Kingdom Keys (1 Corinthians 5:1-10; LD 31)
The church in Corinth, despite its knowledge and spiritual gifts, fails to comprehend living in and for Christ. They are a church that celebrates their elitism without seeing the cross. Paul emphasizes the importance of embracing the cross of the Gospel and warns against philosophical thought that props up the self at the expense of others. The keys of the kingdom open the kingdom, sincerely calling people to faith. The keys of the kingdom also close the kingdom by putting the person outside the household of faith.
Why the Lord's Supper? (1 Corinthians 11:17-34; LD 30)
The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament that nourishes believers with the benefits of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. We need to see and believe that we serve a risen and present Savior. Christ’s sacrifice is not repeated, but a spiritual meal where the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith. Christ invites us to do this in remembrance of him, not as an empty memorial. We think of the memorial stones set up by Israel, where they recognize the continual care, protection, and presence of their God with His people. So, we evaluate whether the truth of our faith, where we are grounded, and continue to seek our life in Christ. Ultimately, this sacrament pictures for us that our Lord continues to nourish, protect, and lead us to the heavenly banquet.
Can Faith Both Unite and Divide? (Luke 12:49-59)
Jesus’ mission is paradoxical because He unifies His people in faith and brings division at the same time. Christ is celebrated because he brings heavenly peace, but Christ declares, “I have not come to bring peace, but division,” because true peace is not the absence of conflict but submission to Christ as King. Families may be divided over their allegiance to Him, but His baptism of suffering and judgment secures His disciples who hear his word. Just as the Spirit’s fire empowered the disciples rather than consuming them in Luke’s second volume, Christ’s sacrifice enables us to stand in the final judgment as we already taste its cleansing power. He warns that while people can discern the weather, many fail to recognize the urgency of the gospel. Real faith is not about religious rituals or cultural Christianity but about embracing Jesus as Messiah, Savior, and King. By faith, we are transformed, aligning our hearts and lives with Him, not as perfect people but as redeemed ones who live for God’s glory. Let us judge for ourselves what is right as we discern the true words of our savior.