Body Works - 1 Corinthians 12:27

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)

Quite recently, I’ve started to watch a cable channel which is totally dedicated to auto mechanics. I know practically nothing about cars, but I find these programs fascinating. Each program usually begins with an experienced mechanic finding an old wreck of a classic car who then decides to renovate the whole vehicle and upgrade it into a modern muscle car. The whole process is amazing and I’m absolutely riveted to the screen watching these super mechanics recreate a wonderful new vehicle from scratch.

Sometimes the auto-engineers discover something seriously faulty in the car’s system. An important part may be missing or a wire has been plugged into the wrong place. Occasionally, the original engine has to be stripped clean and taken apart laboriously. As I watch them do this, I often wonder how they will ever get it together again. But at some point, they do what would be impossible for me – they rebuild the engine and the car entirely, so that old wreck becomes a brand-new automobile which anyone would be proud to own or drive.

I think the Lord is in the same business, especially when He rebuilds and revives His Church. No matter how wrecked, out-of-date, or neglected a congregation may be, when the Spirit of the Lord moves through it, all of the parts – the people – become reconnected to God and one another. It’s a beautiful process and one that I am presently seeing in the church I serve. Folks are allowing themselves to be touched by Christ and the whole spiritual engine of the congregation is being renovated through prayer, service, and vision. It’s as if the Lord has suddenly decided to bring all the loose parts together in order to work on the body and revive the kirk.

The apostle Paul was probably expressing this when he wrote to the Christians in Corinth about the church being made up of many parts and how each one of them had both an important and essential part to play in the well-being, ministry, and mission of the local congregation. The great thing about his message is that it still applies today and when we are open to the Lord’s vision for our spiritual community, He is still willing to work on the body, renovate our spirits, and rebuild His church.

Point to ponder

Am I willing to pray for the revival of my local congregation? Do I know where my essential part is in this call to be rebuilt?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You love Your Church so much that You call it Your Bride. We are grateful for being an essential part of Your ministry here on Earth. Renew and revive us for the sake of Your continuing mission. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s old truck drawings called ‘Happy Days.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: HappyDays.

Twenty-two Years - Luke 9:62

Luke 9:62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (NIV)

            Twenty-two years ago today, our family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and our lives have never been the same. We left our families, friends, and culture to begin a new journey of faith exploration with the congregation of Erin Presbyterian. The decades have flown by, almost too quickly, and I sometimes find myself wondering what would have happened if we had remained in Scotland.

            The temptation to dwell in the past and be nostalgic about all things Scottish is constantly with me, but the attraction to keep progressing toward the future is much stronger. I keep watching to see what God has in store up ahead rather than looking back. I want to experience new things, new creations, new places, and new people. I still love my family and friends from the past, however, each new day brings something fresh and reminds me that I am made by God to enjoy His creation, not to languish in past moments, but to look forward to new dreams, visions, and ideas that the Holy Spirit initiates and creates.

            In today’s Gospel passage, I like what Jesus has to say about not looking back in order to serve God’s Kingdom. As Christians, we are called to move forward, to progress with passion, and to face the future with faith. Of all the people on Earth, we are the ones whose hopes and dreams should encircle and embrace the whole world. Christ put this beautiful spinning jewel of a planet into our hands, to make the world a better place – environmentally, socially, as well as spiritually. We do this, by plowing forward and joyfully wondering at what is still to come. We are people of faith who are constantly traveling ‘onward and upward,’ as CS Lewis wrote in the Tales of Narnia.

            Twenty-two years have come and gone so quickly for me, but there is the whole of Eternity with God still ahead for all of us.

Point to ponder

What am I looking forward to in my life? Where is God in my future?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, guide our spirits with Your love and show us the path You want us to follow. Help us to make this world a better place each day and keep us focused on the wonders and glory that lie ahead. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the Scottish pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called ‘Firefall.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Firefall.