The 2004 "Strong in the Grace" Conference (July 2 – 4) was a miracle in many ways.
In the first place, it happened.
This seemingly obvious point can't be overlooked or overstated. It would have been all too easy to stay locally and individually focused. But the Spirit of our great God is constantly working in the hearts of men and women to achieve a biblical standard of unity. A unity not found in clubs and councils, conventions and concerts. A unity that is found in the shared grace of our Father's love and Christ's blood. A unity that just doesn't happen because we want it to, but because we make it happen as we "make every effort" (Ephesians 4).
Secondly, the atmosphere of the fellowship was calming and electric at the same time. So many commented on how exciting and reassuring it was/is to see so many disciples gathered together again with the express purpose of loving God and loving each other. Too simply being disciples of Jesus. One well traveled brother noted a lack of hesitancy. Brothers and sisters not holding back, speaking the truth in love, sharing their lives and hearts with many over our few days together. Whether from the podium in the form of powerful preaching or from the quiet corners in the form of compassionate conversations, God was praised and His children were strengthened.
Our theme scripture of 2 Timothy 2:1-2 really spoke through everything we placed before God. Being in Christ Jesus. Celebrating his Lordship in heaven while building up his body on earth. Many witnesses (over 1,000 by Sunday) from all over (Ohio, Pennsylvania, D.C., Maryland, Indiana, Virginia, Michigan, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Cancun, Indonesia) were entrusted to be reliable and to grow more qualified to teach others. Different aspects of God's priceless and mysterious grace were studied, shared, accepted and applied. Christians prayed together in large groups and in small circles. Meals together, dates, mixers and impressive and hilarious talent show knitted us together in a powerful, uplifting way.
Like anything we do for God, this conference was conceived, planned, and pulled-off by faith. The brothers and sisters from all around Ohio, Pittsburgh, and Detroit came together and hoped for an outcome bigger than the numbers, bigger than all our doubts, bigger than Satan and all his threats and lies. Often we, especially those of us in Columbus, felt weak and very small. Yet aren’t those the times when we remember it’s God who is big anyway? We felt weak for sure, but that’s what being strong in the grace is all about. If we don’t hold back, but trust and move courageously forward in the power of God in Christ Jesus.
As with the Columbus fireworks we saw on Friday night, the impact of our time together will be felt long after the initial burst of color and sound. Different people from different places with different lives looked up together and marveled at how beautiful bright light can be – and I’m not talking about the fireworks.
Obviously, the goal of the Strong in the Grace conference is not just some short, bright burst. But a lingering fire in the hearts of all who came and even those who didn’t yet were kindled in their souls by the zeal of those returning. Let’s continue to pray, fast, study, repent, surrender, share, sacrifice and love so many, many more may be called to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.