Punchbowl

Last Easter Sunday, we heard from God’s Word that we are the community of grace that is precious in God’s eyes. Where do we find this in the Bible? One of these places where we find this is when Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:18-20 that,

 

“the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.”

 

Last Sunday, the Lord commanded us to be the Community of Grace where we

 

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” (Hebrews 13:1-3)

 

Finally, in order to build up the community, we need to obey the following Lord’s commands as well. This is important so that love, faith, and hope are seen in action.

 

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:4 - 5)

 

So, from our previous studies of Hebrews, the Lord has reminded us to cling to the unfolding revelation which reached its fulfilment in Christ. The key is to live with enduring faith and therefore be courageous and unashamed of suffering for the sake of the gospel; and to enjoy the awesome privileges available within the community of faith through God’s grace. Our steadfast choice of the Christian way produces results in our daily lives—firstly, in love and support for one another with brotherly and sisterly  affection, hospitality, and compassion. Secondly, in trusting God for our marriage as well as financial matters that put us to the test. This is what it means to be the people of God who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, allowing him to work his perfect will amongst us, as his people.