Getting Ready for Communion
If we were invited to attend a dinner at the White House, we would likely take some time getting ready.
As Christians, we have received a far more important invitation, and that's to eat with Christ, and the invitation is open every Sunday. St. Paul is very plain: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" (I Cor. 10.16) Anyone who receives the Lord's Supper receives in their mouth the body of Christ broken for us on Calvary, and the blood that was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
What's more, Paul warns us that we are to examine ourselves. Examine ourselves that we receive the Supper in a worthy manner. The way to worthily receive, of course, is to believe the word of Christ, and trust in His mercy. The Small Catechism puts it well: "Fasting and bodily preparation is, indeed, a fine outward training; but he is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins."
Since we are blessed at Redeemer to receive that body and blood every Sunday, we have thought to provide a time for further reflection for those receiving the Supper. Once a month (on the 3rd Sunday), we'll be having a time of reflection and confession.
This service-before-the-service will begin at approximately 10:40, in the sanctuary. It will be a time of scriptural admonition and confession, and should last 15-20 minutes.
This new service is not a requirement for communing. However, like private confession, it is a gift for those sensing a need to strengthen their faith, we welcome anyone who would like to check out how they might use it to strengthen their faith. If you have other questions, contact Pastor Tessmann, or one of the elders.
As Christians, we have received a far more important invitation, and that's to eat with Christ, and the invitation is open every Sunday. St. Paul is very plain: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" (I Cor. 10.16) Anyone who receives the Lord's Supper receives in their mouth the body of Christ broken for us on Calvary, and the blood that was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
What's more, Paul warns us that we are to examine ourselves. Examine ourselves that we receive the Supper in a worthy manner. The way to worthily receive, of course, is to believe the word of Christ, and trust in His mercy. The Small Catechism puts it well: "Fasting and bodily preparation is, indeed, a fine outward training; but he is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: Given, and shed for you, for the remission of sins."
Since we are blessed at Redeemer to receive that body and blood every Sunday, we have thought to provide a time for further reflection for those receiving the Supper. Once a month (on the 3rd Sunday), we'll be having a time of reflection and confession.
This service-before-the-service will begin at approximately 10:40, in the sanctuary. It will be a time of scriptural admonition and confession, and should last 15-20 minutes.
This new service is not a requirement for communing. However, like private confession, it is a gift for those sensing a need to strengthen their faith, we welcome anyone who would like to check out how they might use it to strengthen their faith. If you have other questions, contact Pastor Tessmann, or one of the elders.
posted by Jim Huffman at 6:27 PM
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