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Are You Drinking of the Master's Cup?
Article by StaffIn the context of ancient customs, a cupbearer held a significant role, often sharing in the king's presence and consequences, whether good or bad. The phrase "drinking of the cup" symbolizes accepting whatever is appointed for one to experience, be it joy or sorrow. The whole world drinks of Babylon's cup, filled with the wine of her fornications and abominations, and all who partake will share in her future. In contrast, those called out of Babylon are invited to drink of another cup, the cup of salvation, which contains the blessings of God, including eternal life and reward in His Kingdom. At Jesus' final Passover service, He poured wine into His cup, blessed it, and passed it to His disciples, symbolizing drinking from the cup of the Lamb. This act represents a conscious rejection of the world's cup, Babylon's cup, in favor of the Lord's cup. God will not mix the contents of these two incompatible cups; one must choose between them. Paul emphasizes that we cannot drink of the Lord's cup and the cup of demons simultaneously. Christ commands us to drink of His cup, highlighting the deeper meaning of accepting His invitation and the new covenant. Drinking of His cup also signifies betrothal to Him, accepting forgiveness of sins to be presented sinless and spotless at the Marriage Supper. Furthermore, it means accepting whatever that cup represents, as illustrated when Jesus questions James and John's mother about their readiness to drink from His cup, implying they may face more than they anticipate. Thus, drinking from Christ's cup encompasses both the blessings and the challenges it entails.
A Look at Christian Suffering (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeIf we are merely seeking a crown of glory, hoping to skirt by Christ's suffering, we must ask ourselves whether we really accept the Passover cup.
Of Sponges and Spears
Article by StaffJesus calls on us to remember His affliction, including the piercing, the cup, the sour wine, and the gall.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing Malchus' Ear (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ was true to His Father's will even during the most agonizing night of His life, drinking the cup He had been given.
Jesus' Final Human Thoughts (Part Two)
Article by StaffWhat was Jesus thinking about during His last hours as a human? The gospel accounts reveal what Jesus knew about His suffering, death, and resurrection.
Until the Kingdom
Sermonette by Bill OnisickJesus' statement, 'I will not drink of this fruit of the vine ... until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom" looks like a contradiction.
The Awesome Cost of Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe assess costs and values all the time in our daily lives. We should employ the same process to God's love for us in giving His Son as the sacrifice for sin.
Why Is Atonement a Fall Festival?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough Passover and Atonement both deal with Christ's sacrifice, several reasons emerge to make Atonement a better fit for the fall holy days.
The Awesome Cost of Salvation
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe need to be sobered at the awesomeness of the cost to set us free from sin—what the Creator endured. We have been purchased, and are obliged to our Purchaser.
Resistance (Part Three): Persistence
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe elite athlete is the one with the gritty persistence and tenacity to fight on regardless of the obstacles, wanting nothing to do with mediocrity.
Will You Marry Me? (Part Two)
Article by StaffThe story of Boaz and Ruth and the cup of betrothal at Passover ask us to consider: Are we committed to this wonderful relationship with our Fiance?
Matthew (Part Twenty-Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughTrue greatness does not come from dominance but from serving with the attitude of a slave. Willingness to sacrifice self is the secret to success.
Psalms: Book Three (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPsalm 75 reveals that God both promotes and removes individuals from positions of power and He has the final say as to how power will be administrated.