Passover: Passover Service 2009
Passover
#PS2009
John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)
Given 07-Apr-09; 52 minutes
description: (hide) John Ritenbaugh, reflecting on some recent articles in which the journalists expressed alarm about the indifference to immorality in our country, reminds us of the gravity and seriousness with which we must renew our covenant with God. Paul expressed alarm at the attitudes of the Corinthians, not only at the Passover, but through the entire year, judging their cavalier approach at the tolerance of sin, including sexual sins, demonism, and haughty arrogance. We entered into a covenant with God when we were baptized, with deep resolve, determined to take on our responsibilities. We must remember that no one setting his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the Kingdom of God. Sadly , members of the Corinthian congregation were showing indifference to God's blessings and disregard of Christ's sacrifice by their conduct. Indifference is an indication of Laodiceanism. Indifference is caused when we fail to properly discriminate between good and bad behaviors in life, failing to choose wisely. The Laodicean mindset does not make wise comparisons between godly and worldly conduct. Passover enables us to evaluate whether we are walking in the light and righteousness or walking in darkness and sin. Partaking of the Bread of Life orients us toward light and eternal life. The annual memorial of the Passover commences with the foot washing service, reminding us that Christ's disciples are humble servants. The breaking of bread represents the fellowship in the body of Christ. The broken bread represents the stripes Christ had to suffer for our healing. The wine symbolizes Christ's blood, shed for our sins, redeeming us and reconciling us to God the Father. In the last words spoken to His disciples, we read the most meaningful passage in the entire Bible, including the promise of His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, and Christ's moving prayer for the protection of His disci