CHURCH PRACTICE. Why We Do the Things We Do

Transcription

1 21 CHURCH PRACTICE Why We Do the Things We Do

2 THE QUESTION Why do we practice the Lord s Supper? 2001 BUENA VISTA PICTURES/KOBAL 1 It symbolizes Jesus sacrifice. Remember Pearl Harbor Japanese soldiers attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, The devastating attack cost thousands of lives and kickstarted America s involvement in World War II. As a result, American soldiers adopted the battle cry Remember Pearl Harbor as a tribute to the fallen soldiers on that fateful day. In Remembrance Passover was an important event in the lives of God s people after years of enslavement by the Egyptians. God sent a series of plagues on Egypt, the final being the death of every first-born. God told His people to slay a lamb and smear its blood on their doorposts so the angel of death would pass over their homes. Passover, as remembered since, is a celebration of the Lord s provision on that night. On the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks, 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 also took the cup and said, This cup is the new covenant established by My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 The Lord s Supper was ordained for a continual remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ s death, until He comes again. [ ] It was intended to remind us [ ] that the offering of Christ s body and blood for us on the cross is the only atonement for sin, and the life of a believers soul. JC Ryle What do these symbols mean to us? 008 KNOWN 21

3 SUPERSTOCK What does your life proclaim? 2 It proclaims the gospel. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord s death until He comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26 A Timeless Story Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church and popular destination point in Milan, houses Leonardo Divinci s mural The Last Supper. Hailed as one of the most famous paintings of all time, The Last Supper artistically portrays Christ s final meal with His disciples before being betrayed and crucified, as told in John 13. Divinci s work has presented this famous and life-changing story since being completed in if we take seriously Jesus own words at the Last Supper, we should also look to the future in anticipation of the Messianic Banquet of the Kingdom. Our experience of communion is an appetizer for the glorious feast that lies ahead for us, when we will eat the bread and drink the cup with Jesus. Mark D. Roberts What symbols do we associate with our future? 3But I tell you, from this moment I will not drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it in a new way in My Father s kingdom with you. Matthew 26:26-29 It points to the future. Career House Marriage Family THE POINT The Lord s Supper shows the essence of the gospel. 009

4 Reflect Honoring Jesus My grandfather always dressed up for Christmas. He wore his nicest shirt, tie, and pants while the rest of us just dressed casual. For some people, dressing up isn t a big deal. But my grandfather was a plumber, and he rarely had the opportunity to dress up for anything. After he died, one of my uncles began dressing up for Christmas. When I asked why, he told me it helped him honor and remember my grandfather. What does your family do to remember special events or people? In the same way, Christians are called to do certain things to honor and remember Jesus. Read 1 Corinthians 11: What two things did Jesus command? Jesus spoke these words at the Last Supper, Jesus last Passover meal before He was betrayed, arrested, and crucified. The disciples didn t know all these things would happen that very night, but Jesus did. With this in mind, He instructed His disciples to do certain things to honor and remember His sacrifice for the rest of their lives. How can taking the Lord s Supper help you reflect on Jesus sacrifice today? You don t need to wait for your church to observe the Lord s Supper to remember Jesus sacrifice. Spend some time reflecting on all Christ has done for you right now. My Prayer Lord Jesus, help me to reflect on Your power, presence, and peace today. 010 KNOWN 08 21

5 My Prayer Lord, help me proclaim Your glory through my words and actions. Prove What You Believe Believe It Do you believe Christians should give to those in need? Do you believe Christians should avoid saying words that hurt others? Do you believe Christians should focus mainly on Christ at Christmas? Most of us would answer yes to each of these questions. Unfortunately, our actions don t always reflect what we say we believe. Read 1 Corinthians 11:26. What does this verse say we proclaim when participating in the Lord s Supper? By taking the Lord s Supper, we are saying that we believe in Christ s death and resurrection. We are also committing to live in a way that lines up with our belief in Christ and the anticipation of His return. How well do your actions reveal your belief in Jesus? There s only one sure way to know if what you say you believe lines up with what you really believe, and that is to prove it. When was the last time you gave to someone in need? Do your words tend to build others up or tear them down? Where is your focus during Christmas: on Christ or on yourself? Take some time to reflect on your actions over the past few days. What will you do from here on out to make sure your life reveals your belief in Jesus? 011

6 God s Plan I recently told my 3-year-old son that someone fun would be coming to visit. When he saw his grandparents pulling into the driveway, he was amazed that I was right. Now he thinks I can predict the future. He didn t realize that I knew what was coming because I had been in on the plan. Jesus often did the same thing. He talked about the future as if it were the past. Read Matthew 26: What event was Jesus talking about here as though it had already happened? Even though Jesus hadn t died on the cross yet, because of the certainty of God s plan, He knew that the shedding of His blood was as definite as if it had already happened. Jesus knew the plan because God had revealed it to Him. We have the same power at work in our lives. God has revealed His plan of salvation to us. The Lord s Supper helps us remember to trust Him with His plan. When was the last time you thanked God for His plan and promise of salvation? My Prayer Father, thank You for letting me in on Your plan of salvation. 012 KNOWN 08 21