The believer sanctifies himself that God's purpose may not be frustrated in him, but find glorious fruition. Only he does so in constant reliance on divine grace. It would be a mistake to confine the province of faith to justification. All progress in holiness depends on it. It is the element, the atmosphere in which the Christian lives, that which imparts to his works their sacrificial character and makes them pleasing to God. And, because, thanks to God, it is deeper in him than his deepest sin, even when he fails and falls, he does not despair, nor is utterly forsaken. God's witness remains in him; he can say with Peter: "Lord, Thou knowest all things, Thou knowest that I love thee!" Finally, the Lord here assures the hungry and thirsty ones, that they shall be satisfied.
Sermon Notes -- The Body and the Table of the New Creation (I Corinthians 11:17-22)
The Need: Broken relationships; relating just as the world does ... poor & needy not taken care of, haves & have-nots within the church totally separated and distant
The Gospel: Giving to us Jesus -- cling to Jesus, and your relationships will be transformed. Remember who Jesus is to you and you will remember who you are to be to one another. 'On the night he was betrayed...' and then extends the bread and wine as forgiveness and grace.
Application: Have to feel and own that as much as we belong to Jesus, we belong to one another. What's important is that we feast, together. As we come to Him, our lives are woven into each other. Coming together to feast is the chance to rehearse forgiveness and reconciliation. To love each other, we much worship together.
Order of Worship, May 5 2013
