Does Our Present Work Matter To God? | 1 Corinthians

[@AdamNevins]

"God's future comes into the present." Love it.

[@jlheidbreder]

Ditto

[@debbiejones5080]

You are such a gem Tom Wright. You have been a blessing to my husband and I in helping us understand Jesus mission and the part we play in responding in the world. The wisdom you have imparted to us has been priceless. My husband and I lost our youngest daughter by suicide two years ago. A gruesome discovery that plays out in our daily lives. You bible studies have been our go to in helping us hold on for the coming age that their will be no more death, sorrow or anguish and to stay firm in our faith in Jesus, despite our pain and sorrow, until that day. I can't thank you enough. If you can, please continue with your work and studies of books of the bible. They are precious guiding lights in a very confusing world.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thank you so much for sharing your heart and encouraging words with us. We grieve for your loss and how daily life is just never the same without your precious daughter. We are both humbled and encouraged to hear of how God has used your study of his word to bring hope. May God bring comfort to you and your family today.

[@diegoportillosv]

I started drinking tea with milk because of your intro. Your videos are really insightful.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Glad to hear the videos are useful and that you're enjoying tea and scripture together!

[@Opine101]

Desperately trying to sober up for my new wife and a child on the way. It is reassuring to think a future self holds sway somehow into the present and that the lowly work of holding fast for another 24 hrs is not wasted. I am not a believer but this popped up in my KZbin feed and I find your voice comforting.

[@fayfeldner9283]

You have so much to hold fast for, and to sober up for, as you become a new creation and heal from your addiction. May the love of God surround you, and your family, on your journey. God Bless.

[@autumnhardenstine8032]

Dear Frank - Hopefully you are in AA and are learning to turn your life over to a Higher Power. That Power is the God that comes into your life in the here and now and in the future and is informed by your past. N. T Wright is someone you should listen to as one of the Wisdom Speakers of our time. Many blessings on your journey into a sober future, hang tight to your hopes and dreams.

[@NTWrightOnline]

So glad you found us, Frank, and that you were reassured to hold fast and keep on keeping on for the next 24 hours. We're here to support and encourage people of all faiths or none, one day at a time and one person at a time.

[@peppertye]

Frank I am just seeing this video. You are right, his voice is comforting. I lifted prayer for you, your wife and child. I pray you are still holding fast. You and your family are important to God and His family. May God be with you, may you see His love and light and may you have the strength to continue on your path of sobriety. ❤

[@pyrsartur3675]

Same. I agree. Not sure what’s transpired in the past year for you. If your life is like mine, I have highs and lows. I am 59 and have been through prolonged periods of excruciating mental and emotional anguish. I learn something new, my life gets in track and then the bottom drops out. In my inconsistency God has not let go of me, for some reason. I believe he must live me like I love my daughter. I love her no matter what. It is good to know that our life is not wasted and somehow I hope God can turn even my many failures into something useful for others, that lasts.

[@Andantalas]

Love the living things in the background, looks good and vibes well with Tom's vibrancy & liveliness.

[@shellyburger3188]

This "devo" gave me a deeper sense of understanding of "...Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Also this verse: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIVUK So wonderfully full of purpose.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Amen! We are his creative expression--his poeima--God's poetic masterpiece!

[@DavidSmith-sl2dl]

'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me' - and so the apostle did ! And the Lord Jesus was THE 'messenger of the covenant' - but so must his disciples be !

[@marygarbarino3784]

God cares dearly for me and what I do matters .

[@KarenLLandin]

This is an encouraging way to begin the day.

[@Sunwolfe]

My work hours as a public school teacher are arduous and long (nearly 14 hours yesterday). The burden I have for my students on both an academic and spiritual level is heavy. Considering the present era and its particular changes, needs, and shortcomings, I sometimes truly wonder if the time sacrificed in terms of family and health has been for naught. This meditation is particularly helpful. I find myself returning to it often, and each time that I do, I perceive its message from a different angle much to my benefit and blessing. Thank you for this message.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thank you for sharing this. It seems like many of us feel this sense of uncertainty and despair often, and increasingly more so recently. We're grateful to be able to play a small part in encouraging and uplifting each other. You do a difficult task, and we thank you for your dedicated and prayerful service in that vocation.

[@paullatif4092]

Hallelujah !! Nothing is wasted with and in God !! ▪︎ Praise God !! 🎶🎻🙏

[@ronaldfonseca5517]

Dear sir, I am an avid listener of your videos. With the Grace you possess of making scripture come alive in a real & practical sense, it has opened my catholic faith to knowing not only our Lord but also Him in the person of Jesus Christ who cares for the smallest activity that I am engaged in and (more than anything else) is that He loves me. When I first heard your videos, dear sir on New Creation I used to wonder what exactly that meant, that's no longer the case. As a leader of one of our parish organizations that helps the poor, I now realise what that means. Your videos continue to be a fountain of knowledge, guidance for me in getting to understand and opening up our Lord's plan in my life. God Bless you.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thank you so much for sharing how God has been working in your life and in your parish work ministering to the poor. What a wonderful example of how you are participating and building for God's kingdom! Wonder if others have experienced something similar??

[@pdailey76]

THIS is the Gospel!!! For so long I believed that God is just going to come and obliterate the earth and then we'd all be taken to some vague "other place" called heaven that I couldn't much define. But knowing that the plan has always been to rejoin heaven and earth and make everything new, that the physical work that I do has a chance of lasting into eternity, that is so exciting! It brings to light the truth that who we are now matters and what we do now matters. We're called and commissioned to partner with Jesus in the healing and restoration of this earth. Maranatha!

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thanks so much for your reflections! Would love to hear more about your experience of how your thinking changed over time.

[@laradahorner-miller3090]

I love "God's future comes into the present." God's new world is here today!

[@jasonjordon1304]

Being a Pastor I have felt like what I have done or said is just not doing anything. But to stand on the promise that our work is not in vain is so important. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thanks for sharing. You're not alone in feeling that way, as others have shared similar sentiments in the comments. Glad you were encouraged and we're thankful that you're here!

[@dondonell6425]

At 65 years of age and with 46 years of following Christ behind me, reflecting on those years of many failures and what seems to be only marginal successes, is a tedious and often times discouraging exercise. How can I parse any good from it? Too much sin not enough sanctification, too little of love and worship of God, to much love of self and worship of ambition in ministry. Instead of being bold to say as Borden, "No reserve, no retreat, no regret", I can only say, "I repent". This passage, however, gives me HOPE. Hope that covers all my sin and shame because it is the hope that Jesus gives me by grace. The passage from IS.49:4 you quoted is certainly the hope of Paul and it is for me too. "Surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God." Paul has given me Apostolic assurance, "... your labor is NOT in vain." In this hope, I remain "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord," Thank you for this reflection...

[@NTWrightOnline]

Appreciate you sharing! We are thankful for your humble heart and your testimony of following Jesus. Glad to hear the passage offered HOPE in Jesus. May it be so day by day.

[@PeterAlmenar]

Remember that the widow had only two tiny coins, but they were treasured by Jesus.

[@shriyanidemel9401]

The awareness that everything in my life counts with God. That I am not mere flotsam and jetsam. A with life with God, In Christ, inspired and empowered by the Holy Spirit, is the only life worth living despite all the challenges of life. Suffering takes on another meaning when our/ my suffering is joined to the Sufferings of Jesus Christ on behalf of the whole of humanity. God Bless you Rev. Knight for the Hope and comfort you bring to our lives through the Word Of God. Much needed in these disastrous times.

[@tessiemae8569]

Very relevant. Thank you for your Biblical insights.

[@normacorona8329]

Such a timely message! I have been feeling frustrated and discouraged about the ministry I am involved in at my church. Thank you for giving me an eternal perspective.

[@thewoutervanlooy]

The picture of the stones on the end is very inspiring.

[@solitus2468]

This message is simple yet astonishing. I've been doing God's work since I was 5. Survived attempts on my life. Trying to Win on the good side Everyday because Time is Short! Keep your head up, family.

[@NTWrightOnline]

We're thankful for the simple and profound aspects of our work, and especially thankful we matter to God. Appreciate you raising awareness and bringing hope for those who struggle and face all kinds of difficulties in their work for God's kingdom.

[@claudette4113]

Thank you so much for your encouraging words.

[@inTruthbyGrace]

I spent the last two days helping my mom at a craft show..I'm not in to crafts and I only helped because of Matt 5:42 and Eph 6:1-3. The parade of so many broken, hurting, lost and godless people was painful to watch and the speed with which those people zoomed by the little tent we were in, I only _really_ had time to testify to the two vendors on either side of us, after clean up, before they drove away.... I prayed over those two days that I did not frustrate God's grace in me (2Cor 4:1-7) and I tried to make sure I was being gentle to all people so when I told whoever would listen about the Lord and our hope of salvation and the peace I have knowing Jesus, they may think about having seen something different in my serving as that earthen vessel..but.I felt like I did not do a good job giving them the gospel, like my approach was awkward, the message may not have been clear or well-received, I even felt unhappy with how I wrote my name and phone number on the tracks I handed them.... Sometimes the immediate purpose of God's work in our lives is so obvious that we marvel at how God uses us as that zipper pull at the end of the zipper, we see it all come together...other times, it is not so clear... and that is where I was this morning looking back wondering what am I doing? ... sad to see all those broken people and discouraged that the only two I threw a life-line to didn't seem to receive it... I needed this message this morning! I am encouraged to have watched this video.. the only thing I would add, if anyone shares in the ache I described above, is the fact that God reminds us we plant and water but HE gives the increase (1Cor 3:6-7).... brothers and sisters water and plant as much as you can... you may be the vessel of living waters (John 4:14) that God uses to spring up into everlasting life for the very seeds of those two people I spoke with... Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1Cor 15:58)

[@NTWrightOnline]

Perhaps many will relate to feeling discouraged when we don't think we've done something 'good enough', or when we experience imposter syndrome in our work or life. We can be encouraged by what you shared about God giving the increase and to rest in faithfulness over against effectiveness. Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish between the two-- being in community helps!

[@losik01]

Thank you

[@atmalewis1768]

Sir, I want to deeply thank you for your teaching online which provides us daily access to you. It makes me feel a part of a family with you as a wise uncle. Your skill and accomplishments boggle my mind, yet you are humble. Your warmth and videos are so inviting and comforting. I thank GOD for you and your ministry during these difficult times.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. Sharing together as family here is such a joy!

[@Passionfood1993]

Thank you sir!

[@claudioalbornoz5588]

It's exciting to believe that raising a family, serving your children, even unemployment gave eternal value. The kingdom had come and we reign through the work of our hands. How blessed we are for such privilege.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Good words! Yes, all forms of our labours of love are valuable to God!

[@claudioalbornoz5588]

@@NTWrightOnline Dear Tom, I am reading "Jesus and The Victory of God". I am shocked by your phrase "the reformers had a lot of good reasons for Jesus´s death but none for his life. As I also go back to NTPG, The hope of Israel and the so deeply disturbing chapters 1-2 of Luke (people talking about enemies, pride, consolation, salvation due to the coming of two babies), I struggle to understand what is this salvation. From what? From whom? To do what? To reign as we were supossed to reign before our sin? Is that the coming of he kingdom? I just can´t match salvation (Luke 1-2) and kingdom (Luke 4).

[@TheMrvince44]

Here I am. Send me.

[@PastorCoop1]

Amen

[@jlheidbreder]

Brother in Christ. I so enjoy your explanations & teaching. God bless

[@andydudas7231]

We thank God for the information the Spirit is imparting to the body of Christ. Your perspectives have totally transformed my thinking. It fills in the gaps left by modern teaching. This word (video) is another stone in the building and will help me as I share new life in Christ the Messiah with those on the highways and bi-ways. May God continue to funnel his Word through you. Thank you Tom.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Andy! We are grateful to be building for God's kingdom together, to the praise of his glory.

[@jlheidbreder]

Amen & amen

[@duncescotus2342]

"Rehearsing the mighty acts of God for God's glory." And that nugget of 24karat worthiness is just :12 in! Friends, this life is the dress rehearsal. We only get one. That wasn't his point, but it came to mind.

[@rahulpeters1478]

GOD bless you Professor NT Wright. You have been using by the the ALMIGHTY.

[@KildaltonTheologicalStudies]

Sound teaching and beautifully presented. Kudos to the production team for their filming and editing work.

[@karenromero2194]

Thank you very much! 😊❤️

[@nickhassan2077]

This was exactly what I needed. I’m so glad that God spoke through you this morning to me. Thank you and God bless you.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thank you for your kind words! We're grateful to hear that the message spoke to you. We are always so encouraged to hear how this work is benefiting our community. --NTW Online Team

[@keithcampbell7820]

Thank you Dr Wright, this message is timed perfectly for me. God Bless

[@fayfeldner9283]

There is no time to waste in the here and now if one is to be transformed to become a new creation in the Spirit. So, the here and now not only matters it will enable the transformation of others. To serve God enables one to share the love, light, and spirit of the Gospel of our King Jesus, (the Jewish Messiah), in a way other than a focus on the law.

[@NTWrightOnline]

It's great to think about the ways in which our own growth has a ripple effect for new creation!

[@gwonchanjasonyoon8087]

Keep going! No give up!

[@uflux]

So inspirational thanks!!! “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”

[@NTWrightOnline]

Appreciate the encouraging word! Thanks!

[@melvinshuster]

Thank you!

[@silviatroncoso8400]

Thanks for share this message, grettings from Argentina!

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thanks for watching! Warm greetings from the US and the UK!

[@deansoule4960]

Thank you Tom for this timely message. As a youth pastor, I frequently ask that question ... "am I wasting my time?" Through patience and endurance I get glimpses of how the master stone mason is putting things together when I see teenagers grab hold of faith in a new way. And God is using your teaching to help keep me patient and focused, so thank you once again!

[@NTWrightOnline]

Yes, a question that many might often ask in all kinds of ministries and occupations. Encouraged to hear how you're seeing God at work in your work!! Thanks very much for the kind words.

[@kimchidgzey4644]

I love this teaching - it reinforces your wonderful books "Surprised by Hope" and "The Day the Revolution Began" ... thank you Tom :)

[@NTWrightOnline]

We are so glad this teaching was a helpful reminder and reinforcement of the ideas in those two books! What struck you most in particular?

[@kimchidgzey4644]

@@NTWrightOnline The pivotal importance of Jesus' resurrection ... that heaven and earth have met, and we have the gift of eternal life now. All that we do for the Kingdom in this part of our journey is important and will carry on, and have influence, into the next.

[@nancyho5617]

Thank you for the reminder. I appreciate it.

[@bettinaiantorno1565]

Thank you so much, Dr. Wright, for addressing the subject of work. My profession is very challenging yet I've always felt God's joy in the display of my talents that make up my work. I will listen again and again to this video because I'd like to understand your words on a deeper level and the part I play in this world in God.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thank you for sharing your reflections, we hope you are encouraged and stay encouraged! We also offer a free course that you may enjoy that goes a little deeper: www.admirato.org/courses/faith-working-through-love Please keep living out the call God gave you! --NTW Online Team

[@olavoribeiro7598]

Great message! Thank you so much!

[@ricardocapulejr.2062]

So insightful, so encouraging, very inspiring. Thank you so much. Looking forward for the next Reading Scripture Together. Your insights, your reflections have benefited many.

[@NTWrightOnline]

So glad to hear it and grateful to be reading Scripture together with you!

[@rickysikes1631]

I love these short devotionals❣️🙏🏻✝️

[@NTWrightOnline]

So glad to hear it! What's something that's resonated for you?

[@victoriarankin1472]

Insightful and encouraging. Thankyou

[@shamrock1961]

Totally awesome words Bishop!!

[@vinodsingh-mz8yv]

I blessed

[@michaelgregg187]

Your work always inspires me to keep going and growing. This teaching and exhortation comes at a perfect time. My wife and I have just started ministry in a new place. Praying God will use us in His great plan. Keep up your excellent work of service.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Thanks for joining us. Every blessing on your new endeavors.

[@roenabarbre4156]

Well said. Thank you and God Bless

[@NTWrightOnline]

We're glad you were encouraged! --NTW Online Team

[@deborahpepper2342]

Thankyou for bringing scripture to life l listen to you ever morning and read the chapters you are reading. Thankyou. May God continue to reveal His life through the scriptures. Deborah Hobart Tasmania

[@NTWrightOnline]

We appreciate you kind words and encouragement.

[@sonny4267]

Although God had already foreordained that He will have His bride but we as His people are being made for the building of the Bride(temple) as we being living stones and building blocks are being fitted together to be his house. We were meant not only to be saved but more for this purpose of being His house. Thanks for sharing again the interwoven mystery of God.

[@NTWrightOnline]

A house of blessing to the world! We appreciate your reflections, keep sharing! --NTW Online Team

[@billgarfield1220]

Our work, our affections manifest, are very important objectively before God, but also because those patterns of contribution shape who and what we become. The question of the final judgment may end up being a question of fit - My kingdom is like this, are you at home here? Work matters, our affections matter, faithfulness shapes now and for the future.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Good words and a reminder of 'abiding' in him. Thanks for sharing.

[@Spirit55]

I really needed to hear this message. Thank you 🕊🤍

[@NTWrightOnline]

Glad to hear it! What was a highlight or take-away for you?

[@Spirit55]

How you said that what we do in the present is not worthless, it is not wasted. Your rock analogy really hit me. How each rock transformed into a great work of beauty when the designer put it all together. And it made me imagine working on one of those proverbial rocks in the present moment, as an act of faith, that ultimately led to a glorious creation in the future. You’ve inspired me to make those beautiful things today, even if I fall short of His Glory, and have faith that He sees what I cannot, and knows how to put it all together. I feel what you are saying is profound, and way beyond my ability to explain as I surely lack in eloquence, but the way you have presented this teaching has made it simple enough for my spirit to receive. Thank you with all my heart 🕊🤍

[@NTWrightOnline]

Your response was quite eloquent, especially as you connected it to how God is transforming our work, even today, for his ultimate glory. Thanks for sharing!

[@Spirit55]

Oh my goodness, it’s truly so kind of you to reply. I do not mean to inundate you, but I’m so grateful for the generous encouragement. I’ll keep working on my rock 😉 With God all things are possible 🙏🏻 Thank you 🕊🤍

[@sinemelekot_bemeskot]

Very insightful!

[@charlesratcliff2016]

I have always been taught that the earth is not our home we are just passing through. However, as we are passing through there is work that needs to be done. We are not called to throw in the towel and wait for God to come but we are to be busy doing the Lord's work.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Good words and an encouraging reminder to build for God's kingdom wherever we are today!

[@charlesratcliff2016]

@@NTWrightOnline Amen 🙏🙏🙏

[@janetgeist8505]

Thank you for sharing your time. I try to listen to the video once a day for the week given. I’m also sharing with others. Thank you so much for these videos. Great devotions.

[@NTWrightOnline]

We appreciate you sharing and are thankful to hear you're listening daily! Are you hearing something new each time? Would love to hear what's been a highlight for you.

[@GraceofGodchurchslm]

Amen.. Great. Thank you..

[@christinac6772]

I found lots of food for thought in this video. I've been asking myself just this sort of question recently, and the insights given were very helpful.

[@paulshoh4327]

I am so much encouraged by your deep and thoughtful consideration of harmonizing New Testament through the lens of Old Tanach Perspective…My favorite passage of Corinthian 15 is more favorite with your reconnecting to Isaiah 49:4-6….I am obtaining the Life through my Savior and more abundantly with your thoughtful work by HIS Grace…thank you, Dear N.T. Wright, the Reverend. I deeply appreciate at your endeavors. I praise the Lord giving us you…Amen 🎉

[@miriamoregan886]

So, I fully agree that my work in the Lord is never in vain. However, I wonder sometimes does that include my secular work? I certainly hope so, because I try to do it as unto the Lord.

[@imagodei0327]

I think it does. Did God not gift you to do that work? Is it not redemptive?

[@NTWrightOnline]

Imagine the stonemason and the promised hope that the myriad varieties of stones (different types of work) being produced and assembled now are all building for God's new creation. What a wonderful thing to consider and behold and celebrate (about our work) in the present, while yet contemplating the ultimate completion of the final 'project'!

[@autumnhardenstine8032]

Miriam - it seems to me that our vocation is all about the totality of our lives and that includes the "work" we do, be it secular or connected to church. In fact, I really cannot see the difference between the two. Some of us are called to do more ministry that is labeled spiritual, and others are called to do more ministry that is labeled secular - does God have categories for our life?

[@miriamoregan886]

@@NTWrightOnline Love this analogy - really helpful way of thinking about it. 😀

[@miriamoregan886]

@@NTWrightOnline Wonderful thought.

[@sherrywebber4013]

Thank you sir for your encouragement!! I used to say i was free lance for Jesus when i had no church. Then i found All Saints Anglican church here in Pensacola Florida. It is a very tradition serbice but the Bible Studies & the teenage Sunday school i help with has given me purpose and influence in young lives! So when the church split from Episcopal to Anglican i stuck with the Bible based church & not the one with wonen married to women preaching. I dicovered you with YouVersion & i feel special because Jennifer reached out to me about prayer requests. I lead the Prayer Warriors group at my church & love our young Rector Matthew Mahan (pronounced man) hes an awesome teacher and loaned me one of your books. Apologies for the long texted but you excited me in the Holy Spirit like my deceased husband Steve Webber. His father John Webber pulled outta the slums of London & became a Shakespearean teacher producing plays & such. Both British citizen were brilliant.. Steve in music & John a literature teacher. Thank you sir ... i look forward to Mondays message i look forward to them all weekend. My husband steve was a major in theology & i miss our studies together ... God brought YOUR teachings to fill that void. Again thank you kind sir.

[@NTWrightOnline]

We're honoured to play a part in how God is filling the void. So encouraged to hear you found us on YouVersion, and are with us here every week!

[@steelewr]

It’s encouraging to know that Kingdom work, no matter how questionably meaningful it may seem at times, will prove someday to have contributed to God’s planned future for the new heavens and new earth. It leaves me wondering if this can also be said for our personal development in Christlikeness. Does God want us to grow in ways that will prove necessary to fulfill a role after our resurrection? I don’t recall ever hearing a teaching on such a possibility. The assumption seems to be that the enabling value of spiritual growth is limited to this life.

[@autumnhardenstine8032]

Bill - I have always thought that there is no way God is finished with us when our earthly lives are over - growth is around every turn and bend in our journey. So, it seems logical and hopeful to believe there is more to come on the other side - spiritual growth is unending and continues into time/space/and who knows - next!

[@NTWrightOnline]

Ah yes, and might it give hope to think about what we do and *who we are* as new creation being reaffirmed ultimately in God's new world?

[@michaelkistner6286]

I'm not at all quibbling, but I do have a question. Granted our work is not wasted. But in a world of countless works we can do, which are best? Should I cultivate a personal piety? Engage in theological dialogue? Encourage the downtrodden? Devote myself to prayer? Work to move my local fellowship to deeper commitment? Take up preaching again? Become an evangelist? The obvious easy answer is all of the above and more. I can't argue with that, but there simply isn't enough of me to do all those things well at the same time. Not to mention the fact that saying yes to one thing means saying no to that which subverts it. How is it possible to see the world through eyes that notice the need and pain all around one and say, 'You I will help and you I won't.'? You've devoted yourself primarily to one thing. God bless you for it! But even in your case other worthy things have been within your reach that you said no to. Without seeing the future how do you know you've done the right thing? I sure don't have that ability.

[@NTWrightOnline]

Good questions! It would seem that many have had to discern their own 'callings' within the myriad opportunities that exist, which is typically not straightforward or one-size-fits-all. Reliance upon the leading of the Holy Spirit through interaction with Scripture, prayer, listening to godly voices, and circumstances, seem to be the answer implied by Jesus' own ministry as well as what we have recorded in Acts. Of course, a 'calling' to one effort may exclude involvement in other things. But such is the beauty of the Church in its manifold expressions. Perhaps, it is in wrestling with these things that we must count on God, who sees all needs, to figure out who will deal with which concerns and needs.

[@PeterAlmenar]

Remember, too, that the Body of Christ is many parts. You (and I) don’t have to do it all. You might want to look around your community or congregation to see where there might be gaps. Maybe lots of people are ministering to poor people, but no one is taking the reins to organize efforts. Or people doing a lot of Bible studies, teaching, preaching, but very few are serving homeless people, etc. That might be one way to discern and use your many gifts.

[@pyrsartur3675]

Thank you. I may be losing my job today not sure.

[@NTWrightOnline]

We're sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing. We hope the best for you during this uncertain time. ~Charleen at N.T. Wright Online

[@gk7240-u3s]

The stone mason illustration reminds me of why Peter calls us "lively stones. (1Peter 2:5)

[@NTWrightOnline]

That is another great illustration, thank you for sharing. --NTW Online Team

[@duncescotus2342]

"Reading scripture in public" is not something I've ever done to more than one person. However, I'm inclined to agree with N.T. Wright on yet another point. The exaltation of the holy scripture vocally is that which makes it truly and efficaciously 'the word of God' as the Evangelical likes to call it, though somewhat incorrectly. On the page, it's just the scripture. Lest I be misunderstood: Imagine a Bible in a foreign language you can't read. It is still the word of God, is it not?

[@NTWrightOnline]

Yes, and perhaps grasping the meaning of the scriptures (and/or being grapsed by them?) as we read together verbally or in signed languages offers mutual encouragement for living out the Word.

[@duncescotus2342]

@@NTWrightOnline Yes, my friend, thank you so very much for that reply. It is just as you have said, "being grasped by them." I imagine the principalities very much dislike the public preaching of the words of our inspired apostles. And I think in these days to come they are going to get quite an earful.

[@andrewgraham7659]

Not going into battle without a cuppa lol!!!!!!!!!

[@alanpatandmarcy]

♥️🩸🔥

[@willielee5253]

👑Genesis 12:3 ❤ Matthew 25 31-46 👑 💒Christians speak of scriptures as being this or that as a salvation 🛐 issue, here 👑 Jesus made this a salvation 🛐 issue Himself in Matthew 25 31-46 🇮🇱 😊No teasing out scriptures or extrapolations needed, it's as plain as the Sun shine 😊 👑 Jesus made this a salvation 🛐 issue in Matthew 25 31-46 🇮🇱 and before He returns I'd recommend ministering the same love ❤God bless you on your journey ❤

[@andrewgraham7659]

Well if in the end there's nothing to forward to - why don't all make like a bunch of lemmings and follow the leaders off the cliff..... (I'm a monotheistic Christain by the way - and Lemmings in reference to a 90's computer game - do your own research.......)

[@jasonegeland1446]

Is this about exclusion or inclusion? I'm guessing inclusion?

[@NTWrightOnline]

Good question. We'd say that the myriad forms of work that builds for God's kingdom emphasizes inclusion. What do others think?

[@jasonegeland1446]

@@NTWrightOnline Nearly a year later, I've returned to this short interaction with you. I meant to reply back but got caught up in distraction land. May I ask if you'd consider rephrasing your previous question to me? I liked what you said overall but just curious what you meant by "What do others think?" Thanks for engaging with me on this.

[@deborahakubo7316]

“We ought not worry about the hearing now”. “What I do now is not a waste, and it’s part of God’s future and much of His larger project”. This message is for me🥹

[@NTWrightOnline]

Agreed! Nothing is wasted in service of King Jesus.

[@rekramer2]

Thank you !!