• Love• Service

Jesus

• Hypocrisy• Political Agendas

Christians

• Billy Graham• TD Jakes• John Piper• Charles Stanley• Rick Warren• Joyce Meyer• John Hagee• Harold Boehm

Great Christian Leaders

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the

poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was

in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

Acts 9:36-38

Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the

room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made

while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got

down on his knees and prayed.

Acts 9:39-40

Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes

and, seeing Peter, she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet.

Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and

many people believed in the Lord.

Acts 9:40-42

• Wasn’t a pastor or leader in the church• Didn’t preach before thousands• Didn’t stand before governors or kings• Didn’t write powerful theological commentaries• Was an ordinary woman; a disciple of Jesus

Dorcas

What is so special about Dorcas?

Dorcas/Tabitha = Gazelle

Gazelle• Graceful• Effortless• Ease and beauty of movement

Dorcas Gazelle

“A small and common gazelle.”

Two Points• The room was filled with widows• She had an obvious impact on community

What did Dorcas do?

Did Good(v. 36)

Helped Poor(v. 36)

Made Clothes(v. 39)

Therefore, as we have opportunity,let us do good to all people.

Galatians 6:10

Do Good

We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God

prepared in advance for us.

Ephesians 2:10

Do Good

Tabitha … was always doing good and helping the poor.

Acts 9:36

Do Good

Tabitha … was completely occupiedwith good deeds and almsgiving.

Acts 9:36

Do Good

It’s curious that we live in an age when much of our economy is built on service,

but there seems to be a decline in personal service to others without employment obligation or financial compensation.

Mark Driscoll

Help the Poor

growth

service

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s

varied grace.

1 Peter 4:10

Make Clothes

Make Clothes

What did Dorcas do?

Did Good(v. 36)

Helped Poor(v. 36)

Made Clothes(v. 39)

Do Good(when convenient)

Help Poor(tax write-off?)

Make Clothes(when profitable)

Get Recognition

Popularity or Prominence = More Important

Popularity or Prominence = More Important

Three Questions1. Am I seizing every opportunity to do

good without expectation of reciprocity?

2. Am I seeking out ways to help those less fortunate?

3. Am I using my talents to serve my church and community?