Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 • Deuteronomy 34:1-12 • 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 • Matthew 22:34-46
The theme for this week is how to minister to others in spite of yourself. Psalm 90 teaches us that we need to have a foundation of humility before we begin ministering to others. The examples of the prophet Moses and Joshua are offered in Deuteronomy 34, and they’re praised for being full of wisdom and knowing God “face to face.” Matthew summarizes the two Great Commandments of the law, which are helpful in guiding all interactions. Our sermon text, found in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, allows us to consider the lessons Paul learned about effective ministry and how we might apply them today.
Effective Ministry Is Not About You
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Psalm 99:1-9 • Exodus 33:12-23 • 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 • Matthew 22:15-22
This week’s theme is the amazing effect of God’s address. The call to worship Psalm is an enthronement psalm that celebrates God’s rule over the earth and his response to those who cry out to him. The Old Testament reading from Exodus records Moses’ desire to see God’s glory to which God responds by providing divine protection in the cleft of a rock. Paul’s introduction to his letter to believers in Thessalonica contains a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s work in this new founded church. The Gospel reading from Matthew records Jesus leaving the Pharisees dumbfounded in his response to their attempt to entrap him on a question about paying taxes... Read the article
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Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 • Exodus 32:1-14 • Philippians 4:1-9 • Matthew 22:1-14
This week’s theme is the Lord’s favor. In our call to worship Psalm, David considers the Lord’s favor that will be shown to his people. In Exodus, the Lord shows his favor to the Israelites despite their unfaithfulness to him. In the letter to the Philippians, Paul writes of several co-workers who are favored by God in having their names written in the book of life. And in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus gives a parable of a generous king who shows his favor by inviting everyone to his son’s wedding feast.
Have We Lost Our Minds?
Philippians 4:1-9 (NIV)
Mark Twain once wrote, Of all the things I have lost, I miss my mind the most.1 While we can laugh... Read the article
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Psalm 19:1-14 • Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 • Philippians 3:4b-14 • Matthew 21:33-46
This week’s theme is the incomparable gift of knowing Christ. The call to worship Psalm declares the value of God’s perfect law as more desirable than fine gold. The Old Testament reading from Exodus follows properly with the giving of the Ten Commandments. The text from Philippians presents Paul counting all things as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus. The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a parable that boldly confronts those who reject Jesus, bringing great peril to themselves.
What Do You Value Most?
Philippians 3:4b-14 (ESV)
What do you value most? That is an unavoidable question that will surface from our... Read the article
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Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 • Exodus 17:1-7 • Philippians 2:1-13 • Matthew 21:23-32
The theme for this week is the problem of expectations. Psalm 78 recounts the miracles of the exodus, and when we read of the miracles God performed there, we can wonder why we don’t see similar miracles today. Exodus 17 offers the example of the Israelites’ grumbling when there was no water, basing their belief in God’s presence (or lack of it) on their external circumstances. We’re a lot like them. The gospel reading from Matthew 21 provides another example where Jesus did not meet the expectations of the chief priests and elders. Our sermon text, found in Philippians 2:1-13, explores how differently the kingdom of God works in the world by... Read the article
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There is a place for everyone in the body of Christ. An essential aspect of our life in Christ is inviting others into following and participating in ministry with Jesus. In the GCI development process, we see “Engage” as the first step to creating an on-ramp for inviting others to following Christ. When we engage with others, we create an environment of invitation, considering the person’s God-given gifts, passions, and experience.
How do we create on-ramps for others to participate in the life of the church?
Check out this month's #gcichurchhack below for some ideas!
https://resources.gci.org/.../2023-CH8-Avenue-On-Ramps.pdf Read the article
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A resource for helping pastors nurture God’s beloved.
DOWNLOAD the We Believe Workbooks
By Alvaro Palacio, Pastor, Toronto Canada
It’s not an uncommon condition for a pastor nowadays to feel overwhelmed by work. Reaching out for the lost sheep, nurturing the ninety-nine, and leading God’s flock at a steady spiritual pace, undoubtedly requires a great deal of love, energy, patience, wisdom, and all the gifts we can receive from the Spirit.
Sometimes in my journey as a pastor, I sympathize with Moses when, exhausted, he complained to God:
“Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give... Read the article
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Place-sharing with people is sharing with others what Jesus is sharing with them.
By Ceeja Malmkar, MTC Coordinator, Surrey Hills, OK
“Place-sharing” has become a common topic of conversation recently and I couldn’t be happier about it. I think that sometimes we get caught up in all the things we don’t have or the things we can’t do. Sometimes we get stuck in our small numbers on Sundays and our increasing ages. Friends, we cannot get stuck there. We are the bride of Christ, and every day is an opportunity to step into that identity. The church is a hospital, not a hospice. We have life, and as his bride, we are called to “be the Church.” Jesus has always worked through relationship, and he still does. He... Read the article
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Gospel-declaration (ministry) and gospel-demonstration (mission) flow together and support one another.
By Anthony Mullins, US Regional Director
During my time as pastor of Grace Communion Hickory, my wife, Elizabeth, (who served as our Love Avenue champion) would give a “Neighborhood Update” talk to the congregation during the Sunday worship gathering. It was a chance for her to share how we as individuals and collectively as a church could be a blessing to our surrounding community and neighbors. One Sunday she caught my attention with this profoundly thoughtful statement, and I paraphrase, “Yes, we want to give bread to those who are hungry, but we also want to alert them to the Bread of Life.” Amen! As a congregation, we... Read the article
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If your neighbors can’t see you, you can’t tell them who and what you are, and they will never partake in what you are offering.
By Tim Sitterley, US Regional Director
My good friend Rick Shallenberger, who’s article in this issue you probably read before mine, and I share several things in common. We have the same job title. We were born in the same year (I’m a month older, and therefore wiser). We share an affinity for quality adult beverages. And we wear the same brand, style, and color of shoes. I could also mention we wear the same brand of compression socks when we travel, but that might be too much information.
Now this isn’t a commercial for Skechers shoes…although I must say my pair have walked the alleys of... Read the article
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