Thursday, October 22, 2015

The Gathering - Part Ten


Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines communion as, "a close relationship with someone or something." The second aspect of our purpose as we gather together is to celebrate the communion that is now possible with God

When we have remembered Christ's atoning sacrifice it leads us to celebration. What we are celebrating is communion with God. Again, this should give us pause for awe and wonder. The sovereign creator of the universe and the One who is holy and righteous is the One that we have rebelled against. Our sin has caused death and more specifically a separation from Him. Yet He desires and has made a way for us to draw near, to commune with Him. Bob Kauflin writes in Worship Matters, 
"For centuries prior to the coming of Christ, the high priest represented God's people once a year as he entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for their sins. The holiest man from the holiest tribe offered the holiest sacrifice in the holiest place for the holiest people on earth. To attempt to draw near to God in any other way or by any other means would result in certain death (Leviticus 16:2). Now Jesus has entered a holier place, the heavenly sanctuary, having atoned for our sins and having torn down the veil separating us from God."
It is only through Christ's perfect sacrifice that we are able to commune with God but the good news is that we are able to draw near. What a blessed hope!

"Father, may we never lose the wonder of the ability that we have through Christ to have communion with You. May our time together this week be a true celebration of our relationship with You and may we recognize how vital this communion with You is to our worship and our lives. Amen."

Songs for Our Gathering this Week:


Rejoice
     by Dustin Kensrue | Stuart Townend

Awesome is the Lord Most High
     by Chris Tomlin

Jesus Son of God
     by Chris Tomlin | Matt Maher | Jason Ingram

The Greatness of Our God
     by Stuart Garrard | Jason Ingram | Rueben Morgan

Even So Come
     by Chris Tomlin | Jess Cates | Jason Ingram

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