Communion is a time for confessing our sins and receiving Christ’s forgiveness. We should not take a cavalier approach to this. This is a serious, somber time of reflection before our God. Paul says we are not to partake of communion in an unworthy manner, meaning partaking ritualistically, indifferently, with an unrepentant heart, or in any other ungodly manner. As we enter into communion with Christ, let us not come with sin and guilt weighing heavily upon us. Rather, let us be willing to confess our sins and receive forgiveness. Let us be willing to recommit our lives to Christ every time we take the Lord’s Supper. Allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse and renew you. Before we take of the bread and wine, we are told to examine ourselves. Communion should be a time of spiritual reflection and soul searching. Allow the Holy Spirit to take away all those hindrances and obstacles you have placed in God’s way throughout the week. Allow Jesus to minister his cleansing and healing to your spirit. Allow God to transform your thoughts, your emotions, your desires, and your actions. Let us examine ourselves and be willing to receive from God the plans He has for us not just for today, but for each day of our lives.
1. Are you carrying guilt for sins you feel may be too big for God to forgive? Read John 8:31-38 2. Are you prepared to confess everything to God and let Him lovingly take control? Challenge: As you partake of communion, think of all the ways Christ has changed you and give Him glory for that. Let us make communion a time of remembering all that he means to us and all that He accomplished for those that are His children. (See John 1:12)
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1/2/2020 0 Comments He Will Come AgainCommunion is a time of proclaiming the Lord’s death and all that it means to Christians. When we take communion, we are proclaiming the death of Christ, the atonement for our sins, and His resurrection. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, we who have received forgiveness of sin are now resurrected into a new life of joy and peace. Because of his death we have life. Because of his obedience, we are set free. Because of his sacrifice we are forgiven. Communion is also a time of looking forward to the time when Christ will return. We must be ready. Are you ready to meet the LORD?
1. How should we be living our lives in preparation for Christ’s return? Would the Lord be pleased with the way I am spending my time? 2. What can we do to prepare our hearts to receive communion? Challenge: Take time to consider your commitment to Him and His purposes as you prepare your heart for the Lord’s service. 1/1/2020 0 Comments Washed Clean with His BloodThe cup represents Christ’s shed blood and the new covenant God has made with humanity. The blood from the Passover lamb was sprinkled on the doorposts of the Hebrews in Egypt. This was symbolic of the fact that God would not bring the judgment on his people, which he was bringing to others. In the same way, the blood of Christ has delivered us from judgment. When we receive God’s gracious gift of forgiveness of sin through Christ’s shed blood we are no longer under condemnation. We pass from death unto life. We enter into the new covenant with God – a covenant of grace and mercy. Even though we may still fail God from time to time, we are clothed in Christ’s mercy; and as 1 John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Now go forward in the joy of repentance from sin and faith in Him who freely offers a gift we do not deserve and paid a debt we cannot possibly repay.
1. What is stopping me from fully accepting Christ’s atoning gift? 2. What can I do to show my love and appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice for me? Challenge: Strive to be Christ’s light in the world, letting your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify the Father. |
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April 2024
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