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| Volume 17 Number 1 January 2015 | Page 14 |
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| Volume 17 Number 1 January 2015 | Page 14 |
Mark N. Posey
The institution of the Lord’s Supper is found in Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25 and Luke 22:19ff. The Christians of the first century observed it weekly (Acts 20:7). Knowing its significance and observing it properly are most important (1 Corinthians 11:27). The Lord’s Supper is a dedication (1 Corinthians 11:25), “this cup is the new covenant in My blood.” Further, it is a proclamation (1 Corinthians 11:26a), “you proclaim the Lord’s death.” The Lord’s Supper is also an anticipation (1 Corinthians 11:26b), “you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
The inclination to forget is common to everyone (Deuteronomy 6:12; Jeremiah 2:32; 2 Peter 1:13-15). Forgetting is easy; thus, the admonition to remember appears often in Scripture (Ecclesiastes 12:1). God gave us the Lord’s Supper so we would not forget to dedicate (give God one’s all), proclaim (make known the Christ) and anticipate (long for Jesus’ return).
Jesus’ Great Prayer for Unity!
Mark N. Posey
There are many great prayers recorded in Scripture: Solomon’s prayer (1 Kings 9), Abraham’s prayer (Genesis 18), Moses’ prayer (Exodus 32), Daniel’s prayer (Daniel 9), Paul’s prayer (Romans 10:1; Ephesians 1:15-23) and Jesus’ prayers (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 23:34). Notice some points regarding prayers of our Lord.
The Savior Prayed for Himself (17:1-5). His concern for Himself is actually a concern for the glory of the Father. The Savior Prayed for His Disciples (17:6-19). Jesus spoke of His mission among the disciples and their reception of it. The Savior Prayed for His Believers (17:20-26). He prayed for us.
“United We Stand” is a powerful theme that has united Americans for decades and beyond. However, Jesus’ prayer for Himself, His disciples and all who would ever believe in Him is a unity far beyond patriotism; it is a unity of eternal magnitude.
The Greatest of These!
Mark N. Posey
Paul identifies “love” as “the greatest of these” (1 Corinthians 13:13); however, consider other things that are great as found in God’s Holy Word. The greatest handicap: Fear (Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 1:7). Fear paralyzes, whereas faith empowers. Fear imprisons, but hope liberates. Fear weakens, and love strengthens. The greatest day: Today (2 Corinthians 6:2). Life is short, death is sure, sin is the cause, and Christ is the cure! Our life is as brief as a vapor; therefore, seek Christ today!
The greatest mistake: Giving Up (Philippians 4:13). When Christ is my strength, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, all fear is gone! The greatest stumbling block: Ego (Galatians 2:20). Paul said, “…not I, but Christ…” Humility is a good thing! (See James 4:10; 2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 Peter 5:5). The greatest comfort: Heaven (John 14:1-6). Heaven is “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4). Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Are you prepared?
The greatest need: Forgiveness (John 1:29). If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. However, our greatest need was forgiveness, and so God sent us a Savior. The greatest gift: Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15). God is the greatest Giver; He gives the gift that is beyond description (John 3:16) – His only begotten Son! The greatest feeling: Salvation (Hebrews 2:3). Salvation is so great because of its price, provision and purity. It gives peace that is beyond comprehension.
The greatest pitfall: Finding Fault (Matthew 7:1-5). Self-incriminating fault finding is forbidden by Jesus with an exaggerated illustration of specks and planks to make His point more understandable and memorable. An example of this principle is when the religious leaders brought the woman caught in adultery to Jesus (John 8:7). The greatest investment: Helping Others (James 1:27). Someone said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” A close walk with God demonstrates itself in helping others (James 2:18).