FIRST COMMUNION

In some Christian denominations “First Communion” is a big occasion.  Young children who were “baptized” as infants (something not taught in Scripture) are scheduled for their first communion, perhaps months in advance.  To celebrate the occasion relatives will travel from long distances and festivities are planned.  Whether the child truly understands the concept of communion may be a secondary consideration.

Communion is a significant event, and those who are Christ’s followers should look forward to it.  As the word suggests, we are communing with the Lord, just as His disciples shared the meal with Him on the night of His arrest (Matthew 26:26-29).

Benjamin, a new brother in Christ who is incarcerated, fully understands the significance of communion.  A few days ago he wrote to ask how he could receive it.  Since he is housed in a high-security area, he can’t attend the worship services we offer there.

He didn’t know it, but we had already obtained permission to take communion to Benjamin.  Four of us who were on the compound last Sunday met with him.  Isaiah 53 was read and briefly discussed, prayers were offered, and a verse of a song was sung.  It was obvious that Benjamin was in deep meditation as he participated in this event.

Many of us might confess that we don’t remember how we reacted the first time we took communion.  But that’s really not the point.  How we react now is what matters most.

Prescott True Value in Arizona has a loyal following of women running households on their own due to divorce or widowhood. levitra samples http://respitecaresa.org/agency-offers-care-for-medically-fragile-children/ If an individual doesn’t introduce experimentation in the sex life becomes unsatisfactory for both the partners.Various treatments are available to overcome the impotence. purchase generic levitra Therefore when you take it before getting indulge in sexual activity. order viagra levitra respitecaresa.org So if you are looking for sexologist clinic in Delhi where you can take proper sexual treatment then you are at right respitecaresa.org levitra samples place. Paul gave important instructions for all who partake of the Lord’s Supper, for the first time or the thousandth time: “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28).  We examine ourselves as we contemplate the image of the sinless Son of God hanging on the cross for us.

We’re the ones who broke God’s laws!  Yet Jesus stepped in and willingly took our place in receiving the penalty for sin.  We’re the offenders!  Yet Jesus’ actions make it possible for us to walk away free, clothed with the righteousness Christ attained.

Is it possible communion might become merely a habit for us, that we lose sight of its meaning and importance?  Yes, it could happen.  That’s why we must work diligently each Lord’s Day to bring that Calvary scene into sharp focus, reminding ourselves that it should have been us hanging on crosses.

What a moment that was to be with Benjamin and see him take his first communion!  But what a blessing it is to partake of it each week for ourselves and experience it just as if it were our first time!

Tim Hall

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