Communion That Confronts and Comforts
The Bread, the Blood, and the Invitation:
A Recap of a Holy Moment at Garden City
Pastor Aaron Rios | April 6, 2025 | Garden City Church
What an unforgettable Sunday at Garden City Church! The presence of God was thick in the room, and our extended time in worship created an atmosphere that was both intimate and powerful. You could feel the hunger for more of God—and He met us there.
Many came forward, believing by faith for healing, breakthrough, and fresh fire. Some will soon share their testimonies, while others continue waiting in hopeful expectation. Let me encourage you: don’t stop believing. The God of miracles is still working behind the scenes.
Keep pressing in.
This weekend wasn’t just a service; it was a sacred encounter—a multi-layered message wrapped in worship, the Word, and communion. Each moment felt like a divine appointment.
Communion That Confronts and Comforts
During communion, Pastor Sarah and I read a portion of Scripture that remains one of the most provocative and powerful teachings of Jesus:
This passage calls us to deep reflection. It’s not just poetic language—it’s a divine call to experience Jesus in a way that is transformational and all-consuming.
Here are three truths I pray will take root in your heart this week:
1. Jesus Is the Bread
Bread represents nourishment, sustenance, and satisfaction. When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we are not just asking for provision—we are asking for Jesus Himself to fill us, to sustain us, to satisfy the deepest parts of who we are. He is enough. He is the source of life.
2. The Blood Should Shake You
The imagery Jesus uses—eating His flesh, drinking His blood—was meant to unsettle His listeners. It wasn’t clean, it wasn’t polite, and it certainly wasn’t easy to digest. And that’s the point. The vulgarity of blood is meant to confront us with the weight of our sin and the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice.
Being squeamish is the right response—it reminds us that salvation came at a great cost. His blood was not spilled for a sanitized, casual Christianity. It was poured out so that the full weight of sin could be crushed under the glory of His grace.
3. You Are Invited to the Table
The table is open, and all are invited. Yes—even those who are broken, messy, uncertain. Remember: Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, including the one who would betray Him.
That same Jesus is inviting you.
Communion is holy. It's not a religious ritual—it’s a holy reminder. And though God’s holiness is overwhelming, His sacrifice makes you holy, so that you can confidently approach both the table and the throne.
So remember this:
Your Christian walk is not passive.
You are called to live engaged, transparent, and passionate.
You are called to metabolize the message of Jesus, to consume it so deeply that it becomes your very being.
God wants to go deeper with you. The question is: Will you come to the table?
Many came forward, believing by faith for healing, breakthrough, and fresh fire. Some will soon share their testimonies, while others continue waiting in hopeful expectation. Let me encourage you: don’t stop believing. The God of miracles is still working behind the scenes.
Keep pressing in.
This weekend wasn’t just a service; it was a sacred encounter—a multi-layered message wrapped in worship, the Word, and communion. Each moment felt like a divine appointment.
Communion That Confronts and Comforts
During communion, Pastor Sarah and I read a portion of Scripture that remains one of the most provocative and powerful teachings of Jesus:
“I am the bread of life... He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
—John 6:48–58 (NASB)
This passage calls us to deep reflection. It’s not just poetic language—it’s a divine call to experience Jesus in a way that is transformational and all-consuming.
Here are three truths I pray will take root in your heart this week:
1. Jesus Is the Bread
Bread represents nourishment, sustenance, and satisfaction. When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we are not just asking for provision—we are asking for Jesus Himself to fill us, to sustain us, to satisfy the deepest parts of who we are. He is enough. He is the source of life.
2. The Blood Should Shake You
The imagery Jesus uses—eating His flesh, drinking His blood—was meant to unsettle His listeners. It wasn’t clean, it wasn’t polite, and it certainly wasn’t easy to digest. And that’s the point. The vulgarity of blood is meant to confront us with the weight of our sin and the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice.
Being squeamish is the right response—it reminds us that salvation came at a great cost. His blood was not spilled for a sanitized, casual Christianity. It was poured out so that the full weight of sin could be crushed under the glory of His grace.
3. You Are Invited to the Table
The table is open, and all are invited. Yes—even those who are broken, messy, uncertain. Remember: Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, including the one who would betray Him.
That same Jesus is inviting you.
Communion is holy. It's not a religious ritual—it’s a holy reminder. And though God’s holiness is overwhelming, His sacrifice makes you holy, so that you can confidently approach both the table and the throne.
So remember this:
Your Christian walk is not passive.
You are called to live engaged, transparent, and passionate.
You are called to metabolize the message of Jesus, to consume it so deeply that it becomes your very being.
God wants to go deeper with you. The question is: Will you come to the table?
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