First Baptist Church of New Holland PA

THE COMFORT OF COMMUNION

John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

If there’s one thing most of us need on a regular basis, it’s comfort. We are bombarded every day with discomfort and turmoil in the news, on the job, in the family, in our hearts, and sometimes in our church. It’s unavoidable.

This week we mourned with John, as his beloved wife, and our sister in Christ, Bev, went home to be with Jesus. I want to thank you for being part of that comfort for John and his family. As your pastor, I’m proud of you and thank God for you.

And here we are the day after these events, thankful for the comfort our Lord gives, but still needing comfort. Thankfully, when we turn to our wonderful God, we have an endless supply.

As you know, we celebrate Communion, or The Lord’s Table on a regular basis. This Jesus told us to do. Recently, the Lord showed me that there’s “Comfort in Communion” or “Comfort at the Lord’s Table”. I hadn’t looked at it this way before.

To reflect about the comfort that we have at the Lord’s Table, let’s combine a verse we mostly all knew with a few verses in 1 Corinthians 11. Please say John 3:16 with me.

We are Comforted by the Memory of His Suffering.

1 Corinthians 11:23-25

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, – This meant the Lord Jesus giving his body and shedding His blood as a sacrifice for our sins. It’s for us!

2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 9:22

Be comforted!

We are Comforted by the Mercy of His Forgiveness.

1 Corinthians 11:26 – We proclaim our faith in His death

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9

God, in his mercy and his grace, made forgiveness a free gift! – Take the gift if you haven’t. Appreciate the gift if you have!

Be comforted!

We are Comforted by the Majesty of His Return.

1 Corinthians 11:26 – till He comes

but have everlasting life.

• Resurrection of the Saints – 1 Corinthians 15:53-57
• Reciprocation against Satan and Company – Revelation 19:19-20:3
• Reign of Christ – Isaiah 11
• Rebirth of Heaven and Earth – Revelation 21:1-5

BE COMFORTED!