“The Last Supper”

John 13:1-33

If you think “Big Brother” (the government) knows a lot about you, think about someone who knows everything about you. You might say, “That’s impossible.” This would be true of another human or spirit being, but not for God because one of His attributes is omniscience (Isaiah 46:10; John 2:24, 25). Jesus, being the God/man knew who would betray him, who would deny Him, and who would flee from Him when He was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He also knows everything about us and will not only judge our words and deeds but will also judge our motives to determine our degree of pleasure in heaven or our degree of suffering in the lake of fire (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 4:5; Matthew 25:41, 46; Revelation 20:11-15).

God/Man. Jesus was/is God manifested in human flesh (John 1:1-18; Colossians 1:15-17; 2:9). He is also sovereign. This means that He is in control of everything. In other words, “There is absolutely nothing that happens in the universe that is outside of God’s influence and authority.” – Chip Ingram. Let’s consider this One who is omniscient and sovereign.

Servant. He became a lowly servant and washed His disciples feet (John 13:2-17). Not only did Jesus display His lowly spirit (Matthew 11:29), He also wanted to teach His disciples about their need for spiritual cleansing. An unbeliever needs to have an overall bath only once for him to be cleansed (John 13:10; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5). But a Christian also needs ongoing cleansing when he/she sins periodically. This occurs when he/she confesses his sins to God the Father (1 John 1:9; 3:9-10).

Model. Jesus set an example for believers to follow. He wants us to have a servant’s humble heart (Philippians 2:5-11; John 13:15). It’s easy for us to say we love God but it’s hard to love some of His children who may rub us the wrong way. “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him. My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue [only], but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).

Savior. Jesus came to glorify God (John 17:3) by dying for our sins, once and for all (Hebrews 10:10), and then rising again bodily from the dead on the third day. He appeared to different people on many occasions to validate His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Luke 24:33-43). The payment that Jesus made to God the Father was sufficient to satisfy God’s outraged holiness against our sin (1 John 2:2; 4:10). He can and does offer salvation and eternal life to all who will accept by faith His substitutionary death on their behalf (John 3:16). Those who reject Him and His offer are under condemnation (John 3:18, 36).

Shepherd. Is the Lord Jesus Christ your personal Shepherd (Psalm 23:1)? As the “Good Shepherd” He laid down His life for His sheep and knows all of us by name (John 10:3-14). He is the “Chief Shepherd” to whom all “Under Shepherds” (Pastors) are accountable (1 Peter 5:1-4). He is the “Great Shepherd” who will bring believers to spiritual maturity and finish the work of salvation at the time of the “Rapture” (Hebrews 13:20; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 3:2).

Purpose. Jesus came to glorify God the Father and to carry out the work that He had been given to do on earth (John 17:3, 4; Ephesians 1:11). He provided deliverance from the lake of fire for all mankind including the false teachers (2 Peter 2:1). But for any of us to be saved, we must not only know and believe the facts of the Gospel, we must transfer our faith from ourselves and our good works over to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Have you done this yet? It not, why not believe on Him right now?

Contact. We can be reached at 805-238-3549. We’re here to assist you spiritually if you want it.  If this has helped you, please let us know and then share it with someone else.  To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

Clear Gospel. http://www.cleargospel.org/wp-content/uploads/English-Display-Pkg-2014.pdf

Clear Gospel – Audio: http://www.duluthbible.org/the-gospel-audiobook/

God Honoring Music: www.abidingradio.org

“The Bread From Heaven” Part 2

As the God-man, Jesus is omniscient and knows all about us (John 2:24). Does this comfort you or bother you? He formed Adam out of the dust of the ground and breathed into him the breath of lives – physical and spiritual life. He made man with a spirit that belongs to the mind (Ephesians 4:23), a soul that is associated with our emotions (Matthew 26:38; 1 Peter 1:9), and a body with which we express ourselves to others (Romans 8:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Concern. The Jewish people who were following Jesus around were primarily concerned about their physical needs. They merely wanted to be healthy, wealthy, and happy. Isn’t this what most people, including many people who profess to be Christians, want for themselves and their family? There are plenty of “greedy preachers” (Isaiah 56:11; 2 Peter 2:15) with itching ears who will tell people what they want to hear and promise such things to their followers if they will “sow their seed of money” to them (2 Timothy 4:3, 4). It’s known as the “Seed Faith” principle.*

First. Jesus met the basic physical needs of over 5,000 people before telling them about Himself. He was “The True Bread” that came down from heaven so that they could have their spiritual hunger satisfied. For the most part, His words fell on deaf or unreceptive ears. Most of the people were confused when He said to them, “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:54). The Jews were forbidden to drink blood (Leviticus 17:10ff). He clarified their misunderstanding by saying, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Some folks in Christendom have taken Jesus’ words to mean that when a priest blesses the bread and the cup, they turn into the literal body and blood of the Lord. We don’t believe that this passage is talking about the Lord’s Supper. It wasn’t instituted until the night He was betrayed by Judas (John 13:24; Luke 22:17ff). We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a memorial of the Person of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:24-26). We do not believe it involves the re-crucifixion of Christ. He died once and for all for our sins (Hebrews 10:10). We’re to look back to the cross where our salvation was purchased for us and we are to look forward to His return for us in the future. “Perhaps today!” We don’t believe that a person receives Christ by eating these elements (John 1:12).

Grace. It is unmerited favor from God. It is not the help that God gives to a person when he is sprinkled as a baby so he can keep the Sacraments and earn his salvation. Salvation is not of works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9). It takes God’s efficacious grace to bring a person to the point of salvation. Without it none of us would come to God for salvation (John 5:40). Why? The unsaved man is “[spiritually] dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). “The heart [of man] is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it” (Jeremiah 17:9; See Romans 3:10-23).

Permanent. Once a person becomes a true Christian he is saved forever. Eternal life is not temporary or contingent on our good works. A Christian has been saved from the penalty of sin (Romans 5:1; 8:1). He is being saved from the power of sin (Romans 6:14). He will be saved from the presence of sin when he dies (Romans 8:23). The ultimate salvation of his body and soul (emotions) will occur at the Rapture (Romans 8:23; 1 Peter 1:9; 1 John 3:2). The only part of the Christian that is saved now is his spirit (1 Corinthians 6 :17; Romans 8:14-17). That is why we must not depend on our souls (emotions) to direct our lives (See 1 Corinthians 9:25-27). We need to be led and filled by God the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14; Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:16, 25).

Satisfaction. When God saves a person, He brings true satisfaction to that person’s heart (John 6:35). Jesus said, “He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Jesus can fill those who come to Him in faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is [exists], and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). He also said, “Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28, 29).

Glorification. God always finishes what He begins (Philippians 1:6). He has promised never to leave or forsake His children (Hebrews 13:5). Are you a child of the devil or a child of God (1 John 3:9, 10; John 8:44)? We don’t become children of God until we place our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. He died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Rather than spending eternity in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Jude 1:13), true Christians in heaven will experience fulness of joy in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11; Revelation 21:3-5).

Gift. The gift of eternal life must be received by faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Otherwise it is of no value to the person for whom it was intended. Have you received it yet? Are you absolutely sure that if you died today you’d go immediately to heaven? Do you think that you have to go to a purging place before entering heaven? Do you believe that there is any possibility of losing your salvation once you receive it? How secure are you?

Sharing. If you’ve been saved by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31), what are doing to share the Gospel with others so they can be saved? Are you a living example of what God can do in the life of a believer who is fully yielded to Him? If not, what needs to change?

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change. We can be reached at 805-238-3549 or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If this article has helped you, we’d like to hear from you? Will you help us help others by forwarding this to someone who might be helped by it? To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

*The “Seed Faith” Principle: https://www.raptureready.com/rr-evil.html

Biblical New Testament Giving: https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/category/giving/

“More Than Superman”

“Look! It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman.” No doubt you’re familiar with this comic book character who came from another planet to rescue the people of earth from the evil one.

God-Man. But the Lord Jesus Christ is not a fictitious character. He’s not merely a Super-man, He’s the God-man. The Scriptures tell us,“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14; See Philippians 2:5-11).*

Important. “This may be the most important verse in the Bible on the doctrine of the incarnation…God became human; God showed us His glory; God offered us grace and truth; God literally ‘tabernacled’ [i.e. dwelt] among us. Remember the tabernacle in the center of the [Israelite] camp? It represented the place of the [Mosaic] law, the abode of God, the source of revelation, the site of sacrifice, and the focus of worship. Now in the new covenant, Jesus provides all these.” – Kenneth O. Gangel

The Word. The Apostle John described Him as the eternally existent One, the eternal “I AM” (John 1:1, 2). This means that He had no beginning and will have no end. He is not the first created being as some cults teach** (Colossians 1:15-17). The Lord Jesus Christ is the “Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End…who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). When Jesus told the Jews of His day that He was the “I AM” who existed in Abraham’s day, they understood what He was saying (John 8:58). He was claiming to be equal with Jehovah God (See John 5:18; 10:30, 31). This is why the unbelieving Jews wanted to stone Him to death.

Antichrist. Anyone who denies that the “Second Person” in the Godhead added to His Deity a true human nature (body, soul, and spirit) is an antichrist (1 John 4:2, 3). He didn’t take over another man’s body and then leave it just before the crucifixion. Furthermore, anyone who denies that Jesus Christ is coming back a second time with a real, resurrected, glorified body consisting of flesh and bones, but lacking blood, is also an antichrist (2 John 1:7; Luke 24:30-43; Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 15:50).

Sinless. The God-man, Jesus had no sin nature (Hebrews 4:15). As it had been predicted, He was born of the virgin, Mary (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). God the Father overshadowed her during her nine months of pregnancy to insure that her sin nature wouldn’t be passed on the Jesus (Luke 1:35; See Psalm 51:5). She herself, admitted that she was a sinner, and that her son, Jesus was her Savior (Luke 1:47). Throughout His life Jesus never sinned (John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5).***

Substitute. Only a sinless One could offer Himself as our substitute and die for our sins. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit” (1 Peter 1:18). This tells us that Jesus Christ is not to be offered up as a perpetual sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10).

Lord’s Table. We don’t re-crucify Christ when we observe the Lord’s table. (Some “churches” do this.) It is a memorial service to remind us of His past sacrifice, and His promise to return for us (1 Corinthians 11:23-32; John 14:1-3). It is a time to examine our relationship with God, our fellow believers, and to reflect on His present session in heaven as He intercedes to the Father on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:34). Believers who treat this memorial lightly will be disciplined by the Father (1 Corinthians 11:30; Hebrews 12:5-11).

Viewpoint. The Apostle John said that he and the other disciples carefully examined Jesus day and night for over three years. They found no fault or sins in Him. To be saved before Christ’s crucifixion and bodily resurrection, they believed that He was the Messiah (the Christ) and the Son of God (Matthew 16:16; John 20:31). Most of the common people of His day thought of Him as a healer and provider. They wanted to make Him their King but He refused their offer (John 6:15). Do you know why? The Jewish, religious leaders saw Him as a threat to their authority and as an imposter (Matthew 27:18; John 11:50).

Glory. The Word (i.e. the Spokesman for the Godhead) came to glorify God the Father (John 17:4). Jesus did this by saying and doing everything that the Father wanted Him to say and do (John 5:19). When His work was done, He asked God the Father to glorify Him by letting His creatures know conclusively that He, the Lord Jesus Christ, shared a total equality with the Father in the Godhead (John 17:5ff; See Colossians 2:9; John 10:30). Before eternity future begins, everyone will acknowledge this truth about Jesus (Philippians 2:11). This doesn’t mean everyone will be saved eventually. (Universalism)***

Grace/Truth. These two qualities were displayed in the Lord Jesus Christ. He extended unmerited favors to those around Him by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and resuscitating some dead people. He always spoke the truth with love as we should (Ephesians 4:15). He said, “I AM the [only] way [to God], the [absolute] truth, and the [giver of eternal] life” John 14:6. As politically incorrect at this statement is today, we will die, if necessary, to propagate this truth about Him (2 Timothy 3:12; Revelation 2:10). The Apostles Peter and Paul believed this and died while proclaiming this about Him (Acts 4:12; 16:31).

Gospel. “…Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again [bodily] the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; See Isaiah 53:4-6; Psalm 16:8-11; 22; 110:1; Luke 24:33-43). When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ through this message, we’re saved from the lake of fire to heaven (Acts 16:31; See Acts 4:12; Matthew 25:41, 46). The moment we believe on Him, we are saved from the penalty of sin (Romans 8:1; Ephesians 2:8). We are being saved from the power of sin (Romans 6:14; 8:2). In the future Christians will be saved from the presence of sin (Romans 8:18-23). Would you like to have this kind of salvation? Eternal life (i.e. God’s quality of life) can be yours today (1 John 5:11-13).

Believing In Vain. Knowing and believing the facts aren’t enough to save you. “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble” (James 2:19). You must transfer your trust from yourself and your good works over to Christ alone if you want to be saved. The Apostle Paul told the believers in Ephesus how they were saved. “For by grace [unmerited favor] you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Formula. Grace + Faith = Salvation + Works. It’s not: Grace + Faith + Works = Salvation. My friend, you can’t afford to get this formula wrong. Your eternal destiny is involved.

Questions. Are you absolutely sure you’ll go to heaven the moment you die? Why should God let you into His heaven? Do you believe that there is anything you could do or fail to do that would cause you to lose your salvation once you’ve received it?

Help. If you have doubts about your salvation, or if you need assurance of salvation, contact us at 805-238-3549 or visit our website at www.kelseypeach.com. We have “God’s Simple Plan Of Salvation” in 24 languages. Another helpful site is www.cleargospel.org.  If this article has helped you, would you share it with a few other people so we can get God’s Word out to others in need?  Click on “Follow” to receive future articles as they come out.

*Hypostatic union. http://www.gotquestions.org/hypostatic-union.html

Is Jesus God? http://www.gotquestions.org/is-Jesus-God.html

**False Teachings. http://www.gotquestions.org/Docetism-Apollinarianism-Ebionism-Eutychianism.html

***Jesus’ Sinlessness. http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-sinless.html

****Universalism: http://www.gotquestions.org/unitarian-universalism.html

Do You Really Know The Gospel? By Manfred Kober. The Gospel in 25 words.

http://www.faith.edu/resources/publications/faith-pulpit/message/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/read

 

“Without It You Wouldn’t Know…”

     Life is filled with sorrow and death.  But there is comfort and rest for those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and who claim the promises that God has given to us (Hebrews 4:2).  Natural revelation (what we learn from nature) is very limited (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1). Without special revelation (information) from God we couldn’t/wouldn’t know about many things that we can’t see or put in a test tube.  

     Thankfully, we have everything we need for life and godliness in God’s Word, the Bible (2 Peter 1:3).  “The entrance of [God’s] words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).  “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

     As the God-man who volunteered to come to this earth (Hebrews 10:7), Jesus Christ revealed many things to us.  His primary purpose was to glorify His Father by making Him known to humanity (John 17:3, 4). 

     Mediator.  There is only one Mediator between God and man.  That person is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God-man (1 Timothy 2:5).  We don’t/shouldn’t pray to any other human being or ask angels to be a mediator between us and God.  In the Old Testament times the Jews had men who functioned as the high priest.  They offered a special sacrifice to God on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27, 28).  The other priests offered up daily sacrifices to God on behalf of the people (Hebrews 9:25-28).  These sacrifices included bloody sacrifices that covered the sins of the people without removing them. 

     Change.  In the New Testament era Jesus Christ is the only High Priest.  He offered Himself up once and for all as a substitute for our sins (Hebrews 10:10).  His sacrifice is not a perpetual sacrifice.  Our observance of the Lord’s Supper is a memorial of His sacrifice for us and a reminder of our new relationship to Him and other Christians (1 Corinthians 10:16, 17; 11:23-32).  We don’t believe that the bread and the fruit of the vine are changed into the literal body and blood of Jesus Christ.  If that were true, think of what you would be doing.  Every true Christian is called a New Testament priest (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6) who is to offer up to God non-bloody sacrifices (Romans 12:1, 2; Hebrews 13:15, 16).  If you’re a Christian, discover for yourself what the five sacrifices are and ask yourself if you are offering them up to God daily.

     Evil.  One day the Lord Jesus Christ will return to this earth as He said He would (Matthew 24:29-31; Acts 1:11).  He will put down all rebellion and rule as the King of kings and Lord of lords (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 19:16).  The initial phase of His reign will last 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-7).  During this time Satan will be bound in the Abyss (Isaiah 14:15), the sinful nature of man will be curbed due to God’s provision (Isaiah 35:1ff), and the devil’s world system will not be in operation (1 John 2:15-17).  God will wrap things up at the Great White Throne judgment and then create a new heavens and a new earth for the redeemed Jews (Matthew 5:5; Romans 4:13; Revelation 20:15; 21:1ff; 2 Peter 3:13).  At that time every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Deity), to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:11).  However such an acknowledgement by all men will not result in their eternal salvation (Matthew 25:41, 46).  Even the people who end up in hell will admit that Jesus Christ is God manifested in human flesh (John 1:1-18; Philippians 2:5-11).

     Resurrections.  Don’t confuse resuscitations with resurrections.  Many people have been resuscitated but there has only been one resurrection so far.  Five resurrections can be found in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:21-24, 51, 52; Daniel 12:2; Revelation 11:11).  Do you know in which one you will participate?  Do you know why people go where they do when they die (John 3:18, 36)?  Are you sure about your eternal destiny?  Is hell as long lasting as heaven or are wicked people eventually annihilated (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Mark 9:44, 46, 48)?  Is there any Scriptural basis for reincarnation (Hebrews 9:27)?

     Hope.  As we look at our world today, many people are getting very nervous by the things they see and hear on the news.  What should we do?  There is hope for anyone who will admit that he/she is a sinner in need of a Savior.  Then he/she must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for all our sins…and rose again bodily from the grave (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Beware of those who would add or subtract from this message (Revelation 22:18; 2 Peter 2:1ff).

     Assurance.  Believe it or not, God initiates and guarantees our salvation from start to finish (John 6:37; Philippians 1:6).  True Christians have been saved from the penalty of sin (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:1), are being saved from the power of sin (Romans 6:14; 8:2), and the body (Romans 8:23) and soul (emotions) will be saved completely from the presence of sin at the Rapture (1 Peter 1:9).    

     Questions.  If you aren’t sure of your eternal destiny or have spiritual questions, we invite you to call us at 805-238-3549 or visit our web site at www.kelseypeach.com.  These articles are usually a summary of our messages that can be heard on the Internet.

“About The Eucharist”

  Just prior to His going to the cross, Jesus instituted a new memorial service to remind His disciples of Him.  He was going to leave them for awhile but come back for them (John 14:1-3).  He said, “This do in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians11:24, 25).  The Jewish people were familiar with memorials. 

  Rainbow.  After the universal flood in Noah’s day, God used the rainbow in the sky to indicate to Noah that He would never again destroy the whole world with water (Genesis 9:12-17).  The next time God will destroy the heavens and the earth with fire (2 Peter 3:10-13).  Then He will create new heavens and a new earth where righteousness settles down and feels at home (Isaiah 65:17; Revelations 21:1ff).  Do you know where you will spend eternity?  The Scriptures tell us that we can know for sure (John 3:18, 36; 1John 5:13).

  Passover.  After living in Egypt for about 400 years, God brought the Jews out of bondage.  The Passover meal was instituted to remind them of the Lord’s deliverance of the firstborn when He passed over the houses that had the blood of a spotless lamb applied to the door (Exodus 12:1-14).  Then He brought them to the “Promised Land” (Genesis 15:18-21).  Notice how much land it includes.  Woe to those who try to take it from the Jews or divide it up (Genesis 12:1-3).  You can and should intercede against politicians who are going against God’s revealed Word (1 Timothy 2:1, 2; Romans 11:2, 3).  God hasn’t forsaken the Jews (Romans 11:1).  They have been temporarily set aside until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Romans11:25).  Before the dawn of a new day comes for them and the whole world, there will be “the time of Jacob’s trouble” that will last for seven years (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:27; Revelation 6-19; Isaiah 40:31). After that true peace will finally come to earth during Christ’s millennial reign (Isaiah 2:4; 11:1-10; 35:1-10; Revelation 20:1-7).

  Stones.  When the Jews were about to enter the “Promised Land” God stopped the Jordan River from flowing during flood stage so they could cross over.  Then they were told to set up twelve stones to remind themselves of God’s power to control nature and deliver them from their enemies in Canaan (Joshua 4:4-7). 

  Eucharist.  This is a Greek word which means “giving of thanks.” Before breaking the bread and passing the cup Jesus gave thanks to God (Matthew 26:27; Luke 22:19 and1 Corinthians 11:24). The Communion service (1 Corinthians 10:16, 17) ought to be a special time when believers thank God for what Christ has done for them.

  Memorial.  We believe that it is designed to remind us of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Our partaking of these elements is not the means by which we receive Christ as our personal Savior.  Nor do we believe that the elements are miraculously changed into the actual body and blood of Christ.  Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.  The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).  Consider the abominable practices of eating human flesh (2 Kings 6:28, 29) and drinking blood (Leviticus 7:26;17:10, 11; Acts15:28, 29).  We receive Jesus by one act of faith (John1:12; 3:16; Ephesians 2:8, 9).  Once saved, we are told to live in a continual attitude of faith (Romans 1:17).  When we participate in this ordinance (i.e. a command from the Lord), we need to look in several directions.

  Backward.  As we eat the bread and drink the cup, we are to remind ourselves of the finished work of Christ on the cross.  We “proclaim His death” (1 Corinthians11:26).  He died once and for all for all of our sins – past, present, and future (John19:30; Hebrews 10:10).  We don’t offer Him up as a perpetual sacrifice.  Unlike the Old Testament priests who stood while they worked, since their work was never done, Jesus returned to heaven and sat down at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 10:12).  The Father was satisfied with Christ’s work on the cross (1 John 2:2).

  Forward.  We are to keep observing this meal periodically “till He comes [again]” (1 Corinthians 11:26).  He told His disciples that He would leave them for a while and then come back for those who believe on Him (John 14:1-3).  When He does, He will raise the dead in Christ, and change living believers so they all can go to heaven to be with Him forever (1 Corinthians 15:51-57; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).  As the Apostle Peter predicted, scoffers would come in the last days and mock those who believe this promise (2 Peter 3:3-9).  Christ delays His return to demonstrate His longsuffering.  He doesn’t want people to perish in an eternal hell (1 Timothy 2:4).  Maybe He is waiting for you to believe on Him as your personal Savior.  Don’t delay.  The door of opportunity will close some day (2 Corinthians 6:2).  Perhaps today for you.

  Inward.  Before we partake of these elements, we are told to examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:28).  Those Christians who are out of fellowship with God, and who are not walking in the light as He is in the light, should not partake of these elements.  They need to confess all known sins to God the Father (1 John 1:3-9).  If we are aware of having sinned against another person, we should confess it to him too (James 5:16).  We cannot say we love God and hate our brother (1 John 4:20).  Judgment from God will come on those who fail to discern others within the “Body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:29; Hebrews 12:5, 6).  Because of their carnality, many in the church in Corinth were weak and sick, and many had died prematurely.  They committed “the sin unto [physical] death” (1 John 5:16).

  Upward.  Having done everything necessary to provide salvation for us, Jesus ascended back to heaven from where He had come (John 6:38-41; Acts 1:9-11).  He sat down at the Father’s right hand (Ephesians 1:20).  He is waiting for all those whom the Father has given to Him to actually come to Him and be saved (John 6:37).  Until He returns to this earth for His own, He intercedes to God the Father for us (Hebrews 7:25).  Do you know why He does this?

  Outward.  God wants Christians to see other people as He does (John 4:35).  He uses believers to tell the Good News concerning Christ to unbelievers (Acts 1:8).  Have you been saved by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for your sins and rose again bodily from the grave (Ephesians 2:8, 9;1 Corinthians 15:3-8)?  If so, are you reaching out and endeavoring to rescue the perishing and care for the dying?

  Peace.  Are you at peace “with” God?  Do you enjoy the peace “of” God in your life?  If not, we invite you to contact us so we can show you how to have these.  Call 805-238-3549 or visit our web site: www.kelseypeach.com.  These articles usually correspond to our talks on Sunday mornings.  We invite your questions and comments.