When we made the decision to accept Jesus as our Savior, we did

it because we knew that WE were sinners in desperate need of

forgiveness. But what happened AFTER our conversion? You see, we weren't just saved for ourselves. We were saved so that we might be used in our Father's ministry. We were saved so that others will see the hope we have in Him.

In our lesson today we'll look at the idea of giving. Now this could

mean the giving of your time...your talents...or even financially.

Pastor Terry will share with us when it's appropriate to give...and when it's not. Of course this isn't a man-made system we go by, but we do all things according to the way GOD has established them.

Are you called to serve? For EVERYONE...the answer to this

question is YES. You see, God desires that we ALL have the heart

of a servant. He wants us ALL to be apart of HIS ministry. But we need to ask ourselves: Where am I called? How has God gifted me? You see, we can't just pick and choose, at random, where we want to serve. We're to allow GOD to dictate such things.

In the Scriptures, we hear of people who took the Word of God, and added to it. And beyond THAT, they taught that in order to be saved, one must keep THEIR man-made laws...as well as GOD'S. This

couldn't be FURTHER from the Truth! Man's laws, traditions and

doctrine can NEVER save a person. Salvation only comes through the LIVING Word of God...which is Jesus.

How can we steer clear of the lies of the enemy? How can we keep

ourselves from being deceived? It's simple, by clinging to the WORD

of God. You see, whenever you're presented with new information...hold it up against the Scriptures. See if it's in line with what GOD has said. If you find that it's in OPPOSITION to His Word, then reject it.

Believer, did you know that YOU have been gifted? Do you realize

that God wants YOU to serve in HIS ministry? It's true! We weren't

saved for ourselves. We were saved to bring God glory...AND to

spread the truth of God's love to others. So don't believe the lie that

you have nothing to serve God with! Seek Him to find out how HE would like to use you.

As believers, we understand that God's Word is true. What we

should also realize is that there's NOTHING equal to it. In our

lesson today we'll learn how, throughout the years, man has taken

traditions and man-made laws and ELEVATED them. We've made

them equal to the Word of God. But this can't be! The Scriptures are the only Word to live by.

There are countless people in the field of ministry today. We have

pastors, teachers, elders and deacons...to name a few. But how are

these rolls filled? Who determines their qualifications? Well, in our

message today we'll learn that it's GOD who determines where and

in what capacity a person should serve. He has specific qualifications that we're to go by.

Are you called to serve? For EVERYONE...the answer to this

question is YES. You see, God desires that we ALL have the heart

of a servant. He wants us ALL to be apart of HIS ministry. But we need to ask ourselves: Where am I called? How has God gifted me? You see, we can't just pick and choose, at random, where we want to serve. We're to allow GOD to dictate such things.

As a society, we've become desensitized. The things we listen to...

the images we see...none of them phase us today. We've become

a people who have no shame or idea of REAL modesty. Our clothing, music and merchandise is all geared toward wickedness. Why is that? How could we have gone downhill so quickly? It's simple. We've chosen to IGNORE God's Word.