First Church of God

This weekend was the weekend before Thanksgiving.  Pastor Colp's sermon continued the series "Reality In Real Life" as we focused on "How to Fight Fair."  To facilitate the teaching, and connect with the theme of reality television, we videotaped Pastor Colp and his wife Crystal as they taught on this subject from the stools in their kitchen.  We then showed this video teaching throughout the weekend.  I thought it went well and connected with in a way that you often do not expect with a video, specifically in regards to teaching.  In the sermon, Pastor Colp and Crystal gave insights into ways that we can better approach arguments with those with which we  have relationship.

In looking at the weekend, I kept coming back to the difficulty that many of us experience with family as we enter the time of Thanksgiving.  Often times Thanksgiving becomes less about giving thanks, and more about arguing or not wanting to be sharing at the table with others. 

In the New Testament the greek word for giving thanks is eucharistéō.  We see this word used at the Last Supper when Jesus takes the cup and the bread, gives thanks (Eucharistéō) and shares the elements with the disciples, along with the reorientation of the meal to represent his body and blood. This is why sometimes the time of communion is referred to as the Eucharist.

How often do we take communion after having not fought fair? In 1 Corinthians 11:27-32 Paul implores us to not take communion in an unworthy manner; to examine ourselves.  We must realize that as we take communion we are thanking God for the change in our lives through the sacrifice of the cross.  However, this act is not an individual response, but is a corporate celebration of what God has done for us.  The Holy Spirit does not enter only our hearts, but the hearts of other believers.  Therefore, we have a special unity with other believers around us and with God along with them.  We must work for reconciliation with those around us with whom we have strained relationships. 

In the same way, when we gather together as families at the table to give thanks, we should work to fight fair, to have reconciliation between us and those we may not always agree with.  In scripture we find the the language of the banqueting table used to point to a future time when we are all called together to share at God's great banquet.  Communion is somewhat of a foretaste of that greater celebration.  Let's work harder when we come to the table and give thanks (regardless of the setting) to recognize our interpersonal story of salvation, to live our best as changed people living out the peace of Christ.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Pastor Ryan