08 Communion Chronology



Most Grace Brethren Churches observe the Three-fold Communion service at the Easter season.  The service is again observed at Thanksgiving time.  Other GB Churches may observe this 4 times a year.   I am not aware of any of our churches that practice more often than this.  However there are a few that observe only the Bread and Cup between the three-fold service times.

The “Three-fold service” consists of:  a. the washing of the saints’ feet, b. the Love feast, and c. the Eucharist or Bread and cup.   

I.          The Love Feast.  John 13

A.        The Love Feast was before the Feast of the Passover.

            The Jewish day started in the evening and continued overnight to the next evening, not midnight to midnight as we usually think of it.

            This meal was something new.  It occurred in the upper room (Mark 14:14-16) before the Feast of the Passover (John 13:1).  The washing of feet was also new.  It was not a custom.  Peter as well as the other disciples, did not understand what Jesus was doing.  (John 13:6-10) 

Matthew 26:20-29; Mark 14:25; and Luke 22:14-23 also refer to the meal with Jesus and the disciples.   In the Synoptic Gospels there is no mention of the feet washing.  In John there is no mention of the Bread and the Cup although Jesus does give a piece of bread to Judas.  It is obvious that all the gospels refer to the same events occurring at the same time in the Upper room.

B.         The Love Feast was in the Evening of (or night before) the Day of Preparation for the Passover.

            This Love Feast described above actually took place in the evening on the Day of Preparation.  As you read the Synoptic account as well as John, Jesus and the disciples conclude the meal with the singing of a hymn (Matt.26:30; Marl 14:26;).  Jesus' discourse in John 14-17 may have taken place in the Upper Room (Luke 22:30), but more likely it was en-route to the Mount of Olives.  John gives detailed comments, instructions, and warns of persecution as they make their way to the Garden.

Three times Jesus found the disciples asleep after his time of prayer.  Arousing them the final time, he told them his betrayer was at hand.  He was arrested and the long night began.  The disciples dispersed in fear of their lives.  John and Peter followed along hoping not to be recognized.  The chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders took Jesus first to Caiaphas, the high priest’s house (Luke 22:54).  Early in the morning they led Jesus to Pilate at the Praetorium.  John 18:28 says the Jews did not go inside.  Had they done so, they would have been defiled and not permitted to eat the Passover.  Again showing that the previous meal with the disciples was not the Passover.    Pilate sends Jesus to Herod and Herod returns him.  Pilate made a feeble attempt to release Jesus, but the crowd refused and demanded His crucifixion.   

Finally in John 19:13-14, Pilate brings Jesus, with a crown of thorns on His head and severely beaten, and presents Him to the crowd saying “Behold your King!   They took Him and crucifed Him at noon.  The sun was darkened  until 3pm (Luke 23:44).  Jesus was our Passover Lamb (I Cor. 5:6-8) for the remission of sin.  It follows that He should die at the same time the lambs were being prepared the Passover Feast. 

All of the above is convincing proof that Jesus did not eat the Passover as He had said, but rather a full meal that we call the Love Feast.    

II.         The Washing of Feet.  John 13

            John 13:1-17 is the major passage, but is again referred to in I Tim. 5:10

A.        The washing of the disciples’ feet took place during the meal (13:2)  A better translation than ‘supper being ended.’  This establishes the fact that it occurred at the same time.

B.         Peter did not understand what Jesus was doing (13:6-10).  If this had been a custom or a mere act of humility, Peter and the others would have understood and Jesus would have no need to explain it. 

C.        In the explanation Jesus uses two different words translated as “bathe” and ‘wash’.  One who has been bathed (taken a bath) or washed (as in wash your hands).  He only needs to have his feet washed.  He does not have to take a bath to be cleansed from his daily defilement (Jn. 13:10).  This interpretation is understood when Jesus refers to Judas as not being clean (Jn. 13:11).  And yet Judas was included in having his feet washed with the others (Jn.13:18), a clear reference to Judas after the conclusion of the feet washing.

D.        The fourth thing we learn here, is that the believers, the followers of Christ, are instructed to follow His example (Jn 13:14-15).  That this was a practice of the early church is seen in I Tim. 5:10, where Paul describes the Christian widow.  The church today should follow the Lord’s example.    

1 Tim. 5:10

“…well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

III.       The Bread and the Cup. Matt. 26; Mark 14; Luke 22. John 13.

            In most churches today the Bread and Cup or Eucharist is referred to as the Lord’s Supper.  This is a misnomer since the Lord’s Supper or rather the Love Feast is a three-part event, not just the Bread and Cup. 

A.        The Time was the same evening.

Luke 22:19-20 points out that the bread and cup were presented “after supper.”  This is also seen in I Cor. 11:25, “…He also took the cup ‘after supper.’”  This should make it clear that all three events took place in the same evening, the night before He was crucified as the Passover Lamb of God.   

           

B.         The Purpose for Observance is seen in I Cor. 11:26  

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.”

C.        It’s Observance is restricted. 

1 Cor. 11:29-31

“For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.”

 D.       The solemnity involved.  It should not be taken lightly

1 Cor. 11:33-34

“Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.”

The Love Feast itself, varies from church to church and might consist of Bread and delicious roast beef, a cold beef sandwich with pickles and cookies; or some churches have made it a ‘carry-in.’  In light of verse 34, I am inclined to think the carry-in  is a little too much. 

An opportunity for testimonies or sharing is usually given as the meal is concluded.  The Bread and Cup is the final part of the service.  The evening is then concluded with a hymn.  “And they sang a hymn and went out.”

Next, we’ll consider the spiritual or theological elements of the Communion.

07 A Minister of God

A Minister of God,  Paul, An Example

Paul, in Acts 20:18-29, sets an example for the minister of God.  To be like Paul or even come close, may be a stretch for most of us, but it is worth the effort.    

1. His Humility is Obvious in verses 18-19.

18. And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19.serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;

What an example!  God is not looking for great men.  He sent Samuel to the house of Jesse for Saul’s replacement.  The first son of Jesse was Samuel’s choice, but God said no.  One by one they came, but they all failed the cut.  “Do you have any other sons?”  “Yes, but he could not possibly be the one you are looking for!”  The lesson for Samuel and for us, God looks on the inside, we look at the outward appearance. 

God is looking for men who can stand the fiery test and serve with humility

2. His Message of Repentance and Faith was both public and private.  Verses 20-21.

20. how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21. testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

More than a few lines are needed to comment on these 2 verses. The core of the Gospel message is here: repentance and faith in God.  The Great Commission is three fold, go, teach and baptize.  The going necessarily comes first.  Then after the milk of the Word comes the meat.  Meat is needed to develop the man of God.

3. Paul’s Dependence was upon the Spirit.  vs. 22-23

22. And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23. except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

A Spirit led man will not fear the consequences.  If you thought your call to the ministry was caring for the social needs of the community, you may well be in for a surprise.  It’s not an easy road.  This very day there are Christians, born again ones, who are suffering for their commitment to the Lord.  

4. His Ministry was to testify of the Gospel of the Grace of God.  Verse 24.

24. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Paul was not afraid to put his life on the line.  He shared his faith in God.  He experienced the unmerited favor of God and was determined to proclaim it to both Jew and Gentile even under arrest.

5. His Innocence before God.            Verses 25-26.

25. And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

“He that winneth souls is wise.”  Do we take advantage of the opportunities that come our way?  Will there be anyone who points at us for not hearing the Word of God?  This is a hard one.  We are responsible.

6. His Declaration of the whole counsel of the God.  Verse 27.

27. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

Here we go back to verses 20 and 21.  The church today has been accused of preaching  “the Gospel lite,” that is ‘containing a low amount of something, such as calories’.  There need to be meat on those bones!  There’s more to the whole counsel of God than “Jesus! Jesus!”  It seems natural that Romans should follow after the Acts of the Apostles.  It’s the book of theology. It’s the book of doctrine or teaching.  You need to understand these great truths before delving into the epistles Paul, Peter and John.  

7. His Admonition was to Shepherd/pastor God’s sheep, the Church.  Verses 28-29

28. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.

 We are responsible for our flock.

           Titus 1:7

7For the overseer must be above reproach as God's steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account,  Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.  

It’s an awesome responsibility!  May God bless you as you serve both God and His people!



06 Relationship

As time goes by cultural changes become obvious.  We are living in a changing society that is becoming more and more self-centered.  Morality is largely ignored.  Black becomes white and white is black.  The preaching of health and wealth are front and center.  We don’t want to be too legalistic.  When confronted by clear Biblical teaching, our defense mechanism takes over and Biblical teaching becomes blurred.  The changes are subtle.  It’s like the proverbial frog.  So as the culture affects us, the church changes.  It’s interesting how these changes affect the relationships within the church.  Many Scriptures come in play here, but I’d like to focus on the relationships found in Romans 12.

Here is a simple outline to give us some things worth thinking about.

1.         My Relation to God

Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

God’s mercy and unmerited favor in your behalf.

1.         Your sacrifice. v.1

2.         Be reasonable v.1

3.         Willing to change. V 2.

2.         My Relation to Self

Romans 12:3-8
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

1.                      Pride goes before a fall. Prov. 16:18. Don’t over do your self esteem. V3

2.                      You are part of the family, no better than your bro or sis. V4,5

3.                      We are all different.  Use what God has given you. V6,7

3.                       My Relation to Others

Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

                         7 Things to consider:

1.                      Be kind and affectionate to one another. V.10

2.                      Hospitable and helping others. V.13,14

3.                      Be congenial. V 16

4.                      Don’t be a smart aleck. V.16

5.                      Live peaceably. V.18

6.                      Don’t get even. V.19

7                       Help your enemies.v.20

05 Merry Christmas to All

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Gpa G 

04 An Amazing Genealogy

            The Uniqueness of Jesus’ Birth

The first thing you need to know in researching your ancestors is how to spell genealogy J 

Secondly, it is amazing to realize that you are the result of an untold number of ancestors.  They do not multiply.  They double with every generation: 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, etc.  Wow!  You may remember their names for 2 or 3 generations then they fade out of sight.  So when I trace my line (Glass & Brumbaugh)  and follow them back 6 generations I have  64 persons involved.  It’s exciting to follow them back as far as you can.  I have collected several shelves of books and multiple notes of our genealogical roots.

Another fascinating study is the genealogy of Jesus.  These records are only found in 2 books of the Bible.  Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38.  Matthew traces Jesus lineage through Joseph’s line back to David and Abraham for a total of 41 generations divided into 3 sections.  Luke traces Mary’s lineage back to David to Abraham and on to Adam, the son of God.  In this line Luke lists a total of 71 generations.  Matthew goes back only to Abraham. 

You will notice that the ancestral line of both Mary and Joseph is the same from Abraham through David.  Then this common ancestry is divided.  The royal line of Jesus flows through Matthew’s account of Joseph back to King David who was told that his kingdom would remain forever (2 Samuel 7).  The blood line of Jesus, the natural son of Mary, flows through Luke’s account of Mary back to Adam, the son of God showing Jesus is the Son of God.

In Matthew 1:1, Jesus is called the son of David.  In 2 Samuel 7:13 the prophet Nathan tells David that his kingdom would remain forever.  I Chronicles 22:6-10  states that his son, Solomon would build the temple, the house of God.  Solomon is not mentioned in Mary’s line given in Luke.    But there is a problem.  David’s kingdom was to last forever, but his descendant Jeconiah [a.k.a. Jechonias, Jeconiachin, or Coniah] was an evil king and the Lord said (Jer. 22:24-30) that none of his descendants would sit on the Throne.

Jeremiah 22:24-30

"As I live," says the Lord, "though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, were the signet on My right hand, yet I would pluck you off; 25and I will give you into the hand of those who seek your life, and into the hand of those whose face you fear--the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and the hand of the Chaldeans. 26So I will cast you out, and your mother who bore you, into another country where you were not born; and there you shall die. 27But to the land to which they desire to return, there they shall not return.

28"Is this man Coniah a despised, broken idol--A vessel in which is no pleasure?

Why are they cast out, he and his descendants, And cast into a land which they do not know?

29O earth, earth, earth, Hear the word of the Lord!

30Thus says the Lord:

'Write this man down as childless, A man who shall not prosper in his days;

For none of his descendants shall prosper, Sitting on the throne of David, And ruling anymore in Judah.' "

So it is interesting to see the descendants listed in Luke beginning with Adam, the son of God and continuing to Abraham.  Here the ancestral line for both Joseph and Mary are united through King David.  Now these lines are divided for some 41 generations.  We’re not certain how many children David had, but with his wife Bathsheba he had 4 sons, Shimea, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon.  Nathan was a progenitor in the line of Mary.  Solomon was in Joseph’s line.  These two separate lines continue for 41 generations with no possibility of the unique union of the royal line with the blood line initiated by God through Adam.  Then Joseph proposes to Mary.  And history takes a dramatic turn, all by the hand of God. 

In this the uniqueness of Jesus’ birth can be seen.  God’s promise to David regarding the kingdom had to come through his descendants, but Jeconiah was a bump in the road.  Joseph was in this line so he was disqualified by the curse on Jeconiah.  But Jesus was the step son of Joseph, not his son.  The text refers to Jesus as "the supposed son of Joseph." So Jesus was in the royal line of David, but not under the curse of Jeconiah.  Mary’s lineage was unique in that it was traced back to God starting with Adam.  So Joseph represented the Royal line.  Mary represented the Son of man, the son of God.

Luke 1:30-35

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." 34Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" 35And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

Go Tell It on the Mountains

Refrain
Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching
o’er silent flocks by night,
Behold, throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light

Refrain

The shepherds feared and trembled,
When lo! above the earth,
Rang out the angels chorus
That hailed our Savior's birth.

Refrain

Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn.

Refrain

             

  

 

03 The Christmas Announcement

A good devotion for Christmas morning

    O Come All Ye Faithful

        John Francis Wade

O come all ye faithful,

joyful and triumphant,

O come ye,

O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold Him,

born the King of angels;

Refrain:

O come, let us adore Him,

O come let us adore Him,

O come let us adore Him,

Christ, the Lord.

        Yes. Lord we greet Thee,

born this happy morning

O Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;

      Word of the Father,

now in flesh appearing;

 The Announcement of Jesus’ Birth to Mary

Luke 1:26-38

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

28And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" 29But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.

30Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

34Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?"

35And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

36Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37For with God nothing will be impossible."

38Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

Edmund H. Sears

It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old,

From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:

Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, From heaven’s all-gracious King:

The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

For lo, the days are hastening on, By prophet seen of old,

When, with the ever-encircling years, Shall come the time foretold,

When the new heaven and earth shall own The Prince of Peace their King

And the whole world send back the song Which now the angels sing.

The Announcement to Joseph

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

20But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

22So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

24Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

Silent Night

Joseph Mohr

Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and child.  Holy infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,  Sleep ion heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight,

Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing alleluia;

Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night, Son of God loves pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus Lord at Thy birth,  Jesus Lord at Thy birth.

The Announcement to the Shepherds

Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

6So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

10Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:  14"Glory to God in the highest,  And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

15So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." 16And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

17Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Away in a Manger

Luther’s Cradle Hymn

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

Be near me, Lord Jesus! I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me I pray.

Bless all the dear children in Thy tenader care, And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

The Announcement to the Wisemen

Matthew 2:1-12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

3When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

5So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

 6'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah;

For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' "

     7Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star

 appeared. 8And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and

when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also."

     9When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

    11And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

 O Holy Night

Adolphe Adam

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!



02 Mary, the Example of Faith

Luke 1:26-55

  

This past Sunday, we attended the Basore Road GBC in Dayton, OH to hear Pastor Terry Hofecker begin a series of four Christmas messages. His first message was titled, “Mary, the Example of Faith.”  I remember only several of his points, but I was impressed how he related it to the concerns of Believers today.  It is worth listening to at…. <http://basore.org/Sermons/detail.php?id=150>

Now I would like to build on Terry’s message adding my outline and thoughts on the Luke 1:26-55 passage.

Mary was a young, ordinary girl.  No different from other young girls, except God had chosen her to be the mother of Jesus.  She had no knowledge of this until she was confronted by an Angel of God.   The Jewish people were looking for the coming of a Messiah, the Anointed One who would lead and deliver them from their oppressors.  They expected a King who would come as their Leader.  They had no clue that he would come as a little baby. 

The angel suddenly appeared and made his announcement to her.  She was afraid.  That’s pretty human.  Believers today

 are still faced with events that scare us.  We’re faced with foreclosures, physical problems, loss of work, family health, wayward children and many other frightening things.  Mary was no different.  She was greatly troubled, but was reassured by the Angel.    

Mary was Afraid

Luke 1:26-33

26Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28And coming in, he said to her, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you." 29But she was greatly troubled at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be. 30And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31"And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32"He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end."

Do you have doubts?

    Mary had Doubts!

Believers are faced with many doubts.  I have no doubts regarding my salvation now, but I do remember the early years as a new Christian, I wondered.  Was I doing enough?  Was simply ‘believing’ all there was?  There must be more.  There are times when we question the will of God in our lives.  How do we know where and how to serve the Lord? 

Mary had doubts.  She was faced with the impossible.  She had no contact with a man.  There was no way she could have a baby!  You may be faced with mountains too high to climb and rivers too wide to cross, but rest assured that God will take care of the impossibilities.

Luke 1:34-37

34And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God. 36"And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37"For nothing will be impossible with God."

Mary was Obedient

In spite of doubts and fears, we must be obedient to God and His Word.  Mary was overwhelmed by what had occurred.  But now her doubts and fears were relieved.  Her faith was confirmed and she wanted to share it with her cousin.  So with us, it’s exciting to see God at work in our lives.  We can’t wait to share with our family, friends and neighbors.

Luke 1:38-45

38And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

39Now at this time Mary arose and went with haste to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41And it came about that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42And she cried out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed among women are you, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43"And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44"For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."

Mary Praised God

Mary was a very special person.  God had chosen her to be the vessel through which God became man.  She was not God, but a servant of God.  She was the physical mother of Jesus and recognized by the Jews as such.  Jesus was her Savior and she was a His servant.  For the Christian there is no better way to praise God than to be His obedient servant!

Luke 1:46-56

46And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord,

47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48"For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;

For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

49"For the Mighty One has done great things for me;

And holy is His name.

50"And His mercy is UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION

Toward those who fear Him.

51"He has done mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

52"He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And has exalted those who were humble.

53"He has filled the hungry with good things;

And sent away the rich empty-handed.

54"He has given help to Israel His servant,

In remembrance of His mercy,

55As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and his offspring forever."