True Peace
Brian Reid
April 29, 2007
Image, never worrying about anything again. Image, never, ever having another care or concern in your life. Image, never being scared to face any day, by yourself. Image, living with complete and total joy, always. Well, that’s Peace; that’s True Peace.
Have you ever meet someone with that sense of peace?
In this church; I think of Verna, Helen, Sanky, Larry and many others.
Sometimes, we meet other Christians, and they have it. Sometimes, we meet other Christians, and we know we want it. And, sometimes, we meet other Christians, and we wonder, how they got it; True Peace.
It may seem impossible to you, for we all have concerns; it’s easy to get discouraged about life’s circumstances, get depressed about our life-situation, and often we take things too seriously.
But, from our Call To Worship and the offering introduction, in Philippians 4:4-9, Paul tells us to simply turn to God in prayer, the Prince of Peace, to receive that joy that accompanies peace.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
“Always be full of joy, in the Lord. I say again – rejoice (return to joy). Tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has (already) done for you. If you learn to do this, and do it continually, you will experience God’s peace; which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand or comprehend. His peace, this True Peace, will guard your hearts and minds, as you live in Christ Jesus.”
A portion of the legacy of love, that Jesus left, to His followers (His disciples – then, and all of us – now) was, and is, Peace.
This peace, given by Jesus, can be compared to peace of this world.
This world’s peace is thought of, in negative terms – the absence of war, conflict and strife. Christ’s concept of peace is positive – peace in the midst of trouble. Our hearts can be calm and fearless in this time, or any time of stress, because of the total peace given by the Prince of Peace.
Even when the circumstances of life are adverse, the believer can ‘rejoice in the Lord.” The presence of Christ, the meaning that He gives to life, and the hope, which He inspires, are all reasons for rejoicing; with True Peace being the end-result.
Our Peace is found in God, through Jesus. And we thank God for the Hope he gives us and for the Peace he bestows upon us. That peace, comes because our Christian joy, is not affected by our present situations, in which we find ourselves. That peace creates joy within our hearts. That peace is found in Christ alone.
From John 14:23-27;
“Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus was preparing His disciples, for His impending departure. He told them about the House of Many Mansions (14:2), He promised to send the Holy Spirit to train, comfort, and lead the saints on their Homeward Journey. Jesus assures the disciples, that, all those who love Him, will live a life of obedience to him; and those who do not love Jesus, will not will follow His instructions; and not receive True Peace.
Jesus promised that He and His Father will come and live among those marked by love. Christ says that the Counselor, the Advocate, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit will come and teach them all the things they need to know, and remind them of all the things promised.
But, the important verse of this whole section, is verse 27; “Peace, I leave with you; my peace, I give unto you.”
Ya’ know, we all get presents and gifts from a variety of people – family, friends and others. But, everyone once in a great while, a gift is given that simply astounds us, amazes us, overwhelms us and takes our breath away.
As Christ was about to depart, he leaves a most precious gift to the disciples; and that gift is transferred to us today.
That gift is a 3-fold gift of peace: Peace with God, Peace with our fellow humans, and finally (and maybe more important for some) – Peace within ourselves.
Jesus says; “I do not give to you, as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Sweet peace is the gift of God’s love. It is a glad and joyous absence of trouble, as we abide with Him and He abides in us. It is a wonderful peace that sweeps over the spirit forever; in an immeasurable haze of love and an endless and unlimited - calm. You can rest confidently, in Jesus’ control, where you are kept from all danger.
1 Peter 1:8
“You believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”
Our blessed Lord bring us peace in three different ways
1. Peace with God, through His restoration and atonement. We have peace with God, because Christ gave His life as atonement, as a payment for our sins – and we are reconciled back to God.
Romans 5:1
“Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Psalm 40:3
“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”
2. Our blessed Lord brings us Peace with our fellow human-beings.
Christ is our living peace. This statement should cause us to stop and do some serious thinking; because we live in an age, which knows little or no peace. There is war and hatred. There is conflict and unrest. There is violence and pain. There is communication failure and mental breakdown. But, Christ is our living peace – through His gift of salvation. Yes, It is only through acceptance of salvation – by means of Christ, that God’s peace is extended and realized.
Psalm 29:11
“The Lord blesses His people with peace.”
Christ is the answer to war, to racial hatred, to poverty and hardship; as we see Christ in others. (x2)
3. Our blessed Lord brings us Peace within Ourselves.
It is through the knowledge and assurance of sins forgiven, the promise of eternal life, and the confidence to face life, that we find that peace within us.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
“May the Lord of peace, give you peace at all times, and in every way.”
Ultimate joy and the Peace that comes with it, is from Christ dwelling within us. True Peace is knowing that God answers prayers. True Peace comes from knowing that God is in control of our lives. True Peace is confident assurance, in all circumstances, through God’s Holy Spirit. The Peace of God moves into our hearts and comforts us in times of conflict. He brings calmness in our hearts, harmony within ourselves, and freedom from trouble and conflict; True Peace.
Conclusion
And even though, out there in the real world, people are still struggling with uncertainty (about their future), facing hatred (among their neighbors) and feeling pain (within their hearts); in here, in this church; inside the walls, of God’s protection – we have eternal peace…
But, how do we get it? Jesus answers you;
“Rejoice in the Lord always, delight in His presence, gladden your hearts with His love; again I say return to His everlasting joy.
Allow yourself to know, and perceive, and understand, and recognize God’s unselfishness, God’s considerateness, God’s forbearing spirit. For, the Lord is near – He is coming soon!
Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer, with definite and specific requests, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants and needs known to God.
And, God’s peace will be yours, that tranquil state of a soul, assured of its salvation, through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God, and content with its earthly lot, of whatever sort that is, that peace of mind, which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
For the rest of you, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence, and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and pleasant and gracious, if worthy of praise, think on, and weigh, and take account of these things – fix your mind on them.
Practice what you have learned and received, and heard and seen in Me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace – of untroubled, undisturbed well-being; will be with you.”
“If you really love Me, you will keep My word, and obey my teaching; and My Father will love you as well. Then, my Father and I will make Our home, Our abode, Our dwelling place with you.
Any one of you, who does not really love Me, will not observe or obey My teaching; and your peace will not be realized.
And the instruction which you hear and heed, is not Mine, but comes from the Father, My Father, who sent Me.
I tell you these things, while I am still with you.
And, the Comforter, the Counselor, the Helper, the Advocate, the Strengthener, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf, He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall, remind you of, and bring to your remembrance – everything I have told you.
Peace, I leave with you; my own Peace I now give and bequeath to you.
Not as the world gives, do I give to you.
So, do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid – stop allowing yourself to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourself to be fearful and intimidated, or act cowardly or unsettled.”
For, Peace, I leave with you; my Peace I give unto you.
Let us Pray;
God, we ask for Your peace, which surpasses all our understandings, we ask that You watch over our hearts and minds, as we grow in the knowledge and love of You, and of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. May You grant to us the blessings of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and may you dwell amongst us, and remain with us always, in True Peace. Amen.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Receive, Believe, and Become
“Receive, Believe, Become
by Brian Reid
April 22, 2007
1 Thessalonians 1:2-6
“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
On Sundays, we hear lots of messages on God; the Father, and God; the Son (Jesus Christ), but not too much on the third part of the Trinity – God, the Holy Sprit.
Today, we will have a closer look at the person of the Holy Spirit, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the result of having the Holy Spirit (within us); for if we receive and believe, we become.
The Trinity is confusing, at the beast of times; 3-in-1 and 1-in-3.
The Trinity is one being, existing in three persons and three persons in one being: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
If, at the end of this message, you still don’t fully comprehend or understand the Trinity, rest assured, you are in the majority of Christians. For some, it takes years to understand this theory; for others, they can only identify with a portion or certain parts of its concept. Take what you can, and leave the rest for another day.
First question:
What is the Holy Spirit? Wrong question.
Who is the Holy Spirit? Right question.
The person of the Holy Spirit:
God; God is a Spirit, a non-material being, without form - the Triune Godhead. He is omnipresent, eternal and unchangeable, in His power, holiness and truth. Father is the name and person of God, in relation to the children he fosters and adopts; we are his adopted children through our personal relationship with Christ.
God is also the Father of Jesus Christ, the Son; who is our Lord and Savior. Jesus, the Son, is God in human form.
John 10:30;“The Father and I are one.”
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Triune Godhead. He is a power, an influence, and a presence, that dwells within us that teaches us, guides us, and inspires us to do good; but the Holy Spirit is also is a person, not a force, and that person is God, just as fully (and in the same way) as are the Father and the Son.
In Luke 24:49 Jesus tells His disciples this, which introduces the Holy Spirit as a person and as a presence;
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from Heaven.”
We can define the Holy Spirit, as the “living action of God in the world”, and He is that person who can fill your life, with the Power of Heaven, as well.
Since the Holy Spirit is part and parcel of the Trinity, it might be easier to understand the how the Spirit influences us, as we Receive Him, Believe within our hearts and minds His promises, and how we Become new creatures; because of it.
We can look at Christianity in terms of what it does to us, how it changes our thoughts processes, and our actions – thereof: through Christ, we “Redefine, Redesign and Recreate” ourselves.
The Holy Spirit is described as the ‘wind’ or ‘breath’ of God, and as a supernatural being.
In Mark 1:10-11, we are exposed to the trinity in all its splendor and glory. The Holy Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus (the Son), and a voice from Heaven proclaimed the Father’s approval of Jesus as His divine Son. Here, the three members of the trinity are all present.
Also, in Matthew 28:18-20, when Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, of the Great Commission; “…baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
The most common understanding (according to scripture) is that the Holy Spirit is a person, distinct from the Father and the Son, though united to both in the mysterious oneness of the Godhead. But, He is not just a personification or figurative expression for the divine energy or actions; He is that divine energy and those divine actions.
The Work of the Holy Spirit:
He is ever-present, all-knowing, all-powerful, He is eternal, for He is God. He is also a person, for He has a personality, like any other person.
He has a mind (Roman 8:27);
“And the father, who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit…”
He has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11);
“All these are the work of the one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He (the Spirit) determines.”
He forbids (Acts 16:6);
“Paul and his companions were forbidden by the Holy Sprit to preach the word in Asia.”
He permits (Acts 16:10);
“And after Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
He speaks (Acts 8:29);
“The Holy Spirit said to Phillip, Go to that chariot and wait.”
He loves (Romans 15:30);
“I urge you, Brothers and Sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Holy Spirit, to join me in my struggles by praying to God for me.”
He grieves (Ephesians 4:30);
“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.”
He prays (Romans 8:26);
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself, intercedes for us, through wordless groans.”
The Holy Spirit (also) created the Heavens and the Earth, He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, He provided for the Israelites as they wandered in the desert, He hears our cries of mercy, He cares that we hurt and He hates those things that are an abomination unto Himself.
He answers to many names:
The Spirit of God, …of Christ, …of Truth, …of Grace, …of Glory, …of Life, …of Promise, …of Adoption, …of Holiness, …of Faith, …of Wisdom and Revelation; The Eternal Spirit, the Comforter.
These names and titles provide much insight into His true nature; the nature and the work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit has many emblems and symbols.
The Dove indicates purity, peace and modesty. Water indicates life and cleansing. Oil indicates light, healing and anointing. A Seal indicates ownership, identification, value and authority. Wind indicates unseen power. Fire indicates presence, approval, protection, purifying and judgment.
An Earnest is a guarantee of all that God has in store for us; it indicates first-fruits, down-payment, a pledge and assurance.
These symbols remind us that the Holy Spirit will purify and cleanse us, as He heals and claims us as His own, in power and protection He pledges His inheritance to us, in the name of God, the Father.
The Result of Indwelling and Outpouring:
So, how do we know that we have the Holy Spirit within us, and what is the result, what is the outward expression of that indwelling?
The easiest way is to compare those outward expressions, in relation to Galatians 5:22-23.
I love how the New Living Translation puts it:
“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
When you can look at someone, or look at yourself, and see these attributes, see these characteristics, see these qualities, then you know that the Holy Spirit dwells within.
The qualities produced by the Spirit, in the life of God’s people, grow out of the work of the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit might be few in number (9), but boundlessly rich in quality.
Love, joy and peace are all inner, spiritual qualities, but they are, also qualities that we share with others. The last 6 manifestations of the Fruit of the Spirit, are more concerned with the Christian’s dealings with others, and how we conduct our lives. These are all Characteristics, of those people who belong to Christ, and are influenced by the Holy Spirit.
The greatest act of indwelling and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, was in Acts 2; during Pentecost.
With the rushing of the wind, and the appearing of cloven tongues of fire, the disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke in foreign languages. The spectacle drew a crowd of onlookers, to whom Peter explained that the prophecy of Joel, was being fulfilled. 3000 souls were added to the Church – that very day.
It is the Holy Spirit, who knows the mind of God, and is alone able to teach the things of God, and impart them to the mind of man.
Let me remind you of how the Holy Spirit imparts His power to the Thessalonians.
(1 Thessalonians 1:2-6)
“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
The Good News came to the Thessalonians with power, and had a commanding affect on them. Where-ever and when-ever the Bible is heard and obeyed, lives are changed; thus so was the case of the Thessalonians; thus the same can happen to you.
Christianity / Salvation is the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, to all who believe. The Holy Spirit changes people, when they believe the Gospel. The Spirit opens people eyes to the truth and the need of salvation.
He, the Holy Spirit, brings to the believer hope, joy, peace, contentment, and a sense of power. Power to share the Good News with others and tell of Christ’s saving grace.
Conclusion:
The Holy Spirit can be hard to understand. Is He a power, an influence, and a presence? Is He a real, live person, with a personality? Is His role on earth to guide us? Does He have a direct connection to God the Father and God the Son?
Does He cause things to happen mysteriously? Does He sway the decisions that we make? Does He energize, encourage and motivate us in our daily lives?
Is He a spirit and ghost? Is He a divine, inspiring, supernatural being; that uses an earthly presence to show us the way?
Yes! Yes, to all those questions; for He is part and parcel of our loving, Heavenly Father.
We now know that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity – for He is God. He has a divine personality and was sent by God the Father to cleanse the world of sin, and to set in place righteousness and judgment; and to produce in the believer (all of us), the very purity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit can be your gentle and faithful guide. Your soul can rejoice, when you hear Him call to you; “Wanderer, come!”
He is ever-present, your truest friend. He leaves no doubt or fear when the storms of life are raging. If you allow the Holy Spirit to enter your heart, and transform your life, He will guide you home – safe and sound.
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready to Receive, Believe, and Become?
Let Us Pray;
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for your Son, we thank you for You, and we thank you that you send to us your Holy Spirit, to dwell in us and be poured out through us – in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
We ask that you continue to be with us, as we grow and mature as Christians; Amen.
by Brian Reid
April 22, 2007
1 Thessalonians 1:2-6
“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
On Sundays, we hear lots of messages on God; the Father, and God; the Son (Jesus Christ), but not too much on the third part of the Trinity – God, the Holy Sprit.
Today, we will have a closer look at the person of the Holy Spirit, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the result of having the Holy Spirit (within us); for if we receive and believe, we become.
The Trinity is confusing, at the beast of times; 3-in-1 and 1-in-3.
The Trinity is one being, existing in three persons and three persons in one being: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
If, at the end of this message, you still don’t fully comprehend or understand the Trinity, rest assured, you are in the majority of Christians. For some, it takes years to understand this theory; for others, they can only identify with a portion or certain parts of its concept. Take what you can, and leave the rest for another day.
First question:
What is the Holy Spirit? Wrong question.
Who is the Holy Spirit? Right question.
The person of the Holy Spirit:
God; God is a Spirit, a non-material being, without form - the Triune Godhead. He is omnipresent, eternal and unchangeable, in His power, holiness and truth. Father is the name and person of God, in relation to the children he fosters and adopts; we are his adopted children through our personal relationship with Christ.
God is also the Father of Jesus Christ, the Son; who is our Lord and Savior. Jesus, the Son, is God in human form.
John 10:30;“The Father and I are one.”
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Triune Godhead. He is a power, an influence, and a presence, that dwells within us that teaches us, guides us, and inspires us to do good; but the Holy Spirit is also is a person, not a force, and that person is God, just as fully (and in the same way) as are the Father and the Son.
In Luke 24:49 Jesus tells His disciples this, which introduces the Holy Spirit as a person and as a presence;
“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from Heaven.”
We can define the Holy Spirit, as the “living action of God in the world”, and He is that person who can fill your life, with the Power of Heaven, as well.
Since the Holy Spirit is part and parcel of the Trinity, it might be easier to understand the how the Spirit influences us, as we Receive Him, Believe within our hearts and minds His promises, and how we Become new creatures; because of it.
We can look at Christianity in terms of what it does to us, how it changes our thoughts processes, and our actions – thereof: through Christ, we “Redefine, Redesign and Recreate” ourselves.
The Holy Spirit is described as the ‘wind’ or ‘breath’ of God, and as a supernatural being.
In Mark 1:10-11, we are exposed to the trinity in all its splendor and glory. The Holy Spirit descended like a dove on Jesus (the Son), and a voice from Heaven proclaimed the Father’s approval of Jesus as His divine Son. Here, the three members of the trinity are all present.
Also, in Matthew 28:18-20, when Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, of the Great Commission; “…baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
The most common understanding (according to scripture) is that the Holy Spirit is a person, distinct from the Father and the Son, though united to both in the mysterious oneness of the Godhead. But, He is not just a personification or figurative expression for the divine energy or actions; He is that divine energy and those divine actions.
The Work of the Holy Spirit:
He is ever-present, all-knowing, all-powerful, He is eternal, for He is God. He is also a person, for He has a personality, like any other person.
He has a mind (Roman 8:27);
“And the father, who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit…”
He has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11);
“All these are the work of the one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He (the Spirit) determines.”
He forbids (Acts 16:6);
“Paul and his companions were forbidden by the Holy Sprit to preach the word in Asia.”
He permits (Acts 16:10);
“And after Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.”
He speaks (Acts 8:29);
“The Holy Spirit said to Phillip, Go to that chariot and wait.”
He loves (Romans 15:30);
“I urge you, Brothers and Sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Holy Spirit, to join me in my struggles by praying to God for me.”
He grieves (Ephesians 4:30);
“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.”
He prays (Romans 8:26);
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself, intercedes for us, through wordless groans.”
The Holy Spirit (also) created the Heavens and the Earth, He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, He provided for the Israelites as they wandered in the desert, He hears our cries of mercy, He cares that we hurt and He hates those things that are an abomination unto Himself.
He answers to many names:
The Spirit of God, …of Christ, …of Truth, …of Grace, …of Glory, …of Life, …of Promise, …of Adoption, …of Holiness, …of Faith, …of Wisdom and Revelation; The Eternal Spirit, the Comforter.
These names and titles provide much insight into His true nature; the nature and the work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit has many emblems and symbols.
The Dove indicates purity, peace and modesty. Water indicates life and cleansing. Oil indicates light, healing and anointing. A Seal indicates ownership, identification, value and authority. Wind indicates unseen power. Fire indicates presence, approval, protection, purifying and judgment.
An Earnest is a guarantee of all that God has in store for us; it indicates first-fruits, down-payment, a pledge and assurance.
These symbols remind us that the Holy Spirit will purify and cleanse us, as He heals and claims us as His own, in power and protection He pledges His inheritance to us, in the name of God, the Father.
The Result of Indwelling and Outpouring:
So, how do we know that we have the Holy Spirit within us, and what is the result, what is the outward expression of that indwelling?
The easiest way is to compare those outward expressions, in relation to Galatians 5:22-23.
I love how the New Living Translation puts it:
“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
When you can look at someone, or look at yourself, and see these attributes, see these characteristics, see these qualities, then you know that the Holy Spirit dwells within.
The qualities produced by the Spirit, in the life of God’s people, grow out of the work of the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit might be few in number (9), but boundlessly rich in quality.
Love, joy and peace are all inner, spiritual qualities, but they are, also qualities that we share with others. The last 6 manifestations of the Fruit of the Spirit, are more concerned with the Christian’s dealings with others, and how we conduct our lives. These are all Characteristics, of those people who belong to Christ, and are influenced by the Holy Spirit.
The greatest act of indwelling and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, was in Acts 2; during Pentecost.
With the rushing of the wind, and the appearing of cloven tongues of fire, the disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spoke in foreign languages. The spectacle drew a crowd of onlookers, to whom Peter explained that the prophecy of Joel, was being fulfilled. 3000 souls were added to the Church – that very day.
It is the Holy Spirit, who knows the mind of God, and is alone able to teach the things of God, and impart them to the mind of man.
Let me remind you of how the Holy Spirit imparts His power to the Thessalonians.
(1 Thessalonians 1:2-6)
“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
The Good News came to the Thessalonians with power, and had a commanding affect on them. Where-ever and when-ever the Bible is heard and obeyed, lives are changed; thus so was the case of the Thessalonians; thus the same can happen to you.
Christianity / Salvation is the power of God, through the Holy Spirit, to all who believe. The Holy Spirit changes people, when they believe the Gospel. The Spirit opens people eyes to the truth and the need of salvation.
He, the Holy Spirit, brings to the believer hope, joy, peace, contentment, and a sense of power. Power to share the Good News with others and tell of Christ’s saving grace.
Conclusion:
The Holy Spirit can be hard to understand. Is He a power, an influence, and a presence? Is He a real, live person, with a personality? Is His role on earth to guide us? Does He have a direct connection to God the Father and God the Son?
Does He cause things to happen mysteriously? Does He sway the decisions that we make? Does He energize, encourage and motivate us in our daily lives?
Is He a spirit and ghost? Is He a divine, inspiring, supernatural being; that uses an earthly presence to show us the way?
Yes! Yes, to all those questions; for He is part and parcel of our loving, Heavenly Father.
We now know that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity – for He is God. He has a divine personality and was sent by God the Father to cleanse the world of sin, and to set in place righteousness and judgment; and to produce in the believer (all of us), the very purity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit can be your gentle and faithful guide. Your soul can rejoice, when you hear Him call to you; “Wanderer, come!”
He is ever-present, your truest friend. He leaves no doubt or fear when the storms of life are raging. If you allow the Holy Spirit to enter your heart, and transform your life, He will guide you home – safe and sound.
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Are you ready to Receive, Believe, and Become?
Let Us Pray;
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for your Son, we thank you for You, and we thank you that you send to us your Holy Spirit, to dwell in us and be poured out through us – in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
We ask that you continue to be with us, as we grow and mature as Christians; Amen.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
"The Question"
I liked to ask you this question;
If God suddenly appeared before, what question would you ask of Him?
Would you ask about your loved-ones who have passed on?
Would ask Him to explain the many miracles of Christ?
All good questions;
But, I think I would ask him;
What is the purpose of my life?
Why was I sent here, on earth?
What am I suppose to be achieving?
When I think about that, other questions come to mind.
Am I destined to remain the son of Brent and Betty Reid?
Will I always be the brother of Amy, Rockey, Linda, Donna Jean and Sharon?
Will I always be the husband to Peggy?
Will my role always be of father to Tanya?
Am I destined to remain as Pastor of New Tusket United Baptist Church?
Will I always be a neighbor and a friend to someone?
Will I continue to “talk” for a living, or will I venture off doing something else?
Will I always be a Christian?
The answer to all these questions is ‘yes’ and ‘no’!
I will always be, ‘all those things,’ but my purpose in life, is so much more.
In Galatians 2:20, Paul answers my question over 2000 years before I even asked; “What is the purpose of my life?”
In this letter, Paul writes to the southern churches of Galatia, and confronts Peter about his actions of trying to convert the Gentiles to Jewish laws. Paul reminds them, that we are not saved by our good deeds or by following the law (Jewish laws), we are saved by the grace and mercy of Christ.
For Romans 3:28 tells us; “We are made right with God through faith (in Christ) and not by obeying the law.”
So, through faith in Christ, not the law, we are saved; and through salvation, we have become something else.
Ephesians 2:10; “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
He has created us anew…so that we can do the good things He planned for us to do.
Yes, we were put on this earth to be all those things that I have mentioned, but we all have a purpose, given to us by God.
For some, it is quite apparent what they should be doing for God. We all have God-given, gifts and abilities. We all can do something that someone else can’t. The key is finding out what that something is.
For some, it might be a life-long endeavor. For some, it might take years and years to achieve and finally finish that task. For some they achieve it quite early in life and for others, they finish the job in their golden years.
For some it will take a lifetime to learn what they must learn, to be able do what they were destined to do. For some, they simply have to wait until the opportunity presents itself, and then they take action.
For some, they keep doing their task, over and over again, never straying from the course. For some, it is a series of events, one after another, until Christ calls them home.
For some, it is one, single, solitary action, that God has assigned them. A simple act of kindness; a lending hand; a quick smile; or in a split second, they have changed the life of someone, forever – and for the better.
For, He has created us anew…so that we can do the good things He planned for us to do.
Paul tells the Galatians & us;
“I, myself, no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live my life in this earthly body, by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Through salvation, by Christ, we are changed, so that we can complete those things that God wants us to complete.
Back in Matthew 28:19 & 20, The Great Commission;
Jesus gives His disciples their tasks. He assigns them the ultimate job in history – to build His Church (x2).
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teach these disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”
That, my friends, was/is a huge, daunting task. How would you respond, if God said that to you?
“Go and make disciples of all the nations?”
Well, our one task as Christians, is to do that very thing.
Our one purpose in life, all of us, is to tell others about the love of God, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ – so that they too can believe and share in eternal life
Wouldn’t you want all your family and friends and neighbors to be with you in heaven, after the second coming, and after the end of this world, as we know it?
I would! I want everyone to know and experience God’s love, and I want everyone to know and experience ever-lasting life.
---------------------------------------
In our scripture for today, Paul says this;
I, myself no longer live…
Because of Jesus, God now looks at us, as being (also) crucified. Since our sins died with Christ (on the cross), we also died with Him there; and were raised into a new life. This is the connection and the link to being a new creation in Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here.”
“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: for the old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.”
A new creation, a new creature, and a new purpose in life.
“What this means is that those who become Christians, become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun.”
We become brand new persons, on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives us new life, and we are not the same, anymore. “No turning back, no turning back.”
But, remember this, we are not merely re-formed, re-habilitated, or re-educated – we are re-created. We are new creations, living in union with Christ. At our conversion, we do not merely turn over a new leaf; we begin a new life, under a new master, and a new purpose.
The old person had died and the new person is alive and well. We are a new creation in Christ, because of Christ, and for Christ.
“You, yourself no longer live…”
------------------------------
The next part of today’s scripture;
“…but Christ lives in me.”
Here, Paul is saying that the Holy Spirit dwells within Him, now that He is a Christian; we are the same. Our actions, attitude and speech should be Christ-like, for He now leads our lives. Our new Christian life began when we died with Christ; in unity – we died to our old life.
Now, that we are united with Christ, in His death, and our evil desires and bondage to sin, died with Him. Now, united by faith with Jesus, in His resurrection life, we have unbroken fellowship with God, and freedom from sin’s hold on us.
People can see Christ in us, by our actions – for we are all walking, living sermons.
Galatians 5:22-23, we hear how we are changed.
“But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
The Fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work, of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these characteristics that are found in the nature of Christ – which is in us all. They are by-products of Christ’s control. He must grant them to us, and if we want the Fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to His. If you lead a spirit-filled life, you live in harmony, perfect harmony, with the intent of God’s law – for Christ lives in you.
------------------
Next, Paul tells us;
“So, I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God…”
We live our lives, as we trust in God, and we trust in God, as we live our lives.
Trust and faith is hard to achieve, for we humans have this need to be in control of our lives, our destiny. But little do we know, what a sense of freedom and relief, we gain, by giving it all over to Jesus.
“From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body, the marks of Jesus.”
People can look at you, and know you are a Child of God, and that the Holy Spirit dwells within you – and that you have trust in Him.
Trust is to hope, and to place your confidence, in something or someone.
The Lord says; “Blessed are you, who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. You will be like a tree planted by the water, that sends out your roots by the stream. You do not fear when heat comes; your leaves are always green. You have no worries in a year of drought, and you never fail to bear fruit.”
Trust produces in you that confidence, and you will prosper, you will be like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken and endures forever. Your trust in God, will fill you with joy, peace, and you will be overflowing with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And even though, at times, this world will bring you to your knees, through Trust in Him, you will rise up and stand firm – in your confidence. For God is your refuge and your fortress; if you believe and trust.
Trust in the Lord, forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
“So, you live your life in your earthly body, by trusting in the Son of God…”
----------------------------------------------------------------------
And the final part of our scripture for today, Paul tells all who will listen;
“…who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
We receive the gift of salvation through love, and we live a life of love through salvation.
Romans 13:11-12 reminds us;
“The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So, let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
Salvation is deliverance from slavery; from the bondage of sin. Salvation is deliverance from that great distress that has been present in your life - for so long. Salvation is deliverance, by the intervention of God.
God loved you so much that He sent His Son to die upon the cross, as a substitution, for you. Jesus loved you so much, that He went without hesitation; He offered Himself without delay; He died without faltering.
“…He loved you and gave Himself for you.”
----------------------
And, I agree with Paul;
“I have been crucified with Christ: the life I now live is not my life, but the life which Christ lives in me; and my present bodily life is lived by faith, in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
And, you…
“You have been crucified with Christ (as well), and in Him you have shared His crucifixion, it is no longer you who live, but Christ, the Messiah, who lives in you; and the life you now live in your body, you live by faith – by Adherence to, reliance on, and having complete faith and trust – in the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself up for you.”
If we still act sinfully, then Christ died for nothing, His crucifixion is meaningless, and we have no purpose in our life. It is only through God’s purpose in our lives that Christ’s death is honored.
My purpose in life, your purpose in life…is to share the Gospel of Christ, and to glorify God in all you do.
Let us pray, together;
May You help us to find our purpose in life and maintain the desire to follow it. May you help us to fulfill our life’s destiny, and may You always be a part of our lives. Amen
If God suddenly appeared before, what question would you ask of Him?
Would you ask about your loved-ones who have passed on?
Would ask Him to explain the many miracles of Christ?
All good questions;
But, I think I would ask him;
What is the purpose of my life?
Why was I sent here, on earth?
What am I suppose to be achieving?
When I think about that, other questions come to mind.
Am I destined to remain the son of Brent and Betty Reid?
Will I always be the brother of Amy, Rockey, Linda, Donna Jean and Sharon?
Will I always be the husband to Peggy?
Will my role always be of father to Tanya?
Am I destined to remain as Pastor of New Tusket United Baptist Church?
Will I always be a neighbor and a friend to someone?
Will I continue to “talk” for a living, or will I venture off doing something else?
Will I always be a Christian?
The answer to all these questions is ‘yes’ and ‘no’!
I will always be, ‘all those things,’ but my purpose in life, is so much more.
In Galatians 2:20, Paul answers my question over 2000 years before I even asked; “What is the purpose of my life?”
In this letter, Paul writes to the southern churches of Galatia, and confronts Peter about his actions of trying to convert the Gentiles to Jewish laws. Paul reminds them, that we are not saved by our good deeds or by following the law (Jewish laws), we are saved by the grace and mercy of Christ.
For Romans 3:28 tells us; “We are made right with God through faith (in Christ) and not by obeying the law.”
So, through faith in Christ, not the law, we are saved; and through salvation, we have become something else.
Ephesians 2:10; “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
He has created us anew…so that we can do the good things He planned for us to do.
Yes, we were put on this earth to be all those things that I have mentioned, but we all have a purpose, given to us by God.
For some, it is quite apparent what they should be doing for God. We all have God-given, gifts and abilities. We all can do something that someone else can’t. The key is finding out what that something is.
For some, it might be a life-long endeavor. For some, it might take years and years to achieve and finally finish that task. For some they achieve it quite early in life and for others, they finish the job in their golden years.
For some it will take a lifetime to learn what they must learn, to be able do what they were destined to do. For some, they simply have to wait until the opportunity presents itself, and then they take action.
For some, they keep doing their task, over and over again, never straying from the course. For some, it is a series of events, one after another, until Christ calls them home.
For some, it is one, single, solitary action, that God has assigned them. A simple act of kindness; a lending hand; a quick smile; or in a split second, they have changed the life of someone, forever – and for the better.
For, He has created us anew…so that we can do the good things He planned for us to do.
Paul tells the Galatians & us;
“I, myself, no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live my life in this earthly body, by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Through salvation, by Christ, we are changed, so that we can complete those things that God wants us to complete.
Back in Matthew 28:19 & 20, The Great Commission;
Jesus gives His disciples their tasks. He assigns them the ultimate job in history – to build His Church (x2).
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teach these disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”
That, my friends, was/is a huge, daunting task. How would you respond, if God said that to you?
“Go and make disciples of all the nations?”
Well, our one task as Christians, is to do that very thing.
Our one purpose in life, all of us, is to tell others about the love of God, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ – so that they too can believe and share in eternal life
Wouldn’t you want all your family and friends and neighbors to be with you in heaven, after the second coming, and after the end of this world, as we know it?
I would! I want everyone to know and experience God’s love, and I want everyone to know and experience ever-lasting life.
---------------------------------------
In our scripture for today, Paul says this;
I, myself no longer live…
Because of Jesus, God now looks at us, as being (also) crucified. Since our sins died with Christ (on the cross), we also died with Him there; and were raised into a new life. This is the connection and the link to being a new creation in Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here.”
“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: for the old things are passed away; behold, all things become new.”
A new creation, a new creature, and a new purpose in life.
“What this means is that those who become Christians, become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun.”
We become brand new persons, on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives us new life, and we are not the same, anymore. “No turning back, no turning back.”
But, remember this, we are not merely re-formed, re-habilitated, or re-educated – we are re-created. We are new creations, living in union with Christ. At our conversion, we do not merely turn over a new leaf; we begin a new life, under a new master, and a new purpose.
The old person had died and the new person is alive and well. We are a new creation in Christ, because of Christ, and for Christ.
“You, yourself no longer live…”
------------------------------
The next part of today’s scripture;
“…but Christ lives in me.”
Here, Paul is saying that the Holy Spirit dwells within Him, now that He is a Christian; we are the same. Our actions, attitude and speech should be Christ-like, for He now leads our lives. Our new Christian life began when we died with Christ; in unity – we died to our old life.
Now, that we are united with Christ, in His death, and our evil desires and bondage to sin, died with Him. Now, united by faith with Jesus, in His resurrection life, we have unbroken fellowship with God, and freedom from sin’s hold on us.
People can see Christ in us, by our actions – for we are all walking, living sermons.
Galatians 5:22-23, we hear how we are changed.
“But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
The Fruit of the Spirit is the spontaneous work, of the Holy Spirit in us. The Spirit produces these characteristics that are found in the nature of Christ – which is in us all. They are by-products of Christ’s control. He must grant them to us, and if we want the Fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to His. If you lead a spirit-filled life, you live in harmony, perfect harmony, with the intent of God’s law – for Christ lives in you.
------------------
Next, Paul tells us;
“So, I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God…”
We live our lives, as we trust in God, and we trust in God, as we live our lives.
Trust and faith is hard to achieve, for we humans have this need to be in control of our lives, our destiny. But little do we know, what a sense of freedom and relief, we gain, by giving it all over to Jesus.
“From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body, the marks of Jesus.”
People can look at you, and know you are a Child of God, and that the Holy Spirit dwells within you – and that you have trust in Him.
Trust is to hope, and to place your confidence, in something or someone.
The Lord says; “Blessed are you, who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. You will be like a tree planted by the water, that sends out your roots by the stream. You do not fear when heat comes; your leaves are always green. You have no worries in a year of drought, and you never fail to bear fruit.”
Trust produces in you that confidence, and you will prosper, you will be like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken and endures forever. Your trust in God, will fill you with joy, peace, and you will be overflowing with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And even though, at times, this world will bring you to your knees, through Trust in Him, you will rise up and stand firm – in your confidence. For God is your refuge and your fortress; if you believe and trust.
Trust in the Lord, forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.
“So, you live your life in your earthly body, by trusting in the Son of God…”
----------------------------------------------------------------------
And the final part of our scripture for today, Paul tells all who will listen;
“…who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
We receive the gift of salvation through love, and we live a life of love through salvation.
Romans 13:11-12 reminds us;
“The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So, let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
Salvation is deliverance from slavery; from the bondage of sin. Salvation is deliverance from that great distress that has been present in your life - for so long. Salvation is deliverance, by the intervention of God.
God loved you so much that He sent His Son to die upon the cross, as a substitution, for you. Jesus loved you so much, that He went without hesitation; He offered Himself without delay; He died without faltering.
“…He loved you and gave Himself for you.”
----------------------
And, I agree with Paul;
“I have been crucified with Christ: the life I now live is not my life, but the life which Christ lives in me; and my present bodily life is lived by faith, in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
And, you…
“You have been crucified with Christ (as well), and in Him you have shared His crucifixion, it is no longer you who live, but Christ, the Messiah, who lives in you; and the life you now live in your body, you live by faith – by Adherence to, reliance on, and having complete faith and trust – in the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself up for you.”
If we still act sinfully, then Christ died for nothing, His crucifixion is meaningless, and we have no purpose in our life. It is only through God’s purpose in our lives that Christ’s death is honored.
My purpose in life, your purpose in life…is to share the Gospel of Christ, and to glorify God in all you do.
Let us pray, together;
May You help us to find our purpose in life and maintain the desire to follow it. May you help us to fulfill our life’s destiny, and may You always be a part of our lives. Amen
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Christ is risen, Christ is risen, indeed
(The Mini-muscial consists of a piece of scripture and a reflection on that passage - linking to the selected Easter hymn.)
Matthew 28
The Resurrection
1 Early on Sunday morning,[a] as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Morning has broken,
Like the first morning.
The stone has been rolled away,
The tomb is empty.
Christ has risen,
Christ has risen, indeed!
Reflection 1
Colossians 1:21-22;
“Once you were alienated from God, and were enemies in your minds, because of your evil behavior. But now, he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death, to present you Holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation…”
This is the reason why Christ choose, to die on the cross for us. Christ’s death provided a way, for all of us, to come to God. His death cleared away the sin, that kept us from having a right relationship with God. We can have peace with God, and be reconciled to Him, by accepting Christ, who died in our place, to wipe away all our sins and transgressions.
No one, is good enough to save him or herself. If we want to live eternally with Christ, we must depend totally on God’s grace. Apart from Christ, there is no way for our sins to be forgiven or removed; and to receive glory.
Hymn: “It is Glory Just to Walk With Him”
Reflection 2
1 Corinthians 1: 18;
“I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds, to those who are on the road to destruction. But, we, who are being saved, recognize this message as the very power of God!”
The massage, from Isaiah 53;
“Surely He took up our pain and bore our sufferings, yet, we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted. But, he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds, we were healed.”
For non-believers, the message of salvation is hard to understand and even (harder), at times, to accept: life eternal, through death upon the cross – how can this be? They think that what Christ did for us, was simply punishment for what we’ve done to Him.
But, for those of us who do believe, the message is simply. We are separated from God (and His love), by the sins we commit. The punishment for sin is death; death to the soul and spirit, and physical and eternal death to the body. But, God, in all His mercy and grace sent Jesus to earth, to die upon the cross, to pay the debt, to pay for our transgression, to appease an angry god – Himself. God saw the problem (for no sin will go unpunished) and He presented the solution (Christ Jesus).
Christ took on all our iniquities, and made right our relationship with God, once again. Christ was the atonement of our sins, Christ was the substitute for our lives, and Christ was our saving grace – at the cross.
Hymn: “At The Cross”
Reflection 3
John 19:37;
“They will look on the One they have pierced.”
As we look to the cross, and look at what Christ has done for all humanity, we can’t but feel, something. It is all about the suffering, the pain and the death. Christ was crucified just for us – no other reason – just so we would live eternally with God in Heaven.
Image, standing at the foot of the cross, with the disciple, John, Jesus’ mother, Mary, the Roman soldiers, and the angry mob. Image, looking up at the ‘nailed’ Prince of Heaven. Image watching Him die, knowing your sins put Him there.
Being thankful, loving Christ with all your heart and all your soul, and complete dedication of your lives to Him is the appropriate response – for His gift to you. Your Lord does not want you to try and repay Him for His love and His sacrifice with sorrow, guilt, your good works or with any anything else.
All, He really wants in return is you, all of you – your love, your dedication, your soul, your life, your all.
Hymn: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
Reflection 4
Matthew 28:2;
“And there was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from Heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone, and sat on it.”
Acts 2:24;
“God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep it’s hold on Him.”
The stone was rolled back, not so Jesus could get out, but for others to get in and see that Jesus had (indeed) risen from the dead, just as He had promised.
The Resurrection of Jesus was the ultimate sign, that what He said about Himself was true. The Resurrection, was the fulfillment of all the prophecies about the Great Messiah. It is the reason to believe in Jesus’ teachings and all His promises.
Jesus told His disciples that the Son of Man must die, as written in the scriptures (long ago). He also told them He would rise from the grave and be the First-Fruit of the harvest of the dead – for God’s Kingdom – for Christ Arose.
Hymn: “Christ Arose”
Reflection 5
Revelation 1:17-18;
“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now, look, I am alive forever and ever. And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”
After the resurrection, Jesus appeared in glory and splendor before the disciples, the 2 Mary’s and others. Sin and the influences of Satan killed Him, but death could not hold Him. Jesus is the Lord, powerful and mighty, and we have full access to His strength at all times.
Our sins have convicted us and sentenced us, But Jesus holds the keys of death and the grave. He will resurrect us, bring us back to life, raise us from the dead, restore us to life, breathe new life into us, and simply save us from ourselves. He alone can free us from eternal bondage to Satan and grant to us eternal life within the Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Life-everlasting.
All you must do, is turn from a life of sin and turn to Christ in faith. And, when you place your life in Christ’s hands, He restore you, now, and will resurrect you later, at His Second Coming, to that eternal, peaceful relationship with God.
Hymn: “He Lives”
Reflection 6
1 Timothy 4:10;
“We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe!”
Christ is the Living Lord and is the savior for all. But, His salvation becomes effective only for those who trust Him. The salvation of our living Lord is full of hope and strength. The salvation of our living Lord is rock solid, comforting and righteous. The salvation of our Living Lord is victorious and powerful. All this can be found, In Christ, Alone.
Praise song: “In Christ Alone”
Benediction
Easter is not only about a new life, here and now. It is also about the future. For there is a wonderful future promised beyond death, for all who believe the Easter message.
At the sound of the last trumpet, the dead will be raised. We will all be changed, so that we will never die again. Then the scripture will become reality; “Death has lost the battle! Where is its victory? Where is its sting?”
Christ is risen, Christ is risen, indeed!
Let Us Pray;
Thank you, God, for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the final victory over earthly death.
Thank you, God, that Jesus died for us on the cross.
Thank you, God, that you brought Him back to life.
Help us to believe that these things really did happen, grant to us a strong, strong faith.
Help us to look forward to an eternal future of joy with you, our living and resurrected Lord.
You are the God of love, thank you that You have reached out to us, through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Only a love like Yours can heal, serve, and forgive. Help us to forever believe in You and accept your forgiveness. Help us to live a life worthy of your love. Help us also to never forget the sacrifice that Jesus made this week.
We live because of your love, mercy and grace. Amen
Blessings upon you all!
Happy Easter!
Matthew 28
The Resurrection
1 Early on Sunday morning,[a] as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
Morning has broken,
Like the first morning.
The stone has been rolled away,
The tomb is empty.
Christ has risen,
Christ has risen, indeed!
Reflection 1
Colossians 1:21-22;
“Once you were alienated from God, and were enemies in your minds, because of your evil behavior. But now, he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death, to present you Holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation…”
This is the reason why Christ choose, to die on the cross for us. Christ’s death provided a way, for all of us, to come to God. His death cleared away the sin, that kept us from having a right relationship with God. We can have peace with God, and be reconciled to Him, by accepting Christ, who died in our place, to wipe away all our sins and transgressions.
No one, is good enough to save him or herself. If we want to live eternally with Christ, we must depend totally on God’s grace. Apart from Christ, there is no way for our sins to be forgiven or removed; and to receive glory.
Hymn: “It is Glory Just to Walk With Him”
Reflection 2
1 Corinthians 1: 18;
“I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds, to those who are on the road to destruction. But, we, who are being saved, recognize this message as the very power of God!”
The massage, from Isaiah 53;
“Surely He took up our pain and bore our sufferings, yet, we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted. But, he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds, we were healed.”
For non-believers, the message of salvation is hard to understand and even (harder), at times, to accept: life eternal, through death upon the cross – how can this be? They think that what Christ did for us, was simply punishment for what we’ve done to Him.
But, for those of us who do believe, the message is simply. We are separated from God (and His love), by the sins we commit. The punishment for sin is death; death to the soul and spirit, and physical and eternal death to the body. But, God, in all His mercy and grace sent Jesus to earth, to die upon the cross, to pay the debt, to pay for our transgression, to appease an angry god – Himself. God saw the problem (for no sin will go unpunished) and He presented the solution (Christ Jesus).
Christ took on all our iniquities, and made right our relationship with God, once again. Christ was the atonement of our sins, Christ was the substitute for our lives, and Christ was our saving grace – at the cross.
Hymn: “At The Cross”
Reflection 3
John 19:37;
“They will look on the One they have pierced.”
As we look to the cross, and look at what Christ has done for all humanity, we can’t but feel, something. It is all about the suffering, the pain and the death. Christ was crucified just for us – no other reason – just so we would live eternally with God in Heaven.
Image, standing at the foot of the cross, with the disciple, John, Jesus’ mother, Mary, the Roman soldiers, and the angry mob. Image, looking up at the ‘nailed’ Prince of Heaven. Image watching Him die, knowing your sins put Him there.
Being thankful, loving Christ with all your heart and all your soul, and complete dedication of your lives to Him is the appropriate response – for His gift to you. Your Lord does not want you to try and repay Him for His love and His sacrifice with sorrow, guilt, your good works or with any anything else.
All, He really wants in return is you, all of you – your love, your dedication, your soul, your life, your all.
Hymn: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
Reflection 4
Matthew 28:2;
“And there was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from Heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone, and sat on it.”
Acts 2:24;
“God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep it’s hold on Him.”
The stone was rolled back, not so Jesus could get out, but for others to get in and see that Jesus had (indeed) risen from the dead, just as He had promised.
The Resurrection of Jesus was the ultimate sign, that what He said about Himself was true. The Resurrection, was the fulfillment of all the prophecies about the Great Messiah. It is the reason to believe in Jesus’ teachings and all His promises.
Jesus told His disciples that the Son of Man must die, as written in the scriptures (long ago). He also told them He would rise from the grave and be the First-Fruit of the harvest of the dead – for God’s Kingdom – for Christ Arose.
Hymn: “Christ Arose”
Reflection 5
Revelation 1:17-18;
“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now, look, I am alive forever and ever. And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”
After the resurrection, Jesus appeared in glory and splendor before the disciples, the 2 Mary’s and others. Sin and the influences of Satan killed Him, but death could not hold Him. Jesus is the Lord, powerful and mighty, and we have full access to His strength at all times.
Our sins have convicted us and sentenced us, But Jesus holds the keys of death and the grave. He will resurrect us, bring us back to life, raise us from the dead, restore us to life, breathe new life into us, and simply save us from ourselves. He alone can free us from eternal bondage to Satan and grant to us eternal life within the Kingdom of Heaven, the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Life-everlasting.
All you must do, is turn from a life of sin and turn to Christ in faith. And, when you place your life in Christ’s hands, He restore you, now, and will resurrect you later, at His Second Coming, to that eternal, peaceful relationship with God.
Hymn: “He Lives”
Reflection 6
1 Timothy 4:10;
“We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe!”
Christ is the Living Lord and is the savior for all. But, His salvation becomes effective only for those who trust Him. The salvation of our living Lord is full of hope and strength. The salvation of our living Lord is rock solid, comforting and righteous. The salvation of our Living Lord is victorious and powerful. All this can be found, In Christ, Alone.
Praise song: “In Christ Alone”
Benediction
Easter is not only about a new life, here and now. It is also about the future. For there is a wonderful future promised beyond death, for all who believe the Easter message.
At the sound of the last trumpet, the dead will be raised. We will all be changed, so that we will never die again. Then the scripture will become reality; “Death has lost the battle! Where is its victory? Where is its sting?”
Christ is risen, Christ is risen, indeed!
Let Us Pray;
Thank you, God, for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the final victory over earthly death.
Thank you, God, that Jesus died for us on the cross.
Thank you, God, that you brought Him back to life.
Help us to believe that these things really did happen, grant to us a strong, strong faith.
Help us to look forward to an eternal future of joy with you, our living and resurrected Lord.
You are the God of love, thank you that You have reached out to us, through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Only a love like Yours can heal, serve, and forgive. Help us to forever believe in You and accept your forgiveness. Help us to live a life worthy of your love. Help us also to never forget the sacrifice that Jesus made this week.
We live because of your love, mercy and grace. Amen
Blessings upon you all!
Happy Easter!
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Saved from Agony by Agony
“Thy Will Be Done”
Brian Reid, April 3, 2007
Ashmore Baptist Church
The Sycamore Tree
“You know, I’ve been in this Garden for many a millennia. In the winter I sleep, and dream of the spring, when I come alive, once again. I seek the warmth of the sun. I search the clear blue sky for the happy singers of joy. The birds, they fly while telling the story again and again. In this Garden, I, the Great Sycamore can only watch, but remember so well, what happened that day.”
Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane is not the normal place to start, when we think of the events of the Passion Week. For this, happens Thursday evening, after the Last Supper. On this night, Jesus will be betrayed and arrested. On Friday, He will tried, convicted and crucified.
But, what about all those things that come before, His triumphant ride into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt, clearing the temple, and other events that build one upon another.
I wanted to start here! I wanted to talk about the agony that Christ experienced, and I wanted to talk about the agony that we, Christians, also suffer, all this week - every day, as we read and re-read and listen and listen again, to what our savior Christ went through for us. For we suffer, a different kind of agony…
As we think and remember what happen to Jesus this week, it’s hard to image, us, as committed Christians, us, going through the same thing.
He knew He would be betrayed, He knew He would be beaten and humiliated, and He knew He must die as an atonement, to God, for our sins. He knew all this and He over it.
Have you ever agonized over a decision or rationalized something with these words?
“Should I? Shouldn’t I?”
“Is there any other way this can be done?”
“I want to please you Lord, but this is very difficult!”
These are questions of commitment.
How committed was Christ to atone us, and be our substitution on the cross? How committed was Christ in following through, on His promise to His father? How committed was Christ to do what He did, knowing the pain and suffering He would undertake?
Christ tells Peter, James and John in verse 38;
“My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.”
How committed of a Christian are you? Do you agonize over things, or do you give into the temptation to turn away and run?
The underlining theme in the Garden, was temptation. Jesus knew His departure was drawing closer, and He knew the disciples would be all alone, with nothing but His teachings to guide them. He worried they would fall into temptation and flee, as predicted in Zechariah 13:7 and Mark 14:27;
“Strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter.”
Why was Jesus so preoccupied, as weather the disciples would scatter or not? Why was He worried about them, when His own life was coming to an end? Why was Jesus, so insistent, that the disciples should pray? Why was Jesus so concerned with what the disciples would do, when He knew what He must do; and He knew that time was coming?
Jesus told His disciples that night, and His message is conveyed to us today;
“Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will over power you. For, though, the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!”
The Garden of Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mount of Olives, is (both) the scene of agony and the place of victory. In submitting to God’s will, Jesus would be able to complete His mission of salvation, for God’s chosen people. This was Christ’s commitment to His father and to us.
When Jesus went to the Garden, He asked Peter, James and John to follow Him deeper into Gethsemane, while the rest of the disciples he left at the edge of the olive grove.
Back in Matthew 17, Peter, James and John had witnessed the Transfiguration of Christ, now they would have another glimpse at Christ’s true nature – being (both) fully human and fully divine.
It is easy to say we will endure anything for Christ, and yet most of us complain about the most minor things. When Peter, James and John pledged their commitment, Jesus knew they were about to face temptation in a huge manner. He knew that they could not survive (without assistance), for temptation could be their downfall of their discipleships. That is why He asked them, repeatedly, to pray.
But, Jesus had to leave them, for He also knew, that no other person on earth could pay the price and drink from the ‘Cup’ – so He must.
Because Jesus took on the sins of this world, some of the agony he experienced, might have been in reaction to these sins. When we sin we feel great guilt, anger and sadness. We feel isolated, alone, cast-out and worthless. We feel betrayed by ourselves, and we feel stupid in many ways. We feel like we can never do anything right, and everything we do is wrong. And most importantly, we feel separated from God and His love.
If Christ took on all of our sins, He might have been feeling and suffering from all these emotions – multiplied by all. He would have also been experiencing the rejection of the people He came to save. He would have felt absolutely alone. He would have felt like he couldn’t trust anyone. For He already knew that one of His own disciples would betray Him.
He would also be experiencing a lack of understanding sympathy from His own closest followers. They didn’t seem to understand what He was going through – Agreeing to die so others wouldn’t?
In verse 37, Jesus’ human side is revealed and we come to see Him as the suffering servant - he became anguished and distressed. It is only because He endured such great human agony and testing, that He can now strengthen us in our times of sorrow and temptation; He identifies with us, for, He knows earthly anguish.
This is a story of commitment, this is a story of a promise given, this is a story of integrity, agony and will. Sometimes we make promises we can’t or won’t keep. We tell someone, “Sure, I’ll do that for you” – secretly hoping that they will forget they asked us. We say ‘yes,’ actually meaning ‘no.’ This is lost commitment.
Christ made a commitment to His father when He came to earth. Christ knew how the story would go and He knew how it ended. But, as the time came nearer, His humanity surfaced and fear abound. He prayed for release.
Verse 39; “He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet, I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Was it Christ’s temptation to refuse the Will of God? For we know the disciples would be tempted to scatter and deny they knew Jesus at all. But, was Jesus really trying to get out of His assigned task? No!
Jesus simply expressed His true feelings, but did not deny or rebel against God’s will. He affirmed His desire to do what God wanted. His prayers, highlights the terrible suffering he had to endure – an agony so much more magnified, because He had to take on the sins of the whole world – with it. This ‘Cup’ was the agony of isolation from God, His Father, at the cross. For when Jesus died for our sins, He was temporarily separated from God, so that we could be eternally, connected and saved.
While praying, Jesus was aware of what doing the Father’s Will, would cost. His divine side understood the suffering He was about to encounter, and His human side did not want to endure that horrible experience. But, Jesus prayed, ‘not my will, but yours.’
Anything worth having, comes at some cost. What does your commitment to God cost you? Nothing? We must be willing to pay the price to gain what is priceless – which is eternal life.
In times of stress, trails and struggles, we are vulnerable to temptation, even if we have a willing spirit.
In verse 41, Jesus has this message for His disciples - and for us; “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
The way to overcome temptation is to keep alert and be aware of the possibilities, be sensitive to it’s details, and be spiritually equipped to fight it – everyday of your life. For temptation strikes where and when we least expect it, and when we don’t have the power to fight. Prayer is essential, because we can find God’s strength in our weaknesses – if we ask for His help.
In verse 42, Jesus prays;
“My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will, be done.”
3 times Jesus goes off (a little way), to pray. 3 times he returns to find the disciples sleeping – defenseless (against temptation). How tragic, it is, that many Christians act as if they are sound asleep, when it comes to devotion to Christ and service to Him. Don’t be fooled in thinking temptation is easy defeated, don’t be unprepared to do Christ’s work.
Temptation can be defeated if we; pray to God for help, seek support of Christian friends and loved ones, and focus on the purpose God has given you in your life.
In times of suffering and temptation, people often wish they knew the future, or they wish they could understand the reason for their anguish. Jesus knew what lay ahead of Him, and He knew the reason; even so, His struggle was intense, more wrenching than any struggle we will ever have to face. Knowing didn’t help, but added to His agony.
What does it take to be able to say; ‘not my will, but yours.’ It takes firm trust in God’s plans; it takes prayer, and its takes obedience each step of the way.
“Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more eagerly, and he was in such agony of spirit, that his sweat fell to the ground, like great drops of blood.”
Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane in an agony, He went in confused and bewildered, He went uncertain and afraid; But, He came out, strengthened and supported, He came out, at ease, with what must be done, He came out, with the victory won and with peace in His soul – for He had talked with God and God reaffirmed Him.
When Jesus’ agony was over, His peace was complete. He emerged with calmness and majesty, ready to face trail, physical death and redemption for man’s sin. His faith remained victorious, even though in a few short hours, He would die.
Be assured, as you experience the Passion and agony of this week, Sunday is approaching, and with it, comes the Splendor Of Easter.
All those who journey, soon or late,
Must pass within the garden gate;
Must kneel alone in darkness there,
And battle with some fierce despair.
God pity those who cannot say,
“Not mine, but thine,” who only pray,
“Let this Cup pass,” and cannot see,
The Purpose in Gethsemane.
How many times have you felt such agony?
How many times have you dropped to your knees, in total exhaustion?
How many times have you sweet drops of blood?
How many times have you showed the kind of committed that Jesus showed?
And, how many times, will you feel His agony, this week?
Jesus simply asks:
“Are you able to drink from the bitter Cup of sorrow, that I am about to drink?”
Let us pray;
Father God, as we travel this week of sorrow, and experience the events leading up to Friday, we can look beyond that day, in anticipation of the resurrection of Christ, this Easter Sunday. Amen.
Brian Reid, April 3, 2007
Ashmore Baptist Church
The Sycamore Tree
“You know, I’ve been in this Garden for many a millennia. In the winter I sleep, and dream of the spring, when I come alive, once again. I seek the warmth of the sun. I search the clear blue sky for the happy singers of joy. The birds, they fly while telling the story again and again. In this Garden, I, the Great Sycamore can only watch, but remember so well, what happened that day.”
Christ’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane is not the normal place to start, when we think of the events of the Passion Week. For this, happens Thursday evening, after the Last Supper. On this night, Jesus will be betrayed and arrested. On Friday, He will tried, convicted and crucified.
But, what about all those things that come before, His triumphant ride into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt, clearing the temple, and other events that build one upon another.
I wanted to start here! I wanted to talk about the agony that Christ experienced, and I wanted to talk about the agony that we, Christians, also suffer, all this week - every day, as we read and re-read and listen and listen again, to what our savior Christ went through for us. For we suffer, a different kind of agony…
As we think and remember what happen to Jesus this week, it’s hard to image, us, as committed Christians, us, going through the same thing.
He knew He would be betrayed, He knew He would be beaten and humiliated, and He knew He must die as an atonement, to God, for our sins. He knew all this and He over it.
Have you ever agonized over a decision or rationalized something with these words?
“Should I? Shouldn’t I?”
“Is there any other way this can be done?”
“I want to please you Lord, but this is very difficult!”
These are questions of commitment.
How committed was Christ to atone us, and be our substitution on the cross? How committed was Christ in following through, on His promise to His father? How committed was Christ to do what He did, knowing the pain and suffering He would undertake?
Christ tells Peter, James and John in verse 38;
“My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.”
How committed of a Christian are you? Do you agonize over things, or do you give into the temptation to turn away and run?
The underlining theme in the Garden, was temptation. Jesus knew His departure was drawing closer, and He knew the disciples would be all alone, with nothing but His teachings to guide them. He worried they would fall into temptation and flee, as predicted in Zechariah 13:7 and Mark 14:27;
“Strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter.”
Why was Jesus so preoccupied, as weather the disciples would scatter or not? Why was He worried about them, when His own life was coming to an end? Why was Jesus, so insistent, that the disciples should pray? Why was Jesus so concerned with what the disciples would do, when He knew what He must do; and He knew that time was coming?
Jesus told His disciples that night, and His message is conveyed to us today;
“Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will over power you. For, though, the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!”
The Garden of Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mount of Olives, is (both) the scene of agony and the place of victory. In submitting to God’s will, Jesus would be able to complete His mission of salvation, for God’s chosen people. This was Christ’s commitment to His father and to us.
When Jesus went to the Garden, He asked Peter, James and John to follow Him deeper into Gethsemane, while the rest of the disciples he left at the edge of the olive grove.
Back in Matthew 17, Peter, James and John had witnessed the Transfiguration of Christ, now they would have another glimpse at Christ’s true nature – being (both) fully human and fully divine.
It is easy to say we will endure anything for Christ, and yet most of us complain about the most minor things. When Peter, James and John pledged their commitment, Jesus knew they were about to face temptation in a huge manner. He knew that they could not survive (without assistance), for temptation could be their downfall of their discipleships. That is why He asked them, repeatedly, to pray.
But, Jesus had to leave them, for He also knew, that no other person on earth could pay the price and drink from the ‘Cup’ – so He must.
Because Jesus took on the sins of this world, some of the agony he experienced, might have been in reaction to these sins. When we sin we feel great guilt, anger and sadness. We feel isolated, alone, cast-out and worthless. We feel betrayed by ourselves, and we feel stupid in many ways. We feel like we can never do anything right, and everything we do is wrong. And most importantly, we feel separated from God and His love.
If Christ took on all of our sins, He might have been feeling and suffering from all these emotions – multiplied by all. He would have also been experiencing the rejection of the people He came to save. He would have felt absolutely alone. He would have felt like he couldn’t trust anyone. For He already knew that one of His own disciples would betray Him.
He would also be experiencing a lack of understanding sympathy from His own closest followers. They didn’t seem to understand what He was going through – Agreeing to die so others wouldn’t?
In verse 37, Jesus’ human side is revealed and we come to see Him as the suffering servant - he became anguished and distressed. It is only because He endured such great human agony and testing, that He can now strengthen us in our times of sorrow and temptation; He identifies with us, for, He knows earthly anguish.
This is a story of commitment, this is a story of a promise given, this is a story of integrity, agony and will. Sometimes we make promises we can’t or won’t keep. We tell someone, “Sure, I’ll do that for you” – secretly hoping that they will forget they asked us. We say ‘yes,’ actually meaning ‘no.’ This is lost commitment.
Christ made a commitment to His father when He came to earth. Christ knew how the story would go and He knew how it ended. But, as the time came nearer, His humanity surfaced and fear abound. He prayed for release.
Verse 39; “He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet, I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Was it Christ’s temptation to refuse the Will of God? For we know the disciples would be tempted to scatter and deny they knew Jesus at all. But, was Jesus really trying to get out of His assigned task? No!
Jesus simply expressed His true feelings, but did not deny or rebel against God’s will. He affirmed His desire to do what God wanted. His prayers, highlights the terrible suffering he had to endure – an agony so much more magnified, because He had to take on the sins of the whole world – with it. This ‘Cup’ was the agony of isolation from God, His Father, at the cross. For when Jesus died for our sins, He was temporarily separated from God, so that we could be eternally, connected and saved.
While praying, Jesus was aware of what doing the Father’s Will, would cost. His divine side understood the suffering He was about to encounter, and His human side did not want to endure that horrible experience. But, Jesus prayed, ‘not my will, but yours.’
Anything worth having, comes at some cost. What does your commitment to God cost you? Nothing? We must be willing to pay the price to gain what is priceless – which is eternal life.
In times of stress, trails and struggles, we are vulnerable to temptation, even if we have a willing spirit.
In verse 41, Jesus has this message for His disciples - and for us; “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
The way to overcome temptation is to keep alert and be aware of the possibilities, be sensitive to it’s details, and be spiritually equipped to fight it – everyday of your life. For temptation strikes where and when we least expect it, and when we don’t have the power to fight. Prayer is essential, because we can find God’s strength in our weaknesses – if we ask for His help.
In verse 42, Jesus prays;
“My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will, be done.”
3 times Jesus goes off (a little way), to pray. 3 times he returns to find the disciples sleeping – defenseless (against temptation). How tragic, it is, that many Christians act as if they are sound asleep, when it comes to devotion to Christ and service to Him. Don’t be fooled in thinking temptation is easy defeated, don’t be unprepared to do Christ’s work.
Temptation can be defeated if we; pray to God for help, seek support of Christian friends and loved ones, and focus on the purpose God has given you in your life.
In times of suffering and temptation, people often wish they knew the future, or they wish they could understand the reason for their anguish. Jesus knew what lay ahead of Him, and He knew the reason; even so, His struggle was intense, more wrenching than any struggle we will ever have to face. Knowing didn’t help, but added to His agony.
What does it take to be able to say; ‘not my will, but yours.’ It takes firm trust in God’s plans; it takes prayer, and its takes obedience each step of the way.
“Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more eagerly, and he was in such agony of spirit, that his sweat fell to the ground, like great drops of blood.”
Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane in an agony, He went in confused and bewildered, He went uncertain and afraid; But, He came out, strengthened and supported, He came out, at ease, with what must be done, He came out, with the victory won and with peace in His soul – for He had talked with God and God reaffirmed Him.
When Jesus’ agony was over, His peace was complete. He emerged with calmness and majesty, ready to face trail, physical death and redemption for man’s sin. His faith remained victorious, even though in a few short hours, He would die.
Be assured, as you experience the Passion and agony of this week, Sunday is approaching, and with it, comes the Splendor Of Easter.
All those who journey, soon or late,
Must pass within the garden gate;
Must kneel alone in darkness there,
And battle with some fierce despair.
God pity those who cannot say,
“Not mine, but thine,” who only pray,
“Let this Cup pass,” and cannot see,
The Purpose in Gethsemane.
How many times have you felt such agony?
How many times have you dropped to your knees, in total exhaustion?
How many times have you sweet drops of blood?
How many times have you showed the kind of committed that Jesus showed?
And, how many times, will you feel His agony, this week?
Jesus simply asks:
“Are you able to drink from the bitter Cup of sorrow, that I am about to drink?”
Let us pray;
Father God, as we travel this week of sorrow, and experience the events leading up to Friday, we can look beyond that day, in anticipation of the resurrection of Christ, this Easter Sunday. Amen.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
The Conversation
“The Ride”
I may be just a lowly donkey,
But I’m proud of what I’ve done.
To take Jesus through the city,
The Messiah has come.
They all shouted and they waved,
For me, not so much;
But because he had come,
To save us all, “Hosanna!”
The people screamed His name,
And they knew he was special.
Why after his ride,
Would they turn against him?
All this week I have struggled
I felt his agony
I know he has a job to do
To save us all, “Hosanna!”
The cheers were changed to jeers,
As they mocked him.
They taunted this great man,
And soon laugh at what had been done.
I may be just a lowly donkey,
But I’m proud of what I’ve done.
To take Jesus through the city,
The Messiah has come.
(Brian Reid, 2007)
Message: The Conversation
Greetings.
Greetings, fellow traveler.
Lovely day.
Yes, most glorious.
Are you here for the Passover Festival?
Oh, yes. But I am new to this area.
Where do you travel from?
Jericho; before that, many places – Canaan, Galilee, Bethlehem.
Seems like you travel a great amount.
I go where I am sent; I do what’s asked of me.
Not many can say that about their life
I like to think of myself as an example.
True, you are.
And you. What is it that you do?
Not so much. I do what I can with my limitations.
Limitations?
Yes, for my sight is not what it once was. I used to work with my hands, now, I only hold them out, for people to put coins in.
Your family?
I have no family, I am all alone.
Why are you here today?
The Passover Festival.
Is that all?
No, not really.
Tell me, son, why are you really in Jerusalem today?
I have come to see Him!
Him, who?
The one they call the Teacher.
Why would you want to see a teacher?
He’s more than a teacher. He is wonderful, counselor. He is called the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. He’s the Great Messiah, which has been prophesied for centuries!
Who is this man, what is his name?
“It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
And why are you so interested in Him?
Well, it’s not only me, all the rest of these people await a savior and a deliverer.
A savior and a deliverer, from what?
From a life of sin, from heartache and trails.
And the Messiah will save and deliver you?
Yes, he is sent from the Father God.
How do you know all this?
It is written in the Old Testament.
Where in the Old Testament?
Many places, Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy - for many people speak of the coming Messiah.
He is foretold?
Yes, by Moses, by the prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and David – and others – many knew he was coming.
How did they know?
Because God sent messages and signs, of His arrival, through the prophets and others.
How do you know all this if you cannot see to read?
I may not be able to see, but I listen. For the message is loud and clear – if you choose to hear it.
So, you are a believer?
Yes, I believe, and I have faith that one day I will meet the Great Messiah.
So, why are you here, today, in the City of Jerusalem?
It was prophesized that he would be here today and ride triumphantly into the city.
Where would you hear such a thing?
It is written in Zechariah 9:9;
“Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey – even a donkey’s colt.”
Why should the people rejoice? What is so triumphant of His entry into the city?
The Messiah wants to ride into Jerusalem in such way that there is no doubt that He is God’s Anointed King.
Why would He choose to do this?
When words are not listened to, actions send a clear message.
What message?
His entry into the city is to announce that His time had come for action.
But the people were expecting a great conqueror?
Yes, but Jesus is a messenger of peace. The prophecies tell us that the King of Israel would appear without pomp or ceremony.
Why a donkey – a colt no less?
The young colt, which no one has ridden, is a link and a reminder to our sacrificial system where we offer a clean, unspoiled offspring to our Lord. When the Messiah rides into the city, upon that donkey colt, He will be honoring and highlighting those offerings to God.
I don’t think I fully understand all of this.
When Jesus enters Jerusalem on that donkey colt, He will be affirming His Messiah Royalty, as well as His humility and humanity.
Are you saying that the Messiah can be both fully human and fully divine?
Yes, you are beginning to understand.
So it would seem.
I’m glad we talked.
Can you tell me about the Palm Branches?
Yes, as Jesus rides along the processional, the people will sing His praises and wave the branches, shouting; ‘Hosanna, Hosanna, save us now, Lord.’
What else does your prophecies predict?
The crowd will also shout; “Bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Bless the coming kingdom of our ancestor David. Praise God for the Son of David. Bless the one that comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory and praise in the highest heaven.”
Can you explain why He chooses to do this right here, right now?
God has had this planned for a long, long time. The coming Messiah, Jesus, has been foretold as far back as the time of Moses. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises from centuries ago.
Jesus’ ride will be a glorious act of defiance. It will be a breath-taking thing to witness this man, who has a heavy price on His head by the religious leaders of the day, to deliberately ride into the city in such a manner, that every eye will be fixed upon Him.
It will be His deliberate claim to be the King – the Great Messiah. He will ride on a donkey colt, and in Palestine, the lowly beast is noble. Only in war do kings ride upon such animals as horses. When a king comes in peace, they ride upon a donkey – for Jesus will come as Prince of Peace and the King of Love.
Pardon, my Lord, the donkey is ready. It’s time to begin the events of the week.
Who, where?
Young man, I have many things to do, I must leave you.
Are you the Messiah?
Come, let me touch you.
I don’t know what to say.
Say nothing, for you faith has healed your blindness.
Thank you, Lord.
Come with me and watch the parade.
How can I ever repay you?
Believe! Believe in what I will do this week!
(End)
Communion Preparation Song
Ray Boltz, "Watch The Lamb"
Walking on the road to Jerusalem, the time had come to sacrifice again.
My two small sons, they walk beside me on the road,
The reason that they came, was to watch the lamb.
And they said, “daddy, daddy, what will we see there?
There's so much that we don't understand.”
So I told them of Moses and father Abraham,
Then I said “dear children watch the lamb.
There will be so many in Jerusalem today, we must be sure the lamb doesn't run away.”
And I told them of Moses and father Abraham,
Then I said, “dear children watch the lamb.”
When we reached the city, I knew something must be wrong,
There were no joyful worshipers, no joyful worship songs.
And I stood there with my children, in the midst of angry men,
Then I heard the crowd cry out, “Let's crucify Him!”
We tried to leave the city, but we could not get away,
Forced to play in this drama, a part I did not wish to play.
Why upon this day, were men condemned to die,
Why were we standing here, where soon they would pass by.
I looked and said, “even now they come,"
The first one cried for mercy, the people gave him none,
The second one was violent, and he was arrogant and loud.
I still recall his angry voice, screaming at the crowd.
Then someone said “there's Jesus,” I scarce believed my eyes,
A man so badly beaten, he barely looked alive.
Blood poured from His body, from the thorns upon His brow,
Running down the cross, falling to the ground.
I watched as He struggled, I watched Him when He fell,
The cross came down upon His back.
The crowd began to yell.
In that moment I felt such agony, in that moment I felt such loss,
‘Till a Roman soldier grabbed my arm and screamed, “You, carry His cross!”
At first I tried to resist him, then his hand reached for his sword,
So I knelt down and took, the cross from the Lord.
I put it on my shoulder, and we started down the street,
The blood that he'd been shedding, was running down my cheek.
They led us to Golgotha.
They drove nails, deep in His feet and hands,
Yet upon the cross I heard Him pray
“Father, please forgive them.”
Never have I seen such love, in any other eyes,
“Into thy hands, I commit my spirit”
He prayed, and then He died.
I stood for what seemed like years, I'd lost all sense of time,
Until I felt two little hands, holding tight to mine.
My children stood there weeping, I heard the oldest say,
“Father please forgive us, the lamb ran away.
Daddy, daddy, what have we seen here today?
There's so much that we don't understand,”
So I took them in my arms,
And we turned and faced the cross,
Then I said “Dear children, watch the lamb.”
(End)
Holy Communion
The Call to the Lord’s Supper
You, who truly and earnestly repent of your sins, who have love and concern for your neighbors, who intend to lead a life worthy of Christ – draw near with reverence, with faith and with thanksgiving, and take the Supper of the Lord to your comfort.
Come to this sacred table, not because you must, but because you can. Come to testify, not that you are righteous, but that you sincerely love your Lord, and desire to be His true disciples. Come, not because in your frailty and sin you stand in constant need of heaven’s mercy and help, not to express an opinion, but to seek a Presence and pray for a Spirit.
And now that the Supper of the Lord is spread before you, lift your minds and hearts above all selfish fears and cares. Let this Bread and Cup, be to you, the witness and signs of the grace of our Lord, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
The Invitation
We have come together today, in obedience to our Lord’s command, to share the Lord’s Supper. We invite all who love the Lord, who have repented of sin, and who have decided to follow Christ in newness of life, to come to this Table. To its blessing and fellowship, all disciples of the Lord, who confessed Him before people and wish to serve Him, may come. This not our table, but the Table of our Lord.
Before the throne of the heavenly Father, and the Cross of the Redeemer, pray for strength, to know, and do, the Holy Will of God. May your confessions of sins be genuine, as you dedicate your lives to Christian obedience and service.
Prayer of Confession and Thanksgiving
Isaiah 44:22
“To the children of faith, God has said, I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist: return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
Let Us Pray;
Dear Lord,
Please forgive us of our sins and set us free from them;
We confess to the sin of pride,
We confess to the sin of envy,
We confess to the sin of anger,
We confess to the sin of self-indulgence,
We confess to the sin of impurity,
We confess to the sin of anxiety,
and, We confess to the sin of not trusting you.
We thank you for your love, mercy and grace.
Forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Amen.
The Institution of the Bread
“The Lord Jesus, on the night when He was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said; This is my body, that is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
“Let us eat this Bread in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice for us.”
The Institution of the Cup
“In the same way, He took the cup also, after supper, saying, This Cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this Bread and drink this Cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death, until He comes again.”
“Jesus said, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for the many for the forgiveness of sins. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.”
The Benediction
“And so, into God gracious keeping we would commit each other. May the Lord make His face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us. May the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon us, and give us peace.”
Blessing upon you all, and Amen.
I may be just a lowly donkey,
But I’m proud of what I’ve done.
To take Jesus through the city,
The Messiah has come.
They all shouted and they waved,
For me, not so much;
But because he had come,
To save us all, “Hosanna!”
The people screamed His name,
And they knew he was special.
Why after his ride,
Would they turn against him?
All this week I have struggled
I felt his agony
I know he has a job to do
To save us all, “Hosanna!”
The cheers were changed to jeers,
As they mocked him.
They taunted this great man,
And soon laugh at what had been done.
I may be just a lowly donkey,
But I’m proud of what I’ve done.
To take Jesus through the city,
The Messiah has come.
(Brian Reid, 2007)
Message: The Conversation
Greetings.
Greetings, fellow traveler.
Lovely day.
Yes, most glorious.
Are you here for the Passover Festival?
Oh, yes. But I am new to this area.
Where do you travel from?
Jericho; before that, many places – Canaan, Galilee, Bethlehem.
Seems like you travel a great amount.
I go where I am sent; I do what’s asked of me.
Not many can say that about their life
I like to think of myself as an example.
True, you are.
And you. What is it that you do?
Not so much. I do what I can with my limitations.
Limitations?
Yes, for my sight is not what it once was. I used to work with my hands, now, I only hold them out, for people to put coins in.
Your family?
I have no family, I am all alone.
Why are you here today?
The Passover Festival.
Is that all?
No, not really.
Tell me, son, why are you really in Jerusalem today?
I have come to see Him!
Him, who?
The one they call the Teacher.
Why would you want to see a teacher?
He’s more than a teacher. He is wonderful, counselor. He is called the Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. He’s the Great Messiah, which has been prophesied for centuries!
Who is this man, what is his name?
“It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
And why are you so interested in Him?
Well, it’s not only me, all the rest of these people await a savior and a deliverer.
A savior and a deliverer, from what?
From a life of sin, from heartache and trails.
And the Messiah will save and deliver you?
Yes, he is sent from the Father God.
How do you know all this?
It is written in the Old Testament.
Where in the Old Testament?
Many places, Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy - for many people speak of the coming Messiah.
He is foretold?
Yes, by Moses, by the prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and David – and others – many knew he was coming.
How did they know?
Because God sent messages and signs, of His arrival, through the prophets and others.
How do you know all this if you cannot see to read?
I may not be able to see, but I listen. For the message is loud and clear – if you choose to hear it.
So, you are a believer?
Yes, I believe, and I have faith that one day I will meet the Great Messiah.
So, why are you here, today, in the City of Jerusalem?
It was prophesized that he would be here today and ride triumphantly into the city.
Where would you hear such a thing?
It is written in Zechariah 9:9;
“Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey – even a donkey’s colt.”
Why should the people rejoice? What is so triumphant of His entry into the city?
The Messiah wants to ride into Jerusalem in such way that there is no doubt that He is God’s Anointed King.
Why would He choose to do this?
When words are not listened to, actions send a clear message.
What message?
His entry into the city is to announce that His time had come for action.
But the people were expecting a great conqueror?
Yes, but Jesus is a messenger of peace. The prophecies tell us that the King of Israel would appear without pomp or ceremony.
Why a donkey – a colt no less?
The young colt, which no one has ridden, is a link and a reminder to our sacrificial system where we offer a clean, unspoiled offspring to our Lord. When the Messiah rides into the city, upon that donkey colt, He will be honoring and highlighting those offerings to God.
I don’t think I fully understand all of this.
When Jesus enters Jerusalem on that donkey colt, He will be affirming His Messiah Royalty, as well as His humility and humanity.
Are you saying that the Messiah can be both fully human and fully divine?
Yes, you are beginning to understand.
So it would seem.
I’m glad we talked.
Can you tell me about the Palm Branches?
Yes, as Jesus rides along the processional, the people will sing His praises and wave the branches, shouting; ‘Hosanna, Hosanna, save us now, Lord.’
What else does your prophecies predict?
The crowd will also shout; “Bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Bless the coming kingdom of our ancestor David. Praise God for the Son of David. Bless the one that comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory and praise in the highest heaven.”
Can you explain why He chooses to do this right here, right now?
God has had this planned for a long, long time. The coming Messiah, Jesus, has been foretold as far back as the time of Moses. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises from centuries ago.
Jesus’ ride will be a glorious act of defiance. It will be a breath-taking thing to witness this man, who has a heavy price on His head by the religious leaders of the day, to deliberately ride into the city in such a manner, that every eye will be fixed upon Him.
It will be His deliberate claim to be the King – the Great Messiah. He will ride on a donkey colt, and in Palestine, the lowly beast is noble. Only in war do kings ride upon such animals as horses. When a king comes in peace, they ride upon a donkey – for Jesus will come as Prince of Peace and the King of Love.
Pardon, my Lord, the donkey is ready. It’s time to begin the events of the week.
Who, where?
Young man, I have many things to do, I must leave you.
Are you the Messiah?
Come, let me touch you.
I don’t know what to say.
Say nothing, for you faith has healed your blindness.
Thank you, Lord.
Come with me and watch the parade.
How can I ever repay you?
Believe! Believe in what I will do this week!
(End)
Communion Preparation Song
Ray Boltz, "Watch The Lamb"
Walking on the road to Jerusalem, the time had come to sacrifice again.
My two small sons, they walk beside me on the road,
The reason that they came, was to watch the lamb.
And they said, “daddy, daddy, what will we see there?
There's so much that we don't understand.”
So I told them of Moses and father Abraham,
Then I said “dear children watch the lamb.
There will be so many in Jerusalem today, we must be sure the lamb doesn't run away.”
And I told them of Moses and father Abraham,
Then I said, “dear children watch the lamb.”
When we reached the city, I knew something must be wrong,
There were no joyful worshipers, no joyful worship songs.
And I stood there with my children, in the midst of angry men,
Then I heard the crowd cry out, “Let's crucify Him!”
We tried to leave the city, but we could not get away,
Forced to play in this drama, a part I did not wish to play.
Why upon this day, were men condemned to die,
Why were we standing here, where soon they would pass by.
I looked and said, “even now they come,"
The first one cried for mercy, the people gave him none,
The second one was violent, and he was arrogant and loud.
I still recall his angry voice, screaming at the crowd.
Then someone said “there's Jesus,” I scarce believed my eyes,
A man so badly beaten, he barely looked alive.
Blood poured from His body, from the thorns upon His brow,
Running down the cross, falling to the ground.
I watched as He struggled, I watched Him when He fell,
The cross came down upon His back.
The crowd began to yell.
In that moment I felt such agony, in that moment I felt such loss,
‘Till a Roman soldier grabbed my arm and screamed, “You, carry His cross!”
At first I tried to resist him, then his hand reached for his sword,
So I knelt down and took, the cross from the Lord.
I put it on my shoulder, and we started down the street,
The blood that he'd been shedding, was running down my cheek.
They led us to Golgotha.
They drove nails, deep in His feet and hands,
Yet upon the cross I heard Him pray
“Father, please forgive them.”
Never have I seen such love, in any other eyes,
“Into thy hands, I commit my spirit”
He prayed, and then He died.
I stood for what seemed like years, I'd lost all sense of time,
Until I felt two little hands, holding tight to mine.
My children stood there weeping, I heard the oldest say,
“Father please forgive us, the lamb ran away.
Daddy, daddy, what have we seen here today?
There's so much that we don't understand,”
So I took them in my arms,
And we turned and faced the cross,
Then I said “Dear children, watch the lamb.”
(End)
Holy Communion
The Call to the Lord’s Supper
You, who truly and earnestly repent of your sins, who have love and concern for your neighbors, who intend to lead a life worthy of Christ – draw near with reverence, with faith and with thanksgiving, and take the Supper of the Lord to your comfort.
Come to this sacred table, not because you must, but because you can. Come to testify, not that you are righteous, but that you sincerely love your Lord, and desire to be His true disciples. Come, not because in your frailty and sin you stand in constant need of heaven’s mercy and help, not to express an opinion, but to seek a Presence and pray for a Spirit.
And now that the Supper of the Lord is spread before you, lift your minds and hearts above all selfish fears and cares. Let this Bread and Cup, be to you, the witness and signs of the grace of our Lord, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
The Invitation
We have come together today, in obedience to our Lord’s command, to share the Lord’s Supper. We invite all who love the Lord, who have repented of sin, and who have decided to follow Christ in newness of life, to come to this Table. To its blessing and fellowship, all disciples of the Lord, who confessed Him before people and wish to serve Him, may come. This not our table, but the Table of our Lord.
Before the throne of the heavenly Father, and the Cross of the Redeemer, pray for strength, to know, and do, the Holy Will of God. May your confessions of sins be genuine, as you dedicate your lives to Christian obedience and service.
Prayer of Confession and Thanksgiving
Isaiah 44:22
“To the children of faith, God has said, I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist: return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
Let Us Pray;
Dear Lord,
Please forgive us of our sins and set us free from them;
We confess to the sin of pride,
We confess to the sin of envy,
We confess to the sin of anger,
We confess to the sin of self-indulgence,
We confess to the sin of impurity,
We confess to the sin of anxiety,
and, We confess to the sin of not trusting you.
We thank you for your love, mercy and grace.
Forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Amen.
The Institution of the Bread
“The Lord Jesus, on the night when He was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said; This is my body, that is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
“Let us eat this Bread in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice for us.”
The Institution of the Cup
“In the same way, He took the cup also, after supper, saying, This Cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this Bread and drink this Cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death, until He comes again.”
“Jesus said, This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for the many for the forgiveness of sins. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.”
The Benediction
“And so, into God gracious keeping we would commit each other. May the Lord make His face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us. May the Lord lift up the light of His countenance upon us, and give us peace.”
Blessing upon you all, and Amen.
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