Communion

 Scripture References:

• Matthew 26:17-29
• Mark 14:12-25
• Luke 22:7-38
• John 6:35, 48-51
• Acts 2:42-46
• 1 Corinthians 10:16
• 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
• 1 Peter 3:18

The account of when Jesus instituted this ordinance of communion is given in Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:19-20, and 1Corinthians 11:24-26.  

Communion is sometimes referred to as the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion,  or in some church denominations as Eucharist, or Sacrament. Unleavened bread, together with wine, or juice, is consecrated and given to the participants. Partaking in communion is a sharing and remembrance of your covenant with God. The covenant was made possible by Christ’s sacrifice. 

NAMES FOR COMMUNION:  What do they mean?

• The Lord’s Supper— We can now come to the table of our Father and place our feet beneath it because we are part of His family.
• Holy Communion— We are sharing in this Holy and intimate time with God as part of His Body—the Church.
• Eucharist— This word comes from the Greek language  and means “thanksgiving.” It’s a time of personal reflection, humility,  and thankfulness as we think about how we were brought out of the bondage of sin and stepped into freedom through Christ.
• Sacrament— This is a religious ceremony or act that is regarded as an outward symbol of an inward relationship with Christ.

There are several other descriptions for communion used in the Bible:

• The Lord’s Table— “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”—1 Corinthians 10:21
• The cup of Thanksgiving— “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?  The bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of  Christ?”—1 Corinthians 10:16
• Breaking of Bread— “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayers.”—Acts 2:42Communion uses bread as a symbol for Jesus’ body and wine as a symbol for His blood.  

FOUR (4) THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT COMMUNION: 

Communion’s sacred symbolism is multifaceted, just like all of God’s work and design. The Lord cuts deep into our hearts and “penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit” (see Heb. 4:12). As Believers, we have the blessing of experiencing Him in new and intimate ways with every step we take.

These are things to consider when partaking in communion:         

 1. Remembrance. Communion should stir our hearts to remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. “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.’”—1 Corinthians 11:25 

2. Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, enter you into a covenant with God. Communion is a reminder of that covenant.  Because of Christ’s sacrifice, you now have access to His resurrection power. “…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of  glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that  you may know what the hope of His calling is, what are the riches of  the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding  greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working  of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from  the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places…”—Ephesians 1:17-20        

 3. Decree and Declare. As we remember and reflect, we can also declare the promises of God. God doesn’t forget, but He wants you to call upon Him and decree His promise of blessing out into the heavenly realms. Words have power. When we declare our identity in Christ, the enemy is blocked from his attempts of stealing our spiritual inheritance.“According to all that He promised, blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel. There has not failed one word of all  His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses.”—1 Kings 8:56“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’  Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”—James 4:6-7 

 4. Paul tells the Church in Corinth that they are proclaiming the Lord’s death until His return through partaking in communion. We can look forward to His return and the marriage supper of the Lamb!“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”—1 Corinthians 11:26“Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to  the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, ‘These are the  true sayings of God.’”—Revelation 19:9

If you have questions, the Deacons, along with the Ministerial Staff, will assist.