Today Norma Jean and I are in Chillicothe, Ohio. I’m preaching in a meeting with at the church where my good friend Dan DeGarmo ministers. We’ve been with these fine brethren in the past and it’s a pleasure to return.
We are considering the theme “Restoring Our Focus.” It’s an emphasis on renewing our spiritual vision. Of seeing what is really important in our Christian walk. Of setting our sights on those things that are above and not on the things where are below.
One part of our focus is on fellowship. To enjoy closeness in our Christian community. Warm Fellowship. Right Relationships. A feeling of Family. Happy Comradeship. And mutual responsibilities.
Yet I am reminded on this day that it is all possible because we are one in Christ (Rom.12:5). Because He loved us when we were unlovable, humbled himself when we were haughty, and became obedient to the death of the cross when we were rebellious, we enjoy the wonderful privileges of fellowship. With one another. And with Him.
And so on this Lord’s day we collective focus on Jesus. On the cross. On communion, not only with each other, but with Him.
The supper we eat together today reminds me of this. “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread”. (1 Cor 10:1:6-17).
We enjoy a oneness of relationship. Of heart. Of soul. Of spiritual aspirations. And what is really neat and unique is how we can journey to various places around the country, and even the world, and share this same oneness. The same unity of the spirit in the bond of faith, hope and love. This year, we’ve enjoyed communion with over dozen different churches around the country. Yet, each time, in each place, we’ve share in a common communion with Christ. Lord willing, next Sunday I’ll be back in Kansas City and commune with my church family there.
On this Lord’s day, where ever we worship, and with whom ever we worship, may we always be mindful of who we are. And what the Lord has done for us. Yes, we “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But we have been “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Rom 3:24-25.
Thank you, Lord, for this day of remembrance. Communion. Fellowship. And thank you for enlightening our spiritual eyes that we may focus on what really matters.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Ken:
I like you emphasis on the Lord’s Supper memorial. Too often it is hurried and seems like it’s just “something to get over” rather than a central part of the assembly on the first day of the week. Certainly all the elements of worship are important, both for edification and obedience to God’s commands; however, the Memorial Supper is the stated purpose for the assembly on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) and should be given the full respect it is due. Preaching, singing, and prayers are all equally important, but still the Memorial (and the collection) is the only done on the first day.
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Well said, Richard. You would have liked the service where I preached today at the church in Chillicothe. Great emphasis given to the supper by Dan Degarmo with songs, prayers, scripture and preaching.
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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