Communion with God's Family
Jesus never asked his disciples to remember His birth. But he did instruct them
to remember his death and resurrection. He gave the church two visible symbols (called,
"ordinances") as reminders of his death. These two ordinances are: Baptism
and the Lord's Supper. The Lord’s Supper is an object lesson that represents
a great spiritual truth for believers.
WHAT IS THE LORD'S SUPPER? (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
- It is a simple act.
"The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread…" (vs. 23)
- It is a reminder.
"…and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is my body,
which is for you; eat it in remembrance of me.'" (vs. 24)
- It is a symbol.
"In the same way, He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant
in my blood; drink it to remember me.'" (vs. 25)
- It is a statement of faith.
"For whenever you eat the bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s
death until He comes back." (vs. 26)
WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LORD'S SUPPER?
Only those who are already believers in Jesus Christ. (Mark 14:22-26)
HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER?
"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 person
ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup."
1 Corinthians 11:27-28
- Self-Examination – 1 Corinthians 11:27
- Confessing My Sins – 1 John 1:9
- Recommitment – Romans 12:1
- Restoring Relationships – Matthew 5:23-24
WHEN AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE OBSERVE THE LORD'S SUPPER?
Jesus never said when or how often believers should observe The Lord's Supper.
He instituted it on a Thursday night. In the Bible, Christians observed the communion
in small groups in homes.
At Real Hope Community Church, we observe the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday
of every month. In addition, we allow small groups to conduct the Lord's Supper
from "house to house" under pastoral supervision.
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