July Calendar 2026

Worship Bulletin

Children Bulletin

Grace to you, and peace in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

Last Week We Left the Table Asking One More Question

Last week we look at how an ordinary meal of bread and wine becomes an extraordinary gift because Jesus Himself is present in it. We saw His promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation through this Holy Meal.¹

Today another question naturally follows. Who receives this Sacrament worthily? Put another way who is allowed to receive it? Jesus gives wonderful promises in this Meal. He also gives a serious warning.

God’s Warnings Are Every Bit as True as His Promises

The Apostle Paul writes:

Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord…

Anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the Body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.²

We should gladly believe God’s promises. We trust Him when He says He forgives sins through Jesus’ sacrifice. We should also believe Him when He warns us of danger. Warnings have a purpose. A sign saying, “Bridge Out Ahead” is placed there because someone who cares enough to prevent disaster. Ignoring the sign never changes the condition of the bridge. God’s warnings work the same way. They are acts of His love.

The Small Catechism teaches us to prepare for this Meal through repentance and faith, believing Jesus’ words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.³”

A Shepherd Must Warn When Danger Is Near

In Ezekiel chapter three God called Ezekiel to serve as a watchman.⁴ A watchman who sees danger and remains silent has failed his calling. God’s point was faithful shepherds or pastors stand in the same place. He speaks because souls matter. Every Christian has the responsibility to hear God’s Word, examine oneself, and receive Jesus’ gifts in faith.

Pastors bear a responsibility to teach clearly about God’s Word which gives both promises and warnings. Love, real genuine Christian care, does sometimes speaks difficult words because eternal life is worth protecting.

Why We Practice Close Communion

That is why our church practices something called “Closed Communion.” Many misunderstand, misteach, and misuse this practice. They use it to exclude people. It is far too often used as a weapon or in a profoundly uncaring ways void of a care of souls. Christian love leads us in profoundly different direction.

To understand that look at it this way: Parents have rules because they love their children. They don’t hand the car keys to a seven-year-old. They don’t allow a small child to play with dangerous equipment or even the stove in the kitchen. Those rules exist for protection. God give boundaries because He loves us. If God tells us this Meal can bring harm when received carelessly, Christian love should take His warning seriously.

Imagine someone reaching for a bottle containing poison while believing it held something good. How many cleaning liquids look like fruit juice? Would Christian love quietly watch not want to impose? Certainly not. Love would warn before harm is done.

Our practice flows from the same concern. We should be desperate for every person who comes to this altar to receive Jesus’ gifts with faith, confidence, joy, and understanding.

Our Goal Is Always Welcome Through Faith

Our desire is to welcome more people to Christ’s Table, not less, but we want them to come under God’s grace not His judgment. For that reason: We teach. We answer questions. We patiently open God’s Word. We want every visitor, friend, neighbor, and family member to share fully in Jesus’ gifts in true unity of faith.⁵ When people receive this Sacrament with repentance and faith, they leave this altar strengthened by Jesus Himself, knowing and absolutely certain His forgiveness belongs to them.

Looking Ahead

Today’s question helps us understand why the Church carefully prepares people for this Holy Meal. Never to send them away, but to prepare them. So then how do we all come? Next time we will move that one step further and ask: How does a sinner prepare to receive Christ’s Body and Blood with confidence and without fear?

That final question leads us deeper into the comfort our Lord gives through His Holy Supper.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

As We Gather