This month in Sunday worship, we are exploring our Wesleyan theological foundations. One theological question some of us have asked is, Why do we take Holy Communion so frequently at Timberlake? That is an excellent question.
In 1787, our spiritual founder John Wesley published a sermon called, The Duty of Constant Communion, in which he argued that the followers of Jesus should partake of the Lord’s Supper as often as possible. Here is his rationale:
1. The first reason is that it is a plain command of Christ, who said to us, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
2. The benefits of doing it are great: the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening and refreshing our souls.
3. The first Christians shared Holy Communion every Lord’s day (Sunday), and for centuries they received it every weekday as well.
4. By eating bread and drinking wine, we receive outward signs of inward grace, the body and blood of Christ.
5. Yes, we are unworthy to receive it; all the more reason we need it is that it is the mercy of God for us sinners.
6. If we lack meaning in the experience, it is not because Christ failed to be present but because we neglected to prepare our souls to meet him at the table. We should come in confession of our sin and celebration of his sacrifice for us.
7. Holy Communion remains one of our greatest ways to share the gospel's good news. As Paul said in First Corinthians 11:26, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
These are John Wesley’s reasons for frequent communion. What reasons can you add to the list? See you Sunday!
With love,
Pastor Brad
