The Table of Fellowship: A Place to Experience God's Presence and Love

In our lives, sharing a meal has a deeper meaning beyond simply satisfying physical hunger. 

At the dining table, we share stories, nurture togetherness, and build warm relationships. 

Each time we sit at the table together, we are reminded of the beauty of fellowship, where social boundaries and differences fade away. 

A shared meal becomes a symbol of a life filled with gratitude, love, and togetherness---values deeply aligned with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

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Eating together also reflects trust and bonding among people. In Eastern cultures, sharing a meal is a symbol of acceptance and love, where those who sit at the table together are considered equals. 

By sharing food, we demonstrate our care for each other and appreciation for their presence. This is a value that Jesus emphasizes in His teachings.

Guests from Australia joined students in worship at CCTSI/Kelvin

Spiritually, Jesus' invitation to dine together holds profound meaning. On many occasions, Jesus did not hesitate to sit with people from all walks of life, including those considered "sinners" or "unworthy" by society at the time. 

Through this act, Jesus showed unconditional acceptance and love that transcends social boundaries. He invites everyone to experience God's boundless love.

For Jesus, a shared meal is a glimpse into life within the Kingdom of God. In several events, Jesus dined with His disciples and marginalized people, implying that the Kingdom of God is a place for all. 

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No one is excluded or deemed unworthy, for God's love embraces everyone. This becomes an invitation for us to adopt inclusive values and non-discrimination in our daily lives.

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Furthermore, Jesus displayed God's generosity through miracles involving food. The miracles of feeding five thousand with just a few loaves and fish, as well as the miracle at Cana where water turned into wine, are symbols of God's generosity. 

God is concerned not only with our physical needs but also our spiritual needs, providing hope for those who believe.

Food in the context of the Kingdom of God is not merely to satisfy hunger but to bring a "taste" of God's presence among His people. 

Every time we sit and share food with gratitude, we feel God's tangible presence in our lives. This moment is not only about the food but also about gratitude for His love and mercy given to us.

In the early church, shared meals were an important part of their fellowship. Gathering to eat, the early believers shared joys and sorrows, and celebrated unity as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

They shared not only food but also helped each other with various life needs. The shared meal became a symbol of unity and love manifested in everyday life.

At a special service at CCTSI Salatiga, this spiritual feast was further enriched with guests from Australia. 

In this solemn service, the faculty, staff, and students of CCTSI together lifted songs from the 'Kidung Jemaat' hymnal, strengthening the fellowship between the local congregation and their guests. 

This moment reflects God's love that transcends cultural boundaries and strengthens international brotherhood.

The message of God was delivered by Mr. Paul, an elder from a church in Australia, who shared insights about the meaning of love and fellowship through the shared meal. 

In his sermon, he emphasized that Jesus' invitation to dine together is not only about filling our stomachs but involves our whole heart in loving one another. 

This serves as a reminder to all attendees of the importance of valuing fellowship in Christ.

Mr. Paul invited the attendees to view the shared meal as an opportunity to experience God's true love.  Through this moment of fellowship, we are invited to deeply understand God's love that is present among us. 

This shared meal is not only about the food but also a spiritual encounter that strengthens faith and fosters unity among believers.

The Last Supper that Jesus had with His disciples before His crucifixion also carries irreplaceable messages. 

With bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood, Jesus emphasized the sacrifice He would make to save humanity. 

This moment is a symbol continually remembered in every Holy Communion, reminding us of Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary.

The shared meal, whether in a daily or spiritual context, holds a crucial role in our lives. Besides nourishing the body, it becomes an opportunity to strengthen the soul and deepen our faith. 

Each time we gather to eat together, we are called to remember Jesus' love and sacrifice, as well as to celebrate a life filled with love and forgiveness.

Jesus invites us, "Do this in remembrance of Me." Each Holy Communion serves as an invitation to once again live out His sacrifice on the cross. 

This moment reminds us that a life of love and mercy is at the heart of the Christian faith. Amid a world full of divisions, this fellowship serves as a call for us to live out Christ's love and to be witnesses to the world.