What about the benefits of God’s Presence?

In W_ork_

Genesis 2:15 (NIV) The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Tim Keller argues that we have to view our work through the larger Biblical story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration. If God is the creator of all things, and if through Christ all things are made new, that process of restoration must include our work.

Five ways the theology of the Bible [and the Presence of the Lord] shapes your work:
1. Faith [and the Presence of the Lord] gives you an inner b_allast_
2. Faith [and the Presence of the Lord] gives you a d_ignity_ and worth of all work
3. Faith [and the Presence of the Lord] gives you a moral c_ompass_
4. Faith [and the Presence of the Lord] gives you a w_orld…view_ that shapes the character of your work
5. Faith [and the Presence of the Lord] gives H_ope_

In S_chool_

Matthew 11:29 (NIV) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

2 Corinthians 6:1 (ESV) Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

First, to be yoked to Jesus is to have him a_longside_ of us.

Second, the teaching we get from Jesus is not only character but d_isposition_ (meekness and humility).

1 Peter 3:4 (NLT2) You should clothe yourselves with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

Acts 20:19 (NIV) I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested school by the plots of the Jews

Colossians 3:23 (ESV) Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

II. Ministry Time:

1 Peter 2:9 (NCV) But you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.