Holy Sweet Communion

17 Apr Holy Sweet Communion

For I received from the Lord Himself that [instruction] which I passed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is (represents) My body, which is [offered as a sacrifice] for you. Do this in [affectionate] remembrance of me. 25 In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant [ratified and established] in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in [affectionate] remembrance of me.

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 AMP

Communion is one of the ordinances of the Christian Church. I use the word ordinance because the word makes you think of something that is important. Something that should be observed continuously with no end date. Something to be conducted in a specific way by certain people.

Why do we do Communion? Verse 26 answers this question. 26 For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are [symbolically] proclaiming [the fact of] the Lord’s death until He comes [again].  1 Corinthians 11:26 AMP

Check out verses 27 and 28 when I was a young believer, I used to hear/read these verses during the communion service and say “Lord why did you have the Apostle Paul put these verses 27 – 29 here some of us need to read this before we take communion. 

27 So then whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in a way that is unworthy [of Him] will be guilty of [profaning and sinning against] the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But a person must [prayerfully] examine himself [and his relationship to Christ], and only when he has done so should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks [without solemn reverence and heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ], eats and drinks a judgment on himself if he does not recognize the body [of Christ]. 

In a further study, I found out that all believers should understand the context of the text not just the content. The instructions for this sacred institution were a small part of the big picture. This was a letter to a church to encourage, admonish and put things in order. For things going on that had come to the Apostle Paul’s attention. 

When do we do Communion: The Word says “as often… “means frequently. In an article called Building a Wall Between You and Sin Written by Kenneth Copeland, it states that Smith Wigglesworth a well-known English preacher took communion every day. 

Who can take Communion: You must be born again. Jesus Christ is Lord over your life.

Can you take Communion at home: Yes, you can take it at home. Streaming your church Service is an example of this. Incorporate prayer, reading scripture (you can use our text from today’s message) thanksgiving, and praise.

Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in a study of this most sacred observance of the church and watch how it will bless and enhance your life.  💕

Theresa Woodard