A Merry Rest

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This is a message delivered on the third Sunday of Advent on the theme of Joy and Peace. The title is taken from the Christmas Carol, "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen."

Written Excerpts:

Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 4:8 (NKJV) I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Introduction:

For our message today, I am again using the lessons and themes from the Advent candles as the basis for the message. Today, I am going to be combining two different themes; the theme of joy from today’s lesson, and the theme of peace from next Sunday’s lesson. (Because I won’t actually be preaching next week due to the Christmas Cantata presentation.)

It is always an interesting challenge to think of a sermon title that adequately provides a hint regarding the content of the sermon, and serves to initiate a certain level of curiosity in the minds of the hearers in order to “tune in” to what is coming. You might have guessed already, but the idea for today’s title again comes from a well-known Christmas song, “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,” which is listed as our closing song today.

If you are like me, you may have misunderstood the meaning of this song title your entire life. It was only a few years ago that I heard someone explain why the comma appears after the word “Merry” in that song title. It is because the word “merry” (which is an adjective) does not modify the noun “Gentlemen” as many people assume. The word actually qualifies the kind of “Rest” that is being wished for.

The song is not expressing a wish for happy gentlemen to have some rest. Rather, it is expressing a wish for some gentlemen to have a happy rest. Some of you probably just now said to yourselves, “Huh?” In other words, if we were to reconstruct the title into a sentence that would make more sense to us today, it would read like this, “[May] God [give] you a merry rest, gentlemen.”

As I pondered the distinction and the true meaning of the sentence as it is structured, I came to the conclusion that this phrase truly does combine the themes of joy and peace, which are represented by the Advent candles for today and next Sunday. Therefore, I am speaking to you today on the combined topics of joy and peace and, in doing so, I hope to explain the meaning of a merry rest.

Transition: I believe that genuine peace mixed with joy is a state that can only be acquired from God.

With the help of God’s Spirit, I want to provide some insights from the Word of God that relate to the state of peaceful joy or a “merry rest.”

I. Definitions of Key Words

As I often do in my sermons, I want to begin by defining some of the prominent words we will be using.

A. Joy

(The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) The idea of joy is expressed in the Old Testament by a wealth of synonymous terms that cannot easily be differentiated. The most common is [a Hebrew word found in] (1 Samuel 18:6), [that is] variously translated in English Versions of the Bible [as] "joy," "gladness," or "mirth"; [and is thought to stem] from [another Hebrew term meaning], "to be bright," "to shine" (as we read in Proverbs 13:9, "The light of the righteous rejoiceth," literally, "is bright"), but generally used figuratively "to rejoice," "be glad".

[Sometimes when we use the phrase, “She is a bright girl.” We mean that she is intelligent, but sometimes we simply mean that she is happy and merry; there is a brightness that accompanies her wherever she goes.]

“Other [words used to express the concept of joy] are "to spring," "leap;" "shouting;" "to go in a circle," hence, "be excited" (dancing round for joy).

As you see, these words describe the actions of joy. If we have true joy in our hearts it is likely to find expression somehow in our actions.

(Theo. Dict. of the New Testament: Abridged in One Volume.) “Philo, [Hellenistic Jewish-Greek philosopher] relates joy to religious “intoxication.” Joy is a supreme “good mood.” It is the opposite of fear [dread].

“In the NT chaírō is the secular term and agalliáomai the religious term, but the two may be synonymous (cf. Rev. 19:7), and they are associated, e.g., in Matthew 5:12 (NKJV) Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.; 1 Peter 4:13 (NKJV) but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

 “In Christ, the Christian "rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8), in spite of his temporary afflictions (1 Peter 1:6). Christian joy is no mere gaiety that knows no gloom, but is the result of the triumph of faith over adverse and trying circumstances, which, instead of hindering, actually enhance it.

(See Acts 5:41 (NKJV) So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.  and

1 Peter 4:13 (NKJV) but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. and

Matthew 5:11-12 (NKJV) Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.)

B. Peace

(The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.) In the Old Testament: [Peace] Is a condition of freedom from disturbance, whether outwardly, as of a nation from war or enemies, or inwardly, within the soul.  The Hebrew word is shālōm, meaning, primarily, "soundness," "health," but coming also to signify "prosperity," well-being in general, all good in relation to both man and God.

(Theo. Dict. of the New Testament: Abridged in One Volume.) “The Greek Concept of eirḗnē. “For the [secular] Greeks eirḗnē primarily denotes a state, not a relationship or attitude. It is the opposite of pólemos (“war”). It is linked with treaties of peace or the conclusion of peace. It is also the opposite of disturbance. In a negative sense, it may denote a peaceful attitude, i.e., the absence of hostile feelings.

“The main meaning in the NT is obviously not the Greek one but salvation in a deeper sense. This embraces human concord, but also peace with God. [There are a few references where the mere absence of war or conflict is the meaning] and [also] Paul’s use for peace of soul (cf. Romans 15:13 (NKJV) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.)

In the material use of the NT we find peace as a feeling of rest, peace as a state of reconciliation with God, and peace as [end-times] salvation….”

C. Rest

Dr. Tan (Prof. at Fuller Theo. Sem.), quotes from another source when he relates the three Hebrew words used in the OT to describe rest. One word (Sabat) is the Hebrew word for Sabbath, meaning to stop or cease from work and activity. The second word (Nuah) means to settle down with no more movement but with a sense of inner ease or security. The final word (Saqat) carries the idea of tranquility and absence of inner anxiety and external pressure. (Rest, Siang-Yang Tan, p.23)

Dr. Tan goes on in his book to discuss four types of rest: physical, emotional, relational and spiritual. He concludes that “because the four are inter-related, our eventual experience of rest is a holistic one, integrating all types of rest as the shalom or peace of God.” (Ibid, p.32)

Here he has made the connection that I believe is an obvious one – genuine rest is inseparable from the peace of God.

II. The Source of Joy and Peace

(Theo. Dict. of the N. T.: Abridged in One Vol.)

A. For Paul, joy is connected to faith (Phil. 1:25)

Philippians 1:25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,

B. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

C. Joy is found in the Lord (Phil. 3:1).

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

D. Joy is connected to hope and hope is focused on future salvation.

Romans 15:13 (NKJV) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 (Theo. Dict. of the N. T.: Abridged in One Vol.) “… when restoration of paradise is prophesied, international peace promised (Isa. 2:2ff.), or a humble king of peace awaited (Zech. 9:9-10), we have a proclamation of peace of the widest possible significance.”

John 16:22 (NKJV) Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

In other words, the thought and expectation of the second coming of Christ, and the initiation of His eternal reign of righteousness brings both a sense of peace and joy to the believer.

E. Peace also is clearly found in a deep connection to God.

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

“stayed” – lean on; rest; stand fast.

Dear friends, if you want to live in constant worry, turmoil and dread, then let your mind rest on the events and news of the day, but if you want to have peace and comfort and rest, then fix your mind on God and trust in Him.

III. The Expression of Joy and Peace

Practically speaking I see the believer giving the expression of joy and peace in a number of ways.

Communicating Joy and Peace in my speech. Does my conversation and speech convey the joy and peace that I have found by resting in the Lord?

Communicating joy and peace in my attitudes. Do my attitudes express a confidence in God that exhibits the joy of the Lord?

Communicating joy and peace in my actions. Are my actions witnessing to an inner peace and rest that rejoices in the God of my salvation?

Conclusion:

I’ve tried to imagine in my mind what a visual image or picture of “a merry rest” might look like.

Imagine that it is dark outside. It is not only dark because it is the middle of the night, but it is dark morally. The political and social environment is riddled with vice and moral evil. There is suspicion and intrigue in the halls of the kingdom and the political powers. Even in the religious world, it has been hundreds of years since a true prophet of the Lord has proclaimed any message of hope or salvation.

On this particular night there is a greater than usual amount of commotion. Travelers are everywhere. The tyrannical rulers have ordered everyone to make the trek to towns and regions of their ancestors to be counted and registered for a census, undoubtedly for the imposition of another tax.

Because of this decree from the top, people are jamming even the small towns that normally would be quite and sparsely populated. Every house is full of relatives who had to come from distances. The public places for lodging are overflowing; every “nook and cranny” is taken up with a body, a crate, or a beast.

There is constant bleating of sheep, braying of donkeys or crowing of roosters. Wives are trying to get their husbands to listen again as they tell them where to find the corn meal. Men are laughing and talking about the dangers they escaped on the journey, as well as describing what they would like to do to the emperor if they could get their hands on him.

Some of the crowd are taking advantage of the upheaval to drink heavily from the jugs of wine. Tempers flare, cursing and fighting breaks out. Soldiers step in to quell the situation before it gets totally out of hand.

On the edge of the small town there is a cave that shelters the animals owned by the proprietor of the public inn. Even there, restlessness invades the atmosphere. The livestock in the stalls stamp their feet nervously. The sheep bleat and oxen respond with bellows as they all sense the tenseness in the air.

In the corner of the cave, there is a feed box filled with hay and there is a man, a woman and some grimy shepherds gathered around it looking, and gazing, but saying nothing.

As we look over their shoulders to discover the object of their stares, we see him. The baby, wrapped tightly in bands of cloths and he is asleep. There may even be a slight upward curve of his lips that certainly looks like a smile to the loving parents looking on.

This, my friends, describes a merry rest.

Our world is certainly full of all kinds of turmoil and evil that we can’t even describe. (We got another glimpse of evil this week in Connecticut with the “Sandy Hook School shooting.”)

But, while we are surrounded on all sides with the commotion and turmoil of the world, God wants to give us a merry rest. He wants to fill us with joy and peace that we will recognize as divinely inspired.

“God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” (and ladies). 

Love Was When God Became a Man

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This is a sermon that was preached for the Third Sunday in Advent on the theme of Love. It emphasizes the love of God demonstrated in the Incarnation of Christ.

Written Excerpts:

Love Was When God Became a Man

1 John 4:9-10 (NKJV)
⁹  In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. ¹⁰  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

John 3:16-17 (NKJV)
¹⁶  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Introduction:

As you already know from the lighting of the Advent Candle earlier, our theme today is the topic of Love. I want to speak to you for a while today about God’s love for you and me.

Some of you might recognize the fact that I have chosen the words of a gospel song for the title of my message: “Love was when God became a man.” I am intrigued by these lyrics and I believe they convey a message that we need to be reminded of often. These lyrics convey the truth of the passage I read earlier in 1 John 4:9, "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him." (NKJV)

During the next several minutes I want to attempt to describe God’s love in coming to this earth as a man. The incarnation of love in human flesh.

I. Love is defined in the incarnation.

I don’t know if you have thought of love in this way or not, but the phrase from the song that I have used for the title has made me ponder and compare the demonstration of love shown by the incarnation and the love shown by the crucifixion.

The Apostle John says that the love of God was manifested in God sending His Son into the world.

The Apostle Paul says God’s love is commended in that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)

Certainly we all agree that it was a tremendous display of sacrificial love for Jesus Christ to willing surrender his life to be scourged and abused and crucified. We evaluate all the physical pain he endured and conclude that it was the highest quality of love that made him suffer all that for us; for our salvation; for our restoration, and it certainly was love in the highest degree. However, the more I think about it, I’m convinced that the willingness of the Father to send the Son, and the willingness of the Son to come from the Father is a love that is higher yet in degree.

Why?

Because the distance from Bethlehem to Calvary and the Garden Tomb is a finite distance, but the distance from heaven’s glory and the glory of the Divine Godhead (Trinity) down to earth is an infinite distance. When Paul describes the humility of Christ in Philippians chapter two, he describes an unimaginable distance of descending from the throne room of Divine Sovereignty to the lowliest place a person could be born and enter the world of humanity.

Philippians 2:5-7 (NKJV) ⁵  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶  who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷  but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant…

Listen to the same verse from a couple of newer translations.

Philippians 2:5-7 (NRSV) ⁵  Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, ⁶  who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, ⁷  but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness… 

Philippians 2:5-7 (NLT) ⁵  You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. ⁶  Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. ⁷  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being… 

II. Why would God love humans so infinitely?

What would motivate the Father and the Son to do what they did?

We carry His image within in us.

Genesis 1:26-27 (NKJV) ²⁶  Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness… ²⁷  So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

The Bible clearly teaches us that God did not send His one and only Son to the earth to save the planet. He did not send Him to save the animals. He did not send Him to save the forests. God sent His only Son down to this save human beings who were created in His own likeness and His own image.

The divine image includes many things perhaps, but it at least includes these things: personality; intelligence and wisdom; spirituality; moral righteousness; and free will.

“…the "image" does not consist in bodily form; it can only reside in spiritual qualities, in man's mental and moral attributes as a self-conscious, rational, personal agent, capable of self-determination and obedience to moral law.” (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.)

(Concise Theology, J.I. Packer) “The scope of God's image in man is not defined in Genesis 1:26-27, but the context makes it clear. Genesis 1:1-25 sets forth God as personal, rational (having intelligence and will, able to form plans and execute them), creative, competent to control the world he has made, and morally

admirable, in that all he creates is good. Plainly, God's image will include all these qualities… The human capacity for communica­tion and relationship with both God and other humans, and the God-given dominion over the lower creation… thus appear as farther facets of the image.”

The image has been marred by sin, but it is still present.

III. What does this love include?

Some theologians believe that there are at least three essential principles in love. (See H. Orton Wiley)

A. Self-communication (Revelation; manifestation)

B. Fellowship (Relationship)

C. A desire to possess the object loved (Jealousy)

Conclusion:

Let me close by reading the lyrics of the song “Love Was When”

Love was when God became a man,
Locked in time and space, without rank or place;
Love was God born of Jewish kin;
Just a carpenter with some fishermen;
Love was when Jesus walked in history,
Lovingly He brought a new life that's free,
Love was God nailed to bleed and die
To reach and love one such as I.
Love was when God became a man,
Down where I could see love that reached to me;
Love was God dying for my sin
And so trapped was I my whole world caved in.
Love was when Jesus met me, now it's real;
Lovingly He came, I can feel He's real!
Love was God, only He would try
To reach and love one such as I.

There is a wonderful story of God’s love in the incarnation. Let us stand and sing the closing song, “Wonderful Story of Love.”

Hope for the Hopeless

(To listen to this message click on the play button of the audio player shown above.)

This is a sermon given on the first Sunday of Advent 2012 on the theme of Hope.

Written Excerpts:

Hope for the Hopeless

Romans 5:5 "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Introduction:

For today’s message I have chosen to speak about the topic of hope since that is the theme that goes along with lighting the first candle in Advent. I “hope” I can do an effective job in communicating the message that God wants you to have. And, you’re probably “hoping” it doesn’t take too long!

I read this online recently:

Teacher: Johnny, I hope I didn't see you looking at Tommy's test paper.
Johnny: I hope you didn't see me either!

A writer by the name of Ted Cunningham said, “Our culture often defines hope as merely a fanciful wish or a casual desire: ‘I hope tomorrow is a better day.’ ‘I hope to go to Disney World next year.’ ‘I hope the Chicago Cubs win the World Series.’”

Obviously he is not from western Pennsylvania or he would have said, “I hope the Pirates win the World Series.” (Although both of those statements might be classified as fantasies!)

Nevertheless, he continues, “Clearly, what is hoped for may or may not come to pass. The hope of believers, however, is more than a desire or a wish. It’s an unshakable confidence in God — even when circumstances give us every reason to doubt.”

As Cunningham explains, hope is inseparably tied with faith. In fact, there are times when Bible translators have taken the same word for “hope” and translated it as “faith” or “trust”. This seems to highlight the fact that hope definitely involves more than a mere wish or desire for those who know God. It involves a confidence and desire for the eventual satisfaction of divine promises.

With God’s help today I want to speak to you about the matter of hope and show how it is tied into our faith in God and in particular, how it relates to the coming of the Messiah.

I. Hope is founded in a divine person.

First and foremost, hope is not based upon some fantasy about ideal circumstances that one craves for his/her own comfort. Rather, hope is based upon the being and existence of a person – the divine Son of God, Who was sent into this world for the very purpose of providing hope for everyone that were previously without hope.

Paul writes to the Ephesians and says, “…you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” (Eph. 2:12, NKJV)

Here he is specifically linking hopelessness with being without Christ, which implies the converse, having Christ brings hope to those who previously had no hope.

I tried to find specific Messianic prophetic passages that included the word “hope” in them, but didn’t find any. (Not saying there aren’t any, I just said I didn’t find them.) However, the overall theme of hope is certainly intertwined with the promises of the coming Messiah.

As an example of the Jewish mindset even among Jesus’ followers, remember the words of the two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus following the resurrection. They said, “We were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel…” (Luke 24:21)

The Apostle Paul quotes from Isaiah, but appears to add a line from some other ancient writings as he says in Romans 15:12, “And again, Isaiah says: ‘There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.’” (NKJV)

All of these passages, and many others, emphasize that the hope of all believers is founded in the person of Jesus Christ. It is not in any religion, any code of laws, or any supernatural experiences. Hope is found in Jesus Christ and in Him alone!

II. Because of our hope in Christ, there are other blessings for which we also hope.

A. Hope in God’s divine plan for our lives.

Jer. 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

B. Hope of present and future salvation

Heb. 7:19 – The law made nothing perfect, on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Romans 5:1-5 – Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (NKJV)

Gal. 5:5 –  For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

1 Thes. 4:13 – But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

1 Cor. 15:19 – If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

C. More specifically, hope in eternal life

Titus 1:2 – In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

Titus 3:7 – that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

D. The Glorious appearing (return) of Jesus Christ.

Titus 2:13 – looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, let me remind you that God’s Word tells us that our hope for all these benefits and blessings will create a desire and purpose within us to live carefully and godly before Him.

1 John 3:3 – And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

How about you? Have you found the hope in Jesus Christ?

What is your confidence and your hope based upon today?

I want to say something here that some of you may not like, but I’m going to say it anyway! J

My hope for the future isn’t based in the President of the United States and all that he promises. It isn’t based on the Democrat Party or the Republican Party. It isn’t based on Senators or Representatives or even Supreme Court Justices. All of them have let this country down, in my humble opinion. But they are not the source of my hope this morning.

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness! When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.

Let us close our service by singing the closing song:

The Solid Rock, p. 526

Drinking New Wine

(To listen to this message click on the play button of the audio player shown above.)

This is a message used for a Communion Service and is based on Matthew 26:29. It emphasizes the promise and prospect of drinking new wine with Jesus in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Written Excerpts:

Drinking New Wine

Matt. 26:29 “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (NKJV)

Mark 14:25 (NKJV)
²⁵  Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."

Luke 22:15-18 (NKJV)
¹⁵  Then He said to them, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; ¹⁶  for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." ¹⁷  Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; ¹⁸  for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

Introduction:

Today we are celebrating and commemorating the Lord’s Supper. Our focus for the message today is not so much on the events of the evening in which Jesus shared this last Passover meal with his disciples. Our focus is going to be on a particular phrase that Jesus said as they were drinking the cup of wine that he shared with them. “…I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

(On the parallel passage in Luke 22:18 Adam Clark interprets the Lord’s remark to mean, [“I will not drink again”] before the time of another Passover, the Holy Ghost shall descend, the Gospel of the kingdom be established, and the sacramental supper shall take place of the paschal lamb; for in a few hours his crucifixion was to take place.”

 (Adam Clarke) “I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine—These words seem to [indicate] no more than this: We shall not have another opportunity of eating this bread and drinking this wine together; as in a few hours my crucifixion shall take place.

On the other hand, others interpret the passage to reflect “vows of abstinence [that] were common in Palestinian Judaism: “I will not eat any such and such until this happens,” or “I vow that I will not use this until that happens.” Jesus vows not to drink wine again until the kingdom comes, and he apparently abstains from the fourth cup [after the meal]. Jewish tradition commonly portrayed the time of the kingdom as a banquet (based on texts like Isaiah 25:6), when the Bible had promised an unending supply of wine (cf. Amos 9:13-14). (Bible Background Commentary )

(Jam. Fau. Bro.) “…until that day when I shall drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." It was the point of transition between two economies and their two great festivals, the one about to close for ever, the other immediately to open and run its majestic career until from earth it be transferred to heaven. [Emphasis Mine]

(Vincent Word Studies) [In other passages], another adjective, νεόν, is employed to denote new wine in the sense of freshly-made (Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37, 38, 39). The difference is between newness regarded in point of time or of quality… In our Lord’s expression, “drink it new,” the idea of quality is dominant. All the elements of festivity in the heavenly kingdom will be of a new and higher quality.

 (Clarke) “Until that day when I drink it new with you—That is, I shall no more drink of the produce of the vine with you; but shall drink new wine—wine of a widely different nature from this—a wine which the kingdom of God alone can afford.

“The term “new” in Scripture is often taken in this sense. So the New heaven, the New earth, the New covenant, the New man—mean a heaven, earth, covenant, man, of a very different nature from the former.

“It was our Lord’s invariable custom to illustrate heavenly things by those of earth, and to make that which had last been the subject of conversation the means of doing it.

“Thus he uses wine here, of which they had lately drunk, and on which he had held the preceding discourse, to point out the supreme blessedness of the kingdom of God.

“But however pleasing and useful wine may be to the body and how helpful… it may be to the soul in the holy sacrament; yet the wine of the kingdom, the spiritual enjoyments at the right hand of God, will be infinitely more precious and useful.

“From what our Lord says here, we learn that the sacrament of his supper is a type and a pledge, to genuine Christians, of the [happiness] they shall enjoy with Christ in the kingdom of glory.”

Both of these writers (Vincent & Clarke) indicate that the probable meaning of Jesus’ word “new” is more to do with quality than with chronology or “point in time.” That is, he may not be referring to a literal drink of new wine at a future time when we are together again, but rather a euphemism to emphasize the wonderful blessing of eternal fellowship with him in the kingdom of heaven.

Whether he is speaking literally or figuratively, in either case the emphasis is on the future kingdom when they would be re-united with him. Thus, when they celebrate the Lord’s Supper, they were not only to remember what the Lord had done, but they were to anticipate his future return.

1 Cor. 11:26 “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” The next “great feast” that believers will literally share together with the Lord will be the Marriage Supper of the Lamb that is described in the book of Revelation.

That is the reason I chose the passage in Revelation 5 for our responsive Scripture reading earlier in this service. I wanted to link this discussion between Jesus and the disciples at the Last Supper with the coming eternal Kingdom of Heaven and the references to the Lamb that had been slain.

Conclusion:

We partake of the bread and the juice as a reminder that Jesus said he will drink again with us in the Kingdom of God. It is a reminder that there is a day coming when He will fulfill all His promises for a new heaven, a new earth, new bodies, etc. etc.

When we partake of the emblems today, let us meditate on the day that is coming in the future when we will be eternally united with the Lord – that time when we celebrate the marriage of the Bride and the Lamb.

Let us remain faithful to him as we “commune” together until we finally reach our ultimate destination and eternally fellowship unhindered by any physical limitations or worldly distractions.

A Good Picture of Jesus Christ

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This is a sermon based on the Scripture found in Hebrews 1:1-4 and preached by Rev. David Harstine while filling in for Pastor Les.

Four Principles for Reaching the Lost

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This is a message given to "kick off" our annual fall missions emphasis. The text is Matthew 9:35-38 and it presents an account of Jesus reaching out to those who needed Him.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Missions emphasis this month

The Creator, the God of the Bible, is a God that seeks to save the lost.

He calls his people to be like him; to seek the lost.

I want to share some brief points from this passage of scripture, then I want to share a couple of powerful testimonies with you and close with some information about how we can be reaching the lost.

In these verses I see four principles in the words and example of Jesus for reaching the lost.

I. See as Jesus Saw  (36a, c, 37)

A. Condition of the harvest

It was great (multitudes; plenteous)

They were ravaged by sin (faint/weary; scattered)

B. Condition of the labor force

There were few laborers in comparison to the size of the harvest.

II. Feel as Jesus Felt (36b)

Moved with compassion

When he saw

III. Pray as Jesus instructed (38)

Pray for more laborers.

Be available to be the answer to your own prayer.

Provide assistance to those who do answer His call.

IV. Do as Jesus Did (35)

Went all around teaching, preaching and healing. His ministry was not always in that order. Sometimes he healed, and then he preached and taught.

You’ve heard it said, “People need to know how much we care before they’ll care how much we know.”

Don’t have to do something great, just find a way to show the love of God and be prepared to answer the question, why are you doing this.

Conclusion:

I want to use the rest of our time this morning to share some powerful testimonies of God’s work in other areas, and then talk about some things we need to be thinking about.

Read testimony of Dr. Koshy in the book, The Invested Life.

Read testimony of the suicide bomber in the letter received from Jesus Film, Inc.

Talk about Operation Christmas Child sponsored by Samaritan's Purse.

A Penetrating Question

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This is a sermon that is based on the text found in 2 Peter 3:1-12 that emphasizes the Apostle's exhortation to holy and godly living in light of the coming judgment on the earth and the establishment of the new heavens and the new earth.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I don’t know about you dear friends, but I am more and more convinced that we are speeding toward the end of time and the Second Coming of the Lord. It seems like the news reports every day bring more evidence that the world is racing toward chaos and destruction. If you think I’m exaggerating, just think of what comes to your mind when I mention the following countries: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Greece, Italy, Spain, & the entire European Union… In all of these countries there is rioting, political unrest, economic disaster, etc. In addition to this I heard on the radio about a week ago that there are rumors of war building up between China and Japan.

In addition to all of these countries, look at our own nation. Our economic situation is itself on the brink of disaster. Some people believe that the most recent action by the Federal Reserve to just print more money has bro’t us to the point that there is no longer any question if we will have economic collapse, but when will it happen.

My intention for talking like this is not to scare anyone or to be an alarmist. (I’ve heard alarming predictions about the world and the soon coming of Christ all my life.) However, the Bible makes it very clear that we will most certainly come to that day eventually. No one knows how close or how far away it is. The Bible also makes it clear that people will not be ready for that day when it comes because of becoming “desensitized” about all that is happening and how long it has been going on. Jesus himself taught that His disciples should be looking for His return and not be deceived by the false prophets who will try to lead people astray as we get closer and closer to that time.

The letter of 2^nd Peter was probably written to Gentile Christians “those who have obtained like precious faith with us.” It is believed, by the content of the letter, that it was written to address some false teaching that had risen among them.

(v. 4) Here in this chapter he is confronting some of the same attitudes that I just mentioned regarding our present day. “Where is the promise of His coming?” “Things have kept going as always since the beginning of time.”

(vv.5-7) He speaks about the first time that God brought judgment against the world and humanity (the flood), then he leads into the discussion about the coming day of judgment.

Peter explains that the mercy and love of God is the only reason that judgment hasn’t already overtaken us. (v.9) Even in the midst of describing coming judgment, Peter wants to emphasize the mercy of God and His desire that everyone be saved from destruction.

But… make no mistake, judgment day is coming. The Day of the Lord is sure to come.

(Barclay) Peter is speaking of the NT doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ, but he is describing it in terms of the OT doctrine of the Day of the Lord. There are several references in the OT prophets that describe the “Day of the Lord” in graphic terms like Peter did here. (See Is. 13:9-13) Other prophets use similar language to describe coming judgment.

This is described as a day when both the heavens and the earth will experience cataclysmic events.

“great noise” – lit. hissing or crackling; someone pointed out that this word is “used for the whirring of a bird’s wings in the air, for the sound a spear makes as it hurtles through the air, for the crackling of the flames of a forest fire.” (Barclay)

“elements” – word meaning basic rudiments, elements or principles. Gives the idea of that from which everything is derived. (i.e. atoms, molecules) I get the impression here that Peter is essentially describing a nuclear reaction. (God has ceased to hold everything together by the “word of his power” and the world’s elements have separated in one huge nuclear reaction.)

“fervent heat” – I read one time that the heat generated at the core of an atomic bomb is a minute replica of the sun’s heat. Some historians have described the devastation at Hiroshima and Nagasaki where nothing was left at the center, but even further out, the heat was so intense it caused tile roofs to run onto the ground like water.

“earth & works burned up” – as a result of the elements dissolving with intense heat.

So now we come to verse 11, and the Apostle Peter is asking his readers a very sobering question. “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be…?” Now that I have concluded my introduction, let us get into the message! J

For the remainder of our time today I want to discuss this passage to find the Apostle’s answers to this all-important question he has asked. What kind of persons should we be?

I. We should be people that are genuinely converted.

Listen to some of the language Peter is using in this passage.

A. This includes repentance.

(v.9) “…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Repentance is a topic that is preached throughout the OT by the prophets and it was preached by Jesus and the Apostles in the NT. Many people think that repentance means to be sorry for something. (“It doesn’t really matter what I do that is wrong as long as I feel sorry about it.”) But, that is not the case. The Bible says godly sorrow results in repentance, but…

Repentance carries the idea of making a complete change of mind and behavior as a result of that godly sorrow over our sin and the fact that our sin is the reason Jesus was crucified. Repentance means that I not only have changed my mind and my behavior in regards to sins I have been committing, but I’ve also changed my mind about who/what I’m trusting in for salvation. I’m no longer trusting in my own works or my own righteousness, but I’m trusting only in Christ.

B. This includes having peace with God.

(v.14) “…being found in him in peace…”

When we are without Christ and living a sinful life, we stand at odds with God and under the wrath of God. But, according to Romans 5:1, when we are justified by faith we have peace with God. Through faith in Christ, we change from a condition of hostility and war to a condition of reconciliation and peace with God.

II. We should be holy people.

A. That means outwardly in conduct and behavior.

(v.11) “…in all holy conversation and godliness”

“holy” – set apart for a specific purpose; cleansed and pure.

“conversation” – a word that does not primarily mean speech (as it usually does in our language today) but it refers to conduct and behavior.

“godliness” – piety, reverence.

Peter is saying that individuals that are looking for and expecting the “Day of the Lord” should be people that are careful to live their lives in a way that reflects the holiness of Christ and the purity He modeled. I’ve said this before, but I am alarmed at the excuses I’ve heard from professing Christians over the sin that they continue to practice.

Many seem to have the attitude, “Well, nobody’s perfect, so it won’t matter if I indulge in this sin or that practice.” But they know full well that the Bible condemns that behavior as ungodly and unbecoming a follower of Jesus Christ.

(Barclay) “If these things are going to happen and the world is hastening to judgment, obviously a man must live a life of piety and of holiness. If there are to be a new heaven and a new earth … the home of righteousness, obviously a man must seek with all his mind and heart and soul and strength to be fit to be a dweller in that new world.”

B. It also means inwardly in heart and motives.

(v.14) “…without spot and blameless.”

(Trench, NT Synonyms) These two words (spot, blemish or blameless) are similar in meaning, but when they are used together one usually refers to outward purity and the other refers to inward purity. (cf. 1 Peter 1:19 “redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus as lamb without spot or blemish.”) Purity of heart and life is a message that has been the heritage of many people in this church. Most of us come from a religious background in the Wesleyan, Nazarene, Alliance or Church of God denominations who all stress the message of holiness.

IV. We should be people that are expecting and longing for His return.

(v.12) “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God.”

As the children of God who are in love with Christ, we should be characterized as people who are anxious for the day when we can see Him face to face and live with Him eternally.

Someone (Barclay) has said that we can hasten the day:

A. by praying for it – Jesus taught us to pray, “thy kingdom come…” (Matt. 6:10)

B. by preaching to those who haven’t heard – “This gospel will be preached throughout the world… and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14)

C. by penitence and obedience – Peter would have known that a common message by the Jewish rabbis in biblical times was: “It is the sins of the people which prevent the coming of the Messiah.”

Supported by the truth found in v. 9, “God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Conclusion:

I want to finish this message by simply saying again, We are rapidly approaching the day that Peter was describing. None of us knows whether it will happen in our lifetimes or not, but it is coming.

In light of this sobering fact, what kind of person should you be? What kind of person should I be?

Dear friends, it is time for us to quit playing church and acting as though our faith was simply a hobby or pastime.

We need to be diligent as Peter says in v.14 and seek to be all God wants us to be; not only in our own conduct and behavior, but in reaching out to others with the message of hope and truth, so they too can be ready for His coming.

God Is Still the Creator

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This is a topical sermon based on various passages of Scripture speaking about God's creative activity in the world and in the lives of individual believers.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

(The idea for this message originally came from a message preached by Rev. Rex Bullock, “Is God Creating Anything New in 1992?” – 6/15/92)

A short while ago the Scriptures that were read for us were taken from the first book of the Bible and the last book of the Bible. In both of these references the God of the Bible is portrayed as a God that creates. He is portrayed as the all-powerful and creative source of everything, including the original heavens and earth, as well as the new heavens and earth. So the story of the Bible begins with the creative activity of God, and it ends with the creative activity of God.

Today, I want to talk to you about the creative activity of God in our world, but more importantly, in our individual lives.

I. God created the heavens and the earth.

How many of you believe the creation story in Genesis? Do you really believe that God created our world out of nothing? Are you convinced that God formed man from the dust of the earth? There was a time when nearly everyone in evangelical churches believed the Genesis account of creation, but that is not the case these days.

I know that I can’t answer all the questions that people might raise about the creation account, but in spite of that, I haven’t heard any alternative explanations that are any easier to believe than the explanation that is given in the Bible. I kind of feel like the old English author, G.K. Chesterton, and the comment he made about evolution.

G. K. Chesterton  – "It is absurd for the Evolutionist to complain that it is unthinkable for an admittedly unthinkable God to make everything out of nothing, and then pretend that it is more thinkable that nothing should turn itself into everything." 

The Bible begins with a definitive statement that is not argued or defended, but it is just proclaimed; “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The statement presupposes the existence of God and it boldly proclaims that He is the reason all things exist.

Genesis is not the only place in the Bible where the existence of the heavens and the earth is attributed to God. See these references

Isaiah 42:5 (KJV) Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth….

Isaiah 45:18 (KJV) For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited….

Malachi 2:10 (KJV) Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? ….

Mark 13:19 (KJV) For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

The account of creation in Genesis says that God said, “Let there be…” and there was. John 1:1-3 speaks about the Word that was in the beginning, was with God, and was God. This same Word of God is attributed with the creation of everything.  “… by him were all things made, and without him was not anything made that was made.” God has the power to speak and things that did not previously exist suddenly come into existence.

II. God will create a new heavens and a new earth.

It is prophesied in the Old Testament.

Isaiah 65:17 (KJV) For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Isaiah 66:22 (KJV) For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

It is reaffirmed in the New Testament.

2 Peter 3:13 (KJV) Nevertheless we, according to his promise [ie the one in Isaiah], look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Revelation 21:1 (KJV) And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

I honestly do not have any more idea how God is going to do this than I do about how He created the original heaven and earth. But, I can boldly tell you today that I don’t have to understand it in order to believe it!

So…The Bible begins with the account of the original creation and it finishes with the account of a future creation. This fact highlights the important truth that God loves to create brand new things. But…   This isn’t the main point of my message today. I didn’t come here simply to re-emphasize how much I believe in the biblical account of creation.

III. God creates new creatures in Jesus.

The main point of my message today is to let you know that I believe the Bible teaches us that God is also in the business of creating new lives in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

If God can just speak the word and it causes planets and stars and galaxies to suddenly come into reality, then He most certainly can take a life that has been broken and scarred by sin and heartache and make it completely new again.

How does God do it? How does the Bible describe the process of making new creatures?

A. It starts with a new birth.

John 3:3 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

It’s a radical new beginning. It is so drastic; Jesus describes it in terms of being born again. It is a point at which new life begins in the heart of the believer and the individual is no longer spiritually dead, but spiritually alive. It begins at the point a person abandons his own efforts at pleasing God and completely puts his trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.

B. It involves getting a new heart.

Psalm 51:10 (NKJV) Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

In this prayer King David realizes that the root of his problem and the cause of his sin of adultery and murder was a heart that was polluted with sin and turned against God. So David prays for God to create a clean heart in him.

The Lord, speaking through the prophet Ezekiel promises a new heart for the people of Israel.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NKJV) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

God was going to remove the stony, rebellious heart from his people and give them a brand new heart – a heart that was wholly devoted and committed to loving Him. God still does that for people today.

C. It also includes a new spirit.

Ezekiel 36:27 (NKJV) I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Spirit is that part of us that communicates with another world. It is the part of us that can hear the voice of God. There was a time when we enjoyed a spiritual bond with the world and we were in tune with all that was diabolical and sensual and even evil, but after we are born again, our spirits tune in to a different world. It’s somewhat like tuning your radio to a different frequency. We suddenly find ourselves bonding with things that are heavenly, holy and godly. We may not immediately notice it, but it happens.

D. It includes a new song

Psalm 40:1-3 (NKJV)   …I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.

When God makes new creatures out of us, He gives us a brand new song to sing. We no longer sing about the pleasures of sin and the brokenness and despair it leads to, but we sing about the “Wonderful Grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin, how shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin…” and “My heart is stirred whene’er I think of Jesus, that matchless name which sets the captive free…”

E. This new life that God has created includes new works (deeds or actions.)

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Dear friends, when God creates a new person in Christ Jesus, He does a thorough job. Some would have us believe that a born again Christian is someone that keeps on living the same kind of life he/she used to live. But the Bible describes it differently.

We are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. What God has done inwardly, He works outwardly. Good works do not earn our salvation, but they certainly testify to our salvation. They demonstrate that God has created a brand new person here and this is the proof.

Conclusion:

In all of God’s creative activity, He did something or made something that had not been done before. Remember, God can create planets, stars, galaxies, as well as, insects and micro-organisms out of nothing. The Bible states that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” God is still able to create a miracle out of your life.

What is your need today? What are your circumstances? What disasters or tragedies have you experienced? Really bad choices? Bad relationships? Broken marriage? A life that is completely ruined and futile?

Give it all to the Lord. He can take the ashes of your failures and create something of beauty. He may do something miraculous in an instant, or He may do it over a longer period of time, but He will do the work. All He asks is for you to come just as you are. Don’t try to get yourself straightened out good enough so He’ll take you. He wants you as you are. He won’t leave us the way we are, but He will take us the way we are.

Let us sing this song and apply its message: “Just As I Am”  (#488)

Five Perils to a Dynamic Faith (Conclusion)

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This is the conclusion of a message based on Hebrews 12 in which the author of Scripture presents five warnings to the Christian believers in the first century. These warnings are still relevant for believers today.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction to concluding segment

Last Sunday I started this sermon but didn’t have time to finish it, so we are concluding the message today.

In Hebrews 11 the author provided a working definition of faith for his readers, and then he proceeded to list individuals and groups of people who were examples of dynamic faith. He described what faith did for them as a source of encouragement. I believe he was hoping to generate this attitude in the readers, “If faith can do this for them, I believe it can do it for me.”

In chapter 12 he begins by reminding them that they are surrounded by that great “cloud” of witnesses – those who have testified or witnessed to a vibrant, dynamic faith, and he urges his readers to not only remember them, but to also remember the central figure of it all – Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. He continues through the rest of the chapter to warn them of the kinds of perils that could sabotage their faith. There are perils that these readers needed to be alert for, and these same perils threaten destroy the faith of all believers in all ages.

The perils or dangers are introduced throughout the chapter in each case by the use of the word “lest” (KJV) or “that not.”

Last week we talked about the first three perils, which I will list again for those who weren’t here.

The danger of weariness (v.3)

The danger of waywardness (v.13)

The danger of gracelessness (v.15a)

Today we are going to look at the last two perils that are given:

The danger of bitterness (v.15b)

The danger of profaneness (v.16)

IV. The Danger of Bitterness (v.15b)

Hebrews 12:15b (KJV) lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.

“root” – a word that was translated in the Septuagint to refer to any specific person in Israel who may turn away from God and worship pagan idols or cause others to do so(Duet. 29:18); and in Matt. 13:21 it is used to describe a person who has a superficial experience of truth as illustrated in the parable of the sower or the soils. Here in this passage it refers to a Jewish believer who is in danger of apostasy and inducing others to do the same. (Wuest)

Bitterness will bring trouble to one’s self. Bitterness will harm you and me more than any trouble that anyone else could ever do to us.

Bitterness will bring defilement to many others around us.

“many be defiled” – literally, “the many” i.e. the majority.

Every one of us has an influence on dozens of others around us. We have the privilege and responsibility to either lead them forward in faith or lead them away from the grace of God.

V. The Danger of Profaneness (v16)

Hebrews 12:16 (KJV)
¹⁶  Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

Fornicator is understood in its usual meaning – one who engages in illicit sexual relations. Probably not to be understood as a description of Esau.

“profane” – literally accessible, lawful to be trodden; giving the idea of unhallowed and common. It is the opposite of holy, sacred or set apart. (It is okay to walk on this, there is nothing sacred about this.)

Profaneness produces a twisted sense of value.

This is true because it focuses on the temporal rather than the spiritual. It causes people to sell something of lifelong value or even eternal value for something of momentary value. This is very true in the case of a fornicator. Fornication involves the decision to sacrifice future long-term benefits and treasures on the "altar" of immediate gratification.

Also true in the case of Esau. Esau gave up, surrendered or sacrificed something of future, long-term value in order to obtain something that only had immediate and short-term benefits.

Profaneness produces actions that cannot be undone. (Because that which is lost can never be regained.)

“no place of repentance” – Repentance here is not to be understood as sorrow or remorse or regret, but in the sense of changing one’s mind about something resulting in a change of actions or direction. Esau found no place of repentance, because the action he took and the decision he made could not be undone. There was no opportunity for him to change his mind and retract his action.

This illustration of profaneness is applied to the Jewish believers in reminding them that they no longer needed the literal, physical and temporal temple, because they are now participants in the worship at the eternal temple in heaven. (vv.18-24)

Even believers today must be aware of the danger or peril of profaneness. We are dangerously suseptible to the peril of surrendering eternal possessions and eternal values on the altar of immediate, earthly, temporal values.

Conclusion:

One of the ways we can avoid these perils is to have methods for reminding ourselves of the things that are more important and the things that have eternal value. The celebration of the Lord's Supper is one of the ways believers have to help remind us of what's important.

As we prepare to share the elements of Communion this morning, let us start by singing a couple verses of the familiar hymn, "Near the Cross."