O how we need to share the weight and the wonder of ministry. The weight is halved and the wonder is doubled when we “stand side by side for the sake of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, deliberately suffered and died to purify for himself a people zealous for good deeds (Titus 2:14). It staggers the mind to think that the God who says, I am who I am, gave himself to die so that you and I would have strength and incentive to do good deeds. Just think of the value God must put on good deeds done in the strength of his cross!

Christ died to change the goals of your life. When you come to the cross you are given a quest. The quest for good deeds. “We are created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). Can you imagine anything more satisfying at the end of the day than the feeling that you have devoted your time and effort to fulfilling the purpose of the cross?! Can you think of any better way to enjoy sweet fellowship with the living Christ than to say to him, “For this you died. For this I live”?

May I invite some of you to consider one of the following ministries? Perhaps the Lord has given you a desire recently to do something like this.

1. Coordinator of transportation. The possibilities of doing good for elderly and children are almost endless. A dreamer could really magnify the cross in this ministry. You would work in consultation with Rollin Erickson, our minister of visitation, and Greg Zdechlik’s new 20:20 group and Char Ransom. It would be a significant time commitment, but the joy fulfilling the purpose of the cross would be huge. If you think this may be your ministry, call me or Char.

2. Manuscript Coordinator. Each week we send out about 70 copies of sermons to people around the country who have subscribed to receive them regularly. We need someone who would faithfully take the responsibility of copying, collating, stapling and mailing the weekly sermon. It would also involve handling the billing. If this sounds like a ministry for you, call me or Carol Steinbach.

Side by side for the sake of the gospel,

Pastor John