Communion Message
Turning Away From Wickedness
May 29, 2005
Pastor Leighton Sheley

Paul writes these words to Timothy: "It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began--to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the coming of Christ Jesus, our Savior, who broke the power of death and showed us the way to everlasting life through the Good News. And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

And that is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return."

"Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. And as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord's rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. Hardworking farmers are the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will give you understanding in all these things."

"I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a true saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself."

"But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Those who claim they belong to the Lord must turn away from all wickedness. ""

Turning away from wickedness, sin, rebellion. That's what mankind chose when they had the opportunity in the garden, and that's what each and every one of us do in some way each and every day whether it be in thought or word or deed because sin resides in our members and we are prone to sin. But thanks be to God and His holy word that says if we confess our sin He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I'd like to invite you, if you are physically able, to join with me now as we kneel in the presence of our Lord and Savior. The Scriptures say at times like this we should examine our self.

Lord, the elements that we hold remind us that freedom is not free, that liberty is always paid for in blood, that Your bloodshed on Calvary's cross gave us victory and brought us liberty and freedom from sin and death and judgment and hell. Thank you Lord for loving us so much. Thank you Lord for remaining faithful when we are unfaithful. Thank you Lord for making promises to us that are good, and always keeping Your promises. We now partake of these communion elements in remembrance of You. Let's partake of the bread, and also the cup.

Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' name we pray, and all God's people said, amen. Let's stand and greet those who come to worship with us today.