Pick Up the Baton

Don't Drop it - - Do your Part

 

Pastor Allan was preaching and from my notes I present his edited message.

We are in a season of preparation.  Each one of us is being encouraged to stand in the role and ministry gift you have been given.  No longer can any of us sit on the sidelines, but we must all be involved in the work of the ministry.  Everyone has a part to play and it is time occupy your place in the body of Christ. 

Allow God to change your Theology; realizing serving Christ is not about “rules,” regulations and programs, but finding your place.  Serving Christ with our hands and feet is worship.

Each of us is different, and the work of the ministry will also be different for each person.  Some are called to be greeters, or cheer leaders, while others will be teachers, and intercessors. 

 

God also needs encouragers, and people willing to visit the sick and use the phone to encourage those missing.  Some will be able to clean, and help set up chairs and tables.  Others will pray for those at the altar.  When you see a need, are you willing to step up and fill it?  How about volunteering to enroll in the door to door visitation?

God is calling us to be active.  God qualifies you by the blood of Jesus, to pick up the baton and enter the race.

Many are watching our walk and our talk; and we must be the examples for the next generation.

Jesus gave his disciples authority to share the gospel and to heal the sick. He said it is harvest time.  We have been praying for our city, and here in our city it is harvest time.

Luke 10:1-2 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.  

Pray for laborers to work in the harvest.  Realize there is fruit in the garden and also fruit in the orchard. (Needs here in our local body, and needs in our neighborhoods.)

Let us be strong and understand on Sunday we are lifted up and encouraged, but during the week, some of us fall into the cracks.  Workers get tired and discouraged, and desire for others to step up and help.  There is a time to work and a time to rest.

All of us can use more study in God’s Word.  We need to set up programs so we can all grow and also enjoy fellowship.  May I encourage each of you to come to the special meetings being set up for men, as well as the ladies’ meetings?  Let us work together side by side.

Nehemiah had a wall that needed to be built.  Everyone had a job.  Some were workers, and others encouraged, while some stood guard and watched for the enemy.

Be willing to have a teachable spirit and to learn to do new types of ministry.  Learn how to live, how to be led by the Holy Spirit, but keep moving and keep gaining knowledge of our God. 

Identify what your purpose is and step in to fill that place.  Ask what can I do for the church? Not what can the church do for me?  Some things that seem small are really big.  A smile goes a long way.  A pat on the back encourages a friend.  Be willing to pray with those who come forward.  Love as Jesus loved, and by example - - show others the way.

Watch for opportunities and recognize open doors to walk through.  Be consistent to do your part and stay connected to the body of Christ. 

Get ready for this New Year, for there will be many new opportunities to serve Jesus.