Bulletin 7.28.24

“The Spirit does not make us wise in some magical kind of way, giving us little nudges and insider tips to help us always choose the best stock to invest in. Rather, he makes Jesus Christ a living, bright reality, transforming our character, giving us new inner poise, clarity, humility, boldness, contentment, and courage. All of this leads to increasing wisdom as the years go by, and to better and better professional and personal decisions.”

― Timothy J. Keller, Every Good Endeavor: 

Connecting Your Work to God's Work

What is Paul going to say after writing a whole chapter on resurrection? Is he going to say, "Since there is a resurrection, look up and wait for this glorious future?" No, he says, "Therefore my beloved ones be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." Your work is "not in vain." Why not? Because everything you do in the present, in the power of the Spirit and in union with Christ, everything that flows out of love and hope and grace and goodness somehow will be part of God’s eventual Kingdom. That is the message of the resurrection. The resurrection is your new body in which you will be gloriously, truly wonderfully you. The resurrection means everything you’ve done in the present through your body—works of justice and mercy and love and hope—somehow in ways we don’t understand will be part of God’s new creation. 

- N.T. Wright 

Psalm 111.1-7 

Praise the LORD! 

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart, 

In the company of the upright and in the assembly.

Great are the works of the LORD; 

They are studied by all who delight in them.

Splendid and majestic is His work; 

And His righteousness endures forever.

He has made His wonders to be remembered; 

The LORD is gracious and compassionate.

He has given food to those who fear Him; 

He will remember His covenant forever.

He has made known to His people the power of His works, 

In giving them the heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are truth and justice; 

All His precepts are sure. 

(Prayer)