About 500 years ago you couldn’t practice communion the way we do now. Back then, it was the custom of the priest to hold the bread in his hand and lay it upon your tongue. Many Roman Catholic Churches continue this practice today, as a matter of fact. But there is a reason why Protestants discontinued this practice and allowed the participants to lay hold of the elements themselves. It is because we recognize that there is significance to the actions of the Sacrament. You may recall that the bible says, “Take, eat.” These words are more than simple commands. They are symbolic of faith itself. For our purposes today, it is important to note that we can reach out and lay hold of the bread and take the cup in our own hands. These actions represent our belief in faith alone. As we grab hold of these elements we are not just grabbing something to eat. In all actuality we are saying, “I need Jesus and I believe that he alone can save me from my sins.” Just as I receive in my hands these elements, I receive with the hands of faith he who alone can make me right with God.” Fencing of the table That is also why we ask that those who do not make this profession not participate with us in this meal. To lay hold of these without true faith is an act of hypocrisy. It is making a confession that you do not really believe. Invitation to Communion But those who are here today who realize the depth of their sin and how utterly lost they are without Jesus, you may come. As a matter of fact, you must come. For Christ holds himself out to you today. He offers himself in this sacrament so that you might rest in his perfect atonement and righteousness.
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