MADE TO WORK

“You Are Made to Reach More”
Pastors Doug & Crystal Heisel – September 4, 2022

Ephesians 2:1-10 — As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Faith Declarations For Those Who Want to Be in on More

1. I am the Lord’s FAITHFUL SERVANT, and I LEVERAGE what He’s entrusted to me, for His purpose.

   Matthew 25:14-15, 19 — Again, (the Kingdom of Heaven) will be like a man going on a journey, who called His servants and entrusted His wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. ...After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

   1 Peter 4:10 — Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

2. I am an empowered WITNESS of God’s love and grace, and I PRAY for opportunities for Him to shine through me.

   Acts 1:8 — (Jesus said), But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

3. I am a vital PARTNER of my local church, and I joyfully do MY PART to make it better and its reach go further.

   Philippians 1:1-6 — Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

   It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

   Philippians 4:14-16 — It was good of you to share in my troubles...as you Philippians know, in the early days...not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only, for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.

Giving is not about GUILT. It’s a key way I GET TO get in on more.

Let’s not be satisfied to only enjoy church when there are others who need what we enjoy. Let’s share more of the love of Jesus with more people.