The Visitor
Posted: Friday, April 03, 2009
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
Sunday morning dawned sunny but cool for this Northern Arkansas Lake town of Cherokee Village. The Church was not large, but as small as my own home Church. The simple unassuming outer walls of the building belied the beautiful foyer and Church auditorium into which I entered. The simplicity in itself added so much to the beauty and peace that seemed to radiate from this glorious little country Church.
It was their monthly practice to celebrate the "Lord's Supper" on this particular Sunday and the new pastor wove a beautiful sermon around the physical blood that marked the thresholds in the Passover and the symbolic blood of the Lord's Supper. For as Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Passover, the Lord's Supper was instituted.
It is written:
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and give it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. (Matthew 26: 26-29)
After reading these verses from the Bible, the new pastor asked that if anyone in the audience felt they might not be worthy to share in the Lord's Supper this day or had any concerns pressing down on their souls, would they please come forward and kneel for a moments prayer and supplication. Although a Visitor to this little Church, with my eyes filled with tears, I joined the group that gradually gave in to the tug at their heartstrings. Kneeling at the alter, I gave all my problems and worries over to the Lord and asked for my soul to be purified so that I might, without guilt, partake in the body and blood of our dear sweet Savior.
When I left the Church that Sunday, I hugged the new Pastor and complemented his wonderful sermon. I was so very proud of him-my baby brother. I like to think that I played a minor role in his decision to become a Pastor. I had called him one day and told him he needed to move back to our town because our Church was looking for a Pastor and he was such a talented speaker. He said that's quite a coincidence because his own Church was also looking for a Pastor.
That's when I told him that he should do it-that he would make a great Pastor. Two weeks later he called me back and said, " Well, you did it."
I said, " Did what?" He had made the plunge and had started preaching at his Church and wanted me to come up to hear him. Wild horses couldn't have kept this visitor away. Through the tears and the pride I praised God for His goodness and love and a younger brother so filled with His spirit.
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Top-level comments on this article: (8 total)You Know, they say travel broadens the mind. Great article. Well done.Thank you so much Connor. You comments are appreciated.Sandra
Sandra, I would love to hear your brother preach. Also, it is encouraging to hear of a pastor who follows what the Lord says about coming to the Lord's Supper having nothing against anyone and making peace with anyone that has something against us. I think that means something we have not yet set right. Thank you for a beautiful article.Thank you, Jane. I wish everyone could hear my brother speak of God's goodness and love. No one would go away with a heavy heart. It is so hard to describe just how wonderful hearing God's word through His Son, Jesus Christ, can make a person feel.God Bless,Sandra
Great article Sandra, I bet you are proud of you little brother. My mom wanted me to do that, but that was because I was a entertainer, and I am good at that. I went to 3 years of seminary, and decided not to, although since then....well, I don't know....I am happy to hear that he is a great pastor, and I would be proud of him too!!!! Great read......Your fan, and friend in pen.....GaryGary, I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get into preaching. It is a wonderful profession--if I was a good public speaker, I wouldn't hesitate. Please consider it again; if not now, soon. There is such a great need for more Pastors. I looked on the internet for a pastor for our church and instead found a long list of Churches looking for Pastors. WE NEED YOU. Search your heart and pray.Thanks for reading and commenting.Sandra
Good article Sandra! By the way, How are you doing? May God bless you and wish you a Meaningful Good Friday & Happy Easter in advance.Thank you so much, Chiradeep. I'm doing great and you?Glad you enjoyed the article.SandraI am not keeping well though, but by God's grace I will be healed soon.I am praying for you, Chiradeep. May God in His goodness have mercy on you. He has a plan for us all and will show us the way eventually. Keep the faith and never give up.Sandra
Beautifully written and very touching! I'll be looking for more of your articles.Thank you so much, Grammy and Welcome to SearchWarp.Sandra
hi sandra,this was a warm and inspiring article.it's funny when you think of how many kids grew up in the same household, and yet, went off in different ways to serve the Lord. i have a sister who teaches, a brother who is a sergeant in the police force, and now the kids are all growing up and becoming their own dreams. thanks for sharing with us,my best regards,sueThanks, Sue, for reading and commenting.Have a wonderful week.Sandra
It sounds like you're quite proud of your little brother, and so you should be. Thanks for sharing this great story.I am very proud of my younger brother. We have both come a long way from the wild, young 'horses' we used to be. God has taken an important place in both our lives and we have much to be grateful for.Thanks, David.Sandra
Hi Sandra, what a beautiful testimony of what God has done and is doing in your brothers life. I am so glad to hear he made mention of not taking communion in an unworthy manner. Praise the Lord for you and all who responded. We are not to take it in vain.Lord bless you always! TeresaThank you so much, Teresa. It is always good to hear from you.Happy Easter.Sandra
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