Fed by Christ – We Love to Give and Give to Love (Contemporary Service)

The way the contours of our worship shape us for a life of grateful prayer and praise is through example and inspiration. Each aspect of worship instructs and sets an example for us. The Holy Spirit works through the Word to inspire us. As we have been so generously loved by God, we in turn love to generously bless and love others.

o Law: Jesus instructs, “Freely you have received. Freely give.” This is not optional advice, but our default posture when joining Jesus in his mission.

o Application: Worship teaches us to give, and giving is part of worship

-Each element of the worship service invites us to carry it into everyday life. 

-The Holy Spirit uses the proclamation of the Word and reception of Jesus at the Table to strengthen and inspire us in loving and serving our neighbor. 

-Whenever our Sunday worship turns into everyday love and generosity, we worship by giving. Whether it’s time, talent, or treasure, it’s a sacrifice of praise to God!

o Gospel: Ultimately, we love / give / serve because Jesus has first loved us. Wrap up the sermon by remembering the good news of the Gospel. What has Jesus so generously done for us? (Isaiah 53)

Scriptures:

o Isaiah 53:4-12 – “He bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”

o 1 John 4:13-21 – “We love because he first loved us.”

o Matthew 10:1-15 – Just as the disciples are called by Jesus, who loves them enough to feed them and save them, so they are sent out in his name.