REMEMBER: A Communion Message

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 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.

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. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.

Do This In Remembrance of Me What did Jesus mean for us to remember when He instituted the Lord’s Table? His body, His blood, and His death

The Process or the Purpose? The process of His death reveals His purpose for dying, but focusing on the process only can be death- dealing, morbid, and a legalistic whip to control people.

How Do We Come to the Table in a Worthy Manner? Coming to the Lord’s Table isn’t to observe a ritual, but to receive of something the Holy Spirit will flow into your life. We come not because we’ve been “good” or strong, but because we are weak and need to be strengthened.

Who is Worthy to Come to the Lord’s Table? Nobody. Jesus died to shower the grace of God upon us that we might all come through Him who is worthy. When we come, we are putting our trust and faith in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

What is “Partaking Recklessly”? Those who come to the Table “recklessly”—that is without discernment and understanding— are not partaking of what’s available.

Where Does the Power Come From? Faith is what appropriates the power. Baptism in water, anointing oil, the laying on of hands, partaking of the Lord’s Table are symbols—the power is in the Holy Spirit ministering to those who come ascribing full weight and worth to what the symbols are about.

What Does Jesus Want Us to Remember? Forgiveness —He is a mighty Savior who has washed us from our sins. Provision —He will be the strength to your every day. Healing —He will heal you when you have need in spirit, soul, or body. Victory —He is the One who has broken the power of sin, temptation, and satanic bondage that in any way dominates your life.