A Perfect Deliverance Series

- Obviously, as a Baptist, I view Communion as a symbol and reminder of what Jesus did for us through His sacrifice on the Cross…

- But we don’t believe it becomes the body and blood of Christ, like the Lutherans and the Catholics.

- Chaplain Stull explained that we didn’t have to participate in the Communion if we weren’t comfortable, but that if we did, we didn’t have to view it as the Lutherans did…we could view it however our denomination taught.

- Anyways, the reason I tell you that is because even though he and I viewed Communion differently since we were from different denominations, we both were coming together as believers and followers of Christ to remember what He did for us through His sacrifice.

- When it comes to us celebrating Communion, it’s very important for us to observe regularly because we should constantly be remembering what Jesus did for us.

- I believe it helps us love Him even more.

- Unfortunately, there are certain Churches, even some Baptist churches, that celebrate what’s called Closed Communion.

- With closed Communion, you must be a member of the church in order to take Communion.

- If you’re visiting from a different church, they will not allow you to partake because they don’t know your background, or your beliefs, and they don’t want to serve Communion to an unbeliever, or a person who has not joined the church.

- Our church practices Open Communion, which I believe is the way all churches should observe Communion.

- If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, even if you’re just visiting, you’re welcome to partake of the Lord’s Supper because you are part of the family of God, part of the Universal Church, which is believers all over the world.

- In Scripture, God does give us very specific instructions on how to observe Communion, and we’re going to look at that shortly after the final hymn.

- Just like Passover was extremely important to the Jews, Communion should be extremely important to us as well.

- In closing, I’d like to tell you about the love of Jesus Christ.

- Just like He delivered the Children of Israel from their bondage in Egypt, He also delivers us from sin and darkness.

- He left His place in Heaven to become one of us, then He gave Himself on the cross, dying for the sins of the world, yours and mine included.

- Three days later, He rose from the grave, and now is back in Heaven, on His throne.

- One day, we will experience complete and total deliverance from the sin of this world and the weaknesses of our flesh, when we join Him in Heaven for all of eternity.

- What a wonderful day that will be.

- If you’ve never given your life to Jesus, you can do so today.

- Let’s pray.