QUARTERLY YOUTH SERVICE; Topic: Fulfilling the Father’s Mandate: Empowered by the Holy Spirit in Evangelism, Visitation, and Giving

QUARTERLY YOUTH SERVICE

Ministering: Bro Ezekiel  Aruoture

Topic: Fulfilling the Father’s Mandate: Empowered by the Holy Spirit in Evangelism, Visitation, and Giving

Text: Matthew 22:37-40, 2 Peter 3:9, Matthew 28:19-20

The Mandate of the Father

Creation and Redemption: From the very beginning, God’s mandate for humanity has been one of stewardship and redemption. He created us in His image (Genesis 1:27) and desires that all would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

The Great Commission: Jesus reiterated this mandate when He gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, calling us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He commanded.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit

The Promise of the Holy Spirit: In Acts 1:8

The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us for service, convicts hearts, and guides us in fulfilling God’s mandate.

• The Holy Spirit as Our Guide: In John 16:13, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be our ever-present guide into all truth. The Holy Spirit is our divine compass, illuminating our path as we navigate the complexities of our faith journey.
• The Spirit’s Guidance in Decision-Making (Acts 16:6-10): The remarkable story of Paul’s missionary journeys exemplifies the Holy Spirit’s discernible role in guiding our critical life decisions.
• Empowerment for Ministry Through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8): As Jesus promised in Acts 1:8, the Holy Spirit empowers us for effective ministry.

Evangelism

• Sharing the Word: This is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20): In the timeless words of Jesus, we are commanded to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations,“
• Proclaiming the Good News: In Acts 2, empowered by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, Peter boldly proclaimed the Gospel to a diverse crowd, and thousands came to faith.
• Philip’s Evangelism of the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40): Paul’s Preaching in Athens (Acts 17:16-34).

Blessings Attached to Evangelism (Sharing the Gospel)

• Spiritual Growth
• Joy and Fulfillment: (Luke 15:7)
• Fellowship and Unity
• Divine Favor
• Eternal Rewards: (Matthew 10:42)

Visitation

• Manifesting Christ’s Love: The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats: In Matthew 25:34-36, Jesus teaches that when we visit the sick, the imprisoned, and the needy, we are serving Him.
• Caring for the Needy (James 1:27): The Holy Spirit enables us to reach out and provide comfort, love, and support to those in need, demonstrating the love of Christ through our actions.

Note: (there is no stereotype, prejudice or discrimination in visitation)

The Good Samaritan’s Care for the Wounded Traveler (Luke 10:30-37)

Jesus’ Visitation of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

• The Good Samaritan’s Care for the Wounded Traveler (Luke 10:30-37): The parable of the Good Samaritan remains a powerful illustration of the boundless compassion we must exhibit for our neighbours in need, transcending societal barriers and prejudices.
• Jesus’ Visitation of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10): The transformative encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus vividly demonstrates how personal interactions, characterized by love and grace, have the potential to radically change lives, offering a tangible expression of God’s love in action.

Giving

The Principle of Generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7): “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse underscores the importance of giving with a willing and cheerful heart.

• Blessing Others A. The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41-44): In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus commended the widow’s sacrificial offering, reminding us that our financial contributions are measured not by their monetary value but by the fervour of our devotion and commitment.
• Giving as Worship (2 Corinthians 8:7)
• Sharing with Fellow Believers (Acts 4:32-35)

Blessings Attached to Giving (Blessing Others):

God’s Provision: (Malachi 3:10)

Joy of Generosity: (Acts 20:35)

Multiplication of Resources: (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).

Conclusion

As we seek to fulfill the Father’s mandate, let us be ever mindful of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Through the Spirit’s guidance, we can boldly proclaim the Gospel, extend Christ’s love through visitation, and express His generosity through giving. Let us embrace these opportunities to bring glory to our Heavenly Father and advance His kingdom on Earth. Amen.