Holy Communion

What is the Lord's Supper? This meal of bread and wine was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ when he ate the Passover meal with his disciples the night before being crucified as payment for our sins.  The ancient title of the Lord’s Supper is “Eucharist”, meaning “thanksgiving.”  We come to the Lord’s Table with repentant hearts and leave with thankful hearts.

It is a meal with past, present and future significance 

Past: We remember that Jesus’ body was broken and his blood shed on the cross to forgive our sins and put us right with God (2 Cor 5:21).

Present: We are comforted knowing that in the bread and wine, Jesus is truly coming to us in the most personal way with that forgiveness (Matt 26:28).

 Future: We anticipate sharing in the banquet of heaven with Jesus (Matt 26:29).

 

What do the Scriptures say?

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We receive in the bread and wine the true body and blood of Christ.  “This is my body…” (Mark 14:22-24)

Christ personally comes with forgiveness to each believer who partakes.  “Poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matt 26:28)

Along with this forgiveness we receive the gifts of eternal life and salvation.  “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood, has eternal life.” (John 6:54)

In this meal we are united by faith with Christ and our fellow believers.  “Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ?  Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” (1 Cor 10:16-17) 

Thus, it’s not just a memorial meal, but a meal with power—God’s Power

In the bread and wine, God comes to us in a very powerful way with His presence to forgive us, strengthen our faith and unite us through Jesus’ very body and blood.

 Because the meal is no less than the body and blood of our Lord, The Apostle Paul gives this caution regarding it's use:

"Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup" (1 Cor 11:27-28)

What does it mean to "examine" oneself?

To "Examine" means to "look closely at" your beliefs and attitudes. The questions to ask as you "examine" your beliefs and attitudes:

Do I believe that

  • I am sinful (Rom 3:23) and can't save myself (Eph 2:8-9)?

  • Jesus gave himself on the cross to save all mankind from sin (Rom 5:8-9)?

  • Apart from faith in Jesus thre is no salvation (Act 4:12)?

  • Jesus' body and blood are truly given in this meal (Mark 14:22)?

  • Through this body and blood I personally receive forgiveness of sins (Matt 26:28)?

Do I desire to:

  • Amend my sinful ways (Acts 26:20) and walk in the ways of our Savior (Luke 9:32-26)?

  • Forgive other as Christ has forgiven me (Matt 6:14-15)?

Your participation in our Lord's Supper Celebration

By communing together at this altar, those who share this meal give an implicit testimony to oneness of faith (1 Cor 10:16-17). All who believe, desire and so confess are welcome to join in celebrating Holy Communion with us at Trinity.

 

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