Prayers Devotionals

  How Often Should the Lord's Supper/Communion Be Observed? Betty Dunn Contributing Writer The Lord’s Supper, Communion, and the Eucharist are all names for the same thing. What became known as The Lord’s Supper, and the other names given for it, was when Jesus asked his disciples at their last dinner together to remember Him whenever they broke bread and drank wine. The request—or “ordinance,” in religious terms—honors Christ’s sacrifice of his life on the cross when He died for our sins. How often do we need to remember Jesus’ sacrifice by observing communion? When Christians decide this, it helps them determine which Christian worship service meets their spiritual needs. What each Christian denomination believes and how often a church observes the Lord’s Supper varies. How Do Different Denominations Interpret the Lord’s Supper? To get an idea of how different traditions view this event, here are some views from church law and various priests and pastors giving their views on Quo...

 Unbelief and Its Consequences NASB  18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth [l]in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident [m]within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not [n]honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and [o]crawling creatures. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 Fo...

 Have you ever tithed, volunteered at church, attended a Sunday service, or spent time in prayer? Of course I have, you’re probably thinking. But did you think of such activities as kingdom-building, mission-sustaining work? It’s easy to accept these regular practices as essential to the formula of Christian life. You might even think they’re basic. But in those small acts, you’re actually doing something great: You’re demonstrating that you treasure everything God has provided you. Through generous giving, service, and worship, you’re not simply being a good steward—you’re offering these gifts back to Him in love. Think about it • Take a moment to consider the gifts God has given to you—talents and abilities, opportunities you’ve received, or things you own. Now ask God to help you enjoy them and to reveal ways they can bring Him glory. • Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). In which areas do you feel confident...

 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. —Galatians 3:24 When God gave the law, He knew that man was incapable of keeping it. Many persons are confused as to why God gave the law, if He knew man could not possibly keep it. The Bible teaches that the law was given as a mirror; I look into the law and see my spiritual condition. I see how far short I come, and this drives me to the cross of Christ for forgiveness. The Bible teaches that this is why Christ came—to redeem them that were under the law. Man could not keep the law; he was condemned by the law. Prayer for the day How I need Your guidelines, Lord. Teach me to be always mindful of Your leading.

  Do you want a house for your soul? Do you ask, "What is the purchase?" It is something less than proud human nature will like to give. It is without money and without price. Ah! you would like to pay a respectable rent! You would love to do something to win Christ? Then you cannot have the house, for it is "without price." Will you take my Master's house on a lease for all eternity, with nothing to pay for it, nothing but the ground-rent of loving and serving him forever? Will you take Jesus and "dwell in him?" See, this house is furnished with all you want, it is filled with riches more than you will spend as long as you live. Here you can have intimate communion with Christ and feast on his love; here are tables well-stored with food for you to live on forever; in it, when weary, you can find rest with Jesus; and from it you can look out and see heaven itself. Will you have the house? Ah! if you are houseless, you will say, "I should like to h...

 What Did Jesus Preach? The predominant focus of mainstream Christianity is the undeserved crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the subsequent forgiveness of sins that is available through accepting that sacrifice. While this selfless act was and is unquestionably momentous, and its effects exceedingly far-reaching, many would be shocked to find out that the Bible defines the gospel differently than what they have always been told. A thoughtful reading shows that accepting Christ's blood in payment of our sins—as foundationally important as it is—is actually not the focus of the "good news" that He brought and that the apostles continued to preach. In addition to dying for our sins, Jesus Christ came to earth as a messenger from God the Father: Behold, I send My messenger [John the Baptist], and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," ...