Paul used the metaphor of a body to instruct the Corinthian church about their conduct at the Lord’s Table. The body, though comprised of many different parts, is a single unit, vitally connected and moving in one direction. No part of the body can act without all the other parts being affected. The beauty and attractiveness of the church is that the bond of the gospel of grace transcends man-made divisions among people. The unity of the church is a testament to God’s grace. Therefore, to fellowship or engage in worship in a manner that is exclusive or divisive means that one does not recognize the body and invites the Father’s chastisement (1 Cor. 11:29). God considers the heart attitude more important than the outward participation of worship.
The Gospel of grace is championed as Jesus Christ is remembered during the rite of the Lord’s Table. Our Lord considered it essential that we regularly focus on His redemptive sacrifice – not just for the sake of doing it – but so that our remembrance would move us to walk worthy of Christ and His gospel. The gospel lived is what points people to God’s goodness. So, it is fitting that we should focus on the Lord Jesus this way as we move on to yet another year that He has entrusted to us under the sun. This Sunday, December 26, we will gather at the Lord’s Table at 10:00 a.m. It is the table of His acceptance based on His redemptive and reconciling work. Those who have received His righteousness by faith are invited to commune with the family of God in the Spirit of Christ.
Since this is the first Sunday that we will all be together in one worship service, there are a few things I would like you to consider in preparation. We anticipate the auditorium will be rather full. There will be chairs set up in the Gathering Room, as well as an “overflow” section at the front of the auditorium facing the platform from the side. Please come prepared by thinking “up and in.” It will be helpful – particularly for visitors – if the regular attenders move up and move in on the rows. The deacons will be available to assist in optimizing the seating. We will also need help with parking space. Those of you who are not elderly and do not have young children, please consider parking in the lower (grassy) parking lot. It would also be meaningful to leave the parking spaces near the entrances for our visitors.
Thank you, Grace, for your consideration and for your generous spirit. I hope you have a very blessed Christmas – because of Christ.
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