 As a church, we often gather to celebrate significant traditions, much like we do in our homes with holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Fourth of July. These occasions are more than just rituals; they are steeped in meaning that connects us to the foundations of our faith and community. In the same way, the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is not merely about the bread and wine—it’s about something much deeper.
The Origins of Communion To truly grasp the significance of Communion, we need to look back to its origins in the Jewish Passover, a tradition that dates back to the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. In Exodus 12, God instructs His people to celebrate Passover as a way to remember how He spared them from the final plague that struck Egypt, leading to their freedom. Each element of the Passover meal was rich with symbolism, from the unleavened bread to the bitter herbs, each telling a part of the story of God’s great act of deliverance. When Jesus celebrated the Passover with His disciples, He redefined this ancient meal, revealing that it was always pointing to Him. Jesus is the true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice would bring about the ultimate deliverance—not just from physical slavery, but from sin and death. The bread and wine, which we now take in Communion, symbolize His body and blood, given for us. As we partake, we are reminded that it’s not about the wafer; it’s about the Savior. The Symbolism of Communion Every detail in the Passover meal holds significance, and Jesus used this symbolism to reveal profound truths about Himself. The unleavened bread, or matzah, was pierced and striped, symbolizing Jesus’ body, which was pierced and whipped for our transgressions. The four cups of wine in the Passover Seder represent different aspects of God’s promises—sanctification, deliverance, redemption, and praise. When Jesus took the third cup, the Cup of Redemption, He declared it to be the new covenant in His blood, signifying the new relationship between God and His people through His sacrifice. What’s more, Jesus left the fourth cup, the Cup of Praise, untouched, promising to drink it anew with us in the Kingdom of God. This points us forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises in the Messianic Kingdom, a future we can look forward to with hope. Living Out the Meaning of Communion As we reflect on the meaning of Communion, it’s vital that we let its truths shape our lives. Communion calls us to:
As we reflect on the elements of Communion each time we take it, let’s remember: it’s not about the wafer; it’s about the Savior. It’s about the incredible love of God that brought us from death to life, from bondage to freedom, and from sorrow to joy. Let this truth guide our hearts and our lives as we continue to follow Jesus. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 9/1/24.
0 Comments
The prophecy found in Isaiah 53 is one of the most profound and revealing passages in the Bible, pointing directly to the Messiah—Jesus Christ. This passage, often referred to as the "Forbidden Chapter" by some in the Jewish community due to its clear Messianic implications, foretells the coming of a servant who would be highly exalted yet deeply misunderstood and rejected. The suffering servant described by Isaiah is not what anyone would expect from someone destined to be "high and lifted up." Instead, this figure is depicted as disfigured, despised, and burdened with the sins of humanity—a far cry from the majestic and powerful leader many anticipated.
When we look at Isaiah 53, we see a vivid portrayal of Jesus Christ, who bore our weaknesses and carried our sorrows. Despite his innocence, he was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. The imagery is stark and unsettling, yet it powerfully communicates the depth of God's love and the extent of Christ's sacrifice. Through this unexpected and humble servant, God's strength and power are made perfect. Jesus' suffering and death were not just for the people of Israel but for all of humanity. He took on our sins, so we could be healed and made whole. This is the heart of the Gospel—Jesus paid for our old lives with his own, offering us the chance for a new life in him. As we read the Ethiopian eunuch's encounter with this profound passage (Acts 8:26-34), we are reminded of the transformative power of understanding who Jesus is and what he has done for us. The eunuch, upon hearing the good news of Jesus, immediately sought to be baptized, signifying his all-in commitment to a new life in Christ. This same invitation extends to us today. Jesus doesn’t want just a part of our lives—he wants to take over completely, redefining our identity, purpose, and direction. The question we must ask ourselves is simple: Have we fully trusted Jesus with our hearts and lives? Today is the perfect day to surrender everything to him, allowing him to produce something new and beautiful in our lives. Jesus paid for our old lives to give us a new one—will you let him do that for you today? - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 8/25/24 One of the most powerful examples of Jesus' presence in the Old Testament is found in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as recorded in Daniel 3. This familiar passage speaks to the reality that fiery trials are not just ancient tales but are very much a part of the Christian experience today. As Peter warns us in 1 Peter 4:12-13, we should not be surprised by these trials, but rather, we should embrace them as opportunities to partner with Christ in His suffering and to witness His glory revealed.
The story begins with King Nebuchadnezzar, the ruler of Babylon, who erects a 90-foot tall golden statue and demands that all his subjects bow down and worship it. Those who refuse face a gruesome death in a blazing furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three faithful Jews, boldly refuse to bow, stating that their God is able to save them—but even if He doesn’t, they will not worship the king’s idol. This courageous stance enrages the king, and he orders the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual before having the three men thrown into it. Yet, as the flames rage, something miraculous happens: King Nebuchadnezzar sees not three, but four men walking unharmed in the fire, and he exclaims that the fourth looks like a god. This fourth figure is none other than Jesus Himself, making a powerful appearance to protect and deliver His faithful servants. The story doesn't end there. The king, astonished by this miraculous event, calls the men out of the furnace, and not a hair on their heads is singed; they don’t even smell of smoke! Nebuchadnezzar, moved by what he has witnessed, praises the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, declaring that no other god can save like this. The king then promotes them to even higher positions within the kingdom. This story reminds us that Jesus doesn’t always prevent us from entering the fire, but He promises to be with us in it. The trials we face are not random or coincidental—they are divinely orchestrated opportunities for God to display His glory. Whether it's a personal struggle, a loss, or a challenge that seems insurmountable, these are the very places where Jesus makes His presence known most powerfully. He doesn’t always show up on our timetable, but when He does, His timing is perfect, and His purpose is clear: to bring glory to His name and to strengthen our faith. As we reflect on this story, let us be encouraged that no matter what fiery furnace we may find ourselves in, we are never alone. Jesus walks with us through every trial, offering His peace, comfort, and strength. Just as He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, He is with us today. Let this truth deepen our trust in Him and embolden our witness to the world around us. Our God is alive, all-powerful, and ever-present—especially in the fire. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 8/18/24. The book of Jonah is a story that's much more than a tale about a man swallowed by a great fish. Jonah’s story is a striking satire, but it also provides one of the most profound glimpses into the heart of God and His redemptive plan for humanity. At the heart of Jonah’s journey is an encounter with severe mercy—a concept that challenges our understanding of God's love and discipline.
Jonah’s rebellion against God’s call led him to flee in the opposite direction, proud of his newfound autonomy. However, as the story unfolds, Jonah finds himself trapped in the belly of a fish, a symbol of the rock-bottom moment that many of us might relate to in our own lives. In this place of darkness and despair, Jonah realizes that even though he is responsible for his circumstances, God is still present and active. It’s here that Jonah experiences what can only be described as “severe mercy”—a form of God’s love that, while painful, ultimately leads to life. This mercy strips away all illusions, bringing Jonah (and us) face-to-face with our own brokenness and need for God. But here’s the hard truth: many of us struggle with this concept of severe mercy because we often expect God to make our lives easier, more comfortable, and free from pain. The Bible, however, reveals a different reality. God’s ultimate goal is not our comfort but our transformation into the likeness of His Son, Jesus. This journey often involves trials that bring us to the end of ourselves, forcing us to confront our sin, pride, and selfishness. Just as Jonah was forced to reckon with his disobedience, we too are invited to embrace God’s severe mercy—a mercy that, though painful, leads us to repentance, renewal, and a resurrected life in Christ. This is the paradox of divine mercy: it wounds, but it also heals. It brings us into a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. As you reflect on Jonah's story, consider what God might be calling you to surrender today. What idols are you chasing? What sins are holding you back from fully experiencing God's mercy and grace? The wounds of mercy are not meant to destroy us but to bring us back to life. How will you respond to God's invitation to stop running, repent, and live a new life in His unfailing mercy? Remember, the journey might be difficult, but the destination is worth every step. Let’s choose to trust in God’s mercy, knowing that it leads to a life of real freedom and restoration. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 8/11/24. In this post, we explore the profound connections between the Old Testament story of Abraham and Isaac and the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ. In Genesis 22, we see Abraham face the greatest test of his faith: God’s command to sacrifice his son Isaac.
Abraham’s journey to Moriah is a story of faith, obedience, and divine provision. God tested Abraham not to lead him into sin, but to mature and strengthen his trust. As Abraham prepared to offer Isaac, he demonstrated an incredible trust in God’s promise, believing that even if Isaac died, God could raise him from the dead. In this moment of ultimate faith, God provided a substitute sacrifice, a ram caught in the thicket, sparing Isaac’s life. This event is not just a testament to Abraham’s faith, but a foreshadowing of the greater sacrifice that would come through Jesus Christ. The parallels between Isaac and Jesus are striking:
This passage also holds deep relevance for us, even today. Abraham’s willingness to surrender what he held most dear challenges us to consider what we might need to surrender to God. Just as God provided a sacrifice for Abraham, He has provided for us through Jesus. The same God who tested Abraham’s faith calls us to trust Him with our lives, our loved ones, and our treasures. We are reminded that our greatest treasure is Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice offers us forgiveness, freedom, and new life. Let’s hold everything loosely, trusting that God knows what is best for us, and let’s live in the assurance of His love and provision. As we journey through the Old Testament, let’s remember that these stories are more than history—they are a living testament to God’s faithfulness, pointing us to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us be inspired by Abraham’s example of faith, and let’s embrace the reality that, like Isaac, we too are spared because of the sacrifice of another. What a powerful reminder of the lengths to which God will go to fulfill His promises and redeem His people! Have you welcomed Jesus into your life by faith? Have you believed in His finished work on the cross? If not, today is the perfect time to say yes to Jesus, to invite Him into your life, and to let Him take charge as your King and Lord. You can even click here to learn more about what it means to say yes to Jesus today. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 8/4/24. |
Welcome to the pastors' blog!
These are powerful posts adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons.
Previous posts
November 2024
|
RSS Feed