Following are my notes for Good Friday.
More Than A Relationship
Jesus is more than A Man: He is Head of the Church
In Christianity there are two very different emphases upon the ministry of Jesus. The first highlights an individual experience while the other is all about the establishment of the Church.
MCA Church has leaned toward a strong emphasis upon a personal “relationship with Jesus.” To this must be added a strong emphasis upon Jesus’ priority for the Church.
From my perspective, to be saved is to become part of the Body of Christ, which is His Church.
Consider insights from Ephesians 1:22, 23.
- Jesus is appointed the Head over everything for the Church
- All things are under His feet
- The church is his body
In today’s primary text, Ephesians 5:25, we see Jesus’ love for the church and that he “gave himself up for her.”
On Good Friday’s cross we Jesus in the final stage of giving birth to the Church.
As Adam slept (Genesis 2:21) God formed from his side, Eve.
As Jesus “slept” (death) God formed from his side, the Church.
John 19:34 reveals that Jesus’ water and blood flowed out for the birth of the Church.
The water and the blood of Jesus are the foundations of the two ordinances of our church. The water from Jesus’ heart represents water baptism and the blood from Jesus’ veins represents The Lord’s Supper.
Water Baptism and Holy Communion make at least three powerful statements, past, present, and future.
Water Baptism Past
I have chosen Jesus as Lord and I have decided for Baptism.
Water Baptism Present
I identify with Jesus in every respect.
Water Baptism Future
I will be faithful.
The Lord’s Table (Holy Communion) Past
A table of the historical reality of Jesus’ sacrifice. 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25
The Lord’s Table (Holy Communion) Present
A table of accountability. 1 Corinthians 11:18-22, 29
The Lord’s Table (Holy Communion) Future
A table of prophecy. Matthew 26:29
Today, as you move to the crosses to pray, please consider the following:
- Give thanks for your water baptism.
- If you have not been water baptized and would like to be, please write your first name and contact information and place on the cross.
- Please collect the bread and cup of communion and return to your seat for a collective celebration of the Lord’s Supper.