May 23, 2021
Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… —Acts 2:2-4—Acts 2:2-4
This morning, along with the rest of the Western church, we remember the events of the day of Pentecost recorded in the book of Acts. Known as Whitsunday in the English-speaking world, this celebration focuses on the coming of the Holy Spirit. Red is used on the bulletin cover and in the decorations in the sanctuary to remind us of the tongues of flame which fell upon the disciples in the upper room. Hymns such as Come Down O Love Divine, Lift Up Your Heads Ye Mighty Gates, Lord Keep Us Steadfast In Thy Word, and Breathe On Me Breath Of God, all celebrate the “Comforter of priceless worth,” who visits us with “ardor glowing,” who guides us “until the holy crown is won,” and who “fills us with life anew” such that we may endure and do all that we are called to do. As we walk through the service this morning let’s be mindful of the Spirit’s work, as He graciously descends to us today every bit as much as He did to the disciples on the first Pentecost, bringing “peace and unity” among the brethren and leading us “out of death to life.” —Henry C. Haffner
Key Words: Idolatry, Demons, Fullness, Conscience, Liberty, Glory, Offense, Advantage Keystone Verse: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel: are not those who eat the sacrifices participants in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?
23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— 29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.