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  

8-10-2024        The state of man – and why!

            

Romans 1:1-32, 2:1-3

Paul has yet to visit Rome but in his opening statements to the Romans, he shoots straight from the hip.  He paints a picture of how ‘far off track’ the world has become (in his time).  Paul is making an attempt to shake the church up because the ‘church’ was doing the same things as the world and thinks that they are innocent because they are in the church.

Let’s see what Paul has to say about the condition of the situation.

1:1-6                Paul establishes who Jesus is and who he, himself, is.   Jesus fulfills the law by coming into this world as a ‘man’ with the purpose of bringing us eternal life (saving us from eternal death).  Paul reminds the Romans (as well as us) that they are a part of this salvation plan.

V7-12              Paul tells the Romans that they (and we) are beloved of God, called to be His saints (note; all believers are called to be saints).  In this letter, he speaks the peace and grace of God unto the people from God and Jesus (blessings – whatsoever we do, do in the name of Jesus [Col. 3:17]).  Though he has never met them, he prays for them that he may eventually come to them and establish (make their faith a surety) them by imparting some spiritual gift.

13-16               Paul professes that e is bound to share the gospel of Jesus to all men and desires to come to Rome.  Paul is not shamed of the gospel for it is the power of God to attain salvation, for all men (people, human beings, us).

V 17-20           God has shown Himself to man (yet man explains what God has done as scientific knowledge, but doesn’t science explain what and how God has done).  We see the righteousness of God through our faith and man shall live by faith (believe God is who He says He is and does what He says will do) and as humans, we express our faith through our works (James 2:18).  We understand God’s creation by studying God’s creation, those things we see and understand.  Though we understand the world around us, we fail to realize that it is God who has put it all together (Rev. 4:11).  So because of man’s intent to hold God’s righteousness in contempt, Father might get just a little upset (ask ourselves, when someone else gets the credit for something we have done, don’t we get hurt and maybe even a little angry?).

Now we get into how the world has ‘dissed’, disrespected God    

V21-32            The world knew about God (I knew all about You, but now I’ve seen You - Job 42:5) but did not glorify Him as God (supreme authority - Col. 1:3:16-17).  Man became wrapped in his own ideas and his foolish heart was darkened.  Man thought himself to be wise so he made images of things of this world to represent God.  So God let man pursue the unclean lusts of his own heart to dishonor their own bodies between themselves.  Man changed to truth of God into a lie and worshipped the creation more than the Creator!  God gave man over this own vile affections, men leaving the natural use of a woman and lusting after other men doing that which was not seemly (safe) and receiving the just reward for their actions. 

Because man did not want to keep God in his knowledge (or heart), Father gave them over to a reprobate mind (rejected, cast off – left to do their own thing) to do those things which are not convenient (right or correct).  Man became filled with unrighteousness, fornication (unlawful lust, idolatry, adultery), wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness (wickedness, depravity), envious, murderous, argumentative, deceitful, malignity (mischief, bad character), whisperers (gossipers), backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, boastful, proud, inventors of evil things,  disobedient to parents, becoming men without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affections, implacable (trucebreaker) and unmerciful, .

(They became men) Who know the judgements of God and that men who do these things are worthy of death (10 Commandments [Exod. 20:3-17).  Not only does man do these things but, he finds pleasure in doing them.

Romans 2:1-3            

Therefore, you are inexcusable, O man, for you are guilty of doing those very things for which you judge others (not talking about a legal court here but attitudes).  We know that the judgment of God rightly comes upon people.  Do you think, O man, when you judge others, yet you do the same thing that you will escape God’s judgment?

Look at what Paul is telling the Romans (and us)!  All the hypocrites in the church, and I mean all those who practice religion and not living a faith, but think that they are all okay because they do the right things.  What did Jesus have to say about that? 

Matt. 23:1-27 (in summary)

Jesus starts by blasting the scribes and Pharisees because they tell the people the right things to do and these things should be observed.  BUT, they make themselves look good before man yet lay grievous tasks upon the people.  They enjoy being called ‘rabbi’ and enjoy all the perks that come along with that.  Now, “Rabbi” is the Greek word rhabbi (G4461) which means ‘master’, but it is an official title.  Its root word is the Hebrew rab (H7227) which is also means master but carries the connotation of abounding, plentiful, etc. (in God’s word).  In other words, a Rabbi is one who knows God’s word inside and out (or should).  Because of their position (in Jesus’ time) Too many of them put themselves way above everybody else.  They enjoyed the ‘pomp and circumstance’ of the position while caring little for those around them.  They stressed the acts of man while neglecting the condition of man’s heart.  Jesus tells us to make our heart sure and our spirit clean so that our outside will be a reflection of what is on the inside (v27).  Take note, that our outside IS a reflection of our inside (who we truly are).  Why do you think Jesus called them a whited sepulchers (v27)?

So we see that the ‘state’ of man is nothing new, even among our leadership.  The saying goes that ‘history’ repeats itself.  This includes the church. 

The presence of God was with Israel as they travelled between Egypt and the promised land?  When Father had done something wonderful for them, Israel rejoiced.  Yet, how long did it take them to complain when things weren’t going so wonderful?  Read Exodus! 

The state of man is nothing new but unfortunately, neither has the attitude changed much over the centuries, the millennia.  At least not for the better.  The things we do (our ‘toys’) have progressed from primitive to more technological but what about our heart?

When we take note of how man’s view of God was in the 1960’s and compare it to today.  Have we progressed to better things?  Technologically, yes.  But, again, what about our heart?  Has the ‘world’ been trying to erase God from man’s thinking? His heart?

The first (and greatest) commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength (Mark 12:30).  The second commandment , or should I say ‘the second part of a single commandment, is to love other people as ourselves (Mark 12:31).  The Law God gave us and all those prophets over the centuries, who came to us, depend on and reflect Go’s love!

Even in today’s church, as a whole, has man truly become more spiritual?  “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”.  Has it really?

God is love (1 John 4:8), but He is also righteous (Psalm 145:17, Rom. 3:22).  Though those who have not given their heart to God will discover that their names are not written in Father’s Book of Life (the Lamb’s Book of Life – Rev. 21:27) but will discover that the ‘lake of fire and brimstone’ is their final destination (Rev. 20:10-15). 

Yet, though Father desires that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9), there is a condition.  Whosoever believes on the only begotten on of God will not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).  Father has provided the way!  When we confess Jesus with our mouth and believe in our heart that Father raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved (Rom. 10:9).  For we believe to become righteous and confess so that Father will accept us (be saved) (Rom. 10:10).

We see that God’s kingdom is (or should be) in our heart (Luke 17:20-21).  Our heart should be filled with the love of God.  should we share that love with those whom we encounter? 

So just what is the state of man?  And why?

Amen?

 

7-28-27               Royal Priesthood - Holy of Holies                        

This is actually being published on Sunday, the 28^th of July.  Events set me a day behind and Father said to wait until the 28^th to release it.  “7” is ‘resurrection’ or Spiritual’ completeness and ‘28’ is ‘eternal life’.  (got the mental juices flowing yet?)

Peter reminds us that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood. Okay, so what does all this have to do with the Holy of Holies?  Read on!

1 Peter 2:9-12 KJV

⁹ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;

(we are a unique people for the Lord for He has chosen us to be His banner carrier for salvation.)

¹⁰ Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

(though we are in the world, by God’s grace, we are no longer of the world {John 17:15})

¹¹ Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

(we don’t fight against flesh and blood but against the powers of evil {Eph. 6:11-12})

¹² Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

(we don’t do and say things to please man but to please God and the world doesn’t understand it)

Exod. 28:1-43 (not going into depth here but summarizing these passages so you might get a reasonable understanding of the sanctification of the priesthood)

This passage talks about the clothes which Aaron (the high priest) and his sons would wear in serving God.

Aaron and his sons were appointed to the priesthood by God to serve Him and be the go-between between our Lord and man.  Father prescribed clothes that they should wear and procedures they must follow when they approach God in the Holy of Holies.  Let’s get an understanding:

Chapter 28

God appoints Aaron and his sons to the priesthood and sets forth the clothing they should wear serving in the priest’s office.  God has given certain of the Israelites the ability to make a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a coat which is weaved into squares, a mitre (hat) and a girdle.  These garments should be made with colors of gold, blue, purple and scarlet and made of fine linen and be expertly crafted.

The ephod was to be carefully woven of gold, blue, purple and scarlet.  It shall have two shoulder pieces (onyx stones) one each for the right and left shoulders.  Each stone shall have six names the tribes of Israel, artfully etched into them in order of their birth.  Each name shall be set in a setting made of gold so that Aaron should, as a memorial, always bear the names of the children of Israel before the Lord as he serves in the priest’s office. 

The ‘curious’ girdle shall also be made of gold, blue, purple and scarlet and be attached to the ephod.

Golden chains shall connect the ephod with the breastplate of judgement and the breastplate shall be made a perfect square and shall have twelve stones mounted in settings upon it.  The stones are sardius, topaz, carbuncle in the 1^st row, an emerald, sapphire and diamond are in the 2^nd row, ligure agate and amethyst in the 3^rd row and beryl onyx and jasper in the 4^thSo Aaron carries the burden of the people upon his shoulders and close to his heart.

The Urim (bring light) and the Thummim (emblem of complete truth) are also placed on the breastplate (so he priest might judge the people rightly).

Are we getting the picture here?  The burden of Israel on his shoulders and close to his heart!

So we see that the curious girdle, the ephod and the breastplate are all connected.

The robe shall be expertly woven of blue material with a hole in the center (up and down side to side) and stitched so the garment does not tear.  The bottom of the garment shall have golden bells alternating between woven pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet thus Aaron would beard entering and leaving the Holy of Holies and not die.

The mitre (or hat), again embroidered of fine linen and attached to its forehead shall be a plate of gold with ‘Holiness to the Lord’ etched into it.  This is so that all things offered by Aaron unto the Lord would be accepted by the Lord.

And beneath all this Aaron shall wear breeches (shorts) underneath from his waist to the thighs, to cover his nakedness.  Aaron’s sons also shall wear the robe and breaches so that none die.  And for Israel this is a continuing statute. (they do it forever) 

Now remember that the Egyptians gave the Israelites gold, silver, gems and clothing, etc. (Exod. 12:35-36).

Exod. 29:1-46 

Again, here I paraphrase how the priesthood how must be sanctified to serve before the Lord.

They should take a young bull and two rams (without blemish), and out of wheat flour make unleavened bread cakes and cakes tempered with oil and wafers anointed with oil.  These shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle in a basket. 

Aaron and his sons will come before the door of the tabernacle and wash with water.  Then they will take the clothing which was made for them – the coat, the ephod, the curious girdle of the ephod and the holy miter.  The anointing oil shall be poured over Aaron’s head.  Then Aaron’s will be brought forth and put on his garments.  This is something Aaron and his sons will do to sanctify themselves before the Lord.

Sacrifices were also in order for preparation.  Aaron and his sons would lay hands on bullock then slay it at the door of the tabernacle.  They would put the blood of the bullock on the four horns of the altar with their finger then pour the rest beside the bottom of the altar.  Most of the inward parts would be burnt upon the altar but its flesh, skin and dung shall be burned outside the camp as a sin offering.

Aaron and his sons should lay their hands on the head of one of the rams and slay it and sprinkle the blood around the altar.  They should cut the ram into pieces. They shall wash the inner parts of the ram, cut it into pieces then put the whole ram on the altar and burn it with fire.  It is a sweet smelling savor made by fire unto the Lord.  (our sacrifices are sweet smelling to the Lord – even though we are not physically slain and burnt on the altar)

They shall lay their hands upon the second ram and kill it.  Then the blood should be put on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and his sons, the thumb of their right hands and the big toe on the right foot.  Then they should sprinkle the blood on the altar and all around it.  Then the blood (which is upon the altar) with anointing oil shall be sprinkled upon Aaron and his sons to hallow (purify) them.

The rump of the ram along with the kidneys, the fat and the right shoulder as a consecration (dedication) to the Lord.  Then, a loaf of bread, oiled cake and a wafer shall be given to Aaron and his sons as a wave offering (lifted up and moved back and forth) before the Lord, they shall put it upon the altar as a burnt offering, a sweet smelling savor before the Lord.  An offering unto the Lord made by fire.

The breast and shoulder of the ram are dedicated to Aaron and as a wave offering it shall be sanctified unto the Lorda nd the shoulder is a heave offering (lifted up) before the Lord and these shall be for Aaron and his son’s.

And this is the consecration of the garments.

The priest shall wear them for seven days when he comes into the tabernacle to minister in the Holy Place.  The ram of consecration shall be for Aaron and his sons to eat and he bread in the basket.  They shall eat the things used for atonement to sanctify themselves.  These are holy and are for only Aaron and his sons.  If anything which they have remains in the morning, it shall be burned with fire.  They shall do this each day of that week.  Whatever touches the altar shall be holy. 

I’m not citing the quantities for the following passage (read the passage in the bible.

That week, a lamb shall be offered, one in the morning and one in the evening.  With one lamb have flour mingled with beaten oil and wine (for a drink offering).  Do the same for the second lamb in the evening.  This is an offering with a sweet savor made with fire unto the Lord.  Israel is commanded to do these things throughout their generations at the door of the tabernacle and so it shall be sanctified by My glory (says the Lord). 

Father lays out a guideline implying the attitude with which we should approach Him as a royal priesthood.  We don’t have to go through all the physical sacrifices of Israel, but these procedures were established to purify the priests before they entered into the presence of the Lord.

Note that Father makes things acceptable through fire.  John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize us with fire – to burn off all the unwanted garbage in our lives (Matt. 3:11-12).  Paul tells the Corinthians to lay our foundation in Jesus and like the refining of gold (with fire), our bad works will burn off but the vessel (us) will be refined.  We are the temple of God and the Holy Ghost lives within us (1 Corinth. 3:11-16)!

Matthew 27:45-54 KJV 

⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?  That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? ⁴⁷ Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias (Elijah). ⁴⁸ And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

⁵⁰ Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. ⁵¹ And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; ⁵² And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, ⁵³ And came out of the graves after his (Jesus’) resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. ⁵⁴ Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Heb. 9:16-28

¹⁶ For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

¹⁷ For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator lives.

¹⁸ Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

¹⁹ For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

²⁰ Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

²¹ Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

²² And almost all things are ,by the law, purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

²³ It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. (our heart)

²⁴ For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

²⁵ Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entered into the holy place every year with blood for others (lambs and bulls);

²⁶ For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

²⁷ And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

²⁸ So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

So, just what does “being a royal priesthood mean to us?

Father desires us to be cleansed so that we may be acceptable before Him.  When Jesus died on the cross the veil in the temple, the veil that separated the Holy of Holies, the veil that separated God from Israel, was torn in two, thus giving us direct access to Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord (Mark 15:34-38).

God knows our heart (1 Sam. 16:7, Luke 16:15) so we don’t have to physically do all that Israel did.  Yet we do have to let God’s love abide in our hearts.  In so doing we will find ourselves living in the purity and holiness God intends.  Hopefully, this helps us to understand that our heart must be cleansed before the Lord.  We don’ just talk the talk, but we walk the walk as we live in Father’s love allowing the Holy Ghost full freedom to direct us in God’s will.   Then, just as David, we confess our sins to Father as soon as we realize what we’ve done (2 Sam. 12:1-24).  AND we have the Holy Ghost to help us.

Once again, Father desires us to come before Him with a clean heart, as we abide in His love.  If you love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).  My commandments are to love – God, then our fellow man (Mark 12:30-31).  As we believe in Jesus, His love is in us and we will be able to do the same works He has done – and greater (John 14:12)!  We have the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-4).  After all, Jesus commanded us to receive the Holt Ghost (John 20:22, Acts 1:8) and that enables us to forgive those who have come against us (Luke 17:3-4, Eph. 4:32).  Father loves us through Jesus.  Shouldn’t we show that love (which is in us) to those around us?

Father told Israel to give everything willingly (Exod. 35:22 – voluntarily, spontaneous).  Shouldn’t we do the same from our heart (2 Corinth. 9:7-8)?

Peter declared us a royal priesthood, that is being able to access Father through Jesus because of the torn veil.  We are a royal priesthood.  Do we live like it?

Amen

 

7-13-2024        The Ministry of Jesus

How many of us truly comprehend the ministry of Jesus? 

In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, the Word was God (John 1:1).

The Jews were upset with Jesus because He declared himself being at least equal with God by declaring God his Father (John 5:18).   What did God say to Moses on the mount?  “You shall have no other gods before Me.  You shall not make any graven image or the likeness of anything in heaven above, nor the earth beneath nor that is in the waters beneath the earth.  You shall not bow yourself to them nor serve them for I the Lord your God am a jealous God …” (Exod. 20:3-5).  Then Jesus tells the Jews “you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.  This is the first commandment …” (Mark 12:30).  Think about this, Jesus allowed people to worship Him.  As examples, the leper (Matt. 8:2), His disciples (Luke 24:50-53) and the blind man) John 9:35-38).  ???

God tells the Jews to keep His law and statutes and teach them to their children (Deut. 6:1-7) and we may conclude that Joseph did so with his (adopted) son, Jesus.  We see where Jesus ‘wowed’ the doctors (G1320 – didaskalos or instructors, Luke 2:46-49) in the temple.  We also see where Jesus increased in wisdom and stature with God and man (Luke 2:52).  Some insights into Jesus’ first thirty years of His life on earth.  He was laying the foundation for His ministry.

Jesus lived as one of us for approximately thirty years (Luke 3:23) and then He was baptized in water by John, for it was necessary to fulfill all righteousness, and note that Jesus also received the Holy Ghost at that time (Matt. 3:13-17, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:32-36).  After His baptism, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for forty days of fasting (Matt 4:1-11, Mark 1:13, Luke 4:1-13).  Jesus fasted for forty days!  Experts do not know exactly how long a person can live without eating, but there are records of people surviving without food or drink between 8 and 21 days. With water only, but no food, survival time may extend up to 2 to 3 months.  (https://www.healthline.com/).  The longest fast on record is a man named Angus Barbieri who did take in liquids and vitamins during his fast but had nothing to ‘eat’ for 382 days (https://www.diabetes.co.uk/blog/2018/02/).  A severe lack of food for a prolonged period — not enough calories of any sort to keep up with the body's energy needs — is starvation. The body's reserve resources are depleted. The result is substantial weight loss, wasting away of the body's tissues and eventually death.

When faced with starvation, the body does fight back.  As time moves on, energy levels fade and the body begins feeding on itself. "The body starts to consume energy stores — carbohydrates, fats and then moves to the protein parts of tissue," according to Maureen Gallagher, senior nutrition adviser to Action Against Hunger (a network of international humanitarian organizations focused on eliminating hunger). Metabolism slows, the body cannot regulate its temperature, kidney function is impaired and the immune system weakens.

When the body uses its reserves to provide basic energy needs, it can no longer supply necessary nutrients to vital organs and tissues. The heart, lungs, ovaries and testes shrink. Muscles shrink and people feel weak. Body temperature drops and people can feel chilled. People can become irritable, and it becomes difficult to concentrate.

Eventually, nothing is left for the body to scavenge except muscle. "Once protein stores start getting used, death is not far," according to Dr. Nancy Zucker, director of the Duke Center for Eating Disorders at Duke University. "You're consuming your own muscle, including the heart muscle." In the late stages of starvation, people can experience hallucinations, convulsions and disruptions in heart rhythm. Finally, the heart stops (https://www.npr.org/sections/).  Get the idea?

 

Physically, Jesus would have been very weakened so when Satan tempted Him with food Jesus should’ve been more than ready to eat.  But, Jesus was ‘in the Spirit’ at the time.  Who led Him into the wilderness?  In case somebody missed it – the Holy Ghost (Spirit)! 

 

What was Jesus preparing Himself for?  No, it wasn’t just the, about three and a half year ministry, on which He was about to embark.  He was also facing His arrest, trial, the scourging, physical death on the cross, the resurrection, the ascension and He now ministers to us through the Holy Ghost.  Jesus still ministers to us, the only difference is ‘how’ He ministers to us.  Can we understand what He went through for us?  Can we even comprehend the love which He has for us?

 

So, we see that Jesus prepared to implement His ministry by fasting.  But what is another key factor in preparing for a ministry?  PRAYER!  We know that Jesus was continually in touch with the Father. He prayed for things, peace be still (Mark 4:37-39, prayed for us, not just His disciples but for all who would believe on Him because of their words (John 17:15-21), and for Himself as in Gethsemane, “if it were possible, let this cup pass from Me, but not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:38- 44).   Even on the cross, Father, into your hands I commend My Spirit (Luke 23:46).  Here, we need to remember that as the Holy Ghost was with Jesus, here in this world, He now is also with us and because we have received Jesus, He is ‘in’ us (John 14:15-17).  He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

And so, just what is Jesus’ ministry?

He came into this world to redeem us from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13).  That is He is our salvation (Rom. 10:9-10).  He came to heal us.  As Jesus said to the lame man “you are whole, sin no more …” (John 5:5-14).  Here ‘whole’ is the Greek word is hugies (G5199) which means to be healed, whole or complete (that is from top to bottom and inside and out).  He has come to give us abundant life (John 10:10).  Through the Holy Ghost, He teaches us (John 14:16-17).  He will protect us (John 17:15).  He assures that our faith has a solid foundation (Matt. 7:24-27).  That is built upon the ‘rock’ (that is Jesus).  The Greek word for ‘rock’ is petra (G4073), which carries the implication of a very large rock.  This is not to be confused with Petros (G4074), a rock larger than a pebble (lithos, G3037), but not as large as a petra.  Compare this with when Jesus tells Peter he is a rock; upon this rock I’ll build My church … (Matt. 16:18).  He encourages us as we look forward to that which our faithfulness brings us (Heb. 10:34-39), that we might be filled (blessed) with the fullness of God’s blessings (Eph. 3:19-20) as well as eternal life (John 10:28-29).

We have seen some of what Jesus has done for us.  I believe that understanding Jesus’ ministry adds up to developing a relationship in, with and through Christ Jesus.  As we are obedient to His Word, we will be able to reap the benefits of that relationship as described in the bible.  Father declares blessing to those who keep His commandments.  And when we don’t, curses (Deut. 11:27).  Know that as we abide in God’s love, He can do more for us than we could even ask or think, as He works in us, with us and through us  (Eph. 3:16-20).    

One more time.  Jesus came to bring us is into eternal life (salvation), help us to grow and bless us through our obedience in His will, that we, in turn, might be a blessing to others.

What is Jesus’ ministry?

As Christians, what kind of job have we been doing in imitating Jesus Christ?

Amen

 

6-29-2024 Why do we Fast

                                                           Weaken                                                    Submit

As I read Isaiah chapter 58, Father had me focus on several verses, but also had me read the whole chapter to fully understand what was happening.

The first four verses speak of how Israel fasts and prays and honors the Sabbath, but as they do, we see that it is for their own satisfaction.  They ‘do’ the right things, but for the ‘wrong’ reasons, personal gain.  Then they wonder why God does not hear them.  When we fast for God, we should make extra effort to do those things which please Him.  Truly, why are we fasting? 

Father starts explaining “His” fast in verse 5.  First, He asks us to afflict our soul.  That is to anah (H6031) deal harshly with, weaken or – submit – ourselves totally to Him.  

Then to bow down as a bulrush in the wind.  Bulrush comes from the Hebrew  gome (H1573) the papyrus plant which is very absorbent, and gome comes from gama  (H1572) which is to absorb, drink, swallow.  When we fast, we are to completely humble and absorb ourselves in the Lord to take in what He wants us to know, yet at the same time, eliminate the negative.

Father then says we should spread sackcloth, sprinkle it with ashes then ‘have a seat’.  The word used for Sackcloth is saq (H8042) which is a porous cloth (like a burlap bag) so water can pass through without collecting on and spoiling any grain which it might contain.  It is also used for mourning (showing remorse).  The ashes (epher H665) carries the connotation of ashes being strewn around.  It is also akin to apher (H666) which is using ashes as a covering (literally pouring them over oneself).  We should cover ourselves in submission and receive a cleansing from the Lord as all the negatives in our lives wash down, to and through the sackcloth with nothing sticking (staying) to us as it passes through.  The ‘crud’ is washed away while we (the vessel) remain clean. Isaiah asks that if we fast in this way, is it acceptable to the Lord?  Being humble, total submission, total surrender. What do you think?

Then Father asks “isn’t this the fast I have chosen” (v6)?  It will loose the bands of wickedness and unload our heavy burdens.  All who are oppressed shall be set free and yokes shall be broken.  So what does fasting do?  We are freed from the sin that has had us bound! 

Should we feed the hungry?  Take into our homes the castaways?  Should we give clothing to the naked?  Hide ourselves from our own flesh (that is not yielding to fleshly desires)?  I think this is being honest with ourselves, who we are and not pretending we’re something that we are not.  And a desire to help others to be free of their bonds. To me, that means cleansing our sins as we fast being totally honest, totally open with the Lord.  Shedding the undesirable so the ‘new man’ can emerge and so, then, we might be able to serve the Lord better and help others. 

So then what happens?  The light will come on and we shall see clearly.  Just like the rising sun as it brings morning light into the world, chasing away the darkness.  We will see the answer to that for which we are fasting.  We will heal quicker and our righteousness (in Jesus) will walk before us.  Our reward?  The glory of the Lord (v8) will lead our way and give us favor before man (Prov. 3:1-4).

Once we’ve cleansed ourselves and are living as Father intended, THEN He will hear us and answer our call, our prayer.  We cry, He will perk up His eyebrows, open His ears and say “Yes, My child”, when we have shed the yoke holding us down, quit pointing our finger (accusing others) and setting aside all prideful speaking (v9) then, we ae on the right track.

When our compassion urges us to feed the hungry and satisfy the needs of those afflicted, then the light will come out of nowhere and make the darkness of night like the noonday sun (V10).”  We will begin to understand.  There is no greater love than for a man to lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).  That is to consider the welfare of others around us. 

Isaiah continues with God’s promises that He will always guide us.  In times of drought He will satisfy our soul.  We will be fully prepared for what comes our way.  Because we have fasted, we shall be like a garden, fed by springs of water that do not fail (v11). 

We (he or she) shall be called as one who repairs broken things and our offspring shall rebuild the wastelands.  We shall raise up a foundation for many generations and restore places where people can live safely (v12).

If we turn our foot, which has strayed from the Sabbath, that is quit doing our own pleasures on the Holy days, then we can truly call the Sabbath a delight.  As we acknowledge that which is holy of the Lord and that which is honorable as we honor Him, that is not seeking our own pleasures (what’s in it for me) nor seeking our own desires nor speaking our own words (that is what’s on ‘our’ own, unbridled mind), then Father will continue having an open and compassionate heart for us.  We need to choose our words carefully, considering their impact (v13).

Then delight ourselves in the Lord and He will cause us to ride upon high places of the earth and feed us with the heritage of Jacob’s father ((Isaac)(v14).  What was Jacob’s heritage?  Canaan, the ‘promised land’ (Exod. 3:8), the land flowing with milk and honey (good things).  Even for us today?  Yes!  That translates as a closer walk with the Lord and abiding in His blessings.

Keep in mind that the Jews knew how to all the right things – even when their heart had turned from the Lord. 

Today, are we any different?  Do we know what the bible says but then try to impress people with our knowledge?  It’s great we know the Word, but what is in our heart?  Does the true meaning of the bible yet escape us?  Are we content in just receiving and/or sharing the Word of God?   Do we see any results?  As we hear others speak, do we think ‘good preaching’, as the Word travels in one ear and out the other?   When we speak, do we expect to hear “Great preaching, brother!” as we focus more on the praises and compliments to bolster our own ego than what the Word is actually saying?  Yes, we do need encouragement and edification, but do we truly love God above all else (Mark 12:29-31)? 

Are we friendly with those in our fellowship but ignore all others?  Do we even ignore those who come into our fellowship to visit?  Or do we welcome them?  Are we truly concerned about our brothers and sisters in the Lord.  What about our ‘neighbor’?  Paul tells us to ‘edify’ those around us (Rom. 14:19) and that means all with whom we come in contact.  Treating each of them with dignity and respect – even when we might think they don’t deserve it.  Do that which edifies. 

As we fast, our prayer life will be right with the Lord and positive things will happen.  However, faith without works is dead.  So we don’t do works to get saved, but rather because we are saved.  We show our faith through our works (James 2:14-18).  Father does reward us because of our faithfulness (Heb. 11:6).  And our faithfulness is intensified through fasting.

When we confess Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, we are confessing that He has come into this world in the flesh (1 John 4:2) and that He is exactly who He says He is, our Lord and Savior!  We acknowledge His supremacy over us and that it is He who has saved our soul from hell.  There is no other entrance into heaven save through Him (John 14:6).  As we love God, we discover that He truly loves us and because He loves us, He hears us!  When one truly does not love, he has no part in God.  Why?  Because God is love!  We love because God first loved us (1 John 4:1-11) and we want God to hear us. 

We love because we are made in the image of God (Gen. 1:27) and God is love!  Image is the Hebrew word tselem (H6754) and means a phantom, illusion or resemblance, ergo a representative or likeness.  God is Spirit (John 4:24) but we are flesh, made of the earth (Gen. 2:7), yet the Spirit of God lives in us (John 14:17 and gives us power (Acts 1:8).  We have our human spirit which gives us temporary life but the Holy Ghost also lives in us giving us eternal life!  So, how are we made in the image of God.  (Back to 1^st John).  God is love and we love because we are the image of God so we love others.  We express our imagery of the Father through our living. Fasting increases our capacity to love!

So why do we fast?  To show Father we are serious about what we say and do, so we can be true exponents of His love.  We yield ourselves to Him, as we fast, acknowledging His authority over us.  We also discover that through fasting, we are able to pursue His image (in our lives) each day, and grow into a new creature of love!

We show Father that we are serious about what we have set before Him, so fasting should be a major part of our prayer life. 

During our fast is a time to talk with our heavenly Father – One on one.  We can deny ourselves food and drink but if we don’t use that time to get up close and personal with Father – all we’ve done is not eat or drink for that specified time.  Give our fast a purpose.  We fast to strengthen ourselves, our walk with our Lord and Savior or to strengthen someone else.

Again why do we fast?  To honor God, to show we are serious about what we have set before Him.  Fasting also gets our hearts right with the Lord.  We fast to grow in our love.  So we can grow closer to Father and show a genuine love for those around us.  That is, to truly be the ‘image of God’ He desires us to be!

One more time!  Why do we fast?

Amen