Nurture
[Session 14]
Communion “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you
proclaim the Lord’s death
until He comes.” (1 Cor. 11:26)
[Session 14] Introduction Worship is our response to God. It involves acknowledging God for who He is. As we have seen, our worship involves many aspects of our lives. Another important part of our worship is ‘communion’, sometimes referred to as ‘breaking bread’ or ‘The Lord’s Supper’. This celebration is something Christians often do when they meet together. The word ‘communion’ literally means to share, participate or celebrate together (1 Cor. 11:23-29).
exactly is communion? What -
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Communion is a symbolic meal that we share together with other believers (Acts 2:42). This symbolic meal consists of bread and wine (or appropriate equivalent) following the example set by Jesus and His disciples at the ‘Last Supper’ or Passover meal (Matt 26:17-29). The bread and wine are symbolic of Christ’s body and blood. The bread represents His body, given (broken) for us when he died on the cross (Luke 22:19) (1 Cor. 11:24). The wine represents Christ’s blood, poured out (shed) for the forgiveness of our sins (Matt 26:27-28) (1 Cor. 11:25-26).
Why do we celebrate communion? -
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To celebrate the past. Communion is a ‘memorial’, celebrating and remembering the sacrifice of Jesus’ death on the cross and what He has done for us (Ephesians 1:7) (Col 1:13, 21-23) (Col 2:13-15). To celebrate and proclaim the future. Communion reminds us of our future, the glorious hope of Christ’s return. In communion we proclaim the ‘good news’ of Jesus until He returns (1 Cor. 11:26) To celebrate the new relationship (Covenant) we have with God (1 Cor. 11:25-26).
lifechurch
Nurture
Prayer -
[Session 14] [Session 14]
Communion
To be obedient to Jesus (1 Cor. 11:24-26) (Luke 22:19-20) To share with and serve each other, which demonstrates our unity (1 Cor. 10:15-17). To follow the example of the first Christians in the Early Church (Acts 2:42).
How do we celebrate communion? -
We need to recognize what Christ has done for us and take communion in a ‘worthy’ manner (1 Cor. 11:27). We need to check our actions and motives, and confess any sin if we need to (1 Cor. 11:28) (1 John 1:9). We need to examine our relationships with others (1 Cor. 11:18). We should pursue unity and peace with each other at all times (Matt 5:23-24) (Romans 12:18) (Ephesians 4:1-3). We should celebrate with thankful hearts (1 Cor. 11:24) (1 Cor. 10:16). We can celebrate communion whenever we meet together as Christians, for example, in a Sunday meeting or Life Groups (Acts 2:46).
Conclusion Some Christians celebrate communion together every week, others less often. Some use proper bread; others use wafers or crackers. Some use one, ‘common’ cup; others use individual cups. The method may vary from church to church, but the most important thing is that we take time to share communion together; an amazing opportunity to remember what Christ’s death means to us and to give thanks for all His blessings.
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