Seven Ways God Is at Work
God is always doing ten thousand times more things than we see. We should be happy about that and rest in its wonder. And at the same time, we should remember that he often does let us see some of what he’s doing, if we have eyes for it. What are some of the things he’s doing at our church?
I’ll mention seven that stand out to me as of today.
1. God is making us joyful worshipers.
Our corporate worship on Sundays remains the heartbeat of our church. It is the most ultimate thing we do. God created us to worship him and enjoy him forever, and we will — and we do, imperfectly now but no less true, every Sunday when we gather. That time is a pointer to our eternal destiny.
2. God is edifying the body through our mutual discipleship.
A couple of weeks ago, as our Community Group gathered, we kicked around the question “How can you testify to the ways God has changed your life?” It was easy for us to jump straight to our areas of growth. We know too well the ways we still want to be different. But somehow we stopped in that moment and recognized that the conversation itself was the fruit of changed lives. That we were even discussing such a question, that we care — it’s all miraculous. It’s ordinary, too, but the result of a supernatural work in our hearts. The examples here abound. It’s good to see active grace in one another and call it out. That is happening.
3. God is raising up individuals to join in multiplying new churches.
In the last several months, we’ve sent out two families to join church plants, the Webers to Restoration Hope in West St. Paul, and the Manleys to Christ the King in Stillwater. We’re partnering with Kebena Geleta who is planting a church to reach East Africans. We have just welcomed our next planting resident, Will Stueve, who I’ll introduce on Sunday. And earlier this week, our first church plant, All Peoples Church (b. 2018), took a big step in sending out their first plant this summer (that means we’re having a granddaughter!).
4. God is inviting us into his pursuit of global glory.
As mentioned on Sunday, Ryan Griffith is organizing a team to join our partners, Sam and Sarah Chestnutt, for a short-term trip this summer. The Chestnuts have been doing vital work in Ireland for several years, and we have a wonderful opportunity to support them 'on the ground’ for two weeks this year. Also, we have recently piloted a new missions team to take us to the next level in being part of God’s work among all nations.
5. God is calling people to himself.
We had baptisms in March and April, and another one is coming up May 11. Several individuals are professing faith in Jesus and starting down the path of new life. The past few weeks, I’ve had several unbelieving, unchurched friends join us on Sunday. One guy brought three others. A few people I’ve invited haven’t come, but most have. And I preach like God wants to save people.
Maybe I feel this more than our church as a whole, but I’m running hard in the opposite direction of cruise ship mentality. We have a church of a lot of Calvinists — I’m a happy one! — but we’re not the ‘frozen chosen.’ We’re in a lifeboat.
6. God is sending us into Macalester.
We have a new Community Group organized to reach the college at our doorstep. The group is made up of individuals who are deliberately pursuing the students on that campus, building relationships, and sharing the gospel.
7. God is shaping our hearts to hear Jesus afresh.
The Gospel of John has become like a favorite song. There’s an exciting familiarity with its unfolding narrative, and as best as I can tell, God is helping us. He is keeping us saved through his word. Every Sunday we’re hearing more about Jesus and how to hear him. We’re remembering his realness in all of life.
What about you? What are some ways that you see God at work?
