The Importance of Communion

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JESUS SPEAKING

When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve Apostles with Him. Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves: for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22: 14 – 20)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

During the last supper, Jesus instituted a critical Christian practice known as communion; a ritualistic act of eating bread and drinking wine (grape juice) in remembrance of His sacrifice upon the cross. The bread represents His broken body and the wine (grape juice) is symbolic of the blood He shed upon the cross. This communal celebration is an essential practice for those who are following Jesus Christ.

Although some today question the correct frequency required for the observance of communion (and there is some legitimate debate), we are given a guiding example in the new testament. In the book of Acts, chapter 20 verse 7 we read, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” In the Jewish culture, the first day of the week began on Saturday evening and ended when the sun went down on Sunday. This is the reason why Sunday morning services are so common in our Churches. And so, with this scripture in mind, weekly communion seems to be ideal. (Note: some early Christians practiced daily communion.)

As believers, communion represents an essential practice rooted in solid Christian doctrine. As we gather together in our celebration of Christ’s sacrifice, may we partake of the bread and wine (grape juice) in a manner that honors God. And in so doing, reiterate our commitment to the faith and our remembrance of the new covenant; through which we have received forgiveness and salvation.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that You sent Your Son to save us from our sins and to grant us eternal life. May we joyfully celebrate Your awesome deliverance as we partake in communion with our fellow believers. May we never forget the incredible sacrifice that Your Son made for our reconciliation and forgiveness. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

What is Truly Valuable

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.“ (Matthew 14: 44)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable a man discovers a treasure in a field. After hiding the treasure, he sells all of his other possessions to purchase the land, and the riches contained within it. The treasure in this story represents the gospel message and the salvation and reconciliation that God has given to all those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. There is nothing more valuable than knowing we are members of God’s eternal kingdom; and in His presence we will live forever.

As the story goes, a woman was once dying in a poorhouse. The doctor bent over her and heard her whisper, “Praise the Lord.” He replied saying, “Why auntie, how can you praise God when you are dying in a poorhouse?” “Oh, doctor,” she replied, “it’s wonderful to go from the poorhouse to a mansion in the skies!”

Jesus Himself has given us the promise of eternal life in His kingdom. A precious treasure that has no equal. In fact, all of the riches this earth has to offer cannot compare to even a single day in God’s presence. If we keep our hearts and minds focused on our future with the Lord, we will always experience joy, no matter our present circumstances.

“Lord Heavenly Father, please help us to remember what is truly valuable in this world. May we be joyful at all times, knowing that we have been saved from death, and instead, have received eternal life. We love you Father, we praise You, and we thank You. And we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Division Creates Weakness

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” (Matthew 12: 25)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Division produces strife; which in turn, creates weakness. Although there are many forms of discord, by far the most damaging is ‘internal conflict.’ Hatred between friends is often more devastating than hatred among enemies. Divisiveness breaks the bonds of marriage; it sets parents against their children; it tears families apart; it defeats armies and conquers entire nations. The body of Christ is a divine family which is meant to exist in perfect unity and peace.

Since its inception, the United States has been involved in many military confrontations. Despite the numerous wars waged in foreign lands, the bloodiest conflict was actually fought on American soil. The Civil War erupted in the 1860’s; ending nearly 620,000 lives and producing millions of crippled war veterans. The property damage was astronomical; the cost exceeding 6 billion dollars. Cities and railroads were destroyed. Homes and businesses were looted and vandalized; entire crops were set ablaze. Many families were also torn in two, with some siblings fighting for opposing armies.

Much like 1860’s America, the church has at times, experienced great disunity. The number of issues that have fostered division include: differing methods of baptism; observance of certain holidays; adherence to dietary restrictions; and the structure of church authority, etc. To avoid divisiveness we must place an emphasis on our common faith in Jesus Christ, and not allow “uncertain things” to divide us. (Note: Many sinful practices that go against biblical doctrine must never be accepted by the body of Christ; but rather deserve spiritual opposition which may create division.)

“Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to experience spiritual unity. Please remove those things which divide us, that we might love each other in peace. Cleanse our hearts of any ungodly resentments or divisions. Strengthen Your body, that we might rejoice together as one family. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You; and we ask and we pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name we pray, amen.” God bless all of you!