cover of episode Thanks Be to God!
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Dr. Timothy Keller
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Dr. Timothy Keller：本讲座探讨了礼拜仪式的意义，指出礼拜仪式是对福音的重述，从神、罪、基督、信仰四个方面重温福音。礼拜仪式并非现代娱乐活动，而是一个深刻参与式地体验福音的过程，参与者应积极参与其中，而非仅仅作为旁观者。礼拜结束时的‘遣散’强调了使命感，所有基督徒都是传教士，应将福音分享给所有人。 Dr. Timothy Keller：他进一步阐述了使命的三个方面：分享真理、伸张正义和建立社群。分享真理并非强迫他人接受，而是出于内心的喜乐，如同分享美好的事物一样自然。伸张正义是作为未来国度的预兆，基督徒应努力对抗疾病、贫困和不公。建立社群是让世界看到基督徒之间充满爱和合一，这将更有力地传达福音。 Dr. Timothy Keller：他强调，传教工作应出于感恩的喜乐，而非责任感或自义。真正的喜乐源于知道自己已被上帝接纳，是天国的子民。传教工作的过程中可能会遇到挫折，但应以最终的盼望（新天新地）为安慰。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

What is the purpose of a worship service according to Dr. Timothy Keller?

A worship service is designed to recapitulate the gospel, taking participants through the stages of God, sin, Christ, and faith in a deeply participative way.

Why does Dr. Keller argue that worship services are not like modern entertainment events?

In a worship service, participants are not passive spectators but active participants reliving the gospel. The service is crafted as a whole, with each part tied to the gospel message being preached.

What are the four key elements of mission according to Psalm 67, as explained by Dr. Keller?

The four elements are the fact of mission, the character of mission, the dynamic for mission, and the consolation of mission.

Why does God bless individuals, according to Dr. Keller?

God blesses individuals so that they can be a blessing to others, sending them out into the world in sacrificial service. His blessing is meant to be shared, or it will rot, much like manna in the wilderness.

What are the three aspects of mission that Christians are called to do, as outlined by Dr. Keller?

Christians are called to share the truth (the gospel), do justice (fight poverty and injustice), and build community (create a unified, loving community).

What is the key to effective mission, according to Dr. Keller?

The key to effective mission is to do it out of a motive of grateful joy, not duty or self-righteousness. Christians should rejoice in their acceptance by grace and their citizenship in heaven.

What is the ultimate consolation for those engaged in mission, as described by Dr. Keller?

The ultimate consolation is the promise of a new heavens and new earth, where all sadness will be undone, and all human longings for love, triumph over evil, and communion with angels will be fulfilled.

How does Dr. Keller explain the importance of building community in mission?

Building community is crucial because a flourishing, loving Christian community attracts the admiration of the world, making the gospel more plausible. It also reflects the unity that will exist in the future kingdom of God.

Why does Dr. Keller say that mission can be frustrating?

Mission can be frustrating because people often don't listen, and efforts to fight poverty and injustice may seem ineffective over a lifetime. However, the promise of ultimate blessing and harvest in the future provides consolation.

What does Dr. Keller suggest is the emotional state required for effective mission?

Effective mission requires a deep grasp of the grace of Jesus Christ, leading to a state of joyful acceptance rather than self-righteousness or moralism.

Chapters
This chapter explores the structure and purpose of a worship service, emphasizing its role as a recapitulation of the gospel—God, sin, Christ, faith—and highlighting the importance of active participation rather than passive observation.
  • Worship service is not a mere entertainment event but a participatory experience of the gospel.
  • Active participation involves understanding each stage of the service: praise, confession, scripture, and response.
  • The service is a whole, crafted to be experienced as such, not merely attended.

Shownotes Transcript

The end of a worship service is always about mission. A minister says, “Let us go forth to serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Then the people say, “Thanks be to God.” 

Do you realize how significant this is? You are being sent out into the world to give your life in service, now reshaped by the knowledge that Jesus Christ is your Savior, and you’re filled with his love. 

Let’s look at Psalm 67 to learn about 1) the fact of mission, 2) the character of mission, 3) the dynamic for mission, and 4) the consolation of mission.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on September 21, 2008. Series: Liturgy: What we do in Worship. Scripture: Psalm 67:1-7.

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