As we approach the Lord’s Table, let’s think about two verses of Scripture.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
“Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler” (Psalm 91:3).
The first of these verses speaks of the forgiveness of our sins.
The second speaks of victory over Satan.
Through the precious blood of Christ, we receive the forgiveness of our sins (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Through the precious blood of Christ, we are victorious over Satan (Revelation 12:11).
Let us rejoice in God’s gift of forgiveness. Let us also rejoice in His gift of victory.
We do not earn God’s forgiveness. It is God’s gift. Victory is not earned. Like forgiveness, victory is God’s gift.
How do we receive these great gifts of God?
We come to the Cross of Christ. At the Cross, we learn that Christ to bring us forgiveness – and He died to give us victory.
We receive these gifts by faith.
Forgiveness and victory do not come to us without faith. Faith is the response by which we receive God’s gifts.
What is faith? How does faith change us? What part do the reading and preaching of God’s Word have in the strengthening of our faith? How does the celebration of the Lord’s Supper help us to grow in faith?
* Faith is centred on Jesus Christ. It is putting our trust in Him.
* Faith is not only believing with our minds. It’s being changed in our hearts. Faith does not leave us where it finds it. Faith leads us on a journey of discovery. It’s a journey in which we learn more and more of our Saviour. We are learning to love Him, follow Him and serve Him.
* Faith does not take any glory for itself. Faith gives all the glory to God. Faith does not say, ‘Glory for me.’ Faith says, ‘Glory to God.’
In this journey of discovery, what part is played by our gathering together for worship?
* We gather to hear the Word of God. It is read to us. It is preached to us. Faith is part of a conversation between ourselves and our God. He speaks to us. we are learning to speak to Him. unless God speaks to us, we will be unable to speak to Him. God’s Word is spoken to us. God’s Word creates our response. God speaks, and it is done. He says, “Let there be light, and there is light.” God’s Word is our shining light in a dark world. When His light shines upon our life, we walk in His light. It is the light of His love. This is the light that inspires our faith.
* We gather to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. This is a special time of remembering Jesus. It’s a special time of being reminded that Christ loves us. His love is the greatest love of all. There is no love like the love of Jesus. we gather at the Lord’s Table. We learn that we are loved. we are loved with an everlasting love. It’s a love that will not let us go. God loves us long before we ever thought of loving Him. When our love is weak, His love is strong. this is the message that comes to us from the Lord’s Table. This is the love which gives strength to our faith.
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