The Communion Truce
GCD Newsletter - Monday, February 20, 2023
One doesn’t have to be an astute cultural observer to sense the tension in the air. Even the most oblivious among us can feel the division that continually seems to escalate. For a society that has bought into post-modern ideas about the relativity of truth, everyone seems to be arguing passionately about what they perceive to actually be true over and against the thoughts and ideas of others.
Yet, no matter the cultural climate, Jesus calls his followers to be peacemakers (Matt. 5). How can we make peace when such division surrounds us?
Last week, GCD launched a new book entitled The Communion Truce by Tim Shorey in which Shorey argues for Holy Communion as a “peace-making exercise.” Perhaps, in the time when division and fighting run rampant, even in the church, we would do well to examine Shorey’s argument and intentionally observe this God-given intuition for the good of our angry fellow man, and for the glory of God!
In Christ,
James Williams serves as associate pastor at FBC Atlanta, TX. James and his wife, Jenny, are blessed with four children and are actively involved in foster care. He is passionate about beholding the beauty of our Lord and helping others do the same. He enjoys writing, running, and gardening. You can follow James Twitter or his blog where he writes regularly.
Last Week at GCDiscipleship.com
The Communion Truce: Book Launch
— by Tim Shorey
“Christians everywhere recognize the value of Holy Communion as a reminder of what Jesus has done. But author Timothy Shorey believes Jesus intends the meal to do more than simply remind.”
God Nudges Us Toward Unity From a Surprising Place
— by Tim Shorey
“The point of this book is that habitual preparation for and participation in Holy Communion is a peace-making exercise. Among other purposes, Holy Communion is meant to lead to healthier relationships.”
Christians everywhere recognize the value of Holy Communion as a reminder of what Jesus has done. But author Timothy Shorey believes Jesus intends the meal to do more than simply remind. In these divisive and rancorous days—and as we see the Day of the Lord approaching—The Communion Truce helps us understand that participating in Communion is not for when every believer gets along and shares everything in common, but for when we don’t—so that, by the power of the gospel, we can.
“Tim Shorey makes the compelling case that the Lord’s Supper—reverently approached and regularly practiced—has great unifying potential for our divided congregations.”
Brett McCracken, senior editor, The Gospel Coalition; author, The Wisdom Pyramid
