Our house group has been studying the New Testament letter to the churches: the first letter of Peter. It was written when the church was beginning to be established in many new areas, but firmly under Roman occupation. Life was tough and the congregations were encouraged to strengthen their faith in Jesus, but remain dutiful to their employers, yet many were also slaves.
Our study guide, produced by the London institute of Contemporary Christianity, used the illustration of a boxer going the many rounds to attempt to win his matches.
I’m no fan of boxing as a sport, but I felt it was a relevant illustration. Three minutes of being bashed up, followed by the opportunity for refreshment, patching up and encouragement, before being sent back to meet his opponent for another bout. Times this by a potential 13 rounds.
Our notes likened our daily lives to the match with our times together on Sundays and, possibly, home groups as the short space for refreshment, encouragement and patching up. Life can be tough at times. We need our regular opportunities to hear the Word of God, let it seep into our souls and replenish us ready for the next bout of living. What a blessing that can be.
And the refreshment isn’t just the coffee after the service!