Special Topics The Lord's Supper | 2025 The Lord's Supper | Sunday February 9, 2025 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV (23)  For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread , (24)  and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “ This is My body , which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” (25)  In the same way also He took the cup , after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood . Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (26)  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. As believers we have been called to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. We take time to remember the bread which represents the body of Jesus. He is fully God and fully man, and lived a perfectly righteous life. In His body, Jesus walked in a full obedience to God the Father . By fulfilling the law Jesus completed His perfect righteousness. We also remember the cup which is the new covenant in His blood. Jesus took our sin and offered His blood as the perfect sacrifice for sin. When we come to take the Lord’s Supper we are proclaiming His death, but notice that is not the end of the verse. We proclaim His death until He comes. There is a future element to the Lord’s supper that even Jesus is anticipating and eagerly waiting for. Luke 22:14-18 ESV (14)  And when the hour came, He reclined at table, and the apostles with Him. (15)  And He said to them, “ I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. (16)  For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (17)  And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. (18)  For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Jesus had longed for and had a deep desire to celebrate the Passover with His disciples and point out to them what it really was about. He was ready to give the perfect payment for sin. Yet in the shadow of the cross, notice His promise not to eat of the Passover meal, the Lord’s supper again until... it is fulfilled in the Kingdom. Jesus declared “It is finished,” on the cross. He perfectly paid for sin, and yet the effects of what He had done were just starting to be unveiled. So as we proclaim His death we cannot ignore the fulfillment Jesus is anticipating in the kingdom. It is so important He is waiting to drink grape juice/ wine until He is in the Kingdom. As great as the Lord’s supper is now, Jesus says something even better is coming. Matthew 26:29 Wuest (29)  And I am saying to you, I will positively not from now on drink of this product of the vine until that day when I drink it new in quality with you in the kingdom of My Father. Jesus calls the feast He is looking forward to in the kingdom new , which also carries the idea of being superior in quality. He desires to be reunited with His disciples and in larger degree the church. He is waiting to be united to His bride. The Lord’s Supper will be fulfilled at the wedding feast in the Kingdom. Revelation 19:6-8 ESV (6)  Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. (7)  Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come , and His Bride has made herself ready; (8)  it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. This describes the moment when we as the church are married and united to Jesus our groom. 2 Corinthians 11:2 says we are betrothed to Jesus. In John 14 we studied Jesus’ marriage proposal to us. The wedding is described in verse 7. The church is raptured out before the tribulation on earth. We are in heaven with our groom. Jesus has purified us as His bride and we are left wearing our righteous deeds, the eternal rewards of the church. This is not the end though, after the wedding ceremony is a giant reception. Revelation 19:9 & 11 ESV (9)  And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” ( 11 )  Then I saw heaven opened , and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. Revelation 20:1-2 & 6 ESV (1)  Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. (2)  And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, ( 6 )  Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with Him for a thousand years. Then come the reception where Jesus comes back as conquering King to this earth and establishes His perfect Kingdom. Satan is bound for a 1,000 years. We in the church will reign with Him. It is in this kingdom as we are in resurrected bodies reigning with Jesus that we will celebrate our marriage to Him. It is an amazing wedding reception! This is the fulfillment of the Lord’s Supper. Isaiah even described this feast. Isaiah 25:6-9 ESV (6)  On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. (7)  And He will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. (8)  He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people He will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken. (9)  It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him , that He might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” It is hard to imagine how amazing this feast will be. When Jesus said He will celebrate the Lord’s Supper with us His bride, and it would be new in quality He is not exaggerating. It is powerful now to remember the bread and the cup, His perfect body and the payment of His blood. Think about this feast, in the Kingdom, with our groom. Jesus reigning on earth sitting at a massive banquet table, reaches for the bread and says “ this is My body ” then He reaches for the cup and says “ this is My blood of the covenant.” We will celebrate and worship Him for what He has done . And what is truly amazing is that we will be with Him. This is the moment Jesus has been waiting for. When He is with His people . The Passover meal itself points to this moment. During a Passover meal, also called a Seder, four cups were to be drunk each one connected to 1 of 4 specific promises. Exodus 6:6-7 ESV (6)  Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. (7)  I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. God promised Israel to 1. Bring them out of Egypt, 2. Deliver them from their slavery, 3. Redeem them . The last promise is that God would take Israel to be His people. To be in perfect fellowship with Israel. This is fulfilled in the kingdom. When Israel returns to God and Jesus reigns as their King. We do not know for sure what cup Jesus took to celebrate the Lords’ Supper, but many wonder if it was the third and He is waiting to take the fourth. Waiting until His wedding reception with His bride, when Israel will be united to Him as His people. It is the fourth promise that is waiting to be completely fulfilled. The fourth promise is fulfilled when Israel comes back into fellowship with God, when they are walking as His people. It will be an amazing thing to be a part of. Romans 11:11-15 NLT (11)  Did God’s people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles . But He wanted His own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. (12)  Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God’s offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. (13)  I am saying all this especially for you Gentiles. God has appointed me as the apostle to the Gentiles. I stress this, (14)  for I want somehow to make the people of Israel jealous of what you Gentiles have, so I might save some of them. (15)  For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead! Israel has not been replaced. They have not sinned to the point of being abandoned. Their rejection opened the door for us in the gentile church to receive salvation. When they come back to God and walk in fellowship with Him in the Kingdom it is going to be amazing! It means life from the dead. The church and Israel walking in resurrected bodies under one king Jesus. Jesus alone can bring this unity. Ephesians 1:9-10 ESV (9)  making known to us the mystery of His will , according to His purpose , which He set forth in Christ (10)  as a plan for the fullness of time , to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth. It is God’s purpose to elevate Jesus. In His perfect timing and according to His perfect plan all things will be united in Jesus. This goes well beyond a unity of Israel and the Church but that unity cannot be left out . Jesus is the perfect sin payment. His body showed His perfect life and verified His blood that was offered. This payment is what enables Jesus to unite all things. We are gathered here to remember what He has done. We will still be gathered in the Millennium, in His kingdom to continue to celebrate and worship what He has done. He deserves all praise and worship. Revelation 5:9-10 ESV (9)  And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, (10)  and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” The Lord’s Supper proclaims Jesus’ death. We are proclaiming the perfect payment for sin that made Jesus worthy to unite all things. He ransomed us, by His blood which could be accepted because of His body. He made us His people and we will reign in His kingdom with Him. So let’s proclaim His death that accomplished so much as we wait for the perfect fulfillment when at our wedding reception we will feast with our husband, Jesus, with Isreal in His amazing kingdom. We believe in Open communion- If you are a believer here today you are welcome to take communion with us. It is Jesus’ table not ours. If you are not a believer , meaning you have never trusted in Jesus for your salvation, this is not for you. Please believe in Him. We are going to have a time of reflection Take this time to confess any sins God convicts you of. His blood is the ransom payment that gave us new life, but we do not always act like we have new life. This is why we need to confess our sins and walk fresh with Him. We also need to be careful to not let Godly conviction lead to self-condemnation . No one is worthy of Him we are accepted by the blood of the Lamb. His body and His blood, secured our redemption. Take time to mediate on what Jesus accomplished and mediate on when it will be fulfilled in the kingdom. It is not about us, but about what He did . We do this in remembrance of Him, proclaiming His death until He returns. After the time of reflection, I will lead us as will all partake of the elements together. (The crackers are gluten free) 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 ESV (23)  For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, (24)  and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “ This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” The Bread Represents the Body- It speaks of who Jesus Is- Fully God, Fully man Pray- Eat the Bread 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 ESV (25)  In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “ This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me .” The Cup represents the Blood- His blood paid the penalty for our sin Pray- Drink the Cup 1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV (26)  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Matthew 26:29 ESV (29)  I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” The Lord’s Supper | June 29 2025 God knows who we are as people. He knows our limitations and how prone we are to forget things. History emphasizes how many mistakes are repeated with each new generation. One group learns a lesson and the next forgets it. God knew this and built in reminders for us to keep us anchored on His truth. The Lord’s Supper is meant to remind us of the body and blood of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV (23)  For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, (24)  and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” (25)  In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (26)  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. God instructed the church to celebrate the Lords supper so that we would remember Jesus’ body and Jesus’ blood. In the scope of our lives and all human history it is amazing that we could forget what the perfect life of Jesus and then His sacrificed blood accomplished, yet we do forget all the time. Ephesians 2:11-13 ESV (11)  Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— (12)  remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. (13)  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Paul is encouraging the church to remember where we came from. He wants us to remember what salvation and our hope is truly based on. We were not born into the promises of salvation by coming from the right nation. We were separated from God’s promises. We had no hope and were without God in the world . So often we can forget that each one of us was lost and headed to hell . We show that we forget by not have a love and grace for nonbelievers, and by subtly changing what saved us. Pride slips in so quickly and now our hope and promise of salvation is based on us. Something we did right or continue to do. A free gift is now used to control people. We forget the body and the blood. We have been brough near through the blood. It is through Jesus. God wanted Israel to be reminded of this fact. The Day of Atonement showed the need for a blood payment for sin. The commands forbidding eating of blood showed how blood needed to be honored. Leviticus has so many reminders pointing forward to Jesus. Leviticus 17:11 ESV (11)  For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. Israel was to be eagerly looking forward to the perfect blood payment. It is through blood that atonement can be made. These commands were not pointless but meant to be reminders throughout each generation. The Jews were to be eagerly anticipating the perfect blood payment. This is what made Jesus’ teaching in John 6 so shocking. John 6:53-56 ESV (53)  So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. (54)  Whoever feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life , and I will raise him up on the last day. (55)  For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. (56)  Whoever feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. Jesus’ words are shocking enough in our culture, let alone to a Jew. Throughout the Old Testament Israel would walk away from God’s commands, even going so far to forget how to celebrate the feast of booths (Neh 8:14). Then after the exile Israel doubled down on following the law, and became the rule followers we see during Jesus’ time. The Jews knew drinking blood was forbidden. They missed the heart of what Jesus taught. They were focused on the earthly, and not the true reality found in Jesus. He just declared that He is the perfect Messiah that has come to give the blood payment. To have eternal life you have to accept (eat) His body and His blood. He is the payment for Sin. We can struggle with why does Jesus teach such an important truth in such inflammatory, difficult language? This tough language only comes after He tries to teach the same truth in much simpler terms repeatedly. John 6:28-29 ESV (28)  Then they said to Him, “ What must we do , to be doing the works of God?” This is the real struggle, we want something to do. If Jesus would have given them a new law, they would have been thrilled. If He would have given them a list of steps you had to do in a certain order to be saved they would have set out immediately to follow them in exacting detail. Yet Jesus did none of those things. Instead He taught something even more offensive then drinking His blood. (29)  Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” Salvation, doing the works of God is found when we believe in Him. John 6:35-36; 40; 47 ESV (35)  Jesus said to them, “ I am the bread of life ; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst. (36)  But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. (40)  For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life , and I will raise him up on the last day.” (47)  Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. He repeats the same truth so many ways. He is the messiah. Eternal life is found by believing in, looking on, or coming to Jesus . Jesus is not changing language to be confusing but to show that it is about Him and accepting the blood payment He would give. The crowd kept rejecting this message so then He said you must eat His body and drink His blood. This is the same truth. Salvation is found by accepting His perfect life and the perfect blood payment it enabled Him to give. The Jews struggled with this and so do we. We love to make rules and get lost in details that do not matter . Jesus is offering Himself; He is the truth all the law pointed to and we do not want Him. At this point the Jews had expanded on and formulized God’s truth. One example is at the Day of atonement, Lev 16:6 says Aaron would make atonement for Himself and “for his house.” So, the Rabbis deducted that the High priest had to be married to fulfill His role on the Day of Atonement. This led to a problem if the High Preist’s wife were to die. So, they would appoint a stand in bride to be ready, just in case the High Priests’ wife died. Other Rabbis saw how ridiculous this was, and wondered how many stand in brides would be needed. All this shows how the God’s truth was missed. Instead of focusing on the need for a perfect blood payment for our sins, we are appointing stand in brides. Humanity loves to practice rituals and detailed religion instead of a personal relationship with a loving God. Isaiah 58:1-5 NLT (1)  “Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell My people Israel of their sins! (2)  Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about Me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask Me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near Me. (3)  ‘ We have fasted before You!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t You impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and You don’t even notice it!’ “I will tell You why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. (4)  What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with Me. (5)  You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the LORD? Israel looked very religious from the outside. There was a lot of ceremony and even regular fasting practiced. They wanted to show God what they could give up for Him and what living for God cost them. God was not impressed with any of this. These religious ceremonies and fasting were for themselves. It did not please Him. We are never accepted or grow close to God by our works, effort, or what it cost us. Isaiah 58:6-10 ESV (6)  “ Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? (7)  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? (8)  Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. (9)  Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer ; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, (10)  if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. God wanted a heart relationship with His people. This relationship would be reflected though how they lived. He wanted them to reflect Him in each aspect of their life. To walk in a justice for the oppressed and to care for the needy. This did not replace one human effort with another. God wanted a relationship that showed through obedience . It is living out His truth that leads to a fellowship and closeness. Then they could call to Him and He would answer. Jesus’s blood payment was accepted because of the obedient body it came from, not because the ritual was perfectly followed. Hebrews 10:5-10 ESV (5)  Consequently, when Christ came into the world, He said, “Sacrifices and offerings You have not desired, but a body have You prepared for Me; (6)  in burnt offerings and sin offerings You have taken no pleasure. (7)  Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God , as it is written of Me in the scroll of the book.’” (8)  When He said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), (9)  then He added, “ Behold, I have come to do Your will .” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. (10)  And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Jesus knew that rituals and sacrifices is not what God desired. It is easy to forget as we study Leviticus that God took no pleasure in these offerings. They were a reminder of sin. Jesus walked in a perfect obedience which came from a heart lead relationship. His blood payment was accepted because of the obedient body it came from. The High Priest could not have followed the law close enough to give a satisfying payment for sin. Jesus lived a perfect life and secured righteousness. His blood then could be accepted to pay for our sin. This is what we are called to remember as we celebrate the Lord’s supper. We have eternal life because we have believed (eaten) the body and blood of Jesus. We have trusted that Jesus lived a perfect life and so could give the perfect payment for sin. Eating of these elements today does not save . We are remembering Jesus’ body and His blood. I want to encourage us not to get lost in details that take our focus off what we are to remember today. Church history is full of debates about the Lord’s Supper. These range from who is allowed to take it, what it does, who should be prevented from taking it, how it should be taken, on and on it goes . Today let us remember the perfectly obedient body of Jesus and the blood payment it allowed Him to offer. As we remember these amazing truths let us walk in a heart relationship with our amazing savior. Let us guard our hearts from making this into a ritual but remember all Jesus accomplished. We believe in Open communion- If you are a believer here today you are welcome to take communion with us. All believers are apart of the body of Christ and are to remember what He has done. If you are not a believer , meaning you have never trusted in Jesus for your salvation, this is not for you. Please believe in Him. We are going to have a time of reflection Take this time to confess any sins God convicts you of. His perfect body enabled His blood to be the ransom payment that gave us new life, but we do not always act like we have new life. This is why we need to confess our sins and walk fresh with Him. We also need to be careful to not let Godly conviction lead to self-condemnation . No one is worthy of Him we are accepted by the blood of the Lamb. His body and His blood, secured our redemption. Take time to mediate on what Jesus accomplished. It is not about us, but about what He did . We do this in remembrance of Him, proclaiming His death until He returns. After the time of reflection, I will lead us as will all partake of the elements together. (The crackers are gluten free) 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 ESV (23)  For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, (24)  and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “ This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” The Bread Represents the Body- It speaks of who Jesus Is- Fully God, Fully man Perfectly Obedient to the father Pray- Eat the Bread 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 ESV (25)  In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “ This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me .” The Cup represents the Blood- His blood paid the penalty for our sin Pray- Drink the Cup 1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV (26)  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Revelation 12:9-12 ESV (9)  And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world —he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (10)  And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. (11)  And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. (12)  Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!” The Lord’s Supper | Sunday October 12, 2025 Today we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. We have been studying in Leviticus all the ceremonies and reminders God left Israel to keep them focused on Him. It is very fitting then for us to gather as a body of believers to be reminded of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus both through Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. As we partake in communion  God wanted us to be drawn to what Jesus’ perfect life in His body allowed Him to accomplish with His blood. He was righteous so His blood could be the perfect payment for sin. Then as we celebrate baptism we are reminded how the Holy Spirit takes each believer and immerses us, identifies us, into Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. We died to our sin in Him and are raised to new life in Him. Everything hinges on the cross without it there is no blood and if there is no blood then nothing to be identified in. This is why we have been called to consistently remember Him and proclaim His death. 1 Corinthians 11:23-31 ESV (23)  For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, (24)  and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” (25)  In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me .” (26)  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. I am thankful that God knows we have a bad memory and put things in place to help us. The Lord’s supper is to help us remember Him and proclaim, announce His death. It is amazing to think that we could forget what Christ has done. Yet, Israel serves as a warning of how easy it is to forget the amazing work of God . One of the reasons we are prone to forget what Christ has done, is that we have minimized what the cross accomplished. Jesus is often reduced to a moral teacher, who showed us love through His sacrifice. His death on the cross is not elevated to the perfect payment for sin that enabled Him to offer life, put all things into submission to His will, and bring true restoration. The book of revelation almost does not happen because no one is found worthy, of opening the scroll that describes how all things will be brought to completion. Revelation 5:4-6 ESV (4)  and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. (5)  And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that He can open the scroll and its seven seals.” (6)  And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing , as though it had been slain , with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. No one on heaven or earth was worthy of bringing God’s will for all of creation to completion. There are myriads of perfect angels in the throne room, so having no sin does not make someone worthy . Jesus is the creator and all things have been made through Him and for Him (Col 1:16), yet this did not make Him worthy. He is worthy because of His life, death on the cross, and resurrection. He conquered death so now He can open the scroll. Revelation 5:9-10 ESV (9)  And they sang a new song, saying, “ Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain , and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, (10)  and You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Jesus is worthy because of the cross. He was slain and His blood is the perfect payment for sin. Through His blood salvation can be offered to all. Through His blood we are brought into His kingdom. Through His blood we become His priest and have direct access to God. Through His blood we will reign on earth with Him. The last two weeks we have studied the Jubilee, the tremendous release, liberty and freedom that happens when the Jubilee horn is blown. Jesus is worthy to declare the real Jubilee, the restoration of all things, because of what His worthy blood accomplished. Jesus claims in Luke 4:21 to fulfill the promises in Isaiah 61. Isaiah 61:1-2; 4-7; 11 ESV (1)  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; (2)  to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor , and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; ( 4 )  They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. (5)  Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks; foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers; (6)  but you shall be called the priests of the LORD ; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast. (7)  Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. ( 11 )  For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. Jesus is the only one who is worthy to bring in the real Jubilee and proclaim liberty and freedom. It will be a time of restoration that is far reaching . Israel and her cities will be rebuilt and she will have a glory and power among the nations. God’s people both Israel and us as the church will be called priests of God. Instead of sin and rebellion, the world will sprout righteousness and praise. The cross accomplished so much more than just our individual salvation; it enables Jesus to restore all things that are wrong on this earth. He not only declares jubilee in our life, but a jubilee for the nations and a jubilee for this world! His blood enables everlasting joy! The jubilee is a restoration and freedom from the corruption of sin that has cost humanity so much since the garden. Genesis 3:17-19 ESV (17)  And to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; (18)  thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you ; and you shall eat the plants of the field. (19)  By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread , till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” God gave Adam an amazing inheritance in the garden of Eden . Humanity was the only thing created in God’s image, and we were given the privilege to subdue and have dominion over God’s creation. We were to rule this world and walk with God. Then Adam willful rejected God’s plan. This world was cursed along with Adam and Eve. Food did not sprout naturally but thorns and thistles instead. Growing food now required painful toil. Each sabbatical year and year of Jubilee God lifted this curse on nature temporarily for the fields to produce naturally for His people. It served as a reminder of the inheritance that was lost in the garden and as a promise of the future restoration. Right now we live with a cursed world. Romans 8:18-23 ESV (18)  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (19)  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. (20)  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope (21)  that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (22)  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. (23)  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. The word consider means to logically work out a math problem, and calculate an answer. Paul has spent time dwelling on and giving careful thought comparing this life now and its suffering to the one that is to come. He did this math as he sat in jails cells hurting from the beatings he just received. He arrived at the conclusion that the glory awaiting for us is far greater. Even this physical earth, nature is eagerly longing for believers true glory to be revealed . When we are restored and have put on our resurrected bodies, this earth will finally be free from its curse. The freedom of the Jubilee even releases this earth “from its bondage to corruption.” Amos 9:13 tells us that the guys getting the fields ready to plant will be slowed down because the harvesters aren’t done yet, there is so much. The body and blood of Jesus accomplished far more then we think. It offers us a hope that this life with all its trials, sufferings, and curses is not permeant. If this earth is eagerly longing for the day that we will be with Jesus how much more should we be longing for that day. Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV (27)  And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, (28)  so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. We are called to remember Jesus’ finished work on the cross today, as we come to the Lords table. As we remember when He came to bear our sins it should draw us to when He will appear a second time. The more we stand in awe over the blood of Jesus the more excited we will become for all He accomplished! Revelation 21:1-5 ESV (1)  Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. (2)  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (3)  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. (4)  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more , neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (5)  And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” The blood of Jesus enabled Him to make all things new, to declare the Jubilee. Death, mourning, crying and pain all to be done away with. We are restored to an inheritance with Him. We will dwell with this amazing savior forever! 2 Peter 3:13-14 ESV (13)  But according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (14)  Therefore , beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace. If this is the future that we are to be eagerly excited about then today should show that. If we are excited about an upcoming trip we might read about where we are going, buy the supplies we need and even get our bags packed up. If we are excited about what the blood of Jesus accomplished then we should be zealous, eager, take pains, make every effort, to be blemish free . To live a life of peace, as we aim to draw close to and know the one who is coming back for us. I don’t want to meet a stranger on that day and I trust that you do not either. Let us draw near to Him, to remember what He has done! Let us focus on the perfect obedient body of Jesus and then the perfect payment of His blood which accomplishes so much, the true Jubilee. We believe in Open communion- If you are a believer here today you are welcome to take communion with us. It is Jesus’ table not ours. If you are not a believer , meaning you have never trusted in Jesus for your salvation, this is not for you. Please believe in Him. We are going to have a time of reflection Take this time to confess any sins God convicts you of. His blood is what gives us this amazing future, but we do not always act like we have this future ahead of us. This is why we need to confess our sins and walk fresh with Him. We also need to be careful to not let Godly conviction lead to self-condemnation . No one is worthy of Him we are accepted by the blood of the Lamb. His body and His blood, secured our redemption. Take time to mediate on the grandeur of what Jesus accomplished and do the math comparing this world to what lies ahead. Our current suffering, and this sin cursed world is going to be restored at the Jubilee. Let us remember Him as we look forward to His return. After the time of reflection, I will lead us as will all partake of the elements together. (The crackers are gluten free) 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 ESV (23)  For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, (24)  and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “ This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” The Bread Represents the Body- It speaks of who Jesus Is- Fully God, Fully man Perfectly Obedient to the father Pray- Eat the Bread 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 ESV (25)  In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “ This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me .” The Cup represents the Blood- His blood paid the penalty for our sin Pray- Drink the Cup 1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV (26)  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Revelation 22:16-17; 20 ESV (16)  “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (17)  The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. (20)  He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The Lord’s Supper | Sunday February 22, 2026 Each time we take the Lord’s Supper we study it and focus on what we are about to remember and participate in. God’s Word is living and active and as we approach these amazing truths He has something fresh for us. At the Lord’s Supper we are called to remember Jesus and focus on who He is and what He accomplished. Jesus sharing the Lord’s Supper with His disciples is recorded in Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22 and 1 Corinthians 11. In these accounts are so many amazing details that draw us to Jesus. Luke 22:14-20 ESV (14)  And when the hour came, He reclined at table, and the apostles with Him. (15) And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. (16)  For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (17)  And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. (18)  For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” (19)  And He took bread , and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them , saying, “This is My body, which is given for you . Do this in remembrance of Me.” (20)  And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. When Jesus takes the cup He passes it around for the disciples to divide so each one can have a part of it. The bread is not as easily shared though, it has to be broken in order to be distributed to each one at the table. Jesus makes the point that the bread is His body given, bestowed, granted to us. This small detail of the bread being broken is repeated in all the other accounts. Jesus is giving His body to us, and it had to be broken in order for this to be accomplished. This breaking though is not purely physical, scripture is very clear that none of Jesus’ bones could be broken on the cross. As the soldiers broke the legs of the thieves on the other crosses to expediate death, they treated Jesus differently. John 19:33-36 ESV (33)  But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. (34)  But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. (35)  He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. (36)  For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled : “Not one of His bones will be broken.” In the Old Testament the sacrificial animals had to be perfect with no broken bones. For Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice He had to fulfill the same qualifications . The soldiers confirmed death by piercing His side. This kept His bones from being broken, the word is literally shattered . John says this was to fulfill Psalm 34. This Psalm helps us understand the kind of brokenness Jesus did experience in His body and the brokenness He did not experience. Psalm 34:17-22 ESV (17)  When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. (18)  The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (19)  Many are the afflictions of the righteous , but the LORD delivers him out of them all. (20)  He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken . (21)  Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. (22)  The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. In this Psalm David makes prophetic statements that are fulfilled in Jesus. None of Jesus’ bones were broken on the cross but His heart was. The same Hebrew word is used in verses 18 and 20, the only difference is the object breaking. Jesus experienced true broken heartedness as He suffered on the cross . He was abandoned and had to become sin. God promises to be near to righteous Jesus and promises to deliver Him in His brokenness. When we are broken hearted, we have no strength or ability to rely on ourselves. True brokenness means to be so beaten down by life and suffering that we can only rely on God . Jesus experienced this on the cross. In a full obedience and brokenness, He kept entrusting Himself to God the Father. 1 Peter 2:23-24 ESV (23)  When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly . (24)  He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree , that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. Instead of defending Himself for relying on His own power Jesus was willing to entrust, hand Himself over to God . In His body, He bore or sins which means to offer up as a sacrifice. He accepted a full brokenness of heart so that our sins could be paid for. This brokenness made the offering of His blood acceptable. Psalm 51:17 ESV (17)  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Every offering, outside of Jesus, that has ever been given for sin has always fallen short of paying the price. We could not follow any ritual closely enough to deal with anyone else’s sin let alone our own. This is what makes the bread, the broken body of Jesus so amazing. He had a broken and contrite heart in front of God and fully relied on Him. He had to become sin, and was spiritually separated from God the Father. He had to trust that the Father would accept the payment of the blood. If the Father is unjust in that moment then Jesus is left in sin. In His brokenness He trusted. Just as David declared in Psalm 51, God did not despise the broken contrite heart of Jesus. Jesus could not offer the blood if it did not come from His broken obedient body. Hebrews 10:5-7; 10 ESV (5)  Consequently, when Christ came into the world, He said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for Me; (6)  in burnt offerings and sin offerings You have taken no pleasure. (7)  Then I said, ‘Behold , I have come to do Your will, O God, as it is written of Me in the scroll of the book.’” ( 10 )  And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. This was not something that Jesus could give without taking on full humanity. His body was prepared for Him. He lived a perfect life of obedience, and was fully righteous. He came to do the Fathers will. Without this prepared body then He has no blood to offer. We are made righteous, fully sanctified because of His perfect obedience. Just as He broke the bread of the Lord’s Supper so He could share it. He had to become broken hearted in order for us to partake of Him. 1 Corinthians 10:15-17 ESV (15)  I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. (16)  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? (17)  Because there is one bread , we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. As we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we are to realize that there is one cup that is shared and one bread that has been broken. This is not talking about the specific method of how we take communion . We are recognizing that as believers we have koinonia, fellowship, intimacy with Jesus’ body and blood. He broke His body so that we could become apart of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 ESV (27)  Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. Referring to the church as the body of Christ can seem cliché and we can miss what a tremendous truth it is. Jesus broke the bread and shared it with His disciples. He was willing to break His body and share with us His perfect righteousness. When we are saved, we are brought into a full intimate fellowship with the perfect broken body of Jesus . This is what we are called to remember today. His broken body that was given for us. Often we try and hide our brokenness. We are so prone to rely on ourselves and what we can do. The world speaks of brokenness as something that gets in the way or stops us. Instead the Word presents brokenness as the very thing that draws us to a reliance on trusting in God. We can trust Jesus with our brokenness because He knows what it is like. Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV (14)  Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (15)  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are , yet without sin. (16)  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace , that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. We should take such comfort in the fact that Jesus has fully experienced what it is to be a weak human. He knows the sting of the betrayal of a friend. He knows what it is to struggle to trust in God’s will for His life. He knows what exhaustion and weakness feels like. He can completely sympathize with us because He walked in a weak frail body and relied on God for each step. He can teach us how to trust because He had to trust . We can draw near with confidence to His grace, because He knows the help we need. Psalm 147:3-5 ESV (3)  He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (4)  He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names. (5)  Great is our Lord, and abundant in power ; His understanding is beyond measure. It is really hard for us to hold the truths of verse 3 and 4 in tension with each other. God is all powerful and determines how many stars there are. Astronomers keep finding new galaxies and stars and He named them all. This same God promises to heal the brokenhearted. To be present and caring to us in our hurts. He is abundant in power and ever present to bind our wounds. Jesus combines these truths in such an amazing way. Full deity and full humanity perfectly united. His power is displayed in His willingness to be broken for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV (21)  For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Jesus was willing to become sin and give us His righteousness. He brought the perfect offering of His blood and it was accepted because of the righteous broken contrite heart it came from. He was willing to be broken for us. So that we could partake and have fellowship in His body . This is our amazing savior that we are called to remember. This is our gracious savior that we can draw close to in our own brokenness. He was willing to fully experience the brokenness sin causes so that we would not have to for all eternity. Through Him we can have new life, and healing. We believe in Open communion- If you are a believer here today you are welcome to take communion with us. All believers are a part of the body of Christ. Jesus had one body that He was willing to break so that we could all partake. We should not limit the fellowship that He secured. If you are not a believer , meaning you have never trusted in Jesus for your salvation, this is not for you. You are not a part of the body of Christ yet. Please believe in Him. You can do that right where you are by trusting who He is and what He has done for you on the cross. We are going to have a time of reflection Take this time to confess any sins God convicts you of. We have been given Jesus perfect righteousness secured in His body. As we sin, we are not undoing His righteousness. Yet we are breaking our fellowship with Him. This is why we need to confess our sins and walk fresh with Him. We also need to be careful to not let Godly conviction lead to self-condemnation . No one is worthy of Him we are accepted because of the body and the blood of Jesus. Take time to mediate on the brokenness that Jesus was willing to accept so that we could be restored to Him. After the time of reflection, I will lead us as will all partake of the elements together. (The crackers are gluten free) 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 ESV (23)  For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, (24)  and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “ This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” The Bread Represents the Body- It speaks of who Jesus Is- Fully God, Fully man Perfectly Obedient to the father Broken for us Pray- Eat the Bread 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 ESV (25)  In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “ This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me .” The Cup represents the Blood- His blood paid the penalty for our sin Pray- Drink the Cup 1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV (26)  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Isaiah 61:1-2 ESV (1)  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; (2)  to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor , and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;   The Lord's Supper | Sunday May 24th, 2026 Matthew 26:26-30 ESV (26)  Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” (27)  And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, (28)  for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (29)  I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom.” (30)  And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. The cup and the bread were not foreign to the disciples. Every year at the Passover meal, these elements would be shared with each other. The Jews had developed many traditions and had a very regular order to the Passover meal. Eventually the Passover meal became known as The Sedar, which means order . Jesus took something that the disciples were familiar with and had practiced since childhood and showed them what it really was about. Jesus was the Passover lamb, and He was going to offer His body (the bread) and His blood (the cup) as the perfect offering for sins. All the years of remembrance of the Passover were actually pointing forward to Jesus. At the end of the meal, they sang a hymn before they went out. Mark 14:26 records the same detail. It is amazing to realize that Jesus was singing a Hymn before He went to the Garden of Gethsemane. Luke 22:41-44 ESV (41)  And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, (42)  saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me . Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” (43)  And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. (44)  And being in agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Jesus was under so much pressure and agony of what the cross entailed that His sweat became blood. It is a rare condition called hematidrosis and is caused by “extreme physical or emotional stress.” The physical pain and torture were not the primary focus. Jesus knew that to pay for sin, He had to become sin . Yet, shortly before this agony, He was singing . Part of the traditional order of the meal was to sing Psalms 113-118. These Psalms are called the Hallel Psalms because they express praise to God . Hallel means praise. These Psalms were also used at the other major feasts. Psalms 113-114 were sung during the Passover meal. Psalms 115-118 were sung at the Passover meal’s conclusion. This means that Psalms 115-118 were the Hymn that Jesus sang just before His agony in the garden and His suffering on the cross. Just as the familiar Passover meal took on new meaning through Jesus, these Psalms gain incredible depth with this context in mind. Psalm 115:1-18 ESV (1)  Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness! (2)  Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” (3)  Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases. (4)  Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. (5)  They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. (6)  They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. (7)  They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. (8)  Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them. (9)  O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. (10)  O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. (11)  You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.  (12)  The LORD has remembered us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron; (13)  He will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great. (14)  May the LORD give you increase, you and your children! (15)  May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth! (16)  The heavens are the LORD's heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man. (17)  The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence. (18)  But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD! Jesus is singing praise to God the Father and giving His name glory for how loving and unwaveringly faithful He is. These words now meant more than ever. Jesus was going to entrust Himself fully to God the Father, and trust in His faithfulness. As He sang to trust the Lord, He was about to tangibly trust the Lord with His own life. He had to trust that God would remember him and accept the offering He was about to give for sin. The Psalmist reminds us that the dead do not praise the Lord; the time to rejoice and praise Him is when we are alive . Yet, verse 18 points forward to the hope that those who fear God will be able to praise the Lord forever. It is a hint at the resurrection and the eternal life we can enjoy because of Jesus. As Jesus sang that the dead do not praise the Lord, He was preparing to go to the cross and give hope and life to that truth. Psalm 116:1-19 ESV (1)  I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. (2)  Because He inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. (3)  The snares of death encompassed me ; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. (4)  Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!” (5)  Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; our God is merciful. (6)  The LORD preserves the simple; when I was brought low, He saved me. (7)  Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. (8)  For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; (9)   I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. (10)  I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted”; (11)  I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.” (12)  What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me? (13)  I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, (14)  I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people. (15)  Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. (16)  O LORD, I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. (17)  I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. (18)  I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people, (19)  in the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD! The psalmist who wrote Psalm 116 was going through a time of great distress. He felt like death was surrounding him and that there would be no escape. In this dire situation, he cried out to God, and God delivered him.  God showed the psalmist grace and mercy by preserving his life. The Psalmist could continue to walk with God in the land of the living. As Jesus sang this hymn, He was very aware that His outcome would be different . God would still be gracious and merciful, and yet Jesus was going to die. All believers deaths are precious in God’s sight, and yet Jesus’ death was uniquely valuable and weighty . The Father knew how costly it was and all that it would accomplish. For Jesus to be the one who could truly lift up the cup of salvation, the cup of His blood, the cup that we celebrate today, He first had to drink the cup of God’s wrath. Psalm 75:8 ESV (8)  For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup with foaming wine , well mixed, and he pours out from it, and all the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs . The cup of wrath is what Jesus prayed for the Father to remove from Him. This is the cup that had to be fully drunk. Jesus had to fully pay for our sins and accept all the judgment and punishment that they deserve. He was willing to accept the cup of wrath, so now He can lift up the cup of salvation and offer it to us. Psalm 117:1-2 ESV (1)  Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol Him , all peoples! (2)  For great is His steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD! God will never waver in showing steadfast love or being faithful. His plans and promises are as fresh and secure today as they were on the day they were made. Jesus sang of a time when all nations will praise the Lord. This will happen when Jesus reigns as King! For this future day to happen, He first must be willing to suffer on the cross and pay for sins. As He contemplated what was in front of Him, Jesus kept singing of God’s love and faithfulness. He surrounded Himself in this truth. Psalm 118:1-8 ESV (1)  Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good ; for His steadfast love endures forever! (2)  Let Israel say, “ His steadfast love endures forever.” (3)  Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” (4)  Let those who fear the LORD say, “ His steadfast love endures forever.” (5)  Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. (6)  The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? (7)  The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. (8)  It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. Jesus used the truth of the Word to anchor Himself. He was about to experience the worst humiliation, pain, mockery, and sin that man could do. He drew back to the promise that God was with Him. We are to have this same confidence. Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV (5)  Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (6)  So we can confidently say , “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” He has promised never to leave or forsake us. He will be our helper! This is not a cliché platitude. It is a promise that Jesus had to fully rely on, and we can as well. Psalm 118:9-22 ESV (9)  It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. (10)  All nations surrounded me; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! (11)  They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! (12)  They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off! (13)  I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me. (14)  The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. (15)  Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly, (16)  the right hand of the LORD exalts, the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!” (17)  I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the LORD . (18)  The LORD has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death. (19)  Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. (20)  This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. (21)  I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. (22)  The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Jesus was not going to remain dead. He defeated death by paying for sin and resurrecting from the grave. He has become salvation for us. He is the stone that the builders rejected. His own people, Israel, rejected Him and yet He is the cornerstone. Salvation is built on Him. Jesus was singing the truth about His rejection as it was happening. He saw the eternal and was willing to be rejected to become the cornerstone. Psalm 118:23-29 ESV (23)  This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes . (24)  This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (25)  Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! (26)  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. (27)  The LORD is God, and He has made his light to shine upon us . Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! (28)  You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. (29)  Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! In the midst of all the darkness and sin during the arrest and crucifixion, Jesus was the light shining. In His joy about God’s light, the psalmist declares to bind up the sacrifice to the horns of the altar. This verse is so amazing because it does not fit what we know about the sacrificial system. Throughout the law, the animal sacrifice was never bound to the horns of the altar . The animal would be killed, and its blood would be splashed on the horns of the altar, and the animal would be cut up and arranged on the altar. Never bound to it (Lev 4:4-10). Yet, there was one sacrifice that was bound on the altar in the Old Testament. Genesis 22:7-9 ESV (7)  And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (8)  Abraham said, “ God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together. (9)  When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar , on top of the wood. Isaac was alive and was bound on the altar as the sacrificial offering. Abraham trusted that God would provide for Himself a lamb. No human could ever be the one to provide that offering for sin. Jesus is the sacrificial lamb. Jesus is the sacrifice that was bound to the cross. It is truly amazing to realize that Jesus was singing, “Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!” as He prepared to be bound to the cross. He willingly laid down His life out of a love for the Father (John 14:31), out of a love for the church (Ephesians 5:25), and out of God’s love for the entire world (John 3:16). As we gather to remember this amazing sacrifice, let us praise God with the psalmist: “This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:23 We believe in Open communion- If you are a believer here today, you are welcome to take communion with us. All believers are a part of the body of Christ. We should not limit the fellowship that He secured. If you are not a believer , meaning you have never trusted in Jesus for your salvation, this is not for you. You need His sacrifice. Please believe in Him. You can do that right where you are by trusting who He is and what He has done for you on the cross. We are going to have a time of reflection Take this time to confess any sins God convicts you of. We have been given Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. He is the offering. As we sin, we are not undoing what He accomplished through His offering. Yet we are breaking our fellowship with Him. This is why we need to confess our sins and walk fresh with Him. We also need to be careful to not let Godly conviction lead to self-condemnation . No one is worthy of Him we are accepted because of the body and the blood of Jesus. Take time to meditate on the truths that Jesus sang shortly before the cross. He was willing to trust God, the faithful Father. He was willing to drink the cup of wrath so that it could become the cup of salvation. He was willing to be rejected to be the cornerstone. He was willing to be the perfect offering and be bound to the cross. What a wonderful savior we have! After the time of reflection, I will lead us as we all partake of the elements together. (The crackers are gluten-free.) 1 Corinthians 11:23-24 ESV (23)  For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, (24)  and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “ This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” The Bread Represents the Body:  it speaks of who Jesus Is- Fully God, fully man, perfectly obedient to the Father, and broken for us 1 Corinthians 11:25 ESV (25)  In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, “ This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me .” The Cup represents the Blood:  the cup of wrath that has become the cup of salvation because of the blood. 1 Corinthians 11:26 ESV (26)  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Mark 14:26 ESV (26)  And when they had sung a hymn , they went out to the Mount of Olives. Psalm 118:26; 29 ESV (26)  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. (29)  Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever! Christmas 2025 - The Sunrise of God | Sunday December 21, 2025 On Wednesday nights we have been studying the book of Ezekiel. We have seen chapter after chapter of God proclaiming the coming judgment that awaits His people. The nation Israel, Jerusalem, and even the temple will fall. God sends Ezekiel with the same message multiple different ways and has him explain it with many different word pictures. These warnings started back in chapter 4 , and we are in chapter 20 and have more chapters to go of God explaining what is going to come. Yet even after all these explanations the people still did not understand and are shocked when Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed. I have been struck by how clear and repeatedly God has communicated and how clueless we are . The Christmas story is no different. This was a tremendous moment in history when God the Son stepped out of eternity and was born as an infant in Bethlehem. The seraphim who had spent their entire existence worshipping and shouting out the glory of God in His throne room must have been shocked when they saw the Son leave the throne room to be born in the flesh. Just as in Ezekiel’s day, God was very clear communicating what He was doing . One example of this is the prophecy that God gives to Zechariah the priest. Luke 1:5-13 ESV (5)  In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah , of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. (6)  And they were both righteous before God , walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. (7)  But they had no child , because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. (8)  Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, (9)  according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. (10)  And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. (11)  And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. (12)  And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. (13)  But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. A priest would serve in the temple twice a year for a week at a time . Some estimate that there were 18,000 priests. So even when it was your turn to serve at the temple the specific jobs would be selected by the casting of lots. Burning incense was so highly valued that you could only do it once in your life, if you were ever selected. Despite all these odds, Zechariah is chosen to enter the temple and burn the incense. By no accident Zechariah’s name means, “Jehovah remembers.” God remembered the last prophecy He sent to Israel through Malachi. Malachi 4:5-6 ESV (5)  “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. (6)  And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” Malachi prophesied about Elijah being sent to Israel before the great and awesome day of the Lord. Then God is silent for over 400 years . This is the gap between the Old Testament and New Testament. In this time Israel has been conquered by Greece, regained its independence, and then conquered by Rome. Generation has come and gone, and everyone wonders what God is going to do next. Then God reaches out to a man name Zechariah “Jehovah remembers.” God is showing His people that He remembers them and His promises. God sends an angel to declare to Zechariah that He and his wife Elizabeth will have a son and they are to name him John. This child is the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s 400-year-old promise and so many others. Luke 1:14-17 ESV (14)  And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, (15)  for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit , even from his mother's womb. (16)  And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, (17)  and he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah , to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” John is set apart for a very important ministry and is to take the Nazarite vow to show this distinction. He will have the Holy Spirit, and will minister in the spirit and power of Elijah. The angel even quotes from Malachi to make sure we understand the connection. John is not the focus, but is the one who is to get the people ready before He comes. The long-promised messiah! After years of silence God is not only speaking but is about to do something incredible. Zechariah is not sure if he can trust this message. Luke 1:18-20 ESV (18)  And Zechariah said to the angel, “ How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” (19)  And the angel answered him, “ I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God , and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. (20)  And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” The angel Gabriel stood in the presence of God. He was asked to leave God’s throne room to send this message to Zechariah. This was not Gabriel’s decision or plan but He was sent directly by God to share God’s message. Years and years of prophecy were going to be fulfilled in their perfect timing. After years of waiting, it was time. Because Zechariah did not believe the message, he will be unable to speak until his son John is born. Everything happened just as Gabriel said, His wife, Elizabeth became pregnant. Then, Gabriel was then sent to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) to tell her she would give birth to Jesus. When John was born, Zechariah, who still could not speak, wrote down for his son was called John just as Gabriel told him to. It was this act of obedience that cause Him to be able to speak again. Luke 1:64; 67-79 ESV (64)  And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. (67)  And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, (68)  “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people (69)  and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, (70)  as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old, (71)  that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; (72)  to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, (73)  the oath that He swore to our father Abraham, to grant us (74) that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, (75)  in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days. (76)  And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, (77)  to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins, (78) because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high (79)  to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and started to prophecy. After such a long gap God keeps communicating. It is not a new message but one that was spoken of from the prophets from of old . God was providing a Messiah, a horn of salvation from the blood line of king David. Zechariah fully understood that his son John was not that horn, but the prophet who was to prepare the way. John was to go out and to declare to all who was coming next, Jesus the promised messiah! God was causing the sunrise to visit Israel. The sun was about to rise for those who had been in the darkness. Isreal had settled into , and were residing in a state of darkness . “Jehovah remembers” (Zechariah) was declaring to all that the darkness they were experiencing was not permanent. God’s light was going to shine out. Jesus is the sunrise that has visited us on high . Wherever He went in His ministry He brought the light with Him. Matthew 4:12-16 ESV (12)  Now when He heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee. (13)  And leaving Nazareth He went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, (14)  so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: (15)  “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— (16)  the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light , and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” Jesus’ chose to go to Zebulun and Naphtali after John the Baptist was murdered. His presence was a great light to the people. He is the sunrise wherever He goes and brings God’s light into this dark world. Isaiah prophesied about this moment 700 years before it ever happened. Israel was terrified of the coming Assyrian Invasion and King Ahaz was turning to anything he could for comfort. It was a time of uncertainty, looming war, and conspiracies abounded. The people even tried to have Isaiah consult other spirits. Isaiah 8:19-22 ESV (19)  And when they say to you, “ Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? (20)  To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. (21)  They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry . And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. (22)  And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness. The people were turning to anything but God. They had no dawn, no sunrise. They looked to the earth and all they found was distress, darkness, gloom and anguish. The world can only offer us a thick darkness. Ephesians 6:12 ESV (12)  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. The darkness of the world is not accidental but is fueled and led by the cosmic powers, spiritual forces of evil, demons. Their aim is to keep people from seeing the light and though they have no answers keep people coming to the darkness. It was in this darkness that Isaiah was given this tremendous prophecy. Isaiah 9:1-2; 6-7 ESV (1)  But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. (2)  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. (6)  For to us a child is born , to us a son is given ; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7)  Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. It is in the darkness that God promises to send the sunrise. God promises to send a great light to conquer the deep darkness. God will accomplish this by having “ a child is born , to us a son is given. ” God the Son existed from eternity past so He was given to us, but a child had to be born for the son to take on human flesh . The eternal God was promised to be born. He will be the king of kings and the entire world government will rest on His shoulders as His royal robe. In Isaiah’s day the politicians were incompetent and terrified for what came next. Isaiah was looking forward to the perfect king. Jesus is the wonderful, amazing counselor who always gives perfect advice. He is fully God and from everlasting. He will bring in a lasting peace that will never end. All of this will not be accomplished by His followers, or by His angels, but by the zeal, jealousy of the Lord of Hosts. God will be faithful to His promises and jealously prove to the World who Jesus is. Ephesians 1:9-10 NLT (9)  God has now revealed to us His mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill His own good plan. (10)  And this is the plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ —everything in heaven and on earth. God revealed His plan in Jesus. God the Father desires to bring all things together under Jesus. The world and all it contains and all its darkness will be brought under the authority of Christ. Through His death on the cross He can bring everything under His authority. As believers when this happens it will be a glorious day. Colossians 1:13-14 ESV (13)  He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, (14)  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Jesus is the sunrise who went to the cross and died. He let Himself be overcome by darkness so that He could conquer it and bring us into His Kingdom of light. It is in Jesus that we have redemption. Our sins are fully covered by His blood. We are in His light, that the world refuses. John 3:19-20 ESV (19)  And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. (20)  For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. This is heartbreaking, and yet when we look around us we know it to be true. People love the darkness and would rather be left alone in their evil actions then come to the light. We must be honest that it is not just people, but our sinful nature still loves the darkness. There is a piece of everyone of us that wants to ignore what Jesus has done for us and His light and go back to the darkness. I am so thankful that Jesus is the Sunrise, He is the one who will be able to set all things right. He is the one who will enable all believers to one day perfectly walk in His light. Isaiah 60:1-2; 18-22 ESV (1)  Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. (2)  For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you. ( 18 )  Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. (19)  The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. (20)  Your sun shall no more go down, nor your moon withdraw itself ; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall be ended. (21)  Your people shall all be righteous ; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I might be glorified. (22)  The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the LORD; in its time I will hasten it. Jesus came to be born in a physical body as God’s sunrise and died on the cross to defeat sin and the darkness of this world. Now we look forward to His amazing future. A future with no darkness, no mourning, and no sin nature . All believers will be righteous and we will all walk in His light. God has promised to hasten, hurry to fulfill these promises In His perfect time. Romans 13:11-12 ESV (11)  Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.  (12)  The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Lavishing on the Supplements | Sunday December 28th, 2025 (New Years 2026) As I was praying about a New Years message or continuing on in 1 John I kept coming back to 2 Peter 1. Part of the reason might have been all the new year ads for weight sets and supplements I kept seeing, and I started thinking about the really important supplements we are to supply to our faith. A few years ago God impressed on my heart how important this passage is for all believers. Peter saw it as this important as well. 2 Peter 1:12-15 ESV (12)  Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities , though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. (13)  I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, (14)  since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. (15)  And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. Peter knows His death is close, and with His final letter wants to “ make every effort ” to remind us of these qualities so that “ you may be able at any time to recall these things. ” This was so important Peter wanted us to never forget these truths and be able to come back to them once He was gone. 2 Peter 1:1-2 ESV (1)  Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: (2)  May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. It is so telling about who Peter is that he describes himself first as a servant then an apostle . He saw serving Jesus as a weightier and more valuable title than the office of being an apostle. Peter is writing to other believers that have a faith that is of equal standing with his own and all other believers. There is not a hierarchy of believers. There is not a difference between clergy and laity. Peter, who can be over elevated today, is saying that every believers faith is equal with each other. Every denomination and group is so tempted to elevate one special group over another. For some that is the pastors, and clergy, for others it is a special grouping of 144,000, for others it is the enlightened ones, or the enlightened ones. Peter undoes all this thinking by making sure we know that saving faith is based on “ the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ .” Jesus does not give different levels of righteousness to different groups. When a person has saving faith they receive Jesus’ righteousness. This is the exact same righteousness Peter, Paul, Billy Graham, and every believer receives. Romans 3:21-24 ESV (21)  But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— (22)  the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe . For there is no distinction: (23)  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24)  and are justified by His grace as a gift , through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, We do not receive God’s righteousness based on the law or based on how good we are. Too often grace is described as God filling in the gaps of where we fail. We try to get as close to God as we can then hope God’s grace will fill in where we fell short. This is a wrong view of Grace. We are not made righteous by our effort at all. We are given Jesus’ righteousness through faith in Him. We trust what He did. There is no distinction, we are all sinners and all need His pure righteousness. His grace to us is a gift. It doesn’t just fill in the gaps but accomplishes everything. Peter is reminding believers of what Jesus has done for each of us. 2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV (3)  His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness , through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, (4)  by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises , so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. Verse 3 contains one of the greatest promises for the Christian life. In Jesus’ amazing power as God, He has given to us all things that are needed for life and godliness. The word granted means to give generously, and it emphasizes the enormous generosity of the giver . Meaning through Jesus’ generosity every believer has been equipped with everything we need to glorify God in our lives. There is nothing missing . No secret key, or hidden knowledge we need to figure out. In Peter’s Day many false teachers were offering the special knowledge you needed to have a great walk with God. Nothing has changed, as Christian bookstores are filled with curriculums offering the same thing. Each one has a new metaphor, and a new system but in the end are all trying to offer the same thing. We have all we need through the knowledge of Him which leads us to His precious and very great promises. We trust and believe in a person, not a theological position or facts. The more we come to know Jesus the more we will trust in His promises. We will learn that He will accomplish and do all He claimed to do. 2 Peter 3:13 ESV (13)  But according to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV (20)  For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him . That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. We can be assured of a new heaven and new earth, because Jesus promised it. Not because I claimed it, or someone else thinks so. The word of God is filled with promises that Jesus has given to us and each one finds its fulfillment in Him. To know what these promises are we have to know the Word . We do not get to make up our own promises, they are given voluntarily by Jesus. To be able to trust in these real promises we have to know Him. Israel’s largest failures were due to a lack of trust. A lack of confidence that God would fulfill His promises. Psalms 106:7; 21; 24 ESV (7)  Our fathers, when they were in Egypt, did not consider Your wondrous works ; they did not remember the abundance of Your steadfast love, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea. (21)  They forgot God , their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, (24)  Then they despised the pleasant land, having no faith in His promise. Israel did not stop to consider the wondrous works that God had accomplished. They didn’t know Him well. God’s power shown through the plagues should have given Israel the confidence that God could protect them at the Red Sea. Look at what He had already done, He can take care of this. Then as they went to the promised land, they continued to forget God. They had no faith, no trust that God could give them the land. There is a big difference between thinking God is powerfully in control, and I can trust this good powerful God. The more we come to know Him; His promises become real to us, not abstract. We can trust Him with whatever is next because of who He has shown Himself to be. 2 Peter 1:4 ESV (4)  by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. Through this knowledge of Him and trusting in His promises we are able to become partakers, of the divine nature. God wants us to have fellowship , to become a sharer with Him . Through Jesus’ righteousness we have escaped the corruption of the world. We no longer belong to this World or its system. God then desires for us to take full advantage of this. To have intimate fellowship with Him. This is God’s purpose for us. Unfortunately, not every believer will experience this close fellowship. They have escaped the corruption of the world, but they are not walking like it. This is what weighed on Peter’s heart and what He wanted us always to be able to recall. He wanted all believers to know how we could walk in a close abiding relationship with Jesus. 2 Peter 1:5 ESV (5)  For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, We are to have an earnest commitment, eagerness, diligence in supplementing our faith. This is not referring to salvation faith, nothing can be added to that. We all have a faith of equal standing. This is referring to our sanctification, our growth as believers. We are called to supplement, which means to lavishly supply. The Greek word is based on the practice of paying for the chorus during a play or gathering. The word meant to not hire the bare minimum, but to lavishly supply and really go above in beyond. Peter is saying faith is the starting point, the bare minimum, now lavishly add on the extras. The author of Hebrews viewed faith as a foundation to be moved on from. Hebrews 6:1 ESV (1)  Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity , not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, These verses are not diminishing the importance of saving faith, but they are clearly saying that is just the start. We are called to grow and mature in our faith. To supplement it first with virtue which is an excellence/ uncommon of character, with courage . It is being willing to go against the grain of this world and stand with Jesus. The only way we can take this kind of stand is to add the next supplement, knowledge . If we don’t know Jesus, how can we know what to take a stand on, or what promise to trust in? We must supplement our faith by knowing the Word so we can know Him. 2 Peter 1:6 ESV (6)  and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, Each supplement builds on the next. Once we know Him more we know where to have self-control , which means restraint of ones emotions, impulses, and desires . The word literally means to be in dominion, mastery over them . One thing I want to be clear on, we are called to lavishly supply and grow in these supplements but they do not come from us . Self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23). We will find the power to live out these supplements the more we walk in the Spirit. When self-control is empowered by the Spirit there is tremendous freedom. When we try to force ourselves to have self-control, we will end up in legalism, and find it hard and exhausting. We are to walk in the power of the Spirit and be able to have dominion over our emotions, and passions. Living with self-control leads to being able to have a steadfastness in life. Self-control focuses on the passions and pleasures of life, while steadfastness focuses on walking through the pressures and trials of life. The word literally means to remain, or abide under the pressure. This requires a faithful endurance. I have never grown much in a peaceful easy season. We grow during the season we need endurance. We are actually promised to grow as we have steadfastness. James 1:2-4 ESV (2)  Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3)  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (4)  And let steadfastness have its full effect , that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. We only learn how to endure, how to be steadfast by having to do it. As we supplement our faith and grow, we will learn to be steadfast. God is going to work on us, and refining out anything that does not look like Jesus. He is growing us and bringing us to completion. He is bringing us to the next supplement godliness . The word literally means to worship Him well , to have a holy respect and fear of God and then to reflect that in our life . We will learn to reflect His character, and values. We will learn to reflect His heart. 2 Peter 1:7 ESV (7)  and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. We have been starting to study this in 1 John. There is no accident that the last two supplements have to deal with love. We are to have a brotherly affection for others and to love them self sacrificially. The closer we are to God and know His heart the more we will reflect His love. An unloving believer shows how immature they are. An unloving believer shows their faith is not being supplemented. These supplements are so important to Peter because of what they lead to. 2 Peter 1:8 ESV (8)  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing , they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. These supplements cannot be approached as a check list with the goal of checking each one off and moving on. When would we ever have enough knowledge or godliness? These supplements are to be ever increasing in our life . This is not a list of the things to go out and do more of. This is a list describing what abiding growth looks like. True spiritual growth cannot be reduced down to actions because growth involves our heart. When these qualities are increasing in our life, they keep us from being ineffective , idle , lazy and unfruitful , useless in our walk. A believer can choose to not lavish these supplements to their faith and the end result of that is tragic. 2 Peter 1:9 ESV (9)  For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind , having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. A believer who has been cleansed of their sins can become so focused on this world and ignoring growth that all they can see is what is immediately in front of them. They are practically blind, and missing what God has for them . This is a believer who is so focused on the now they do not care about the eternal . I deeply desire for that to never describe my walk or any other believers walk. 2 Peter 1:10-11 ESV (10)  Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election , for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. (11)  For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A believer who is abiding and lavishly supplementing their faith will be rewarded with an amazing entrance into Jesus’ kingdom. This is a believer who has been living for eternity who is thrilled to be there. It is a celebratory entrance. This new year why wouldn’t we go above and beyond in supplementing our faith? 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ESV (24)  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (25)  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Let’s not be the nearsighted believers who are blind but those who are running to be rewarded with eternal gifts from our amazing Savior who enabled us to be in relationship with Him and grow close to Him. Easter Services Easter | Order of the Offerings in Leviticus | April 20th 2025 As we gather together on Easter we are here to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We celebrate that the tomb is empty. We celebrate that He is alive. For any of this to make sense though we must recognize the death that took place. The tomb was once filled. For Jesus to be resurrected He had to die first. 1 Corinthians 15:36-37; 42-44 ESV (36)  You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. (37)  And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. ( 42 )  So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. (43)  It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. (44)  It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Jesus could not come to life until He died. The body that went into the tomb was His physical body. When a seed is planted no gardener would be satisfied if another seed came up. The seed needs to give life to the plant. Jesus’ physical body went to the tomb and it enabled Him to be raised in a perfect resurrected body. A body of glory, and power. A body of true eternal life. The disciples and His followers did not understand this. When His dead body was put into the tomb they thought that was the end. Luke 24:1-7 ESV (1)  But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. (2)  And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, (3)  but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (4)  While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. (5)  And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? (6)  He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, (7)  that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” The woman approached the tomb with spices to care for a dead body which they could not find. The angels point out their flaw. Jesus is alive, and they were looking for someone living in a place of the dead. He is resurrected. He had taught them this very truth but it did not make sense at the time. After His resurrection Jesus will end up showing His 11 disciples how His death and resurrection fulfilled scripture. Luke 24:44-46 ESV (44)  Then He said to them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (45)  Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, (46)  and said to them, “Thus it is written , that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfilled what was written about Him in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. Jesus mentions these three because they are the three groupings of the Old Testament. He is saying the entire Old Testament pointed to this truth. He then enabled them to understand the Word. They knew the Old Testament well, but they did not understand yet how it all was about Him. The Old Testament speaks to the need for Jesus to die and be raised again. We hear Jesus say the entire Old Testament points to His death and resurrection and yet at times I don’t know if we fully believe it. We have been in a study of Leviticus and my hope is that this truth is more clear then it ever has been. Throughout Leviticus we have seen how each offering pointed to Jesus and the need for His sacrificial death. Leviticus 17:11 ESV (11)  For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. The life of an animal or a person is represented by the blood. When the priest would drain the blood of an animal it showed they died. It is through blood that atonement can be made. Sin can only be dealt with through blood, through a death. Romans 6:23 ESV (23) For the wages of sin is death , but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The free gift of eternal life cannot be given until the wage of sin has been paid . Until there was a perfect death. The book of Leviticus has been full of death. Each offering given is a reminder of the need of blood. Even the order the offerings points to what Jesus needed to accomplish. This order can be seen as the priest were consecrated. Leviticus 9:3-4 ESV (3)  And say to the people of Israel, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering , and a calf and a lamb, both a year old without blemish, for a burnt offering, (4)  and an ox and a ram for peace offerings , to sacrifice before the LORD, and a grain offering mixed with oil, for today the LORD will appear to you.’” The offerings presented in Leviticus in Chapters 1-7 are in an order that enabled the priest to more easily memorize and teach them to the fellow priest. They are not presented in the order of worship. Here in chapter 9 as the priests are made ready to serve in the tabernacle we see the specific order of the offerings. It is this order that we will see repeated throughout the rest of Leviticus. The sin offering comes first, then the whole burnt offering which would have been accompanied by the grain offering , and lastly the fellowship offering. This order is not accidental it reveals how we are to approach God. Without the presented blood of the sin offering we can have no access to God. The sin offering has to be first. Once access to God is established through the blood then a person can wholly dedicate themselves to God through the whole burnt offering . Once we are dedicated to God we can praise Him through the fruit of our work with the grain offering. Then lastly we can worship Him for the peace we have with Him with a peace offering. It is with the peace offering that we get to enjoy the fellowship meal and our relationship with God. We try to reverse the order. The world wants to enjoy peace first, without the other offerings. John 16:33 ESV (33)  I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace . In the world you will have tribulation . But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Peace is only found in right relationship with Jesus. In the world we have been promised to have tribulation. We live in sin cursed bodies, on a sin cursed planet, with others sinners. The world only offers tribulation but He overcame the world. Peace is in Him. Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT (3)  You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! (4)  Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. Experiential daily peace is found when our thoughts are on Jesus and viewing life through His truth. He is the eternal rock. He alone offers us peace and satisfaction. When we are in fellowship with Jesus we can experience His peace daily. Romans 8:5-6 ESV (5)  For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. (6) For  to set the mind on the flesh is death , but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. To live based on our flesh is death. It is walking in the Spirit and in His fellowship where life and peace can be found. It is the last offering because this fellowship is based on all the others. This fellowship is only possible after the grain and whole burnt offering. The whole burnt offering symbolized giving your whole life to God and the grain offering was then worshipping Him with the fruit of your life. Daily Peace is only found when we walk with Him and have given our life to Him. Romans 12:1-2 ESV (1)  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (2)  Do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Verse 2 points out an amazing truth we are always in a process of change . The question is what are we letting change us? The world is actively seeking to conform us to its mold. It tries to force believers from the outside into a mold or pattern and remake us into its shape . Conversely, God wants to transform us from the inside out. As a believer you have a new life in Jesus and He wants that to become visible and show on the outside. He wants to renew our mind through His truth. There is no neutral. We are either being conformed or transformed every day.  If we are being conformed by the world then we will not be walking in His peace. Each offering builds on the next. Yet none of these so far is what gives us access to God. It is not your daily peace, your growth or transformation. We are acceptable to God through one thing, the blood payment. It is through the blood that we can approach God. Leviticus 16:1-3 ESV (1)  The LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before the LORD and died, (2)  and the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he may not die. For I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat. (3)  But in this way Aaron shall come into the Holy Place : with a bull from the herd for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. Last week we studied Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s sons. They approached God with an unauthorized, unacceptable fire and are killed for it. God is very clear with Aaron, there is one way that He can approach God’s presence in the Holy of Holies, and that is through blood. He is not allowed in without the blood of a sin offering. The burnt offering comes later and will not be given until after Aaron leaves the Holy of Holies and the blood has been offered. (Lev. 16:24) We cannot walk in the daily peace Jesus offers and be in fellowship with Him until we have given our life daily to Him. We cannot give ourself to God if our sin has not been paid for. Without the blood payment none of the other offerings are possible. Our society is ok to hear about the peace that Jesus can offer, the dedication He desires and even how He can transform our thinking to make us more loving and caring. The idea of our need for a blood sacrifice to have life is offensive and yet it is the only life giving message. We are sinners and deserve death, and God’s wrath. This is why we have so much to celebrate today. Jesus was willing to be the perfect blood payment, the perfect sin offering that enables all the others. Romans 5:8-11 ESV (8)  but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (9)  Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood , much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God. (10)  For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. (11)  More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. Jesus was not just an example of humility, or caring for people. He came to die for sinners. God showed His great love for us by having Jesus die. We are justified, declared righteous because of His perfect sin offering. We are saved from the wrath God had for our sins. His death secured our reconciliation. His resurrection enabled us to live for Him. Once we believe in Jesus then we can begin to learn how to give our life to Him, then we can glorify Him though the fruits in our life, then we can walk in fellowship with Him. Leviticus points to the need for the messiah to die and be the blood payment, but it also points to His resurrection. Leviticus 23:9-10 ESV (9)  And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, (10)“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, When Israel is living in the promised land they are to have a feast of the firstfruits from the harvest. After all the anticipation of prepping the fields, planting, weeding, and watering, the first part of the harvest was to be God’s . God wanted the firstfruits because it pointed to the fact that Jesus was going to be the firstfruits of the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:19-34 ESV (20) But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (21)  For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. (22)  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (23)  But each in His own order: Christ the firstfruits , then at His coming those who belong to Christ. When Adam sinned, death came into the world and has reigned. It is a reality of life that we are uncomfortable talking about. Each offering of Leviticus reminds us of the death or sin demands. Each funeral and loved one who passes reminds us of how fleeting this life is. Yet we have the tremendous truth that Jesus is risen. He is the firstfruit from the resurrection. Through His death and resurrection He conquered death. As believer we will be resurrected because He is. Jesus is our risen savior! Revelation 1:17-18 ESV (17)  When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead . But He laid His right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, (18)  and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore , and I have the keys of Death and Hades. When John sees the resurrected Jesus he falls down as dead. Yet notice what truth Jesus encourages him with. Jesus is the living one! Death is no longer an enemy for believers. Jesus died but is alive forever. He conquered death and holds the keys to death and hades. The perfect payment was given and He defeated death by rising. Just as He had to die and put on His resurrected body, believers have resurrected eternal bodies waiting for us. 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 ESV (54)  When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “ Death is swallowed up in victory.” (55)   “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (56)  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. (57)  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (58)  Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. Death has been defeated! Jesus is resurrected and given us the victory . Jesus is the perfect sin offering. He gave His blood to pay for the wrath that our sins deserved. We have access to God because of what He has done. Then we can walk and enjoy all that He has for us. We can learn to give ourselves to Him and be transformed. We can walk in the fellowship and peace He offers. If you trust in His blood, if you believe in Jesus, you will be resurrected. Let us be steadfast, immovable, abounding in all that Jesus has for us, because we are going to see our risen savior face to face in a resurrected body. Let us live for that day, you will never regret it. Easter | The Savior of the World | April 5th 2026 It really is hard to try and imagine the emotions of Jesus’ apostles and disciples as the dawn broke on Easter Sunday. Of course, they did not know it would be Easter Sunday. In In Luke 24 Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out early in the morning with the hope of completing the spices and wrappings that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had so hastily done on Friday. They were not eagerly anticipating His resurrection but were going there to lovingly care for His dead body. Mark informs us that on the walk to the tomb they were discussing and worried about how they would get the stone rolled away so they could care for Jesus’ body. Their emotions must have surged when they saw the stone was already moved because now they would be able to accomplish their task. Then just as quickly, their emotions sunk as they saw the body of Jesus was gone. The last few days watching Jesus’ arrest and death had already left them emotionally and physically exhausted. Now in their grief they could not even care for Jesus’ body correctly. It is in this moment that two angels appear and asked such an amazing question. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” The women went to the cemetery to care for a dead body with spices. They lovingly sought out Jesus not to see if He was resurrected but to care for His body before decomposition progressed too far. They were seeking the wrong thing, a dead person, so they were in the wrong place, a cemetery. Jesus was no longer dead so He was not in a cemetery and He no longer needed the spices. The angels proclaimed the most amazing news “He is not here, but has risen.” Jesus had conquered death and was alive in a resurrected body. This amazing truth was beyond anyone’s thought or even imagination at the time. When the apostles are told, they at first dismissed it as an “ idle tale .” The were depressed, scared, exhausted, and fearful. The first easter was full of confusion and disappointment, until they found out what had taken place. The two disciples who were walking to Emmaus, show this well. Luke 24:13-17 ESV (13)  That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, (14)  and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. (15)  While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. (16)  But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. (17)  And He said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. As Jesus asked this question they stood in shock. Their grief and pain showed on their faces. This word means to wear dark garments in mourning as your state of mind. The anguish they were feeling was more then grieving the loss of a friend or teacher. They had many expectations of what Jesus would do. Luke 24:18-24 ESV (18)  Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” (19) And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, (20)  and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. (21)  But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. (22)  Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, (23)  and when they did not find His body , they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. (24)  Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but Him they did not see.” Cleopas expresses what so many of Jesus’ followers were thinking. Jesus was a mighty prophet both in what He taught and the miracles He performed. Over time they had developed a real hope of what Jesus would accomplish. Dying a gruesome death on a cross as a condemned criminal was not one of them. They had hoped that He would be the one to redeem Israel. They thought He was the destined one who came to rescue, set free, pay the ransom, for Israel. As Cleopas shares this it is easy to hear the disappointment in his voice. They thought that Jesus’ death proved that He was not the redeemer, when the exact opposite is true. It was through His death on the cross that Jesus paid for sin and could be the redeemer of not only Israel but the entire world. 1 John 4:14 ESV (14)  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. Israel knew they needed a redeemer, a savior. Rome was in charge, and they did not even have authority over their own country. The religious leaders were corrupt and the blessings that they were to enjoy in the promised land did not seem to be working. They kept failing at following the law. Ultimately life seemed unfulfilling in the promised land. They had a desperate need for a savior. Seeing the need for a savior is not a new thought. The world has constantly been looking for one . Jesus was not the first one to be declared the Savior of the World. At this time a common toast for the Greeks would be “Zeus Soter” which is toasting to Zeus as Savior. They would also toast to Hermes, Apollo, Hercules, or even Aphrodite. Each time declaring that they had hope in that false god to be the savior of the world. It was not just false gods and religions that were declared to be the savior but also political systems . King Prusias I of Bithynia came and addressed the Roman Senate around 200 BC and called the senators “Hail, ye savior gods.” (The Histories of Polybius) . The Romans thought they had perfected government and had such a confidence in their Senate that they thought it would be the savior of the World. We have other Greek and Roman writings where doctors and philosophers are called savior. Each time a savior is turned to, the hope is that it/they will provide the solution to humanities problems. The world has always needed a savior . Our current culture uses different words but is constantly trusting in new solutions and ideas just like the Greeks and Romans. Each new leader, form of government, economic system, philosophy, technology or medical advancement is hoped to be the savior . We keep turning to anything other then the true Savior. Isaiah 43:10-11 ESV (10)  “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after Me. (11)  I, I am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior. God wants us to understand that He is the only savior. There is no other god before or after Him. He alone can save us. He is the one we need and yet He is the one that we run in rebellion from. Instead of turning to God, we rely on anything else, even a political leader. The Priene Calendar Inscription from 9 BC gives us great insight into how Ceaser Agustus was viewed. He was the ruler when Jesus was born. In this inscription Ceaser Agustus is praised as “ a savior, both for us and for our descendants that he might end war and arrange all things” and that His coming “was the beginning of the gospel for the world”. The word Gospel is the same word that is used in the Bible and means the good news. The Romans were willing to share the gospel good news about Ceaser Augustus and hoped He would be the Savior. There have been many saviors and many gospels shared about each one . Yet Ceaser Augustus died in AD 14; wars are not ended and the world still needs a savior. This in part is why Jesus’ disciples were so defeated by His death. They thought He was the redeemer, the savior, but now He is dead just like every other failed savior. What they didn’t understand is that the truly good news of the gospel is the death and resurrection of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:1 ESV (1)  Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you , which you received, in which you stand, This gospel is not about Ceaser Augustus, or the Roman Senate. This gospel is not about how humanity can solve our own problems if we would all work together. This gospel is not about how the right laws or systems would solve societies problems. The one true Gospel is Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:3 ESV (3)  For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, (4)  that He was buried , that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, (5)  and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. (6)  Then He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. The Gospel, the true good news is that Jesus is the savior of the world. Every savior identifies a problem and offers a solution. Some hope to solve ignorance with education. Others aim to solve poverty with economics and trade. Jesus came to be the savior who paid for our sins. Every other problem humanity has stems from our core problem as sinners. Romans 5:12 NLT (12)  When Adam sinned, sin entered the world . Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. We have disobeyed a holy God, and now life, creation, and our bodies are broken. Death reigns because of our sin . Every other attempted savior failed because they could not address our core problem of our sin. This is exactly why Jesus had to die. He died to be the ransom payment and pay for our sins . His death gives us life and fully dealt with our sin. Romans 5:8-9 NKJV (8)  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (9)  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Jesus died on the cross to deal with our sin problem. He was perfect and lived a holy life, never sinning. He then accepted death and paid for our sin by offering His blood. We are justified, declared holy, through the blood of Jesus. He took our wrath and paid His blood so that we would not experience wrath. He is the Savior of the world because He gave His blood to defeat sin and death. We simply believe, in what He did to be saved. A valid question arises though, what makes Jesus unique from all the other saviors out there. What makes the gospel of Jesus different and true in comparison to all the other gospels? The resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:13-21 ESV (13)  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. (14)  And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. (15)  We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. (16)  For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. (17)  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. (18)  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. (19)  If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (20)  But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead , the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (21)  For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. If Jesus is not risen then our faith is in vain, it is futile and we are still in our sins. If Jesus did not come back to life, then all the dead have perished and there is no life beyond the grave. Everything hinges on the resurrection of Jesus . The payment of His blood is proved to be worthy and acceptable because He rose from the grave. He is risen so we have life. He is risen so our sins have been paid for. As a believer the resurrection of Jesus is not to be an abstract truth or something that happened close to 2000 years ago and is only talked about at Easter. We are to seek to live in its power each and every day. Philippians 3:8-11 ESV (8)  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord . For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish , in order that I may gain Christ (9)  and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— (10)  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection , and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, (11)  that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Paul counted everything as loss and rubbish in comparison to knowing Jesus. Paul understood that Jesus fully took care of his sins and he was amazed by this. He desperately wanted to know the power of Jesus’ resurrection. Paul wanted to walk in an intimacy and closeness with Jesus and experience Jesus’ resurrected life. This means that Jesus is to be the center of our lives. To quote Jim Henderson “ You are only going to live for Christ to the degree you hold fast to His word.” We need to know His word to know Him and to walk in this kind of closeness. We have a resurrected savior that fully paid for our sins. Jesus desires for us to know what the resurrected life in Him looks like. This means knowing Him through the Word and using it as a filter for everything in our life. This might be a season of exhaustion, and disappointment for you, just like the disciples on Easter Sunday. It might be a season where something you trusted in has failed. It might be a season of joy and peace. No matter where you are in life and what is going on for you right now we each can turn to our Savior who offers us a resurrected life in Him. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 NET (9)  He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on His own purpose and grace , granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began, (10)  but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus . He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel!