Thanksgiving Communion Tonight
Hello “Bread,”
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
The picture of communion is important to a church because it represents the union we have with one another and Christ. We are Christians—or “little Christs.” We are many parts, but one body; many ingredients, but one loaf of bread.
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
Paul called their church “the body of Christ,” and, so, we call our church “the body of Christ” too. It’s impossible to be “one body” with all of Christendom, and God gives each local church the task of observing the ordinances.
“Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.” 1 Corinthians 11:2
Tonight’s observance of the Lord’s Supper is obedience to his commands, identity with his salvation, remembrance of his body, communion with him, a declaration of his sacrifice, and a celebration of his return!
The ordinance of baptism is the “front door” of the house of God. The ordinance of the Lord’s Table is the “shower.” I’m not being irreverent… The Lord’s Table has a cleansing effect on the body when every member judges themselves before partaking. The purpose of it is both personal and communal.
When we personally cleanse ourselves of leaven, we protect the whole church from infection (see 1 Cor. 5). That helps you, and it helps us. Repentance is good all around, and the Lord’s Supper observance is our time as a church to examine ourselves and cleanse our church from within. Not by the observance itself, but by each member’s personal repentance.
So, the Lord’s Table is important. It’s not mystical, it’s not magical, it’s not sacramental… but it’s crucial. I believe the Scriptures teach that every church member ought to partake of the Table per the command, “This do in remembrance of me.”
I’m not sure why anyone would not want to, actually.
We’ll see you tonight as we thank God together for the broken body and shed blood of his Son, our savior, Jesus Christ.
–Pastor Ryan