Back To The Future

By all accounts last Sunday’s celebration of our fifty years was wonderful. We had forty-eight in attendance, plus four online. We shared memories and hopes galore. So what do we do now? What is our future?

I am drawn to Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13, as he looked to their future. The situation was different but his closing admonitions are very relevant. There it involved questions of Paul’s ministry of weakness dictated by the cross of Jesus. For many in Corinth that was not powerful enough for the real world (2 Cor.11). Since they wanted power, Paul threatened to come with power (13:1-4). But taking his clue from the prophet Jeremiah, Paul’s mission was to build up, not to tear down (13:10; Jer. 1:10). Thus, his words for their future are remarkably positive.

1. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.

2. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?

3. We are glad when we are weak and you are strong.

4. Your restoration is what we pray for.

Paul’s final admonitions spell a bright future for any church: Finally, brothers (and sisters) rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you (13:11-13). That sounds a lot like what we were doing last Sunday. Perhaps we need to pray and discuss practical ways to do all the above.

It is not surprising to remember that Phillip Elliott’s usual benediction to close our worship was Paul’s to Corinth. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Tom Yoakum