How Great Is God’s Love “God has gifted me and He has given me a way to serve Him for His glory”

Looking Ahead Sept 2 Children’s Church begins Also new SS curriculum by Answers in Genesis for our grade school classes Sept 19 Finishing Strong Seminar with Milo Thompson at Warren Center Sept 23, 30 Guest Missionaries Cranes & Mestlers

How Deep the Father’s Love How deep the Father’s love for us; How vast beyond all measure, That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure.

The Father turns His face away Bring many sons to glory. How great the pain of searing loss; The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory.

Behold, the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders. Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything; No gifts, no pow’r, no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.

I cannot give an answer; But this I know with all my heart, Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer; But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom. ***

Sharing His Love v.4-8 The work of Christ is to done in community We are called to do this in a society that is selfishly fixed on pampering itself. Sacrifice and love go hand in hand. In Rom 12.1-8 we’ve seen that sacrifice or surrender is - A loving response of devotion to God A loving ministry of service to the Body

The proper exercise of our gifts cannot be attained apart from others-oriented love. “God has gifted me and given me a way to serve Him for His glory”

v.6-8 brief summary of the “gifts” “tools for ministry” Prophecy Service Teaching Exhortation Giving Leading Showing Mercy

We are responsible to discern and use our God-given gifts to build up the body. v.9ff provide us with what some practical examples of the gifts will look like

How can I know what my gifts are? 1. Present yourself to God as a living sacrifice Rom 12:1-2 2. Know that you’re gifted Rom 12:3-5 3. Pray for wisdom Jas 1.5 4. Examine your heart’s desires Ps 37:4 5. See what others commend you for Acts 6:1-6 6. Review where God seems to bless your ministry Acts 14:27 7. Serve with your whole heart 1 Chron 28:9 8. Cultivate your gifts as they become obvious to you 1 Peter 4:10-11

The proper exercise of our gifts cannot be attained apart from others-oriented love. “God has gifted me and given me a way to serve Him for His glory”