We Serve, Week 1: Because We Care

What Rick Warren said is true: “The only way you can serve God is by serving other people”. This is exactly what our new series is all about. We will unite together to serve our county, community and church. WE serve isn’t just a series, it’s who we are.   Why do WE SERVE?  Title to Message:  Because we care.  (Mark 10:45) (NLT) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many. Serving Stoppers 1.    A wrong view of self. (1 Peter 2:9) (NLT) …you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 2.    A wrong view of people. (Matthew 9:36) (NIV) When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  3.    A wrong view of God. (Jeremiah 32:17) (NLT) “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!  (Ephesians 4:1) (NLT) Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. (John 14:12) (NLT) I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. (Ephesians 3:20) (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:21) (NLT) Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Where do we start?  (2 Kings 3:9) (NCV) So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. After they had marched seven days, there was no more water for the army or for their animals that were with them.   (2 Kings 3:12) (NCV) The king of Israel said, “This is terrible! The Lord has called us three kings together to hand us over to the Moabites!”   (2 Kings 3:12) (NCV) But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there a prophet of the Lord here? We can ask the Lord through him.” An officer of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He was Elijah’s servant.” Jehoshaphat said, “He speaks the Lord’s truth.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to see Elisha.   (2 Kings 3:13) (NCV) Elisha said to the king of Israel, “I have nothing to do with you. Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother!” The king of Israel said to Elisha, “No, the Lord has called us three kings together to hand us over to the Moabites.”   (2 Kings 3:14) (NCV) Elisha said, “As surely as the Lord All-Powerful lives, whom I serve, I tell you the truth. I wouldn’t even look at you or notice you if Jehoshaphat king of Judah were not here. I respect him.   (2 Kings 3:15) (NCV)  Now bring me someone who plays the harp.   (2 Kings 3:15) (NCV) While the harp was being played, the Lord gave Elisha power.   (2 Kings 3:16) (NCV) Then Elisha said, “The Lord says to dig holes in the valley.   (2 Kings 3:17-19) (NCV)  The Lord says you won’t see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water. Then you, your cattle, and your other animals can drink.  This is easy for the Lord to do; he will also hand Moab over to you.  You will destroy every strong, walled city and every important town. You will cut down every good tree and stop up all springs. You will ruin every good field with rocks.   (2 Kings 3:20) (NCV) The next morning, about the time the sacrifice was offered, water came from the direction of Edom and filled the valley. 1. Serving is birthed in God’s presence. 2. Serving goes beyond inspiration to participation. 3. Serving happens regardless of what is seen. (1 Corinthians 3:7) (NLT) It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.