Grace at The Table (Speaking Notes)

Thankfully, the table of the Lord is open to ALL who have chosen to accept the gift of God (Mark 16:15), made perfect in our brokenness, as we are, until the second coming of Christ.

So... "come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden" (Matthew 11:28). Come as you are, realizing that there is nothing you can add to His sacrifice to make it more complete, either with nice cloths or good works, nor is there anything you can do that will diminish its worth or potency, either with evil deeds or your absence.

So... come as you are in what ever you are wearing and in the grips of whatever you are doing or have done (2 Corinthians 12:7).

Come all you who are liers, cheaters, alcoholics, and thieves. Come all you womanizers, homosexuals, worriers, murderers, abusers, losers and more. This table is for you and no one more worthy... for no one is more worthy (Romans 3:23).

Come in your Metalica t-shirts. Come in you torn jeans and your ragged cloths. Come in your, as of yet, sinfulness (2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 3:12).

This table is not a confessional. In the same way you cannot clean your face with a dirty rag, you cannot clean your soul with sinful hands. You cannot make yourself more worthy. That has already been done by another with hands that, first, washed your feet (1 John 4:19).

We will not and should not hinder you in coming to this table. Come as children (Matthew 18:3), and woe to those who try to stop you from coming or get in your way (Luke 17:1,2).

This table is for you because it is not about you (Genesis 22:8).

Come and remember what He did, its finality and authority. Come and remember what He still does (His grace) and why (His love).

*Taking the bread and cup in turn*

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take it; this is my body.' Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. 'This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,' he said to them.
Mark 14:22-24 (NIV)

“…Do this in remembrance of me.”
Luke 22:19 (NIV)