Our Joyful Work

by Laura Springer with Jeff Barnhart

Key Passages: Psalm 105; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 12:30-31; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 1 Timothy 2:1-4: Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:19-25; 1 Peter 2:9-10

Glorifying God is our primary purpose. He expects humanity and his people to live in ways that reflect and declare his glory. As TFB, we choose to do this by loving God, loving people, and teaching others to do the same.

One body, many members. The church is one in union with Christ. Unity is our nature. The church is many ages, cultures, styles, and giftings. So, diversity is also our nature. We glorify God as one by submitting to him and living toward his purposes. We glorify God as many by ministering to others with the skills the Spirit has given us. Through worship and service, we present ourselves to him as one church and to one another as siblings.

Always glorifying. God calls us to proclaim Jesus and carry others before him in prayer. These are our primary responsibilities as followers of Jesus. We glorify him by sharing what we know of his majesty and grace, carrying out Jesus' command to make disciples. We glorify him by praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ and, indeed, for all.

Glorify through proclamation. We glorify God by growing in our knowledge of him and his amazing work of salvation. We glorify him by learning together and sharing what we have learned. We glorify him by living out our hope, practicing grace, and proclaiming the good news in the context of daily life. Whether gathered or dispersed, we proclaim Jesus in words and actions.

Glorify through prayer. We glorify God by talking with Jesus about the spiritual and physical needs of others. Jesus, who is the one mediator between humanity and God, wants us to partner with him through the ministry of intercession. Through intercession, we support the spiritual growth of our fellow believers. Through intercession, we plead with God on behalf of those who do not yet know him. And when we do not know how to pray, we trust the Spirit himself to pray for us.

What might it look like to be a community in which all learn and practice proclamation and prayer? Let’s start by choosing to worship together. Let’s choose to fellowship around the table during Sunday patio time, Wednesday family dinners, or sharing meals in regular life. Let’s choose to pray together at the Tuesday Lunchbreak Prayer, share our requests on the prayer request form, or pause during our day to lift one another before God. Let’s choose to join Life Groups and participate in TFB’s regular and special events. Each person need not do everything, for rest is also important. But every one of us should choose to worship, eat, pray, and live alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! (Psalm 115:1 ESV).