By Stuart Powell
What do you do before you see a doctor? Most people simply sit and wait. Many idly leaf through old magazines or survey their surroundings to pass the time.
Have you ever pictured the Christian life this way? I hope not, because the Christian life most definitely is not a waiting room.
Paul explained the life of grace to Titus using these dynamic words:
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14, English Standard Version).
Living in God’s grace is not a stagnant state of being. As Paul explained to Titus, grace is the embodiment of God living within each believer. Grace begins the healing process while we are still in the broken world. It changes our perspective of living this life in preparation for eternity.
The Communion emblems remind us of the price Christ paid for our salvation. Food and drink are necessities for living. We have grace because Jesus gave of his body and blood on the cross. We are being transformed because Jesus died in our place. We anticipate his return because he promised us an inheritance. May this time of remembrance ignite our desires to live in God’s grace.
Stuart Powell lives outside of Terre Haute, Indiana, where he serves with the North Side Christian Church.
A writer of things may not be as gifted as the reader or orator of the written material.
An activity for men in high school/college classes could be to have short Communion talks written out and then read in class. The writer does not have to be the reader. Different people have different gifts. A discussion could follow with comments from any/all who would participate.
It might be interesting how the group would feel/react if the Lord’s Supper was taken soon after such a class activity.