Untitled Sermon (3)

Good Morning,

Pipe Creek Community Church celebrates the Lord’s Supper this week with an open communion. 

This means that anyone who believes in and trusts the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation is welcome at the table.

This morning I will be reading from….Romans 8: 14-17

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

These words given to us by the Holy Spirit through Paul emphasizes the profound spiritual reality that we as believers are adopted sons and daughters, as children of God.

To the Galatians Paul wrote:

 “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-7)

And to the Ephesians Paul again writes:

     He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love, by predestining us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our transgressions, according to the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:4-7)

And the Apostle that Jesus Loved tells us:

See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we would be called children of God; and we are. For this reason, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not been manifested as yet what we will be. We know that when He is manifested, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.

And John, “the disciple that Jesus loved” writes to us:  

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

As we prepare ourselves to remember and honor our Lord and Savior, let us remember that we are here as children of God and Co-heirs with Christ, because of His sacrifice for us.

We can take example of this glorious revelation and its impacts on our lives

Faithful Fellowship: The Heart of Communion

Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Luke 22:19-20, John 6:53-58

Summary: The theme of communion in Scripture emphasizes the importance of remembering Christ's sacrificial body and blood, reflecting on the covenant relationship between God and His people, and engaging in a communal act that strengthens believers' faith and unity.

Application: This sermon on communion encourages believers to engage meaningfully in the practice, reminding them of the significance of Christ's sacrifice, the call to reflect on their lives, and the importance of community in faith. It challenges them to not take communion lightly, but as a transformative act that fosters deeper relationship with God and one another.

Teaching: This sermon could teach the importance of communion as a central element of Christian worship, highlighting its role as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, a proclamation of faith, and a means of grace that nourishes and unites the Church.

How this passage could point to Christ: Communion reveals Christ's fulfillment of the Passover, portraying Him as our sacrificial Lamb. In partaking of the bread and wine, believers are united in His death and resurrection, which are central to the entire biblical narrative of redemption.

Big Idea: Communion is not merely a ritual; it is the heart of our fellowship with Christ and each other, grounding us in our shared faith, and reminding us of the eternal hope we have through His sacrifice.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the historical context of the Last Supper and its significance in Jewish tradition, which you can research in your Logos library. Delve into the theological implications of participation in the body and blood of Christ, as addressed in 1 Corinthians, and the nature of communal worship practices in early Christianity. Pay attention to various interpretations of the Eucharist across different denominations, which may provide insight into your own church's practices.

1. Remembering His Sacrifice

1 Corinthians 11:23-24

You could emphasize the importance of remembrance in communion. Paul recounts Jesus' words at the Last Supper, urging us to "do this in remembrance of me." Perhaps encourage believers to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice with gratitude and reverence, recognizing how this act binds us to the core of our faith. This remembrance should lead to a deeper appreciation for His grace and provoke us to live more Christ-like lives.

2. Proclaiming the New Covenant

1 Corinthians 11:25-26

Perhaps highlight the covenant aspect of communion. As Christ introduces the cup as the new covenant in His blood, stress the transformative nature of this covenant, symbolizing forgiveness and new beginnings. Challenge your congregation to proclaim the Lord's death actively, living out their faith daily, eagerly awaiting His return. This practice should foster a sense of unity and purpose within the church body.

3. Thanksgiving Through Trials

Luke 22:19-20

You could focus on the element of thanksgiving in Luke’s account. As Jesus gives thanks, this moment is steeped in gratitude even amidst suffering. Encourage believers to approach the table with a heart full of thanksgiving, even in trials, mirroring our Savior’s example. This gratitude can transform our perspective, nurturing a spirit of joy and fellowship among believers, reorienting our lives toward hope.

4. Participating in Eternal Life

John 6:53-54

Maybe explore the necessity of participation in Christ, as expressed in John. Jesus speaks of eating His flesh and drinking His blood as vital for eternal life. Urge your church to see communion not merely as symbolic, but as an essential means of grace that nourishes our spiritual life. This participation unites us with Christ's resurrected life, assuring us of salvation and fostering a sense of belonging.

5. Sustained by Christ

John 6:55-58

Perhaps underscore the sustaining power of communion. Jesus promises that those who feed on Him will remain in Him and bear fruit. Encourage your congregation to find strength in regular communion with Christ, as this relationship sustains and transforms us. This point emphasizes that through communion, believers draw life from Christ, ultimately becoming a source of spiritual life and support to one another.

from the Apostle John. When he describes himself as “the disciple that Jesus loved, or the beloved one” he is not saying this through vanity, but through adoration and humility.

John is in awe of the marvelous revelation that Christ loved him and was willing to die for him.