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Part 4: Encountering God Through Loving Our City

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

PART 4

 
Message Notes
 
Reading Plan
 
 
 
 
 

James 2:14-19

WHY DO WE LOVE AND SERVE?

1. YOU ARE FOLLOWING WHAT JESUS DID.

 

  • What was Jesus’ Mission?

“Then He said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.’” Luke 9:23 (NIV)

“For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?” Luke 9:25 (ESV)

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in 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 of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV)

2. TO PUT YOUR BELIEFS INTO ACTION.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” James 2:14 (NIV)

“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:15-17 (NIV)

“But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” James 2:18 (NIV)

“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” Matthew 20:26 (ESV)

3.  WE ENCOUNTER GOD AS WE LOVE OUR CITY.  

“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT)

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is My disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” Matthew 10:42 (NIV) 

  • Is there any area in your life where you’re sacrificing to serve other people on a regular basis?  

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS: 

  • __________________________________

 

This Week’s Reading Plan:

  • YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan: “The Impact of Serving: From Your Heart to the World” (5 Days)

Close EncountersDr. John Gerlach