Sinai's Fire and Calvary's Grace || Table Thought

In the name of our Lord and precious Savior Jesus Christ, I bring you my heartfelt greetings.

As a help to prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Table, let us turn to Exodus 32. (For time’s sake, you may choose to read select verses.)

Here, we see the grievous sin of the people of Israel—those whom God had brought out from Egypt with mighty signs and wonders through the wilderness path. Just days earlier, they had heard the terrifying voice of the Lord at Mount Sinai, and with one heart they declared before the Lord, “All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.” (Exodus 19:8)

In Exodus 20, God had spoken to them the Ten Commandments. And in obedience to God's command, Moses ascended the mountain (Exodus 24) to receive further instructions and to commune with God—something the whole assembly had witnessed.

But as days passed—forty of them—Moses did not return. The people, ungrateful and impatient, concluded that Moses was dead. They forgot the One who had provided water from the rock and fed them with manna, the bread of heaven. How quickly they forgot the Lord! Truly, it is astonishing—and yet, that is also the sad reflection of our own hearts.

The Lord, seeing their rebellion, revealed it to Moses. The judgment they deserved was utter destruction. God was ready to wipe out the whole nation and raise up a new people through Moses alone. But Moses, like a true shepherd, stood in the gap. He interceded with God for the people. He pleaded not for his own life but for the lives of the rebellious. He was even willing to have his name blotted out from God's book, if only the people might be spared. The Lord listened to Moses’ plea, for He is a God who remembers His promises.

Yet, greater than Moses’ intercession was the prayer offered by Jesus on the Cross—“Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34)

The Father always hears the Son (John 11:42), and in that heavenly court, the plea of Christ is our strong hope.

God has rescued us from a slavery far worse than Egypt—from bondage to Satan, from the hopelessness of a godless life, and from the fear of eternal punishment. He looked upon us with mercy and sent His own Son into this world, to redeem us. Moses could not offer himself as a substitute for the sins of the people—he too was a sinner (Exodus 32:32–33). But Christ, the sinless Son of God, bore our transgressions, and offered Himself as the spotless Lamb on the Cross. He died, rose again, and now stands before the Father, pleading on our behalf by His own blood. Soon, He shall return to gather us unto Himself in glory.

“What the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do—Christ has accomplished. Yes, He died for you.”
(John 10:11; 1 Corinthians 5:7)

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise. The risen Christ shall return as He said.”
(2 Peter 3:4; Habakkuk 2:3; Acts 1:11)

Sin is dreadful. When a man forgets God’s commandments, he forgets God Himself. When Israel forgot God’s Law, three thousand died in judgment. God is holy. None can see Him while clinging to sin. Even now, as we gather around this sacred Table, let us examine our lives. If there is any sin or fault within, let us bring it before the One who is rich in mercy. Look to Christ—stricken and crucified for us. With the assurance of divine forgiveness, let us partake of this communion in a worthy manner.

May the holy name of the Lord alone be glorified!

(Andrew Kingsley Raj)

"It Is Finished: The Victor's Cry"

Sermon Title: "It Is Finished: The Victor's Cry"

Below is a sermon shared on Good Friday in a Plymouth Brethren Assembly gathering in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India. (AI translation of my Tamil Script)

Text: John 19:30 – "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost."

---

Introduction:

Beloved in Christ, on this sacred Good Friday, we gather under the shadow of the cross, not as mourners of a tragedy, but as witnesses to a victory. The sixth saying of our Redeemer, "It is finished," is not a sigh of despair but a triumphant declaration. This cry is filled with divine authority and majestic power.

Let us listen with reverence to these final words of our Saviour. This is not the cry of a man overcome by suffering, but of the God-Man who has overcome sin, Satan, and death.

---

1. The Final Word – A Divine Full Stop

Jesus did not say, "It is almost done," or "I have tried my best." He said, "It is finished" – a word so complete, so final, it echoes through eternity. In the Greek, it is Tetelestai – meaning, "Paid in full," "Completed entirely."

It is like the last word written at the end of a great book, the final stroke on a masterpiece, the seal on a royal decree. Christ is saying, "The purpose for which I came has been fully accomplished."

From A to Z, salvation is a gift of God. From the first step of divine election to the final glorification of the saints, every part is authored and accomplished by Him.

---

2. The Cross: A Symbol of Victory, Not Defeat

To the eyes of man, the cross may seem like a symbol of failure, of shame, of judgment. But in the eyes of God, it is the banner of victory, the altar of redemption, the throne of mercy.

The cross is not what hangs around our necks as jewelry; it is the place where the Lamb of God bore the sin of the world and secured eternal salvation.

The cross is not a symbol of shame, but the banner of eternal victory.

---

3. The Fulfillment of All Scripture

From the first shedding of blood in Eden, where God clothed Adam and Eve with garments of sacrifice, to the types and shadows of the Law, to the songs of the Psalms and the visions of the Prophets – all pointed to Christ.

And now, at the cross, He declares: "It is finished." All that was written of the Messiah has been fulfilled. As Jesus Himself said, "All things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me." (Luke 24:44)

This one word encapsulates the fulfillment of every prophecy, every promise, every typology.

---

4. Salvation Secured, Not Offered

Christ did not merely make salvation possible. He accomplished it. From beginning to end, salvation is the gift of God. He lived the perfect life we could not live and died the death we deserved.

There is nothing more to be added. The blood was not partially spilled, the price was not partially paid. All was finished, and all was fulfilled.

What must we do now? Nothing but believe. Because everything that needed to be done has already been done by Him.

My faith is not built on uncertainty, but upon One who is utterly trustworthy.

---

5. Not a Cry of Despair, But of Sovereignty

Unlike the deathbed cry of Queen Elizabeth I, who lamented, "All is finished; I have come to the end," Christ's cry is not the cry of defeat, but of divine satisfaction.

He bowed His head and gave up His spirit – not because life failed Him, but because He willingly laid it down. As He prayed in John 17:4, "I have glorified You on earth; I have finished the work which You have given Me to do."

He was not overtaken by death; He overthrew it.

He did not say "It is finished" in sorrow or regret. He declared it in peace and triumph.

---

6. Accomplishments of the Cross

• Eternal Redemption Accomplished (Hebrews 9:12)

• The Wrath of God Removed (Romans 3:25)

• The Law Fulfilled and Cancelled (Colossians 2:14)

• Satan Defeated (Colossians 2:15)

• No More Condemnation for the Believer (Romans 8:1)

Every enemy has been conquered. Every promise fulfilled. Every barrier torn down.

---

Conclusion: Unshakable Assurance

This one word – Tetelestai – contains the whole gospel. Because He finished it, you and I can begin again. Because He completed it, we are complete in Him.

Let your faith rest not in your feelings, nor in your works, but in Christ's finished work. Build your hope not on shifting sands but on the solid rock of the cross.

"It is finished" – this is the believer's joy, the sinner's invitation, and the church's anthem.

Amen.

A Covenant with Your Eyes - Jonathan Roiz

Job 31:1 - "I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?"

Biblical Interpretation

Job begins this chapter by declaring his resolve to guard his eyes from lustful gazes. He understands that the eyes are a gateway to the soul, and what one chooses to dwell on visually often dictates the condition of the heart. This verse illustrates a profound awareness of sin’s deceptive nature—it begins subtly, with a look, but can grow into destructive lust. Job's covenant shows his proactive stance against sin, understanding that avoiding temptation at the source is essential for maintaining purity.

As Christian men, we must take Job’s example seriously in a world full of visual temptations. Lust can quickly overpower a man’s heart if left unchecked, leading to more grievous sins such as adultery or emotional infidelity. Job’s resolve points to a deep desire to live in a way that honors God, not just in public but also in private thoughts. This is the kind of offensive strategy we must take in our daily battle against the flesh.

Life Application

In your battle against sin, you must, like Job, make a covenant with your eyes. What does this look like in the modern world? Practically, it involves avoiding certain websites, entertainment, or even social situations that provoke lustful thoughts. It also means being mindful of wandering eyes and choosing instead to focus on things that honor God. This war is not fought passively; you must engage actively by guarding what you allow into your mind and heart. Lust isn’t just an issue of behavior but of the soul.

To fight this battle, meditate on God’s Word daily and pray for strength. Surround yourself with accountability—brothers in Christ who can support you. Remember that every time you guard your eyes, you honor God and win a victory in your fight against the flesh, the world, and the devil.

New Testament Connection

Matthew 5:28 - "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Theologian Quote

"Self-denial is the knife that must cut the root of sin." – John Owen
Original Post: https://www.hopemovement.com/post/a-covenant-with-your-eyes

Unconditional love in Christian marriage - Paul Washer

How would you ever learn unconditional love if you were married to someone who met all the conditions?

How would you ever learn mercy, patience, long-suffering, heart-felt compassion if you were married to someone who never failed you? Who is never difficult with you?

Who never sinned against you? Who is never slow to acknowledge their sin or ask for forgiveness?

How would you ever learn grace, to pour out your favor on someone who did not deserve it, if you were married to someone who was always deserving of all good things? Do you see that?

The main purpose of marriage is that through your marriage, you both become conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

Marriage is the greatest instrument of sanctification. You are married to a person who does not meet all the conditions so that you might learn unconditional love. You are married to a person who needs mercy so that you learn to give it. You are married to a person that does not deserve so that you learn to pour lavishly yourself out on a person who does not respond appropriately & thus you become like the Lord we worship.

~Paul Washer

Wake-up call for Christians

1. My life is short, and few are my days on earth and therefore I will concentrate on things related to eternity.

2. I may face death anytime, and I take nothing that I have acquired with me. Therefore I will have a life of constant repentance and my conscience  cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

3. I am created for God's glory, and Christ has purchased me by His blood to live for this very purpose. Therefore I will do that which is pleasing to God.

4. After I die, I face the Judgment of God to give an account of my life on earth. Therefore I will be careful about my works I do here.

5. Heaven is my home, and I live there with my Christ forever and ever. Therefore I will be prepared for Jesus' Coming always.

Selected and edited.

Brethren, We Have Met to Worship by George Askins

Brethren, we have met to worship

And adore the Lord our God;

Will you pray with all your power,

While we try to preach the Word?

All is vain unless the Spirit

Of the Holy One comes down;

Brethren, pray, and holy manna

Will be showered all around.

Brethren, see poor sinners round you

Slumb'ring on the brink of woe;

Death is coming, hell is moving,

Can you bear to let them go?

See our fathers and our mothers,

And our children sinking down;

Brethren, pray and holy manna

Will be showered all around.

Sisters, will you join and help us?

Moses' sister aided him;

Will you help the trembling mourners

Who are struggling hard with sin?

Tell them all about the Savior,

Tell them that He will be found;

Sisters, pray, and holy manna

Will be showered all around.

Let us love our God supremely,

Let us love each other, too;

Let us love and pray for sinners,

Till our God makes all things new.

Then He'll call us home to heaven,

At His table we'll sit down;

Christ will gird Himself, and serve us

With sweet manna all around.

"FAREWELL PRAYER" by Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

(This prayer given by Watson, on the eve of his ejection from his church, because of his non-conformity to the state church.)

O Lord God, all our springs are in You. It is good for us to draw near to You through Jesus Christ. You are all fullness, the quintessence of all sweetness, the center of all blessedness. You are the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in Him—our Father. You are our light. You give us these blessed opportunities of enjoying communion with Yourself, God blessed forever.

These mercies are forfeited mercies. We have abused the blessings of Your house; we have grieved Your blessed Spirit; therefore, it is just with You to deprive us of these comforts, and to make us know the worth of these mercies—by the lack of them.

Lord, we desire to judge ourselves, that we may not be condemned with the world. Righteous are You, O Lord, and just in all Your judgments. We confess, we are unworthy to have any converse with so holy a God. We are polluted with dust and ashes, not worthy to tread Your courts—and it is of Your mercy that we are not consumed. How often have we plucked fruit from the forbidden tree! We have sinned presumptuously against the clearest light—and always against the dearest love. Your footsteps have dropped fatness. You have shown mercy to us—but the better You have been to us, the worse we have been to You! You have loaded us with mercies—and we have wearied You with our sins! When we look into ourselves, O the poison of our natures! Whatever the leper touched, was unclean; thus do we, by our spiritual leprosy, infect our holy things.

Our prayers need a pardon, and our tears need to have the blood of Christ to wash them. How vain are our vows! How sensual are our affections! We confess, we are untuned and unstrung for every holy action. We are never out of tune to sin—but always out of tune to pray. We give the world our superior affections and our strongest desires. We should use this world as if we used it not; but, alas, we pray as if we prayed not, and serve You as if we served You not. There is not the reverence, nor that devotion, nor that activeness of faith that there should be. Lord, if You should say that You would pardon all our sins to this time and only judge us for this prayer—woe unto us! What breathing of unbelief and hypocrisy is there now, when we approach unto You!

We beg You, pardon us for Christ's sake. Who can tell how often he offends? We can as well reckon the drops of the ocean—as number our sins! We are filled up with sins—but have not filled Your bottle with our tears. This is that which exceedingly aggravates our sins—that we cannot mourn for sin. We can grieve for our losses—but we cannot mourn for our unkindnesses to You. Sin has not only defiled us—but hardened us. Nothing can melt us—but the love of Christ! Nothing can soften us—but the blood of Christ! O, do not withhold Your mercies from us! O help us to eat the Passover Lamb with bitter herbs. Let us look on Christ—and weep over Him. Let us look on a broken Christ—with broken hearts; and on a bleeding Christ—with bleeding hearts. Let us mourn for our insincerity, and that we should grieve You, who is always doing us good. O humble us for our unkindness and, for Christ's sake, blot out our transgressions! They are more than we can number—but not more than You can pardon!

Though we have lost the obedience of Your children—You have not lost the goodness of a Father. Let us be held forth as patterns of mercy, so shall we trumpet forth Your praise to all eternity! Whatever afflictions You lay upon our bodies—let not our sins be unpardoned; let there be peace in heaven—and peace in the court of conscience. We have found this part of Your Word true—in the world we shall have trouble. Let us find the other part true—in Jesus Christ we shall have peace. O let peace and holiness go together. Make us new creatures, that we may be glorious creatures! Without faith, Christ will not profit us. When we can call nothing in the world ours—let us call Christ ours.

Lord, draw Your image every day more lively upon us! Give us a more lively hope, and a more inflamed love to Christ. Let us have a spirit of courage and resolution; keep us from the fallacies of our own hearts; keep us from the defilements of the times; make us pure in heart that we may see You, that we may have gospel spirits, humble spirits, and meek spirits.

As Christ took our flesh, let us partake of His Spirit. You embitter the breast of the creature to us—that we should find the sweetness of the promise. There is as much in the promises as ever. Let us live upon You; let us cast anchor in heaven, and we shall never sink.

Bless all Your ordinances to us. Make them to be fullness of life to every one before You. We are come this day to partake of them. O pour in wine and oil into our souls. Let us be as a watered garden; let this blessed Sacrament be a poison to our lust—and nourishment for our grace! Hear us—be our God—follow us with mercy—crown us with acceptance. Do all this for Christ's sake, whom not seeing we love, in whom believing we rejoice.

To the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit—be glory, honor, and praise, now and forever, Amen!

_______________________________________

Thomas Watson (c.1620-1686) was educated at Cambridge, England, and in 1646 was appointed to preach at St. Stephens in Walbrook. He became one of the “puritans” who sought to bring reformation to the Church of England. In the year 1651, he was imprisoned several months for his faith. He obtained great respect until the Restoration of the monarchy, when he was ejected for non-conformity to some of the Church of England’s unbiblical practices. In 1666, after the fire in London destroyed the churches, he held public worship services in a rented hall. When the Declaration of Indulgences came into being in 1672, he obtained a license for the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health failed, whereupon he retired to Barnston in Essex. The Body of Practical Divinity is his most famous work.