You may notice at the end of the month, we gather together to partake in communion as a Church. You likely have either seen or partaken in this experience before, without really understanding the true meaning. We do this as the bible instructs:
“And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body,which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
As believers, the Lord’s Supper brings us together as a family of Christ. In Matthew 26, we read the passage where Jesus shares in the Last Supper with his disciples. It’s important to note that passover was being celebrated. In the Jewish faith, Passover is celebrated to remember how the Lord had delivered the people from the Egyptians. It is a celebration of freedom.
However, Jesus is “our Passover lamb” as in 1 Corinthians 5:7, delivering us from sin and spiritual death through his sacrifice on the cross. The act of communion is an act of remembrance of how Jesus has saved us.
However, taking communion does not save you. While Jesus invites everyone to join him at the communion table, it’s important that you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, as well as prepared your heart to receive the bread and wine (sometimes grape juice in some congregations. As 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 says:
“So then, 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. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.”
Here are some steps you can take to prepare your heart before approaching the communion table.
- Pray: Ask the Lord to help prepare you to approach the communion table and for his forgiveness.
- Forgive: In 1 Corinthians 11:17-19 we are warned against approaching the communion table if we have anger or a grudge against a brother or sister of Christ. Before you take communion, forgive.
- Turn From Sin: If you are knowingly committing sin in your life, you should take a minute to pray and reconsider approaching the communion table.
- Worship: Engaging in corporate communion with your Church is humbling and yet a celebration of all Christ has done. Worship and praise Jesus for delivering us from sin and death.
Communion is a wonderful celebration that New Life Church practices on a monthly basis. If you have questions about communion and how you should be practicing this important part of your faith walk, speak with a pastor or small group leader.
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” - 1 Corinthians 10:16
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