A historic faith must speak to the life you are living now. You may appreciate old hymns and beautiful churches while still wondering what any of it has to do with your guilt, your grief, or the week ahead.

The Lord’s Supper answers with a promise addressed to sinners: Christ’s body and blood are given and shed for you.

Forgiveness you do not have to earn

Jesus gave His body into death and poured out His blood for the sins of the world. His sacrifice is complete. The Lord’s Supper does not repeat His death or add to what He accomplished on the cross.

In this Sacrament, the risen Lord gives the body and blood offered there, with the forgiveness He won. His promise directs you away from the task of making yourself worthy of God’s love.

You cannot undo the harsh word you spoke. You cannot recover the years you wasted. You cannot silence your conscience by collecting enough good deeds. You can confess your sin and hear what Jesus promises.

He has mercy for sinners. His gifts are sufficient.

Faith rests on His Word

What if your faith feels weak? What if you come burdened and leave without a dramatic feeling?

The strength of the promise rests on the One who makes it. Faith trusts His words. Repentant Christians come needing the forgiveness He gives.

That does not make receiving the Sacrament a mechanical guarantee of blessing apart from faith. St. Paul warns about unworthy reception in 1 Corinthians 11:27–29. Christ’s gift calls us to repentance, faith, and care for one another.

The LCMS teaching on the Lord’s Supper explains its connection to forgiveness, life, and salvation. The church treasures the Sacrament because she treasures the Savior who gives it.

Why we speak with visitors about Communion

At Immanuel, we confess that receiving Communion together expresses unity in what we believe. Our practice of closed Communion belongs to the pastoral care of this holy gift.

We ordinarily commune members of LCMS congregations and churches in fellowship with us. If you wish to receive, please speak with Pastor Braaten before the service, including if you are visiting from another LCMS congregation.

If you are unfamiliar with Christianity or come from another church tradition, you are welcome to attend worship. Come hear the preaching, listen to the prayers, and learn what we confess. Questions are a good place to begin.

Come and see

The historical witnesses gathered in Pastor Mark Surburg’s article remind us that Christians have long confessed the reality of Christ’s gift. That confession still brings comfort to people who need His mercy today.

If you are seeking a church in Tuscola where Christ’s Word and Sacraments stand at the center, plan a visit to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Our visitor page explains what to expect and how to contact the pastor.

Come and listen. Bring your questions. We would be glad to meet you and help you learn more about Jesus Christ, crucified and risen for you.

Earlier in this series: What Jesus promises in Communion and what the early church believed about Communion.