justice to what the Spirit truly is and the relationship with the Father He affords us. These verses include what to me is one of the heaviest truths in the Bible, that we are co-heirs with Christ. Jesus lived the life we couldn’t, died the death we wouldn’t want to, and defeated death with his resurrection, but through our faith alone we get to be considered his children. How can God see us as co-anything with Christ?!

Through our salvation, the Father adopts us and makes us His own. He gives us the same access that Jesus has. We don’t have to go thru a priest to get access to God. We don’t have to make sacrificial offerings to get his attention. The Spirit is in us at all times and with us in all situations. 

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following:
  • As you reflect on these verses and the truths they contain, consider if you’re guilty of making the “Spirit” an emotional feeling at times.
  • What does life look like when we truly live it as “co-heirs” and live in that authority?

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Today’s post is by Chris Stephens,
Contemporary Service Worship Leader

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Down Payment – Terms of Agreement

Ephesians 1:13-14

“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”

As a teen, I had several odds jobs to make some money. I did some babysitting for a neighbor down the street, I raked up pine straw that was plentiful in my neighborhood and found someone who would buy the straw, and worked in a hot house raising ferns and azaleas. As my small stack of cash grew, I placed a down payment on a low-end Fender 12-string acoustic guitar. It was just what I wanted and I had to do something before someone else purchased MY guitar. There were other obligations: car insurance, gas, and an occasional date. But I managed to keep the payments current on my instrument. I could hardly wait to make the last payment and wrap my hands around my prize.

When I asked Jesus into my heart, He put a down payment on my soul. Because of my decision and Jesus’ grace, I was redeemed from the penalty of sin, I am being redeemed from the power of sin, and one day I will be redeemed from the presence of sin. His down payment, the Holy Spirit, lives within me. I am His! I agreed to the terms: I accept Jesus as the son of God and believe that He died, rose again, and will return for His own.  I confess I am a sinner and need His blood to cover the cost of my sin. I have been paid for in full and one day I will be in His presence as He wraps His arms around me in eternity.

Have you agreed to His eternal terms? It’s just a prayer away.

Oh – the 12 string Fender guitar? – it went to Christian coffee houses, revivals, beach retreats, fellowships, camps, and worship services.  I played it until it fell to pieces – then God replaced it with something better, but that’s another story for another time.

While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
  • Is there anything in your past that you just had to have, and sacrificed and saved so you could call it your own? Share in the comments below! 
  • How does it feel knowing how much Jesus wants you for His own, and what He was willing to sacrifice and pay. 

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Today’s post is by Jim Sellers,
Minister of Music and YAH Director

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