We continue with the Biblical metaphor of the church as the bride of Christ, and what this shows us about the close communion between Christ and His church, the bride sharing in the wealth of the bridegroom, and the sure return of the bridegroom to claim His bride.

This sermon argues that infant baptism lacks biblical warrant because the New Covenant establishes distinct ordinances determined by Christ rather than continuing Old Testament physical descent rules. The author contends that historical precedent for infant baptism is insufficient to override Scripture, especially when compared to the rejection of infant communion by later theologians. It clarifies that while historic Christian figures may have held erroneous views on baptism, their salvation remains secure through faith in Christ alone. The central challenge shifts from demanding a cancellation notice for infant membership to finding positive scriptural authority for including unprofessing infants in the visible church. Ultimately, the text asserts that true covenant privileges require personal faith and regeneration, not merely inherited status or early sacramental administration.

Consecutive Reading: Malachi 1, Romans 9 Psalm Singing: Psalm 13, St. Kilda; 116:1-8, Artaxerxes; 31:21-24, St. Lawrence Sermon Title: "Love to the Loveless" Sermon Scripture: Malachi 1:2-5 Sermon Series: Communion September 2026 Pastor: J. Logan Shelton Date: 9-10-2026 Service: Preparatory

Title: What Doest Thou Here, Elijah? Speaker: Gavin Beers Date: September 10, 2026 Reading: 1 Kings 19 Text: 1 Kings 19:9

This devotional clarifies the Heidelberg Catechism's teaching on the Lord's Supper, specifically addressing whether the bread and wine physically transform into Christ's body and blood. The speaker argues against transubstantiation and mere memorialism, proposing instead a sacramental union where believers participate in the spiritual reality of Christ through faith. By examining passages such as 1 Corinthians 10 and the institution narratives, the text establishes that the elements remain materially unchanged while serving as effective signs and seals of grace. The central message emphasizes that the true benefit of the sacrament is received spiritually by faith, not through physical consumption. This understanding deepens the worshiper's appreciation for the gospel comfort found in communion.

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on the fourth petition of the Lord's Prayer, 'Give us this day our daily bread' (Matthew 6:11), the first petition that addresses physical, temporal needs. He explains that 'bread' is a synecdoche for all bodily sustenance, citing Genesis 3:19, Psalm 104:15, Psalm 132:15, and the Heidelberg Catechism, and notes the request is deliberately modest—today's necessities, not riches—paralleling Agur's prayer in Proverbs 30:8. Hogan says the petition cultivates daily prayer, dependence on God's providence, contentment (1 Timothy 6:8), gratitude modeled on Jesus's mealtime thanksgivings, generosity toward needy believers (James 2), sanctified enjoyment of God's gifts (Psalm 104, Ecclesiastes), and prayerful labor, as in Moses's plea to 'establish the work of our hands'—the opposite of Nebuchadnezzar's boast. Believers should pray this petition confidently (Psalm 37:25; 34:9) and seek provisions so they may hallow God's name and seek His kingdom (1 Corinthians 10:31). Practically, parents should teach children that food on the table is a product of God's beneficence, to be received thankfully without grumbling like Israel craving Egypt's food. He closes with Ursinus's warning that the petition restrains 'raging and boundless desires,' echoing Matthew Henry: 'nature is content with little, grace with less, lust with nothing.'

The sermon emphasizes that genuine prayer originates from the Spirit of adoption within the believer rather than human education or custom. It contrasts superficial religious eloquence with the sincere, simple devotion of those who rely on spiritual grace. The text asserts that the ability to pray authentically is a definitive mark of being a child of God and possessing the Holy Spirit. True communion with God depends on the inner condition of the heart rather than external forms or vocabulary. Believers are urged to seek this divine gift from Heaven, approaching God with fervency, reverence, and confident intimacy.

This devotional explores the theological significance of the Lord's Supper as a means of grace where believers spiritually feed on Christ through faith rather than physical consumption. Drawing from the Heidelberg Catechism and passages in 1 Corinthians and John 6, it clarifies that while the sacrament is not essential for salvation, it serves as a vital sign and seal of the believer's union with Jesus. The preacher emphasizes that partaking in the Eucharist is an act of thanksgiving and participation in Christ's body and blood, reinforcing the promise of eternal life. Using the analogy of a wedding ring, the text illustrates how outward symbols confirm inward spiritual realities without constituting the relationship itself. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to embrace the Lord's Supper with joy and faith as a reminder of their belonging to Christ.

This sermon instructs believers on the proper attitude and method of prayer by examining Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6. It contrasts hypocritical displays and mindless repetition with sincere, private communion with God. The preacher emphasizes that prayer is not about persuading a distant deity but engaging in intimate fellowship with a Father who already knows human needs. True prayer involves mindful dependence on God rather than attempting to manipulate outcomes through verbose petitions. The message challenges the audience to cultivate consistent, heartfelt prayer as a means of spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.

This sermon explores the theological significance of the Lord's Supper as outlined in 1 Corinthians 11, urging believers to approach the table with reverence and self-examination. The preacher identifies three essential directions for contemplation: looking backward to commemorate Christ's sacrificial death, looking forward to celebrate His resurrection and promised return, and looking inward to examine one's heart for unconfessed sin. Emphasizing that participation requires a sober attitude rather than mere ritualistic habit, the message highlights the necessity of personal introspection and repentance before partaking in the elements. The central theme asserts that hope rests not in human worthiness but in the finished work of Jesus Christ, whose blood provides redemption and purification. Ultimately, the service calls for a renewed fellowship with God through honest confession and grateful remembrance of His grace.