The Secret of Sunday Evening

 It is such a joy to be part of this congregation.  So many of you have expressed it.  I am sure there are other churches who experience it, but it seems to be pretty rare.  What accounts for it?  Do you ever wonder why?  Is it the dynamic preachers, or the wise elders?  Not likely.  Is it the impressive building?  Definitely not.  Maybe the quality of our Bible classes?  Don't think so.  Is it because everyone is so nice?  Well, there are many nice people, and many of these things we have, and are thankful for.  But though they might be related, they don't account for it.

I suggest that the joy and peace we have is a spiritual thing.  It stands on our faith in Christ and his blood.  It is based on a sense of who we are as a people - that we have a higher purpose.  Peter says that God's children are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.  Set apart - sanctified, made holy...  Hebrews 10:10, "By God's will we are sanctified (made holy) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (my paraphrase).

It's not that we should be lifted up with pride, that we are better than anyone else.  But we have been privileged by the goodness of God to be a part higher and holier things. And we know it. There is a great joy, a deep gratitude and sense of peace to look in the face of brothers and sisters who share that ideal in Christ.  And each time we gather together with like-minded saints, we see there a blessed anchor, a harbor of refuge in our stormy lives.  And we can sing and pray together about it.  And study and share more of His blessed word.

This brings me to the blessing of Sunday evening.  There is something very special about our gathering as the Lord's day begins to close.  Of course, any time we are together with worship of God in mind it is wonderful.  And I think we should all give more emphasis to keeping Sunday as a day reserved for the things of God. Sometimes the daily rush of the week spills over into Sunday, and we crowd the day with work, sports, parties, entertainment, and other worldly pursuits.  It’s a shame.  [And I have been right in there too.]  But we ought to come to Sunday morning prepared for a special day – a day of rejoicing in the things of God, resting in him, sharing with his people.  More about that another time.

But let's face it, the fact is that when we meet on Sunday morning, we have a number of people who are not there out of a desire to worship God.  Maybe some are visiting around to different churches, checking them out. Some may be curious about what’s going on at Calvary Hill.  Some are there because they are "expected" to be there.  A few may be there because they were “forced” to be there. And many can't wait to get it over with and get out the door as soon as the last "Amen" is said. On to more important things.

But on Sunday evening, it is somewhat different.  Most everyone is there because they WANT to be there.  You can sense it.  We might be tired, and maybe some are facing a tough week, or there are some nagging problems to deal with.  But the day is a special one to them, and they hate to see it end.  To come together again with brothers and sisters with whom they share a common bond, those who know their struggles and their hopes, and to draw near to God in worship with them - there is such a blessing there!  As the sun sets, and the day ends, and the work week is coming on, there is rest and refuge and renewal there.

I think of the saints at Troas, who lingered with Paul on a Sunday evening, and he "preached till midnight".  Well, surely that was an exceptional occasion, having Paul with them, and likely knowing they would never see him again.  But still you get the idea.  Lingering a bit on Sunday evening with brothers and sisters who love each other in Christ - that is a beautiful time.

I have been thinking lately about this idea.  Every Sunday evening we offer the Lord's supper for those who missed in the morning.  There are some people who think that's wrong.  I don't think so, but it is worth thinking through it.  But what about another idea.   Wouldn't it be a blessing if we ALL took the Lord's supper together again?  I'd be interested to know your thoughts about it.  I know it's not our tradition.  I’m not pushing for it. But would it be scriptural?  Why or why not?

Phil. 1:8-11.  “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.  And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

                                                                        Larry Walker, March 2014