Maranatha! July 28, 2021

 

 

Quotation

 

With all the negativity, what are we to do about the church? First, we need to realize the church is not a human invention, it’s God’s idea. Most of the New Testament is about the work of the church that Jesus started and ordained. As a Christian, church is not something we go to, we are the church. If we try to get rid of the church, we will need to get rid of Jesus. The only way to change the direction of the church is to stand with Jesus, who never changes. When we stand with Jesus, this gives us hope for the future and will result in changes in the hearts of those falling for the lies and deceptions of Satan.

 

Barry Denzil Haney, MD

 

Scripture

 

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

1 Corinthians 16:21-24

 

Reflection

 

Maranatha is an Aramaic word. Although debated in academic circles, the consensus for it means is it represents a credal statement meaning the Lord has come and the Lord is coming again. Maranatha is an affirmation that although Yahweh came to the Earth in space and time and took on human form, He is coming back. Maranatha is a cry for Jesus to please come back soon!

 

What does Paul mean when he says Anathema Maranatha? If a man does not love and believe in Jesus, let him be accursed because the Lord cometh and will seek vengeance against those who are nonbelievers during the final day of judgement.

 

Throughout history, God’s people have groaned and sighed waiting for the return of Jesus to rescue them from the perversity and wickedness of the age in which they live. The word Maranatha provides us the hope that He will return, rescue us from this chaotic world, and then takes us with Him to Heaven, to be the sons and daughters of God.

 

Illustration

The difficulty some have in entering the doorway to the kingdom of God is like the experience of the boy who got his hand caught inside an expensive vase. His upset parents applied soap suds and cooking oil, without success. When they seemed ready to break the vase as the only way to release the hand, the frightened boy cried, “Would it help if I let loose of the penny I’m holding?”

 

So it is all too often with us. We cause others great anguish and risk the truly valuable because we will not let go of the insignificant things we possess today. (Green)

 

Prayer

 

Our Heavenly Father,

 

I am so sorry when I fail You! I know I am a sinner 

and cannot save myself.  Thank you for Your free gift 

of salvation! Because of  Your love for me I am allowed to 

have an eternal loving relationship with You in Heaven! 

 

I repent of my sins and turn away from them. Thank you 

for Your Son Jesus who died on the cross for my sins and 

defeated death when He rose from the dead on the third day!

Because of this, I have been given the gift of eternal life!

 

In the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior,

 

Amen!

 

Worship

 

I Repent by Steve Green

God Bless You,

Barry

 

Van Dorn, Douglas. The Unseen Realm: A Question & Answer Companion. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015.

 

Green, Michael P. 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000. Print.