This was a fun study to complete and of course, it could have gone on and on. The verse from the first day of my Communion study really inspired me. The New Covenant is the major theme of the New Testament. The hours before Jesus crucifixion is called the Passion. I think back to that old Mel Gibson movie about the Passion. I know the next time I take Communion the meaning will be greater, my gratitude will be larger, and my ability to quickly forgive another will have grown...hopefully. Communion should not become an Old Testament-like ritual. All too often it is something I just do. My desire is Communion becomes who I am
Luke 22:20) In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
I wrote the above paragraph a few days ago when I completed my Communion study. It's a funny thing because we took Communion today at church! So let me explain what happened. Saturday night was a particularly difficult evening. I will not go into details, but let me just explain that something REALLY bothered and frustrated me. Something that I cannot change no matter what I do. Actually, I am doing all the right things, all the things my compounding pharmacist and his assistant (if you have read other entries you will understand how important the relationship is with these two) are telling me to do. The only instructions I can't seem to follow are the ones that say "be patient." Have you ever been so frustrated you just sat and cried your eyes out? I was there last night. Let me just add a plug for my gracious, Godly, and ever-so-loving friends...you all are amazing! Oh and David, he's just...well, a gift from God. When I get frustrated I get angry. Here is a great definition of 'frustration' from dictionary.com.
Frustration- a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems.
When I get frustrated I not only get angry, but I get anxious or down because it APPEARS the situation will never change. It APPEARS my needs are not being met and my problem will never be resolved. This is why I get angry. I feel hung out to dry. I feel deserted or even betrayed. With my situation only God can change it. Not me, not another person, no one. Heck, I am even doing all the things I am supposed to be doing. When I was brutally honest with myself last night, I was holding this issue against God. He is the only one who can work this out and it APPEARS He is not. So how does this factor into my Communion experience? Let me explain.
Matthew 5:23-24) Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift.
Matthew 6:14-15) "If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins."
As I sat blankly through worship time this morning I felt numb. There was no fire within me. Then Pastor Bobby started the sermon on...worship. One thing I will say about Bobby if you have never heard him is this, he tells it like it is. If you want to feel frilly and fluffy when you leave church Journey is not the place for you. He strips you down and makes you take a good, hard look at yourself. As he spoke (and the Lord too) I realized I was frustrated at God. I was exhausted and just really frustrated at God. I would even go as far as to say I was holding a grudge against Him. I struggle with thinking how I feel or how things appears is reality when actually, it is not. Just because it appears He is not working or not working quick enough for me does not mean that is really true. So basing all my worship on how I feel is really ridiculous. I was reminded this morning that worship is not just singing. True worship is making God big in everything. I worship Him with my everyday attitude and especially my attitude when it comes to my struggles. I can worship Him in how I handle this situation...with the words I speak and the thoughts I have.
Then Bobby said it was time for Communion. Oh boy. So I thought back to the study I have posted on here and thought through the list I had made. I could not come up with the right words because I felt numb and my frustration lingered from the night before. Then I decided to sit humbly in front of Him just worshiping. No words. I just pictured myself right there bowed down before Him. Interestingly, I never see God, but rather a huge bright light. As the time for Communion came and went I had another thought. The two verses in Matthew came to me. Was it possible that I needed to deal with my grudge against God before I took Communion? I think so. The two verses in Matthew are talking about relations with another human and being angry with them. It is talking about unforgiveness. How can I consume Communion in the spirit I am supposed to if I will not forgive another? Communion is about gratitude for Christ's death on the cross relinquishing me of my sins. I should have applied the above verses to my relationship with God. Granted He never does anything to harm me, but my perception is He does. My perception is skewed.
Remember I said I felt numb during worship (singing) and could not find the words to use during my quiet time just before Communion? I was upset with God. What I should have said while I bowed before the Light was this, "You are God and I am not." Fortunately for me, it is not too late for me to say this even though Communion time has come and gone. I said this as I wrote this blog and will probably need to say it a whole bunch more before the mentioned situation is resolved.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Contemplating Communion, Part 4
Today we will dig into another reason we are to celebrate Communion, and take it very seriously.
Of the list I have composed thus far, I have taken each one for granted. I take for granted that the Holy Spirit operates in a far wider capacity under the New Covenant and I slack on the fact that I am a minister of this covenant. I feel very far removed from having to offer animal sacrifice or having a priest do it for me. The far out rules of the Law seems archaic to me and I often do not value the freedom I have as a follower of Jesus Christ. The next reason I give regarding Communion really hit me between the eyes. So here goes...
As a follower of Jesus Christ we have direct access to God. God! Any time I want I can talk to Him which, incidentally, does not happen enough. Talking about taking something for granted. I can talk to God ANYTIME I want and often find myself too busy or distracted. Are you kidding me?! If a person in the Old Testament wanted to talk to God they had to jump through some major hoops. Remember reading about ceremonial laws yesterday? Enter them now.
In Israel there was a particular temple that held great significance. The Temple was the hub of activity. Here the Law of Moses was carried out and where animal sacrifices were given. It was a holy place which is why Jesus was so angry about the tax collectors being there. People had turned it into a commercial marketplace (see Matthew 21:12). I wonder if you could even buy a goat that could be used for sacrifice. I wonder if these goats were priced very high because the sellers knew people needed them badly.
In the temple was a veil. This veil separated the Holy of Holies from man. The Holy of Holies was God's earthly dwelling place. It separated a sinless God from depraved man. Actually there was even a second curtain separating the Most Holy Place. Hebrews 1:1-9 discusses the details of the Temple and is certainly worth reading in it's entirety. Even with the rules and sacrifices it was not enough for man to enter this holy place. Sin separated people from God EVEN with the blood sacrifices. Once a year the high priest could pass through the veil to the inner room.
Hebrews 9:3) There was a tent behind the second curtain called the holy of holies.
Hebrews 9:7) But only the high priest enters the second tent once a year. He never does this without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people committed in ignorance.
Hebrews 9:9) This is a symbol for the present time. It shows that the gifts and sacrifices that are being offered can't perfect the conscience of the one who is serving.
The Temple and the veil were real things. This is not figurative. The first temple (Solomon's Temple) was destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 B.C. then a second temple was built in 516 B.C., renovated by Herod the Great in 19, and was destroyed in 70 by the Romans. Kings and Chronicles are two chapters that give details of the Temple, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. The Bible is such a rich history book! The Dome of the Rock stands where Herod's Temple once stood.
Acts 17:24) God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands...
When Jesus Christ took His last breath the veil was ripped in two. The dividing wall was removed. Now believers in Jesus Christ had direct access to God. He bridged the gap. It was the ultimate intercessory. No longer was a priest needed to sacrifice animals. Now there was a way to God, a way that cleansed the conscience of a repentant sinner. Hebrews 9:9 tells us the offering could not cleanse the conscience and I would dare to say ease the pain of guilt. The blood of animals was never enough, but Jesus sacrificial blood was enough, then and now.
Matthew 27:50-51) Again Jesus cried out with a loud shout. Then He died. Look, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split...
I'll close with the lyrics to one of my all-time favorite songs. PLEASE look up MercyMe on iTunes and download the song "All of Creation."
Separated until the veil was torn
The moment that hope was born
and guilt was pardoned once and for all
Captivated but no longer bound by chains
left at an empty grave
the sinner and the sacred resolved
and all of creation sing with me now
lift up your voice
and lay your burden down and all of creation sing with me now
fill up the heavens let his glory resound
Time has faded and we see him face to face
every doubt erased forever we will worship the king
Separated until the veil was torn
The moment that hope was born
and guilt was pardoned once and for all
the reason we breathe is to sing of his glory
and for all he has done praise the father praise the son and the spirit in one
Separated until the veil was torn
The moment that hope was born
and guilt was pardoned once and for all
Separated until the veil was torn
The moment that hope was born
and guilt was pardoned once and for all
and every knee will bow oh and every tongue praise the Father praise
the Son and the Spirit in one
Of the list I have composed thus far, I have taken each one for granted. I take for granted that the Holy Spirit operates in a far wider capacity under the New Covenant and I slack on the fact that I am a minister of this covenant. I feel very far removed from having to offer animal sacrifice or having a priest do it for me. The far out rules of the Law seems archaic to me and I often do not value the freedom I have as a follower of Jesus Christ. The next reason I give regarding Communion really hit me between the eyes. So here goes...
As a follower of Jesus Christ we have direct access to God. God! Any time I want I can talk to Him which, incidentally, does not happen enough. Talking about taking something for granted. I can talk to God ANYTIME I want and often find myself too busy or distracted. Are you kidding me?! If a person in the Old Testament wanted to talk to God they had to jump through some major hoops. Remember reading about ceremonial laws yesterday? Enter them now.
In Israel there was a particular temple that held great significance. The Temple was the hub of activity. Here the Law of Moses was carried out and where animal sacrifices were given. It was a holy place which is why Jesus was so angry about the tax collectors being there. People had turned it into a commercial marketplace (see Matthew 21:12). I wonder if you could even buy a goat that could be used for sacrifice. I wonder if these goats were priced very high because the sellers knew people needed them badly.
In the temple was a veil. This veil separated the Holy of Holies from man. The Holy of Holies was God's earthly dwelling place. It separated a sinless God from depraved man. Actually there was even a second curtain separating the Most Holy Place. Hebrews 1:1-9 discusses the details of the Temple and is certainly worth reading in it's entirety. Even with the rules and sacrifices it was not enough for man to enter this holy place. Sin separated people from God EVEN with the blood sacrifices. Once a year the high priest could pass through the veil to the inner room.
Hebrews 9:3) There was a tent behind the second curtain called the holy of holies.
Hebrews 9:7) But only the high priest enters the second tent once a year. He never does this without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people committed in ignorance.
Hebrews 9:9) This is a symbol for the present time. It shows that the gifts and sacrifices that are being offered can't perfect the conscience of the one who is serving.
The Temple and the veil were real things. This is not figurative. The first temple (Solomon's Temple) was destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 B.C. then a second temple was built in 516 B.C., renovated by Herod the Great in 19, and was destroyed in 70 by the Romans. Kings and Chronicles are two chapters that give details of the Temple, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. The Bible is such a rich history book! The Dome of the Rock stands where Herod's Temple once stood.
Acts 17:24) God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands...
When Jesus Christ took His last breath the veil was ripped in two. The dividing wall was removed. Now believers in Jesus Christ had direct access to God. He bridged the gap. It was the ultimate intercessory. No longer was a priest needed to sacrifice animals. Now there was a way to God, a way that cleansed the conscience of a repentant sinner. Hebrews 9:9 tells us the offering could not cleanse the conscience and I would dare to say ease the pain of guilt. The blood of animals was never enough, but Jesus sacrificial blood was enough, then and now.
Matthew 27:50-51) Again Jesus cried out with a loud shout. Then He died. Look, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split...
I'll close with the lyrics to one of my all-time favorite songs. PLEASE look up MercyMe on iTunes and download the song "All of Creation."
Separated until the veil was torn
The moment that hope was born
and guilt was pardoned once and for all
Captivated but no longer bound by chains
left at an empty grave
the sinner and the sacred resolved
and all of creation sing with me now
lift up your voice
and lay your burden down and all of creation sing with me now
fill up the heavens let his glory resound
Time has faded and we see him face to face
every doubt erased forever we will worship the king
Separated until the veil was torn
The moment that hope was born
and guilt was pardoned once and for all
the reason we breathe is to sing of his glory
and for all he has done praise the father praise the son and the spirit in one
Separated until the veil was torn
The moment that hope was born
and guilt was pardoned once and for all
Separated until the veil was torn
The moment that hope was born
and guilt was pardoned once and for all
and every knee will bow oh and every tongue praise the Father praise
the Son and the Spirit in one
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Contemplating Communion, Part 3
Let's jump right in and look at some more reasons that make Communion awesome!
As New Testament believers we are no longer bound to the Law. I had always heard "The Law" mentioned in church growing up, but never really understood it until I got older and really educated myself on what it is and what it meant to Old Testament believers. Having an understanding of it also sheds light on the wonderful sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I think of the laws of the Old Testament being broken down into two categories. Nowhere in the Bible does it do this, but it is just my way of making sense of them.
The moral law is just that, laws based on what our actions for living should and should not be. The Law was full of such ordinances. There are similarities to the Old Testament moral laws and the rules Jesus Christ laid out for us. These rules are meant for our own good. I have heard people say they do not want to come to Christ because of all the rules and regulations. God takes all the fun of life away. Interestingly enough when I really got serious about my faith walk I felt tremendous freedom. There were rules in the Old Testament also that were meant for the people's welfare. The best example of Old Testament moral laws are the Ten Commandments. The moral law is meant to highlight the depravity of the fallen man and does not point people to the forgiveness that is in Jesus Christ. We are no longer under the Law, but there is still a moral code we are to follow according to the principles of the Bible. Are we bound by the Ten Commandments since that is an Old Testament law? Great question. I will never pretend to know all the answers. I believe the principles contained in the Ten Commandments are also touched on in the New Testament, therefore, it is wise to follow the Ten Commandments. I believe the Ten Commandments are binding now.
2 Timothy 3:16-17) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.
Romans 6:15) What, then? Shall we sin, because we are not under Law but under God's grace? By no means!
Ceremonial laws touch on the rules of sacrifices and ceremonies. There are instructions for the 'unclean' and how to become clean. We talked a lot about animal sacrifice yesterday. These rules were included in the ceremonial laws. I quoted a verse yesterday about how the priest could enter into the Most Holy Place. This would be a ceremonial law. There were instructions on what animals you could and could not eat and what one had to do to be able to approach God. There were rules used to separate Israelites from the pagans (Gentiles). A Jew could not wear clothes made of linen mixed with wool. Circumcision and rules of the Sabbath were ceremonial laws. Even today there are differing opinions on portions of the law and if they should still be observed. For example, some think there is still a Sabbath and others do not. To me, if keeping the Sabbath means your able to love God and others in a deeper and more meaningful manner then by all means do it. Unfortunately, Sunday has become just another day of the week and people do not really take a rest day. We all need rest days. Days that we unplug and really focus on the Lord. I'm getting off topic. Surprise, right?!
Galatians 3:23-25) But before the time for faith came, the Law kept us all locked up as prisoners until this coming faith should be revealed. And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith. Now that the time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us.
Now that I think about it, there were also laws directed at civility. I think of these as the traffic-type laws of our time. Okay, so maybe there are three categories! Maybe I'll call this section the law laws! These laws represent the civil code. Included in this section would be laws on what happens to people caught in adultery or those who murder. These laws were for regulating the Nation of Israel. For example, those guilty of sexual sin were stoned. Life in the Old Testament was brutal!
Romans 6:14) Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace.
I am by no means a Biblical scholar and I certainly do not have all the answers. My intention of categorizing different parts of the Old Testament Law is for you (and me) to see how complicated life was in the Old Testament. Life revolved around the keeping of these laws. We have all heard the term 'legalism.' Being legalistic involves emphasizing a system of rules and regulations and believing that strict adherence to the rules and regulations provides both salvation and spiritual growth. Legalism is a great detriment to Christianity. We are to be truthful and graceful just as Jesus was. The covenant of the blood has provided tremendous freedom from all the rules and regulations of the Old Covenant. So the next time we take Communion let's take a minute to thank God for FREEDOM in Christ!
As New Testament believers we are no longer bound to the Law. I had always heard "The Law" mentioned in church growing up, but never really understood it until I got older and really educated myself on what it is and what it meant to Old Testament believers. Having an understanding of it also sheds light on the wonderful sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I think of the laws of the Old Testament being broken down into two categories. Nowhere in the Bible does it do this, but it is just my way of making sense of them.
The moral law is just that, laws based on what our actions for living should and should not be. The Law was full of such ordinances. There are similarities to the Old Testament moral laws and the rules Jesus Christ laid out for us. These rules are meant for our own good. I have heard people say they do not want to come to Christ because of all the rules and regulations. God takes all the fun of life away. Interestingly enough when I really got serious about my faith walk I felt tremendous freedom. There were rules in the Old Testament also that were meant for the people's welfare. The best example of Old Testament moral laws are the Ten Commandments. The moral law is meant to highlight the depravity of the fallen man and does not point people to the forgiveness that is in Jesus Christ. We are no longer under the Law, but there is still a moral code we are to follow according to the principles of the Bible. Are we bound by the Ten Commandments since that is an Old Testament law? Great question. I will never pretend to know all the answers. I believe the principles contained in the Ten Commandments are also touched on in the New Testament, therefore, it is wise to follow the Ten Commandments. I believe the Ten Commandments are binding now.
2 Timothy 3:16-17) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.
Romans 6:15) What, then? Shall we sin, because we are not under Law but under God's grace? By no means!
Ceremonial laws touch on the rules of sacrifices and ceremonies. There are instructions for the 'unclean' and how to become clean. We talked a lot about animal sacrifice yesterday. These rules were included in the ceremonial laws. I quoted a verse yesterday about how the priest could enter into the Most Holy Place. This would be a ceremonial law. There were instructions on what animals you could and could not eat and what one had to do to be able to approach God. There were rules used to separate Israelites from the pagans (Gentiles). A Jew could not wear clothes made of linen mixed with wool. Circumcision and rules of the Sabbath were ceremonial laws. Even today there are differing opinions on portions of the law and if they should still be observed. For example, some think there is still a Sabbath and others do not. To me, if keeping the Sabbath means your able to love God and others in a deeper and more meaningful manner then by all means do it. Unfortunately, Sunday has become just another day of the week and people do not really take a rest day. We all need rest days. Days that we unplug and really focus on the Lord. I'm getting off topic. Surprise, right?!
Galatians 3:23-25) But before the time for faith came, the Law kept us all locked up as prisoners until this coming faith should be revealed. And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith. Now that the time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us.
Now that I think about it, there were also laws directed at civility. I think of these as the traffic-type laws of our time. Okay, so maybe there are three categories! Maybe I'll call this section the law laws! These laws represent the civil code. Included in this section would be laws on what happens to people caught in adultery or those who murder. These laws were for regulating the Nation of Israel. For example, those guilty of sexual sin were stoned. Life in the Old Testament was brutal!
Romans 6:14) Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace.
I am by no means a Biblical scholar and I certainly do not have all the answers. My intention of categorizing different parts of the Old Testament Law is for you (and me) to see how complicated life was in the Old Testament. Life revolved around the keeping of these laws. We have all heard the term 'legalism.' Being legalistic involves emphasizing a system of rules and regulations and believing that strict adherence to the rules and regulations provides both salvation and spiritual growth. Legalism is a great detriment to Christianity. We are to be truthful and graceful just as Jesus was. The covenant of the blood has provided tremendous freedom from all the rules and regulations of the Old Covenant. So the next time we take Communion let's take a minute to thank God for FREEDOM in Christ!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Comtemplating Communion, Part 2
I first want to say thank you to my Bible study girls! We are studying a Joyce Meyer book together and it's a great study. The book is title Be Anxious for Nothing and it gives you practical tips on how to really live a worry-free life. Yes it can be done we are learning. We are learning to not fly off the handle when something happens that throws us off. Joyce calls it a wild-spirit.
Funny story regarding flying off the handle...I was getting ready to head over to my friend Kim's house this morning for our study. She just lives down the street which is awesome! I look down and notice my wedding ring is gone! I FREAK OUT! Here is a little background to my wedding ring. As you all know, my mom passed away of cancer last February. My father gave me her wedding ring which I cherish. For a gift my father and David let me design a new ring using the diamonds from my wedding ring, my engagement ring, and my mom's ring. It was completed in November and words do not do it justice. It literally takes my breath away for not only what it looks like but the meaning behind it. Not that losing ANY wedding ring would be good, but my mom's diamonds cannot be replaced. I mean I freak out, I start bawling and my heart is racing. I call Kim crying saying I will be late because I lost my ring. I had been at the gym, Eli's school, and Wal-Mart this morning so it could be anywhere! She calmly talks me down. As I'm talking and running around my house I find it in a very odd place on my bathroom vanity. I definitely had that wild-spirit Joyce mentions in our book!
Back to Communion! Here are a few more interesting reasons why Communion is so important. I used to think the Old Testament was so hard to study and really not worth reading. I said that out loud. I just did not get it. Pairing it with the New Testament is very important. Looking at the transition from old to new with the shedding of Christ' blood is necessary.
The Old Testament is full of stories about animal sacrifices. Being the animal lover that I am I was always greatly impacted by the stories. I mean I can only eat meat if it's chicken and I know it's organic, raised humanely not in cages, fed a vegetarian diet, etc. You get my point. The blood from the animals was used for consecration. Consecration means to make sacred or to dedicate for some purpose. The people of the Old Testament had to see that life had to be given for sin. They sinned and something had to die. Old Testament sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the blood shed by Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:22) Indeed, according to the Law almost everything is purified by blood, and sins are forgiven only if blood is poured out.
So we see here that sacrifice was an important part of the Mosaic Law. Animals had to be sacrificed over and over and over again. Why?
Hebrews 9:3-4) As it is, however, the sacrifice serve year after year to remind people of their sins. For the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sins.
If you go on to read further into Hebrews 9 you will see where Jesus comes into this picture and the conversation He has with God about His body being prepared as the one and only sacrifice. I encourage you to read these verses. There was never enough blood shed from the innocent animals to atone for sin. My personal opinion is that animal sacrifice prepared people for the Lamb that would be slain on the cross. They could literally see with their own eyes that something had to die for their depravity.
Not always but most of the time the priest made the sacrifice on behalf of his people. There were occasions of others making sacrifices. I think of Cain and Able and the trouble that arose out of that sacrifice. Both new they needed to offer a sacrifice before approaching God. Can you imagine having to go find a stellar goat to kill before you could talk to God?! Now there alone is a great reason to celebrate Communion! Abel offered the best animal from his flock. Cain, well, he offered fruit and vegetables. God demanded blood.
The high priests of the Old Testament were the supreme religious leaders of the Israelites. Their lineage traced back to Aaron. Aaron and Moses were brothers. A certain time of year the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place behind the veil to approach God. He had to offer animal sacrifice on behalf of himself and the people. He had to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat which is God's throne.
Leviticus 16:14-16) He shall take some of the bull's blood and with his finger sprinkle it on the front of the lid and then sprinkle some of it seven times in front of the Covenant box. After that, he shall kill the goat for the sin offering for the people, bring its blood into the Most Holy Place, and sprinkle it on the lid and then in front of the Covenant box, as he did with the bull's blood. In this way he will perform the ritual to purify the Most Holy Place from the uncleanness of the people of Israel and from all their sins. He must do this to the Tent, because it stand in the middle of the camp, which is ritually unclean.
Sound pretty complicated, huh? I just picture there being blood all over the place. As I mentioned before as long as people kept sinning (which WILL happen) animal blood had to keep flowing. There is only one thing that could stop it or should I say one person. It is Jesus Christ. I love the following passages in Hebrews.
Hebrews 10:10-14) Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted Him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that He made of His own body once and for all. Every Jewish priest performs his services every day and offers the same sacrifices many times; but these sacrifices can never take away sins. Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, and offering that is effective forever, and then He sat down at the right side of God. There He now waits until God puts His enemies as a footstool under His feet. With one sacrifice, then, He has made perfect forever those who are purified from sin.
There is no longer a need for animal sacrifice under the New Covenant. I absolutely love this next verse from Colossians! It offers an awesome visual!
Colossians 2:14)...he cancelled the unfavorable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross.
So the next time we take Communion let's close our eyes and picture The Law being nailed to the cross.
Funny story regarding flying off the handle...I was getting ready to head over to my friend Kim's house this morning for our study. She just lives down the street which is awesome! I look down and notice my wedding ring is gone! I FREAK OUT! Here is a little background to my wedding ring. As you all know, my mom passed away of cancer last February. My father gave me her wedding ring which I cherish. For a gift my father and David let me design a new ring using the diamonds from my wedding ring, my engagement ring, and my mom's ring. It was completed in November and words do not do it justice. It literally takes my breath away for not only what it looks like but the meaning behind it. Not that losing ANY wedding ring would be good, but my mom's diamonds cannot be replaced. I mean I freak out, I start bawling and my heart is racing. I call Kim crying saying I will be late because I lost my ring. I had been at the gym, Eli's school, and Wal-Mart this morning so it could be anywhere! She calmly talks me down. As I'm talking and running around my house I find it in a very odd place on my bathroom vanity. I definitely had that wild-spirit Joyce mentions in our book!
Back to Communion! Here are a few more interesting reasons why Communion is so important. I used to think the Old Testament was so hard to study and really not worth reading. I said that out loud. I just did not get it. Pairing it with the New Testament is very important. Looking at the transition from old to new with the shedding of Christ' blood is necessary.
The Old Testament is full of stories about animal sacrifices. Being the animal lover that I am I was always greatly impacted by the stories. I mean I can only eat meat if it's chicken and I know it's organic, raised humanely not in cages, fed a vegetarian diet, etc. You get my point. The blood from the animals was used for consecration. Consecration means to make sacred or to dedicate for some purpose. The people of the Old Testament had to see that life had to be given for sin. They sinned and something had to die. Old Testament sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the blood shed by Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:22) Indeed, according to the Law almost everything is purified by blood, and sins are forgiven only if blood is poured out.
So we see here that sacrifice was an important part of the Mosaic Law. Animals had to be sacrificed over and over and over again. Why?
Hebrews 9:3-4) As it is, however, the sacrifice serve year after year to remind people of their sins. For the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sins.
If you go on to read further into Hebrews 9 you will see where Jesus comes into this picture and the conversation He has with God about His body being prepared as the one and only sacrifice. I encourage you to read these verses. There was never enough blood shed from the innocent animals to atone for sin. My personal opinion is that animal sacrifice prepared people for the Lamb that would be slain on the cross. They could literally see with their own eyes that something had to die for their depravity.
Not always but most of the time the priest made the sacrifice on behalf of his people. There were occasions of others making sacrifices. I think of Cain and Able and the trouble that arose out of that sacrifice. Both new they needed to offer a sacrifice before approaching God. Can you imagine having to go find a stellar goat to kill before you could talk to God?! Now there alone is a great reason to celebrate Communion! Abel offered the best animal from his flock. Cain, well, he offered fruit and vegetables. God demanded blood.
The high priests of the Old Testament were the supreme religious leaders of the Israelites. Their lineage traced back to Aaron. Aaron and Moses were brothers. A certain time of year the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place behind the veil to approach God. He had to offer animal sacrifice on behalf of himself and the people. He had to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat which is God's throne.
Leviticus 16:14-16) He shall take some of the bull's blood and with his finger sprinkle it on the front of the lid and then sprinkle some of it seven times in front of the Covenant box. After that, he shall kill the goat for the sin offering for the people, bring its blood into the Most Holy Place, and sprinkle it on the lid and then in front of the Covenant box, as he did with the bull's blood. In this way he will perform the ritual to purify the Most Holy Place from the uncleanness of the people of Israel and from all their sins. He must do this to the Tent, because it stand in the middle of the camp, which is ritually unclean.
Sound pretty complicated, huh? I just picture there being blood all over the place. As I mentioned before as long as people kept sinning (which WILL happen) animal blood had to keep flowing. There is only one thing that could stop it or should I say one person. It is Jesus Christ. I love the following passages in Hebrews.
Hebrews 10:10-14) Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted Him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that He made of His own body once and for all. Every Jewish priest performs his services every day and offers the same sacrifices many times; but these sacrifices can never take away sins. Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, and offering that is effective forever, and then He sat down at the right side of God. There He now waits until God puts His enemies as a footstool under His feet. With one sacrifice, then, He has made perfect forever those who are purified from sin.
There is no longer a need for animal sacrifice under the New Covenant. I absolutely love this next verse from Colossians! It offers an awesome visual!
Colossians 2:14)...he cancelled the unfavorable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross.
So the next time we take Communion let's close our eyes and picture The Law being nailed to the cross.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Comtemplating Communion
I educated myself a bit on Clement of Alexandria. His life spanned from 150 to either 215 or 217. He was a Christian theologian who was the head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria. This school was founded by the Apostle Mark! Clemens was the teacher of Origen and an early Church Father. He advocated vegetarianism and was the son of wealthy pagans. You could read for days about his theologies! Let's move on!
Luke 22:20) In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
Clement starts out by saying that Jesus never taught in a human manner, therefore, His teachings cannot be heard with human ears. I have stressed in other posts that we have to study His words. There is always a deeper meaning. Luke wrote in parables and from the outside His teachings sound elementary, but they are far from it.
It is important to read Scripture with spiritual eyes. God will surely provide divine insight when we ask Him to. It is an act of worship to desire to study Him and follow through. I am definately not as smart as I sound when it comes to Scripture! God sheds much grace on me when I study Him. I picture a light beam shining on to His words. The Holy Spirit works within me to reveal Himself to me. His words have unspoken meanings that, I believe, go from His Spirit to mine. I cannot humanly retain all He has for me, but my spirit can. This helps me feel not so overwhelmed by the magnitude of the information in the Bible.
We have all heard of communion I assume. We have probably heard that verse in Luke hundreds of times also. We have probably taken part in it many, many times. It was not until my decision to be 100% for for God that I really GOT Communion. I mention this turning point in my life in my 'about me' section. It also dawned on me how lightly I had been taking Communion. Did you know that if you have ANYTHING against another you go make that right BEFORE you take Communion? That is off-topic though. I would imagine the mood was anything but light on that first Communion. Communion is sobering and quite humbling. On the flipside it should be a joyous occasion too. It symbolizes the forgiveness of sins. The last line of Luke 22:20 is powerful. It reads, "...which is poured out for you." This verse refers to the Blood.
You may have heard of the Old Covenant (or the Mosaic Covenant) and the New Covenant. Luke 22:20 refers to the new covenant of the blood. For a greater understanding of the significance behind the new covenant of the blood let's look deeper at the differences btween the two. The Old Testament and the Old Covenant go hand in hand as does the New Testament and the New Covenant. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ took us from old to new. When we really understand the impact of moving from the old to the new we cannot help but take Communion with a grateful, reverant, and joyous heart.
There are some interesting differences between the two covenants. A person could study for days in greater detail, but I think an overview will be enough to prove my point. I'll discuss a few today and then more over the next few days.
Moses was the minister of the Old Covenant. The story of Moses is absolutely incredible. Moses is a real person just like you and I. He had struggles and told God He chose the wrong guy! The adventures of Moses and his wife, Sarah, are rather interesting to say the least. God worked many miracles though Moses and we all know the Red Sea story. He also had to endure the constant whining of the Israelites as they wondered the wilderness. I love how Joyce Meyer says they made an eleven day trip take fourty years! That's me...I go around the same mountian about 56 times a day! I'm wondering off my point. Moses (and Aaron) was the go-between the people and God. Guess who the ministers of the New Covenant are?! Well first it was Jesus Christ and now it is the disciples of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. That would mean you and I! You read right. Us Christians have a big responsibility to the lost and unsaved...and each other.
1. John 1:17) For the Law was given though Moses; grace and truth come though Jesus Christ.
2. 2 Corinthians 3:6) He has made us competant at ministers of a new covenant- not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
I'll discuss one more wonderful reason we should celebrate Communion. Here is a difference that really strikes me! People in the Old Testament had the Holy Spirit in a different manner than we do now. Even Old Testament believers had to be born again or experience rebirth. No human is capable of saving themselves by works and good deeds. Human being are spiritually dead before the Spirit does a work in their hearts. So Old Testament believers did experience the Spirit in some manner. I am not clear if the Spirit kept working in their hearts to follow God or that they clung to the letter of the Law. If anyone has good insight on that issue please feel free to let me know. The Old Testament does discuss the Spirit leaving people though and that fact cannot be ignored. The Spirit came upon people so they could execute certain tasks. The Spirit would come in that manner than depart. Now we have Him all the time! He will never leave a child of God. I will not pretend to understand exactly the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, but I am perfectly clear on His role in the New Testament or under the New Covenant.
1. Micah 3:8) But as for me, the Lord fills me with His Spirit and power, and gives me a sense of justice and the courage to tell the people of Israel what their sins are.
2. John 14:26) The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.
2a. John 14:16-17) I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive Him, because it cannot see Him or know Him, but you know Him, because He remains with you and is in you.
I'll end with these two points today. After studying the Holy Spirit issue regarding the Old and New Testaments my eyes are crossed! It is some deep stuff! I'll pick up another day on more reasons to celebrate Communion. I am hopeful these two reasons alone will help you understand the importance of Communion even more.
Luke 22:20) In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
Clement starts out by saying that Jesus never taught in a human manner, therefore, His teachings cannot be heard with human ears. I have stressed in other posts that we have to study His words. There is always a deeper meaning. Luke wrote in parables and from the outside His teachings sound elementary, but they are far from it.
It is important to read Scripture with spiritual eyes. God will surely provide divine insight when we ask Him to. It is an act of worship to desire to study Him and follow through. I am definately not as smart as I sound when it comes to Scripture! God sheds much grace on me when I study Him. I picture a light beam shining on to His words. The Holy Spirit works within me to reveal Himself to me. His words have unspoken meanings that, I believe, go from His Spirit to mine. I cannot humanly retain all He has for me, but my spirit can. This helps me feel not so overwhelmed by the magnitude of the information in the Bible.
We have all heard of communion I assume. We have probably heard that verse in Luke hundreds of times also. We have probably taken part in it many, many times. It was not until my decision to be 100% for for God that I really GOT Communion. I mention this turning point in my life in my 'about me' section. It also dawned on me how lightly I had been taking Communion. Did you know that if you have ANYTHING against another you go make that right BEFORE you take Communion? That is off-topic though. I would imagine the mood was anything but light on that first Communion. Communion is sobering and quite humbling. On the flipside it should be a joyous occasion too. It symbolizes the forgiveness of sins. The last line of Luke 22:20 is powerful. It reads, "...which is poured out for you." This verse refers to the Blood.
You may have heard of the Old Covenant (or the Mosaic Covenant) and the New Covenant. Luke 22:20 refers to the new covenant of the blood. For a greater understanding of the significance behind the new covenant of the blood let's look deeper at the differences btween the two. The Old Testament and the Old Covenant go hand in hand as does the New Testament and the New Covenant. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ took us from old to new. When we really understand the impact of moving from the old to the new we cannot help but take Communion with a grateful, reverant, and joyous heart.
There are some interesting differences between the two covenants. A person could study for days in greater detail, but I think an overview will be enough to prove my point. I'll discuss a few today and then more over the next few days.
Moses was the minister of the Old Covenant. The story of Moses is absolutely incredible. Moses is a real person just like you and I. He had struggles and told God He chose the wrong guy! The adventures of Moses and his wife, Sarah, are rather interesting to say the least. God worked many miracles though Moses and we all know the Red Sea story. He also had to endure the constant whining of the Israelites as they wondered the wilderness. I love how Joyce Meyer says they made an eleven day trip take fourty years! That's me...I go around the same mountian about 56 times a day! I'm wondering off my point. Moses (and Aaron) was the go-between the people and God. Guess who the ministers of the New Covenant are?! Well first it was Jesus Christ and now it is the disciples of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. That would mean you and I! You read right. Us Christians have a big responsibility to the lost and unsaved...and each other.
1. John 1:17) For the Law was given though Moses; grace and truth come though Jesus Christ.
2. 2 Corinthians 3:6) He has made us competant at ministers of a new covenant- not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
I'll discuss one more wonderful reason we should celebrate Communion. Here is a difference that really strikes me! People in the Old Testament had the Holy Spirit in a different manner than we do now. Even Old Testament believers had to be born again or experience rebirth. No human is capable of saving themselves by works and good deeds. Human being are spiritually dead before the Spirit does a work in their hearts. So Old Testament believers did experience the Spirit in some manner. I am not clear if the Spirit kept working in their hearts to follow God or that they clung to the letter of the Law. If anyone has good insight on that issue please feel free to let me know. The Old Testament does discuss the Spirit leaving people though and that fact cannot be ignored. The Spirit came upon people so they could execute certain tasks. The Spirit would come in that manner than depart. Now we have Him all the time! He will never leave a child of God. I will not pretend to understand exactly the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, but I am perfectly clear on His role in the New Testament or under the New Covenant.
1. Micah 3:8) But as for me, the Lord fills me with His Spirit and power, and gives me a sense of justice and the courage to tell the people of Israel what their sins are.
2. John 14:26) The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.
2a. John 14:16-17) I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God. The world cannot receive Him, because it cannot see Him or know Him, but you know Him, because He remains with you and is in you.
I'll end with these two points today. After studying the Holy Spirit issue regarding the Old and New Testaments my eyes are crossed! It is some deep stuff! I'll pick up another day on more reasons to celebrate Communion. I am hopeful these two reasons alone will help you understand the importance of Communion even more.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Can Blood be Extravagant?
Today's study is inspired by Os Guinness. He is the great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, a Dublin brewer. He was born in China and witnessed the heights of the Chinese Revolution. The Chinese Revolution of 1949 was the final stage of a civil war. During this state the Communist took over China. Os then moved to England where he received his education. He led L'Abri in the 1960's. L'Abri was an evangelical Christian organization founded in Switzerland. The organization is still active. He moved to the U.S. in 1984 and has authored more than 25 books. He also founded a Christian-cultural organization in 1991. If you were wondering, yes it was THAT Guinness...an Irish stout you see on the grocery store shelves. Incidentally, it also makes wonderful homemade ice cream...dark chocolate and Guinness ice cream! One of Dave's favorites!
Luke 22:20) In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
In my reading today Mr. Guinness talks about the drawing of the Pieta for Vittoria Colonna. I looked it up on Wikipedia. Wow! Please do the same! It is thought that Michelangelo pencil drew this piece in 1546. It is absolutely gripping. I will not describe the drawing with mere words but will tell you what the vertical bean of the cross says. It says, "no one thinks of how much blood it costs." Wow.
My online dictionary source defines extravagant as spending much more than is necessary or wise, exceeding the bounds of reason, or going beyond what is deserved. He spent more on us than we were worth in our sinful state. I do not think of blood as extravagant. Usually where there is blood there is a problem. Not in this case. Where there was Jesus' blood there were no more problems. He took them all upon Himself. The word extravagant seems like a fancy word. His blood was not fancy though. It flowed from a physically tortured and innocent man. The blood was necessary and excessive.
When you take the time to look at the Pieta for Vittoria Colonna this will make sense. We all should be like Mary in that drawing. We all must raise our arms toward heaven with a grateful heart. One day we all will acknowledge God.
Romans 14:9-12) For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
It is easy to lose sight of the extravagant blood that was shed for me. I grew up hearing the Bible. The words contained within the book were imprinted upon my heart at an early age. My prayer is that it can stay extravagant to me and that all you reading will know that His extravagant blood was shed for you.
Luke 22:20) In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
In my reading today Mr. Guinness talks about the drawing of the Pieta for Vittoria Colonna. I looked it up on Wikipedia. Wow! Please do the same! It is thought that Michelangelo pencil drew this piece in 1546. It is absolutely gripping. I will not describe the drawing with mere words but will tell you what the vertical bean of the cross says. It says, "no one thinks of how much blood it costs." Wow.
My online dictionary source defines extravagant as spending much more than is necessary or wise, exceeding the bounds of reason, or going beyond what is deserved. He spent more on us than we were worth in our sinful state. I do not think of blood as extravagant. Usually where there is blood there is a problem. Not in this case. Where there was Jesus' blood there were no more problems. He took them all upon Himself. The word extravagant seems like a fancy word. His blood was not fancy though. It flowed from a physically tortured and innocent man. The blood was necessary and excessive.
When you take the time to look at the Pieta for Vittoria Colonna this will make sense. We all should be like Mary in that drawing. We all must raise our arms toward heaven with a grateful heart. One day we all will acknowledge God.
Romans 14:9-12) For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
It is easy to lose sight of the extravagant blood that was shed for me. I grew up hearing the Bible. The words contained within the book were imprinted upon my heart at an early age. My prayer is that it can stay extravagant to me and that all you reading will know that His extravagant blood was shed for you.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
University Bible Fellowship is an organization found on many college campuses. Their said goal is evangelism. Today's writing is inspired by their entry in my daily study guide.
John 13:16) "I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him."
If a master lowers himself he becomes like the servant. When Jesus Christ lowered Himself and served His Disciples, or all humanity in His sacrificial death, He lifted us up. He did not lower Himself to our level, but rather lifted us up to heaven. Humility and manual labor were loathed by the Greeks and Romans. Historically, Rome was the center of it all. I love the History Channel and a few years ago they ran a series about ancient Rome. It was like no other place on earth at the time. Understanding who Jesus' audience was is an important part of grasping the full meaning of the passage. Knowing that makes His actions even more powerful.
When I serve another, with a good attitude, I become Christ-like. That is our goal as Christians, to become Christ-like. We are to strive for holiness. I read a book titled, The Pursuit of Holiness, by Jerry Bridges, a few years ago. I highly recommend it, but be prepared to be challenged. It was very eye-opening. In His last hour He demanded no respect. He never scolded the men or accused them of learning nothing over the past three years. He simply lead by example.
I think of many times where I have been offended by other's disrespectful actions. Jesus certainly would have been justified in feeling offended on this, His last night. The Disciples should have done everything in their power to ease His stress, make Him more comfortable, but He reached out to them instead.
I think of my own life and am convicted. I have shared some details of my health struggles in other posts. Some of you reading know personally my husband Dave and others do not. Let me share something about Mr. Limbird. He is incredibly calm, patient, supportive, compassionate, the list goes on. His support over these many years has been crucial. When he walks in the door he is a breath of fresh air. He is so appreciative of our spotless home and healthy and delicious meals. He reminds me of what a great mom I am to Eli. He makes sure I know it how thankful he is. He pitches in with dinner dishes, laundry, you name it. This is all after working hard and long hours at Procter and Gamble managing multi-million dollar projects. I have felt guilty at times because my health has been such an issue in our lives for so many years. He assures me God is working in tremendous ways in both our lives. He makes me feel safe which is a blessing because I have not felt safe in my own body and feel utterly helpless in changing any of it. He gives me back, shoulder, and foot massages whenever I ask which helps my tired muscles. I have never, ever heard him complain about anything.
Dave serves me. He loves me unconditionally and is my biggest fan when I am discouraged. I could easily take advantage of his generous heart and focus on me and what I need. Actually, I have done that at times and for that I ask for his forgiveness. The Disciples took a great deal from Jesus and in the end He continued to serve them. If I am not careful I can take from Dave all the time. I must get better at washing his feet.
John 13:16) "I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him."
If a master lowers himself he becomes like the servant. When Jesus Christ lowered Himself and served His Disciples, or all humanity in His sacrificial death, He lifted us up. He did not lower Himself to our level, but rather lifted us up to heaven. Humility and manual labor were loathed by the Greeks and Romans. Historically, Rome was the center of it all. I love the History Channel and a few years ago they ran a series about ancient Rome. It was like no other place on earth at the time. Understanding who Jesus' audience was is an important part of grasping the full meaning of the passage. Knowing that makes His actions even more powerful.
When I serve another, with a good attitude, I become Christ-like. That is our goal as Christians, to become Christ-like. We are to strive for holiness. I read a book titled, The Pursuit of Holiness, by Jerry Bridges, a few years ago. I highly recommend it, but be prepared to be challenged. It was very eye-opening. In His last hour He demanded no respect. He never scolded the men or accused them of learning nothing over the past three years. He simply lead by example.
I think of many times where I have been offended by other's disrespectful actions. Jesus certainly would have been justified in feeling offended on this, His last night. The Disciples should have done everything in their power to ease His stress, make Him more comfortable, but He reached out to them instead.
I think of my own life and am convicted. I have shared some details of my health struggles in other posts. Some of you reading know personally my husband Dave and others do not. Let me share something about Mr. Limbird. He is incredibly calm, patient, supportive, compassionate, the list goes on. His support over these many years has been crucial. When he walks in the door he is a breath of fresh air. He is so appreciative of our spotless home and healthy and delicious meals. He reminds me of what a great mom I am to Eli. He makes sure I know it how thankful he is. He pitches in with dinner dishes, laundry, you name it. This is all after working hard and long hours at Procter and Gamble managing multi-million dollar projects. I have felt guilty at times because my health has been such an issue in our lives for so many years. He assures me God is working in tremendous ways in both our lives. He makes me feel safe which is a blessing because I have not felt safe in my own body and feel utterly helpless in changing any of it. He gives me back, shoulder, and foot massages whenever I ask which helps my tired muscles. I have never, ever heard him complain about anything.
Dave serves me. He loves me unconditionally and is my biggest fan when I am discouraged. I could easily take advantage of his generous heart and focus on me and what I need. Actually, I have done that at times and for that I ask for his forgiveness. The Disciples took a great deal from Jesus and in the end He continued to serve them. If I am not careful I can take from Dave all the time. I must get better at washing his feet.
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