Caring BASICs
“So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be al new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed.”
Today’s Text: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
This passage raises so many difficult questions. One thing for sure, it would be a mistake to read this passage in isolation, apart from the whole context of Paul's communication to the Corinthians and apart from the full counsel of Scripture.
Looking at both letters to the Corinthians, it seems likely that they did "excommunicate" the man being referred to. But then Paul goes on to say that they need to take steps to restore him back into the community. The point was not just to kick him out and "purify" the community. But Paul’s guidance was for the sake of the man, as well.
In other words, Paul was concerned for both the community and the individual. And every once in a while, as a pastor, I find that balance pretty difficult to navigate.
On the one hand, I have to keep individuals accountable for bad behavior. On the other hand, I have to model for the community what it looks like to prioritize mercy and grace.
What stands out the most for me in this passage is the sense of everyone in the community caring deeply about the health of the community, because through the Holy Spirit, we truly are one body in Christ.
People will always stumble. And sometimes people lack mercy and grace. But the greatest threat to a church community is when people don't really care about the spiritual well-being and vitality of the community. That community will not last long.
Thankfully, we have a community of people who do care for Canvas, the community of saints, the body of Christ, the bride of Christ, brothers and sisters in Christ. And we should all continue to foster and encourage that kind of culture in Christ.
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ZAMBIA UPDATE
We landed in Lusaka probably around 2:30, and getting through immigration was no problem. We also retrieved all of our bags at baggage claim. Hallelujah! But then, as we were on our way out, customs stopped us and wanted to inspect our bags, and especially the Chromebooks and IPads we were bringing for the school. The customs inspection area was packed with Chinese travelers. I guess they have a certain reputation here, and they thought I was Chinese, too. Finally, after two hours, we were able to convince them that our Chromebooks and IPads were donations to a tax-exempt organization. PTL!
We’re finally settled into our Airbnb on the Arise Africa compound—given to us for free by our friends at Arise Africa! PTL!
Please pray for us every day: (1) for safety and health, (2) for a fruitful ministry with the village pastors and wives, married couples at the church, and the young adults, and (3) that God would use us to help bring the gospel to the lost in Zambia.
Love you all. Blessings
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Father, thank you for GCC Canvas. You have established us by the blood of our Lord Jesus. And You have sustained us with Your love, mercy, and grace. Continue to grow us in our passion, fervor, and zeal for Your church--that is, for one another. In Jesus's name. Amen.
