How do you answer the question, “Who are you?” Most often we identify ourselves by our relationships—I’m a father or mother, son or daughter, husband or wife—or our profession—I’m a carpenter or teacher or businessperson or work in another of the myriad of available professions. As believers our identity is in Jesus. The Holy Spirit has called us by the Gospel, and we believe. Through God’s gracious gift of Baptism, the Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts so that we believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth to save us from sin, death, and the devil.

On September 30 we will begin a four-week sermon series titled “Disciples Living as Grace-filled Stewards,” focusing on our identity as disciples and stewards. It is humbling to realize that God has created us and redeemed us through His Son, Jesus, and sustains us, calls us, and gives us the privilege of being His disciples and stewards. The definitions of disciple and steward are different, but the ultimate purpose of both is to serve God by helping all people come to faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Through Word and Sacraments, the Holy Spirit changes and molds us to be disciples and stewards. It is not by own power or intellect that we fill these two different roles. By grace, God enables us to grow in faith and service to Him. Submitting our will to His, we are led and guided in our service.

Disciple: A disciple is identified as a “follower” and a “learner.” Jesus has chosen us to be His followers. Steward: A steward is a manager of someone else’s property according to the desire and wishes of the owner. Because God has created and owns all things, we are God’s stewards.

We pray that God will bless our stewardship sermon series and that He will continually empower us to be used as His tools to help extend His kingdom.

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