Is the church reaching out in the way God is asking us to? How should we reach out? Who should we reach out to? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally continues our Centered series with a message entitled Reaching Out.

At VFC, this is our strategy for your spiritual growth – to be centered on the cross. There are four sections on a cross: Growing Deep, Growing Up, Reaching Out, Reaching In
 
Today, Reaching Out. Since God lives in you, He is going to want to do what He does through you.

Hebrews 13:16 “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”

James 2:14-17 
 
Keys to Reaching Out:
1. God considers serving others to be the same as serving Him.
Matt 25:37-40 
Who should we serve? Two groups in particular: the most vulnerable in society and other Christians. 
Gal. 6:10 “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”
If you want to serve God, serve someone else. 
 
2. You can measure your “growing up” by your desire to “reach out.”
Matthew 20:25-28
Your servant mentality should grow as your spiritual maturity grows.
 
3. Help others supernaturally, not just naturally.
Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
Ministry without power is just sympathy. 
 
4. Don’t do the right thing for the wrong reason.
Col. 3:23 – “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” 
The proper motivation for service is worship. 
 
5. Don't wait to reach out until you’ve got it all together. 
Serving others is the way you get your life together. You don’t have to choose between helping others and helping yourself.
1 Peter 4:10 “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
 
6. You will give account for your ministry. 
1 Cor. 3:11-15 
Jesus will say “Well done good and faithful SERVANT,” not theologian or worshipper.
 
7. Reaching out preaches the gospel.
John 13:35 “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
Surrender to service.

Are you reaching out?