DOCSLIB.ORG

Lesson 7: Our Union with Christ

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Lesson 7: Our Union with Christ GRACE-LOVE-TRUTH COURSE. LESSON 7: OUR UNION WITH CHRIST www.gracelovetruth.com PART 7: OUR UNION WITH CHRIST INDEX INTRODUCTION PART 7. LESSON 1. INTIMACY WITH GOD 1. ARE WE CHILDREN OR WORKERS? 2. ABBA'S UNASHAMED INTIMACY 3. INTIMACY WITH JESUS 4. WE ARE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST 5. A SCRIPTURAL EXCERSICE PART 7. LESSON 2. OUR UNION WITH GOD 6. PRESENCE 6.1 GOD'S PRESSENCE IN THE OLD COVENANT 6.2 GOD'S PRESENCE IN THE NEW COVENANT 7. WE ARE HIDDEN IN CHRIST 8. CHRIST IN US 8.1 THE WORD IN US 8.2 CHRIST IN US 8.3 A SCRIPTURAL MEDITATION 8.4 THE MYSTERY OF THE AGES: CHRIST IN US 8.5 UNION, RIGHTEOUSNESS AND GRACE 9. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN US 9.1 JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT 9.2 WE ARE TEMPLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 9.3 LIVING LIFE BY THE SPIRIT 9.4 BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Copyright: G.R.Hare. This material may be used freely. When used please acknowledge: www.gracelovetruth.com 2 9.5 OUR TEACHER IS NOW THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH US 10. GROUP EXERSISE 10.1 QUESTIONS 11. CONCLUSION INTRODUCTION Grace brings us into a place of intimacy and oneness with God as Jesus has removed all barriers for those who are "in Christ". Intimacy is defined as: A close or warm friendship, the absence of barriers and fences, a mysterious place where no one knows privacy, familiarity, close involvement, belonging together, sexual relations. Sadly this is a word that many people simply don't associate with God. So often it has been taught that God is distant, demanding and unapproachable. For those under the Old Covenant of the Law, this image certainly has some truth (Heb.12:18-21) and was reinforced as God the Judge related to Israel through the Law. A fearsome, distant and scary God inflicted punishment and disease on a pride filled, self righteous people who simply could not fulfil their promise to obey and do their duty. Israel rejected the faith and intimacy that their father Abraham enjoyed and valued. Because of pride, Israel chose to live by rules and regulations (Ro.9:31-32) instead of by trust, faith and grace. In a sense, Israel was acting out the sinful choice of our original parents, Adam and Eve. They had chosen to live by their own knowledge of good and evil, which is the essence of law living, instead of trusting in a kind and loving God wanted to cared for them and guide them. This choice destroyed mankind's intimate, trusting relationship with God. The good news is that Jesus came to restore and better the relationship that Adam and Eve had in the garden of Eden before the fall. Initially, theirs was a relationship of intimate, innocent, childlike dependence and trust in God. This intimacy and childlike relationship (Mt.18:3) is the purpose for which we were all created and the reason Jesus died - to remove all barriers and reconcile mankind to our loving Father (2Co.5:19). Copyright: G.R.Hare. This material may be used freely. When used please acknowledge: www.gracelovetruth.com 3 PART 7. LESSON 1. INTIMACY WITH GOD 1. ARE WE CHILDREN OR WORKERS? Luke 18:17 "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Many Christians believe that God has saved them to be his servants, or even his slaves. Many see themselves as "doers" for God instead of children of God. Another view is that we are called to be an eternal heavenly choir, worshipping God endlessly as a kind of eternal payback for salvation. Although we may well be called at certain time to do some or all of these things, we need to be clear that God is not looking for servants or workers, he has enough angels who fulfil that role. God is looking for "sons" created in his image (which includes both male and female), with whom he can be loving, real and intimate. The Law mindset says that we are to fear God, obey God's commands and do our duty as God's servants. In contrast, New Covenant grace reveals that we are beloved children who are called to be close and intimate love relationship with Abba. It is then out of our identity as God's beloved children that we love, honour, obey, worship and respect our "Dad" and go about his business (Do you remember hero worshipping your dad when you were very small? I know I did.) God's business is now his children's business - the kingdom is now a family affair not a military duty motivated by fear. In fact the Spirit of "sonship" has set us free from the old "fear" of God the Judge (Ro.8:15). Our fear has turned to reverence and worship for our Father. Our new relationship gives us the confidence to approach our Abba Father to ask for anything we need (Heb.4:16). Intimacy and closeness - child to Dad - son's of God. Amazing but true! By grace, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, the great three in one, are calling us to join in their 24/7, eternal, loving intimacy and oneness. 2. ABBA'S UNASHAMED INTIMACY Luke 15:20(KJV) And the son arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. Copyright: G.R.Hare. This material may be used freely. When used please acknowledge: www.gracelovetruth.com 4 Surly this is one of the most beautiful and intimate scenes in the Bible. The Father, who represents God, runs to meet his wayward son. He falls on his neck with kiss after kiss, absolute relief that his lost son had been found. What an amazing image this is. Through this parable Jesus himself was revealing the Father's soft and vulnerable heart of love and compassion for his children. Spend a few moments picturing the scene, it's implications are enormous - it brings tears to my eyes, because I know I was once that son - just as you probably were. Let it be known, the Father's heart is for intimacy with his children and he is unashamed to make his need known to those who would hear. Far from being a stern and demanding, judgmental, Victorian father, Abba is compassionate, kind, loving and longing for intimacy. Jesus knew it - he experienced it, and he open the door for us to have the same intimacy with Abba. Intimacy is the core purpose of the Fathers grace to us. Through Jesus, the Father's grace has removed every obstacle to intimacy with him, nothing now can separate us from the love of God (Ro.8:39). 3. INTIMACY WITH JESUS John 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Intimacy with Jesus was something that really offended the religious leaders of Jesus' day (the Pharisees). They not only found people's intimacy with Jesus offensive, but also his intimacy with the people. They asked "How could he associate with "sinners" (Lk.7:39)? How could he touch and be touched by the "unclean"? Did he not know she was a prostitute or that he was a thief? How can this man be from God?" Yet over and over Jesus poured out grace and promoted intimacy that even offends in this day and age. Just dwell on the above scripture and picture - even today such a scene talks of radical intimacy that pushes the limits. Mary has much to teach us about intimacy with Jesus. Mary chose to spend time close to Jesus, just sitting at his feet listening, near and close up. Jesus was never offended by this, quite the opposite. Jesus rebuked Mary's sister Martha, who was always busy, albeit serving Jesus (Luke 10:41); "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Mary chose intimacy with Jesus, while Martha chose busyness for Jesus. Martha had good reason to be busy. After all it was her home and she had to make Jesus welcome. Martha was preparing and cooking for Jesus and his disciples! But, like many of us, Martha Copyright: G.R.Hare. This material may be used freely. When used please acknowledge: www.gracelovetruth.com 5 got distracted from what was really important, because like so many of us Martha was a worrier and a doer. Martha wanted to make a good impression by doing for Jesus. But busyness, even for Jesus, does not please him. What pleases Jesus is intimacy and closeness. Jesus wants intimacy with all believers and Mary is a type of us, the New Covenant believer. So draw close like Mary and allow yourself to let go of busyness and worry so you can rest in the presence of Jesus. Remember the old acronym has some truth, especially in this day and age; BUSY = bowed under Satan's yoke. When we enter into a place of inner rest and let go of the nosiness and busyness of the world we are so much more able to hear the sweet voice of Jesus within us (Jn.10:27 KJV).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • UNION with CHRIST Preface
    Study guide for UNION WITH CHRIST Preface I hope this look into the biblical and theological roots of union with christ is helpful for you. The guide is broken into three section Section One gives a Historical perspective. It gives a sweeping overview of how the concept of “Union with Christ” has been used by various groups and movements in the church. This broad survey will help the reader grasp the history of this idea in the church. Section Two focusing on exegetical and biblical theology relating to Union with Christ. It will be a deep dive into Scripture. One note on this take John and Paul implore the concept of union with Christ, each using different language to point to the one reality. We will focus on Paul’s usage given how much he uses the expression. Section Three looks at “Union with Christ” from the perspective of systematic theology. Much ink has been spilt on the subject. While selected entries have been added for the readers exploration. In light of the amount of material available much of it has been condensed and book references given in case readers wish to pursue the topic further. In all sections excerpts has a short note to inform and orient the reader as to context and background of the author. Occasionally short reading directions and tips on approaching the content have been given to aid readers in engaging the content. Section ONE Historical Look at union in Christ From Article A. J. Spence “Union with Christ,”in New Dictionary of Theology UNION WITH CHRIST An ongoing task facing Christian reflection is to conceive how the life, death and resurrection of Jesus can be of benefit to those who believe.
    [Show full text]
  • The Catholic Doctrine of Transubstantiation Is Perhaps the Most Well Received Teaching When It Comes to the Application of Greek Philosophy
    Bucknell University Bucknell Digital Commons Honors Theses Student Theses 2010 The aC tholic Doctrine of Transubstantiation: An Exposition and Defense Pat Selwood Bucknell University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.bucknell.edu/honors_theses Part of the Religion Commons Recommended Citation Selwood, Pat, "The aC tholic Doctrine of Transubstantiation: An Exposition and Defense" (2010). Honors Theses. 11. https://digitalcommons.bucknell.edu/honors_theses/11 This Honors Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Theses at Bucknell Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors Theses by an authorized administrator of Bucknell Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS My deepest appreciation and gratitude goes out to those people who have given their support to the completion of this thesis and my undergraduate degree on the whole. To my close friends, Carolyn, Joseph and Andrew, for their great friendship and encouragement. To my advisor Professor Paul Macdonald, for his direction, and the unyielding passion and spirit that he brings to teaching. To the Heights, for the guidance and inspiration they have brought to my faith: Crescite . And lastly, to my parents, whose love, support, and sacrifice have given me every opportunity to follow my dreams. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction………………………………..………………………………………………1 Preface: Explanation of Terms………………...………………………………………......5 Chapter One: Historical Analysis of the Doctrine…………………………………...……9
    [Show full text]
  • UNION with CHRIST SINCLAIR FERGUSON 2010 Basic Conference Parkside Church, Chagrin, OH
    PAUL ON UNION WITH CHRIST SINCLAIR FERGUSON 2010 Basic Conference Parkside Church, Chagrin, OH Philippians 3 follows Paul's great Christological passage of Philippians 2:5–11. The great goal in view is the unity of the fellowship and the humble mindedness of believers. Paul has used two illustrations of how Christ's life works its way out in Christ's servants. There is Timothy, who like Christ, does not mind his own interests but the interests of others. Then also there is Epaphroditus. I'm using the English Standard Version, but I wish some translation would have the courage to stop translating the first verse of Philippians 3 as "finally" and thus make the Apostle Paul, as well as ourselves, the butt of many preacher jokes. The expression here really means "now to move on to other things." Philippians 3:8–15, 1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction the Doctrine of Union with Christ Is One of the Most Profound
    Men of the Word 2/19/2020 Brad Klassen THE MERCIES OF GOD: Union “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” ~ Galatians 2:20 Introduction The doctrine of union with Christ is one of the most profound and vital teachings of Scripture. When carefully traced through the New Testament, it becomes clear that salvation as a whole cannot be understood adequately apart from this union. As John Murray states, “Nothing is more central or basic than union and communion with Christ. Union with Christ is really the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation” (Redemption Accomplished and Applied, 171). Murray goes on to state, It is not simply a phase of the application of redemption; it underlies every aspect of redemption both in its accomplishment and in its application. Union with Christ binds all together and insures that to all for whom Christ has purchased redemption he effectively applies and communicates the same.” (175) As important as this concept is, the doctrine of union with Christ has often been subject to great misunderstanding. Because of its relational quality, many attempt to define it according to personal experience. Mystical forms of Christianity seize upon this doctrine and twist it to promote everything from a highly individualistic form of Christianity which has no need for the local church or doctrine, to aberrations which teach that Christians undergo deification as they are absorbed into the divine essence through their union with Christ.
    [Show full text]
  • Union with Christ
    The Blessing of Union with Christ By Matt Perman I. Definition: "Union with Christ is a phrase used to summarize several different relationships between believers and Christ, through which Christians receive every benefit of salvation. These relationships include the fact that we are in Christ, He is in us, we are like Christ, and we are with Christ."[1] A. How it relates to all of the various aspects of our salvation in general. "Union with Christ is really the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation not only in its application but also in its once-for-all accomplishment in the finished work of Christ. Indeed the whole process of salvation has its origin in one phase of union with Christ and salvation has in view the realization of other phases of union with Christ....Union with Christ is the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation."[2] B. How it relates to adoption in particular. While adoption is the pinnacle of our blessing and privilege, "...We cannot think of adoption apart from union with Christ. It is significant that the election in Christ before the foundation of the world is election unto the adoption of sons....Union with Christ reaches its zenith in adoption and adoption has its orbit in union with Christ."[3] II. Everything that God does is in Christ and thus Christ-centered. A. God's redeeming plan for the whole universe is in Christ. 1. Col. 1:20. 2. Eph. 1:9-12. B. God's specific redeeming plan for His elect is in Christ.
    [Show full text]
  • Union with Christ and the Sacraments: Clarifying the Federal Vision Theology of Douglas Wilson and Peter Leithart
    Union with Christ and the Sacraments: Clarifying the Federal Vision Theology of Douglas Wilson and Peter Leithart by Steven Walker An Integrative Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Reformed Theological Seminary In Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Master of Arts Degree Approved: Thesis Advisor: _______________________________ Dr. Howard Griffith RTS/Virtual President: ________________________________ Andrew J. Peterson, Ph.D. March 2007 ii iii TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION………… ……….…………………………..……………………1 STATEMENT ………………...……………………………………..………………...…1 2. SUMMARY OF THE FEDERAL VISION………………...…………….….………..2 I. I NDIVIDUAL REDEMPTION ...…………………………..……………………………..2 A. Election …………………………………………………………….…...................2 B. Effectual Calling…………………...……………………………….……………...3 C. Justification……...…………………………………………………..……………..4 D. Faith………………………………………………….…………………….…..…..7 E. Assurance…………………………………………….……………….…………..11 F. Sanctification……………………………………….…….....…………………….12 G. Perseverance……………………………………….……………………………..13 II. C ORPORATE REDEMPTION …….………………..….…………….………………..14 A. Election ………………………………………………….….…………..……….14 B. Covenant…………………………...…………………….………………………15 C. Covenant Membership..…………………………………………………….……17 D. The Church..……………………………………………………………………..18 E. Justification……..………………………………………………………………..20 F. Apostasy…...……………………………………………………………………..21 3. SACRAMENTAL UNION WITH CHRIST…………………………………….………24 I. S ACRAMENTS AS SIGN AND SEAL ………………………………….….…………...24 A. Federal Vision……………………………………………………………….…...24 B. The Broader Reformed
    [Show full text]
  • The Spirit's Presence and Activity in Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar
    Concordia Seminary - Saint Louis Scholarly Resources from Concordia Seminary Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation Concordia Seminary Scholarship 5-21-2021 Jesus In, With, And Under the Spirit: The Spirit's Presence and Activity in Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar Brian A. Gauthier [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.csl.edu/phd Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, History of Christianity Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, and the Practical Theology Commons Recommended Citation Gauthier, Brian A., "Jesus In, With, And Under the Spirit: The Spirit's Presence and Activity in Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar" (2021). Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation. 92. https://scholar.csl.edu/phd/92 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Concordia Seminary Scholarship at Scholarly Resources from Concordia Seminary. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation by an authorized administrator of Scholarly Resources from Concordia Seminary. For more information, please contact [email protected]. JESUS IN, WITH, AND UNDER THE SPIRIT: THE SPIRIT’S PRESENCE AND ACTIVITY IN CHRIST IN THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Department of Systematic Theology in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy By Brian Andrew Gauthier April, 2021 Approved by: Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. Dissertation Advisor Dr. David R. Maxwell Reader Dr. Bruce G. Schuchard Reader © 2021 by Brian Andrew Gauthier. All rights reserved. ii I dedicate this work to my beloved bride, Amanda, and my beautiful children, Ezra Joel and Aviva Eliana.
    [Show full text]
  • What Is Communion
    What is Communion Communion is an important means of grace in the life of the worship service. It can be seen in many ways as the peak of the service, where we get to experience and apply God’s grace to our lives in deeper ways. It also serves as a time to instruct and inspire others in their walk with Jesus. It is an honor and joy to lead others in this sacrament. What do we believe and not believe about communion? First, communion is an ongoing sign and seal of our relationship with Jesus. It gives assurance of the promises of the gospel. Communion leads us to praise God for His greatness and kindness towards us. It is an active way to demonstrate our ‘common-union’ with other believers in the body and imparts a deeper understanding to our union with Christ. We do not believe in the high-church view of communion, namely transubstantiation. The communion bread and wine is not the literal body and blood of Jesus, but rather a physical representation of His body broken for us. We do not, at the same time, believe in a strict low-church interpretation of communion. The low-church view places communion as a mere reminder of Jesus’ death applied to us. The low-church view is mere memorialism. At the Summit, we believe in a deeper understanding of what it means to remember and we come to communion with expectant hearts. We believe in real Spiritual Presence. Christ does not come down into the elements, but we are lifted up by the Holy Spirit.
    [Show full text]
  • Calvinist, Arminian, and Baptist Perspectives on Soteriology CONTENTS Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry SPRING 2011 • Vol
    SPRING 2011 • VOLUME 8, NUMBER 1 Calvinist, Arminian, and Baptist Perspectives on Soteriology CONTENTS Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry SPRING 2011 • Vol. 8, No. 1 © The Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Assistant Editor Charles S. Kelley, Th.D. Christopher J. Black, Ph.D. Suzanne Davis Executive Editor & Book Review Editors Design and Layout Editors BCTM Director Page Brooks, Ph.D. Frank Michael McCormack Steve W. Lemke, Ph.D. Archie England, Ph.D. Gary D. Myers Dennis Phelps, Ph.D. Calvinist, Arminian, and Baptist Perspectives on Soteriology EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION Calvinist, Arminian, and Baptist Perspectives on Soteriology 1 Steve W. Lemke PART I: THOMAS GRANTHAM’S VIEW OF SALVATION Thomas Grantham’s Theology of the Atonement and Justification 7 J. Matthew Pinson RESPONSE to J. Matthew Pinson’s “Thomas Grantham’s Theology of the Atonement and Justification” 22 Rhyne Putman RESPONSE to J. Matthew Pinson’s “Thomas Grantham’s Theology of the Atonement and Justification” 25 Clint Bass RESPONSE to J. Matthew Pinson’s “Thomas Grantham’s Theology of the Atonement and Justification” 29 James Leonard RESPONSE to Panel 34 Matthew Pinson CONTENTS PART II: CALVINIST AND BAPTIST SOTERIOLOGY The Doctrine of Regeneration in Evangelical Theology: The Reformation to 1800 42 Kenneth Stewart The Bible’s Storyline: How it Affects the Doctrine of Salvation 59 Heather A. Kendall Calvinism and Problematic Readings of New Testament Texts 69 Glen Shellrude Beyond Calvinism and Arminianism: Toward a Baptist Soteriology 87 Eric Hankins Joe McKeever’s Cartoon 101 Book Reviews 102 Reflections 127 Back Issues 128 The Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry is a research institute of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
    [Show full text]
  • The Sacrament of the Eucharist As a Real, Mysterious and Personal Union of the Savior Jesus Christ with the Human Being Transfigured in Subject of Sacrifice
    130 International Journal of Orthodox Theology 7:3 (2016) urn:nbn:de:0276-2016-3071 George Istodor The Sacrament of the Eucharist as a Real, Mysterious and Personal Union of the Savior Jesus Christ with the Human Being Transfigured in Subject of Sacrifice Abstract The Holy and Divine Sacrament of the Eucharist constitutes the Mystery of the Church par excellence. It testifies the real, personal and mysterious pre- sence of Jesus Christ in the shape of bread and wine through the work of the Holy Spirit during the epiclesis of the Eucharistic Liturgy. The Holy Eucharist leads us to the fullest state Fr. Prof. Dr. George of "christophorus" and stresses in our Istodor is Professor of lives responsibility, spiritual discern- Missiology at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology ment, and worthiness for Commu- “Holy Apostle Andrew” of nion. Eucharist differs fundamentally the Ovidius University of to religious conceptions like transub- Constanta, Romania The Sacrament of the Eucharist … 131 stantiation. For the Orthodox faith there is an outright rejection of any form of rationalization of the divine mystery. Finally, the topic is crucial for an ecumenical teology due to the issue of inter-communion. Keywords Eucharist, communion, intercommunion, transubstantiation, salvation, epiclesis 1 Introduction Sacraments have always been a fundamental dimension of the Christian Church. This dimension is a living and dynamic one, making that the whole ‘Mystical Body’ of the Savior(the Church) to become a witness, missionary and working one to gain salvation for the people. It is alive because within works the One that lives for eternity, the presence of the Holy Trinity, through the work of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, being the guarantee of that what happens on the sacramental dimension of the Church is not delusion or fantasy.
    [Show full text]
  • Our Union with Christ
    God’s Great Salvation ICB Sunday School - Session 5 5: Our union with Christ Introduction Let’s start with a hymn: ‘Tis finished, the Messiah dies Recap To start with... Session 1. Our need of salvation Then... Session 2. Christ’s obedient life: perfect God becomes perfect man… in order to die as sacrifice for us. Session 3. Christ’s death on the Cross. Session 4. Christ’s resurrection, ascension and heavenly rule. Sessions 2-4 = SALVATION ACCOMPLISHED = the once-for-all-time, sufficient, historical, unrepeatable work of Christ in achieving salvation. But from now on we are moving to: SALVATION APPLIED = how it is that someone can benefit from the finished work of Christ. How is it that what Christ has done can be any use to me? Opening prayer and Bible reading Ephesians 1:1-14. Group discussion – Ephesians 1:1-14 Briefly list the “blessings” which Paul notes here. What repeated words and themes do you notice in these verses? How is it that we enjoy all the blessings listed here? What is the purpose of these verses? What are the meant to “do” to us? Introducing the theme of union with Christ A question: how might you become rich?! A survey a while back revealed that as many as 26% of people said that they would marry someone for their money [letssingit.com survey, 2005]. Sounds dodgy, but the reasoning is sound: marry a rich person and all their wealth becomes yours. And if you don’t have much money that’s quite sensible! The Bible teaches us that the Christian is in union with Christ – a union that is a bit like a marriage.
    [Show full text]
  • Stephen Duwe, LHBC Adult Sunday School, 4/30/17 the Ordinances A
    Stephen Duwe, LHBC Adult Sunday School, 4/30/17 The Ordinances A look at the various ways Communion and Baptism are understood and practiced today Terminology – Sacrament vs. Ordinance • Sacrament is the Catholic term, Ordinance is typically the Protestant term. • Sacrament is the Latin word used to translate the Greek musterion (“mystery” in English). Because of the mysterious and almost magical power associated with the sacraments in Catholicism, most Protestants prefer “ordinance.” • Ordinance derives from that Latin ordo, meaning “a row, an order,” emphasizing that these rites were ordained by the Lord, and are only symbols, not actual mysterious conveyors of grace. Purpose of Ordinances Roman Catholics—sacraments infuse grace and are necessary for salvation. Many Protestants—sacraments/ordinances are a “means of grace” when received with faith. Baptists and other Protestants—ordinances testify to God’s grace already received (not something God does in or for us). Church History • Catholic church had seven sacraments, (officially recognized in the 12th century): o Baptism o Confirmation o Eucharist (communion) o Penance o Marriage o Ordination o Extreme Unction (last rights) • The Reformers rejected this Catholic definition of the sacraments because of how they “conveyed grace” to the practitioner. • They rejected the list of seven and started over, finding biblical support for only two sacraments: Communion and Baptism. Ordinance 1 Communion Communion in the Bible Instituted by Christ. On the night before His death, Jesus used the setting of the Jewish Feast of Passover to institute the Lord’s Supper, which He directly connected to His impending death. (Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; and 1 Cor.
    [Show full text]