I don’t know if any of you ever watched the television programme the ‘A-Team’ which was screened in the 1980s? (Was one of my favourites – I told you I need your prayers). The A-Team was an American adventure series about a fictional group of 4 ex-soldiers who were called upon to help those in need, the underdog and the oppressed. The A-Team were there to bring justice in their way to those who appeared to have no hope. Hannibal Smith, the leader, would always come up with an idea to win the day and deliver the people they were called upon to help and save. And win the day they certainly did. They righted the wrongs. After being proved right and bringing ‘justice’ to the oppressed and downtrodden, Hannibal always used this phrase, “I love it when a plan comes together”.

God looked down on a lost world and wondered what He could do to deliver and save its people. He came up with a plan. He’d give His only Son. “You shall call His name Jesus for He shall save the people from their sins.” This was God’s plan of salvation. And because it was God’s plan it worked. One sacrifice for sins for ever is the answer and so God offered His Son. “This Jesus was delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23). Jesus became the one sacrifice for sin at Calvary. Calvary for Jesus is a finished transaction, one sacrifice for He will never have to go to Calvary again. The place where sin has finally and fully been dealt with. That’s the promise of God. I love it when a plan comes together.

When Jesus cried ‘It is finished’ it wasn’t whispered in defeat or in weakness or in despair, it was cried out to the world with a ringing note of victory. Accomplished, finished. The cross of Calvary, the cross of Christ, let us always bear in mind these words written by someone, “Christ won the battle at Calvary so we might win the battle here. Christ triumphed there, so that we with his help and strength might triumph here.”

Acts 2:25 goes on to say, “But God raised Him from the dead…” And Colossians 3:1 reminds us that we have been raised with Christ. And so by Jesus’ life giving word we step out of the death of sin, renewed by Jesus into newness of life, in other words, live like resurrected men and women. May we know that victory and triumph as we walk daily with our Lord, bearing that in mind not only as individuals but as lay preachers, we serve a risen Saviour.

May God richly bless you this Easter and the days that lie ahead as you continue to serve Him.

Jim

Every communion special and unique

George Petrie, Active Member, Broxburn

How important is Communion?

All sorts of superlatives are likely to be used to describe the importance of Communion in a Baptist setting. But, I would suggest that to a casual observer communion could appear on many a Sunday morning in a Baptist to be just another ‘item on the agenda’. I suspect that for many regular attenders Communion has become little more than another item in our Worship.

Most of us have participated in and have also lead Communion on innumerable occasions.

How are we doing, especially as Lay Preachers when we lead Communion?

Is it necessary to seek to make this regular, familiar event special and fresh, to be innovative?

Communion can be too easy. Most of us can, at the drop of a hat, get up there and lead Communion. The pattern is familiar, the reading from1st Corinthians standard. The quotes before the bread and wine easy to find.

Is there a need to get hot and bothered about this weekly event in our churches?
I say YES, without a doubt. This great mystery acted out before us week by week can often be a weak imitation of what it should and could be!

Let’s not take Communion for granted as just another part of the weekly routine. Preparation is vital. In another area of regular Christian activity, prayer a former Archbishop of Canterbury was asked how long he spent in prayer each day. ‘Two minutes’ he respond, to the surprise and consternation of the inquirers. Then he went on ‘After twenty eight minutes of preparation’.

So how do we prepare for Communion when we take a service? I think we have to avoid allowing Communion to take over the service. What I mean is avoiding going to take a service at which Communion will be included and build the service around Communion. Communion has distinctive, vital, life giving importance at every service in which it is celebrated.

A few general and specific thoughts I would have in mind when preparing for Communion:

• We come to Communion ‘not because we must’ but ‘because we may’.
• We come to meet with the risen Christ.
• We come with our own enthusiasm or lack of enthusiasm on any particular week. When leading Communion we need to recognise that communion cannot be a one size fits all.
• Communion should not stand alone, but should link to the Sermon and the other aspects of Worship in the service. This can be done through the words of a hymn or chorus, through the Scriptures read (not necessarily 1st Corinthians 11), by the words used when the bread and wine is distributed, at a short time of prayer with a focus that reflects the wider service. Visual backdrops can be helpful (Power Point). Re running the sermon should be avoided! I think it is best to let the words chosen for communion make the link and not ‘insult’ the congregation.
• Provide space, quietness sometimes - to enable folk to remember, to reflect and to meet with the One who is the host.

See the example of the Communion Service with an accompanying Power Point for the Communion period of the service.

If you would like to comment, discuss or debate any of the above please feel free to email me on george@gmpetrie.plus.com or give me a ring on 01506 856274.