communion

Judged by the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:31-32)

February 19, 2015 // 53 Comments

Are you good enough to take communion? To me, this is an absurd question, like asking whether you are good enough to hear the gospel. But to many it is not an absurd question. It is a serious question because a wrong answer could make you sick and kill you! From whence comes this ridiculous notion? It comes from [...]

Can Unbelievers Take Communion?

March 31, 2013 // 105 Comments

Communion ought to be a time of celebrating Christ’s finished work on the cross. It ought to be a time when we proclaim his victory over sin and sickness. Yet for many, communion is a time of navel-gazing self-examination. It’s a time of asking, Am I good enough for God? Am I worthy? Jesus said “take this [...]

Who Can Take Communion?

April 13, 2011 // 132 Comments

Ever heard this said at church? And now as we turn to the communion table, I would like to invite all those who love Jesus and call him Lord to join with us in partaking of the elements. If you’re visiting with us today and you don’t know Jesus, feel free to spend this time in quiet reflection. Communion is [...]

1 Corinthians 11:26-32

April 12, 2011 // 32 Comments

A big part of the communion-confusion stems from a misreading of Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians. As I have not found a good translation of 1 Corinthians 11:26-32, I have provided my own paraphrase below. (I looked at the meaning of the original Greek behind some of the words in an earlier post.) Take [...]

Taking Communion in an Unworthy Manner

April 10, 2011 // 198 Comments

I remember as a 10 year old boy watching in terror as the communion plate came closer and closer. Why was I afraid? Because there was unresolved sin in my life – I had argued with my sister before church! I knew that those who took communion in an unworthy manner risked condemnation, even death, for the Bible [...]

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus: Five Reasons to Thank Him

July 1, 2010 // 23 Comments

The gospel of grace is underwritten by the most precious commodity in the universe – the blood of Jesus. Some have lost sight of an important truth, possibly the most important truth, which is this: no blood means no salvation. And no redemption, no forgiveness, no sanctification, and no future. Without the [...]

Jesus’ Medicine – Tastes Like Ribena

April 24, 2010 // 14 Comments

My 5 year old came home from school with a fever. We wrapped her up in her doona, made her comfortable on the couch, and prayed for her. She got worse. By the time dinner was served she was lying on the floor moaning. She said she couldn’t get up. It was time for Jesus’ Medicine! It might surprise you to [...]