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Passover and the Blood of Jesus Christ
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeChrist's blood does much more than remit sin; it gives eternal life. The Passover wine represents the blood of the covenant, by which we are made complete.
Passover: An Extraordinary Peace Offering
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe Passover serves as a profound demonstration of God's gracious acceptance rather than atonement for sin. It represents a covenant renewal, marking the beginning of Israel's relationship with God, where He initiated fellowship with a sinful nation, delivering those who followed His instructions. In the Exodus, God overlooked Israel's sins due to His faithfulness and covenant loyalty to Abraham, passing over their transgressions with mercy rather than justice. This exemption, or pretermission, underscores that the Passover is not about cleansing from sin but about God's acceptance and the establishment of fellowship. In the New Testament, Christ's Passover with the disciples continues this theme of covenant renewal. During this observance, Jesus focused on fellowship, speaking of love, peace, joy, and unity with the Father and Son, without mentioning sin. The bread and wine, symbols rooted in the fellowship meal between Melchizedek and Abraham, emphasize the covenantal relationship on the eve of sealing a historic covenant. The wine, representing the blood of the covenant, signifies not only forgiveness but a deeper relationship of knowing the Father and the Son, a pledge of God's loyalty to complete His purpose in those who remain faithful. The Passover unites believers with God through a sacrificial meal, fostering communion with Him and with each other as they partake of the one Bread, which is Christ. It is a memorial of His death that sealed the New Covenant, as well as a celebration of spiritual abundance and hope due to God's faithfulness. The bread imparts spiritual strength as a symbol of Christ's sinless life, while the wine embodies the blood of the covenant, a divine pledge to bring spiritual completion. This observance reflects the peace and fulfillment of divine fellowship facilitated by Jesus Christ, where God accepts and is pleased to have those who partake in His presence.
Passover (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPassover holds a central place in God's purpose, serving as the foundation of the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the Old Covenant, God initiated this bond with Israel on the Passover, marking the beginning of their journey. In the New Covenant, Jesus Christ established a renewed relationship with His followers on the night of His last Passover before His crucifixion, introducing new symbols to commemorate His sacrifice as the true Passover Lamb. Each annual observance of Passover is a solemn renewal of the believer's connection with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of remembering His death as a pivotal event. The proper keeping of Passover is a matter of life and death, just as it was for the Israelites in Egypt. Without this observance, there is no progression toward eternal life, as it begins the process that leads to salvation. Jesus Christ commanded His followers to partake of the New Covenant symbols—representing His body and blood—as a memorial of His death, reinforcing the necessity of this annual reaffirmation. This renewal through Passover is essential for continuing in a relationship with Him and God the Father, ensuring that believers remain connected to the source of eternal life. Passover's significance is underscored by its role in starting the journey toward inheritance, both for Israel in the physical sense and for believers spiritually. Without God's passing over the sins of Israel, they would not have begun their exodus; similarly, without the reaffirmation of the covenant through Passover, believers cannot continue on the path to salvation. The annual observance is not merely a ritual but a vital act of obedience that sustains the covenant relationship with God, highlighting its indispensable place in His purpose.
King of Peace: Meal with His Friends
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs we approach the Passover, a solemn yet joyous occasion, we are reminded of its significance as a memorial commanded to be kept annually. This observance serves as a clear reminder of the covenant we made at baptism to live as Christ lives, buried with Him in those waters. The Passover, particularly through the peace offering, underscores our commitment to unity and fellowship with Jesus Christ, the Father, and one another. In sharing the peace meal with the King of Peace, we reflect on the example set by Abraham, who, after his encounter with Melchizedek, participated in a type of this shared meal with bread and wine. This event marked a shift in Abraham's journey, symbolizing a deeper reliance on God's promises rather than his own strength. Similarly, our participation in the Passover renews our vow to remain faithful to Him and to each other, as we partake in this meal with thanksgiving. The Scriptures reveal the importance of this covenant renewal through Christ's actions and words during His last Passover. He completed the work given to Him by the Father, sharing the peace offering with His disciples and, by extension, with us. He called us friends, no longer servants, commanding us to love one another as He has loved us, emphasizing humble service without partiality to produce unity within the body of Christ. As we prepare for the Passover, we must examine ourselves, ensuring we do not partake in an unworthy manner. The peace offering, as detailed in Leviticus, must be consumed with the right heart, not left until morning, symbolizing our immediate and complete dedication. Proverbs warns against participating in this offering while following a faithless path, highlighting the peril of such actions. Therefore, over the coming weeks, let us carefully consider how we treat each member of the body of Christ, striving to live with outgoing concern and to walk in faith as Abraham did, as heirs according to the promise through the King of Peace.
Burn the Ships
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingTotal commitment is not an option, it is a requirement, as Elisha demonstrated when Elijah threw the mantle on him leading Elisha to sacrifice his oxen.
Hebrews (Part Three): Who Was Jesus? (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Passover serves as a profound reminder of the covenant renewal between humanity and God, facilitated through Jesus Christ. His life and sacrifice are the means by which peace is established between us and God, enabling a deep relationship with Them. The New Covenant, upheld and reaffirmed during Passover, holds immense significance, as it was deemed vital enough for God Himself to take on human form to fulfill its purpose. During this observance, the spiritual presence of the Father and the Son is felt, underscoring the importance of this covenant in our lives.
We Are Not Alone
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingPassover is a time when our covenant is renewed with God, indicating that we are never alone as long as we stay attached to the vine.