Text Box: June 2008

Text Box: Dear Church Family,   Recently I was reading out of 1 Corinthians 16 when verses 19 & 20 caught my attention stating, "The churches of Asia send you greetings.  Aquilla and Priscilla, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greeting in the Lord.  Greet  one another with a holy kiss"   From a casual reading of these verses you pick up that there is some greeting going on here!  This was not a formal greeting from the elders of the churches in Asia because most of them probably did not know each other, but I believe it still was a showing of genuine concern for their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.   Much like the relationship between the churches of Asia and the Corinthian church is the relationship that we share with Grace Bible Church in California.  Most of the people in our churches don't know each other personally, however, they know who we are and vice-versa!  They have supported us here in so many ways since our inception and continue to be concerned for us.  I believe because of the relationship that has developed over the years you all are equally concerned for them as well.  So when Pastor Tony comes here to speak or I there and we say "Greetings from..." we mean it!   Paul goes on to give greetings from the church in Aquilla and Pricilla's house to the Corinthian church.  Once again most of the believers in that home church did not know the people in the Corinth fellowship, however, they again send a "hearty greeting in the Lord".  Paul probably talked much to the churches in Asia about the church in Corinth and because of that I am sure there was much prayer and petition and support for their sister church.  I have found over the years that if you spend much time in prayer for someone you too will develop a 'hearty' concern for them in the Lord.   The Apostle continues in verse 20b with "Greet one another with a holy kiss".  In Scripture kissing in a romantic sense between a man and woman is referred to only twice.  In Proverbs 7:13 and Song of Solomon 4:11.  Every other reference has to do with expression of affection between men and men or women and women.  In that day the 'holy kiss' was given on the cheek or forehead and was the same as a hug or warm handshake today.  Today because of our cultural isolation even these forms of affection have become rare.   This is not to say that we need to reintroduce the 'holy kiss' from Paul's day or hug if this is uncomfortable for you, however, I do believe a hearty handshake or hello is very appropriate in our cultural context.  As we continue to grow as a church there will be people that you have grown to love and are comfortable with and will naturally gravitate to.  I would like to challenge you to keep an eye out for a new person that might be visiting our church for the first time or just someone sitting alone at a church outing.  Go up to those you don't know and give them a "hearty greeting in the Lord".  You might just make their day. May God make us 'hearty greeters' as we demonstrate the love of Christ for His glory!  Pastor Dave