1 Corinthians 10:16–17 — The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
Read further: 1 Corinthians 10:18–22.
Look around when you gather for worship this morning. There are people in the room you might never have met anywhere else. Someone is beginning a career while someone else has been retired for years. One household is wondering how to cover this month’s bills; another has more than it needs. Some have known the Bible since childhood. Others are still learning where to find the books. Their histories, burdens, and daily routines may look very little like yours. Yet through Christ, they belong to the same family.
Paul brings that shared belonging into focus through the Lord’s Supper. The bread and cup express participation in the body and blood of Jesus. Those who share in Him are joined to one another. The many become one body because their life comes from the same Lord. And what made this togetherness possible? The Son of God who gave Himself for us. People who needed forgiveness received it through the same sacrifice. People who couldn’t make themselves acceptable to God were welcomed through the same Savior. The risen Christ has given us a belonging that reaches beyond every difference we carried through the doors. His blood has made a family that our preferences could never have assembled.
That belonging also carries a claim. The Corinthians couldn’t participate in the Lord’s Supper and treat pagan sacrificial meals as spiritually harmless. Those meals involved participation in worship opposed to God. The idols weren’t genuine gods, but the spiritual danger was real nonetheless. Fellowship with Christ couldn’t be combined with fellowship with demons. So Paul calls them to leave idolatry behind. The Lord who redeemed them wouldn’t consent to their continued participation in rival worship. His jealousy expresses His rightful claim on the people He has made His own. And the Savior who gave Himself for us deserves our wholehearted trust.
Also notice that belonging to Him also brings us into a shared life. We worship together, carry responsibilities together, and help others hear about the One who has welcomed us. That gives even ordinary acts of service a purpose greater than getting a task finished.
Our upcoming Fall Fest is one practical opportunity to serve together. A family may arrive simply hoping to enjoy time with their children. They may know very little about Bayside or feel uncertain about Christianity. The welcome they receive will come through people willing to give their time and attention. Someone helps them find where to go. Someone patiently assists their child. Someone notices a parent standing alone and begins a conversation. These moments don’t replace telling people the gospel, but they can help a family feel comfortable getting to know the church where that good news is proclaimed.
Would you make room to serve at Fall Fest? We need volunteers who will help us welcome our neighbors well. It can be as practical as choosing a role, showing up ready to help, and asking Jesus to make you attentive to the people in front of you. You don’t have to be especially outgoing to offer someone a warm welcome. Remember, we belong to the crucified and risen Jesus, and in Him we belong to one another. As you look around the room this morning, consider the grace that brought these people together. Then consider whom we might help hear about that grace as we serve together.
Head: Sharing life in Christ calls me to wholehearted allegiance to Him and participation in the life of His people.
Heart: Have I mainly considered what church provides for me, or how Christ might express His care through me?
Hands: Sign up to volunteer at Fall Fest and choose a role you can faithfully fill. The time-slot with the greatest need is 1:30pm-4:00pm. Pray that Jesus will help you notice and welcome people, beyond simply completing your task. Sign up here: https://baysidechapel.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/434/responses/new
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself to bring us into Your family. Search me where competing loyalties have kept me from trusting You wholeheartedly. Give us willing hearts to serve together. Express Your kindness through us and open opportunities for people to hear and believe Your good news. Amen.”
-PK