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Deacons | The Call to Serve | Acts 6:1-7 | 1 Timothy 3:8-13 
 
The church should always select from among themselves men of high character who are tested and qualified to serve as Deacons. Here are the characteristics and qualifications of being a Deacon. 
 
1) Deacons are problem solvers, not problem starters (6:1) 
2) Deacons serve the church body by ministering to people (6:2) 
3) Deacons have good character - men of good reputation, full of the Spirit, wise, and responsible (6:3) 
4) Deacons promote healthy churches (6:5-7) 
5) Deacons carry themselves with dignity (1 Tim 3:8) 
6) Deacons must not be double-tongued or insincere (3:8) 
7) Deacons must not be addicted to alcohol (3:8) 
8) Deacons must not be greedy (3:8) 
9) Deacons must be tested (3:10) 
10) Deacons are to be men of incomparable family values (3:12) 
 
Learn more about Tabernacle Church: https://tabernaclefamily.org/

tabernaclefammily #deacons #servant Deacons | The Call to Serve | Acts 6:1-7 | 1 Timothy 3:8-13 The church should always ...

Deacons | The Call to Serve | Acts 6:1-7 | 1 Timothy 3:8-13

1. Do you want to step into the calling and the life that God has for you? Do you want more out of life? 
 
If not, 2. Are you willing to settle for a life that is less than what you could have? 
 
Your life is too short to live for a vision that is too small. Don’t waste your life. Live for what is greater. Christ came for the purpose of building His kingdom here on earth and to last throughout all of eternity. Live for the sole purpose of building Christ's kingdom on earth now for your eternal rewards.

1. Do you want to step into the calling and the life that God has for you? Do you want more out of life? 

If not, 2. Are you willing to settle for a life that is less than what you could have? 

Your life is too short to live for a vision that is too small. Don’t waste your life. Live for what is greater. Christ came for the purpose of building His kingdom here on earth and to last throughout all of eternity. Live for the sole purpose of building Christ's kingdom on earth now for your eternal rewards.

“The Coming King” Week 1 (Isaiah 9:6-7)

We must count the cost of following Jesus so as to be true followers and to live a life of effectiveness for Him. 
 
1. A Faithful Follower Counts the Cost of Discipleship (v. 27-33) - Jesus uses two illustrations in the beginning to make the same point. 
1.1 The first is about construction. Who does not first consider what a house would cost before they build it? You need to consider how much will cost, so you can finish your construction. In the same way, you need to consider what it would cost you to follow Jesus. 
1.2 The second illustration works much the same. What king or general would not consider the size and strength of an opposing army before going to battle? Every successful wartime mission considers the enemy. They know their weaknesses and strengths. If you are willing to follow Jesus no matter what, that means you are willing to weigh the cost of being unpopular, the cost of losing your job… and maybe even the cost of your own life. 
 
2. Counting the Cost will Keep you Salty (v. 34-35) - Staying salty means staying useful. If the salt loses its saltiness, it is useless. This is just like Christians becoming ineffective for the Kingdom. They lost flavor. This is a constant battle to not let the comfort of this world distract you from following Jesus. Keep staying salty.

We must count the cost of following Jesus so as to be true followers and to live a life of effectiveness for Him.

1. A Faithful Follower Counts the Cost of Discipleship (v. 27-33) - Jesus uses two illustrations in the beginning to make the same point.
1.1 The first is about construction. Who does not first consider what a house would cost before they build it? You need to consider how much will cost, so you can finish your construction. In the same way, you need to consider what it would cost you to follow Jesus.
1.2 The second illustration works much the same. What king or general would not consider the size and strength of an opposing army before going to battle? Every successful wartime mission considers the enemy. They know their weaknesses and strengths. If you are willing to follow Jesus no matter what, that means you are willing to weigh the cost of being unpopular, the cost of losing your job… and maybe even the cost of your own life.

2. Counting the Cost will Keep you Salty 

“Count The Cost and Stay Salty” Week 9 (Luke 14:27-35)

Even when life is disrupted we must obey the Word of the Lord and trust in His provision. Just as Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath trusted the Lord to provide for them, we need to trust and obey the Lord to provide for our needs today.

Even when life is disrupted we must obey the Word of the Lord and trust in His provision. Just as Elijah and the Widow at ...

“Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath: Trust &amp; Obey” Week 3 (1 Kings 17:1-16)

You cannot have faith without works. Works are evidence of a living faith, and this evidence is a love for God and others. 
 
Message Notes: 
Living Faith leads to action (2:14-26) 
Living Faith is made evident through our action (2:17-26). God does not define you by your failures, He defines you by your faithfulness.

You cannot have faith without works. Works are evidence of a living faith, and this evidence is a love for God and others. 

Message Notes: 
Living Faith leads to action (2:14-26)
Living Faith is made evident through our action (2:17-26). God does not define you by your failures, He defines you by your faithfulness.

“Living Faith Works” Week 6 (James 2:14-26)

1 Corinthians 10 / March 17, 2019 / Dr. Todd Gray 
 
Learn from those who have come before you and lean on Christ to deliver you. 
 
Message Notes: 
1. Learn Lessons From the Past (1 Corinthians 10:1-5) 
2. Avoid The Pitfalls of Spiritual Pride (1 Corinthians 10:6-11) 
 
- Do Not Engage in Sexual Immorality 
- Don't Test Christ 
- Stop Grumbling 
 
3. Turn to God and Avoid Falling to Temptation (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

1 Corinthians 10  / March 17, 2019 / Dr. Todd Gray

Learn from those who have come before you and lean on Christ to deliver you.

Message Notes:
1.  Learn Lessons From the Past (1 Corinthians 10:1-5)
2.  Avoid The Pitfalls of Spiritual Pride (1 Corinthians 10:6-11)

- Do Not Engage in Sexual Immorality
- Don't Test Christ
- Stop Grumbling

3. Turn to God and Avoid Falling to Temptation (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

“Lessons from the Past” Holiness: Week 6 (1 Corinthians 10:1-13)

1 Corinthians 5 / February 10th, 2019 / Dr. Todd Gray 
 
The danger of unchecked sin is that it can spread through the whole church so for the glory of Christ we must remove it. 
 
Message Notes: 
1. The Situation (1 Cor. 5:1-3) 
2. Biblical Discipline is Loving and Restorative (1 Cor. 5:4-5) 
3. Deal with Unchecked Sin Before it Spreads to the Whole Church (1 Cor. 5:6-8) 
4. Be in the World but not of the World (1 Cor. 5:9-13)

1 Corinthians 5 / February 10th, 2019 / Dr. Todd Gray

The danger of unchecked sin is that it can spread through the whole church so for the glory of Christ we must remove it.

Message Notes:
1. The Situation  (1 Cor. 5:1-3) 
2. Biblical Discipline is Loving and Restorative (1 Cor. 5:4-5)
3. Deal with Unchecked Sin Before it Spreads to the Whole Church (1 Cor. 5:6-8)
4. Be in the World but not of the World (1 Cor. 5:9-13)

“Dealing with Unrepentant Sin in the Church” Holiness:  Week 1  (1 Corinthians 5:1-:13)

At best, the church gets 52 hours a year to disciple your children. In your homes, however, you have over 3000 hours. At Tabernacle, we believe that the home should be the primary place of discipleship for your children. Their love for God should be both caught and taught. 
 
Sermon Notes: 
1. Teach Children to Love God by Your Example (Deut. 6:6) 
2. Be Diligent to Teach Children to Love God Beyond Sunday (Deut. 6:7-9)

At best, the church gets 52 hours a year to disciple your children. In your homes, however, you have over 3000 hours. At Tabernacle, we believe that the home should be the primary place of discipleship for your children. Their love for God should be both caught and taught.

Sermon Notes:
1. Teach Children to Love God by Your Example (Deut. 6:6)
2. Be Diligent to Teach Children to Love God Beyond Sunday (Deut. 6:7-9)

“Parenting Beyond Sunday” Beyond Sunday: Week 5 (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

Proverbs 23 / January 27th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray 
 
Did you know that 40% of Jesus’ parables were connected with wealth and money? We know that we should be chasing God over everything else, but we often get distracted by the pursuit of more, bigger, and better. Chase God and not wealth. Wealth and work can be good, but God is better. 
 
Message Notes: 
1. Don’t Work for Wealth (Proverbs 23:4a) 
2. Don’t Let the Pursuit of Wealth Distract You (Proverbs 23:4b) 
3. Wealth Flies (Proverbs 23:5)

Proverbs 23 / January 27th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray

Did you know that 40% of Jesus’ parables were connected with wealth and money? We know that we should be chasing God over everything else, but we often get distracted by the pursuit of more, bigger, and better. Chase God and not wealth. Wealth and work can be good, but God is better. 

Message Notes:
1. Don’t Work for Wealth  (Proverbs 23:4a)
2. Don’t Let the Pursuit of Wealth Distract You (Proverbs 23:4b)
3. Wealth Flies (Proverbs 23:5)

”Don’t Worship Wealth” Beyond Sunday: Week 4 (Proverbs 23:4-5)

We can’t get to where we want to be in our spiritual lives alone. If we want to grow, we not only have to find a mentor to invest in us, but we also have to find a person to invest into as a mentor. 
 
Message Notes: 
1. Look For A Spiritual Mentor (1 Corinthians 4:14-16) 
2. Practice Multiplication and Welcome Accountability (1 Corinthians 4:17-20)

We can’t get to where we want to be in our spiritual lives alone. If we want to grow, we not only have to find a mentor to invest in us, but we also have to find a person to invest into as a mentor.

Message Notes:
1. Look For A Spiritual Mentor  (1 Corinthians 4:14-16)
2. Practice Multiplication and Welcome Accountability (1 Corinthians 4:17-20)

“Find a Spiritual Mentor” A House Divided: Week 12 (1 Corinthians 4:14-20)

We sometimes think about how hard we work, how much we have, or where we are in life and rank ourselves against others. In a culture that is more divided than ever, you don’t have to buy into this lifestyle. The moment you tell yourself “I’m better than…” you begin to live a life contrary to scripture. 
 
Message Notes: 
1. Let Grace Replace Your False Sense of Superiority with Humble Gratitude (v. 7-9) 
2. What is seen as Worldly Weakness can Often Be Christian Strength (v. 9-13)

We sometimes think about how hard we work, how much we have, or where we are in life and rank ourselves against others. In a culture that is more divided than ever, you don’t have to buy into this lifestyle. The moment you tell yourself “I’m better than…” you begin to live a life contrary to scripture. 

Message Notes: 
1. Let Grace Replace Your False Sense of Superiority with Humble Gratitude (v. 7-9) 
2. What is seen as Worldly Weakness can Often Be Christian Strength (v. 9-13)

“False Sense of Security” A House Divided: Week 11 (1 Corinthians 4:6-13)

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 / October 28th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray 
 
Our Ellis County soil is pretty bad for builders. If you live in the area you know that a good foundation almost always leads to cracks in your home’s walls. If your home is built with a bad foundation, you’re going to have major issues. If the foundation is bad, a homeowner might spend a lot of time and money on hiding the cracks, but they will always come back. As a church, our foundation must be on the truths of Jesus found in scripture and nowhere else. If we build our church on something else, our church will crack. 
 
Sermon Notes: 
1. Our Firm Foundation Must Be Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:10-11) 
2. Build Upon the Gospel Foundation with Sound Biblical Materials (1 Cor. 3:12-17)

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 / October 28th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray

Our Ellis County soil is pretty bad for builders. If you live in the area you know that a good foundation almost always leads to cracks in your home’s walls. If your home is built with a bad foundation, you’re going to have major issues. If the foundation is bad, a homeowner might spend a lot of time and money on hiding the cracks, but they will always come back. As a church, our foundation must be on the truths of Jesus found in scripture and nowhere else. If we build our church on something else, our church will crack.

Sermon Notes:
1. Our Firm Foundation Must Be Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:10-11)
2. Build Upon the Gospel Foundation with Sound Biblical Materials (1 Cor. 3:12-17)

“Built to Last” A House Divided: Week 8 (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

What would it look like if we prayed "Lord, do anything in me you need to do in order to do everything through me you want to do"? We need to approach God with more confident boldness, but we don't always know how. This week, Dr. David L. Allen guides us through Hebrews 10:19-25 as we discuss this very topic.

"Draw Near, Hold Fast, Stir Up" Hebrews 10:19-25 - Dr David L. Allen

1 Corinthians 1 / September 9th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray 
 
Although the church at Corinth was young and on fire, they were quickly fading and didn’t even realize it. There is danger of death when distractions become fractions in the church, but a Gospel focus brings unity. 
 
Sermon Notes: 
1. Paul’s 3-Part Exhortation for Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10) 
2. Avoid Personality Worship (1 Corinthians 1:11-13) 
3. Unity Prevents Distraction and Promotes Gospel Proclamation (1 Corinthians 1:13-17)

1 Corinthians 1 / September 9th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray

Although the church at Corinth was young and on fire, they were quickly fading and didn’t even realize it. There is danger of death when distractions become fractions in the church, but a Gospel focus brings unity. 
 
Sermon Notes:
1. Paul’s 3-Part Exhortation for Unity (1 Corinthians 1:10)
2. Avoid Personality Worship (1 Corinthians 1:11-13)
3. Unity Prevents Distraction and Promotes Gospel Proclamation (1 Corinthians 1:13-17)

“Seek Unity, Not Division” A House Divided: Week 2 (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)

The Bible says that wives should submit to their husbands. Often, we have a hard time reading past that single sentence. We think submission and we think oppression or even abuse. This is not the kind of submission scripture talks about. This week, we look at how our singleness or marriages can be a great picture to the world of the love God has for us as a picture of the Gospel. 
 
Message Notes: 
1. Wives Respect your Husbands (Ephesians 5:21-24) 
2. Husbands Love your Wives Sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25-31) 
3. Purpose (Ephesians 5:32)

The Bible says that wives should submit to their husbands. Often, we have a hard time reading past that single sentence. We think submission and we think oppression or even abuse. This is not the kind of submission scripture talks about. This week, we look at how our singleness or marriages can be a great picture to the world of the love God has for us as a picture of the Gospel.

Message Notes: 
1. Wives Respect your Husbands (Ephesians 5:21-24)
2. Husbands Love your Wives Sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25-31)
3. Purpose (Ephesians 5:32)

“Marriage: Together for the Gospel” Ephesians 5:21-32

We sometimes find ourselves doing something we know isn’t entirely healthy...Comparing ourselves and our blessings to others. Don’t fall into this trap! True joy and contentment come when we keep our eyes on one thing, Jesus. 
 
Notes: 
1. Jesus is Worthy (John 21:24-25) 
2. Keep your Focus on Jesus and Stop Comparing Yourself to Others (John 21:20-23)

We sometimes find ourselves doing something we know isn’t entirely healthy...Comparing ourselves and our blessings to others. Don’t fall into this trap! True joy and contentment come when we keep our eyes on one thing, Jesus.

Notes:
1.  Jesus is Worthy (John 21:24-25)
2.  Keep your Focus on Jesus and Stop Comparing Yourself to Others (John 21:20-23)

“Keep Your Eyes on Jesus”  John 21:20-25

Revelation 2 / May 20th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray 
 
When you begin to slowly compromise your beliefs and actions, your foundation begins to shift a little. Left unchecked, those compromises will compound and you will find yourself in a different place than you ever believed you’d be. The church in Thyatira was doing many great things, but they had tried to blend their faith with the faith of others, leaving them far from God.

Revelation 2  / May 20th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray

When you begin to slowly compromise your beliefs and actions, your foundation begins to shift a little. Left unchecked, those compromises will compound and you will find yourself in a different place than you ever believed you’d be. The church in Thyatira was doing many great things, but they had tried to blend their faith with the faith of others, leaving them far from God.

"Seduced by Jezebel" Revelation: Week 6 (Revelation 2:18-28)

Acts 6 / May 6th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray 
 
In many churches, Deacons are the ones who make all the major decisions in and for a church. At Tabernacle, our deacons serve a very different purpose, serving. Sure, some of our deacons are on teams that make decisions in the church...but their greatest value is in their care ministry. This week, Pastor Todd discusses the qualifications for deacons at Tabernacle.

Acts 6  / May 6th, 2018 / Dr. Todd Gray

In many churches, Deacons are the ones who make all the major decisions in and for a church. At Tabernacle, our deacons serve a very different purpose, serving. Sure, some of our deacons are on teams that make decisions in the church...but their greatest value is in their care ministry. This week, Pastor Todd discusses the qualifications for deacons at Tabernacle.

“Deacons: A Call to Serve” (Acts 6:1-8)

Nehemiah 1-2:2 / October 22nd, 2017 / Dr. Todd Gray 
 
This is the first week of a 4-part sermon series where we discuss God’s call on Nehemiah’s life. Nehemiah was called, by God, for a big project, building for the future of God's people. Over a short period of time, God matured and clarified Nehemiah’s vision and he completed his task - fortifying the city - in an incredibly short time. Each week of our series, we'll be talking about how you can be a part of building the future right here in our community.

Nehemiah 1-2:2 / October 22nd, 2017 / Dr. Todd Gray

This is the first week of a 4-part sermon series where we discuss God’s call on Nehemiah’s life. Nehemiah was called, by God, for a big project, building for the future of God's people. Over a short period of time, God matured and clarified Nehemiah’s vision and he completed his task - fortifying the city - in an incredibly short time. Each week of our series, we'll be talking about how you can be a part of building the future right here in our community.

"From Vision to Action" Building the Future:Week 1 (Nehemiah 1-2:2)

John 13:18-30 / September 10th, 2017 / Dr. Todd Gray 
 
Have you ever been betrayed? Have you ever felt like a close friend sold you out? Jesus had this exact experience with one of his closest friends. This betrayal would lead to his death. Knowing this, Jesus still responded in a way that might surprise you.

John 13:18-30 / September 10th, 2017 / Dr. Todd Gray

Have you ever been betrayed?  Have you ever felt like a close friend sold you out? Jesus had this exact experience with one of his closest friends. This betrayal would lead to his death. Knowing this, Jesus still responded in a way that might surprise you.

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