You probably didn’t feel a cultural pressure to attend church this morning. Most likely you wanted to come. Why is that? Why come to church? Hebrews 10:19-25 provides us some answers to these questions. It states three “let us” statements about being together in church. First, let us draw near with hearts full of faith and cleansed by Jesus’ blood. The curtain was torn, and we have access to a new living way, full of ‘zoe’ life in Christ. Second,…
The Great Commission: these words are not actually used in the Bible. But Jesus gave his disciples (and us) a task, a mission; and He gave us the authority to spread the great news of His coming – and His resurrection. This is the fundamental event of history (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). Central to Christianity. Jesus showed His authority in teaching. He showed His authority over disease, nature, sin and death. He calls us to participate in sharing this news. Go,…
All history points to the crucifixion and subsequent resurrection (Matthew 27:27-54). The cross is a scandal (1 Cor 1:18); it makes no sense to invent such a thing – to use a device of torture as a symbol of grace. This idea of sacrifice is alarming (especially the sacrifice of Jesus); could there be another way? Even Jesus asked this question. The night of His death, He prayed; “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” but…
The night of Jesus’ imminent betrayal and arrest, He shared Passover with His disciples (Matthew 26:17-35). During this meal, Jesus aligned the historical reminder of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt with a new covenant, one of His blood and His body instead of the sacrificial Passover lamb. Some people may see this exercise as an empty ritual. But it is a deeply meaningful tradition. Communion brings the identity of God’s people from the past to the present. It ties the experience…