2021 Special Edition FREE Belong - Gracecom Church

2021 Special Edition FREE

REMEMBERING OUR SAVIOUR

COMMUNION AT HOME

Belong

COMMEMORATING THE CRUCIFIXION

INCLUDED IN THE COUNT

BY JAMES [email protected]

Photo: PeteWill, istockphoto.com

“SERVICE IS ABOUT ACCEPTING ONE ANOTHER EVEN THOUGH WE MAY BE DIVERSE AND DIFFERENT”.

WASHING FEET

The rains had begun. Rain, droplets dripping off the end of your nose, tipping down like sheets of water, hammering its staccato beat on the tin roofs, soaking everything in its path as our shoes squelched their way along to church. This was Eastern Uganda, and the long-awaited rainy season had hit with a vengeance.

We were here for a very special occasion – a ceremony based on John 13 when Christ washed his disciples’ feet. About 30 people had turned up, but everything was dominated by the weather. Most had come early to do some local shopping in the ramshackle kiosks that lined the main street. The plan was to begin by 7pm, but by 3pm all had arrived and were taking shelter in hall where we were meeting. Then there was a power cut. I made the decision to begin early so that we could travel back in the sparkling sunlight which had just burst through the stormy clouds. Everyone seemed relieved, elated to be there and with beaming smiles that spoke welcome and joy.

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The deacons had laid out brightly coloured plastic basins of water next to the primary school sized chairs and wooden benches we were to sit on. There was one basin per two people because, despite the floods of rain, clean water was scarce and precious. For the sake of propriety men and women were in separate areas for the foot washing.

I was paired with a farmer who told me he had walked a good distance into town. I offered to wash his feet first and put out my towel to dry them afterwards. He took off his thick, heavy-duty sandals and then I noticed his feet. They were caked with mud. It caught me off guard. I was used to sanitized pampered feet being presented for washing but this was something different. What would Jesus do? What should I do? I took hold of his right foot first and placed it gently in the cool clear water that immediately turned a murky brown. Was this how it was in Christ’s time? Had the disciples come with dirty feet? Now the left foot, and I patted them both dry. His turn. I removed my wet socks to reveal my white feet that contrasted starkly with his black feet. We burst out laughing, much to the consternation of one of the deacons. His eyes twinkled as he placed my feet in the basin, washed them, and dried them with tenderness and care. We smiled and thanked each other. But it took me ages to get my soggy socks back on.

What a palaver, some might say! But for us, it was full of meaning. A re-affirmation that we were brothers in Christ. Through participating in this sacrament of grace we illustrated Christ’s act of serving. Jesus said that he was among us as one who serves. And Jesus did and does serve us. When you serve another person, it means that you regard him or her as special and you put his or her needs before your own. Foot washing is symbolic of loving, compassionate service towards others. And it is of grace, meaning that it’s not a question of whether we think others are deserving of our acts of service – we serve everyone no matter who they are or what their background is.

In Christian circles there are many views about foot washing. Some think that it should be practiced physically as an expression of following Christ’s words, others think that Christ spoke mainly of a principle to follow. Personally, I don’t think he meant for his followers to argue about it and for it to become an issue of division and debate. Service is

about accepting one other even though we may be diverse and different. Surely, above all, that’s what foot washing is all about.

Back in Uganda, where we returned to our seats to take the Bread and the Wine, the elements to symbolize Christ’s sacrifice. It turned out that no one had been able to find any wine or grape juice. It’s not surprising in a climate that produces tropical fruits more than grape vines. Did Jesus really expect people to find wine where it’s not produced? It makes you think, doesn’t it? Would another red juice do? Pomegranate juice? Tomato juice? Come to think of it, I’d much prefer pomegranate juice than some of the disgusting communion wines I’ve had. After all, the senses matter. Should we not taste and see that the Lord is good? Anyway, I’m getting diverted. Somebody found a bottle of port in the search for wine. In an area where most people did not drink wine, no one knew that port was a fortified wine, that it was a strong wine and therefore less should be served. They had tumbler glasses available, and I suggested that we should pour only a small amount into them. Nevertheless, people left with broad grins on their faces.

I looked around to see my foot washing friend, but I couldn’t find him. I asked others who he was, but no one knew or hadn’t noticed. I couldn’t believe it. I had not asked him his name. I went back to Uganda several times but never met him again. It was just that brief exchange, that passing moment in our lives when we served each other in a spirit of togetherness and gratitude. It happens that way, doesn’t it? We meet people briefly and then they disappear from our lives. Even more, then, is the calling to serve others whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Seize the day and serve one another.

BY RICK [email protected]

COMMUNION AT HOME

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Participating in communion is something that can be done in church and in the home, with family, friends or alone. There is no specific pattern for taking communion, nor is there a specific mood or tone to enter into. Sometimes you are somber, reflecting on the suffering and rejection Jesus experienced throughout his life. At other times you are filled with joy and celebration as you reflect on Jesus continually inviting you to share in his joy and his communion with the Father and Spirit. Communion is about Jesus—his life, death, resurrection, ascension and invitation for you to join him in the communion he shares.

Here is one suggested pattern:

• Prior to beginning, set aside a small amount of bread (cracker or biscuit) – either leavened or unleavened – and a small glass of wine or grape juice for each person who will participate. (While bread and wine were mentioned in the gospels, we understand that sometimes those items are simply not available, especially during this time of

Photo: Daniel Chetroni, istockphoto.com

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“Shelter in place” rules many around the world are facing due to Covid-19. In this case, you may use other food and drink. Jesus used what was readily available in his culture.)

• Start with a worship song – one that focuses on how good God is, such as “Good Good Father,” or “I Love You Lord.” Get your thoughts focused on who Jesus is – your Lord and Savior, but also your brother and the one who calls you friend.

• Spend a minute or two in prayer – asking Jesus to help you see his love, to see that he and the Father are one, to understand how Father, Son and Holy Spirit are inviting you to participate in their love for each other and for you. Remembering Jesus is remembering his faithful love for you and the glorious victory over sin and death that is ours because of his sacrificial love. sacrifice of the Son of God.

• You may wish to read the gospel account of the Lord’s Supper or read Paul’s comments in 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 and John 6:32-58. The eating and drinking of the symbols of Jesus’ body and blood are directly associated with eternal life.

• Pick up the bread and ask God to bless it as a symbol of Christ’s body, given for us. The bread represents the body of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. Christ lives in us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, making us part of the unified body of Christ – his church, the family of God made up of all believers everywhere through all time. Eating the bread indicates our commitment to Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Peter 2:20-24). Give thanks and then eat the bread.

• Pick up the cup and ask God to bless it as a symbol of Christ’s blood given for us. The cup is a representation of the sacrifice Jesus made for the remission of our sins. It is the supreme example of love – that one will give up his life for others. Give thanks for forgiveness and our reconciliation to the Father and drink from the cup.

• You may want to read portions of John 13:18-John 17, focusing on the new commandment Jesus gave us to love as he loves.

“ So at the Lord’s Table we do not merely

remember the passion of our Lord as an

isolated date from ninenteen hundred years

ago. Rather, we remember it in such a way

that we know by the grace of God we are the

people for whom our Savior died and rose

again”.

- James B. Torrance

GOSPEL ACCOUNTS

OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Matthew 23:17-29Mark 14:12-25Luke 22:7-38

• End with another song of praise – giving God glory for who he is in your life.

Again, this is just one way of participating in communion. You can make communion as long or as short as you wish. There are numerous other ways. Feel free to share with each other wonderful and joyful ways of participating in the communion.

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COMMEMORATING THE CRUCIFIXION

BY JOSEPH [email protected]

Almost 2,000 years ago, a Jewish carpenter was condemned as a dangerous religious and political rebel. He was executed in one of the most painful and shameful punishments ever known: flogging and crucifixion. This form of death was a scandal to both Jews and Gentiles.

Nevertheless, Jesus’ followers made a point of remembering his death – not just the fact that he died, but also that he died in such a shameful way. In their written stories about Jesus, they devoted lengthy sections to his horrible death. They set aside one day each year as the anniversary of his death.Why is Jesus’ death so important to Christians – and so central to the Christian faith?

Of greatest importanceJesus’ death is listed as of “first importance” in Paul’s summary of the gospel message: “What I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). Paul even characterized his own preaching as “the message of the cross” (1 Corinthians 1:18). “We preach Christ crucified,” he said (verse 23).

Jesus’ death was predicted in Scripture, and was necessary (Luke 24:25-26; Acts 3:18; 17:3). It was necessary not just for the Messiah to die, but to suffer, and to be crucified for our salvation. It was an essential part of Jesus’ ministry, and an essential part of the gospel. Jesus had predicted his own suffering and death, even his death on a cross (Mark 8:31-32; 9:31; 10:33-34; Matthew 20:19; 26:2; John 12:32-33). He was sure it had to happen the way it did (Matthew 26:54) – it was his purpose, his mission (John 12:27). He had to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah 53 (Luke 22:37).

Jesus said that his death would be a ransom to save other people (Mark 10:45). At his Last Supper, he said that he gave his body on behalf of other people, and he gave his blood to form a new covenant, the basis of a new relationship between God and humanity, based on forgiveness (Luke 22:19-20; Matthew 26:28). He was, as Isaiah 53 had predicted, an innocent person who suffered and died to ransom the guilty. God laid our sins on Jesus, and he was killed for our transgressions to buy our freedom.

Jesus not only predicted his death, he also explained its significance for us – and this is why it is good news. He gave his body for us – for our benefit. He allowed his blood to be shed so we would be forgiven. Jesus was the mediator between God and humans. His death enables us to have a covenant with God – a relationship of promise and loyalty.

Photo: IrisImages, istockphoto.com

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The death of Christ is the only way for our salvation. That is why Jesus, even though he knew what pain awaited him, “resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). It was the reason he had come.

Publicising a scandalThe resurrection of Jesus was wonderful news. It was a hope-filled message. Because of that, it would have been easy for the apostles to emphasize Jesus’ resurrection and skip over his shameful death. Indeed, we read in Acts that they preached the resurrection – but they also boldly reminded people of the shameful punishment Jesus had received (Acts 2:22-24; 3:13-15; 4:10; 5:30-31; 7:51-53; 10:37-40; 13:27-30).

Not only did they admit the cross, they also called it a tree – a word that would remind Jews of Deuteronomy 21:22-23, which says that anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse. By using the word tree, the apostles drew extra attention to the shameful way Jesus had died. Why did they emphasize this? Because it was important. The Scriptures had predicted it, Jesus had predicted it, and it was necessary for our salvation.

The cross involves shame as well as pain (Hebrews 12:2). It involves a “curse” (Galatians 3:13-14). Paul did his best not to offend people, but he emphasized the crucifixion even though he knew it was offensive (Galatians 5:11; 3:1; 6:14). The cross was the centre of his gospel (1 Corinthians 1:23; 2:2; Philippians 3:18).

Paul gives the spiritual significance of the cross: Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. He was made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). He was a sacrifice so that we might be justified, or declared right, so that we might escape the punishment our sins deserve

“THE LORDS SUPPER LOOKS TO THE PAST - JESUS WILLINGLY GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US - AND TO THE PRESENT - HIS UNION WITH US NOW, AND THE FUTURE - HIS PROMISE TO RETURN”.

(Romans 3:24-26). He carried our sins on his cross (1 Peter 2:24). “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18).

Through the cross, we can be given the blessing promised to Abraham (Galatians 3:14). Through the cross, we are reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:16). Through the cross, God forgives our sins, taking away the written note of debt that was against us (Colossians 2:13-14). Our salvation depends on the cross of Christ.

Since we fail to keep the law perfectly, we fall under its curse (Galatians 3:10). We all deserve death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Jesus, being sinless, did not need to die, but he willingly died for us. The righteous died for the unrighteous. He received death so that we might receive life.

John Stott writes that the crucifixion shows three truths:First, our sin must be extremely horrible. Nothing reveals the gravity of sin like the cross…. If there was no way by which the righteous God could righteously forgive our unrighteousness, except that he should bear it himself in Christ, it must be serious indeed….Secondly, God’s love must be wonderful beyond comprehension…. He pursued us even to the desolate anguish of the cross, where he bore our sin, guilt, judgement and death. It takes a hard and stony heart to remain unmoved by love like that…. Thirdly, Christ’s salvation must be a free gift. He “purchased” it for us at the high price of his own life-blood. So what is there left for us to pay? Nothing! (The Cross of Christ, page 83)

A memorial of deathThe cross was the focus of Jesus’ mission as a human. His job was not done until he was crucified. Jesus did not tell his disciples to remember his miracles – they were to remember his death. Jesus eliminated many rituals, but he commanded a new one: the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper. He told us to participate in these reminders of his death because his death, and our participation in his death, is vital for our salvation.

We remember Jesus’ death not just as something that happened to Jesus – it is relevant for us today. The Lord’s Supper looks to the past – Jesus willing

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gave his life for us – and to the present – his union with us now, and the future – his promise to return. Spiritually, are we crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20), and on a daily basis, we are to crucify our sinful passions and desires (Galatians 5:24; Romans 8:13). To follow Jesus, we must take up our cross each day (Luke 9:23), willing to deny wrong desires. The Lord’s Supper reminds us of what our life is about.

Jesus’ death is our pattern for daily living – it is a picture of complete submission to God, a picture of willingness to reject sin and choose righteousness. Jesus died for us, Paul says, so that we should no longer live for ourselves, but instead live to serve Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:15). Since our old self was crucified with Christ, “we should no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:6). Instead, we offer ourselves to God as living sacrifices, willing to serve him (Romans 6:13; 12:1). Because he died for us, we “die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24).

Jesus’ death is evidence that God loves us – it shows us that God cares about us so much that he did something to solve our problem, to rescue us from the pain and death our sinfulness brought upon us (Romans 5:8-10). Since God did not spare his own Son, we can be confident that he will give us everything we need for salvation (Romans 8:32). His love for us becomes an example for how much we should love one another (Ephesians 5:1-2).

The death of Jesus gives us some important freedoms:

• We are no longer prisoners of the law (Galatians 3:23; Romans 7:6).• We are no longer slaves of sin and passions

(John 8:34-36; Romans 6:6-7, 16; Titus 3:3).• We are no longer enslaved by death or fear

(Romans 8:2; Hebrews 2:14-15).• We have overcome the world and the evil one (1 John 5:4-5; 1 John 2:13-14; Revelation 12:11).

With this freedom, we are to be slaves of righteousness, slaves of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:18). He died for us so we may live for him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). This is how we should respond to the love of God shown to us in the cross of Christ.

The cross is also an example for us when we suffer. Peter reminds us that when we suffer unjustly, we should remember the example of Jesus, who suffered unjustly for us, setting an example for us (1 Peter 2:19-23). In Hebrews we are told to remember Jesus when we grow weary of our troubles, for he endured great opposition for us (Hebrews 12:2-4). Unjust suffering is part of the Christian calling, and part of the example Jesus set for us. “A servant is not greater than his master” (John 15:20). The Lord’s Supper reminds us of what Jesus’ life was about, and that we are called to follow him.

When we suffer, we are also encouraged by knowing that a crown of glory awaits us, just as it did for Jesus. When we identify with him in his cross, we will also share in his glory (Romans 8:17-18; 2 Corinthians 4:17).

Many people think that the cross is foolishness, but it shows us the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:17-25). It was a stroke of genius, a brilliant manoeuvre. It simultaneously shows us how ugly sin is, and how beautiful God’s love is, and the extent of his commitment to ensure our salvation. It punishes sin and brings forgiveness. It shows both justice and grace. It breaks the power of sin and death, and gives us power to overcome. The cross gives us visible evidence that our sins have been dealt with once and for all, that our struggles are not in vain, and that a crown of glory awaits us through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is certainly worth remembering.

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The silence was deafening. The Messiah was dead and enclosed in a tomb. How could this possibly happen after the awesome display of divine power in his life?

Holy Saturday, the day between Good Friday and Easter, is a time of mourning and quiet disbelief on the liturgical calendar. Holy Saturday is a day of uncomfortable silence. The Word of God become flesh is dead. For his disciples and friends, it was a day of confusion and fear. Wasn’t Jesus the Holy One of God? John the Baptist pointed to him as the Lamb of God and then Jesus himself invited us to follow him. Were we misled?

On this side of history, we know Holy Saturday eventually gives way to Easter Resurrection Sunday. However, before we rush to the shouts of celebration that “He’s alive,” I invite you to sit in the quiet mystery of Holy Saturday.

Why? Many think God is still stuck in that dreadful Saturday. Their perception tells them he is still quiet and unavailable to the circumstances of the day.

Where is God in this pandemic that has been raging for more than a year? God seems so very silent in the political division and rancor that dominates much of public discourse. Churches are still struggling with whether to conduct in-person worship gatherings. Where is God in all of this?

Holy Saturday teaches us to live in the real and present tension that God is very alive even though it can appear he is silent and unaware of the disturbing circumstances. Holy Saturday can feel like today—a day of loneliness and isolation. Ultimately, it is a day of compassion that teaches us to comfort the hurting and disillusioned who feel all hope is lost.

The narrative of our Lord Jesus Christ does not end with Holy Saturday. Therefore, we can embrace the truth that the narrative of our lives does not end with Holy Saturday. Death is not the final word!Mourning will last for a night, but joy comes in the morning!

THE QUIET MYSTERY OF HOLY SATURDAY

BY ANTHONY [email protected]

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INCLUDED IN THE COUNT

Where were you? In the UK they had a recent national census. Where were you on the 21st March? The answer to this and other questions will form the details of social history in the future. It marks a moment in time.

Over 2,000 years ago all of us were also involved in a series of momentous events. Even though none of us was alive then, yet still we were there. If there were such a thing as a spiritual census, the name of everyone who has existed, does and will exist was listed on it. All of us were caught up in it. The call is to accept what Jesus did for us then.

When Christ died and was risen to life by the Father through the eternal Spirit, we died and rose with him. That’s the Christian message. The agony and passion of Jesus, so poignantly described in Christian

BY JAMES [email protected]

Photo: tattywelshie, istockphoto.com

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hymns and spiritual songs, touches all of us still. When I survey the wondrous cross by Isaac Watts is an example:

See from His head, His hands, His feet,Sorrow and love flow mingled down;Did e’er such love and sorrow meetOr thorns compose so rich a crown?

The story of humanity is taken up into Christ’s story because “being found in human form, he (Jesus) humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). Since we “share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrews 2:14-15). When Christ was crucified, he was crucified for us, and we became dead to the power and guilt of sin. We were there.

Those last days of Jesus’ life – from being welcomed into Jerusalem with the waving of palm branches to the agonizing prayer in Gethsemane — had been like an emotional roller coaster. The Jesus story goes from the sadness of death to the elation of new life. And we were part of that journey of faith. We were risen with him. As another well-known Christian song goes, this time See what a morning by Stuart Townend:

And we are raised with Him,Death is dead, love has wonChrist has conquered;And we shall reign with Him,For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!

(quoted from https://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/song/resurrection-hymn/”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

We were there in that spiritual census, so to speak, and we are among those “enrolled in heaven” (Hebrews 12:23). We all – each of us, everyone who has ever lived and who will live in the future – participate in all that Jesus is and in the key events of his ministry.

Therefore, there is hope of renewal for every single one of us. Forgiveness and re-birth become the history of our future.

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All Scriptures unless otherwise stated are quoted from the Holy Bible, New International Version.Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984International Bible SocietyUsed by permission of ZondervanBible Publishers

BY TAMAR [email protected]

WE CAN

Matthew 20:22 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered.

James and John believed they were ready for a more important job. They were looking for more authority and status. I am sure we can identify with the need to have more and to be more.

Our confidence in ourselves can be misleading when we follow our thoughts and desires. For this reason, it is imperative to turn over our plans, hopes, and dreams to the one who knows us best and is the Alpha and Omega.

When we place our trust in him, the words “we can” take on new meaning. We can because he is leading the way and doing it through us. We can because he did all the work so long ago. We can because he will equip us with all we need to succeed as we represent him.

Trust the Lord to promote you when he knows you are ready and not a moment before.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for keeping us from getting ahead of you. Help us listen and learn as you prepare us for what you have in store. There is power in the words “we can” when we have the wisdom to trust you. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

When we place our trust in Jesus, the words “we can” take on new meaning.