Jesus: Our Eternal Bread of Life and Nourishment
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, and welcome to Atkinson Congregational Church. Today, we gather to reflect on the profound message of Jesus as the "Bread of Life." This concept is not just about physical sustenance but about spiritual nourishment that sustains our souls. Jesus challenges us to look beyond our immediate needs and desires, urging us to seek the eternal and the divine.
In our call to worship, we are reminded to lead lives worthy of our calling, filled with service, meekness, and peace. We confess our sins, acknowledging our shortcomings and seeking God's mercy to create new hearts within us. Despite our flaws, God chooses to forgive, feed, and heal us, demonstrating His unwavering love.
The children's message today focused on understanding Jesus as the "Bread of Life." Just as bread nourishes our bodies, Jesus nourishes our souls, providing spiritual strength and sustenance. This theme is further explored in the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, where He emphasizes that He is the true bread that satisfies our deepest hunger.
During our prayer time, we lift up our needs and the needs of others, recognizing the holy ground we walk on daily and the silent cries of our brothers and sisters. We are called to labor for things that endure and to allow God to work through us to bring hope, wisdom, and healing to the world.
As we partake in communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice and His call to believe in Him. This belief is the work of God that leads to eternal life. We are reminded that the bread and wine symbolize Jesus' body and blood, given for our forgiveness and spiritual nourishment.
In conclusion, we are encouraged to seek the bread that endures, to trust in God's provision, and to share this good news with others. Let us go forth into the world with the bread of heaven in our hands, serving God with gladness and holding fast to that which is good.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus as the Bread of Life: Jesus challenges us to look beyond our immediate physical needs and desires, urging us to seek spiritual nourishment that sustains our souls. This deeper understanding of Jesus as the "Bread of Life" calls us to a life of faith and trust in God's eternal provision. [17:56]
2. Confession and Forgiveness: Acknowledging our sins and shortcomings is essential for spiritual growth. God's mercy and forgiveness are always available, creating new hearts within us and allowing us to live in unity and peace. This process of confession and forgiveness is a cornerstone of our faith journey. [14:36]
3. Spiritual Nourishment through Communion: The act of communion is a profound reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and His call to believe in Him. The bread and wine symbolize His body and blood, given for our forgiveness and spiritual nourishment. This sacred practice strengthens our connection to God and each other. [58:09]
4. Living a Life of Service: We are called to labor for things that endure and to allow God to work through us to bring hope, wisdom, and healing to the world. This involves recognizing the holy ground we walk on daily and responding to the needs of our brothers and sisters with compassion and love. [26:43]
5. Sharing the Good News: As believers, we are entrusted with the message of Jesus as the "Bread of Life." We are called to share this good news with others, offering spiritual nourishment and hope to those around us. This mission involves living out our faith in tangible ways that reflect God's love and grace. [50:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:26] - Announcements
[07:59] - Call to Worship
[13:34] - Opening Prayer
[14:36] - Confession and Forgiveness
[16:04] - Children's Message
[23:39] - Prayer Time
[28:09] - Offering and Food Pantry Sunday
[35:33] - Offertory Hymn
[38:21] - Sermon: The Bread of Life
[50:37] - Sharing the Good News
[54:46] - Communion Liturgy
[58:09] - Communion
[01:00:09] - Sending Prayer
[01:03:44] - Closing Hymn and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 6:35 (NIV) - "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"
2. Exodus 16:4 (NIV) - "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.'"
3. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV) - "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the bread of life"? How does this relate to the physical bread He provided in the feeding of the 5,000? [17:56]
2. In the story of the Israelites in the wilderness, how did God provide for their physical needs? What was the purpose of this provision? [40:16]
3. According to Ephesians 4:1-3, what qualities should characterize a life worthy of our calling? How do these qualities contribute to unity and peace within the church?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding Jesus as the "Bread of Life" change our perspective on our daily needs and desires? [41:04]
2. What is the significance of confession and forgiveness in our spiritual journey, and how does it help us live in unity and peace? [14:36]
3. How does the act of communion serve as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and our call to believe in Him? What does it mean for our spiritual nourishment? [58:09]
4. In what ways are we called to labor for things that endure, and how can we recognize the "holy ground" we walk on daily? [26:43]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you focused more on your immediate physical needs rather than seeking spiritual nourishment. How can you shift your focus to seek the "bread that endures"? [41:04]
2. Confession and forgiveness are essential for spiritual growth. Is there someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? How can you take steps towards reconciliation this week? [14:36]
3. During communion, we remember Jesus' sacrifice. How can you make this practice more meaningful in your life? What specific actions can you take to deepen your connection with God during communion? [58:09]
4. We are called to serve others and bring hope, wisdom, and healing to the world. Identify one way you can serve your community this week. How can you be a source of hope and healing to someone in need? [26:43]
5. Sharing the good news of Jesus as the "Bread of Life" is part of our mission. Think of one person in your life who needs to hear this message. How can you share it with them in a loving and compassionate way? [50:37]
6. Reflect on the concept of "holy ground" in your daily life. What are some moments or places where you feel God's presence? How can you be more aware of these moments and respond to them? [26:43]
7. Jesus calls us to believe in Him for eternal life. What are some doubts or challenges you face in your faith journey? How can you address these doubts and strengthen your belief in Jesus? [46:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus as the Bread of Life
Jesus challenges us to look beyond our immediate physical needs and desires, urging us to seek spiritual nourishment that sustains our souls. This deeper understanding of Jesus as the "Bread of Life" calls us to a life of faith and trust in God's eternal provision. Jesus' message is clear: while physical bread can satisfy our hunger temporarily, only He can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts and souls. By turning to Him, we find a source of sustenance that never runs dry and a relationship that offers eternal fulfillment.
In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." This statement invites us to a profound spiritual journey where our focus shifts from the temporal to the eternal. As we embrace Jesus as our spiritual sustenance, we are called to trust in His provision and to live lives that reflect this trust. [17:56]
John 6:35 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"
Reflection: What are some immediate physical needs or desires that often distract you from seeking spiritual nourishment? How can you intentionally shift your focus to trust in Jesus as your eternal sustenance today?
Day 2: Confession and Forgiveness
Acknowledging our sins and shortcomings is essential for spiritual growth. God's mercy and forgiveness are always available, creating new hearts within us and allowing us to live in unity and peace. This process of confession and forgiveness is a cornerstone of our faith journey. When we confess our sins, we open ourselves to God's transformative power, allowing Him to cleanse us and renew our spirits.
Psalm 51:10-12 beautifully captures this sentiment: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." As we confess our sins, we experience the joy of God's salvation and the peace that comes from being in right relationship with Him. [14:36]
Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."
Reflection: Think of a specific sin or shortcoming you need to confess to God. How can you seek His mercy and allow Him to create a new heart within you today?
Day 3: Spiritual Nourishment through Communion
The act of communion is a profound reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and His call to believe in Him. The bread and wine symbolize His body and blood, given for our forgiveness and spiritual nourishment. This sacred practice strengthens our connection to God and each other. As we partake in communion, we remember Jesus' ultimate sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 recounts the institution of the Lord's Supper: "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." [58:09]
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV): "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: As you prepare to partake in communion, reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. How does this sacred practice deepen your connection to God and to your fellow believers?
Day 4: Living a Life of Service
We are called to labor for things that endure and to allow God to work through us to bring hope, wisdom, and healing to the world. This involves recognizing the holy ground we walk on daily and responding to the needs of our brothers and sisters with compassion and love. Living a life of service means being attentive to the silent cries around us and being willing to act as God's hands and feet in the world.
Galatians 6:9-10 encourages us in this endeavor: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." By committing to a life of service, we reflect God's love and grace, making a tangible difference in the lives of others. [26:43]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Reflection: Identify a specific need in your community or church that you can address. How can you take a concrete step today to serve others and bring hope and healing?
Day 5: Sharing the Good News
As believers, we are entrusted with the message of Jesus as the "Bread of Life." We are called to share this good news with others, offering spiritual nourishment and hope to those around us. This mission involves living out our faith in tangible ways that reflect God's love and grace. By sharing the good news, we invite others to experience the same spiritual sustenance and eternal life that we have found in Jesus.
Romans 10:14-15 highlights the importance of this mission: "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" We are called to be those beautiful feet, bringing the message of hope and salvation to a world in need. [50:37]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus. How can you share the message of Jesus as the "Bread of Life" with them in a loving and tangible way today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Despite knowing our sin, God chooses to forgive us. Seeing our emptiness, God chooses to feed us. Holding our shattered hearts, God chooses to heal us. This is the good news, God loves us. Thanks be to God." [15:30] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus wants us to remember that he's got bread that's not quite the same as this bread, but bread that still can feed us, feed our insides and make us closer to him and closer to God." [19:47] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So we're invited to say yes, each day to God. Yes, each day to the one who said, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. And then we're called to share that good news with others." [49:47] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Friends, as you go forth into the week that is before us, remember to eat the bread of life which endures beyond the physical, temporary, and spiritual things that we grasp for so often. And go into the world and serve God with gladness. Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good." [01:03:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When Jesus spoke about the bread of heaven, of the food that endures, of the drink that's satisfied, he didn't speak of what we should do or should not do each and every day. He did not preach about us leading a more noble and more righteous life. He did not recommend particular behaviors or against others. No. When he spoke about the bread of heaven, he spoke about himself and a belief in God and a faith in God." [46:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What must we do, ask the people, after Jesus tells them of the food that endures for eternal life, what must we do to perform these works of God? And Jesus replies simply, this is the work of God that you believe in him who God has sent." [46:12] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The power and the beauty and the peace and the joy of God's realm are accessible to us when we believe in God and the one whom God sent. We trust in the one who calls us to eat and drink of the bread and the wine he provides." [48:47] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Loving God, you who are both far and yet near at hand in the midst of our lives, cause us to ever yearn for the bread of your immediate presence instead of just the gifts you have for us. Help us to see and grow beyond the immediacy of our needs and wants. Help us to recognize the holy ground we walk on each day." [23:39] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do you seek the things of God, or things of this world? When Jesus fed the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, all ate and all were filled, and all had as much as they wanted, and they hailed Jesus as the, who was the prophet who was to come into the world, and they tried to take him away and make him king." [41:04] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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