Remember the Grace of God

Psalm 77:11–12 CSB

I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions.

Psalm 77:11–12 CSB

I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions.

yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. 12 I will reflect on all you have done

;

12 I will reflect on all you have done

Introduction:

The word remember is a powerful word as it relates to communion. Remembering is more than just an intellectual exercise or the dispensing of information. The theme of remembrance is one of the most familiar, yet powerful motifs inherent in the Lord's Supper. One would hardly think that those who have been redeemed would need to be reminded of God's grace shown in Jesus Christ. But we do. The Psalmist declared he would remember the Lord’s works…that he would remember all that the Lord has done and meditate on the Lord’s actions.

and meditate on your actions.

So almost every time we meet at the Lord's table we are reminded of his command to remember: "Do this in remembrance of Me." Though familiar to us, these words deserve special emphasis.

I. Remembering is Commanded

The message may include the following ideas:

We have authority for doing this—this observance is ordained by Christ himself. It is one of the two ordinances he gave to the church along with baptism.

Retrace the final events of Jesus' life leading up to Calvary, reminding the congregation of his suffering and death on our behalf. We have authority for doing this—this observance is ordained by Christ himself.

, “do this in remembrance of me..”

Here at New Life we seek to observe this special time once quarterly.

II. Remembering is Visible

“in remembrance of me..”

“This is my body” and “This is my blood” - visible reminders of the cross and the sufferings of the Savior - Jesus Christ.

Retrace the final events of Jesus' life leading up to Calvary, reminding the congregation of his suffering and death on our behalf.

Note that remembrance is visible in the bread and cup—'This is my body" and "This is my blood."Note that remembrance strengthens us. Our faith is strengthened and built up through eating, drinking, and remembering. Zwingli said, "Eating is believing and believing is eating."Note, finally, that while this remembrance is historical, it is also personal. Jesus doesn't ask us to remember the date, place, etc. We are never told to "Do this in remembrance of my death." The command is "Do this in remembrance of me." Our relationship with Christ is a personal one: "Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

III. Remembering is Strengthening

Note that remembrance strengthens us. Our faith is strengthened and built up through eating, drinking, and remembering. Zwingli said, "Eating is believing and believing is eating."

It is strengthening also in the fact that it focuses our attention on what is truly important. Paul corrected the Corinthians in their abuse of this observance. Not only that, he rebuked them for their division and discord. The church there had divided up into various factions or cliques and it was destroying the unity of the church and hindering the progress of the gospel. This still happens today, churches divide over 10,000 different things such as favorite preachers/teachers, dress, style of music, etc. Likewise, in relation to this observance, various traditions divide over the meaning and method of this time of remembrance. In so doing, we miss the very meaning our Lord intended in my view. That is to remember - to remember him and all that he has done for us. It strengthens our faith, sharpens our focus and solidifies our unity as believers when we remember the grace of God seen through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Note that remembrance strengthens us. Our faith is strengthened and built up through eating, drinking, and remembering. Zwingli said, "Eating is believing and believing is eating."

IV. Remembering is Personal

Note, finally, that while this remembrance is historical, it is also personal. Jesus doesn't ask us to remember the date, place, etc. We are never told to "Do this in remembrance of my death." The command is "Do this in remembrance of me." Our relationship with Christ is a personal one: "Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Having said this, this observance is only for those who know Christ. If you are not a follower of Christ - how can you commune with him? As such, we should also teach our children and grandchildren the significance of this - we purposely did not have children’s church this morning so that the children here could witness what we do. We need to explain to them that they are not to partake if they have not made a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ. We do not do them any favors by allowing them to partake of this meal without teaching them.

Observance of Communion:

Deacons come forward & Table is Prepared

Table is prepared

Opening Prayer

Read -35 & Brief Remarks

Brief Remarks

Opening Prayer

Distribute Bread (2 plates and 4 deacons per side - piano plays softly)

Prayer - then Partake of Bread

Distribute Cup (2 trays and 4 deacons per side - piano play softly)

Prayer - then Partake of Cup

Closing Hymn - Amazing Grace (no music)

Note, finally, that while this remembrance is historical, it is also personal. Jesus doesn't ask us to remember the date, place, etc. We are never told to "Do this in remembrance of my death." The command is "Do this in remembrance of me." Our relationship with Christ is a personal one: "Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.