tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236664964489234024.post3915150562048882374..comments2023-08-15T05:52:48.509-05:00Comments on will |u| be a disciple? <br>www.willubeadisciple.com: Back to a little preaching...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05129977618289103652noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236664964489234024.post-48164363915467229572008-08-13T09:52:00.000-05:002008-08-13T09:52:00.000-05:00That is a great question. I am new to this congre...That is a great question. I am new to this congregation, but in the three communion services I have been a part of, the prayer of confession has been absent.<BR/><BR/>The corporate prayer of confession is clearly part of the service of word and table. However, it is often absent from modern communion liturgies. We had this same discussion in Corpus Christi where we had one service that included it and another that did not.<BR/><BR/>As to the question, "Have we, as a congregation, begun to think so highly of ourselves that we no longer feel the need to confess our sins and ask for pardon prior to receiving the sacrament?"<BR/><BR/>It would be my guess that this is not the case. Whether or not it is a good or right thing to omit it, the reasons are usually much more pragmatic. For instance, in Corpus Christi, it was a time issue.<BR/><BR/>So, as far as my public thought on the matter, theologically, I agree with your point of view. I believe we need to ask for forgiveness and offer forgiveness (in the standard service the passing of the peace "Let us offer one another signs of reconciliation and love." comes right after the confession and pardon.)<BR/><BR/>But I must also add this thought. Christians of good conscious can also celebrate the sacrament without the formal confession and pardon, trusting in the grace of God, trusting that their sin is already forgiven through the power of the cross and trusting that God will bring good things when we gather to remember, celebrate and look forward when all will be right.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the engaging question. It is a blessing to be surrounded by believers who are engaged in the details of the worshipping life of the congregation.<BR/><BR/>willAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05129977618289103652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236664964489234024.post-8107029591070431862008-08-12T00:03:00.000-05:002008-08-12T00:03:00.000-05:00Will - Enjoyed your sermon very much. You are a gi...Will - Enjoyed your sermon very much. You are a gifted speaker who delivers God's word in a powerful way. We are indeed blessed to have your wisdom and leadership. <BR/>I was, however, disturbed by one aspect of the service. One of the points of your sermon was that even when we fail to make Christ-like choices, God offers forgiveness and pardon. Given that, it was interesting to note that in the communion liturgy that followed your sermon the corporate prayer of confession and pardon was conspicously absent! Have we, as a congregation, begun to think so highly of ourselves that we no longer feel the need to confess our sins and ask for pardon prior to receiving the sacrament? Yes, the Great Thanksgiving is wonderful and uplifting(It is right to give our thanks and praise), but leaving out all that comes before is a little like celebrating the festival of Easter and ignoring Good Friday. Just a thought. I'd be interested to know yours.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236664964489234024.post-46055473730474548812008-08-07T09:45:00.000-05:002008-08-07T09:45:00.000-05:00thanks! I hope all is well in CC!thanks! I hope all is well in CC!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05129977618289103652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2236664964489234024.post-60828056666464883542008-08-07T08:46:00.000-05:002008-08-07T08:46:00.000-05:00This sermon was inspiring! I hope to pass on the ...This sermon was inspiring! I hope to pass on the saying, "Remember who you are."<BR/>a friend from GraceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com