The current revival that is sweeping the world speaks a great deal about “the anointing of God.” The term raises several questions. In this message, I want to attempt to answer some of those questions. Read Psalm 92:10; Luke 4:18-19; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; I John 2:27 (Emphasis: Just as Christ was anointed; so are we anointed) [A sermon preached by Dr. Arnold Lastinger. Published with permission.]
The Holy Communion is an act of worship we engage in every Sunday. It is also known as the Lord’s Supper as well as the Eucharist. A term with its roots in the Greek ‘eucharisto’ which means “giving of thanks“. Though it’s a seemingly simple act where Christians break bread and drink from the cup, holy communion is an important act.
Therefore we should seek to understand (especially if we are new to the faith) why we do it because otherwise, our participation becomes meaningless, displeasing to God, and detrimental to us also. So in today’s sermon, I am going to address three important truths that all of us should be aware of. (Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-33)
A. That a new covenant was established when Jesus shed his blood on the cross of Calvary, (1 Corinthians 11:25)
B. That Christ himself became the sacrifice and the old covenant which relied on animal sacrifices to provide atonement for sin is no longer necessary, (Hebrews 8:13)
C. That God seals his agreement of salvation with those who believe Jesus died to set them free, (Ephesians 1:13-14).
A. To remember his sufferings and death as it was mandated by Christ himself, (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
B. To proclaim our faith in the efficiency of his death, (1 Corinthians 11:26a) and in his return, (1 Corinthians 11:26b)
C. To fellowship in the body of Christ in the sense of reinforcing fellowship among each other in the church, (1 Corinthians 11:33)
A. Must not take part in a manner unworthy of Christ’s sufferings. Implies sin not repented for and irreverent attitudes, (1 Corinthians 11:27)
B. Each one should put himself to the test as to the attitude of his heart, outward conduct, and understanding of the true nature and purpose of the communion, (1 Corinthians 11:28)
C. Because of those who participate in an unworthy manner and are guilty of re-crucifying Christ. They risk illness and even physical death, (1 Corinthians 11:29-30)
D. If we judge ourselves before participating however the Lord shall not judge us eternally with the world but discipline us, (1 Corinthians 11:31-33)
Observing the holy communion or the eucharist in a manner worthy of Christ’s sufferings is at the core of Paul’s instructions to the church of Corinth which reminds me of Jesus’ conversation with Peter right before the Last Supper recorded in the gospel of John chapter 13 from verse 9 to 10.
Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, [in that case, wash] not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “Anyone who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, and is completely clean. And you [My disciples] are clean, but not all of you.” (AMP)
If you found this content helpful, I kindly ask you to leave your feedback in the comments section below. Sharing it with your friends and family through email or social media would also be greatly appreciated. Your feedback not only encourages me but also contributes to the growth and edification of the Church. In order to promote meaningful and respectful dialogue, I request that you use your full name when commenting. Please note that any comments containing profanity, name-calling, or a disrespectful tone will be deleted. Thank you for your understanding and participation.
The origin of Halloween can be traced back to the early Druids in France who worshipped Samhain on the 1st of November. They believed evil spirits were left to harm people on such nights. People thought leaving food for them will neutralize the danger. Later on, the Catholics made it a Christian holiday which they called “All Saints’ day”. So the night before became the “Hallowed Evening”. Later on, it was shortened to “Halloween”. Halloween is not for the Children of God! But why? Let me explain to you. [A sermon preached by Dr. Arnold Lastinger. Published with permission.]
I have been a born-again Christian for the last 21 years and in full-time ministry since the year 2000, (Almost 13 years.) One of the most surprising discoveries I made after my conversion was that problems do exist in the church too! In fact, I learned sometimes you have more problems in the church than it is in the world.
The Bible teaches us that true Thanksgiving is identified or verified by a life of daily thanks-living. Today even as another Thanksgiving day is around the corner, let us consider how to lead a lifestyle of thanksgiving throughout the year. The Bible mentions three biblical ingredients that are needed for leading such a lifestyle.
Speaking of discipleship there is a question I am asked when meeting with colleagues in ministry. ‘How many members do you have in your church?’ After answering the question I ask them, ‘How many disciples do you have in your church?’ Not to the offense, but most of the time my question knocks their brains out. Statistics are important. Still, they aren’t as important as discipleship because discipleship is the heart of any church. I know that discipleship is far more complicated than what I can discuss in a sermon. This is why I choose to cover the 3 most basic requirements as Jesus laid them out in Luke 9:23.
A. Self-denial was the foundation of Jesus’ ministry. Evident in the incarnation (Philippians 2:5-8) and the death of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:7).
B. Two biblical methods. First by living for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and serving others (Mark 10:45).
C. Secondly in how we relate to others, (Matthew 5:39-42). Healthy relationships were Jesus’ main ministerial strategy.
A. Jesus was sought after to kill for who he was, (Matthew 26:62-68) and the crowds rejected him for his actions, (John 6:66).
B. We also will be persecuted for who we are (John 1:12) and be ridiculed for our lifestyle, (John 16:33). That is the cross.
C. Resist pressure and stand firm to the end regardless of what the world will say or do unto us, (Matthew 24:13). That is how we shall carry the cross.
A. Discipleship is a painful, lifelong, daily process of transformation, (Philippians 3:13-14).
B. Our willpower, determination, and strength can’t help us meet the challenges in discipleship. Therefore we need to do exactly as Jesus did.
C. First he was led by the Spirit (Matthew 4:1), Second, he had an intimate relationship with God (John 5:19-20), and third, he depended on God’s grace (Luke 22:43).
Why is discipleship so important? If Jesus’ death and resurrection were the brains of God’s salvation plan discipleship is the heartbeat. It is the sacrificial lifestyle of true disciples that inspires the world to leave everything behind and follow Christ exclusively. God sent his son to set the captives free. It’s the disciples who shall go forth and ring the bell, in every possible way.
If you found this content helpful, I kindly ask you to leave your feedback in the comments section below. Sharing it with your friends and family through email or social media would also be greatly appreciated. Your feedback not only encourages me but also contributes to the growth and edification of the Church. In order to promote meaningful and respectful dialogue, I request that you use your full name when commenting. Please note that any comments containing profanity, name-calling, or a disrespectful tone will be deleted. Thank you for your understanding and participation.
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