A Compelling Tomorrow
A Compelling Tomorrow
A couple of months ago I heard Tony Robbins (yes, that Tony Robbins) say something in an interview that’s stayed with me. “Anyone can deal with a difficult today,” he said, “if they have a compelling tomorrow.”
I believe this is one of the reasons why St. John, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives us such a powerful glimpse in Revelation 21 and 22 of the compelling tomorrow that awaits all those who have trusted Christ. New heavens. New Earth. Resurrection. All things new.
But this compelling, sure hope isn’t only about the future. The person who knows his or her destiny is glorious and certain will be free to live the most radical life of love and witness here on earth today. Even when it’s difficult. As individuals and as a church we will never pursue our Shared Vision to “proclaim and promote the Gospel; giving ever more time, talent, and treasure to seeking the flourishing of our neighbors,” with the energy and abandon it requires apart from the sure and certain hope of our own glorious destiny and that of the whole universe.
St. Paul wrote in Colossians 1:4-5, “We have heard of the love you have for all the saints because of the hope laid up for you in eternity”. It’s the assurance of that hope that releases the radical, risk-taking love that compels people to look at your life , as St. Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15, and “ask the reason for the hope that is in you.”
See you Sunday.
Steve+
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Men’s Bible Study—Ephesians
We invite you to join us for a new Men’s Bible Study through the book of Ephesians beginning nextThursday morning at 7AM and continuing for 12 weeks. If you’re interested in participating, email Steve Wishart here, or write “Men’s Bible Study” on a Connection Card this Sunday and drop it in the offering plate. Purchase the study guide here.
Chesapeake Baysox and Fireworks
Take me out to the ball game! Join other baseball fans from our Redeemer family to cheer on the Chesapeake Baysox any or all of the following home game dates this summer. These nights will also include post-game fireworks. We’ll meet inside the stadium on the first base side.
Purchase tickets here or in person at the games:
· Saturday, June 14, 6:35 vs. Harrisburg
· Saturday, July 12, 6:35 vs. Reading
· Friday, August 22, 6:35 vs. Richmond
Membership Sundays—June 29 and August 31
The whole point of the Church is to bring the kingdom of God into the wider world. It exists for the tasks of witnessing to God’s saving, sovereign lordship over the world in whatever sphere it happens to inhabit. So, formal church membership isn’t checking a box or an end in itself. It’s making sure that we are working together in doing these things rather than just being a loose, vague convocation of people who happen to drift together some Sundays.
Membership is primarily about mission and vision.
It’s also about taking responsibility—with the rest of the community—for the maintenance of the building, serving, the funding of ministries and salaries, ensuring that our ministries of benevolence to our neighbors are being generously and sacrificially carried out, and much more.
If you’re interested in finding out more about membership at Redeemer, email Steve Wishart here, or write “member” on a Connection Card this Sunday and place it in the Offering. We will be in touch.
Morning Prayer—Tuesday-Friday mornings, 8AM on Zoom
Evening Prayer—Wednesdays, 7PM @ 1309
Women’s Bible Study—Saturdays, 9AM @ 1309
Men’s Bible Study—Thursdays, 7AM @ 1309
Photo Credit: NASA/Unsplash
