A Church that Cares: The Ministry of Presence and Comfort

Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

1. 1. Practice Incarnational Ministry: Matthew 1:23 Jesus is “God with Us!”
      a.      Be in God’s presence!
      b.      Be God’s Presence!
      
      
   2. Practice Involved Ministry: John 11:32-35 Jesus comes to us in our grief and need
      a.      Be with God’s people physically!
      b.      Be connected to God’s people emotionally!
      
      
   3. Practice Intentional Ministry: Mark 6:34-37 Jesus was purposeful in His actions
      a.      Be specific about the physical needs of people!  Not just hanging out.
      b.      Be specific about the spiritual needs of people!
        
   4. Practice Illogical Ministry: Luke 5:30-32 Jesus treated everyone like a sinner!
      a.      Be willing to befriend the friendless wherever you find them!
      b.      Be willing to befriend the friendless whoever they are!
      
      Do you believe that God will minister through you?
      
      Who do you need to “be with” for God this week?
      
      Who has God used to minister to you in the last month?  Thank them this week and thank God for working through them!
      

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