Grace and Peace (Philippians 1:1-2)

First Scripture Reading: Psalm 16:1-11

Second Scripture Reading: Acts 16:1-40

Sermon Text: Philippians 1:1-2

As we prepare to worship the Lord in Word and Sacrament, consider these words from Michael Horton:

To be sure, there is much about the Lord’s Supper which invites our curiosity to anxiously probe. Nevertheless, we are treading on holy ground—a mystery beyond human comprehension. That we truly feed on Christ must be maintained.

We are weak. God knows that. Instead of attacking Thomas’ doubt, our Lord invited him to see and feel his wounds. Similarly, he indulges our weakness and doubt, offering us physical, tangible tokens of inward grace. Instead of condemning us for doubt, fear, anxiety, and faithlessness, Christ offered himself as food for the journey in the desert—the Bread of heaven. Just as surely as we take the bread do we take Christ’s body, and just as surely as we drink the cup do we take his blood for our salvation. Just as surely as we cannot sustain our bodies without food and drink, so we cannot hope to flourish in the Christian life without this heavenly meal. (Putting Amaing Back into Grace, p. 194)