Communion Manuscript

Communion Manuscript

South Congregation Sunday Services

In the effort of transitioning from the sermon, we’re going to respond by taking the Lord’s Supper, and continuing to worship together.

Communion is a physical demonstration for Christ followers of our receiving the work of Christ done on our behalf as sufficient. It’s also a meal. But I have alway found it to be a meal that leaves us still hungry. I think that is purposeful, because it’s teaching us to hunger for heaven, when our faith will be made sight and our glorified bodies will enjoy communion with Christ that offers himself to us today…Fully.

In Luke 22, where Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper before the disciples, he says, “And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. 15 And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Verse 20, Jesus continues, “And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

Around the room we have stations set up with the communion elements for you, with a gluten free option for our Gluten free friends in the back. And while the next two songs play, you can go and receive the communion elements. One deacon will say to you, “Chris’s body, broken for you.” in taking the bread. Then, another will say, “Christ’s blood, shed for you.” in taking the juice.

At a deacon meeting several weeks ago, one of our incredible deacons Javier talked about how beautiful and motivating it was for him to say that to our people over and over again because every time he said it, he felt it. My prayer, even for the next couple minutes, is that you yourselves feel it. Jesus came, lived, and died, knowing he was our only hope. And it was sufficient. Such a beautiful reality.

If you’re not a believer, we would encourage you not to take it because there is not a way that we feel you could do so honestly, but if you want to learn more about following Jesus, we would love to talk to you more about that! The Christ that bled, died, and rose, offers himself to you, and I implore you to take him up on it.

Will you pray with me?

Dear Lord,

Thank you for living the life we couldn’t in perfect sinlessness, dying the death we deserve for our sin, and then raising to new life, bringing us up from the grave with you. Would the beauty of this gift never grow old to us, and would you use it to constantly renew and enliven us. We love you, but I’m held fast by how much more you love us and how tangibly it's shown in your death and resurrection. These things we pray in your name,

Amen