Sunday March 5, 2015

Some highlights of Sunday's service.  (Thanks, Jean)

 

Dr. Barclay- Something to Think About-

The Christian life is something we have to be actively involved in. The Christian life is not like watching a play or a movie on TV. 

We are active participants not spectators.

Exodus Chapter 12

God commanded the Israelites to take a Lamb into their house and love it as a pet. (Verses 3 to 6)

The value of the sacrificed lamb was stressed in these verses, the people were to know and love this lamb.

A comparison to the life of Jesus is noted here. Jesus preached and traveled among men. People got to know Jesus and loved him during his life and ministry here on earth. 

The lamb that the Israelites were to sacrifice as commanded in Exodus chapter 12, is a mirror image to Jesus, a male Lamb without blemish. Like the precious animal that the Israelites were commanded to sacrifice. Jesus was without sin, without blemish. (Exodus 12 Verse 5)

Exodus 12 Verses 13

The blood of the lamb on the upper door posts of the houses, saved the lives of all those who obeyed God.

This serves also a mirror image of Christ death on the cross. Our salvation has been purchased through Christ's shed blood.

Christ's shed blood serves a covering over our hearts, saving us through eternal salvation. Like the lambs blood upon the door posts saved the Hebrews and all who obeyed from death and the angel of death passed by and they were saved.

We can have full confidence and know that the Bible is true. 

Jesus died and was buried before sunset. He rose from the grave and was seen by many witnesses.

God's plan can often be thought of as a multiple part theater play.

1st part was Christ time on earth and his death on the cross.

The present time that we are living in is the intermission. It can be seen as the time of grace, mercy and forgiveness.

2nd part is when Christ returns as Lord of Lords and King of Kings dressed in the finest of royalty, accompanied by the armies of Heaven.

A two edged sword coming from his mouth- a time of Judgement.

Revelation 2:11

"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. he that overcometh shall not be hurt  of the second death."

Pastor Caroline: Evening Sermon

John 20:1-18

Mary Magdalene, sees Jesus and is comforted by him. Her sadness is taken away.

Pastor Caroline read from a Book written by Oswald Chambers

"The incarnation of Christ would have no meaning without the cross. The cross is the gate where we abide with the one who was found there."

Pastor Caroline stressed the importance, that one day we will stand before God and look back upon the cross with thanksgiving and appreciation. The heart of salvation is the cross of Christ. Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God the Father and now advocates for us to the Father on our behalf. 

Pastor Caroline spoke of how when she went to the Holy Land, seeing the empty tomb was a powerful and precious, humbling time for her.

The song is true, that while Jesus was on the Cross he was thinking of us.

The story of the cross and the resurrection should ever remind us all of our own mortality and Judgement.

This time of Passover and Easter should be time of personal conviction and cause us to make our hearts right with God as soon as possible.

Communion was observed by the congregation. This was a powerful service with excellent teaching.