Vocation in the Busy City

Very Abstract Notes from an FES Seminar, circa December 2010 Generally speaking about vocation, jobs and how they affect the city and our views on such jobs as Christians. Some touch on Business, the Arts, even service in Church which may seem diluted elsewhere. Vocational Discernment in the Busy City Jeremiah 29:1-14 Seek the peace of the city Discernment of the prophets and diviners Assyrians, Babylonians, Chaldeans, arch-enemies of Israel. Exiles - in a city, they are there but they do not belong there. Exiles are not citizens, and do not want to go to Babylon by choice. We are citizens of heaven, Singapore is not our true home, exiles here. The temptation is to just make do, for temporary living. All that was evil, anti-God is affiliated with Babylon. Seek the peace of the city where He is sending you to. There is hope for the city. The city is not going to hell. God will bring about the peace of the city. The people sent to Babylon were told to build houses to live in them, and to plant gardens and eat the fruit they produce. For God meant us to be residents, full residents of the City. It is not a passing step which will go to hell while we continue, this place is not our destiny, but we will not just make do, even be given in marriage and bear children in the city. We will not bring peace or goodness in, unless we are in the city, but not of the city. Does the world secularise us, or do we sanctify the world? We are called to be in the city, by which God's redemptive grace will be brought to the city. If we want to make a diff in the city, we do so by certain religious activity which bring about the redemption of the city. But the text suggests that the people, smiths, artisans, will be sent to bring about the peace of the city. When we think Christian Mission, the usual rule of thumb is people who leave SG who go overseas for church planting and other work. Theological people, missionaries and evangelists. But could it be in the 21st Century, that the mission of God is the transformation of the city, the peace of the city. Is it coming through missionaries, but the fact is that the point is at the root, not the end of the chain. If the phenomena of church did not bring about the peace of the city, does it mean that it's not fulfilling its mission? A lot of future influences will be in Business, Arts and Education. God is calling people into business. The economic components are understood by Jews in Europe. Case study 1 Some people are called to business, some find it suspect because its about making money. However,Proverbs 31, of called into business. The woman in the proverb is a businesswoman. The buying and selling of goods in the proverb is related to business. Can't have life without the process of buying and selling and production of goods and services Not all business is good business, where it can violate the goodness of what's its meant for, same as other business's. Points of note in business- Excellence in the name of Christ Justice of God is fulfilled -There is no salvation without Justice- There is no Justice without economic Justice. Business - buy low sell high The appropriate price is the just price, so that all people working for their keep does have a fair wage to live, where Justice is compromised. Note - FAIR TRADE Don't need a casino to build an economy. Can't build an economy on the love and greed of money. We think the love of money will fix things. If in business, more money more value, it will signify a successful business. The local eatery, Olive Vine, run by sister Judith, funds an orphanage which takes in orphans not wanted by orphans, in China. (Personal Note - Testimony shared during one of the Poly Christian Fellowship camps, very good, and her food is just as good.) Artists There is no civility, no peace without the Arts. God is the main artist, and artists are significant to our daily lives. We take for granted the beauty of architecture, buildings, order. It's genius is to capture human pathos. The arts are the ones who provide a slight light to the lowest moods. Allow the artists and painters to restore us. The musicians and designers of worship. With courage, not with a love for money, but a respect for money. Most of our greatest gifts are from our educators from God. They equip us with how we teach how we act. Most influence in us. People who work, do their work, to the Glory of God. Songs which celebrate the human glory of life. The test of the church is whether it can equip its people from Monday thru Sunday. If we do business, make art, teach in the name for the glory of God, then there is little point or effect. 3 essential practices - 1- Our entire Christian heritage suggest to us that we will be suggests that we are secularised. Unless we have a prayerful life in meditation of the scriptures and prayer of the Lord. Length does not mean effectiveness. 2- Church is called to be in the world as a worshipping community. The work is to bring together praise, worship and adoration, celebrating the holy meal, the Lord's Supper. Pray for here city. Communion 12 times a year- 12 disciples, first disciples ? LOL Early church practice- weekly communion. 3- We can't survive in the city, will be overwhelmed, without the observance of the Sabbath. On day in 7, to identify with the peace which is yet to come. A day to come back with recreation and reunion with God. Amen. Critiques- Q: Hard to find time out of the world in the city for the Sabbath. It's not that we don't wanna do it, but we can't do it. A: It's not easy. It's difficult. But essential. Live a full demanding life with sustenance. Respect the space that the staff will need to have. Q: Our worship have been secularised, however worship can be modified to fit cultures, yes? A: Worship is all about you? Nope. The focus of Worship is Christ. If it brings people to Christ, good. However if people just turn up for Worship, then nope, something is Wrong. If worship is a feel good thing, then it's not worship at all (misc) Money honour and power are dangerous factors in deciding our future vocations. We do not know ourselves good enough to specialise now. Keep our options open. (More Q&A) Q: Any other reasons to be a pastor? A: Equipping people with the power an knowledge in His word for your work. Giving advice for life, work. He will pray for you, sustenance and strength. (Regarding fellowship groups and vocational Guilds, discussed throughout but found no place in notes till now) The need for Guilds is essential for the individual. The need for good conversation partners.

Ignorance is NOT bliss. Passivity is NOT godly.

Mark 3:1-6 (NKJV)
"And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him."

So imagine this. You're walking through the crowded path leading from Tampines MRT to the traffic light, and you see an amputee on the side of the road, begging for money. What are the options that you can do?
1. Stop, and give money.
2. Avert eye contact, do nothing, and walk pass.

We've all done one of the two at some point of time.

But let's see what Jesus says. "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?"
Jesus may be the most merciful man in the whole history of mankind, but he definitely isn't the nicest. He doesn't ever mince his words, he always tells the truth, and he never compromises on God. So it must mean something when he doesn't give an option of doing nothing. Or rather, doing nothing when you see a person in need is equivalent to murder!

There is no such thing as 'doing nothing'. You either do something good or something evil. You either love or hate. Every choice you make is an active step towards good or evil. Which will you choose?

Goal of discipleship - to be like Jesus.

Some notes from the first Reachight service of the year. Ps Pacer talked about discipleship, which is going to be one of the focus for Reachlight this year. about 192 people turned up for service man, let's go for the next one together and not miss out! Next one is on 26 Feb 5.30pm - 6.45pm, MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Well so back to the sermon, an underlying and crucial point about discipleship is that it IS Christianity. It is not only from some Christians, or for 'elite' Christians, but as much as possible, we have been mandated to it. I'll let the notes tell you more.

5 Goals of Discipleship

1. A disciple follows the PERSON of Jesus, not a PROGRAM.
Matt 4:19-20 "Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him."

Jesus' role is to compel me to follow him. Our role is to follow him.
Programs are helpful but we must not put it before Christ.

2. A disciple focuses in SELF-DENIAL, not SELF-FULFILLMENT.
Luke 9:23-24"Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily,[a] and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it."

Subtract from your life first, and then addition will happen.
Taking up the cross is the total opposite for self-fulfillment.
Cross is a symbol of pain and suffering.
Jesus went to THE CROSS, so that we can take up A CROSS.
believer = disciple. Scripture doesn't make differentiation between both.
Criminals go to the cross for thee crimes, Christians go to the cross for their faith. So to be believers, we have to do the same and take up our cross, which according to the passage above, means that we are his disciple.

3. A disciple GIVES UP everything for the sake of GETTING Christ.
Luke 14:26-27, 33 "“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."

3 times here, Jesus uses negatives.
Does he really mean it literally?
a. "does not hate his father and mother..." Not ungodly hate for family and friends. But in comparison to our love for Jesus, our love for them must seem very far away.
It is not and ungodly hate that leads to sin, but a godly hate that leads to life.

b. "does not bear his cross"
Cross bearing is not the number of trials you go thru alone, but the trails you go through with faith, with valour, with strength.

c. "does not give up everything"
Not everyone of us right here right now. This word was spoken to the rich young man, and He knows his heart.
It is also a mandate for a man to provide for his family.
John 6:66 many disciples left Jesus cos they lacked understanding of what it takes to be a disciple.
Matt 13:44
We will be tempted at many points in our lives. That's why Paul says that we must crucify our flesh.
The value we place on the suffering of the cross must be of a greater value than the value we place on every single thing and person in our lives.

4. A disciple is know by his LOVE, not his LEARNINGS.
John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Proof of discipleship is not how much we have learned, but how much we have loved. Love is a reflection of how much we have applied what we have learned.
Our fellow Christians will stumble and make mistakes, and these will test our love for them and be a litmus test for how much we are following God.
John 9. The Pharisees hated people. They used the adulteress as a chess piece to trap Jesus. They used the blind man whom Jesus healed on sabbath to attack Him.

5. A disciple sees discipline others as the GREAT COMMISSION, not a GREAT SUGGESTION.
Matt 28:18-20 "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore[a] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."

Discipleship is the duty of every Christian, not of full time staff and pastors only.
The question that churches face today is not the number of members we have, but the number of members who are discipling others.
We don't become a disciple by our own strength - He makes us one.
Not everyone who comes through the doors of the church wants Christ. Judas didn't.

Am I willing to deny myself, bear the cross, and follow him?

Recommended sermons on biblical manhood and womanhood

Hi guys,
As I told some of the guys over lunch on Sunday, I've been listening to some sermons by John Piper on what Biblical manhood and womanhood means, and it has really taught me a lot about the way God created gender and how He intended for it to be, until the Fall happened. Piper also talks about marriage, and it has really changed my perspective of it - marriage is not simply a man-made institution that our society has grown to loathe, but it is a metaphor for the way that Christ loves the church. Seen that way, it adds a lot more meaning to marriage than just the union of 2 people! This series is also particularly useful for the guys, as it talks about what a Godly guy should be and the kind of role that he has to play. But I also encourage the girls to listen to it cos it will help to shape your worldview about feminism too.

So anyway, here's the link to the series of sermons on Biblical manhood and womanhood. It's only about 35 mins per sermon, but full of wisdom and totally worth your time! Enjoy! :)

Jess

I came across this story in a daily devotion for small kids.

Debbie and her daddy had a special daily habit. She would sit on his knee when he came home from work, and he would say, " Debbie, do you love me?" Debbie would say, "I love you, Daddy." Then she would reach into his coat pocket and find a little gift. It might be a quarter, or a piece of gum, or candy-just a little treat.

One day, Debbie's daddy said, as usual, " Debbie, do you love me?"

As usual, Debbie answered, "I love you, Daddy." Reaching into his pocket she found a little ring he had bought from a discount store. " Oh, Daddy," exclaimed Debbie, " it' s just so beautiful! I'm going to wear it and never take it off." And after that, Debbie wore that ring everywhere. She wore it even though it made a green mark on her finger.

When Debbie's daddy realized just how much the ring meant to his little girl, he decided to buy her a real gold one. And that afternoon, as always, Debbie sat on her daddy's knee. "Debbie, do you love me?" he asked.

"I love you, Daddy," answered Debbie.

"Then give me your ring," her father said with a twinkle in his eye.

But Daddy didn't notice the twinkle. "Oh Daddy, I do love you but please let me keep my ring," she pleaded. Daddy still out held his hand. As Debbie gave him the ring, she was trying not to cry.

"Now reach into my pocket," said Daddy with a smile.

Debbie could hardly believe her eyes when she pulled out the shiny gold ring. "Oh Daddy," she exclaimed. "It's so much prettier than the other one, If I had only known, I'd have given you that one right away.'

Will you let go and let God?

On gossip

I stumbled upon this blog post by a Christian blogger called Bianca, and she has this really humorous piece on gossiping in church. Haha very short only watch the video!

Jess

Fellowship on board

Hi guys, here is what my friend posted on facebook about Max Lucado's point on unity in the church. It's a great analogy, albeit a little long. But sit through it and see what he has to say. Enjoy! :)

Rocking the Boat

God has enlisted us in his navy and placed us on his ship.The boat has one purpose – to carry us safely to the other shore.

This is no cruise ship; it's a battleship. We aren't called to a life of leisure; we are called to a life of service. Each of us has a different task. Some, concerned with those who are drowning are snatching people from the water. Others are occupied with the enemy, so they man the cannons of prayer and worship. Still others devote themselves to the crew,feeding and training the crew members.

Though different, we are the same. Each can tell of a personal encounter with the captain, for each has received a personal call. He found us among the shanties of the seaport and invited us to follow him. Our faith was born at the sight of his fondness, and so we went.

We each followed him across the gangplank of his grace onto the same boat. There is one captain and one destination. (Ephesians 4:5)

Though the battle is fierce, the boat is safe, for our captain is God. The ship will not sink. For that, there is no concern.

There is concern, however, regarding the disharmony of thecrew. When we first boarded we assumed the crew was made up of others like us.But as we've wandered these decks, we've encountered curious converts with curious appearances. Some wear uniforms we've never seen, sporting styles we've never witnessed. "Why do you look the way you do?" we ask them.

"Funny," they reply. "We were about to ask the same of you."

The variety of dress is not nearly as disturbing as the plethora of opinions. There is a group, for example, who clusters every morning for serious study. They promote rigid discipline and somber expressions."Serving the captain is serious business," they explain. It's no coincidence that they tend to congregate around the stern.

There is another regiment deeply devoted to prayer. Not only do they believe in prayer, they believe in prayer by kneeling. For that reason you always know where to locate them; they are at the bow of the ship.

And then there are a few who staunchly believe real wine should be used in the Lord's Supper. You'll find them on the port side.

Still another group has positioned themselves near the engine. They spend hours examining the nuts and bolts of the boat. They've been known to go below deck and not come up for days. They are occasionally criticized by those who linger on the top deck, feeling the wind in their hair and the sun on their face. "It's not what you learn," those topside argue."It's what you feel that matters."

And, oh, how we tend to cluster.

Some think once you're on the boat, you can't get off. Others say you'd be foolish to go overboard, but the choice is yours.

Some believe you volunteer for service; others believe youwere destined for the service before the ship was built.

Some predict a storm of great tribulation will strike before we dock; others say it won't hit until we are safely ashore.

There are those who speak to the captain in a personal language. There are those who think such languages are extinct.

There are those who think the officers should wear robes,there are those who think there should be no officers at all, and there are those who think we are all officers and should all wear robes.

And, oh, how we tend to cluster.

And then there is the issue of the weekly meeting at which the captain is thanked and his words are read. All agree on its importance, but few agree on its nature. Some want it loud, others quiet. Some want ritual, others spontaneity. Some want to celebrate so that they can meditate; others meditate so they can celebrate. Some want a meeting for those who've gone overboard. Others want to reach those overboard but without going overboard and neglecting those on board.

And, oh, how we tend to cluster.

The consequence is a rocky boat. There is trouble on deck.Fights have broken out. Sailors have refused to speak to each other. There have even been times when one group refused to acknowledge the presence of others onthe ship. Most tragically, some adrift at sea have chosen not to board the boat because of the quarreling of the sailors.

"What do we do?" we'd like to ask the captain. "How can there be harmony on the ship?" We don't have to go far to find the answer.

On the last night of his life Jesus prayed a prayer that stands as a citadel for all Christians:

I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray thatthey can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me. (John 17:20)

How precious are these words. Jesus, knowing the end is near, prays one final time for his followers. Striking, isn't it, that he prayed not for their success, their safety, or their happiness. He prayed fortheir unity. He prayed that they would love each other.

As he prayed for them, he also prayed for "those who will believe because of their teaching." That means us! In his last prayer Jesus prayed that you and I be one.

The command of Acceptance

Of all the lessons we can draw from this verse, don't miss the most important: Unity matters to God. The Father does not want his kids to squabble. Disunity disturbs him. Why? Because "all people will know that you are my followers if you love each other" (John 13:35). Unity creates belief. How will the world believe that Jesus was sent by God? Not if we agree with each other. Not if we solve every controversy. Not if we are unanimous on each vote. Not if we never make a doctrinal error. But if we love one another.

Unity creates belief. Disunity fosters disbelief. Who wants to board a ship of bickering sailors? Life on the ocean may be rough, but at least the waves don't call us names.

Paul Billheimer may very well be right when he says:

The continuous and widespread fragmentation of the Church has been the scandal of the ages. It has been Satan's master strategy. The sin of disunity probably has caused more souls to be lost than all other sins combined.

Nowhere, by the way, are we told to build unity. We are told simply to keepunity. From God's perspective there is but "one flock and one shepherd"(John 10:16) Unity does not need to be created; it simply needs to be protected.

Examine the Fruit and the Faith

What do you do when you see great works done by folk ofother groups? Not divisive acts, not heretical teachings, but good works thatgive glory to God? Let's return to the conversation between Jesus and the disciples.

Before you note what Jesus said to John, note what he didn' tsay.

Jesus did not say, "John, if the people are nice, they are in." Generous gestures and benevolent acts are not necessarily a sign of a disciple. Just because they are feeding the hungry does not mean they are the honored ones of God. Jesus doesn't issue a call for blind tolerance.

Nor does he endorse blanket rejection. If unanimity of opinion were necessary for fellowship, this would have been a perfect time forJesus to say so. But he didn't. Jesus didn't hand John a book of regulations by which to measure every candidate. Were such a checklist necessary, this would have been the ideal time to give it. But he didn't.

Look at what Jesus did say: "Don't stop him, because anyone who uses my name to do powerful things will not easily say evil things about me"(Mark 9:39)

Jesus was impressed with the man's pure faith ("... who uses my name") and his powerful fruit ("... to do powerful things"). His answer offers us a crucial lesson on studied tolerance. How should you respond to a good heart from a different religious heritage?

First, look at the fruit. Is it good? Is it healthy? Is he or she helping or hurting people? Production is more important than pedigree.If the person is bearing fruit, be grateful! A good tree cannot produce bad fruit(See Matt 7:17), so be thankful that God is at work in other groups than yours.

But also look at the faith. In whose name is the work done? Jesus was accepting of this man's work because it was done in the name of Christ. What does it mean to do something "in the name of Jesus"? It means you are under the authority of and empowered by that name.

The Master says examine the person's faith. If he or she has faith in Jesus and is empowered by God, grace says that's enough. This is an important point. But there are believers in many different heritages who cast their hope in God's firstborn Son and put their faith in the cross of Christ.If they, like you, are trusting him to carry them to the father's castle, don't you share a common Savior? If their trust, like yours, is in the all-sufficeint sacrifice of Christ, aren't you covered with the same grace?

You mean they don't have to be in my group? No.

They don't have to share my background? They don't.

They don't have to see everything the way I do? Does anyone?

Is God asking us to do anything more than what he has already done? Hasn't he gone a long way in accepting us? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can't I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God allows me, with my foibles and failures to call him Father, shouldn't I extend the same grace to others? In fact, who can offer grace except those secure in the grip of grace? If God doesn't demand perfection, should I?

"They are God's servants," Paul reminds us, "not yours. They are responsible to him, not to you. Let him tell them whether they are right or wrong. And God is able to make them do as they should" (Rom 14:4 TLB)

God's ship is a grand vessel. Just as a ship has many rooms,so God's kingdom has room for many opinions. But just as a ship has one deck, God's kingdom has a common ground: the all-sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Will you pray with me for the day when Jesus' prayer is answered?

Will you pray with me for the day when the world is won because the church is one?

Will you pray with me for the day when we come out of our rooms and stand together to salute our captain? When clusters cease and the chorus commences?

Jesus' final prayer before the cross was for the unity of the followers. Would he offer a prayer that couldn't be answered? I don't think so either.

And also, if you're interested, here's the link to the video I screened. Cry your hearts out again! :D

Cheerss

Jess