Faith and Work – Timothy Keller

Overview of the Vision for NYC Evangelical Growth

  • In 1999, the percentage of New York's population attending evangelical churches was less than 1%.
  • Today, that number has grown to 5% due to God’s grace.
  • The plan is to work with churches across the city to triple this number to 15% over the next decade.
  • Achieving this could lead to transformative impacts in influential areas such as media, finance, law, and the arts.
  • The evangelistic effort aims to promote radical philanthropy, deep racial reconciliation, and true social justice.

Campaign "Rise"

  • The "Rise" campaign aims to mobilize the body of Christ to serve the city effectively, fostering growth.
  • Prayer support is essential; further information is provided on the website rise.redeemer.com/riseandpray.

Sermon Series: Redeemer

  • The current sermon series focuses on the city and the mission based on Isaiah 60:1-11, 18-21.
Key Passages from Isaiah 60
  • Call for people to rise and shine for the glory of the Lord is upon them.
  • Describes God’s glory illuminating humanity amidst darkness and bringing nations together to honor Him.
  • Implies a vision where goods from nations flow into Jerusalem, indicating the ultimate restoration and abundance.

Theological Insights from Isaiah 60

  • The passage contrasts the idea of exile with the promise of return and restoration in a future time of peace and prosperity.
  • It symbolizes a world restored, where work exists meaningfully.
  • Reflects on God’s original creation in Genesis and how it provides context for understanding work.

The Importance and Dignity of Work

  1. Work as God’s Original Design
    • In contrast to ancient myths portraying work as a punishment or inferior, the Bible illustrates work as an integral part of a fulfilling life.
    • God actively engages in work during creation, showing that work is purposeful and dignified.
  2. Work Celebrated in All Forms
    • All types of labor, from farming to crafting, hold inherent value in God's eyes.
    • Martin Luther articulates that God's provision through human labor showcases His care for creation.

Purpose and Humility in Work

  1. The Purpose of Work
    • Work should not be a means for personal status but a collective offering to God.
    • Example of John Coltrane who transitioned his motive from personal achievement to serving others through music.
  2. Avoiding the Babel Mentality
    • The Tower of Babel story serves as a warning against working for self-glorification, leading to division.
    • The vision presented in Isaiah involves unity through shared purpose—offering work to God rather than for self-identity.

Redemption of Work

  • Jesus embodies true labor, demonstrating profound compassion, and serves as a model of using work to improve the world and honor God.
  • Through His sacrifice, believers are redeemed from the burdens of futile work, finding rest in Him.
  • Rest from work symbolizes salvation and the return from exile.

Conclusion and Call to Action

  • The sermon emphasizes intertwining faith with work—serving communities and restoring dignity to daily tasks.
  • Through a collective vision of renewal based on God’s grace, the church aims to build a transformative culture influenced by love, service, and justice.

Final Prayer

  • The assembly concludes with a prayer for the transformative power of the Gospel in New York and the courage to build a community through working diligently for God's purposes.