Hoseah expresses joy in being with the Richmond congregation, feeling at home. He opens with a prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit's guidance. He shares greetings from South Jersey and highlights the spiritual growth among the youth, noting their impactful testimonies from recent conferences. Hoseah emphasizes the importance of parents investing spiritually in their children, using Hannah and Samuel's story as an example of nurturing faith. He encourages parents to prepare their children for a life dedicated to the Lord, stressing the significance of their role in spiritual development.
Hoseah then reflects on the servant heart of Jesus, illustrating how He came to serve rather than be served. He cites various Gospel passages to demonstrate Jesus' commitment to serving God's will. Hoseah encourages the congregation to focus on Jesus amidst negativity in the world, reminding them of the importance of seeing Christ in their lives. He concludes by urging the need for a servant heart among believers, emphasizing that true fulfillment of God's purpose comes from embodying Christ's servant nature.
18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. 19 Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. 25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. 26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. 27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.