How does God's work impact our daily work? This 5-day reading plans covers the following topics:
DAY 1: Work Itself is a Gift from God
DAY 2: People at Work
DAY 3: Finding Joy at Work
Day 4: Connecting Our Work with God’s Work
DAY 5: Rest for a While
This is a 20-day series of devotions preparing you to go on a mission trip.
For many people, the unknowns of travel and the uncertainties of encountering other cultures may be frightening. This series aims to focus your thinking away from anxiety or uncertainty, and toward the confidence and assurance you can gain from God’s perspective.
This reading plan was written by Christianity Today, Editor at Large, Tim Stafford.
This Bible reading plan will help by giving you ancient insights into some of the most familiar Bible stories. It will reignite your interest in these stories as well as better equip you to accurately apply their truths to your life and to the lives of others.
“Divine Providence In The Life of Todays Christian"Don McClain
Problems are a part of life and how one handles these problems is related to his view of God. Believing in divine providence helps one to cope with the vicissitudes of life. The word itself never appears in Holy Scripture in reference to God, (Acts 24:1), but the concept is found Throughout the Bible. This lesson examines what the Bible teaches about this important subject. - MP3 / PPT / KEYNOTE / PDF - 3/9/2014 - http://w65stchurchofchrist.org/coc/
How does God's work impact our daily work? This 5-day reading plans covers the following topics:
DAY 1: Work Itself is a Gift from God
DAY 2: People at Work
DAY 3: Finding Joy at Work
Day 4: Connecting Our Work with God’s Work
DAY 5: Rest for a While
This is a 20-day series of devotions preparing you to go on a mission trip.
For many people, the unknowns of travel and the uncertainties of encountering other cultures may be frightening. This series aims to focus your thinking away from anxiety or uncertainty, and toward the confidence and assurance you can gain from God’s perspective.
This reading plan was written by Christianity Today, Editor at Large, Tim Stafford.
This Bible reading plan will help by giving you ancient insights into some of the most familiar Bible stories. It will reignite your interest in these stories as well as better equip you to accurately apply their truths to your life and to the lives of others.
“Divine Providence In The Life of Todays Christian"Don McClain
Problems are a part of life and how one handles these problems is related to his view of God. Believing in divine providence helps one to cope with the vicissitudes of life. The word itself never appears in Holy Scripture in reference to God, (Acts 24:1), but the concept is found Throughout the Bible. This lesson examines what the Bible teaches about this important subject. - MP3 / PPT / KEYNOTE / PDF - 3/9/2014 - http://w65stchurchofchrist.org/coc/
Valentines Ideas - The Greatest Love Was Not Shown on Valentine’s Day!Ken Sapp
The Greatest Love was not shown on Valentine's Day, but when Jesus opened the way to heaven for us 2000 years ago! Use this evangelistic Valentine's Day object lesson as a Children's sermon or teaching activity. Based upon the wordless book concept, it uses black, red, white, green, and gold (or yellow) hearts to explain the key points of the gospel message.
“2 be cont….Your story, Our Story, God’s Story:
College is a time when everything seems to be changing. Life is like a TV episode that always ends with the words...To be continued.
The Bible is actually full of stories just like yours; ordinary men and women trying to make sense of a life that always seems…To be continued.
This academic year we're exploring what the Bible has to say about making sense of these changes through a Wednesday evening Bible Study. These are the slides from that study for anyone that wishes to use them
Special thanks to David Heerwaldt from the Wartburg Art Department for making the "2 be Cont..." logo.
The word ‘grace’ is not always used in the same sense as in the bible. If you look up grace in the dictionary you will see that there are multiple meanings. Divine grace in particular is often misunderstood & misinterpreted by people. This presentation will clarify exactly what God’s grace is and how it is pertinent to our salvation.
Valentines Day Ideas - The Greatest Love Was Not Shown on Valentine’s Day!Ken Sapp
The Greatest Love was not shown on Valentine's Day, but when Jesus opened the way to heaven for us 2000 years ago! Use this evangelistic Valentine's Day object lesson as a Children's sermon or teaching activity. Based upon the wordless book concept, it uses black, red, white, green, and gold (or yellow) hearts to explain the key points of the gospel message.
Message Series - REBOOT - Part 1 - Reboot Your Faith - 01-08-17LifePointe Church
This message is Part 1 of our first series of 2017 titled, "REBOOT" by Pastor Chuck Bernal. In this message titled, "Reboot Your Faith", Pastor Chuck how we can reboot our faith by: 1. Making sure you have a real relationship with Jesus 2. Making an intentional decision to grow 3. Making a commitment to be a part of a LifeGroup 4. Using your gifts and talents in ministry 5. By being generous 6. By telling others the good news of Jesus.
This message was delivered at LifePointe Church in Crowley, TX on Sunday, January 8, 2017
Icebreakers - The Greatest Love Was Not Shown on Valentine’s Day!Ken Sapp
The Greatest Love was not shown on Valentine's Day, but when Jesus opened the way to heaven for us 2000 years ago! Use this evangelistic Valentine's Day object lesson as a Children's sermon or teaching activity. Based upon the wordless book concept, it uses black, red, white, green, and gold (or yellow) hearts to explain the key points of the gospel message.
This message is Part 2 of our first series of 2017 titled, "REBOOT" by Pastor Chuck Bernal. In this message titled, "Reboot Your Family", Pastor Chuck shares the importance of family life and how we can make our families strong in 2017 by making 6 essential commitments.
This message was delivered at LifePointe Church in Crowley, TX on Sunday, January 15, 2017
Every Good EndeavorTim KellerWork as Vocation - Introduc.docxturveycharlyn
Every Good Endeavor
Tim Keller
Work as Vocation - Introduction
Our work can only be a calling if it is reimagined as a mission of service to something beyond
merely our own interests. Thinking of work mainly as a means of self-fulfillment and self-realization
slowly crushes a person and undermines society itself. (19)
The source of the idea of work as “vocation” is the Christian Scriptures.
The Reformers, like Luther and Calvin, argued all work, secular/sacred, was a calling from God.
• Luther – Human work is part of God's providential care of the world.
• Reformed/Kuyper – Work not only cares for creation, but directs/structures it. The purpose of
work is to create a culture that honors God and enables people to thrive.
Pg. 22 – Common conceptions of what it means to integrate faith/work.
Everyone imagines accomplishing things, and everyone finds himself largely incapable of
producing them. Everyone wants to be successful rather than forgotten, and everyone wants to make a
difference in life. But that is beyond the control of any of us. If this life is all there is... everyone will
be forgotten, nothing we do will make any difference, and all good endeavors, even the best, will come
to naught.
Unless there is God. If the God of the Bible exists, and there is a True Reality beneath this one,
and this life is not the only life, then every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response
to God's calling, can matter forever. (29)
Illustration: Leaf Niggle (Tolkien)
PART ONE – GOD'S PLAN FOR WORK
The Design of Work
The Bible's view of work as connected to the divine order and human purpose is distinct among
religions.
Gen 1 and 2 show that God works to create and care for his creation.
• God not only works, but commissions workers to carry on his work (Gen 1:28)
• “subdue” indicates creation was originally good but undeveloped
• God's intention was that humanity would develop this potential
Work was part of God's perfect design for human life, because we were made in God's image,
and part of his glory and happiness is that he works, as does the Son of God, who said, “My Father is
always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” (36) (Jn 5:17)
Work is as much a basic human need as food, beauty, rest, friendship, prayer, and sexuality; it is
not simply medicine but food for the soul. Without meaningful work we sense significant loss and
emptiness.
Work is one of the ways we make ourselves useful to others and discover our identities.
True freedom comes from working because it is part of our design.
• Illustration: A fish is only free in water, honoring the reality of its nature.
• Freedom is finding the right restrictions, those that fit with the realities of our nature and the
world's nature.
• Therefore, God's commandments are liberating because they direct us to be what we were
designed to be. (Is 48:17-18)
The Limits of All Work
Your relationship with God is the most import.
Every Good EndeavorTim KellerWork as Vocation - Introduc.docxelbanglis
Every Good Endeavor
Tim Keller
Work as Vocation - Introduction
Our work can only be a calling if it is reimagined as a mission of service to something beyond
merely our own interests. Thinking of work mainly as a means of self-fulfillment and self-realization
slowly crushes a person and undermines society itself. (19)
The source of the idea of work as “vocation” is the Christian Scriptures.
The Reformers, like Luther and Calvin, argued all work, secular/sacred, was a calling from God.
• Luther – Human work is part of God's providential care of the world.
• Reformed/Kuyper – Work not only cares for creation, but directs/structures it. The purpose of
work is to create a culture that honors God and enables people to thrive.
Pg. 22 – Common conceptions of what it means to integrate faith/work.
Everyone imagines accomplishing things, and everyone finds himself largely incapable of
producing them. Everyone wants to be successful rather than forgotten, and everyone wants to make a
difference in life. But that is beyond the control of any of us. If this life is all there is... everyone will
be forgotten, nothing we do will make any difference, and all good endeavors, even the best, will come
to naught.
Unless there is God. If the God of the Bible exists, and there is a True Reality beneath this one,
and this life is not the only life, then every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response
to God's calling, can matter forever. (29)
Illustration: Leaf Niggle (Tolkien)
PART ONE – GOD'S PLAN FOR WORK
The Design of Work
The Bible's view of work as connected to the divine order and human purpose is distinct among
religions.
Gen 1 and 2 show that God works to create and care for his creation.
• God not only works, but commissions workers to carry on his work (Gen 1:28)
• “subdue” indicates creation was originally good but undeveloped
• God's intention was that humanity would develop this potential
Work was part of God's perfect design for human life, because we were made in God's image,
and part of his glory and happiness is that he works, as does the Son of God, who said, “My Father is
always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” (36) (Jn 5:17)
Work is as much a basic human need as food, beauty, rest, friendship, prayer, and sexuality; it is
not simply medicine but food for the soul. Without meaningful work we sense significant loss and
emptiness.
Work is one of the ways we make ourselves useful to others and discover our identities.
True freedom comes from working because it is part of our design.
• Illustration: A fish is only free in water, honoring the reality of its nature.
• Freedom is finding the right restrictions, those that fit with the realities of our nature and the
world's nature.
• Therefore, God's commandments are liberating because they direct us to be what we were
designed to be. (Is 48:17-18)
The Limits of All Work
Your relationship with God is the most import ...
Valentines Ideas - The Greatest Love Was Not Shown on Valentine’s Day!Ken Sapp
The Greatest Love was not shown on Valentine's Day, but when Jesus opened the way to heaven for us 2000 years ago! Use this evangelistic Valentine's Day object lesson as a Children's sermon or teaching activity. Based upon the wordless book concept, it uses black, red, white, green, and gold (or yellow) hearts to explain the key points of the gospel message.
“2 be cont….Your story, Our Story, God’s Story:
College is a time when everything seems to be changing. Life is like a TV episode that always ends with the words...To be continued.
The Bible is actually full of stories just like yours; ordinary men and women trying to make sense of a life that always seems…To be continued.
This academic year we're exploring what the Bible has to say about making sense of these changes through a Wednesday evening Bible Study. These are the slides from that study for anyone that wishes to use them
Special thanks to David Heerwaldt from the Wartburg Art Department for making the "2 be Cont..." logo.
The word ‘grace’ is not always used in the same sense as in the bible. If you look up grace in the dictionary you will see that there are multiple meanings. Divine grace in particular is often misunderstood & misinterpreted by people. This presentation will clarify exactly what God’s grace is and how it is pertinent to our salvation.
Valentines Day Ideas - The Greatest Love Was Not Shown on Valentine’s Day!Ken Sapp
The Greatest Love was not shown on Valentine's Day, but when Jesus opened the way to heaven for us 2000 years ago! Use this evangelistic Valentine's Day object lesson as a Children's sermon or teaching activity. Based upon the wordless book concept, it uses black, red, white, green, and gold (or yellow) hearts to explain the key points of the gospel message.
Message Series - REBOOT - Part 1 - Reboot Your Faith - 01-08-17LifePointe Church
This message is Part 1 of our first series of 2017 titled, "REBOOT" by Pastor Chuck Bernal. In this message titled, "Reboot Your Faith", Pastor Chuck how we can reboot our faith by: 1. Making sure you have a real relationship with Jesus 2. Making an intentional decision to grow 3. Making a commitment to be a part of a LifeGroup 4. Using your gifts and talents in ministry 5. By being generous 6. By telling others the good news of Jesus.
This message was delivered at LifePointe Church in Crowley, TX on Sunday, January 8, 2017
Icebreakers - The Greatest Love Was Not Shown on Valentine’s Day!Ken Sapp
The Greatest Love was not shown on Valentine's Day, but when Jesus opened the way to heaven for us 2000 years ago! Use this evangelistic Valentine's Day object lesson as a Children's sermon or teaching activity. Based upon the wordless book concept, it uses black, red, white, green, and gold (or yellow) hearts to explain the key points of the gospel message.
This message is Part 2 of our first series of 2017 titled, "REBOOT" by Pastor Chuck Bernal. In this message titled, "Reboot Your Family", Pastor Chuck shares the importance of family life and how we can make our families strong in 2017 by making 6 essential commitments.
This message was delivered at LifePointe Church in Crowley, TX on Sunday, January 15, 2017
Every Good EndeavorTim KellerWork as Vocation - Introduc.docxturveycharlyn
Every Good Endeavor
Tim Keller
Work as Vocation - Introduction
Our work can only be a calling if it is reimagined as a mission of service to something beyond
merely our own interests. Thinking of work mainly as a means of self-fulfillment and self-realization
slowly crushes a person and undermines society itself. (19)
The source of the idea of work as “vocation” is the Christian Scriptures.
The Reformers, like Luther and Calvin, argued all work, secular/sacred, was a calling from God.
• Luther – Human work is part of God's providential care of the world.
• Reformed/Kuyper – Work not only cares for creation, but directs/structures it. The purpose of
work is to create a culture that honors God and enables people to thrive.
Pg. 22 – Common conceptions of what it means to integrate faith/work.
Everyone imagines accomplishing things, and everyone finds himself largely incapable of
producing them. Everyone wants to be successful rather than forgotten, and everyone wants to make a
difference in life. But that is beyond the control of any of us. If this life is all there is... everyone will
be forgotten, nothing we do will make any difference, and all good endeavors, even the best, will come
to naught.
Unless there is God. If the God of the Bible exists, and there is a True Reality beneath this one,
and this life is not the only life, then every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response
to God's calling, can matter forever. (29)
Illustration: Leaf Niggle (Tolkien)
PART ONE – GOD'S PLAN FOR WORK
The Design of Work
The Bible's view of work as connected to the divine order and human purpose is distinct among
religions.
Gen 1 and 2 show that God works to create and care for his creation.
• God not only works, but commissions workers to carry on his work (Gen 1:28)
• “subdue” indicates creation was originally good but undeveloped
• God's intention was that humanity would develop this potential
Work was part of God's perfect design for human life, because we were made in God's image,
and part of his glory and happiness is that he works, as does the Son of God, who said, “My Father is
always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” (36) (Jn 5:17)
Work is as much a basic human need as food, beauty, rest, friendship, prayer, and sexuality; it is
not simply medicine but food for the soul. Without meaningful work we sense significant loss and
emptiness.
Work is one of the ways we make ourselves useful to others and discover our identities.
True freedom comes from working because it is part of our design.
• Illustration: A fish is only free in water, honoring the reality of its nature.
• Freedom is finding the right restrictions, those that fit with the realities of our nature and the
world's nature.
• Therefore, God's commandments are liberating because they direct us to be what we were
designed to be. (Is 48:17-18)
The Limits of All Work
Your relationship with God is the most import.
Every Good EndeavorTim KellerWork as Vocation - Introduc.docxelbanglis
Every Good Endeavor
Tim Keller
Work as Vocation - Introduction
Our work can only be a calling if it is reimagined as a mission of service to something beyond
merely our own interests. Thinking of work mainly as a means of self-fulfillment and self-realization
slowly crushes a person and undermines society itself. (19)
The source of the idea of work as “vocation” is the Christian Scriptures.
The Reformers, like Luther and Calvin, argued all work, secular/sacred, was a calling from God.
• Luther – Human work is part of God's providential care of the world.
• Reformed/Kuyper – Work not only cares for creation, but directs/structures it. The purpose of
work is to create a culture that honors God and enables people to thrive.
Pg. 22 – Common conceptions of what it means to integrate faith/work.
Everyone imagines accomplishing things, and everyone finds himself largely incapable of
producing them. Everyone wants to be successful rather than forgotten, and everyone wants to make a
difference in life. But that is beyond the control of any of us. If this life is all there is... everyone will
be forgotten, nothing we do will make any difference, and all good endeavors, even the best, will come
to naught.
Unless there is God. If the God of the Bible exists, and there is a True Reality beneath this one,
and this life is not the only life, then every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response
to God's calling, can matter forever. (29)
Illustration: Leaf Niggle (Tolkien)
PART ONE – GOD'S PLAN FOR WORK
The Design of Work
The Bible's view of work as connected to the divine order and human purpose is distinct among
religions.
Gen 1 and 2 show that God works to create and care for his creation.
• God not only works, but commissions workers to carry on his work (Gen 1:28)
• “subdue” indicates creation was originally good but undeveloped
• God's intention was that humanity would develop this potential
Work was part of God's perfect design for human life, because we were made in God's image,
and part of his glory and happiness is that he works, as does the Son of God, who said, “My Father is
always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” (36) (Jn 5:17)
Work is as much a basic human need as food, beauty, rest, friendship, prayer, and sexuality; it is
not simply medicine but food for the soul. Without meaningful work we sense significant loss and
emptiness.
Work is one of the ways we make ourselves useful to others and discover our identities.
True freedom comes from working because it is part of our design.
• Illustration: A fish is only free in water, honoring the reality of its nature.
• Freedom is finding the right restrictions, those that fit with the realities of our nature and the
world's nature.
• Therefore, God's commandments are liberating because they direct us to be what we were
designed to be. (Is 48:17-18)
The Limits of All Work
Your relationship with God is the most import ...
The Encounter Story is filled with uplifting articles of what God is doing throughout the various areas of Encounter Revival Ministries. This is our quarterly publication meant to keep you updated with how your involvement with Encounter is helping us do great things for God and His people in the U.S. and around the world!
Contextualized presentation of the salvation message for Muslims. This presentation addresses the foundational understanding of the nature of God as the basis for dealing with humankind's problem of shame and dishonor through Isa al-Masiih.
What does the Bible have to say about Faith? Take a deeper dive with these bite-sized daily studies. Each day’s reading looks at a short passage of Scripture illuminated by study notes drawn from The King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition. Verse-by-verse annotations provide background information to help you put the Bible’s events and teachings into their proper setting. Doctrinal study notes provide explanation, illustration, and a practical application for daily living.
5-day reading plan focused on God's Purpose for you!
Day 1: God Has an Eternal Purpose for Everything
Day 2: God’s Purposes Are Pure
Day 3: God’s Purpose for You Is Active
Day 4: Yield to God’s Purposes
Day 5: God’s Purpose Requires Response
No matter where you are on your faith journey, there's always more to explore in God's Word. Dive in and feed your curiosity with the NIV Faithlife Study Bible.
Check out The NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible sampler. This Bible employs the proven stress-relieving benefits of adult coloring to help quiet your soul, so you can reflect on the precious truths of Scripture. Perfect for all ages, the thick white paper with lightly ruled lines in the extra-wide margins, provides ample space for your own artistic expressions and journaling.
The tower of Babel was not built so people could ascend to God in heaven, but so that God would descend down to earth.
www.contextchangeseverything.com
Jesus' famous story is more radical than you know! Check out this infographic to learn the story of the Good Samaritan in its original cultural context. www.contextchangeseverything.com
This 6-day reading plan features devotions that will inspire you to open your heart and home in generosity and hospitality. Each day’s reading shares about a woman in American history whose life exemplified these characteristics. Readings are drawn from the American Woman’s Bible published by Thomas Nelson Bibles.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
Homily: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday 2024.docxJames Knipper
Countless volumes have been written trying to explain the mystery of three persons in one true God, leaving us to resort to metaphors such as the three-leaf clover to try to comprehend the Divinity. Many of us grew up with the quintessential pyramidal Trinity structure of God at the top and Son and Spirit in opposite corners. But what if we looked at this ‘mystery’ from a different perspective? What if we shifted our language of God as a being towards the concept of God as love? What if we focused more on the relationship within the Trinity versus the persons of the Trinity? What if stopped looking at God as a noun…and instead considered God as a verb? Check it out…
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
4. To know God is to know love, and to continually experience this love is
to have renewed motivations, even for work. As we grasp the depth of
God’s love for us, we begin to see every part of our lives being sustained
and directed by that love. Over time this perspective affects every part of
our lives. And because we spend so much of our lives engaged in it, one of
our greatest needs is to have God’s love transform the way we work.
Day 1 Love
5. When we begin to experience God and his love, our whole being—heart, mind, soul
and strength—is engaged, and this experience cannot help but change the way we
approach work. It affects our motivations, our relationships and the very work that we do. We
see ourselves working for God out of gratitude for what he has done for us, and our diligence
at work reflects that gratitude.
As we consider the transformative power of God’s love, the question we must always ask
ourselves is this: “Have we come to know the true living God, or are we more occupied with
a projection of God informed by our own intellect, desires or experiences?” Only when we
encounter this loving God are we truly changed at the very core of our being.
Day 1 Love
6. Connecting
God speaks into our lives, and his voice communicates a profound love that changes us in
ways both big and small. His love is not an abstract sentiment, but is specific. He didn’t love
humanity in some obscure way. No, he sent his Son to live as a Jewish man, die on a Roman
cross and rise again so that we could be saved and know him.
One of the most powerful expressions of God’s love in us is in the words we say to our
coworkers. Most of us have opportunities to give feedback. Yet, sometimes we shy away from
giving positive feedback, in fear of appearing weak or sappy, or we give it in such a way that
tears people down. When the love of God is at work in us to transform the way we see others
and the importance of our work, even seemingly insignificant feedback can create the kind of
change that brings life and health to an individual as well as an organization.
Day 1 Love
8. After God created humanity, he gave them a series of commands: be
fruitful and multiply, fill the earth, subdue it and have dominion over
other living things. This call to cultivate the world and exercise dominion is
often called the cultural mandate. As God’s image bearers, our vocation is
to reflect his nature— as modeled for us in his work of creating— by bringing
increased order, structure, vibrancy and flourishing to this world that’s so full
of potential. God wants us to steward what he has lovingly given to us as a
gift, to responsibly harness nature’s power and innovate for his glory and
the good of all creation.
Day 2 Cultural Mandate
9. When we read that God rested on the seventh day, we shouldn’t take this to mean that
creation was entirely finished or no longer in need of development. Rather, he made
humans in his image to continue his work and bring creation to its God-given potential.
This mandate is not reserved for “elites”— politicians, pastors, entrepreneurs and so on.
No, we all—no matter our rank, ethnicity, age or vocation—are called to continue God’s work
in bringing order and vibrancy to our world. God has entrusted humans with the inordinate
privilege of continuing his work of creation “to be God’s helper in executing to the end the
blueprint for his masterpiece.”
Day 2 Cultural Mandate
10. Connecting
This cultural mandate gives our work incredible significance, since it is meant to be an extension
of God’s work in creation. Still, many of us do not sense that the work we perform each day has a
significant meaning or purpose. Some of us even see work as torment and a curse, an obstacle
to what’s really important: whether it be friends, family, hobbies—you name it. But the Bible says
that work is good, and the cultural mandate reminds us that the work we participate in points to
something far greater than ourselves, even if we can’t see the bigger picture. Sure, work is tainted
now because of the fall, and we are incredibly limited. But as God’s image bearers, we work to
contribute to human flourishing and the development of the earth.
How does our work bring order and flourishing to your company or community? How does it
contribute to the common good, the well-being of others and the improvement of the world?
Day 2 Cultural Mandate
12. The Bible has a lot to say about humanity. It tells us we were made
male and female (Genesis 1:27), that we are “fearfully and wonderfully
made” (Psalm 139:14), are frail (see Psalm 103:14–16), that we are sinful (Psalm
143:2)—the list goes on. Perhaps the most profound thing it says about
humanity is that we all have been given the unfathomable honor of bearing
the image of God (imago dei). When we view another human being, we
see God reflected in them. Even after the fall, despite the sin that resides
in all people, humans continue to bear God’s image (see Genesis 9:6). And
Christ—the perfect image of God (see Colossians 1:15)—came to redeem us
so that we might reflect in greater fullness God’s glory.
Day 3 Image of God
13. As divine image bearers, we have a deep sense of purpose in this world: we are called to
reflect God’s character and continue his work. This also shapes how we view and treat
others. Each person—whether a stranger, neighbor or co-worker—must be given the dignity,
respect and love due them as God’s image bearer.
Humans not only reflect God but also represent him. Ancient rulers often erected images of
themselves in various parts of their realms, to represent their authority to their subordinates.
We were created in God’s image so we could represent him here on earth, much like an
ambassador represents a foreign country.
Day 3 Image of God
14. Connecting
While we all were created to mirror God, not all of us represent God well. In fact, we all do it
imperfectly. This is an important distinction that helps us in two ways. First, it helps us understand
how we should view all people—as divine image bearers, loved by God. Second, it highlights the
challenge we have of representing God in the world.
When you think of your coworkers, do you see them as people created in the divine image—
worthy of dignity and worth that this reality brings with it? Or do you see them as merely a
pathway to your own personal gain, even sometimes treating them as sub- human? And how
does the truth of the gospel and the grace of God help you better represent God to those with
whom you interact each day?
Day 3 Image of God
16. Acentral theme in Scripture is the glory of God. Yet to many of us, God’s
glory seems like an abstract concept. What is it exactly? When people
conceive of God’s glory, they often think of ethereal or immaterial realities,
not physical things we experience in the world every day.
Isaiah, however, tells us that God’s glory can be seen in creation. As Isaiah is
in awe of God in heaven, the seraphim are in awe of God’s glory displayed
on earth: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his
glory,” they cry.
Day 4 Glorious
17. God didn’t want to be known only by himself. He wanted others to experience his
goodness. But since God chose to create us as physical beings, he also elected to
express physically to us his invisible qualities. Thus, God created a world in which we can see
his glory expressed in all the beautiful things he has made—trees, flowers, mountains, oceans,
animals, everything. God’s glory, therefore, is something that we experience tangibly through
our senses and is meant to leave us in awe of who he is. And when we behold God’s glory
and recognize him for who he is, we can’t help but worship him—just as Isaiah did.
But that’s not the whole picture. Just as God’s creative work reveals who he is, so our work
is a tangible expression of our identity. Because we have been created in God’s image, we
reflect who we are in the work we do. And ultimately our work is meant to reflect God’s glory
as we participate in his glorious work. He created us not only so that we would know him in all
his splendor, but also so that we would reflect his character to the world around us.
Day 4 Glorious
18. Connecting
Most of us don’t naturally sense that our work is glorious. If we’re honest, we probably think our
ordinary jobs have little lasting value. But a rich understanding of how God’s glory is reflected in
creation tells us that even the most commonplace jobs have incredible value. Just as a common
flower, such as a lily, can reflect God’s beauty, so can a common job, such as a house painter
How does your work communicate who you are as God’s image bearer? How might your work
communicate God’s glory in the world?
Day 4 Glorious
20. We live in a culture that thinks hard work gets us what we want or what
we think we deserve. This is especially true in the workplace. If we
work hard enough, we get a raise, bonus, or promotion. And if something
goes wrong, we can usually work hard enough to make amends. We live in
a meritocratic culture.
But God’s kingdom functions differently. He has given us something we
don’t deserve: right status before him.
Day 5 Justification
21. The doctrine of justification tells us that we are considered righteous before God, not by our
obedience to the law—for no one can fulfill the law’s requirements—but because of the perfect
work of Christ. He alone lived perfectly according to the law and fulfilled it. Because of Christ’s
work, God no longer sees us as sinful or guilty. He sees us as righteous and holy. Therefore,
we do not have to fear God’s wrath, because our sins are forgiven and the weight of our guilt
has been removed.
In his famous Institutes of the Christian Religion, reformer John Calvin says that no sinner could ever
justify himself. Not only that, but wherever there is sin, there also “the wrath and vengeance of God
show themselves.” Conversely, a justified person is one “who is reckoned in the condition not of a
sinner, but of a righteous man; and for that reason, he stands firm before God’s judgment seat while
all sinners fall.” This happens when we trust not in ourselves and our own works—because we will
find nothing righteous within us— but in the righteousness of Christ through faith. That’s good news!
Day 5 Justification
22. Connecting
As human beings, we are constantly trying to justify ourselves before others. Fearful of our
inadequacies and sins being exposed, we work tirelessly to prove ourselves. This leaves us
only exhausted and joyless. But when we begin to grasp the truth that in Christ we are wholly
accepted by God regardless of what we do, we experience a peace that allows us not to be
preoccupied with ourselves—our successes or failures. Further, we can have confidence as we
perform the work God has set before us, even with all of our human limitations. The doctrine of
justification brings an incredible freedom in our work, because if God, the ultimate judge, has
already deemed us righteous, then no one and nothing can steal our security or status in him.
Day 5 Justification
24. Whether we are in a toxic work environment or perform a job that
seems boring and monotonous, many of us wonder at times how
long we’ll be able to last in our current job. Work is often toilsome and
frustrating, but we are called to persevere—to be faithful, working with all
our heart, “as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).
Day 6 Perseverance
25. Although we are not always called to remain on our current path, there are times when God
calls us to persevere in work that we would rather not continue. God’s call for us to remain
faithful arises out of the larger work of renewal that he’s performing in every sector of our world.
Our willingness to persevere arises out of the knowledge that God wants to transform us and
our workplaces, and that he invites us to participate in his work. The doctrine of perseverance
highlights the grace and strength we have in Christ, so that we can be faithful in our calling.
Day 6 Perseverance
26. Connecting
In today’s world, it can be tempting to float from one job to the next, especially when we begin to
encounter aspects of our work that seem demoralizing or dehumanizing. Yet, as Christians, our
calling is shaped by God and not just by our desires. God calls us to enter into the brokenness
around us so that we can participate in his renewal of all things. When we persevere, we
acknowledge the sufficiency of God’s grace to help us complete the tasks he has given us, which
is a daily reality. This steadfast grace helps us to see the value in remaining in our present work,
if indeed it is God’s desire for us to remain in that work.
Most often we see only in retrospect God’s wisdom in directing our paths. While it can be very
difficult to see this reason in the moment, we can be confident that God wants to use us to make
known his love and redemptive purposes to all those around us. And the joy that comes with this
knowledge helps us to endure when God wants us to endure.
Day 6 Perseverance
28. Many people—some without even knowing it—read the Bible as if it were
merely a manual for living a moral life. The Bible, however, is so much
more than just that. It tells us not only about who we are and what our condition
is, but also about who God is and what he has done in history to redeem us.
Paramount to understanding the Bible is seeing it as a story.
Day 7 Scripture
29. The Bible is God’s telling of history that begins with creation, leads to Christ and ends with
new creation. Even though he arrives before the ending, Christ is the climax of this narrative.
All of Scripture points to him. And unless we know who Christ is, we cannot understand Scripture,
because he is the key to the story, the leading character. This view of Scripture helps us to not
only understand the Bible, but also to understand how work plays a critical role in the great
drama of redemption.
Day 7 Scripture
30. Many people today read only a few small sections of the Bible at a time. While this approach
can be helpful, it doesn’t allow those who follow it to learn the larger narrative of the Bible.
One reason why people have a difficult time integrating their faith with their work is that they lack
a comprehensive understanding of the Biblical narrative. From Genesis through Revelation, God
reveals the big picture of his redemptive purpose in history and in our lives. The story that begins
in a garden waiting to be cultivated ends in a city filled with the treasures brought in by the nations.
These beginning and end points provide the context to help us understand the significance of our
work. God not only saves his people, but also the work his people were created to do.
Day 7 Scripture
31. Connecting
When we understand that Scripture is a narrative and that God has been at work throughout all
of history to redeem this world, we don’t have to be cynical about our work, particularly in times
when brokenness feels so acute. Understanding the Biblical narrative reassures us with insights
that lead us to identify not only the broken elements but also those things that are still good and
in the process of being healed.
Day 7 Scripture