Celebration
Celebrate Servanthood

Sunday August 31, 2025 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

Psalm 126:3

Theme Verse: Psalm 126:3 - "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad."

Big Idea: Tabitha (Dorcas) used her gifts to serve others, blessing the church and her community. We celebrate everyone who gives of their time, talent, and treasure - with joy, humility, and kingdom vision.

Main Scriptures: Acts 9
36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

Compassion (Dorcas's deeds): Compassion as the Seed for Miracle (v. 36-37)

1. Dorcas shows us that true discipleship is measured not by how loudly we speak but by how compassionately we serve.
2. Compassion with deeds that give dignity and hope to others creates a powerful testimony.

Confirmation (God's miracle): Compassion Becomes the Channel for God's Power (v. 40)

1. Compassion is often the prelude to miracles in Jesus's ministry and in the Bible
2. Where there is compassion, there is openness to God's Spirit. The miracle of multiplication, healing, or deliverance often takes root in hearts softened by love.

Conversion (Many believed): Compassion can Lead to a Powerful Witness ( v42)

1. The miracle of Dorcas's resurrection didn't stay hidden-it spread. The compassion of Dorcas did not stay hidden- The widows displayed her good works.
2. The result of the miracle wasn't just amazement-it was faith.
3. The goal of miracles in Acts is always conversion, not just attraction and entertainment.

Challenge:

• 1. What are you doing with what's in your hands?
• 2. How does servanthood reveal Christ?
• 3. Do we value unseen faithfulness?

Applications:

Whatever gift, resource, or opportunity God has placed in your hands, use it to serve others. (Ordinary tools in compassionate and faithful hands become instruments of extraordinary grace leading to eternal life).

Reminder: Unseen faithfulness can leave an eternal testimony (V. 39b).