Updated Thursday, April 24, 2008

Promises for Ministry

By R. Kevin Johnson

Focal Passage: John 14

Several years ago I participated in a seminar on the sacred actions of Christian worship. The group that gathered for the class came from a variety of denominational backgrounds.

There was much discussion as each person explained their viewpoints on the sacraments/ordinances based on the teachings of their respective religious traditions. Ultimately, the conversation settled on two general themes: 1) the idea that sacraments strengthen faith; and 2) the idea that sacraments convey grace.

As the seminar wound to a close, the professor (who had wisely kept her opinions to herself throughout the day) gave the class something to thing about.

"We've heard a lot of grace talk today," she said, "but I don't want you all to lose sight of one thing: there is no grace without truth."

When pressed for an explanation, our teacher said, "Our eternal hope rests in the person and work of Jesus Christ. When we accept that truth then grace abounds in our hearts and lives. There is no grace without this truth: that Christ died to atone for our sin and conquered death that we might live.

Never lose sight of the fact that it is only through the Christ that we are able to overcome our sinfulness."

In ministry, I have encountered many folks who are struggling with the very issue that my professor named. They expect to live a life of abundance and peace without first submitting to the lordship of Christ. They are searching for a home and find themselves without a place to lay their heads.

In the scriptures, we are promised that when we are in the truth, we will not find ourselves homeless. We are assured that God will pour out His grace offering us eternal life through His Son, Jesus. Then the gifts of fellowship with other believers and of the Holy Spirit sustain us through trials and temptation and give us the strength to do those things that God has called us to do.

Because of this, the people of God can rest in this promise from the lips of the Christ: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."