In Communion, we welcome the Lord's corrective discipline (1 Cor 11:20-34)

Key verse:

 So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other. -1 Cor 11:33

When you meet together, you are not really interested in the Lord’s Supper. For some of you hurry to eat your own meal without sharing with others. As a result, some go hungry while others get drunk. What? Don’t you have your own homes for eating and drinking? Or do you really want to disgrace God’s church and shame the poor? What am I supposed to say? Do you want me to praise you? Well, I certainly will not praise you for this!

For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died.

But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other. If you are really hungry, eat at home so you won’t bring judgment upon yourselves when you meet together. I’ll give you instructions about the other matters after I arrive.

Corrective Discipline: 

• Proverbs 3:11-12 - My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
• Revelation 3:19 - Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
• Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
• Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.

God's love expressed as discipline

Practice receiving the Grace of God through Spiritual Discipline

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Jesus is the Hebrew Messiah and he's coming back

Top 40 Most Helpful Messianic Prophecies

Jesus said to his disciples after his resurrection;

“How foolish you are, how slow you are to believe everything the prophets said!  Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then to enter his glory?” And Jesus explained to them what was said about himself in all the Scriptures, beginning with the books of Moses and the writings of all the prophets…. They said to each other, “Wasn’t it like a fire burning in us when he talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:25-27 NIV, Luke 24:32 NIV)

• Messiah would be human (Gen 3:15), fulfilled in Jesus (Romans 16:20; Gal 4:4; Rev 12:9;12:17)
• Messiah from Abraham, all nations blessed (Gen 12:3), fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 3:24-26)
• Messiah would be willing sacrifice (Gen 22:1-18), fulfilled in Jesus (John 3:16)
• Messiah from Judah, scepter belongs (Gen 49:10), fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 2:1-7; 3:33; Gal 4:4)
• Messiah would be Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:1-51), fulfilled in Jesus (John 1:29,36;19:33,36;1 Cor 5:7-8;1 Peter 1:19)
• Messiah would be lifted up (Numbers 21:6-9), fulfilled in Jesus (John 3:14-18)
• Messiah a star from Jacob (Numbers 24:17), fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 2:2, Rev 22:16)
• Messiah a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-19), fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 7:29;Mark 1:22;13:57;21:46; Luke 24:19; John 1:21,25;6:14;Acts 3:22; 28:28)
• Messiah Kinsman Redeemer (Ruth 4:4-9), fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 1:50,58,68,72,78; 1 Peter 1:18;Heb 2:11)
• Messiah descendant of David (2 Sam 7:12-16), fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:32-33; Acts 15:15-16; Heb 1:5)
• Messiah called God's Son (Psalm 2:1-12), fulfilled in Jesus (Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22; Acts 4:25-28; 13:33; Heb 1:5;5:5)
• Messiah resurrected (Psalm 16:8-11), fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 2:22-32; 13:23-37)
• Messiah forsaken and pieced but vindicated (Psalm 22:1-31; Daniel 9:24-26), fulfilled in Jesus (Matthew 27:39; 27:43-44,46;Mark 15:34;John 19;24; Heb 2:12)

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus for your salvation into eternal life foretold so long ago and the end is happening now;

Daniel 12:1-7

...Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. 2 Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. 3 Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. 4 But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”

5 Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing on opposite banks of the river. 6 One of them asked the man dressed in linen, who was now standing above the river, “How long will it be until these shocking events are over?”

7 The man dressed in linen, who was standing above the river, raised both his hands toward heaven and took a solemn oath by the One who lives forever, saying, “It will go on for a time, times, and half a time. When the shattering of the holy people has finally come to an end, all these things will have happened.”

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Salvation in Christ protects and preserves God’s people

We can see the difference between people who come to Christ for life improvement vs those who come for salvation from God's wrath. When we come for life improvement we are focused on ourselves, when we come for salvation the focus is on God. Someone looking for life improvement is described by a worldly or fleshly disposition but the one being saved is described as taking the word of God to heart, producing the "fruit that accompanies salvation." Salvation comes when we see that we are guilty of sin and are ashamed of what we've done against God and his people. It's humility to agree with God as he's revealed himself in nature, ourselves, and ultimately in Jesus Christ.  I love this walk through scripture that brings us to know if we've come to Christ for salvation vs coming to Christ for life improvement: Key Christian Doctrines about God and our relationship to Him

Salvation in Christ protects God’s people from Satan’s destruction and sin’s penalty, even though life on earth brings difficulty. The Bible’s central message concerns the salvation of humanity from sin’s present and eternal corruption and damage. In BSF this week we look at Salvation in light of God's wrath.

God's wrath is justified when we look at what sin has done to people, and the earth. But what is the scope of God's wrath and who will experience God's wrath? 

First of all the eternal fire was prepared for the devil and his angels, not for people who are made in the image of God. Matthew 25:41) Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Matthew 13:41-42) The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

We have the Holy Spirit now who reveals sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:8-11). The Apostle Paul says it like this: "in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9)"

John 16:8-11 describes how the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. This passage suggests that the Holy Spirit's role is to reveal the truth and expose error. 

• Sin: The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin because people do not believe in Jesus. Sin is primarily unbelief in Jesus, which is the root of all other sins. This conviction is necessary for repentance and salvation.
• Righteousness: The Holy Spirit convicts the world of righteousness by demonstrating the perfect life and sacrificial death of Jesus. Righteousness refers to the standard of holiness required by God.
• Judgment: Because the prince of the world stands condemned. See antichrist, anyone who doesn't know god and doesn't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 

Rev 14:12) "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus. 

• But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. - Matthew 24:13
• Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. - James 1:12
• You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. - Hebrews 10:36
• Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
• For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, 1 John 5:3
• Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7
• Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
• That is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring. 2 Thessalonians 1:4
• Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:12
• so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7
• and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 2 Peter 1:6
• By your patient endurance you will gain your souls. Luke 21:19
• But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:25
• being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully Colossians 1:11
• Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

Rev 14:13) Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Deut 30:6-10) God will change your heart so you will love him and live – then you’ll obey and be successful in all you do

He washed their feet and opened their minds

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Eternal Good news available to everyone (Rev 14:6, Acts 26:16-18, 1 Cor 15:3-4)

Looking foreword to starting Words Matter today with SALT today. We're using bibleproject.com/explore/word-studies/ with a theme word every month. We've rearranged the order as "bad" words would be too much in a row. So today we start with God's character attribute compassion. Next week in Salt and Life today we'll use openbible. In BSF we're looking at the Eternal Gospel from Revelation 14:6. Jesus appears and makes himself known through promises of rescue, deliverance from Satan to the light of God, forgiveness of sin, sanctified by faith (Acts 26:16-18). 

I love how BSF shares scripture that provide the progression of an idea: 

Rev 14:6, Acts 26:16-18, 1 Cor 15:3-4;Matt 28:18-20; 2 Cor 4:5-6; 1 Pet 2:9

I generally don't like to criticize teachers or controversial idea but it's important to look a the scriptures often to have a reason for criticism. I'm reminded the scriptures are important as 1 Cor 15:3-4 says:

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

Words Matter, I'm excited to see how our SALT network enjoys this new study. 

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Idolatry, selfishness, and hurt feelings provoke judgement and brokenness (Jer 18:18-19:15)

"This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will bring disaster (devastation) upon this city and its surrounding towns as I promised, because you have stubbornly refused to listen (and obey) to me.’" - Jer 19:15

Jeremiah 18:18-23

A) Hurt Jeremiah turns from intercesor, to provoking God's judgement against them.

18) People plot to stop Jeremiah with variety, rumors, and ignorance

19) Jeremiah pleads with Lord: hear, help/intercede, listen what enemies say

• 20) good (intercesion, protection) repaid with evil (dug a pit to kill)
• Intercessory Faith, believe in God on behalf of another
  
• 21-22) let children starve, die by sword, plague, screams of terror because of raiders

23) Knowing the plot, don't forgive crimes/wickedness, or blot out sins, let them die from your anger.

Application: When we are hurt, feeling rejected, disappointed we can feel like giving up on people and pushing a self centered agenda. We want to be proven right in our peers eyes. I'm reminded of Cain, Abel, and Seth. 

Our lives speak long after we've died. What will our life testimony be about? Accomplishments on Linked In, vacations on Facebook, family, friends, and ministry?  

Jeremiah 19

B) God responds with broken jar illustration and devastating prophecy against stubborn disobedient people.

19:1-3) buy clay jar, ask leaders/priest to broken pots dump, listen to this message from Lord

4-6) Israel rejected me, made this place valley of slaughter, incense, blood of innocent, child sacrifice to Baal against Lord's will

• God's point in asking Abraham to sacrifice his son (Gen 22:2, Rom 12:1-3)
• Biblical view on abortion

7-9) Lord will upset plans, allowing slaughter, ruin, destruction - resulting in cannibalism and despair.

10-13) Smash clay jar, Lord of Heaven's Armies shatters people, not mended, beyond hope of repair, homes of idol worshipers like this garbage heap, like Topheth

• Isaiah 30:33: “Tophet” is another name for “the valley of the children of Hinnom” (II Kings 23:10), where the idolatrous Jews made their sons and daughters “to pass through the fire” as an offering to the pagan god Molech. King Josiah “defiled” it, by converting it into the constantly burning refuse dump for Jerusalem.
• Rescued, kept.. so now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light (Psalm 56:13 Coram Deo))
  

14-15) At Temple of the Lord, proclaimed all these cities and towns devastated because you stubbornly refused to listen and obey my words.

Application: our lives are consequential, how we treat one another in word and deed can bring life or death. Choose life. 

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