Sacrificial Unity
In this morning’s sermon we considered the sacrificial unity that characterized the earliest church. I argues that this sacrificial unity was based upon the resurrection of Jesus and the grace of God. But in light of the table spread before us we might also say that the sacrificial unity of the church is founded upon the sacrifice of Christ and the unity that is ours as we participate in His sacrifice through this bread and wine. In 1 Corinthians Paul grounds the unity or oneness of the church in the Holy Spirit’s activity in baptism and the Lord’s Supper. He writes, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” In other words that which unites us is greater than that which divides us. The waters of baptism and the bread and wine of this table form us as a body that is united in heart and soul. By sharing in Christ through these means we are empowered by God’s abundant grace to share our lives and our possessions with one another. “My life for yours” is the proper response to this morning’s sermon. By God’s grace see to it that these words ring true throughout your lives together.
