The RUSH of Communion
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 & 11:23-32
Do we rush through Holy Communion or do get a "RUSH" when we celebrate Holy Communion?
Let's take a look at what Holy Communion is all about.
We know the different names: Holy Communion – Lord’s Supper – Eucharist.
The word, Eucharist comes from Greek which means thanksgiving.
Communion: the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings.
Today’s scripture offers an explanation and also gives guidelines for its observation.
When we gather to take Holy Communion, we should always get a "RUSH" of the Holy Spirit.
1. Remembrance – We remember the sacrifice through the symbolism of the bread & wine. (verses 11:23b-25)
When we look back, we look back to the cross and remember what Christ did for us.
We are reminded of His great love for us and the sacrifice He made for us.
The amazing thing about this is that He did this while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8
Our sins were taken care of at the Cross and we were given Holy Communion to remember.
2. Unity – The common table symbolizes Unity. (verse 10:17)
We give thanks to God as a united Body of Christ – We belong to one great family.
1 Corinthians 12:27 “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”
We celebrate communion by sharing a single loaf of bread as visible signs of our unity. Mark 14:22
We use one bread, broken into many pieces...We as many individuals are one body – the Body of Christ.
Look around this room and see the brothers and sisters here...You are the Body of Christ.
3. Self-Examination – Communion is a time to look within. (verses 11:26-29)
We must remember the true purpose of Communion lest we cast judgment on ourselves.
We are to look within and truly examine ourselves by searching deep into our hearts.
Confession is for our benefit...God already knows our hearts, but we have to acknowledge our sin.
We must come with humility and prepare ourselves with self-scrutiny.
The table is all who come seeking forgiveness and cleansing.
“Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love Him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another.”
We are to examine and judge ourselves, for if not, we will be judged by God along with the world.
It’s not God’s purpose to condemn us, but to save us from eternal damnation. John 3:16-17
We should always remember the symbolic meaning of the wine...the blood that was shed for our sins.
Scripture reminds us, “...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Hebrews 9:22
We partake in this celebration to show humble gratitude for God’s grace and gift of life through sacrifice.
4. Hope – Communion is a time for looking forward to the second coming of Christ. (verse 11:2)
There several accounts in the gospel of Jesus promising His return to earth for those who believe in Him.
We look forward to the time when we will have Communion with Jesus in His kingdom. Mark 14:25
Jesus first came to earth as a humble servant, the sacrificial lamb, to give His life for our sins and save us.
Upon His second coming, He will come as the Victorious King reigning over all of heaven and earth.
How wonderful it is to say the words of John with great confidence, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Today as we come to the Lord’s Table, we can come with the assurance that Jesus will come again.
Communion is a time of Remembrance; A time of Unity; a time of Self-Examination & a time of Hope.
>Today, let’s celebrate the RUSH of Communion.
>Let us now seek the Lord as we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
Take this time to prepare your heart and spend a few moments in silent prayer.
This is a time for you to spend alone with Jesus…Tell Him what’s on your heart.
Now let us pray together as we go before God to confess and receive the forgiveness He offers.
Almighty God, we confess that we have sinned against You.
We have failed do Your will in our thoughts, words and deeds.
We have too often followed the desires of our own hearts.
Our selfishness has hindered us and made us unclean.
We humbly repent of our sins and ask for Your mercy.
Help us to walk in Your way and delight in Your will.
We ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
AMEN
>COMMUNION...
