Proper Preparation For Spiritual Health

By Pastor Benjamin Glaser - Posted at Thoughts From Parson Farms:

Why Christians Need to Take Time to Consider the Daily Blessing of the Sacraments

Good Morning,

Big questions with big answers today. The main message in view is to help believers come to see that the Sacraments, but especially the Lord’s Supper, are to be understood as blessings which are a continual fount of goodness to Christians. From the moment of partaking through the days and weeks which pass there is spiritual fruit to be enjoyed from the eating and drinking of the body and blood of Christ. We talked before how the signs and seals of the new covenant are meant by the design of God to point us to the promises Jehovah has made to His people. As we walk through the Q/A’s we will see more clearly how in real life that is supposed to happen.

Here they are:

Q. 174. What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s supper in the time of the administration of it?

A. It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance, diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions, heedfully discern the Lord’s body, and affectionately meditate on his death and suffering, and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces; in judging themselves, and sorrowing for sin; in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ, feeding on him by faith, receiving of his fulness, trusting in his merits, rejoicing in his love, giving thanks for his grace; in renewing of their covenant with God, and love to all the saints.

Q. 175. What is the duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord’s supper?

A. The duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein, and with what success; if they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for it, beg the continuance of it, watch against relapses, fulfil their vows, and encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance: but if they find no present benefit, more exactly to review their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacrament; in both which, if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences, they are to wait for the fruit of it in due time: but, if they see they have failed in either, they are to be humbled, and to attend upon it afterwards with more care and diligence.

Continue here.