The Power Serve

Tweet Jesus Christ has called every one of His followers to serve. Ministry is not an option, it is a necessity for every single member of God's household. We work together to bring synergy to His church using our gifts. When that happens, there will be energy in your life as never before and His church will grow as never before.

The Christian life is a balance between unity and diversity. As a human body weakens, its "systems" slow down and everything tends to become uniform. The ultimate, of course, is that the body itself turns to dust (Anyone ever watch CSI?)

On the other hand, diversity is to be kept in check. Too much destroys unity, and then you have anarchy. How can we best use what Jesus have bestowed upon His church? There are 3 Ways:

1. Different functions create an atmosphere for the church to live, grow, and serve (1 Corinthians 12:14-20)
Diversity does not suggest inferiority. God made no mistake when He gave you your gift to serve. Everyone cannot be a preacher or teacher or prophet, but we can all be who the Lord gifted us to be. Find out what your gift is and start using it!

Here’s a website for a free spiritual gifts inventory (or test). It will help get you pointed in the right direction:
Find your spiritual gift on this link

2. Unity happens when there is dependence on one another (1 Corinthian 12: 21-26)
God’s desire is that there be no division in the church. Diversity leads to disunity when the members compete with one another; but diversity leads to unity when the members care for one another. How do the members care for each other? By each one functioning according to God’s will and helping the other members to function. If one member suffers, it affects every member. If one member is healthy, it helps the others to be strong.

Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives. Matthew 10:1 (MSG)

3. Diversity fulfills God's will in the body as we serve in love (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)

Unity and diversity must be balanced by maturity, and that maturity comes with love. It is not enough to have the gift of the Spirit and gifts from the Spirit. We must also have the graces of the Spirit as we use our gifts to serve one another. That is why love must be the basis of all we do. And that is why the very next words in 1 Corinthians are:

If I speak the languages of men and of angels, but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal 1 Corinthians 13:1

This is how the church of Jesus Christ serves in power.

This week, want to learn to "Power Serve"? Then...
1. Find our how God designed and gifted you. Take a spiritual gifts inventory
2. Get involved in lives. Serve others with your gifts.
3. Participate in small group this week. Learn to be transformed by your service.

Thinking 'bout Oceanside

• What a wonderful worship and ordination service. All of you did such a great job of praying for and encouraging Ben and Britney as they were sent out as our missionaries. Ivey and I helped them move to Florence on Monday. We met Pastor Charles and his wife, Marlene. They are wonderful people, love Jesus, and believe the Bible. What a great combo! Ben and Britney will fit in well at Unity Baptist Church. They send their love and ask for your prayers. 
• Children's day camp is rapidly approaching. If you don't have your children enrolled, please get in touch with Allie by calling her: 270-4311. You can also register directly on our website: www.MyOceansideChurch.com. 
• Memorial Weekend Picnic will be a wonderful time of fellowship and encouragement. Plan now to come and join us at the Ministry Center for worship and then dinner on the grounds right afterwards. We'll supply the meat, we'd ask you to bring the sides and dessert. If several of you could bring some tea and lemonade, that would be great too. 
• Small group this week is all about God using our gifts to bring our best. This is such a critical step in living a transformed life. Make sure you are there! 

Sunday is around the corner. Bring someone with you as we discover he we can each become the person God designed us to be. Read ahead in Hebrews 5:12-6:3 and see how God longs for our maturity. You can be that person.

Now, get out there and POWER SERVE!
Pastor Trey Rhodes