Gotta Have Faith
Matthew 14
Bro. Brad discusses the significance of faith and perseverance
in challenging times.
The Sacred Memorial
Devotional
When we think about memorials, we often picture grand monuments or elaborate ceremonies. Yet God chose something remarkably simple and profound to help us remember the most important event in history - bread and wine. These everyday elements become extraordinary symbols of Christ's sacrifice for us. Just as the Passover lamb's blood protected the Israelites, Jesus became our perfect lamb, offering His body and blood for our salvation. This simple yet profound memorial speaks volumes about God's heart - He meets us where we are, using ordinary things to remind us of His extraordinary love.
Bible Verse
"For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" - 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Reflection Question
How does the simplicity of the Lord's Supper elements (bread and wine) help you connect with the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice in a personal way?
Sermon Quote
God has given us the greatest memorial of all in the little bread, in the little cup.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for giving us such a beautiful way to remember Your sacrifice. Help me to never take this sacred memorial for granted, but to approach it with reverence and gratitude. Amen.
Have a Great Day!
Always remember that the Great Shepherd loves the sheep!
Bro Chad
Remembering His Death
Devotional
In our Christian walk, we celebrate many aspects of Jesus' life - His birth at Christmas, His resurrection at Easter. Yet Jesus specifically commanded us to remember one thing above all else - His death. This focus isn't meant to be morbid, but to constantly remind us of the depth of His love and the price He paid for our salvation. When we participate in the Lord's Supper, we're doing exactly what Jesus asked of us - keeping the memory of His sacrifice fresh in our hearts and minds.
Bible Verse
"For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." - 1 Corinthians 11:26
Reflection Question
Why do you think Jesus specifically asked us to remember His death rather than other aspects of His life and ministry?
Sermon Quote
Jesus never ever told us to remember His birth. Never in the New Testament. In the teachings, He tells us that we're not to remember His life. Never are we to recall his teachings, even though that would be good, and we should. But what did He say? He said specifically we are to remember His death.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to deeply understand the significance of Your death and why You want us to remember it. May this memory transform how I live each day. Amen.
Have a Great Day!
Always remember that the Great Shepherd loves the sheep!
Bro Chad
A Heart Check
Devotional
The Lord's Supper isn't just a ritual - it's an invitation to examine our hearts. Like a spiritual mirror, it reveals areas where we need growth and healing. This self-examination isn't meant to condemn us but to draw us closer to God and each other. When we honestly face our sins and shortcomings, we create space for God's grace to work in our lives. This sacred moment becomes an opportunity for spiritual renewal and restored relationships.
Bible Verse
"Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." - 1 Corinthians 11:28
Reflection Question
What areas of your life need honest examination and potential reconciliation with God or others?
Sermon Quote
The whole purpose of the Lord's Supper is to Force you to get right with God so that you can get right with those around you.
Prayer
Father, give me the courage to examine my heart honestly. Help me identify areas where I need Your healing and grace. Guide me in restoring any broken relationships. Amen.
Have a Great Day!
Always remember that the Great Shepherd loves the sheep!
Bro Chad
A Sacred Privilege
Devotional
Participating in the Lord's Supper is not a right, but a sacred privilege reserved for those who have committed their lives to Christ. This special meal is for believers who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and who approach with sincere hearts. It's not about being perfect - it's about being honest with God and ourselves. When we come with genuine hearts, acknowledging our need for grace, we experience the full blessing of this intimate communion with Christ.
Bible Verse
"So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 11:27
Reflection Question
How does viewing the Lord's Supper as a privilege rather than a ritual change your approach to this sacred practice?
Sermon Quote
Two things to qualify you for the Lord's Supper. Number one is that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. The second thing is that you're willing to be honest about any sin in your life.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the privilege of participating in this sacred meal. Help me approach it with reverence, honesty, and gratitude. Amen.
Have a Great Day!
Always remember that the Great Shepherd loves the sheep!
Bro Chad
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Devotional
The Lord's Supper uniquely connects past and future - it's both a memorial and a promise. As we remember Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we simultaneously anticipate His glorious return. This dual focus gives us hope and purpose. We're not just remembering a historical event; we're participating in a living promise. Each time we partake, we're proclaiming our faith in both what Christ has done and what He will do.
Bible Verse
"For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his." - Romans 6:5
Reflection Question
How does the promise of Christ's return influence your present-day faith and actions?
Sermon Quote
The Lord's Supper is a link between two comings of Jesus. It's a picture of His death, but it's also a promise of His coming again.
Prayer
Jesus, as I remember Your death, fill me with hope for Your return. Help me live each day in light of both Your sacrifice and Your promise to come again. Amen.
Have a Great Day!
Always remember that the Great Shepherd loves the sheep!
Bro Chad
Anacoco First Baptist Church
4813 Port Arthur Ave, Anacoco, La 71403, US
