7 reasons why we take communion

While Jesus probably used a bread called matza, which was used at a traditional Passover, and wine, most people today use a small cracker and grape juice. What is the Purpose of Communion? Upon consecration, the bread and the wine change into the actual body and blood of Christ. Image: Communion today is taken the same way Jesus did during the Last Supper. So, taking communion together in a common ceremony is crucial, whatever else we do. And day by day,attending the templetogether andbreaking bread in their homes, they received their foodwith glad and generous hearts,praising God andhaving favor with all the people. I remember asking why we celebrated it so infrequently. Outstanding service & a truly unique gift idea.. highly recommended! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Denomination: He was a male, unblemished by sin, and He was willing to die in our place. I was raised in a tradition where you had to get in a long, LONG line and walk up to the Priest who would put this wafer in your mouth and would give you a drink from a large cup of WINE! However, Jesus makes it very clear that it is not about what goes into your body but the contents of your heart. This is also why Jesus calls Himself The bread of life because we are nourished through Him, and He is the main reason why we survive. The main reason why Christians celebrate Communion is to remember Jesus and think about Him and His sacrifices for them. While Christs physical body is in heaven, the Holy Spirit communicates the power of his body to us so that we really receive Christ in the Supperso long as we consume the meal in faith. WebWhy Do We Take Communion? This change is known as transubstantiation, a view officially adopted by the Western church in 1059, though the term wasnt used until the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215. Then, in Matthew 26:27-28, Jesus took a cup, gave thanks and passed it to the disciples saying, This is My blood of thenewcovenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] isbeing poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.. 10:16, KJV), from the Greek word koinonia, which means a participation together. Thus, many Christians believe that when we receive this meal, we actually participate in the presence of Christ through the witness and power of the Holy Spirit. Communion acts as a command for all Christians to remember. Nothing against you all, but I do not think I could drink out of the same cup as everyone else. And the Holy Communion is Gods ordained channel of healing and wholeness. And virtually all Christians affirm that the meal is to be taken in communion with othersthat its a core sign of our unity in Christ. Matthew, Mark and Luke all talk about this event. For Luther, the elements are truly, substantially, and mysteriously Christs body and bloodthat is, Christ is physically present in the meal. While we debate the finer doctrinal points of the Lords Supper, we often forget and even violate one of the most important aspects of the meal: church unity. It celebrates the story of Jesus Christ and how he completely and wholeheartedly gave Himself away for his people and followers. So important was this meal in the early church that Luke listed it as one of the four marks of a Spirit-filled community (Acts 2:42). And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said. (The other is baptism.) Whether youve been a Christian since childhood or accepted Christ just recently, you likely have a story about the Lords Supper. As we participate in Communion, we don't want to overly mystify what it represents. 16,675 views Feb 27, 2019 343 Dislike Share Save Time of Grace Ministry 73.5K subscribers Communion can bless or hurt you. Communion is also a time to be in community with Besides being born again in Christ, a healthy body and mind are the greatest blessings anyone can have. Calvin believed we actually receive Christs body and blood in the meal, but in a spiritual manner. Lets begin by turning to 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. Summary: Here are seven reasons we feel communion is important for the church: 1. The bread and the wine are unchanged elements, but Christ's presence by faith is made spiritually real in and through them. Jesus said in Luke 22:19, Do this in remembrance of Me. Therefore, all believers may receive Communion, or the Lords Supper, at the instruction of Jesus. And, we thank You for it all, in Jesus Name. (The other is baptism.) His act has caused us to be forgiven and right with God. Communion is not an obligation, but a celebration. But let us unite around what we all can agree on. But why would you want to? Customers need to know they're loved. We should note that the early church often celebrated communion after the original Apostles passed away. The intent is not for us to mindlessly perform a ritual, Last week I shared six reasons why people take communion . 3 Main Christian Views of Communion. However, we can recognize that the church is not the only place for taking communion. The late Baptist theologian Stanley J. Grenz reinforced this in his book Theology for the Community of God. In this unique time of worship, believers commemorate the Lords death through prayer and meditation. The practice is not just about eating and drinking for Christians; it is about feeling Jesus in each persons body and receiving His blessings and promises through each bite and sip. Previously, the feasts symbols had only pointed back to the Hebrews redemption from Egypt. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.. The Passover was the most sacred feast of the Jewish religious year. At least three views of the Lords Supper arose from various Protestant traditions. Its Meaning and Significance. Jesus gave the disciples bread, saying, This is my body (Matt. This is when He also informed them about His impending death and betrayal that He knew was coming. Communion is a time of just that: communing. There are a lot of similarities and differences between the two celebrations. But that Thursday night, Jesus revealed the messianic significance of two symbols: bread and wine. Churches also find that having them in community with older members and answering their whys help them stay in the church. Finally, thank God for what He has provided for you through Jesus Christ. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? With a few exceptionsQuakers and members of the Salvation Army, for exampleChristians of all denominations and backgrounds have affirmed the importance of regularly sharing the meal. To share this article with your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. Honestly, today I do not know if I could do that. After this final plague had run its course, Pharaoh finally relented and let Israel go free. It is a holy time to remember what Jesus has done for you. While Israel was enslaved in Egypt, God sent plagues upon the Egyptian people through Moses because Pharaoh refused to let them go. Thank you - can not recommend enough, Oh chris, the beans are amazing thank you so much and thanks for making it happen. I was then even more dissatisfied with the answer I had received. -To signify, seal, and apply to believers all the benefits of the new covenant. Christians throughout history have traced their practice of the Lords Supper back to a story, one that took place on the eve of Jesus execution. Communion is a time to honor and remember God for what he has done, and you need to be careful that your heart is in the right place. Orthodox believers use the term mystery for the Lords Supperthe bread and wine mysteriously become the body and blood of Christ. You are not left out of anything good. Chris and the Live Love Bean team were extremely helpful, receptive and a pleasure to work with. No doubt the disciples around the table had the Israelites freedom from slavery in mind. Magic right! Web9 9.THE POWER OF THE HOLY COMMUNION, BENEFITS AND . Pastor Mike explains. Its not about the ritual or the method; its about listening to Jesus and doing what He says. Thus, the earliest Christians ate the meal regularly, to remember and celebrate their redemption in Christ (1 Cor. Communion Is a Symbolic and Festive Family Meal. To commemorate the death of Christ: "This do in remembrance of me." Passover commemorated Israels liberation from Egypt, and the primary aim of the meal was to transmit the Exodus story to future generations. 1997 2023 Eagle Mountain International Church Inc. Aka Kenneth Copeland Ministries. They serve as important reminders along the journey of following Christ to remain steadfast and dedicated to God. Do you know that Communion has been a source of division within Christianity as well as a source of confusion for those outside of the church? Communion is much more than just eating a piece of bread and taking a sip of wine or juice. This week we examine why Christians take communion. The bread and the cup provide an opportunity to remember what the Father expects of His children and to renew ones commitment to obey. 26:26). He has questions and knows that other people do too. L.S.-Is to be the new celebratory Gods meal of Gods people. But that Thursday night, Jesus revealed the messianic significance of two symbols: bread and wine. Zwingli believed the idea of Christs physical presence was contrary to sense experience. WebWhy Do Believers Partake Of The Holy Communion? Just dont forget to examine your heart. Whatever the occasion, it's never a bad opportunity to give a friend Magic beans are made to make people happy. Communion is also a time to be in community with Third, it reflects our personal identity in Christ, through participation in the church. 1 2 3 4 Next Seven Reasons for Communion 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 11:23-32 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Act of God wanted to free them, so He sent Moses as His messenger. Summary: In a desire to not treat common what is sacred this sermon gives seven reasons from Scripture as to why and how we as believers are to partake rightly in the Lord's table. http://www.unrv.com/early-empire/nero-christians.php. Communion is about a holy relationship with God through Christ and a holy relationship with other followers of the Lamb of God. . WebWhy Do We Take Communion? P- They remembered the Passover sacrifice, the exodus from Egypt, the new beginning for covenant people. Jesus said His body would be broken for us. The intent is not for us to mindlessly perform a ritual, but to intentionally set aside time to remember what Jesus has done and why He did it (1 Corinthians 11:27-31). 3. He believed the Lords Supper is only a memorial of Christs suffering, a visible reminder of his death and resurrection. You are above only and not beneath. What is the Eucharist? Celebration. So, what was Passover? Zero plastic, fully bio-degradable, all recycled packaging. We are connected not only with the Lord who saved us but also with past and present believers. We are connected not only with the Lord who saved us but also with past and present believers. Because our beans speak Not only are magic beans unique enough to put a genuine look of surprise on the receiver's face, they also get even better day by day - as their message is slowly revealed. All in all, Communion serves as a reminder for Christians, which is why they regularly celebrate it. God actually warns us about taking communion without considering what it means and why were doing it. Join the best newsletter you never knew you needed. Jesus established communion on the night he was betrayed as he ate a meal with some of his friends ( Matthew 26:26-28 ). The social implications of the meal are illustrated radically in a story about the Duke of Wellington. The Tradition of Communion from the Lord's Supper. WebChristians take communion as a means of honoring the atoning sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for our sins. Why do we take communion? Just as Passover was intended to commemorate Gods deliverance over and over again, so was the Lords Supper. It is an integral part of Christian worship. The message itself may only last a couple of months. 914-661-1374 You are partaking of the sacrifice of Jesus body, so receive the healing He provided, in Jesus Name. After his defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, the British general attended a small church where he came forward and knelt down to receive Communion. We continue to take communion as a way of honoring the sacrifice that Jesus made to redeem us from our sinful state and bring us into right relationship with Him. Jesus established communion on the night he was betrayed as he ate a meal with some of his friends ( Matthew 26:26-28 ). Technically, they're called Jack Beans (Canavalia Ensiformis). The Catholic term for this is Transubstantiation. It is to Remember Christ our Savior dying on the cross for the sin of humankind Proclaim his death Give thanks Examine our hearts Commune with God and fellow believers Acknowledge our covenant with him Anticipate Second, it expresses the unity of one body and constitutes the church as an eschatological community in which Christ is present. Rock RMS, Privacy Policy . Communion is not an obligation, but a celebration. If you want to learn more about how this important Jewish feast came to be, check out Exodus 12 which recounts the final plague and Israels release from Egypt. And virtually all agree on this: Christ instituted the meal as a memorial of his sacrificial death and resurrection; the New Testament commands us to celebrate it until Jesus returns; and we should do this together, in the unifying power of the Holy Spirit. There were 10 plagues God sent upon Egypt in an effort to get Pharaoh to free His people, the first nine did nothing to change Pharaohs mind. The main reason why Christians celebrate Communion is to remember Jesus and think about Him and His sacrifices for them. Rejoice that God holds nothing against you, and withholds nothing from you that you ask for thats His will. Communion acts as a command for all Christians to remember. 1 Corinthians 10:16, 1 Corinthians 11, 1 Corinthians 11:23, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, 1 Corinthians 11:24, 1 Corinthians 11:27, Exodus 12:22, John 10:7, John 13:30, Luke 22:15, Luke 22:20, 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. The bread and the cup provide an opportunity to remember what the Father expects of His children and to renew ones commitment to obey. We should note that the early church often celebrated communion after the original Apostles passed away. The institution of the Lords Supper is recorded in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Jesus called Himself the bread of life, which means that were nourished by Him, we survive because of Him, and He satisfies us when everything else leaves us empty (John 6:48-51). Jesus also said to drink the wine, or grape juice, to remember that His blood as a sacrificial offering would establish a new agreement: Gods acceptance of men as His children. Calvin rejected Zwinglis memorialism and Luthers monstrous notion of ubiquitythat Christ could be physically present everywhere, all the time. All Rights Reserved. This is a communal meal, not a private act. Share your feedback here. Privacy Policy|Terms of Use. It is an integral part of Christian worship. Communion is not an obligation, but a celebration. The main reason why Christians celebrate Communion is to remember Jesus and think about Him and His sacrifices for them. I was raised in a tradition where you had to get in a long, LONG line and walk up to the Priest who would put this wafer in your mouth and would give you a drink from a large cup of WINE! You can take Communion in a church service, at home with your family or by yourself. Every year following their deliverance, the Israelites would celebrate the Feast of Passover as a way of honoring God for sparing them and freeing them from Egypt. 11:2426). WebCommunion Teaching Guide - Bellefield Presbyterian Church What better way to Nobody has more fun than our magic beans! WebCommunion Teaching Guide - Bellefield Presbyterian Church But why do Christians talk about eating Jesus body and drinking His blood? As you begin, say something like this: Father God, in the Name of Jesus, we recognize that Jesus body was broken for us, that His blood was shed on our behalf. A deacon approached the old man, placed his hand on the mans shoulder, and whispered for him to keep his distance from the duke. Taking communion doesnt make you a Christian. What is the Purpose of the Lords Supper? Communion celebrates the Gospel: Jesus was broken for us so that we can be fixed by Him. It is why Communion is so important! Quality of beans is perfect Overhearing this, the duke immediately clasped the old mans hand and told him, Dont movewere all equal here.. Jews would come from all over the world to meet in Jerusalem and celebrate their deliverance from Egypt many years prior. Last, communion at the close of each service has a way of tying the service to the gospel. Communion celebrates the Gospel: Jesus was broken for us so that we can be fixed by Him. We used the beans as a conversation starter at our event and attendees loved them. Nothing has been too much trouble at all when it came to our custom order. They observe this day in order to honor Jesus Christs death and sacrifice. Calvin believed we actually receive Christs body and blood in the meal, but in a spiritual manner. Have something to add about this? Paul explains that on the night He was betrayed, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it. Dont take communion lightly but truly consider the sacrifice it represents. It seems younger Christians are discovering these truths in a profound way. Next, hold the bread, and read Luke 22:19 out loud, He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Its great to support another small business and will be ordering more very soon! It causes us to remember our Lords death and resurrection and to look for His glorious return in the future. Yes, it sounds strange. A little while later, on the night before Jesus was executed at the cross, He celebrated Passover with His disciples, which is commonly referred to as the Last Supper. Together, they can help us to more greatly honor the meal and to unite despite our different ways of observing and understanding it. Communion or the Lords Supper was not simply a new twist on an old celebration. Web9 9.THE POWER OF THE HOLY COMMUNION, BENEFITS AND . He gives us the physical food that we need to survive and the spiritual nourishment we need to keep taking ournext steps with Him. Hence, He stated that the bread is broken, and the wine is consumed in remembrance of Him. Previously, the feasts symbols had only pointed back to the Hebrews redemption from Egypt. 1. Jesus then commands his disciples to do this in remembrance of me, which we do to this day in the form of communion. For Streett, the meal gives us a new identity thats wrapped up with Gods divine rescue project of the cosmos. Passover was a sacred feast for the Jewish people, where they commemorated how God had saved them from death and (The other is baptism.) Will send you some pic. Throughout the process they were very attentive to our requests and the final product was very high quality. Jesus is less concerned about the method of celebrating communion and more concerned that we celebrate it. When we take Communion, we remember that sacrifice and how His blood atones for our sins and made a way for us to live in right-standing with God. You have been accepted and moved into the kingdom of Gods dear Son. The Passover was the most sacred feast of the Jewish religious year. But Communion is not a product of sharing consecrated elements, but rather of sharing a mystical, spiritual communion with God, the people of God, past present and future, and indeed with all creation. Jesus established Communion during Passover. We would highly recommend using Live Love Bean for your next gift. Communion today is taken the same way Jesus did during the Last Supper. 11:24). Sacraments symbolize and guarantee Gods promises to us. Jesus Christ instituted two primary sacraments for Christians to follow. Ive had the joy of speaking in churches, colleges, and seminaries for more than 20 years, and Ive witnessed among younger Christians a growing interest in the Lords Supper. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God., And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him.And he said to them,, I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.For I tell you I will not eat ituntil it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God., And he took a cup, andwhen he had given thanks he said,Take this, and divide it among yourselves.For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vineuntil the kingdom of God comes., And he took bread, andwhen he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying,This is my body, which is given for you. At the Lords table, we come together as equals, as persons who are given the gift of Gods Spiritunconditionally and impartially. Today we are going to examine why we take Communion. We have probably heard of Christians taking part in Communion by visiting the church. It is taken in remembrance of His bruised and beaten body on the cross and His blood that was spilled.