Newsletter Article August 22, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Along with “love” and “faith,” Jesus used the characteristic of “service” as the best evidence of being a true disciple. He continuously reminded His disciples, and us today, that He came not to be served but to serve. We are to do likewise. After exhibiting this truth powerfully by washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus says, "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the One who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:13-17). Our lives do not belong solely to us but to the One who made us, loves us, redeems us, and gives us life. He explicitly tells us that His purpose for our lives is to love and serve others. The Bible is clear, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus . . ” (Philippians 2:1-5). This Sunday, each of you will have a great opportunity to see where you can be of service to the LORD and to other people through the ministries in our Church – the “Simply Serve” celebration. We are having an event set up in the Family Life Center after each worship service that will allow you to know what ministry opportunities exist for you in the Church and give you an opportunity to join with others in service to the LORD and others. The promise of the LORD is that you will be blessed if you serve, and I can testify to the truth of that promise in my life. Have the same attitude as Christ Jesus. Selah.
In Christ,
Steve