Valuing the Body — and it’s members…

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Tonight at church we celebrated The Lord’s Supper in a joyous way.

I spoke on the theological issues and perspectives of The Lord’s Supper, using Wayne Grudem’s chapter on communion in his book on systematic theology. Then we spoke about the value of the Body of Christ, where we speak of his physical body, the bread, or the people we think of as the Body of Christ.

To make that last point practical, I personally served each person present the bread, asking others to share things they appreciated about the one receiving the bread. A variety of character qualities came up: a loving heart, dependability, a servant’s heart, being a good teacher, having a good sense of humor. It was good to hear and say these things.

What made this communion service the best I’ve ever been a part of was the edification of the body. As each one heard the others express their love and appreciation for him or her, something beautiful happened: The body was refreshed and strengthened.

You can do this any time. Communion was a great time to do it. But you can call someone on the phone, message them on facebook, send them an email, or go to the trouble to compose a poem on a card and say, “You are important to me and to the Body of Christ because…”

Give it a try. It’s a joyful thing to do.

Sunday was a good Sunday…

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Sunday was such a good Sunday. The 8 a.m. traditional service saw about twice the attendance we’d hoped for. The 10:45 service was smaller than usual, as a result, but still very exciting.

One of the most exciting parts was seeing the children — three rows of them — heading up to the platform, squeezing in front of the microphones to bring the music ministry. All of them were as cute as one would expect. If you’re wondering what little Louie was doing with his foot, ask him about the button on the bottom of his shoe.

Another exciting time was when little baby Cooper made his appearance. As his dad held him up before the people, the congregation burst into applause. I look forward to seeing that happen when baby Christian gets home from the NICU!

After that service, one of the visitors who had been there to see her grandchildren was emotionally moved by what she had seen. When I spoke to her about it, she conveyed a thankfulness for what God has done in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Yeah — Sunday was a good Sunday.

This Sunday promises to be good as well.

We will have an International Worker with us — one who has served God in Columbia for several years. The ministry of the Alliance in Columbia has been so effective that the US leadership has withdrawn our workers from there, delighted that the Alliance Church of Columbia is mature and healthy enough to stand on its own.

Join me in prayer that people will enjoy their time with our missionary and that our hearts will be moved to share the good news we have heard with those here and those far off.

As usual, be sure to check www.curwensvillealliance.org to see what’s happening in our church.

Thanks!

At the Medical Center…

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Yesterday, at the Dead Sea, Ronnie burned his feet on the pavement, so here I sit in the waiting room waiting to see what the doctor says.

The Mount of Olives and Gethsemane would be nice to see again, but what a blessing to hear Ronnie say, “God bless you for coming with me.”

The news is that Donnie and Beverly. If they have to return to the States today. it will be a long journey.

UPDATE: Ronnie is recovering in his room as of 4:00 p.m. Thanks for praying.

Traveling the Length of Israel

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September  11, 2011

Today was a great day of travel. While my mind was on the remembrance of 9-11 my heart was clearly in the moment in Israel.

Our day began with a great breakfast in which I discovered halvah. It’s a sesame seed and honey mix, and baked into a pastry, it’s to die for. I had seven!

After breakfast we went nearly the length of Israel, heading down the highway along the Jordon river, seeing the many date palms and banana trees. At times we could see the boarder between Israel and Jordon, with army patrols along the fence.

Finally we arrived at our first stop – Masada. While Masada is not a biblical site, it is surely a testimony to a people who feel they should be slaves to no one, except the Most High God. Here, the last of the Jewish rebels held out against Rome, for six months as Rome built encampments far below.

Imagining their meeting in their synagogue as the Roman siege ramp neared completion is sobering. How do you decide to kill your own wife and children, and then your closest friends? Such commitment to something higher than themselves is attractive and moves one to consider one’s own commitment level.

From Masada we went to The Dead Sea. Doron mentioned more than once that the water level in the Sea is extremely low. When you see it, you understand exactly what he is talking about.

Still, it was fun for the people on the tour to get into the water and be amazed at their own buoyancy and forming a chain as they floated.

Some even dared cover themselves with the black mud so they might emerge more beautiful. That’s a matter of opinion, I am sure.

After the swim in the sea we went to the Qumran community and saw a film on their way of life. The film conjectured that John the Baptist was one of their own, but such speculation is just that – speculation. We walked to see the caves, and we were especially near the one where the boys found the majority of the scrolls.

Doron noted the sovereignty of God in uncovering this. I noted the God’s work in preserving his word. At the Qumran community, I presented the devotion that had been blown away – literally blown away – on The Sea of Galilee the day before.

This time it was clear and well-received, as I spoke of how Jesus is our refuge, suggesting that the Cities of Refuge were named by God with Christ in mind. Chuck lead several songs as we sat in the community. Thanks for praying for me as I minister here.

As you think of it, pray also for Chuck, Sunday was the second anniversary of the death of his wife, Kathy. He was quiet today.

From there we headed to Jericho where we had opportunity to buy Hebronic glass. We saw the Mount of Temptation, just outside of Jericho.

This Palestinian area is very different than the rest of Israel. We also saw the sycamore tree – not the one Zacchaeus climbed, but the Palestinians selling postcards and figs would like you to think that the wee little man climbed that very tree.

By this time we were getting pretty punchy, singing the song that bears Zacchaeus’ name.  While in the store we sampled Turkish Coffee, one of Bobbie’s passions. Doron loaded her up with two cups and she was bouncing around in the bus. I took a video of it and will post it if she is not nice to me. 😉

Now, on to Jerusalem. As we went up to Jerusalem, we passed many Bedouin camps. Their lifestyle is so foreign to us, it would be fascinating to visit them. As we came closer to Jerusalem, we passed the place Jesus lived while in the area – Bethany. Then, on the final ascent to the city Mike, our driver, put in a CD of the song, “Jerusalem,” as the sun set. It was thoroughly moving as we all sang the parts we knew, eyes sparkling with something between tears and excitement to arrive in the holy city.

Upon our arrival we got settled in our rooms and went to dinner. It was a good day. We look forward to exploring the city tomorrow.

Thanks for your prayers – particularly for the devotional time. It was much improved today.