READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The legacy of any church depends on (1) God’s unchanging love & faithfulness upon His church and on the (2) disciples’ obedience to fulfil God’s call upon His church. The early churches were marked by their hospitality as read in 3 John 5-11. v5-8 especially tells that Christians are called to be hospitable to those around because it is considered honouring God. Jesus’ kingdom ministry to the unbelievers and pagan worshippers is marked by the pattern of blessing, belonging and believing. This is also the 3B outreach strategy of Wesley Methodist Church (“WMC”):
- Blessing
Acts of kindness & service as servants of the kingdom. Jesus came to be a servant of many. - Belonging
Intentional love builds Authentic intentional relationships of trust and care. - Believing
Opportunities for faith conversations will ultimately lead them to the love of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul was so impacted by Jesus that he shared in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 about his heartbeat and how he reached out to bless. All of us struggle with our lives and it is not easy to reconcile with outreach work, but trust God to take care. Serving helps encourage our faith!
Serving has no age restrictions. Serving helps to transform us. Start small and God will use you mightily.
WMC is encouraging everyone to be involved in outreach as part of being a disciple for Jesus.
The call for Methodist Mission for Singapore started in 1883. Though the need was great, there was no missionary available to be sent. Two years later, in 1884, when Bishop Hurst was on his way from New York to attend a conference in Hyderabad, India, he met a Scottish merchant residing in Singapore. The merchant asked the bishop why there was no Methodist Mission in Malaya when the need for one was great. This situation was discussed at the conference, and a decision was made to send missionaries to Singapore, which was part of British Malaya then. Dr James Thoburn and Rev William Oldham answered the call and were sent here. It was because of their obedience that WMC is celebrating our 140th anniversary this year. What would have happened if no one answered that call? Today, that same call is on WMC and the need is great again. Would you answer that call to serve?
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Take some time to read this article – https://tidings.wesleymc.org/feature/140-years-of-faith/. Reflect on any thoughts you have about God’s faithfulness and the obedience of disciples to answer God’s call.
- Blessing, Belonging, Believing is an approach that Jesus had in His ministry on earth. Share how this is visible from these list of passages. (Pick a few… to discuss), share your thoughts on this approach.
• The Calling of Peter, Andrew, James and John (Matthew 4:18-22)
• The Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13)
• The Healing of the Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)
• The Healing of Demoniac (Mark 5:1-20)
• The Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:24-34)
• The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:35-43)
• The Woman at the Well (John 4:1-42)
• The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) - Read 1 Cor 9:19-23 – Paul’s conviction seemed to compel him to give of himself to win souls. What might motivate you to do so? (Hint – v23) What are some challenges that deter you from serving? How would you overcome that?
- Listen to the sermon and hear the stories shared. What are thoughts you have about serving in a COSC ministry?
- Commit some time to pray for ways you can serve as a small group together in outreach as part of your discipleship growth.
