And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. —Mark 14:26

The Jews observed the Passover by singing or chanting the Hallel or Hallelujah. It consists of a recitation from Psalms 113-118 which is used for praise and thanksgiving. Psalms 113-114 were usually sung before the meal and Psalms 115-118 were sung at the close.

There is little doubt but that this is what Jesus and the disciples sang before departing to the mount of Olives.

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind…. —Acts 20:19a

I thank God for the opportunity to have known saints, pillars in the church, who set an example before me of true humility and service to the Lord. We live in a self-focused, proud generation where people’s goals and dreams are fueled by carnal ambitions. This is also prevalent in the religious world, where many ministers are proud and self-serving. It is an ugly thing to see professed ministers of the gospel striving for position and exaltation of man, jealous of the spiritual success of others.

On the other hand, there is nothing more beautiful than to see people serving the Lord with ALL humility of mind. What a blessing it is that in the Church of God there are people who follow the example of our Lord in humility. Where there is strife and contention, you will usually find a carnal, proud spirit at work. Humility is essential and is evidence for which to look when seeking for true ministers of the gospel.Read more

Scripture Reading:

If I then your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. –John 13:14

Summary: 

Jesus Christ instituted the ordinance of feet washing. All believers are commanded to follow this example. Saints of God are called to be servants. Feet washing is a physical reminder of the equality and humility that should exist in the body of Christ. (Read John 13:1-17).Read more

Evidence suggests there have been Christians who practiced the ordinance of feet washing throughout history. Augustine (A.D. 400) endorsed the literal ritual. The custom gained popularity in southern Europe  between the fourth and seventh centuries. The Anabaptists of the sixteenth century were committed to this doctrine.

Feet washing was even practiced among many Baptist churches in the United States up to the close of the nineteenth century. As a boy, Abraham Lincoln prepared the water and basins for this ordinance in a Baptist church in southern Indiana.

[Brown, Charles E. (1947). The Apostolic Church.]

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. —Acts 2:41

It would have been wonderful to have beheld these three thousand souls being baptized on the Day of Pentecost so many years ago. Imagine the long lines of new converts waiting in anticipation for their turn to enter the water. See the smiles and hear the rejoicing and singing. Hear the shouts of praise and watch the hands in the air raised in adoration to Jesus Christ. What a profound impact that sight must have had on the people looking on who had rejected Christ.Read more