3rd F Tue Nite Bible Study – Integrated Faith Series: Faith and Profession

YHC continues to be blessed with facilitating the weekly F3 small group gathering on Tuesday nights.  Informal settings often provide a great opportunity for better communication among PAX and tremendous sharing in the midst of reading and reflecting on passages in the Bible.  This night turned out to be no exception.  Notices were sent out in advance on the #twittermachine and #slack, various communiques from some of the PAX came in about attendance or non-attendance.  YHC threw out a spontaneous last minute headlock to San Fran and T-bone.  T-Bone bit the hook and altered his plans for the evening to join in.  Splinter (RESPECT) arrived a bit early with Zaxby’s take out.  YHC was already devouring a PBJ.  Rest of the PAX rolled in right at the bell, or a fashionably late Mayhem minute afterward.  We launched!

Disclaimer:  None given.  No FNG’s, and by now, it has become very clear that I am not a professional theologian.

Warm Up:  YHC opened in prayer and went over the main themes of the previous three weeks.  Welcomed everyone.  Particpants guide sheets and pens distributed.  Warm up questions about what the PAX thought about their respective careers and workplaces and their faith were asked.  Spiritual muscles were stretched, it was time to hit the video

The Thang:

• Played Integrated Faith segment on Faith and Profession
• Discussed aspects of the presentation that particularly stood out to the PAX
• Main Points:
  • God has repeatedly used non-clergy throughout history to accomplish His purposes
  • As Christ followers, we are to continue His mission
  • In God’s sovereignty, we are not in our profession or location by chance.
• Discussed Four Proven “Avenues” of walking in faith within our careers/professions:
  1. Find the sacred within the discipline you are engaged.
  2. Serve God through the manner and excellence of your service
  3. Influence the environment in which you serve
  4. Honor God by reserving in obedience, even when it is hard

COT:  Six PAX present, no FNG’s, Prayer Requests:  Splinter: Dad’s wife and cancer & work meeting on 8/1; Mayhem: Family of man who died of cancer; Blue Crab: Surviving man whose wife committed suicide and hope to share gospel with him in future; Hot Pursuit:  son Chris battling depression; T-Bone: Dad and dementia challenges – wisdom

Moleskin:    “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.  You are serving the Lord Christ.”  Colossians 3:23-24

Great session that really was a game changer in terms of how a Christ follower living a transformed life should view their jobs and workplace.  We are to consider our work as our ministry too (and foremost) and integrate our faith into our work as “seasoning”, witness, and to execute a greater “Kingdom purpose” for our activities…. as unto the Lord.