Explore the depth of Christ's redemptive work and how it unifies us as the body of Christ, calling us to be a Kingdom example to the world.
Good morning, family! As we gather together today in shared love and unity, we are about to dive into the profound depths of God's Word. We are turning to 1 Corinthians 11: 24-26, a passage that speaks deeply about the redemptive work of Christ, our unity as the body of Christ, and ultimately, how we are called to be a Kingdom example to the world.
Before we delve into this, let me share with you a quote A.W. Tozer. He once said, "Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers met together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship." In much the same way, we, as the body of Christ, are tuned to Christ, and through Him, find our unity.
This passage is of the Last Supper, where Jesus, on the brink of His crucifixion, shared bread and wine with His disciples, symbolizing His body and blood. This act was not just a symbolic gesture, but a profound declaration of His impending sacrifice on the cross, a sacrifice that would forever change the course of humanity.
Verse 24: When Jesus said, "This is my body, which is for you," He was referring to His impending death on the cross. His body was to be broken, His blood was to be shed, all for the redemption of mankind. This is the heart of the Gospel message, the good news that through Christ's sacrifice, we are redeemed, our sins are forgiven, and we are reconciled to God. It's a message of love, of grace, and of unmerited favor, showing us that God was willing to go to great lengths, even the death of His only Son, to restore our broken relationship with Him.
The bread that Jesus broke: It’s a symbol of His body, broken for us. It is a reminder that our redemption came at a great cost. It was not a cheap grace, but a costly one, bought at the price of Christ's suffering and death. This is why we are called to remember His sacrifice, to continually bring it to mind, not just as a historical event, but as a personal reality that impacts our lives today.
The cup that Jesus shared: It’s a symbol of the new covenant in His blood. In the Old Testament, covenants were often sealed with the shedding of blood, signifying the seriousness of the agreement. Jesus, through His death, established a new covenant, a new agreement between God and humanity. This covenant is based not on our ability to keep the law, but on faith in Christ's redemptive work. It is a covenant of grace, where we are accepted not because of our works, but because of Christ's work on the cross.
A present reality: Every time we partake of the Lord's Supper, we "proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes." We are reminded of our redemption, and we look forward to the day when Christ will return, and our redemption will be fully realized.
Transforms our lives: It changes our status from sinners to saints, from enemies of God to His beloved children. It gives us a new identity, a new purpose, and a new hope. It is the foundation of our faith, the cornerstone of our relationship with God, and the driving force behind our mission as Christians.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about how the redemptive work of Christ has impacted your life.
Unity in the body of Christ is the idea that despite our differences - be it race, gender, socioeconomic status, or even denomination - we are all one in Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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