Sunday, January 5, 2014

No Compromise

Grandfather Francis didn't put directions on his cards and scraps of prayers for what part of the church service they applied to, but I gather this one came at Communion:

Dear HEAVENLY FATHER, in this solemn moment and in this sacred place, we pause to remember the LORD JESUS CHRIST and HIS willingness to die upon the cross rather than compromise the cause for which HE was sent. And as we partake of the loaf and cup, may we just as realistically partake of HIS life and go from this place to do our full share in the fulfillment of HIS prayer, "THY will be done on Earth, in HIS NAME. Amen."

1 Corinthians 11:27-32 (NIV) warns us not to take Communion lightly: "So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the LORD. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of CHRIST eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the LORD, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world."

It's not some ritual. It's not snack time. It's a reminder of CHRIST'S sacrifice for us, and a reminder for us to come to GOD with our sins and ask forgiveness before we partake. Remember, GOD doesn't expect us to be perfect (nor can we be), but he does expect us to be honest with HIM.

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