Why Remember Communion?

Why Remember Communion? Hebrews 10:11-12, Ephesians 2:4-6

11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

So what does this say to you? At man’s best, all he can offer isn’t enough. However, what Christ Jesus offered once, brought an eternal remedy. The proof, He sat down at the right hand of God. In other words, He’s no longer fighting, or at war for mankind, all we have to do is believe.

Moreover, God is rich in mercy, because of His great love. Even when mankind, is dead in their trespasses, Christ made a way for us to become alive and to live with Him. You are saved by grace through your faith in Christ. In other words, Jesus raised you up and seated you in heavenly places with Him.

Shannon Faulkner made headlines a few years ago as she crusaded to become the first female cadet at The Citadel, an all-male military academy. After a prolonged court battle, you’ll remember, she finally won the right to enroll. But she couldn’t endure the exercise program required of all cadets. So a few days later she dropped out & we’ve heard almost nothing of her since.

In contrast, there is the professional tennis player, Monica Seles. You may remember that a few years ago a crazed man jumped out of the stands & plunged a knife into her back. It was a terrifying experience, but she did not allow that to stop her. Once her wound healed, she began a rigorous exercise program, regained her strength, & won the British Open & placed 2nd in the U.S. Open. I like to hear stories about people who won’t give up. Quitters aren’t much of an inspiration, but people who stay with a commitment even though the going gets tough are a source of great inspiration to all.

The reason we receive communion is to remember. The Scriptures say, As often as you do this; do this in remembrance of Me. (Lk.22, I Cor.11)

When some great cause can be remembered it often isn’t forgotten. Such as Independence day, Veterans day, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Jesus instituted the last supper not for His benefit but for all of His disciples, so we would remember.

Remember His blood that was shed, and His body that was given for all to become free.

Many times we act like we don’t remember; however, as we remember, there are many other perks- healing, peace, gifts and fruit.

Hebrews 10:32-34 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

The writer of Hebrews is saying, remember- don’t forget, think of His love, His mercy, His grace and His strength.

Remember, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

In other words, as you partake the bread, you are proclaiming, “I declare that Christ lives in me.” As you drink the juice, you are declaring, “Because of Jesus’ blood I have the new covenant and I am forgiven.”

As the Israelites were delivered out of Egyptian bondage they were told to remember, “Passover!” As you remember His body that was given, give God praise, as you praise, remember the blood that brought deliverance from all trespasses.

As the Egyptians mourned in great sorrow, God’s people rejoiced for they were free from bondage!

Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

The Jews till this day remember Passover, and rightfully so; however, how much more should we remember Jesus Christ.