A TIME WE CALL COMMUNION

Introduction: Ever since the early Christians met secretly in homes to remember the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the church has been celebrating the Communion Service. Of all the things we do in the church, this one event should hold the most meaning for us, and it should cause us to be humbled by the message behind the service.

I think that, far too often, the Communion celebration is looked upon as being common place. It is just something "we do every months". In reality, it is far more than this! This time we call Communion is an opportunity for the church to worship the Lord Jesus by remembering what He did for us at Calvary and the garden tomb. It is a time when we can rehearse the message of the Gospel in the ears of those who may not know it. It is also a time to reflect upon our walk with Jesus as individuals.

Today, we are going to partake of the Communion once again. But, before we do, I want to draw your attention to what these verses teach us about this special time. Allow me to point out several marks of this time known as Communion. As I do, please look into your own heart and examine your life on the basis of what the Bible says about this event known as The Lord's Supper.

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

I. IT IS A TIME OF COMMEMORATION V. 23-25

I. V. 23-25 IT IS A TIME OF COMMEMORATION

A. These verses remind us that the Lord's Supper Service is a time for "calling to mind" the great sacrifice and victorious resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. B. When we gather at the Lord's Table for Communion, we are not offering a new sacrifice. We are remembering His "once for all" sacrifice,

10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

C. The idea of remembering is more than just recalling that an event took place. It has the idea of stirring up the mind to relive with Jesus Christ as much of His life, death and resurrection as is humanly possible. It is a time to remember that:

1. He left heaven to be born in a human body - 2. He became poor that we might be rich - 3. He bore our sins in His Own body on the tree - 4. He willingly took our place on Calvary - 5. He shed His blood for our redemption - ; , . 6. He conquered death for us forever - ; 7. He ascended back to Heaven to finish His redemptive work and to serve as out High Priest forever -

D. It is a time to remember!

****During thus time of remembering what Jesus did for us, we need to remember what this means to each of us personally....

II. V. 23-25 IT IS A TIME OF CONTEMPLATION

A. Not only are we to remember what Jesus has done for humanity, but we are to contemplate what His sacrifice means to us as individuals. B. Jesus died on the cross to save sinners,

15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

But, what does that mean to you? Have you been saved? Does His sacrifice move your heart toward Him in worship if you are saved? Does the fact that He is alive forevermore thrill your soul and cause you to bow before Him in humility and worship?

C. We should use this time to reflect on what the work of Christ means to us as individuals. Our minds should reflect on what His death and resurrection has accomplished in our lives. It is a great time to consider your personal walk with the Lord! Is it all it should be? Are you living in a manner that pleases Him? Is your heart right with the Lord? Consider your relationship to the Lord during this special time.

But, what does that mean to you? Have you been saved? Does His sacrifice move your heart toward Him in worship if you are saved? Does the fact that He is alive forevermore thrill your soul and cause you to bow before Him in humility and worship? C. We should use this time to reflect on what the work of Christ means to us as individuals. Our minds should reflect on what His death and resurrection has accomplished in our lives. It is a great time to consider your personal walk with the Lord! Is it all it should be? Are you living in a manner that pleases Him? Is your heart right with the Lord? Consider your relationship to the Lord during this special time.

****After realizing who Jesus is and understanding what He did for us individually, then we should know that....

III. IT IS A TIME OF IDENTIFICATION V. 23-25

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

A. When we take the Lord's Supper, we are publically identifying ourselves with Jesus Christ. Now, it is possible for a lost person to partake of the Lord's Supper and never be saved. This event holds no saving power! However, for those who are saved, it is a time for us to declare publically that we believe His death and resurrection were for us! B. Let us who have been saved by grace boldly identify ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ! The Bible reminds us that those who know Him are not to be ashamed of Him,

A. When we take the Lord's Supper, we are publically identifying ourselves with Jesus Christ. Now, it is possible for a lost person to partake of the Lord's Supper and never be saved. This event holds no saving power! However, for those who are saved, it is a time for us to declare publically that we believe His death and resurrection were for us! B. Let us who have been saved by grace boldly identify ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ! The Bible reminds us that those who know Him are not to be ashamed of Him, . The world may call us fools. They may say we use the Lord as a crutch. Regardless of what they say, let us take our stand with the redeemed and loudly proclaim our faith in Him and our dependence upon His sacrifice. C. The Lord's Supper Service is a prime time to identify yourself with the Lord Jesus!

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., ). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

The world may call us fools. They may say we use the Lord as a crutch. Regardless of what they say, let us take our stand with the redeemed and loudly proclaim our faith in Him and our dependence upon His sacrifice. C. The Lord's Supper Service is a prime time to identify yourself with the Lord Jesus!

**** IT IS A TIME OF COMMEMORATION’ IT IS A TIME OF CONTEMPLATION, IT IS A TIME OF IDENTIFICATION, and ....

IV. V. 26 IT IS A TIME OF DECLARATION

IV. IT IS A TIME OF DECLARATION v26

IV. V. 26 IT IS A TIME OF DECLARATION

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

A. This verse reminds us that when we celebrate the Lords Supper, we are declaring His death and resurrection to new generations of people. This is to be a time of education as well as a time of worship. We must always take the time to explain what we are doing when we take the bread and juice. This service is a prime time for declaring the Gospel message to those who do not know it.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

A. This verse reminds us that when we celebrate the Lords Supper,

A. This verse reminds us that when we celebrate the Lords Supper, we are declaring His death and resurrection to new generations of people. This is to be a time of education as well as a time of worship. We must always take the time to explain what we are doing when we take the bread and juice. This service is a prime time for declaring the Gospel message to those who do not know it.

we are declaring His death and resurrection to new generations of people. This is to be a time of education as well as a time of worship. We must always take the time to explain what we are doing when we take the bread and juice. This service is a prime time for declaring the Gospel message to those who do not know it.

B. That is why we preach the Gospel message! We proclaim it so that men and women, boy and girls will have the opportunity to believe on Jesus Christ as all the redeemed have done. Therefore, let us determine that we will ever remind this lost and dying world that there is only one source of salvation and that His name is Jesus Christ,

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

B. That is why we preach the Gospel message! We proclaim it so that men and women, boy and girls will have the opportunity to believe on Jesus Christ as all the redeemed have done. Therefore, let us determine that we will ever remind this lost and dying world that there is only one source of salvation and that His name is Jesus Christ, , . C. In a day when many churches are becoming "seeker friendly" and others are abandoning the doctrines of salvation by grace through faith alone, let us determine that as long as there is breath in our bodies, we will strive to protect the message in this church! We could compromise and draw a crowd, but I had rather preach the truth to a few than to drag a crowd behind me into a Christless eternity!

C. In a day when many churches are becoming "seeker friendly" and others are abandoning the doctrines of salvation by grace through faith alone, let us determine that as long as there is breath in our bodies, we will strive to protect the message in this church.

****The Lord’s Supper should be many things for us, also....

V. IT IS A TIME OF EXPECTATION v 26

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

A. We are also reminded that this time serves to stir up our thoughts concerning the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The truth is, He died for us, He rose again for us and He ascended into Heaven for us. There, He makes intercession for us at the throne of God. But, let us not forget that He has also promised to return someday for us, ; . B. The Lord's Supper service should serve to remind us of the fact that He is coming! It should stir up our hearts by reminding us that one day soon, our Savior will return from glory to take His children home to Heaven. Therefore, when the bred and juice are passed in a few minutes, remember, Jesus is coming and He is coming for a redeemed people. C. Are you ready for His coming? !

A. We are also reminded that this time serves to stir up our thoughts concerning the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The truth is, He died for us, He rose again for us and He ascended into Heaven for us. There, He makes intercession for us at the throne of God. But, let us not forget that He has also promised to return someday for us, ;

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore lcomfort one another with these words.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

B. The Lord's Supper service should serve to remind us of the fact that He is coming! It should stir up our hearts by reminding us that one day soon, our Savior will return from glory to take His children home to Heaven. Therefore, when the bread and juice are passed in a few minutes, remember, Jesus is coming and He is coming for a redeemed people. C. Are you ready for His coming?

VI. V. 27-31 IT IS A TIME OF EXAMINATION

44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

****Some verses that are sometimes misinterpreted also reveal a time we need to look at. ...

VI. IT IS A TIME OF EXAMINATION V. 27-31

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

A. While all the other truths we have considered today are important, this final one is very serious in its warning to you and me. The Lord's Supper service is a time of reflection and worship, but it is also a time of self-examination. We are warned against partaking of the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner. This can mean several things: 3. It Is A Warning Against Taking It Lightly - Too often, people will come to the Lord's table and will not take the time to search their hearts for sin, nor will they consider the great sacrifice Jesus gave for their redemption. They go through the motions, but ignore the emotions. Others participate in it ritualistically and not with their minds and hearts. Others trust the ceremony to save them and fail to trust the One to Whom the ceremony points. Others come with bitterness and hatred in their hearts toward other believers. All of these are dangerous and bring the chastisement of God into our lives. B. When we partake of the Lord's Supper in a manner which degrades the truth behind the celebration, we are guilty of trampling under foot the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. When someone walks on the flag of the United States in protest, they are doing more than damaging a piece of cloth. They are actually dishonoring this nation and all it stands for! The same is true at the Lord's Table! Let us be careful to examine our hearts, our lives and our motives before we receive the elements of the Lord's Supper. C. Paul's warning is serious! He reminds the Corinthians that some of there number is dead because they came to the Lord's Table in an unworthy manner, v. 30! The remedy for this is for us to examine ourselves, confess our sins and right every wrong possible, before we come to the Lord's Table! If we will take the time to judge our own lives, the Lord will not have to judge them for us, v. 31. But, even when His chastisement comes upon us, it is for our own good, and is a product of His love for us, v. 32.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

A. While all the other truths we have considered today are important, this final one is very serious in its warning to you and me. The Lord's Supper service is a time of reflection and worship, but it is also a time of self-examination. We are warned against partaking of the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner. This can mean several things: 3. It Is A Warning Against Taking It Lightly - Too often, people will come to the Lord's table and will not take the time to search their hearts for sin, nor will they consider the great sacrifice Jesus gave for their redemption. They go through the motions, but ignore the emotions. Others participate in it ritualistically and not with their minds and hearts. Others trust the ceremony to save them and fail to trust the One to Whom the ceremony points. Others come with bitterness and hatred in their hearts toward other believers. All of these are dangerous and bring the chastisement of God into our lives. B. When we partake of the Lord's Supper in a manner which degrades the truth behind the celebration, we are guilty of trampling under foot the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. When someone walks on the flag of the United States in protest, they are doing more than damaging a piece of cloth. They are actually dishonoring this nation and all it stands for! The same is true at the Lord's Table! Let us be careful to examine our hearts, our lives and our motives before we receive the elements of the Lord's Supper. C. Paul's warning is serious! He reminds the Corinthians that some of there number is dead because they came to the Lord's Table in an unworthy manner, v. 30! The remedy for this is for us to examine ourselves, confess our sins and right every wrong possible, before we come to the Lord's Table! If we will take the time to judge our own lives, the Lord will not have to judge them for us, v. 31. But, even when His chastisement comes upon us, it is for our own good, and is a product of His love for us, v. 32.

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

A. While all the other truths we have considered today are important, this final one is very serious in its warning to you and me. The Lord's Supper service is a time of reflection and worship, but it is also a time of self-examination. We are warned against partaking of the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner. “Unworthily” and “unworthy manner” is misinterpreted by a lot of people. “Unworthily” describes the manner in which we do it, not our spiritual state that we are in. Paul was overwhelmed in the irreverence with which it was being carried out when he was describing it here. We are not to do it unworthily, but with deepest reverence.

B. It Is A Warning Against Taking It Lightly - Too often, people will come to the Lord's table and not consider the great sacrifice Jesus gave for their redemption. They go through the motions, but ignore the emotions. Others participate in it ritualistically and not with their minds and hearts. Others trust the ceremony to save them and fail to trust the One to Whom the ceremony points. Others come with bitterness and hatred in their hearts toward other believers. All of these are dangerous and bring the chastisement of God into our lives. B. When we partake of the Lord's Supper in a manner which degrades the truth behind the celebration, we are guilty of trampling under foot the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. When someone walks on the flag of the United States in protest, they are doing more than damaging a piece of cloth. They are actually dishonoring this nation and all it stands for! C. Paul's warning is serious! He reminds the Corinthians that some of there number is dead because they came to the Lord's Table in an unworthy manner.

Conclusion

1. Are you saved?

2. Is your life pleasing to the Lord?

3. Are there hidden things in your life that need to be dealt with this morning?

4. Is there ANY problem between you and another believer?

5. Can you honestly say that your heart and life and pure?

6. Are you ready to receive the bread and juice with a heart of true worship for God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ? Truly remembering Jesus for the Sacrifice He made for us and looking for His Return.

The Lord's Supper is worship because it expresses the infinite worth of Christ. No one is more worthy to be remembered. No one is more worthy to be proclaimed. And no one can nourish our souls with eternal life but Christ. So let us come and remember, and proclaim and eat.