Connected in Christ

By Pastor Wilson

Have you ever seen one of those corny church signs that say something like this? “Ch_rch.” Usually the sign follows up with a question like this… “What’s missing?” And of course, it just takes a moment to get the message of the sign. U are missing from church.

Over the past several weeks I have thought about that sign more than once as I’ve walked through our sanctuary or recorded a service in front of empty pews. Something is missing at Trinity and perhaps it is U. But of course, I know that you aren’t missing intentionally, you are all following the wise advice of those in leadership of us in our state. You are staying home during this time of pandemic and uncertainty to stay safe and to keep your family of faith at Trinity safe too. Thank you for doing that.

The more I’ve thought of that corny church sign, though, I have also thought about how it is not entirely accurate either. For it’s not really accurate to say you are missing from church, but rather shouldn’t we say this instead… you are the church. Paul said just this himself in writing to the church at Corinth in 2 Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” That means the struggle of not meeting together during this time is not so much that you aren’t here in this place, but rather that the church is separated from each other.

And yet… even though we’re physically separated by distances of six feet or much more- we are still connected too. I hope that our YouTube worship services, our weekly radio messages, our online devotions, Bible Studies, One Calls and more have served to connect you to God’s Word during this time. But even more than all of that, by God’s grace we are connected to each other at all times- through Christ. That means we are connected in a way that is stronger than anything we could do ourselves. It’s true, think about it…

Jesus died on the cross for me and my sins, and He died on the cross for you and yours. That means we are both forgiven and connected in Christ. God placed His name on me when I was baptized into Christ, and God has done the same to you in your baptism. That means we are both part of God’s family and connected in Christ. God’s Word promises us in Romans 8 that nothing in life can ever separate us from His love for those who are in Christ. That means you and I are both loved by God and connected in Christ. And because of Christ’s victory over death and the grave, through faith I am given the promise of life forever with Him, even after my life here on earth comes to an end. Through faith in Jesus and in your baptism you have that same resurrection promise too. That means we will both spend eternity together in God’s New Creation to come- forever connected in Christ.

You see all of these gracious and loving promises from our God keep us connected to Christ and each other in a way that is far greater than anything we can do ourselves. It is a connection that is stronger than just living in the same place. It is a connection that is stronger than just rooting for the same team. It is a connection that is stronger than just sitting in the same pew. For by God’s grace we each are a part of the Body of Christ- The Church and that means we are connected even while we are apart and for all time yet to come. Thanks be to God!