SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(1 Corinthians11:23-26) (23) "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:" (24) "And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." (25) "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me" (26) "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
(1 Corinthians11:27-30) (27) "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." (28) "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." (29) "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body." (30) "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep."
(1 Corinthians11:18-20) (18) "For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it." (19) "For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you." (20) "When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper."
(1 Corinthians11:21-22) (21) "For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken." (22) "What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not."
(Jude 1:12-13) (12) "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;" (13) "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever."
PREFACE SUMMARY
Beloved, the word “Eucharist” is derived from the Greek word eucharistic, which means “thanksgiving.” It reflects the attitude participants should have when participating in this sacred service. The Eucharist not only represents a remembrance of Christ’s Last Supper but also signifies a deep spiritual communion with Him and other believers as members of His glorious body. It serves as a reminder that believers are united with Christ and each other, forming a collective body that shares in His life and mission on earth.
In the early days of the church, believers would partake in a love feast alongside the Lord's Supper, also known as 'Holy Communion.' This love feast was a wholesome gathering, particularly noteworthy for its purpose. It was a place where individuals from different backgrounds and social statuses, including those from low-income backgrounds, were all welcomed to join the fellowship, making everyone feel accepted and valued in their faith community.
The love feast was an important feast of early Christian gatherings that helped rise above social barriers and embraced togetherness. It instilled a deep sense of belonging in the participants and presented an atmosphere of love, compassion, and mutual support among the early Christians.
In this message, you will learn about the true meaning of the Lord's Supper. This powerful service will encourage and spiritually nourish your soul as you experience its transformative power and discover the deeper meaning behind the bread and the wine.
Beloved, when I think of Holy Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, I am reminded of the memorial stones mentioned in the fourth chapter of Joshua. The Jordan River was divided to allow the people of God to carry the heavy stones that the water currents smoothed out of it. Similarly, stones from the other side were taken into the river.
I have had the opportunity to deliver sermons on multiple occasions about this particular event. One aspect that I find especially meaningful is delving into the significance of the stones that were transported from the other side and carefully placed in the river. Reflecting on this event is a touching reminder that during moments of spiritual weakness, I can journey back through my memories and contemplate the profound impact Christ's presence has had on my life and ministry.
Beloved, being recharged in my spirit, I look at the smooth stones that were carried out of the river and placed as a memorial of how God rolled back the river when the priests carrying the ark stopped at its entrance, allowing the men to carry the heavy stones out to the other side.
As I reflect on the many churches, ministries, and organizations that God used me to establish, I can't help but smile inside, knowing He had a plan for my life even before I met Him in that river. This realization is similar to the importance of partaking in the Lord's supper and honoring Him through celebrating it. Looking back at His supreme sacrifice, we can see how our lives have been transformed and rejoice in how He has used us to bless and enrich the lives of others.
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians addressing the brethren's need for unity and harmony and encouraging them to celebrate the Lord’s Supper in Holy Communion. This sacred service was a time of remembrance, reflection on Christ's sacrifice, and our need to come together in love and fellowship.
Beloved, fast-forward to modern times. I have witnessed some pastors attempting to instill fear in their congregation by warning them not to partake in the holy service unworthily. They claim that doing so could cause sickness and even death to come upon them. However, this message does not align with the gospel of love and grace that God wants us to receive.
The Holy Bible teaches that the Lord's Supper symbolizes Christ's love and sacrifice and is meant to be revered and grateful. It is not something to be feared but rather a sacred celebration of our unity in Christ, and we should not run away from this Holy sacrament service, fearing that a powerful being in heaven is watching us and waiting to punish us every time we make a mistake.
In conclusion, we should come together as the body of Christ to participate in this sacred service with reverence and honor. In this holy service, we remember God's supreme sacrifice of bearing the weight of sin for us, which made the way for us to be redeemed and become children of the Lord our God.
"IS FOOD ALLOWED IN CHURCH?"
What is going on in this church that is upsetting the Lord?
Beloved, did you know that in the early days of Christianity, the believers gathered for a community meal along with the Lord's Supper? This meal was known as a love feast, where they would unite for fellowship, work with other regional churches, and raise funds for the welfare of orphans and widows.
(1 Corinthians11:21-22) (21) "For in eating every one taketh before other his supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken." (22) "What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? Or despise the church of God and shame those who have not? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I praise you not."
Notice in his letter to the Corinthians that the Apostle Paul addressed the issue of the love feast. This was an early Christian tradition in which believers would gather to share a meal and celebrate their faith. However, some Corinthians had been using the love feast as an opportunity to indulge in excess and ignore the needs of their fellow believers. In response, Paul advised the people that if they were not going to honor the purpose of the love feast, it would be better for them to eat and drink at home.
Beloved, did you know that when discussing the topic of the first church having food offerings in its churches, some individuals often cite specific scriptures, particularly from the Old Testament, to argue against bringing food and drink into the sanctuary? The truth is, during the church's early years, it was common for people to bring food offerings, such as crops and grain, to contribute to the church community.
Did you know that the offerings were stored in a specific storehouse within the church premises and served an essential common purpose: helping meet the church's and community's needs, including supplying food for those in need and offering support to those who were sick?
Beloved, have you ever encountered pastors who forbid singing groups from showcasing their items and music CDs in the church foyer or entrance? It seems to create a barrier that prevents the singing groups from connecting with the congregation and sharing their music outside church services. They often cite scriptural references, such as (Corinthians 11:22), where Paul spoke about dishonoring the love feats to justify their actions.
These pastors believe displaying items in the church foyer or entrance can lead to worldly distractions and tarnish the church's sanctity. It is important to note that such pastors may be selectively using this scripture as a command to keep sin out of their church. The bottom line is that there may be more hidden sins in their lives and how they treat their fellow ministers than those they try to keep out of their church.
Pastors should focus on creating a nurturing and friendly environment where individuals from all walks of life can unite to worship freely without facing obstacles or limitations. I hope that as we navigate the journey of life, we will actively seek the invaluable guidance and unwavering support of the Holy Spirit to aid us in leading a life free from the burden of sin.
In conclusion, let's commit to being more compassionate and strive to create a more welcoming atmosphere for everyone in our community. As Christians representing the body of Christ, we should embrace the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit to empower us to build stronger relationships and instill a deep sense of belonging to lost, broken humanity that is looking for answers, with some even looking for a reason to live.
"A LOOK AT THE SACRED LOVE FEASTS."
First Corinthians, chapter eleven, verse twenty-nine warns that dishonoring the Lord's supper can bring swift judgment upon those who abuse it. This verse emphasizes the seriousness of the holy sacrament and the importance of treating it with reverence and respect. Paul warns those who take Holy Communion without recognizing and receiving one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, bringing dishonor to the Lord's supper, will suffer judgment.
Beloved, discerning the Lord's body, and honoring the church's unity while participating in this sacred service are vital for our spiritual growth and well-being. The question to those partaking in this Holy Supper should be, “How have you treated other members of the body of Christ, and how have you treated members from other churches and church organizations?”
We have already discussed the love feasts and how they were meant to be a time of fellowship and sharing, where all community members could unite and break bread. However, as time passed, the wealthier members of the community started arriving early and consuming all the food before the poorer members could arrive. This caused a lot of disharmony and disunity within the community, as the love feasts were meant to symbolize equality and brotherhood.
The Apostle Paul, writing to the people of Corinth, wanted to address this issue, reminding them that they had their own houses to eat and drink in. He urged them not to let their gatherings become a show of wealth and status but rather to come together as equals and share in the love and fellowship of the community. This was an essential reminder to the early church that their gatherings were not meant to display wealth or power but rather to celebrate the love and grace of God.
Paul addressed the divisions within the Corinthian church, emphasizing the sacred nature of the love feasts and Holy Communion, highlighting the significance of individual reflection and collective remembrance. Paul stressed that the love feasts should unite the diverse members of the church into one body, working in unity and harmony under Christ's leadership.
(Jude 1:12-13) (12) "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;" (13) "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever."
Jude highlights the love feasts, referring to them as feasts of charity, and notices how he exposes their various forms of corruption. The love feasts were special gatherings where early Christians shared food and fellowship, but over time, ungodly men infiltrated and corrupted them. These men were characterized by their pride and greed, which dishonored the reason for having the feast, which was to honor and feed people experiencing poverty.
The Book of Jude refers to these corrupt people as teachers with nothing to offer their students. They are seen as unstable and fruitless, lacking any spiritual roots. They are compared to shooting stars that appear for a limited time and then disappear without a trace. These leaders are selfish and have no interest in providing spiritual guidance or nurturing the faith of others.
Beloved, as we navigate through the closing days of the Day of Grace, it is essential to take a moment to reflect on the motives of our actions and behavior, ensuring that our relationship with God and other members of the body of Christ is in order understanding that we represent the image of Christ to a lost and hurting world.
The book of Ephesians declares that God has given all power to Christ, making Him the head over all things to the Church, which is His body. In the third chapter of Ephesians, Paul prays for the church in Ephesus, addressing God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this chapter, Paul mentions that all families in Heaven and on Earth are named after Him, declaring that even our departed loved ones are still remembered in Heaven.
In conclusion, may we remember that even though we may attend different churches, we are never disconnected from the body of Christ, and God’s word declares that when one member suffers, the whole body suffers. Therefore, we need to recognize and be thankful for the tremendous sacrifice the Lord made for our salvation and eagerly anticipate the Lord's soon return to gather His church. May this anticipation instill a sense of hope and encourage us to live faithfully and expectantly as we await His glorious return.
"CELEBRATING THE LORD'S GOODNESS."
During the Last Supper in the upper room with his disciples, Jesus instituted the practice known as the Lord's Supper, also called Holy Communion. This sacred service involves partaking in bread and wine, which symbolize the body and blood of Jesus and represent his forthcoming sacrifice for sins and the redemption he would provide through his death, burial, and resurrection.
In (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), Jesus instructs His followers to partake in the Holy Sacrament service, a thoughtful act of love and sacrifice. This service, widely regarded as the greatest act of love in history, is a remembrance of The Lord’s resurrection, offering believers a profound hope of eternal life. This emphasis on love and sacrifice, this act of partaking in the Holy Sacrament service, underscores the significance of this sacred service and reassures us of our ultimate destiny, filling us with a profound hope of eternal life.
The bread and wine served during the service are powerful symbols representing the body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, symbolizing his sacrificial act on the cross to save lost humanity. The breaking of bread represents Christ's broken body, while the cup signifies establishing a new covenant through his blood. This symbolism is a constant reminder that redemption is made possible through Christ's atoning work, reinforcing its purpose in the church's life and the constant reminder of Christ's atoning work and the profound importance of grace.
In some small gatherings, I enjoy uniquely celebrating Holy Communion. After a prayer, someone holds a loaf of Pita bread and breaks it into two parts. Then, another person with a large cup of wine or juice stands alongside. The participants walk up to those holding the bread, and as they approach, the person holding the bread offers it, saying, "This represents the Lord’s body that was broken for you."
The participants tear off a piece of bread and walk to the person holding the wine. The person holding the wine extends the chalice towards them and says, "This represents the Lord’s blood that was poured out for you." The participants then dip their broken bread in the wine, place it in their mouths, and eat it.
Beloved, as the body of Christ on earth, we must consider the needs of the hurting world around us. Instead of being isolated, we should actively reach out to those in need and show them the love of Jesus through our actions. When we come together to celebrate the Lord's Supper in Holy Communion, we recognize and honor the sacrifice of Christ and His love for us, and we demonstrate that love to others; by doing so, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us and help them feel Christ's love.
Believers coming together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper in Holy Communion is a moving reminder of our reliance on God for strength in our physical and spiritual lives. Just as we depend on the nourishment provided by daily bread for our physical needs, partaking in the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper symbolizes our dependence on Jesus Christ, often referred to as the “bread of life,” for our spiritual nourishment and well-being.
Celebrating Holy Communion signifies a renewal of God’s covenant promises with His people. Each time believers partake in this Holy sacrament service, they reaffirm their commitment to live under this covenant relationship established by Christ’s atoning blood. This covenant relationship is a bond of love and grace, where God promises to forgive our sins, and we promise to follow His teachings.
When preparing to celebrate Holy Communion, believers are asked to ponder a series of vital questions carefully. These questions prompt deep reflection and contemplation of the profound significance of the communion service in our spiritual journey. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 11:28), encourages believers to engage in self-examination before partaking in Holy Communion.
1. Are we striving for holiness?
2. Are we committed to our Christian Walk?
3. Do we recognize our brothers and sisters in the Lord and have fellowship with them?
4. Are we eagerly looking forward to his coming with joy, or are we looking in fear?
MY CONCLUSION
In my conclusion, I want to stress the importance of taking the time to consider our preparedness for entering an eternity that we may or may not be prepared for. It's crucial to remember that even some of the world's most well-traveled and highly esteemed individuals have passed away feeling anxious and troubled about what lies beyond.
As we near the end of the period known as the day of grace, which marks the close of the dispensation for God’s church on earth, let us take a moment to reflect on ourselves and acknowledge that we should reverence Holy Communion with gratitude in remembrance of the day when God’s darling Son, became our dying savior.
Most ministers begin the Holy Communion reading from (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) [23] For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: [24] And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. [25] After the same manner, he took the cup when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. [26] For as frequently as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
After reading these scriptures, the elder instructs us to take and eat the bread or substitute served to us. He informs us that the bread represents the Lord’s body, which was broken for us on the cross, where he paid the ransom for sin, making us redeemed and reconciled to God.
The elder directs us to each take the cup and partake of the wine, symbolizing the precious blood of Jesus Christ, which was willingly shed for the salvation of humanity. In closing, the elder informs us that this sacred service is a profound reminder of God's immeasurable love for all of us, demonstrated through Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Beloved, when officiating in Holy Communion, I have found that inviting all participants to set aside a moment for self-examination is extremely powerful. I wholeheartedly urge them to reflect on the condition of their lives when they first accepted Christ into their hearts. This self-examination can help them better understand their spiritual journey and the transformative influence of their faith on themselves and others.
In my book Spiritual Understanding of the Tithe, I delve deeply into the significance of the following FOUR POINTS concerning the Lord's Supper: the spiritual symbolism behind it, the importance of partaking in it, and the connection between the Lord's Supper and TITHING, (which is rooted in the idea of sacrificial giving) and the role of the Lord's Supper in the spiritual life of the believer.
Beloved, observe how each of the words expressed in the Four Points spell the word 'RACE,' reinforcing Paul's exhortation in Hebrews 12:1-2, for believers to 'run with endurance the race that is set before us.' Endurance is vital, as the Christian life demands perseverance through trials, temptations, and tribulations."
1. Take a moment to REFLECT on the profound significance of Christ's ultimate sacrifice—the selfless giving of
his body and the shedding of his blood for our redemption on the cross. Reflect on the immense impact of this
act on our lives and its enduring influence on our faith.
2. Take a moment to APPRECIATE your meaningful connections with fellow believers. Consider ways to celebrate,
deeply honor, joyfully, and consistently nurture these relationships.
3. Look within and CONFIRM our dedication to pursuing holiness, actively living out our faith, and the significance
of building strong relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
4. Look outward and EMBRACE the call to unity, harmony, and fellowship with other believers.
Saints, may we, with joy, anticipate the glorious second coming of Christ with joyful expectation, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of the promise of hope and redemption rather than succumbing to fear or doubt. Embrace the certainty of Christ's return with a spirit of readiness, actively preparing for the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.
When we celebrate Holy Communion, we reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and express gratitude for His love and mercy. It is a time of remembrance, repentance, and renewal. We are reminded of the great price paid for our salvation and the depth of God's love for us. Through this Holy sacrament service, we are strengthened in our faith and encouraged to live a life pleasing to God.
Beloved, this celebration should serve as a time of joy, gratitude, and a reminder of our Lord's imminent return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We should look forward with gladness to the day He will gather His Saints and complete His redeeming work to restore His incredible creation from the fall of Satan’s rebellion and reign with Him forever.
In conclusion, let us take a moment to reflect on Jesus's great sacrifice, which restored the fellowship with God that was lost through Adam. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, we have been given hope for the future and the promise of eternal life. As we celebrate this occasion, let us do so with joy and gratitude, knowing that our Lord will soon return to fulfill His promise and complete His redeeming work.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
