Thomas and I are in Georgia this week visiting a an ecumenical, covenanted community composed of families, priests and singles. Most of the Alleluia families are Catholic, but there are several Protestants among them. This weekend a Greek Orthodox priest joined their ranks. He is sitting on the porch now talking with Thomas. The fellowship we’ve experienced these past two days has been rich, deep and effortless through the grace of the Holy Spirit. Being here I am more aware of the truth that Jesus lives in His people.
The calling of the Alleluia community is to be a People, a visible manifestation of the Kingdom of God on earth. Their commitment is to love one another, to live in the light of Christ. There is no outward mission they hold in common, but from the community a myriad of gifts flow outward to the greater Body of Christ, and to the world at large.
This dynamic reminds me of one of my favorite songs written by my brother Nowlin. I love the way he has worded Paul’s message from Ephesians 2.
We're not saved by works,
But we are saved for good works.
We're not saved by works,
But we are saved for good works
That God prepared beforehand
That we might walk in them
For as we love the least of these
So we have loved him.
So deny yourself
And let your light so shine
That men might see
Your good works and glorify
Your father who's in heaven
So deny yourself
And let your light so shine
That men might see
Your good works and glorify
Your father who's in heaven
We're not saved by works,
But we are saved for good works.
We're not saved by works,
But we are saved for good works
That God prepared beforehand
That we might walk in them
For as we love the least of these
So we have loved him.
Thank you, Jesus, for saving me! Thank you for preparing good works for me!