In what ways can we give glory to God in our community? Anchor Verse “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:20) Seeing God’s Glory in Community • Glory is not merely admiration; it is public acknowledgment of God’s worth. • Paul’s doxology calls the church to display that glory “forever and ever,” meaning every place, every era—including our neighborhood right now. • Other voices echo the same call: – Matthew 5:16: “let your light shine before men… glorify your Father.” – Romans 15:6: “with one mind and one voice you may glorify….” – 1 Peter 4:11: “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Practical Pathways to Glory 1. Corporate Worship • Gather faithfully; sing, pray, and listen to the Word as a united testimony. • Public praise tells the watching world God is alive and worthy (Psalm 22:3). 2. Loving Service • Meet needs—meals for the sick, rides for seniors, tutoring for kids. • 1 Peter 4:11 promises God receives glory when we serve “with the strength God provides.” 3. Generous Sharing • Give time, skills, finances. • 2 Corinthians 9:13 teaches that generosity “will result in thanksgiving to God.” 4. Unified Relationships • Resolve conflicts biblically; pursue forgiveness quickly. • John 13:35: love among believers signals Christ’s reality. 5. Everyday Integrity • Live blamelessly at work, school, and online. • Colossians 3:17: whatever we do, do it “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” 6. Spoken Testimony • Share salvation stories naturally—coffee chats, social media posts, neighborhood walks. • Psalm 96:3: “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” 7. Joyful Gratitude • Thank God publicly for small and big mercies. • Gratitude redirects credit from self to Savior, reinforcing Philippians 4:20. 8. Intentional Hospitality • Open homes for Bible studies, holiday meals, kids’ playdates. • Hebrews 13:2 links hospitality to angelic encounters—glory in disguise. Guardrails for Consistent Glory • Root every action in Scripture; avoid trends that contradict clear commands. • Pray for humility—glory aimed at self evaporates; glory aimed at God multiplies. • Remember 1 Corinthians 10:31: “whatever you do… do it all to the glory of God.” Fruit to Expect • Neighbors notice Christ’s character before they hear Christ’s claims. • Stronger church unity as shared mission eclipses minor differences. • Increased gratitude, joy, and hope—evidence that God’s glory is not theory but reality shining through His people. |
    |