Making disciples of all nations - baptising and teaching - requires every ounce of skill, insight and ability that the Lord blesses his people with. That’s the case whether the context is one in which the gospel is being proclaimed for the first time, is deeply evangelised but nominal, or is post-Christian, as our own culture is.
However, there is a particular shape to the challenge of gospel mission in a post-Christian context. Read on...
As a final year university student with graduation looming round the corner, I often wonder and worry about the type of work I will be doing, the kind of people I will meet, and how I will work as a Christian. With my marketing major, people sometimes comment, “You marketers just bring out the greedy side in people. You tell us what we want even if we don’t need it.” Indeed this is the case in our consumerist world, and I hope I will continue to let my faith shape the way I work, rather than having a gap between what I say and do on Sunday as opposed to the rest of the week.
Mae-Ann Soh
This very interaction between faith and work will be discussed at ‘Transforming Work’ conference at Malyon College, Brisbane on Saturday June 20. By examining what God thinks of our work, and how church affects our work, the aim is to capture a vision for serving God in the workplace. This conference is suited for those in paid work, those about to enter the workforce, and for church leaders who desire to empower the Christian workers in their congregations.
The details of the conference are as follows:
Cost: Inclusive of food and beverages
Prior to May 20, early bird prices for individual are $45, and group (5 or more participants) are $40. Standard prices for individual are $55 and group are $50.
Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm, Saturday June 20
Location: Malyon College
53 Prospect Road Gaythorne, 4051
Register here
More Information:
http://malyonworkplace.org.au/tag/events
Contact Murray Wright by email or by mobile (0406766240)
When we are faithful in our work, do we think our work is blessed because of our faith?
‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11
Is success the mark of a blessed Christian?
In an article on The Gospel Coalition, ‘8 Lies Christians believe about Success’ are considered. Among which, is the lie that God’s blessing is tangible. Too often, Christians believe that they are justified in receiving higher pay, a promotion, a better job and so on, because they assume God rewards the faithful in this way.
‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted, because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ Matthew 5:3-10
Rather than physical and material blessings, Jesus reminds us that our blessings are of eternal value because we know Christ. Similar to the Jeremiah passage, God had promised blessing to His people if they sought after Him as God. To these exiles, the promise of the restoration of physical land was a great reward, but how much greater it is for us who have the kingdom of heaven!
Faithfulness does not necessarily equal material success. But faith gives us blessings that we can rejoice in now and forever.
