Here at FBC our practice is to celebrate communion on the first Sunday of the month. Although the New Testament has very few instructions on what the specifics of our worship gatherings should look like, one thing is very clear – we are directed by Christ Himself to regularly remember His death until He returns and to do this through partaking together of the communion elements. The bread and the cup are specific symbols that are to remind us of what Christ has done for us and in our place. It is no coincidence that Jesus instituted this ordinance of communion during the Passover celebration. This festival was to be a reminder to the Israelites of God’s provision of a means to avoid the final plague of judgment upon Egypt, the death of the firstborn sons. Because of the death of a lamb and its sprinkled blood on the doorposts, the angel of death would pass over the household who followed God’s provision. The Passover festival was to be a regular reminder of this salvation.
Christ is the fulfillment of the Passover festival through His death and sprinkled blood for us who by faith receive God’s mercy in “passing over” our sin. We need a regular reminder that we have received a death penalty for our sin. We need to be reminded that Jesus is the Lamb who died in our place. We need to be reminded that His shed blood brings about our peace with God. As we gather this weekend, the first Saturday and Sunday of the month, let’s take some time to prepare to celebrate communion together. Let us reflect on these words that we will sing together:
"Father, we deserve a death penalty for our sin. There is nothing we can do to escape this judgment. Thank you that Your Son took our place on the cross. He is the Lamb of God slain for us who takes away the sin of the world. As we gather this week and remember His death, burial and resurrection, may we be humbled with hearts of thanksgiving for all You have done for us! Amen."
Christ is the fulfillment of the Passover festival through His death and sprinkled blood for us who by faith receive God’s mercy in “passing over” our sin. We need a regular reminder that we have received a death penalty for our sin. We need to be reminded that Jesus is the Lamb who died in our place. We need to be reminded that His shed blood brings about our peace with God. As we gather this weekend, the first Saturday and Sunday of the month, let’s take some time to prepare to celebrate communion together. Let us reflect on these words that we will sing together:
There is love that came for us, humbled to a sinner’s crossYou broke my shame and sinfulness; You rose again victorious.
Faithfulness none can deny, through the storm and through the fireThere is truth that sets me free: Jesus Christ who lives in me.
No beginning and no end, You’re my hope and my defenseYou came to seek and save the lost; You paid it all upon the cross.
You are stronger! You are stronger!Sin is broken; You have saved me!It is written Christ is risen!Jesus, You are Lord of all!
"Father, we deserve a death penalty for our sin. There is nothing we can do to escape this judgment. Thank you that Your Son took our place on the cross. He is the Lamb of God slain for us who takes away the sin of the world. As we gather this week and remember His death, burial and resurrection, may we be humbled with hearts of thanksgiving for all You have done for us! Amen."
Songs for Our Gathering this Week:
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Strong to Save
by Eddie Hoagland and Tyler Miller
More Than Conquerors
by Rend Collective
Stronger
by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan
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