10-5-2024           Living for Jesus Romans 12:1-21

               

                            Whose reflection do others see in us?          

Throughout the Old Testament in the bible, we see the ups and downs of Israel.  They love God, they become discouraged and stray away from God.  Even as we look at world history, where most cultures have believed in a god (of some sort), man has strayed from his religious beliefs and come back.  Yes, conquest does play a role in some of this yet as conquest forces itself upon others true faith should be a free choice. 

As a rule, man has a revolving door relationship with any deity. Wanting to do ‘his own thing’ does play a huge factor in this situation.  Point, this situation is not just in Judeo-Christian culture, but a human condition.  Where rules are enforced through power, those rules are generally obeyed for fear of retaliation.  Yet our God, Yaweh, the Great I AM, gives us the freedom to make our own choices in life – right or wrong and there are consequences, good or bad, to our choices. 

As with all religions, our heavenly Father does give us a set of rules to follow, but His rule is actually one, two-fold rule.  To love!   Two fold because He asks us to love Him in a similar fashion as He loves us, with all our heart.   And the second is to love our fellow man in the same manner.  This means not having to  follow a set of rules, but desiring to obey them – with all our heart.  We have to make decisions to do the ‘right’ thing!  According to the rules.

In the civil law, we break even one statute and are caught, we pay the penalty.  As it is with man, Father is not asking us to figure out how we can avoid the penalty but rather not break the statute to begin with.  And, Father carries that action one step farther – not to even consider going against His Law!

We are entering our fall season, the old season is passing away to make way for a new season in the spring.  We can collect and enjoy the good fruits of our labors over the past year. This is also a time we can reevaluate the ‘old man’.  The number ten (October) represents ‘divine order’.  So this is also a time (fall and winter) when Father is helping us to reorganize our lives to prepare for that which lies ahead, bursting forth in new energies and new life in the coming spring. 

Let’s take a look at how Paul describes man’s situation.

1          I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Simple, we live our lives to please God and in order to do that, we have to discover exactly what does please God.  Our discovery is based upon reading our ‘guide book’ (the bible) and communing (talking) with our heavenly Father.  The Holy Ghost will lead us into all truth (John 16:13-15).  This we do with all our heart and to the best of our ability.  Our attempts and successes are what are pleasing to Father.

2          And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Again, I say, we have to know what pleases God in order to please Him.  We know that the ways

of the world don’t please Him so we renew our minds through reading His Word (the bible) and

communing with Him (prayer).

3          For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

We shouldn’t get wrapped up in our own egos but remember who God is, our relationship with

Him and that all of ‘man’ are our brothers and sisters and to treat them accordingly and Father

gives us the ability to do so.

4          For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5          So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6          Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

We are all members of humanity and as Christians, we are baptized into one body in Christ.  Yet, being many members we all have our own gift, talent or ability.  And these gifts all work together to edify (benefit) the body of Christ.  Therefore, we exercise our gifts by allowing Father to mold us into all that for which He has intended.  After all He did know us, even before we were conceived (Jer. 1:5).

7          Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8          Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let us serve, in our gift, in a simple way that all can understand and benefit.  The word ‘wait’ is

the Greek word apekdechomai (G553).  It does mean wait but it carries the connotation of

expecting or perhaps to even search for.  Our gift may not ‘just fall’ into our laps!

9          Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

God loves us not regarding who we are or our position or status in this life.  He loves (meets) us where we are and then helps us to grow considering those things which are pleasing to Him and shedding things which are not.  Shouldn’t we do the same?

10        Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Set our own ego aside and do what is best for others.  What can we do for others to help them

grow?

11        Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

No matter what our occupation (job) is in this world, we do perform our tasks to the best of our ability.  We truly don’t work for whomever or ‘boss’ may be, but we work for our Lord Jesus and He will help us to accomplish our tasks.  Our human bosses just benefit from our diligence on the job.  And Father will bless us for our efforts.  (Ask me about my time with FDA)

12        Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Always rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 4:4) no matter what situation we find ourselves in continually seeking Father’s direction for resolution.

13        Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Abraham and Lot are examples for us as to how we should treat everyone but especially our brothers and sisters in the Lord (Gen. 18:11-8, Gen. 19:1-3).

14        Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

When someone ‘does us wrong’, attacks in any form or fashion, is our first response “Oh, yeah!  Well, take this!”?  If Father reacted to us in this fashion, no one would ever have access to eternal life.  Thank God that He is gracious and longsuffering – even for all those times, after we have received Jesus – for those times we have thrown mud back in God’s face.  Paul tells us to follow his example as he follows Christ Jesus (1 Corinth. 11:1).  

15        Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Many years ago, when my son was not yet two, I found a friend of mine kneeling on the front walk with my son.  They both were crying.  My friend told me he wanted my son to know that someone else felt his pain.  I don’t know what started it all, but soon, the both stopped crying.  As I’m jotting this down, Father is reminding of the poor woman who found her lost coin, her friends rejoiced with her (Luke 15:8-10).

16        Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

In case you missed this one, treat others as you desire to be treated.  We are no better than

anyone else, nor are we any worse than anyone else.  Without Jesus, we all would be doomed

to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10-15).  But in Jesus, we can rise to a higher level and treat everyone

with dignity and respect.

17        Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

What did we say earlier?  If someone slaps us, our ‘knee jerk’ response is to slap them back, but we should deal honestly and in love with all people.  No, it ain’t always easy, but how do you think God feels when we act contrary to how He has taught us? 

18        f it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Father knows that this isn’t easy, but we are called, first, to be peacemakers for that is the way of God’ (Matt. 5:9).  That means even if we have to grit our teeth to keep the peace.  It is better to walk away than to be a part of a most intense confrontation.  In short, don’t stand and argue!

19        Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give no place unto wrath for it is written Vengeance is mine; I will repay saith the lord.

Whoa!  This is the third time this has been said!  Maybe we should pay close attention

concerning vengeance and showing Father’s love?

20        Therefore if thine enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21        Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

So what should we do? Give our enemy what he needs!  I didn’t say ‘wants’ but ‘needs’.  When an enemy means evil towards us we repay him with kindness and love.  Why?  A – He may not understand what is actually stirring up his actions (negative powers or principalities Eph. 6:12) and B -He has no idea what Father will do when someone picks on one of His kids (us - Matt. 18:6, Jesus is the first of many brothers Rom. 8:29).

So, Romans chapter twelve gives us qualities and characteristics of the Christian life.  Father never said it would be easy.  Paul mentions the afflictions he has suffered ‘walking the walk’.  Yet, he tells us to persevere (1 Corinth. 9:24-26) in God’s love, for it is our salvation and wisdom (2 Tim. 3:10-17). 

In the end?  God’s obedient children (us) we win!

Amen

9-21-2024 Know Your Calling

How many people actually know the calling Father has placed upon their lives?

Matt. 28:19-20            Therefore, go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you and know that I am always with you until the end of the world.

First and foremost, Jesus calls us to share our faith with those around us and to the best of our knowledge, how to live in Father’s love.  It is the calling for all Christians.  No, we don’t have to be 24/7 evangelists, but as Father shows us opportunities, we should step up for we don’t know if either we, or the person with whom we share, has tomorrow (Prov. 27:1, Matt. 6:34).

Two passages Father has given me as examples as recognizing the calling He places upon our lives.

(1) Ezek. 37:1-14         Ezekiel was carried out into a valley filled with dry bones.  Father had him walk in and amongst those old dried bones (to get the feel).  “Son of man, can these bones live?”  Ezekiel replied “Lord, God, you know.  Then God said ”  Speak to the bones “Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord.  Behold, I will cause breath to enter you and you shall live.  I will lay sinews upon you and flesh and skin and put breath in you and you shall live and you will know that I am the Lord.”

Note that God told Ezekiel to do this.

                                    Ezekiel did as commanded and there was a noise, a shaking and the bones came together, bone on bone.  And Ezekiel saw the sinew, flesh and skin come upon those bones but there was no life in them. 

Then, God told Ezekiel to prophesy to the wind “Thus says the Lord, God come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these that are slain that they might live.”  Breath came into them and an exceedingly great army stood up upon their feet. 

God said these bones are the whole house of Israel and what do they say ‘our bones are dried, our hope is lost, we are cut off for our parts.’

Then God tells Ezekiel to prophecy “Thus says the Lord God; behold my people, I will open your graves and cause you to come out of those graves.  I will put my Spirit in you and place you in your own land.  Then you shall know that I the Lord have said and performed it, says the Lord.”

As in the day of Israel, when they strayed from God, is today’s church filled with dry bones?  Yet, today there is an army waiting to arise up.  Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s song “Break Every Chain” reflects this, “There’s an army risin’ up … to break every chain …”  And I say look at the world around you, an army is beginning to rise up.  Today, many Christians are half asleep or fallen into a drowsy slumber of comfortability.  Father says first (and He’s been doing this for 700 years) He’s going to gather those old dry bones and start connecting them together again into proper alignment.  Christians just might start recognizing ‘common denominators’ instead of the differences between the ‘denominations.  We are a body.  Spiritual ligaments assure a connection and strong foundation and that foundation is upon the Rock and that Rock is Jesus Christ (Psalm 62:5-6, Luke 6:46-49).  Remember that Jesus is our cornerstone and that all things are properly placed into perspective in Him that we may become a Holy Temple for the Lord (Eph. 2:20-21, 1 Corinth. 6:19-20). Let me rephrase that.  We just might become that Holy Tabernacle Father intended us to be.  That is we might become that resting place where Father can commune with us – individually!  God’s glory came upon Israel’s tabernacle in the wilderness, now He desires to come and rest in our tabernacle (our body) and commune with us!  Glory to God!

He’s giving us Spiritual muscle.  That is He’s pouring His Word into our heart and mind and building our faith so as we abide in Him we CAN do all that He (Jesus) did and more (John 14:12) in love (1 Corinth. 16:14).  Jesus does give us the authority (exousia) over things of this world as well as authority over the power (dunamis) of the devil (Luke 9:1).  Jesus tells us that as we believe, we can tell a mountain to move and it will (Mark 11:23-24).  That mountain is anything that comes between us and the Lord and that means that’s ‘authority’ over things of this world.  We can cast a demon out in Jesus’ name and it must go (Acts 16:16-18) and that’s authority over the spiritual world.  And as we love Jesus, an outer layer of love will envelope us and those around us will see that love emanating from our heart (Gal. 2:20).    

Father tells us HE is giving us life, that is pulling us up, out of that grave of indifference to become that spark, that light unto the world (Matt. 5:14-16) which He intended us to be.

It is our responsibility to do that for which He has called us.

(2) Jer. 1:1-10              The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah between the times when Josiah was king until Israel was carried way into captivity. 

The word of the Lord came and said “I knew you before I formed you in the belly.  Before you were born, I sanctified you and I ordained you to be a prophet to the nations.  “

Then I said “Ah Lord God!  I cannot speak for I am like a child.”  Then the Lord said “Don’t tell me that you are like a child.  For you shall go to all that I send you and speak what I give you to say.  Don’t be afraid of how they look (before you or at you), for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.”

Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth and said “I have put my words in your mouth.  This day I have set you over nations and kingdoms to root out, pull down, destroy, overthrow then to build and to plant.”

(That is to clean house and rebuild us into a new man, even a new church).

This passage pretty much speaks for itself and to some degree, each one of us should have had this type of experience with the Lord.   God knew what He wanted us to be and do before mama and papa even thought about having us.  Before we entered into this world, He had already ordained (nathan H5414-appoint, ascribe, commit) us into the ministry He has for us.  We can’t cry about being ignorant because the Holy Ghost will give us what to speak (Luke 12:11-12).  So why would we be afraid to speak out?  Or course, we do have to study the bible so the Holy Ghost has something  to bring back to our remembrance  All we need to be concerned about is being aware of when He calls us, then being obedient to go when, where and then speak! 

Remember, Jesus is always with us (Matt. 28:20)!(the Holy Ghost is in us - Acts 1:8, John 14:17).  Jesus says that as we abide (meno G3306, stay with endure) in Him (His Word) we will bear fruit and we will have what we ask of God (John 15:1-7).

As we search for our calling, Father will confirm when we have discovered it (Heb. 2:4). 

So how can we recognize our calling? 

As with me, Father might give us a scripture or scriptures (the bible) declaring that to which He is calling us.  Father didn’t speak the word to me, audibly, but He did speak to me in my heart and mind as He showed me the scriptures.

Yet He did speak directly (audibly) with Jeremiah and Ezekiel.  The Holy Ghost was with them, but now, the Holt Ghost,  abides (or should) in us.

A man or woman of God might give us a word (2 Peter 1:21).  “God said to tell you …”

Father may show us something in the world around us that suddenly ‘rings a bell’ (Rom. 1:19-20).  Birds in the grass looking for food – ‘My children are hungry, feed them.’

Father gives us gifts (without repentance – Rom. 11:29), talents and abilities.  These are those things which we seem to have a natural ‘knack’ for (to do) or those things which seem to always grab our attention (skills).  These things just might give us a ‘clue’ to that which Father is calling us.

When in doubt, or even if you think you’re pretty sure, ask Father for confirmation and then follow the lead of the Holy Ghost.

Amen

Note significant numbers for this season

5          grace, favor

9          fruit of the Spirit, divine completeness, God’s visitation

8          new birth, new beginnings, new creation

2          union (with Father), witnessing

24        (this year, 2024) priesthood  

Father’s grace and favor bring the fruit of the Spirit and God’s visitation which brings new beginnings which results in a closer union with the father so we can be witnesses for Him as we become His modern day priesthood in 2024.

also

3          divine completeness, perfection

25        (next year, 2025) forgiveness, repentance, grace

5, 9 & 8 read the same while 3 replaces 2 as Father brings us into His completeness (maturity) in Him, which as souls repent, Father’s forgiveness will abound in 2025 and His grace will teach us to live in His love.  

 

9-7-2024             The Church, the Tabernacle and the Temple                                        

The Church

Webster’s        Building for public (Christian) worship, clergy or official religious body, a body or organization of religious believers (congregation), public divine worship.                       

OT                   not used

NT                    Ekklesia (G1577) [fom kaleo G2564) bid, call forth] church, meeting place for a religious congregation especially for religious purposes.

The Tabernacle

Webster’s        Tent or sanctuary used by Israel in Exodus, receptacle for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist, a locked box reserved for he ‘host’, house of worship, a building or shelter used for worship.

OT                   ohel (H168) [from ahal H166 to shine] a covering or tent

                        Mishkan (H 4908) [from shakan H7931 habitation, lodging, rest, remain] habitation, dwelling, tent, tabernacle.

NT                    Akene (G4633) [from G4639 akia a shadow] tent, habitation, tabernacle

                        Akenos (G4636) [from G4633], temporary residence, human body.

                        Akenoma (G4638) God’s residence as a housing a body for the soul.          

The Temple

Webster’s        Edifice for worshipping a deity, one of three successive national sanctuaries for Israel, a building for Mormon sacred ordinances, reform or conservative synagogue, building to house a ‘local lodge’ for a fraternal order (Elks, Shriner’s etc.), place devoted to a special or exalted purpose.  

OT                   Bayith H1004) [from banah H1129 build, make or repair] contain hangings, home one is born in, prison, tablet, place, temple

                        Heykkal (H1964) [from yakol H3201 might, endure, overcome, prevail, suffer] public building, palace, temple.

NT

Heiron (G2411) Sacred place, sanctuary, temple

Naos (G3485) Shrine, temple

So, when looking at the words used, we also need to note the context or usage to derive the correct reference. 

As we read through the definitions, we clearly see that a church, tabernacle or temple is a place to gather and honor ‘something’ greater than ourselves whether a deity, a concept or whatever. 

As we look at the definitions, we also note some specific qualities mentioned. We note that, for the tabernacle especially, we see the word ‘shine’ and we note that Israel observed the glory (presence) of God whenever He ‘came down’ upon the tabernacle (Exod. 40:34-37).  Also take note that the Holy Ghost came upon the apostles ins the upper like ‘tongues of fire’ (Acts 2:1-4).  As Christians, we note that the Holy Spirit of God seals us for that last day (Eph. 4:30) because He rests upon us (1 Peter 4:14) and more so because Jesus promises us that the Holy Ghost will be “in” us (John 14:14-17, Acts 1:8).  Jesus tells the disciples that the Holy Ghost will come upon us (Acts1:8).  AND His abiding in us is shown when the apostles received Him in the upper room (Acts 2:1-16).  How often do we look at someone (notably Christian) and we say “there’s just something about him!”?

As Christians, the Holy Ghost, who is the presence of the Lord, our God, whether upon the tabernacle as with Israel or in the tabernacle - us!

Understand, for the Jews, the Holy of Holies is where God came to earth and visited with Israel (2 Chron. 7:1-7).  It was unique for the Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained Aaron’s rod, the manna and the tablets of the Law, which represent the presence of the Almighty God, and was separated by a veil within the Holy place which housed the items of worship, which was within the Priest’s courtyard which is where all the sacrifices were performed which was separated from the women’s courtyard which is where the buying and selling of sacrifices were exercised and the people, in general, could gather.  In case you missed it, the women’s courtyard, the priest’s courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies.  This is the veil, separating the Holy of Holies from the Holy place, the veil which was torn at the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross.  Understand, the general populace had access to the ‘women’s courtyard.  The head of the household and the priests had access to the ‘priest’s courtyard’.  The priests had access to the Holy Place but only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies.  We are a royal priesthood before God (1 Peter 2:9)!  This means that we (Christians) now have direct access to the Father, through the Holy Ghost (thank you Jesus) in us.  For Israel, only the high priest had direct access to the presence of God.   Through Jesus, we now have that direct access to the presence of Father.  Think about it!  Israel knew God at a distance (if you will), but we now have access up close and personal.  It’s like talking with a friend on the telephone then being able to talk with Him as a friend face to face!  Job made an amazing discovery.  He realized that he knew all about God, but by the time his ordeal was completed Job said “… but now I have seen you with my own eye.” (Job 42:5). 

Have we experienced Father?  Do we quench Him (1 Thess. 5:19) or is the Holy Ghost alive and well within our heart giving us that connection? 

In the book of Acts, we have several occasions where the Holy Ghost comes upon us.  When Jesus was baptized by John in the river, the Holy Ghost came upon Him as a dove (Matt. 3:16-17).  When the apostles were baptized, what appeared to be tongues of fire alit upon each of them (Acts 2:1-4).  Cornelius and his family received the Holt Ghost while Peter was still preaching, then they were baptized with water (Acts 10:44-47).  On the road to Ephesus, Paul encountered twelve men who had been baptized by John.  As they talked Paul asked if they had received the Holy Ghost yet and they responded that they hadn’t even heard that there was a Holy Ghost.  Paul baptized the in the name of the Lord Jesus, laid hands upon them and they received the Holy Ghost (Acts 19:1-7).  In each of these instances, one thing was true, they all knew Jesus when they received the Holy Ghost and yes, water baptism was still a part of the event.

Whether we are called the ‘church’, the tabernacle or the temple, as Christians, by the grace of God, our hearts are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17).  And for us to be successful in our walk with the Lord, the Holy Ghost needs to be an active part of our life.

The Spirit of God rested upon the tabernacle in the wilderness with Israel.  We ae the tabernacle (temple) of God!

Do we live like it?

Amen

8-24-2024 Eucharist, the Body and the Blood of Jesus

Matthew 26:26-29 is the ‘institution’ of what is referred to as the Lord’s Supper, Lord’s Table or Eucharist.

In this passage, Jesus gives His disciples, where He establishes, something for the apostles and disciples to remember Him by.

“Take, eat, this is My body.”

“Drink all of it.  This is MY blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

Most fellowships observe the ‘Body & Blood’ of our Lord Jesus.  Some churches call it the ‘Lord’s Table’, ‘some The ‘Lord’s Supper’ and others the ‘Eucharist’.  So just what does Eucharist mean?  Basically, Webster’s defines it as communion, remembering that Jesus gave us His body and shed His blood for our sin (took our place on the cross).  Scripture does not use the term ‘Eucharist’ in either the old or New Testament, but as we see in Matthew, it is clearly defined and is easily correlated with the ‘Lord’s Supper’ as Jesus was eating a meal with His disciple.   

1 Corinthians 11:24-25

“… do this in remembrance of Me.”

Notice that Paul says this after both the cup and the bread.

No argument that we recite these words in observance of the “Lord’s Table”.  We are to remember what Jesus did or us.  Again there should be no disagreement whether said after each element or after both. 

But just what is Jesus telling us to do?

Just what is the body and blood of the Lord?  The disciples received a piece of bread and ate.  Then a cup of wine was passed among them and they each drank some. 

There are those who believe the ‘blessed’ bread and wine become the literal body and blood of our Lord.

In 750AD, a priest experienced a terrible temptation to doubt the True Presence while He was saying Mass. As he pronounced the words of consecration, the host and the wine transformed into what appeared to be flesh and blood.

 

In 1970, more than 1,200 years later, the archbishop of Lanciano, with Rome’s approval, requested a thorough scientific examination of the miraculous relics by Dr. Edward Linoli, director of the hospital at Arezzo and professor of anatomy, histology, chemistry, and clinical microscopy. His report, submitted on March 4, 1971, detailed the following results:

·         The coagulated substance is human blood, AB blood type, with the same protein distribution as found in normal, fresh blood

·         The host is human muscular striated tissue of the myocardium, left ventricle (heart); arteries, veins, branch of vagus nerve, and adipose tissue all can be identified

·         Like the blood, the flesh is also fresh, living tissue, because it “responded rapidly to all the clinical reactions distinctive of living beings” as if the flesh and blood samples had been taken that day

·         Histological tests revealed no sign of preservation techniques of any kind.

 

Some modern cases exhibiting the ‘miracle of the Eucharist are: 992 and 1996, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2006, Tixtla, Mexico, 2008, Sokolka, Poland and 2013, Legnica, Poland. 

Each of these occurrences received intensive study with highly advanced technology. In several cases, doctors did not know the source of the material. And yet, in all the cases, the same results were found, and are consistent with the results of Lanciano, providing even more details due to more advanced science:

·         The blood is human, AB blood type; human DNA was found; white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mycrophages were present, indicating fresh blood; in the Tixtla miracle, the blood clearly emanated from within, because the blood on the surface had begun to coagulate but the interior blood was still fresh, as with a bleeding wound

·         The flesh is human myocardium tissue of the left ventricle of an inflamed heart; in the miracles from Argentina and Poland, there was evidence of trauma from the presence of thrombi, indicating repeated lack of oxygen; lesions present showed rapid cardiac spasms typical in the final phases of death

·         In the Sokolka miracle, the remaining host is tightly interconnected with the fibers of human tissue, penetrating each other inseparably – as if the bread were transforming into flesh. “Even NASA scientists, who have at their disposal the most modern analytical techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such a thing,” affirmed Dr. Sobaniec-Lotowska, one of the examining experts.

Dr. Frederick Zugibe, a forensic doctor at Columbia University who examined the Argentinian miracle, did not know the source of the sample and told the doctor who brought it to him, “If white blood cells were present (in the heart tissue), it is because at the moment you brought me the sample, it was pulsating.” When he learned the source of the sample, he was shocked and deeply moved.  (https://media.ascensionpress.co – Catholic non-profit bible study)   

 

Remember, these situations were of ‘blessed’ Eucharist elements so I’m not trying to change anyone’s belief, but I am asking to consider this

 

Who is Jesus?  In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1 - an unbreakable unity).  Jesus tells us that man does not live by bread alone by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).  Jesus says “truly, I say to you that Moses did not give that bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.  I am the bread of life, he who comes to me shall never hunger and he who believes on me shall never be thirsty (John 6:31-35).

 

So, when Father created everything, how did He do it?  He spoke it into existence for there was only a void up to that time (Gen. 1:1-2).  So what did God speak?  What are the sounds that come out of our mouth when we talk? “God said” (note the quotation marks) nine times in Genesis chapter one.  Along with the ‘fruit of the Spirit, nine represents God’s visitation or completeness (FYI).  According to John 1:1, Jesus IS the physical manifestation of God’s Word.

 

We also know that God is love (1 John 4:8).  In the flesh, Jesus is the Son of God.  According to Mark, even a centurion, standing by Jesus at the cross, remarked “Truly, this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15:39).  The reference to ‘son’ here is a child or close relative (G5207 hulos).  (FYI huiohesis G5206 which is adopted son).  Hulos is used, in the New Testament, when referencing Jesus.  Jesus is seen as the Son of God, not an adopted son of God.  As Christians, we are the huioheis, ‘adopted’ sons of God (Rom. 8:14-17).

 

The blood is the life of the creature (Lev. 17:14). 

So understanding that Jesus is the ‘manifestation’ of God’s love and ‘Word’.  Jesus said “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, you have no life in you, but he who does, has eternal life and I will raise him up at that last day”.  Indeed, My flesh is meat, indeed My blood is drink, he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwells in Me and I in him” (John 6:53-6).

The Holy Ghost is also life.  As we walk in the Spirit, we have life and are the sons of God and we are quickened to be with him throughout eternity (Rom 8:1-17).

So, what if we ‘devour’ the ‘word’ of God, that is read and study the bible, not just to read the words, but comprehend what Father really saying to us?  Remember, Jesus spoke to the general populace in parables (Matt. 13:13).  After telling the people several parables, Jesus took his disciples aside and told them their meaning, then asked a question “Have you understood these things?” and the disciples answered “Yes’.  Consider, Jesus promised the disciples the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth (John 14:16-17).  We can receive Him because father sent Him into this world, on the day of Pentecost, 2000 years ago with the promise that we shall have the same power Jesus operated in, in us (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-17) and the Spirit will lead us into all truth (John 16:13) and understanding (1 Corinth.2:10-16).  And don’t forget, as the Holy Ghost raised Jesus from the grave, He will quicken (raise us up) into a new life in Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:11), in this life and the next.   

So, do we devour the literal body of Jesus (a blessed host) or are we to delve into the deepest understanding of the bible possible?  Jesus is the Word of God, ergo in His flesh. So do we devour Jesus’ flesh by literally eating the Word of God (the bible)?  Or by eating a piece of bread or wafer (preferably dedicated to God by priest or clergy)?  The thinking is that by taking the ‘Eucharist’ (specifically) gives us a closer relationship with God, Yes?  The question is – won’t we develop a closer relationship with Father as we prayerfully study His word, applying it into our own life, then sharing that with those with whom we come into contact?

The blood is the life of the creature, it gives us the natural ability to breathe and exist.  But isn’t the Holy Ghost life?  Ability to live in this life as we expect eternity?  Doesn’t the Holy Ghost abide within our heart (spiritually)?  Doesn’t our life-source flow from our heart throughout our whole body?  And when the Holy Ghost becomes a part or our existence, shouldn’t He flow throughout our body?  That is influence all that we say and do?  We are better off following His lead.

John 6:48-66

Jesus says her that He is the brad of life, when men eat His flesh they will not die.  He is the bread of life through which man will not die.  The Jews wondered how this could be yet Jesus went to say “Eat My flesh and drink My blood and have eternal life.”  Unlike the manna, he who eats this bread shall have eternal life.  Jesus asked whether or not He had offended the people.  The Spirit quickens, the flesh profits nothing, “the words I speak are Spirit and life… no man comes to Me except it is given him by the Father.”  Then, many no longer walked with Him. 

So why all the fuss about the Eucharist?  I’m not saying don’t observe the sacrifice.  My God!  Jesus established that we should remember all that He has done for us by observing the body and the blood.

When we observe the Eucharist, or observing the body and blood of Jesus, remember the cleansing the high priest went through before entering the Holy of Holies.  Before going before the presence of God, he had to cleanse his body and offer sacrifices representing that his spirit was also clean so that he wouldn’t die when he entered the presence of the Lord (Exod. 30:20-21, Leviticus chptrs. 8-10).  We need to remember, that in the Spirit, we are approaching God.  At the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, the veil that separated us from God was torn in two, top to bottom, (Matt. 27:51) – giving us direct access to Father through Jesus, the Son. 

After they had disobeyed God (sinned), God drove Adam and Eve out of the garden (Gen. 3:1-24), separating them from Him because of sin.  The garden represented the presence of God (Gen. 3:8). Sin cannot coexist with God (Psalm 5:4).  When we observe the Eucharist (or Lord’s Supper), we must come before God with a clean heart.  How many churches have gotten away from cleansing our spirit before observing the body and blood of our Lord?     

When we observe the Eucharist (the Lord’s able), it isn’t about what that piece of bread or wafer does or does not become.  It is the Spirit of our action!  What’s in our heart as we observe the ‘table of Christ’?  Are we just going through the motions of some ritual?  Or are we truly observing our relationship with our Lord?  No matter what ‘elements we use for the body and blood, are we cleansing our heart and mind before partaking the ‘bread’ and the ‘wine’?  We are coming into the Holy of Holies (presence of God) when we partake of the ‘Body and Blood’.  We are coming into communion, that is a holy union with our Lord!  Is our heart right with the Lord?  Are we cleansed in what we think, say or do when we enter the presence of our Lord?

Amen