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.