Copyright 2005 St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Copyright 2005 St. Paul's Lutheran Church
The transforming work of God is seen well in the celebration of the Lord's Supper, for God creates a mystical union of Christ's body and blood with the bread and wine of this meal. In the same way God transforms us. Our outward appearance remains the same, but God's Spirit is transforming and renewing our hearts for Him. In communion, the mystical union of Jesus' body and blood extends to us as partakers. We enjoy a fellowship with God unlike any other we shall ever experience this side of heaven.
The sacrament of Communion is a mystery that God gave to his church. In this special meal, Jesus makes Himself mysteriously and really present in His body and blood for our benefit (see Matthew 26:26-29) His body and blood are hidden within the elements of bread and wine, however, Jesus does reveal Himself to the world through those He feeds as they enjoy the benefits of the forgiveness of sins, eternal life and salvation. The participants are people of great hope who reveal Jesus to the world through their eating and drinking as they proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. (see 1 Corinthians 11:26)
The sacrament of Communion that we celebrate as a congregation is reserved for those who share a common confession with us and an understanding of the mystery of God's grace presented at this time.
If you desire to partake of this meal please examine yourself (see 1 Corinthians 11:28) by considering the following questions:
Do I believe that I am a sinner and am in need of God's forgiveness, life and salvation?
Do I believe that God forgives sin through the suffering and death of His Son Jesus on the cross?
Do I believe that Jesus' body and blood are really present in this sacrament?
Am I sorry for my sin and do I desire God's forgiveness?
Do I wish to unite myself with Christ and His church through this Holy Communion?
If you are able to answer yes to these questions, then we invite you to come to the transforming sacrament of the Lord's Supper. (see John 6:37) Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6: 51.
If you still have questions and would like to know more about this sacrament, please speak with the pastor. (1 Corinthians 4:1)
The sacrament of Communion is a mystery that God gave to his church. In this special meal, Jesus makes Himself mysteriously and really present in His body and blood for our benefit (see Matthew 26:26-29) His body and blood are hidden within the elements of bread and wine, however, Jesus does reveal Himself to the world through those He feeds as they enjoy the benefits of the forgiveness of sins, eternal life and salvation. The participants are people of great hope who reveal Jesus to the world through their eating and drinking as they proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. (see 1 Corinthians 11:26)
The sacrament of Communion that we celebrate as a congregation is reserved for those who share a common confession with us and an understanding of the mystery of God's grace presented at this time.
If you desire to partake of this meal please examine yourself (see 1 Corinthians 11:28) by considering the following questions:
Do I believe that I am a sinner and am in need of God's forgiveness, life and salvation?
Do I believe that God forgives sin through the suffering and death of His Son Jesus on the cross?
Do I believe that Jesus' body and blood are really present in this sacrament?
Am I sorry for my sin and do I desire God's forgiveness?
Do I wish to unite myself with Christ and His church through this Holy Communion?
If you are able to answer yes to these questions, then we invite you to come to the transforming sacrament of the Lord's Supper. (see John 6:37) Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6: 51.
If you still have questions and would like to know more about this sacrament, please speak with the pastor. (1 Corinthians 4:1)
