In this sermon we learn that Hananiah helped Nehemiah rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Though just a regular guy, he used the gifts God gave him to complete the mission God gave the nation, rebuild! Hananiah protected what God was already doing but also pushed forward to help build what God was wanting to do. We, like Hananiah can both protect what he’s already done, but also press into what He’s calling us to; sword in one hand, hammer in the other!

Joanna was a woman in Jesus’ ministry who was likely responsible for funding most of his needs, by giving generously financially! Ironically, she used her high-up position in Herod’s household (the same family that tried to have Jesus killed as a baby) to give, to free him up to continue to minister to people. In this, she too was directly responsible for ministering to people! We, like Joanna have the opportunity to us our gifts, naturally, spiritually, financially, etc., to help aid the advancement of the gospel, and do ministry. This may look like Joanna’s, giving away freely. But whatever it is, our generosity will advance the Kingdom, even if most never know the name of the person behind the generosity… the Lord does!

Uriah is known as the husband who David killed to get his wife... what isn’t unfortunately focused on was his faithfulness! Uriah was even named, after his death, as one of David’s “men of valor.” Uriah was faithful, even to death! We, like Uriah have the opportunity to choose how we will respond to the call. Will we stay dedicated to God, to loving Him desperately? Will we keep our eyes focused on His mission, and what He’s called us to , or will we take our eyes off of God and his mission, and fall “in love with the world?" How can we maintain faithfulness over the long-haul?

Epaphras was from a small town, Colossae, and left to go to the big city of Rome. There, he met Paul, who ultimately shared the gospel, brought him to faith, and sent him back to his small town, to plant a church (Colossians), from which we get some of the most beautiful words penned about Christ as Paul writes with affection towards that church! We, like Epaphras should be thinking about why God has brought us to faith. Did he save us to send us back where we came from? Or maybe into a place no one would ever dare go! Maybe he saved us to also bring our family to faith? Regardless, God saved for a reason, for His glory, our joy, and the advancement of His mission. How and where is God calling us to?

A slave girl (literally with no name given!) was captured by a tyrant army, and taken, likely to be a servant in a general’s household. When this general came down with leprosy, the girl could have easily been bitter, and watched him painfully die. Instead, she risked her life again, and spoke up about a man who could heal. Though she didn’t even share the “gospel” with Naaman, she pointed him to someone who would. This ultimately lead to his conversion! We, like the slave girl, should be faithful in looking for opportunities to point people towards healing. This may mean pointing them to church, to Bible Studies, to resources, or personally getting the opportunity to share the gospel with them. Regardless, God places us in places (even places we don’t like) to help people who are dying hear about the goodness of the God who can heal. We should look for everyday evangelism opportunities.

The Philippian Jailer was doing his normal job when God decided to show up in a major way! In a dramatic fashion, the gospel entered into his life, and then into the life of his whole family, all in one night. In fact, this jailer put Paul in stocks, beat him, and then hours later washed his wounds! The gospel is dramatic. We have no idea when the gospel will take shape! But, Paul and Silas were ready when the opportunity arose. We, like them, should be ready to share. Furthermore, the jailer lead his family to faith, and provided for Paul and Silas, but then went back to his normal job. The gospel likewise should form us to love others in the very place that the gospel found you! Are we ready to share when the opportunity comes?

Epaphroditus was a wildly faithful man, doted on by Paul for being a brother, companion, laborer, solider, and a messenger! In fact, Epaphroditus was so faithful to the mission, that he almost died for it. Why? Because he was filling up what was lacking in the church’s lack of dedication towards mission for Paul. We, like Epaphroditus, are called to be faithful to mission! Will we step up to the mission, to the vision God is calling us towards, in our own lives, and in this church? In fact, are we willing to “fill what others are lacking” as Epaphroditus did, committed to making much of Jesus, by reproducing disciple, who impact the world, for the glory of God? We’re called to be faithful, knowing that our God is worthy of this faithfulness, and will use us, for His great name.