Where Most Needed – Part 2

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Continuing from yesterday, Pastor Kyle gives a couple ways how Christ-followers can respond to needs that arise. (1) Ask, is this a systematic problem or is this a hurting person with a problem? You may hear some say: “People are upset”, but what does that mean exactly? What is the root problem? There is a healthy and an unhealthy way to respond. It is wrong when we realize that something needs to change, but do nothing about it. (2) Ask, which aspect of this am I called to solve? We give help where and when help is needed. We cannot solve world hunger, world peace, social injustice and immorality, or unbelief in God but we can tackle some aspect of them. God is powerfully moving in the world today. Are we moving with the Lord? Are we meets true needs where needed most? Read Romans 12:3-8. In handling and being a part of solving problems and meeting real needs that arise, ministry happens and Christ’s church grows.

In Matthew 10:42 Jesus tells us, “whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Pastor Kyle gives us three ways how to have a “Stephen Mindset” in a “Me Mindset” world. (1) Rather than complain about a problem, join the solution. We are not called to sit on the sidelines and watch, so get in the game. The one who feels strongest about an issue may be the one called to lead the remedy. (2) Focus on making a difference and don’t worry about the “pecking order”. Being “large and in charge” is not the issue nor the motivation, Christian ministry is. The church is about “equipping the saints” for ministering to others (physically, emotionally and spiritually) in the name of Jesus Christ. God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) are always there and always with you and I. We have been blessed to be a blessing to others. We have been gifted, so we need to use our gifts where the Lord and His church need us most. (3) Find your niche in the kingdom of God and keep it faithfully. Never underestimate our impact. The smallest need met by us may be the biggest need met for others. How many do not know the Savior? Seeking and saving the is Jesus’ mission; what is ours? Open doors and windows of opportunity with a heart of a “servant of God” to others. We have been put into a position to impact our world for His kingdom growth and reducing the population of hell. Lord God, send us where you want us to go, to do what you want us to do. Go in peace, serve the Lord where most needed.

1 Peter 4:10-11 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

In Christ, Brian