One of the reasons I love living in NYC is that it is such a great walking culture, a ‘movable feast’ to borrow Hemmingway’s description of Paris. Of course that feast is often interrupted by tourists and new residents who struggle to learn the streets, a reminder that it takes a while before navigating a place like NYC becomes second nature. In yesterday’s sermon the Apostle Paul reminded Christians that their newly found freedom was not to do “whatever they want” (Galatians 5:17) but to “serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). In other words they had to learn how to navigate their new citizenship in God’s Kingdom.
This is accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit who warms our hearts to the glory and beauty of Jesus (Galatians 5:24) and guides our walk as we seek to” keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). In other words worship and walking are how Christians increasingly find it ‘second nature’ to serve one another in humble love. This is why in scripture a person’s “walk” refers to daily life, the entrenched patterns of how to live every day. This happens as Christians get in the habit of exercising what are often called the ‘ordinary means of grace’: scripture, prayer, worship, community, service. In the words of JI Packer:
Habit forming is the Spirit’s ordinary way of leading us on in holiness … Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control are all of them habitual … ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
So ask yourself each morning this week before you begin your day, what routines do I need to include today that will create in me the freedom to love others. Perhaps start by thinking of one person to pray for and do it every day this week. It will warm your heart and put a spring in your spiritual step.
Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
– Psalm 1:1-2
APEST is a spiritual gift framework from Ephesians 4. Paul says Jesus has given apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers—hence the acronym APEST.
The APEST Seminar will be on Tuesday, June 28 at 7:00 pm
Coming up
- Gospel & Race Cohort, registration ends June 30: The Gospel & Race Cohort is an intentionally multiracial and multicultural community of 8-12 people that explores issues of culture and race through a biblical and gospel lens. Our time together will be a journey of learning more about ourselves, growing personally and spiritually, building cross-cultural community and friendships, expanding the way we see and move through the world, and becoming better equipped to work for gospel reconciliation and justice.
- Volunteer for our Vacation Bible School: We are excited to offer Vacation Bible School in person again and we need your help. Happening from July 11 to 15, our children will learn about God and his love for them through skits, Bible lessons, music, games and crafts. We need volunteers to help make every aspect of this “Monumental” week happen, so please sign up. If you can’t serve during the week, you can help us set up on the Sunday before.
- Summer volunteers needed: Will you be in NYC this summer? Whether you’re here on a summer internship or have been wanting to see what volunteering might look like, help our vacationing volunteers by joining a team, once a month, meet great people and help to serve your neighbors!
- Support Hope for New York: HFNY continues to provide funding, volunteers, leadership training, and collaboration opportunities to their affiliate partners. Continue supporting their efforts this month!
- Cultivate friendships with adults who have disabilities: Redeemer West Side supports many HFNY affiliates. Get to know Do For One this summer by joining a virtual prayer circle, forming connections with adults who have disabilities, and looking forward to a future orientation.