Thursday, October 9, 2008

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: I Timothy 3:1-16

PSALM OF THE WEEK: Psalm 94:12-22

HYMN OF THE DAY: CH# 259 “Spirit of the Living God” http://www.fellowshipinhislove.com/spiritofthelivinggod.html

VERSE OF THE DAY: Those who have served well will gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.  1 Timothy 3:13 NIV

 

The church is unlike any other organization.  Most organizations have various roles or offices one “moves up” in, but there is no “moving up” in our service to the church. There is no “first class” or “second class” ministry in the church. The roles in the church like Elder and Deacon are not hierarchical, but are two different ministries.  The Elder ministry is the Spiritual Leadership of the church.  This is represented by them being the ones to pray at the Lord’s Table each Sunday in Disciple churches.  The Diaconate are the “hand’s on” Service Ministry.  The word Deacon is a transliteration of the Greek word for servant or waiter (and some modern translations translate it that way).  Their “hands on” service is represented by them passing the trays at our communion.  There is no “promotion” from one ministry to the other.  It takes both to be the church.  We seek to find the talents that God has given to each person.  The local church recognizes those gifts and elects people into those positions.  The people so chosen are not singled out for special treatment, but for their special service to the church.  Therefore, each one who serves faithfully and joyfully get for their reward the knowledge that they have faithfully served the Lord. 

 

PRAYER: O God of the Church; May I use my talents and abilities in the church to serve you.  Set aside any selfish ambition, and let me be your humble servant in all I do. Amen.

 

See you in Church Sunday,

Pastor Sandy

 

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