First Steps Series - Service: How Do I Give Back?
ISBN: 9781527104723For those who trust Jesus and want to live for him, it doesn't take long to run into the idea that we have been blessed by God so that we will be a blessing to others.
The nitty gritty of that service, though, isn't easy. It can be tedious, and it's often downright annoying, frustrating and discouraging. When we try to serve others, we face our own sin and theirs. We face the lies which tell us we can't do it - we're not worth anything - we've got nothing to offer.
But the truth of the gospel changes all that. Now our hope is not in what WE can do, but in the work of Christ in us. Now that we trust Jesus, now that he's our King - how to do we get on and follow him day by day.
Author: Mez McConnell is the pastor for Niddrie Community Church, near Edinburgh. He is also the Director of 20schemes which is dedicated to revitalising and planting gospel churches in Scotland's poorest communities. Previously he was a missionary with street kids in Brazil. He is married and has two children. Endorsements: The author seasons each chapter with narrative examples that allow readers to place themselves in the grand story of following King Jesus as His servant-disciples. This book is imminently practical, enjoyably readable, and pastorally helpful for making disciples and introducing people to Jesus. Service - How Do I Give Back? is a great introduction to what it means to live as a Christian. The key foundations for healthy service are presented in an engaging way. Time again and again, profound ideas are made simple and then applied with punch. Christians often get 'stuck' in their spiritual growth, receiving from the church without giving back. This helpful book provides practical steps for believers - especially non-churched and/or newer believers - to overcome their hesitations, discover their spiritual gifts, and serve from a gospel motivation. For pastors who need help encouraging their people to serve the church, this is the first book I'd recommend.
--Doug Logan, Director of the Diversity Initiative, Acts 29 & Co-director of Church in Hard Places
--Tim Chester, Author and senior faculty member, Crosslands Training
--Gavin Ortlund, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Ojai, California & author of Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals and Finding the Right Hills to Die On
Additional Information:
| Cover: | Softcover |
| Number of Pages: | 103 |
| Publisher: | Christian Focus Publications |
| Publication Date: | 2020 |