4 November, 2024

In the Beginning

by | 1 May, 2023 | 0 comments

By Stephen R. Clark 

“In the beginning . . .”  

We hear these words and can immediately complete the thought: “God created the heavens and the earth.” 

Light, land, waters, life. A new world teeming with the fruits of God’s creativity. 

A man was made, a woman formed, and a command given to care for the garden and all that was in it. 

Then things went awry . . . off-kilter . . . sideways . . . south. 

A serpent showed up and challenged the very words of God. The serpent seeded confusion and reaped disobedience. It ended with the first people in exile, cut off from their Creator. 

We read Genesis and wonder how things could go so wrong so quickly. What was their problem? They had it all! An idyllic setting, free food, free rent, all utilities included, and daily facetime with God. Talk about the abundant life! Adam and Eve had it all and trashed it. 

Many of us surely think we would have done better had we been in their place! 

Really? You think? 

As Christians, when we hear the words “do this,” we immediately complete the thought, “in remembrance of me.” Twice, on the night he was to be betrayed and handed over for crucifixion, Jesus instructed his disciples—and us—to remember him by eating bread and drinking wine. 

Jesus’ actions would be once for all—one and done. Our actions of remembrance will go forward and be repeated into the future, until he returns. Why? Because Jesus knew we are no better than Adam and Eve. 

We are just as gullible, just as prone to wander, just as needy as they were. 

At Communion, it’s often suggested we examine our hearts, as Paul advised in 1 Corinthians 11:28. Take a quick peek into our interiors and see what sin lies there.  We don’t have to look too deeply for the flaws to reveal themselves. 

Perhaps we spoke harshly to our spouse, child, or friend. Perhaps we lied to our boss. Perhaps we hold a grudge against a neighbor. Perhaps we have a favorite little sin we’re pointlessly trying to hide from God.  

Now is the time to begin again. Confess failings to the Lord. Reconcile with those you have sinned against. And come to the table where Jesus waits to restore and heal you. 

Through his body and blood, fresh starts are possible daily. Come. 

Stephen R. Clark lives in Lansdale, Pa., with his wife, BethAnn, and their two rescue cats, Watson and Sherlock.  

www.StephenRayClark.com

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Articles

Ministry Help Wanted

Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .

Stories

By taking these symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, we announce we believe there really was a Jesus, and he really did die for us and carried all our sins down to a grave . . .

Documentary Highlights Christian Response to Pandemics

Southeast Christian Church’s “Purpose in Pandemics” is a documentary that follows the response of the church to pandemics throughout history. The “Purpose in Pandemics” website also includes a study guide for small groups and individuals.

Used of God

I soaked up Sam Stone’s wit and wisdom during our lunches together. Afterward, I’d take notes about our conversations. After hearing of his passing, inspired by his wordsmithing, I felt compelled to share just a small part of his story.

Sam E. Stone: ‘He Tried to Speak the Truth in Love’

In memory and appreciation of our former editor, Sam E. Stone, who died early this week, we share this 2011 column from Christian Standard’s archives in which Sam discussed four Scripture verses significant to his life.

Elliott Library ‘Cornerstone’ Laid

Three Bibles of historical significance to Cincinnati Christian University were the first books place on the shelves during relocation of the George Mark Elliott Library.

The Death of Evil

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saw in minority groups’ struggles for social equality in America a parallel with Israel’s bondage in Egypt. King envisioned God’s goodness would deliver the U.S. from the evil of segregation.

Mark Scott’s Greatest Kingdom Impact

Since I first enrolled at Ozark Christian College, Mark Scott has been my kingdom hero, and I’m not the only young preacher Mark has shaped. Over his 35 years at OCC, Mark has inspired generations of students.

‘Have We Plans for 1921?’

“All the Standard asks is the opportunity to serve, and it yearns to render in 1921 the greatest, finest, and best service of its history. . . .”

CCLF Concluding Strong First Year in Greater Cincinnati

In its first full year, the Christian Church Leadership Foundation has accomplished much to ensure Christian education and resources would continue to be available to people in the Greater Cincinnati area.

News Briefs for Dec. 9

Items from Timber Lake Christian Church (Moberly, Mo.), Choateville Christian Church (Frankfort, Ky.), Johnson University, and more.

My Counsel for Young Preachers

If I were counseling an aspiring young preacher fresh out of Bible college or seminary, champing at the bit to lead in the church, I would offer these three bits of advice.

My Memories of Marshall Leggett

By Ben Merold
As I think about Marshall Leggett, who passed away on March 2 at age 90, two personal experiences keep coming to my mind . . .

Powell Quintuplets Graduating from High School

When the Powell quintuplets were born in 2001, all of Kentucky celebrated, including Southeast Christian Church, where the Powells are longtime members. Now the quints are 18 and are all headed to the same university.

Reentry: It May Be Harder Than We Think

When the COVID-19 crisis eases, I anticipate that reentry is going to be harder than some people think. Churches, especially, need to prepare for this.

November 10 Study | I Pledge Allegiance

God’s people should be crystal clear about their allegiance. They play to an audience of one. So they must be very careful of other allegiances. For the believers in the seven churches, that meant coming out from the pagan influences of the culture.

November 10 | Discovery Questions

These Discovery Questions are for use with this week’s Lookout Bible Lesson, “The Battle is the Lord’s” (Revelation 17:1-2, 6, 18; 18:1-10), by Mark Scott.

Rescued

Each of us is an individual Titanic. We may, in our pride and self-sufficiency, think that we are uniquely grand and unsinkable. But each of us has already struck the iceberg of sin. It’s only a matter of time. But wait. God has provided a lifeboat for anyone who wants to be rescued.

Reasons to Be Grateful

Let’s honor God in this season as we give thanks for our blessings, as we celebrate our salvation, and as we take the gospel to the world.

Follow Us