12 FOUNDATION STONES—CLASS 8B ETERNAL SALVATION THE GREATEST LOVE, PART 2.2 ------------------------------------------- Section 2: Communion ------------------------------------------- > What is Communion? 1 Corinthians 11:23–26—For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; (24) and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." (25) In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." (26) For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. What is Communion? It's a witness to others that you believe what His Word says. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. The wine symbolizes His blood. ------------------------------------------- The Last Supper Luke 22:7–20—Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. (8) And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat." (9) So they said to Him, "Where do You want us to prepare?" (10) And He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house which he enters. (11) Then you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' (12) Then he will show you a large, furnished upper room; there make ready." (13) So they went and found it just as He had said to them, and they prepared the Passover. (14) When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. (15) Then He said to them, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; (16) for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." (17) Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; (18) for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." (19) And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." (20) Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." ------------------------------------------- > The meaning of the bread: 1) Jesus' body was broken for our healing and 2) one loaf symbolizes unity Jesus' body was broken for us for the healing of our bodies. When we partake of the bread we can claim healing. Isaiah 53:5—But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. The bread doesn't heal any more than the wine saves your soul, but partaking of it is a manifestation of your faith. It's a witness. The bread represents His body that was broken for us, and if we eat it by faith we can claim healing by faith. There's nothing wrong with chewing it, swallowing it, eating it like you would food. He said, "Take, eat, this My body." It's best to use one piece or loaf of bread (at Communion) as this demonstrates our unity. One piece represents His Body that was broken, and when we all eat of it, it is going to become a part of each of us. In other words, we're all becoming part of the One. ------------------------------------------- > The meaning of the wine: the blood, shed for our salvation and forgiveness of sins After the same manner Jesus took the cup. The wine symbolizes Jesus' blood, shed for the remission of our sins, for the salvation of our souls. Matthew 26:28—For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. I John 1:7—But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. ------------------------------------------- > Showing Jesus you love Him Communion is a precious illustration that the Lord gives us. "As often as you do it, you do it in remembrance of Me," He said.—And what else? "You do show the Lord's death." In other words, it's showing you love Him, you appreciate what He's done for you, you're doing it in remembrance and thanks for what He has done for your body and your spirit, and you're also witnessing to others what He has done for you at the same time. It is both a thanksgiving and a witness. Don't ever forget the resurrection when we're speaking of the death. The death was for a resurrection, and if it hadn't been for the resurrection, all the rest of it wouldn't have been enough. 1 Corinthians 15:14—And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. —But thank God He is risen! > How often to hold Communion Jesus didn't say just how often you had to have Communion, He said as often as you would you're remembering Him and you're a witness for Him. So do it as often as you feel led. It doesn't have to be any place special. It doesn't have to be elaborate, it can be very simple—use whatever you have. Although it's best to use one loaf or piece of bread and wine, some people have had to use bread and water, or crackers and coffee, etc., when nothing else was available. ------------------------------------------- > Sample Communion ceremony ------------------------------------------- * Prayer for the bread Pray for the bread. Following is a sample prayer: Thank You Lord for this bread that symbolizes Your body broken for us. You said, "Take, eat, for this is My body which is broken for you, this do in remembrance of Me." We remember that Your body was broken for us and we thank You for it. Strengthen each of us here and give Your healing to those who need it. Amen. * Pass the bread Each one should break off a small piece. They should retain their portion until all have been served, as that best illustrates the meaning of unity, if all eat it at the same time. Everyone should now eat his or her piece of bread * Prayer for the wine Pray for the wine. Following is a sample prayer: We thank You, Jesus, for this cup that symbolizes Your death on the cross. Your body was broken many times even before You got to the cross. You suffered such agony for us, and then You shed Your blood unto the death that we might live. We thank You, Lord, for shedding Your blood for our sins. Please do cleanse each of us and forgive us for all of our shortcomings, errors, and sins. As we drink this wine, we thank You by faith for the forgiveness of our sins that You have promised. Amen. * Pass the cup of wine (end)