WHAT’S WITH COMMUNION?

Everyone wants to be remembered for at least one thing after they’re gone.

Jesus told his disciples, then and now, one thing to do to “remember him.”

One Thing

The night before Jesus was crucified he called his disciples together. He knew what they didn’t – this would be their last supper together.

He wanted to make a lasting impression on them. He knew losing focus or getting sidetracked from their faith would be a threat.

Jesus took unleavened bread and broke it and told them to eat – this was “his body.”

He took wine and gave it them and told them to drink – this was “his blood.”

Then he told them to repeat this practice in remembrance of Him.

The observance would be about his death.

6 Reasons Why We Remember Jesus’ Death

            1. Simply because…Jesus told us to. When we celebrate communion we are doing exactly what Jesus wants us to do. Simple obedience. – centered in His will.  “And he took bread, gave thanks, and broke it and gave it to them saying, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”  Luke 22:19 (NIV)

           2. We are remembering Jesus and all that He has done for us through his death. Communion reminds us that while salvation and forgiveness is free, it is costly. Jesus gave his life for you. Our faith is founded on the sacrifice of His life in our place…for our sin…on the Cross.

“In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:25 (NIV)

The juice and the bread that are used are simply symbols.

There is no substance to them other than being reminders.

They are not the literal “blood” and “body” of Jesus.

          3. We declare that the death of Jesus gives life to a believer. Communion is a statement of faith: “Jesus died for me. I believe his death and resurrection provides forgiveness for my sin.”  “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)

           4. We need to take an account of our life and behavior on a regular basis. Communion is a needed time to hit the “refresh” button. Believers are encouraged to self-evaluate and make necessary behavior and attitude adjustments.  “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28 (NIV)

          5. We show our connection with Jesus and unity with other believers. His life becomes our life and we become members of each other: “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf”. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NIV)

         6. We remind ourselves that Jesus is coming again and we need to live ready. “…do this until He comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV).

After each Communion service at North Pointe, we always take time to pray for people and anoint them with oil according to James 5:13.

This is a wonderful time for Jesus to minister miracles and healing through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is a reminder that: “by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

APPLICATION: At North Pointe we celebrate Communion once a month, usually on the last Sunday of the month.

I write to inspire people to be real, grow an authentic faith in Jesus, enjoy healthy relationships and discover their life purpose. If this material is helpful to you, please follow me.

• Subscribe. You’ll receive helpful content in your email box early Mondays and Thursdays.
  
• Follow on Twitter. I daily tweet info I think you’ll be interested in.
  
• Friend on Facebook. If you “like” my page, let me know you found me here.
• Connect on Linkedin. I like this because it reminds me what people think I’m good at.