Conventions and Conviction

You are probably aware that the Democrats held their national convention last week. What is a national convention? Generally, it is a time when delegates of a political party meet to select candidates for office and decide party policy. Rules are adopted governing the party’s organization and its mission, and platform and goals are communicated and agreed upon.

A significant amount of time and energy is expended in planning and executing a national convention and we appreciate the work of persons who contribute to the continuation of our democracy. But get this: disciples of the Christ also have a convention.

And we do not meet in one city but every city; it is an international convention (Eph. 3:14-15). Instead of every four years, “delegates” meet weekly (Heb. 10:25). During our meetings we select candidates for office (Acts 6:1-6; Tit. 1:5-9). We have discussions to decide congregational policy (Acts 15:22-32). We review and respond to rules that govern our mission and goals (2 Tim. 3:14-17). We have speakers who inspire and instruct us regarding our direction and purpose?(Acts 20:7).

In all this, we experience a collective time of connection, community, duty and joy. You might call this gathering?“the Christian convention.” It is what the Hebrews writer describes as?“the general assembly and church of the firstborn…” (Heb. 12:23). The Christian convention is the people of God in the presence of God doing the work of God for the purposes of God. And as secular conventions require diligence, dedication, singular commitment and unwavering conviction for their success, our sacred conventions demand the same.

So here is a question for you as you read this post: do you possess the conviction Christ demands (Lk. 9:23-24)? Do you pursue the convention? Prize the convention? Prioritize the convention? Invite others to the convention? These are important questions. Why? Well, the fate of a nation is determined by human conventions, friend. The fate of the world is determined by ours (Matt. 25:41-46).

Do you want to talk more about it??Are you interested in?becoming?part?of a fun and loving faith family serving Jesus with passion, purpose and power in downtown Richmond? Feel free to?contact us here.?And if your schedule allows (and we hope it does!),?come?worship with us?at 813 West Broad Street?this?Sunday morning?at 10:30 (Bible classes for all ages at 9:30). You'll find?parking information here.

Onsite or?online,?you will always experience a warm welcome and encouraging, relevant?word from the Lord?at the West Broad Church of Christ.?We certainly hope to see you soon!