Our service concluded with Communion. The Message was on the Spirit Gives Life based on the scripture of John 6:51-56 and 60-63. Verse 60 notes this is a hard saying that offends people because it requires a surrender, an acknowledgement of God’s justice. Verse 63 reminds us that His words are spirit and life.
Christ is our living bread. He's bringing more than physical food to the disciples and the people. He reminds us we are in a covenant relationship. Under a contract, either side might default or leave the contract. A Covenant with God, that He established, cannot be terminated. Celebrating communion, we are reminded of the covenant and we are celebrating becoming one through the sacrifice of Christ.
We are able to put our hope and trust in God because He has already shown His willingness to fulfill the promises.
Philosophies are circumstantial, but our scriptural covenant is based on truth. No matter how you feel, the commitment has been made by God. He paid the debt that we owe and asks us to remember.
The believer has accepted the gift of Jesus. He has given us the Spirit through His death and through His Word. Do we live according to His word and His will?
We all need energy for life, the word gives us energy for our spiritual life. Through Christ’s blood we have life giving power.
Communion is a time to ask God: Search me, cleanse me.
He is faithful and just to forgive all. Let the life giving word transform us.
Christ lives in me and God has made us a peculiar people.
We have to change our diet. What are we feeding on?
The word is supernatural. Are we feeding on the word that gives us life?
After listening to many songs, I chose this one for today. Whisper (and remind me of your love)
John 6:51-56, 60-63 NIV
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
53 Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.
60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
Lord, I give thanks for the covenant You gave. And I thank you for calling me to You. Help me live by Your Word.
