M.   Understanding the church in our service – the church as a house of prayer

1.       The church is a place for prayer (Mk 11:15-19).

2.       Nowadays, a church can be a community center, an entertainment center, an educational institution or even a charity organization. Jesus used the power of God to build up His church, not through community services. If the church lacks prayer, we will start finding “smart” people and use “smart” ways to attract people. It may provide convenience and opportunity, but this is not what church should emphasize. As a worker, we need to know the direction of the church. 

N.     Other points in serving

1.       We should teach the congregation to be orderly in the house of God. If there is no order, it will be hard to see miracles in the church (Mk 6:40-44). Ex: During my ministry, the first miracle regarding water baptism occurred when the church council was putting things in order. 

2.       When serving, we should not forbid those who are also preaching Jesus, even if they are not part of us (Mk 9:38-41).

3.       When serving, we should not cause others to stumble. We should be careful of what we say or what we do (Mk 9:42). Paul said that if eating meat will cause others to fall, he will refrain from eating meat.

4.       When serving, we should know that salvation is more important than serving. We need to remember that we should fear God and that there is fire in hell. This is because Satan always likes to strike down workers (Mk 9:43-48).

5.       When serving, we should lead the children to Christ. We should pay attention to Religious Education because it has to do with the future of the kingdom of God (Mk 10:13-16).

6.       When serving, we should not mind not having a fortune on earth (Mk 10:17-22). We should determine to live a simple life like John the Baptist.

7.       When serving, we need to realize there will be both moments of glory and moments of pain. People may treat us like kings sometimes and beggars other times. Sometimes it will be like Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey. Other times, it will be like being crucified on the cross. Jesus did not lose His mind after the people shouted praise. He immediately went to the “House of the Poor” after that glorious event (Mk 11:11).

8.       In serving, we should talk about the good deeds of our brothers and sisters. Mary indeed performed many good deeds. She was poor and yet offered the most precious gift. She was silent when someone picked on her. She knew the right time to offer her best. Jesus wanted her good deeds to be mentioned. We should do the same and mention the good deeds of believers. It will bring about a positive influence (Mk 14:3-9).

O.    The reward of serving and following the Lord

1.       Receive 100 times on earth (Mk 10:30).

2.       Receive persecution (Mk 10:30).

3.       Receive eternal life (Mk 10:30).

P.  Serving till death

1.       Jesus served until he died.

2.       Peter was afraid of death when he was challenged by a little girl.

1.       If we have the guts to not fear death, we will be able to face many challenges in life.