Body Life During a Sabbatical

We are now two months in to Tony’s sabbatical and it has been a blessing to see how the church family here at Grace Bible Church has been functioning in his absence. Before leaving, not only did Tony plan to be preaching through Ephesians, knowing that he would be teaching about how we are to function as the body of Christ, but also in light of his pending time of rest.

The elders spent much time praying about and praying for the church as this summer approached. We prayed for many things, including for a good time of rest and refreshment for Tony and Sheri.

We prayed for all the men from the body who would be filling the pulpit. We prayed that the church wouldn’t also take a little “sabbatical” while Tony was away. Hopefully you have been praying for some of these same things.

So far, it has been very encouraging to see not only how the preaching has gone but also to see how the body of Christ here at GBC has remained faithful! I know that I have been personally encouraged by many of you following the two weeks I preached. I know that both Scott and Tim have been encouraged as well. We thank you and praise God for His work in and through all of us here at Grace, for His glory!

Sometimes it can be easier for us to get enthused and become more committed during a special event or season of ministry, as this is now. But I want to remind us all to strive to always be this way. It can be more difficult to have or to maintain enthusiasm and commitment during the normal, or even mundane, seasons of ministry. But it is often then that we might find ourselves letting our guard down a bit or getting more relaxed about pursuing ministry.

We were taught from Ephesians for a number of weeks through chapter 4 about how part of Christ’s gifts to the church are those who teach truth to the flock. As a result of being taught, it is then the flock that becomes equipped to do the work of the ministry.

We must keep truth in front of us at all times...verses such as Galatians 6:9, which says...“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Also 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 that teaches us not to be idle, but rather to be active in doing good. Or Hebrews 10:24, which reminds us to...“...consider how to stir up one another to love and good works...”.

Our “body life”...our love and care and service and ministry to and for one another is not only what the Lord teaches us to do, but it also is one of the ways in which we grow in love and unity and Christ-likeness.

There are some in our church, as there are in all churches, who may be content to not be engaged in any form of body life, but rather just “come for the sermon” and that’s it. That is not what we are called to. If that is you, I urge you to turn from this practice and seek to engage in ministry. If you are one of those who does engage in ministry, I encourage you to not grow weary, but continue to serve Christ and his church as we seek to grow together in our love, unity and Christ-likeness here at Grace Bible Church.

To be sure, there are times when we all need to go away to a lonely place and rest (Mark 6:31), just as Tony and Sheri are doing now. But just as Jesus didn’t stay in that place, we shouldn’t either. Rest when needed, but then re-engage in taking part in the various areas of ministry by which we not only show our obedience to Christ, but also encourage and build up one another.

May God be honored and Christ be glorified as we serve one another in our body life here at Grace.

Serving with you,
Chris

Chris Kiiskinen is one of our Pastors here at Grace Bible Church