Introduction
In our time together, I want to share the significance of communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, as understood through the lens of God's love and grace. My encouragement comes from the life and testimony of Dr. Clark Petticord, who has spent over 50 years sharing the message of Jesus in Europe. We explore communion as more than a ritual, but as a profound expression of God's love intended to guide us through our journey as believers. Inspired by the heart of this man and his passion for communion, we will delve into what it means to be a part of God's story and how communion can illuminate that path.
Main Points
To Appreciate The Significance Of Communion
To appreciate the significance of communion, we must first understand who we are and the story we find ourselves in. Communion connects us back to the story of God's exodus, which liberated the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
- The inner circle of this story involves God's faithfulness in delivering His people and the outer circle is our identity as Christians, the new Exodus people.
- Just like the Israelites, we too are on a pilgrimage, moving from a place of bondage to a promised spiritual freedom.
- Jesus established communion as a reminder of this journey and to reinforce our unity in His body.
- As we gather in fellowship, we affirm that we have been marked by the sacrifice of Christ who laid down His life for our deliverance.
In The Lord S Supper We
In the Lord's Supper, we participate not merely in a remembrance of past events but engage in a present reality that affects our lives. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this point in 1 Corinthians 10, detailing that when we partake of the bread and the cup, we proclaim the death of Christ, an act that signifies our participation in His body.
- This element of gathering in communion creates a sacred opportunity for believers to encounter God's grace.
- Paul’s admonition acts as a warning, urging us not to repeat the failures of the Israelites; the consequences of their disobedience serve as opportunities for learning and growth f.
- As we reflect upon communion, we must grasp two vital consequences that this practice should evoke in our lives.
- First, it serves as a reminder that we are not yet home; our journey is ongoing.
With Every Communion Element We Are
With every communion element, we are called to acknowledge our scars from past struggles while encouraging one another through accountability. It is essential to recognize that life carries challenges, but we journey together, supporting one another just as the early church did. Second, communion prompts us to engage in an examined life. In preparing our hearts, we must confront our sinfulness openly and honestly. Paul instructs us to examine ourselves before partaking in the elements. This self-reflection promotes healing, accountability, and an authentic relationship with fellow believers, fostering Koinonia, or community, among us.
Lastly It Is Vital To Recognize
Lastly, it is vital to recognize that we are not alone on this pilgrimage. The communal aspect of believers coming together signifies the importance of our shared experiences and mutual support in faith. Just as the Israelites relied on one another amidst their trials, we too must count on our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we partake of communion, we proclaim not only our faith in Christ but also our commitment to live in genuine and transparent community.
Conclusion
As we conclude this study, let us remember the profound richness of communion as God’s love language. It serves to tether us to our identity as Exodus people, uplifting us with reminders of grace and accountability. Through this practice, we are invited into a deeper relationship with God and a more profound community with one another. In embracing communion, we affirm our journey together and our reliance on God’s promises as we await the final homecoming into His presence. Let us go forth, empowered by the knowledge that in our shared pilgrimage, we carry God’s love to a world in need.