Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

Mark 14:12-25

Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Mark 14:25

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is per the commentary, the third division of the text from Mark 14:12-25 - vv22-25.  

• Using the Sword Bible Study Method focusing just on the text for today - vv17-21: (1) God in the text: Jesus is once again alluding to his imminent crucifixion and sharing how this is done very purposely as the once for all final atonement for all the sins of humanity for all of redemptive history - see Hebrews 10:11-18. This was God's plan since the beginning and Jesus fulfills all the law and prophecies.  The disciples do not know it yet but the practice of using bread and wine to represent Christ's body and blood has not yet been instituted as Communion or the Lord's Supper - this is the first time. Jesus is also alluding to his coming resurrection and ascension to Heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father in v25.  (2) people in the text: The disciples are unwitting participants in this first instance of Communion or the Lord's Supper.  (3) Sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey: We of course know that Jesus's words pointing to his death and resurrection do come to pass as Jesus is Truth and all of His promises come true - see 2 Corinthians 1:20.  We can trust Him and rest in His promises.  

 Excerpts from the commentary for the third (of three) division: 

• The title of the third division per the commentary is "Jesus Prepared a Last Supper That Was Actually a First Supper." 
• See also the others gospels account of the Last Supper and 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 and 11:17:34. 
• The Passover meal per Tim Keller (see King's Cross) was the "proper occasion for the Lord's Supper to be instituted": "It included four points at which the presider, holding a glass of wine, got up and explained the Feast’s meaning. The four cups of wine represented the four promises made by God in Exodus 6:6-7. These promises were for rescue from Egypt, for freedom from slavery, for redemption by God’s power, and for a renewed relationship [based on New Covenant] with God. The third cup came at a point when the meal was almost completely eaten." 
• We are referred to Sam Storm's thoughts (start at 5:55 mark) on how with this ritual from the Last Supper "[w]hat Jesus requested, indeed commanded, His followers and friends to do subsequent to His death is nothing short of shocking! It’s one thing to desire that your memory be preserved by your loved ones and that they continue to honor and esteem you throughout the remainder of their lives. . . . But it is altogether something else to command that your friends, family, and followers gather together regularly at a meal not only in your name but with you as the sole and exclusive focus. . . . Jesus commanded His followers, every time they broke bread together, to make Him the central point of their celebration and to recall and re-tell His life and death. Were anyone to make this request of me prior to their death, I would probably conclude that the proximity of their demise had afflicted them with delusions of grandeur and megalomania. Yet, this is precisely what Jesus commanded that each of His followers do in memory of Him!"
• "Jesus brings things to a close by refusing to drink the fourth and final cup. It is the cup of consummation and life in the promised land of God. For that cup He will wait. First, He must drink to the last drop the cup of God’s wrath and justice. Apart from it, no cup of blessing would be possible."

Indeed Jesus knew everything that was to happen, orchestrated all of it, and he did it so that we could have life to the full now and for eternity (John 3:16). We must also understand the role of communion.  Another good resource worth checking out is Sam Storms' thoughts on the Lord's Supper and Communion/The Eucharist where he uses 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 as the basis for his commentary.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves...thank You for saving me and giving me the opportunity to fellowship with You now in Spirit and for eternity in Heaven.  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to an assisted review of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary volume for this book.  From the commentary for this text:

Main idea: "Examine yourself when taking the Lord’s Supper, repenting of all sin and selfishness and uniting with believers around the work of Christ."

Key excerpts from the introduction:

• The Lord’s Supper (Communion) is so important to the Christian faith that the Bible addresses it five times. It appears in Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 10:16-22; and 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.
• Along with baptism, it constitutes the two ordinances of the church.
• Evangelicals and Baptists limit the number of ordinances to two because only baptism and the Lord’s Supper meet five important criteria: (a) They were prescribed by the Lord. (b) They were proclaimed among the saints. (c) They were practiced by the churches. (d) They were participated in only by the saved. (e) They picture the atoning sacrifice and bodily resurrection of Jesus.
• The Lord’s Supper is a holy and sacred practice in which believers come together as a body to remember, meditate on, and celebrate the atoning death of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. It is not something to be trifled with or handled flippantly. To do so invites the severe reprimand of the apostle and the judgment of our God.
  

Divisions per the commentary:

1. We Must Deal with Problems When We Come (11:17-22): Divisions reflected “haves” and the “have nots.”  "The Corinthians were operating in self-deception when they came together to observe this sacred communal meal.  The Corinthians were guilty of letting their rich take precedence over their poor and of gluttony. Perhaps being influenced by the pagan festivals they once indulged in, the wealthy gorged themselves. All the while the poor (many of whom were probably slaves) went hungry, receiving little or nothing to eat and drink because it was soon gone. A sacred meal that should have been building up the church had become a means of tearing it down. Selfish and narcissistic behavior insults God and embarrasses brothers and sisters in Christ. There is no place for it in the faith family."
   
2. We Must Honor the Meal’s Purposes When We Come (11:23-26): "Paul provides clear and careful instructions on the purpose and significance of Communion. It shares nothing in common with a pagan feast or wild party. It is a solemn act of worship that has historical roots in the Last Supper our Lord had with his disciples on the night he was betrayed. It is a commemoration of the Lord’s death.  [T]here is power in the blood of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sin. We remember this truth every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.  It is a proclamation that anticipates the Lord’s return.  The Lord’s Supper should certainly be a time of careful meditation and reflection. But it should also be a time of joyful anticipation and celebration! Yes, Jesus died. But he rose from the dead, and he is coming again! Sorrow and joy are partners in this meal."    
   
3. We Must Make Preparation When We Come (11:27-34): "Paul has told us to look backward and forward. Now he teaches us to look inward and outward.  Examine yourself. Look at your life and take inventory of your heart. If you are not right with God and others, then it would be better for you not to draw near the table of Communion.  God’s judgment was quite severe for those who desecrated his table. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is full of grace and compassion - taking on physical life, suffering and dying for me - despite a sinless and perfect life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the sacrifice You made for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, apply, and be obedient to, Your message for me today and every day. 

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to a unassisted review of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.  Here, Paul provides commands about appropriate heart posture when partaking of the Lord's Supper or communion.  A review of the text:

• Vv17-18: Paul opens with an admonishment of the Corinthian church, as they are divided (see also 1 Corinthians 1)
• Vv19-22: It appears that some among the Corinthian church approached communion in an unholy manner, viewing it as a meal to consume and enjoy vs a sacred ritual where we remember Christ's death on the cross and unite as a church body in such remembrance
• Vv23-26: v23b-25 in particular are often used by churches today during communion
• Vv27-33: Paul further elaborates on how believers are to be careful to avoid participating in  communion in an "unworthy manner"; key is to focus on an examination of our heart condition - as Paul describes "discerning the body" which implies recognition of the church and the importance of unity both with Christ and the other members of the church
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such grace and compassion. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

1 Corinthians 10

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

After a long pause, I return to my study of 1 Corinthians, picking up with a review of 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary volume for this book.  From the commentary for this text:

Main idea: "Avoid idolatry and practices that bring you near idols, knowing that demonic activity promotes them."

Key excerpt from the introduction:

• "[The Corinthians] believed in demons, but they failed to understand how dangerous and seductive they are. When it came to eating food sacrificed to an idol in a pagan temple, for instance, they did not realize they were dining with demons there! Paul knew if one dances with the devil, he or she should not be surprised to get burned."
• "Paul knew if one dances with the devil, he or she should not be surprised to get burned. Just as we must “flee sexual immorality” (6:18), we must also “flee from idolatry” (10:14). These two sins are like twins. They often go around together. Therefore, we must always be on guard against both."
  

Major divisions:

1. Communion with the Lord Is Essential (10:14-17): "If you run from idolatry, it will be hard for it to catch you. Stay away from it, and the temptation to give in to it will not present itself. If you are not at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people, the wrong thing will not happen....Paul informs us that there is a table of communion to which we should draw near. There is a right place, a right time, and a right people with whom we should regularly fellowship. At the Lord’s Supper we draw close to Christ in participation with our spiritual family. This too is a way to flee idolatry and the worship of false gods....We are fed by one source, the Lord Jesus Christ. We share a common bond and unity as one body even though we have different cultural, economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds. In Christ we are one family, which is beautifully testified to by the meal of Communion shared at the Lord’s Table." 
   
2. Association with Demons Is Evil (10:18-22): "Paul provides three reasons why knowingly eating food sacrificed to idols is foolish and why we should heed his counsel to flee idolatry. (1) It Distorts Our Worship (10:18-20); (2) It Compromises Our Loyalty (10:21); (3) It Provokes God (10:22)." 
   

The commentary concludes with a powerful insight by A.W. Tozer who shares that "Christianity at any given time is strong or weak depending upon her concept of God. And I insist upon this, and I have said it many times, that the basic trouble with the church today is her unworthy conception of God. . . . Our religion is little because our god is little (Attributes of God, 41)."  Tozer's words are then built upon by the commentary as it shares that "Tozer is right. Think little of God and you will think that dining with demons and dancing with idols is no big deal."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

1 Corinthians 10

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 10:14-22. From the commentary*, the main idea for the text: "Avoid idolatry and practices that bring you near idols, knowing that demonic activity promotes them." The introduction* then expands on this main idea by first sharing thoughts on idolatry/demons/devils from C.S. Lewis in the introduction to the The Screwtape Letters: 

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight."

This warning is then compared to the idolatry practiced by the church in Corinth in AD 55.

The commentary* then unpacks the text in more detail in two divisions: 

1. Communion with the Lord Is Essential (10:14-17): Pointing to v13 from text previously discussed by the commentary*, Paul directly addresses idolatry by prefacing v14 with "so then." V13 shares how God provides a way out of temptation (Christ), so then we should "flee from idolatry (v14).  We should be on guard for sinful influences of all kinds.  Peter's words are useful - see 1 Peter 5:8. The commentary* then moves to vv16-17 where Paul draws our attention to the Lord's Supper and he contrasts it with idolatry.  Communion draws us closer to God (vs idols), moves us further from idols, and also provides for both fellowship and union with other believers. We are encouraged to participate in Communion.     
   
2. Association with Demons Is Evil (10:18-22): Here Paul draws on his knowledge of the Old Testament where the Israelites practiced idolatry throughout various periods in its history. The commentary* explores demons and describes them as most likely fallen angels, pointing to Revelation 12:4 where "possibly one-third of the angels fell with Satan."  Additional scriptural references* to demons include:    

• Some demons are free to roam now (Mark 1:21-34). 
• Some demons will be free to roam during the great tribulation (Revelation 9:13-19). 
• Some demons are confined now, never to roam the earth again (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). 
• Demons are powerful but not omnipotent (Mark 1:24). 
• Only God is omnipotent. Their activity may have increased during the time of Christ, and it may also increase again at the end of the age before Christ returns (see Revelation 6–19). 
• They are set up under Satan’s control (Ephesians 6:11-12), probably in rank, possibly in geography (Daniel 10:12-14).

Further thought on demons provided by the commentary*:

• They have authority and can promote disunity, false doctrine, and false worship, cause mental difficulties, and hinder Christian growth. 
• Demons can oppress but not possess believers. 
• Demons use idolatry to further false worship of false gods.
• Demons compromise our loyalty 
  

Bottom line - we should know that demons exist, be on guard, and flee from influences that lead us towards them.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion and grace for me - providing a way out from temptation and my brothers and sisters in Christ to support and encourage me in this effort.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.

Leviticus 3

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Ecclesiastes 5:1

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - looking at chapter three - Peace with God - covering 3:1-17, looking specifically at the theme We Enjoy Fellowship with God.  Here the commentary focuses on the order of the sacrifices as laid out in Leviticus 1-3:

1. Leviticus 1: burnt offering represents atonement for sin
2. Leviticus 2: grain offering represents thanksgiving, gratitude, and worship of God
   
3. Leviticus 3: peace offering represents reconciliation (peace) with God

 This third offering, the peace offering is described in my commentary as enabling us to be "ready for communion with God.  We fellowship with Him.  Fellowship with God is not like fellowship with anyone else. Because of His holiness, our sin must be removed and because He is God, we have to come into His presence carefully."  We are urged to look elsewhere in scripture where it discusses a proper approach to worship - see Ecclesiastes 5:1 and Exodus 3:5.  The message is clear - God cares about how we approach Him. The commentary also seeks for us to look at Genesis 37 where Joseph's brothers were unable "speak peacefully to [Joseph]."  The commentary indicates that the same word "peacefully" is the same word translated and used Leviticus 3. Throughout the Bible this word is used to discuss peace between others and - He wants us to be on good terms with Him.  The commentary also points us to Leviticus 7 where God describes how He directs worshipers to use part of the animal sacrifice for a meal that is be consumed in the temple area. "[E]ating in the presence of God symbolized fellowship with God--a happy, right relationship with God." Such a fellowship offering is now represented through Jesus as communion. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - You loved me while I was an enemy of Yours and You died for me...You also provide for me in immeasurable ways and You desire fellowship with me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin continues.  Worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him....Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you....“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Luke 22, Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 13-14

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him....Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you....“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:5, 14-15, 34-35

Day 316 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on the Last Supper.  Scripture for this final meal is rich with teaching but a few things stick out, including the institution of Communion.  Jesus' washing of the feet more than anything demonstrates His role to serve, instead of to be served, and how we as believers are to love and serve others.

Once again, humility stands out as a key element of faith.

He [Jesus] must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an incredible God, all knowing and all powerful, yet You came to earth, willingly suffered and laid down Your life for me, knowing everything about my sin, so that I could be saved from eternal damnation.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift...not by a long shot.  My sin, including worry and other sins, continue.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11

So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. v27

Zach, my son, has not accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, so he lets the bread and cup pass him by at church when we celebrate communion.  While it is difficult for me to watch this - I want to see Zach in Heaven - I am adamant that it is his choice to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior.   I still love him and I am still proud of who he is.  This in mind, it is appropriate that Zach let the bread and cup pass him by - as anyone should if they are not a professed Christian.  See also John Piper on this.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and You softened my heart to believe and accept You as my Lord and Savior - for this I am grateful.  Thank You Jesus for setting me free!  I am not deserving of Your love and the many blessings You pour out on me.  I am selfish, I gossip, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to support and encourage them.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.