Communion Clarifications

Dale Gooding - Luke 22:14-20

https://youtu.be/fA6veWvDlGM

Taking The Lord's Supper regularly risks our taking it for granted, abusing it or misusing it. Typically a couple of times a year I like to give a reminder of what it is specifically & what it isn't. Today, being my 1st Lord's Supper w/ BCC, I'd like to do that. The Lord communed most intimately with His Disciples just before His betrayal and crucifixion.

Before celebrating The Lord's Supper, let's review Scripture & make some clarifications.

1. The Purpose - Luke 22:19 - Relationship, not Religion
  A. Remembrance - Relationship,
    not solely an historical event
  B. Illustrates Christ's Death
    Public display
    1 Cor.11:26/Acts 13:38
  C. Is not efficacious
    1. Not what Jesus taught
    not a ceremony or work
  2. Not what religion teaches
    Eph 2:8,9; Titus 3:5

Application: This display should be daily, not monthly {religion vs. relationship} = we constantly remember

2. The Parts - 1 Cor 11:24, 25 and Luke 22:19-20
  A. The Bread - Luke 22:19 (John 6:48;51,54a)
    1. Literal? No, not taught or rational
    2. Illustrative only - John 17:21,23
    3. As the Bread - He feeds,
    sustains, & gives life to believers
  B. The Cup - Luke 22:20 (John 6:56)
    1. Literally? Again, no
    2. What it does do:
      a. Eph 1:7 (Forgiveness of sin)
      b. Col 1:20 (Peace with God)
  C. Various views:
    1. Transubstantiation = conversion
    of elements into actual
    2. Consubstantiation = elements
    are in, with & under the actual
    3. Spiritual Presence = Christ is
    present spiritually in a special
    way but is not present physically
  4. Illustrative = elements are symbolic
    (for remembrance);

Application: If these statements were literal we'd be without hope since Jesus isn't here today.

3. The People - 1 Cor 11:27-34
  A. Warning of Worthiness - 1 Cor 11:27-29
    1. Not of self - who is sufficient -
    Paul in 2 Cor 2:16
    2. But of Spirituality - Attitude and
    Manner of participation.
  B. Encouragement to Examine - 1 Cor 11:28-30
    1. Not Penance or repentance -
    what religion does.
    2. N.T. Punishment = death & sickness
    (Ananias & Saphira) Acts 5
  C. Advantages of Self-Analysis - 1 Cor 11:31-32
    1. Prevents Punishment
    2. Encourages Reconciliation
    3. Imagine if all believer took this seriously
    and reconciled before Lord's Supper!

4. The Problems - 1 Cor 11:17-22
  A. They abused the intent of Communion
    1 Cor 11:20-21
  B. Divisive during Communion - 1 Cor 11:18, 19
    1. Rich vs. Poor -
    2. Free vs. Slaves - Gal 3:26-28
  C. Despising the Church members - 1 Cor 11:22

The Lord's Supper is about remembering the relationship secured by Christ our Savior. Therefore, Lord's Supper is only for believers. Can you participate with us this morning?

1. Are you a born-again person?
2. Are you at peace with your brothers & sisters in this Body?

If so, yes, you may & should participate.
If not, make it right! As soon as possible

1. The Lord's Supper is only for believers
2. And lovers of others (members)
3. The Lord's Supper is for remembrance
4. And it is Evangelistic:
preaches the death & shed blood