“Why Celebrate Communion?” 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 February 8, 2009

I. Jesus said to do it. Ordinance – something that we are commanded or “ordered” to do. Communion and Water Baptism are the two ordinances that we observe

I. Jesus said to do it. He expanded the Passover meal. – “While they were eating (the Passover), Jesus took break, gave thank and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” -- Matthew 26:26-28

I. Jesus said to do it. He expanded the Passover meal. – The bread is the symbol of his body. – The cup is a symbol of the blood of the covenant. He directed the Lord’s Supper to be observed. – “Do this in remembrance of me.” – memorial – Proclaim his death ‘till he comes. - testimonial

II. Communion benefits me. It forces me to examine myself. – We are to recognize the body of the Lord. – Then we will not come under judgment. It forces me to be real with God. – Am I truly a Christ-follower? – Is there anyone that I’m unwilling to forgive? – Is something distracting me from being focused in my relationship with Jesus Christ?

III. Communion benefits the Church. It equalizes differences. – Social stature was abused during the agape meal. – Those who had nothing were humiliated. It reconciles division. – Relationships need to be honestly confronted. – Then we can freely offer our gifts to the Lord.

Conclusion In Communion, we are celebrating a relationship with the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Conclusion “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”