TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? James 2:15-16
Listen: James 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The world was a difficult place to live when James wrote his letter. There was no welfare safety net and those on the bottom rungs of society had nowhere to turn. Many of the early readers of James’ letter were on the bottom and being persecuted. Despite the difficulty they were facing personally, James challenges them to respond to the needs of others. To James, authentic faith responds to the needs of those around, especially those in the church. Faith is a personal thing, but it’s also an interpersonal thing.
There are two main ways authentic faith responds: spontaneous and consistent. Authentic faith spontaneously responds as you see a need you can help. Authentic faith also looks for ways to serve consistently. It systematically (maybe once a week or twice a month) responds to needs.
Even if you don’t think you’re affluent or capable, we all can bless others and respond to their needs in some way. We may not be able to respond to every need, but we each can respond to some. We can speak words of life to a peer, make a meal for a family who needs support, serve regularly in a ministry at Ada Bible, listen to an individual who lost a loved one or give to someone who has financial needs.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Spend a few moments thinking about ways you could improve your serving. This could mean beginning to serve, becoming more consistent or even doing less but being more purposeful. One way to do this at Ada Bible is to fill in during the summer or commit to serve somewhere in the fall. Whether it is being a small group leader in children or student ministries, greeting guests at the door or playing guitar in worship—we have a place for you. Visit us at adabible.org/serving to learn more about opportunities to serve.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
