Communion 7-18-21

Adopt the Mind of Christ: Philippians 2:5-11.

This morning I invite you to join me, to join the church in the partaking of Communion together.

To the rear of the church, and on the sides, you will find the elements, a cup of juice, and bread/cracker. I thank our brother Eric for the loving reminding that it is important to some to know that they are gluten free.

If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ please join us, if you have not done so yet (and I pray that you would) please refrain from taking the elements.

As we learned from Paul in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 11 verse 28, we must examine ourselves; we must test ourselves by the great truths that are set before us.

In a moment the worship team will lead us in a time of reflection. Here are a few things to consider during this time.

Have you trusted Christ’s death for your salvation from sin? Are you continuing to fight sin in the power of the Spirit? Are you continuing to draw grace from the ascended Christ, who lives forever interceding for his people? Are you longing for Christ’s return?

Please join me in a prayer of confession.

PRAYER

Father, we petition you for help, help us examine ourselves by reminding us of your Son and the work of the Cross, where He, Jesus Christ, humbly died in our stead so that we might receive eternal life through a belief and faith in Him. Remind us of His divine resurrection from death, and that through His eternal presence we can have hope. Hope and confidence to know that as we confess our sins, you truly forgive us of those sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness because you are faithful and just (1 John 1:9)

In Jesus Name we pray…Amen!

REFLECTION

A reading from the Word of God-

Philippians 2:5–11 ESV

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This my brothers and sisters is what we are to remember when we partake of the cup and bread together…that Jesus Christ reigns forever. Christ crucified is the compassion of God on us. Let us rejoice as we partake together.

Gratitude

Father, thank you for your provision, for the continued compassion you show us, the church, the body and bride of your Son Jesus Christ. As we gather together in one Spirit we lift your name on high, we rejoice in salvation, in the work of righteousness. While recognizing our inability to be righteous on our own we continue to stand on the firm foundation of your Son Jesus Christ, to whom be all the glory, power, and praise forever and ever. We say and do all of these things in, by and through the name of Jesus Christ alone…Amen!