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TAKE THE NEXT STEP — Ministry
Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV)

Main Idea

We are saved by grace alone—but we are saved for a life of ministry. Serving others in Jesus’ name is the visible fruit of genuine faith and a powerful testimony to the love and glory of God.

I. Ministry Flows from Grace, Not Performance

“For by grace you have been saved through faith…” (Ephesians 2:8–10)

• Salvation is God’s gift, not our achievement.
• Yet grace never leaves us unchanged—God has prepared good works for us to walk in.
• As the Reformer Martin Luther rightly observed: God does not need our good works—but our neighbor does.

Key Truth: We do not serve to be saved; we serve because we are saved.

II. Ministry Is Part of the DNA of the Church

From the beginning, Grace Fellowship has pursued a clear vision:

• Gospel-centered preaching and teaching
• Authentic worship
• Local and global missions
• Intentional discipleship
• Compassionate service

We are determined to be a church that worships, evangelizes, disciples, prays, and serves—all in the name of Jesus and for the glory of God.

III. When We Minister, We Follow the Example of Jesus

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” (Mark 10:45)

Jesus:

• Touched lepers
• Fed the hungry
• Healed the sick
• Washed the disciples’ feet

“I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)

Key Truth: Christian ministry is not about status—it’s about sacrificial service.

IV. When We Minister, We Make Christ’s Love Visible

“Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18)

• God’s love was embodied in Christ (John 3:16).
• That same love is now embodied through His church.

Jesus made it unmistakably clear to Peter:

“If you love me… feed my sheep.” (John 21:15–17)

Key Truth: Love for Jesus is proven by care for His people.

V. When We Minister, We Minister to Jesus Himself

“As you did it to one of the least of these… you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

• Jesus is not teaching salvation by works.
• He is revealing that saving faith produces a serving life.

Key Truth: Serving others is one of the clearest evidences of a transformed heart.

VI. When We Minister, We Do It for God’s Glory

“…whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies…” (1 Peter 4:11)

• Ministry is never about self-promotion.
• Our strength, direction, and purpose all come from God.
• The ultimate aim: God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

So… What Is Your Next Step?

• Explore the ministries Grace Fellowship supports.
• Find a place to serve—inside the church or beyond its walls.
• Talk with a pastor or leader about where your gifts, experiences, and passions can be used.

Use your gifts.
Use your experiences.
Use your passions.
Make a difference—for the glory of God and the good of others.

Commissioning Prayer

Go in the name of Jesus—
to serve by the strength God supplies,
to love in deed and in truth,
to care for the least of these,
and to make Christ’s love visible,
so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
Amen.