The Meaning and Explanation of Communion

The Lord’s Supper (slideshow)

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Communion Invitation:
Jesus calls His followers to come out from the world, and gather in His name. We assemble around this table at His invitation. Let our thoughts be centered upon Him, and upon the sacrifice He made for us and for all who will accept His grace.

As we examine ourselves, may this be a time of rededication to Him and to his service.

This is the Lord’s Table. We invite all who have accepted Him as their savior to share in this solemn and sacred observance.

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Baptism and Communion are the only 2 ordinances of the Baptist Church. They are Symbolic Observances commanded by Christ, linking Christians with the Church.

Early confessions of faith referred to these 2 community celebrations as ‘sacraments;’

Outward and visible signs of an inward grace.

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What is the Lord’s Supper?
The early church remembers Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper on the night of the Passover Meal. Just as Passover celebrated deliverance from slavery in Egypt, so the Lord’s Supper celebrates deliverance from sin by means of Christ’s death.
When the Lord’s Supper was celebrated in the early church, it included a feast or fellowship meal; then the Communion Service.
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Names:
Each name we use for this sacrament brings out a different dimension to it.

The Lord’s Supper; commemorates the Passover Meal that Jesus ate with His disciples.

The Eucharist or thanksgiving; in it we thank God for Christ’s work for us.

Communion; through it we commune (sharing & connecting) with God and other believers.

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Meaning for us
The memory of Christ’s suffering and death brings to the believer, the holistic experiences of self-examination, repentance, a new found sense of connection with God, a purposeful dedication to the divine will, and a new loyalty to the body of Christ.

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Old/New Covenant
In the Old Covenant/Testament, people could only approach God through the priests and the sacrificial system. Jesus’ death upon the cross, ushered in a New Covenant agreement between God and us; where all people (now) could and can personally approach God, and connect with Him.

Within the Old Testament, we have the unblemished lamb slain on the altar. Within the New Testament, we have the perfect Lamb of God slain upon the cross.
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“This is My body…” What did Christ mean?

1. Roman Catholics believe that the elements actually become Christ’s physical body and blood; become in substance, but not appearance. (Transubstantiation)

2. Others (Lutherans), believe that the bread and wine remain unchanged, but Christ is spiritually present with the elements; coexist in the bread and wine. (Substantiation)

3. Baptists believe that the bread and wine only symbolize Christ’s body and blood.

The Lord’s Supper is an important element in Christian faith, and Christ’s presence, however we understand it, strengthens us spiritually.

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Means Of Grace:
Baptists recognize The Lord’s Supper (and Believer’s Baptism) as being of the Lord’s ordaining (establishing). Both are “means of grace,” to those who receive them in faith; and that Christ is really and truly present, not in the material elements, but in the heart, mind and soul of the believer.

‘His grace is in His presence’ & ‘His presence is in His grace.’





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The Lord’s Supper is celebrated regularly in our churches and is a congregational form of service (where the whole congregation partakes). The ordained and the laity, each have a part, which parallels and preserves the New Testament conception of the Supper as an act of fellowship (a community meal).

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“Closed Communion” churches invite to The Lord’s Table, only those baptized on profession of faith.

“Open Communion” churches welcome to the service “all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity,” those who have a personal relationship with Christ; but may not have had a Baptist baptism.

Some churches (also) close communion to only those members of that certain church.

These differences should not prevent churches of different types, from being in communion, one with another, nor from cooperating in the Lord’s work.

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Unworthy?
When Paul said that no one should take part in Communion unworthily, he was speaking to the members of Corinthian Church, who were participating without thinking of its meaning.

The fellowship meal had become a time when some ate and drank excessively, while others went hungry. There was little caring and sharing, and it did not demonstrate the unity and love that should have characterized the church.

Obviously, there was no preparation for Communion. Paul condemned these actions and reminded the church of the real purpose of the Lord’s Supper.

Those who partook of Communion without recognizing its meaning and importance were “guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord”. Instead of honoring His sacrifice, they were sharing in the guilt of those who crucified Christ. In reality, no one is really worthy to take the Lord’s Supper.

We are all sinners, falling short of the glory of God, saved by grace.

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This is why we should prepare ourselves for Communion through healthy reflection, confession of sin, and resolution of differences with others (or, at least an attempt on your part).

Awareness of your sins should not keep you away from Communion, but drive you to participate in it.

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Paul gives specific instructions on how the Lord’s Supper should be observed.

1. We should take the Lord’s Supper thoughtfully; because we are proclaiming that Christ died for our sins.

2. We should take it worthily, with due reverence and
respect.

3. We should examine ourselves for any un-confessed
sin, or resentful attitude, and be properly prepared.
4. We should be considerate of others, acting in an orderly, and unified manner.

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The Lord’s Supper observed through the symbol of the bread and cup, is a sober, searching of one’s heart, a thankful remembrance of Christ and His sacrificial death on the cross, a blessed assurance of His return, and a joyous fellowship with the living Christ and His people.


Corrections on some of the Myths

Some of what you will hear, will be disturbing. I am not doing this to scare any children, or to make anyone feel uneasy. I am sharing this information, so that you will have a better, more fuller, in depth, understanding, of the love of Christ.

For, His crucifixion was not a simple act of charity, but a final, commitment to death, to usher in the time of eternal life, through that death.


Crucifixions can be traced back to the Egyptians and the Persians. It was also practiced by the Assyrians, Scythians, Indians, Germans, Greeks and the Romans.

It was considered the most horrible form of death; slow, painful with much suffering. It was reserved for slaves, foreigners, revolutionaries, the vilest of criminals, and especially-despised enemies of the state or church.

First, came a scourging (flogging) with a whip that was usually embedded with nails or pieces of glass or bone to heighten the pain. Many died from the scourging before they got to the cross.

The place of execution was outside of the city, and the criminal was made to carry all or part of his/her cross; weighing well over 300 pounds.

Jesus’ crucifix was probably not the Latin kind (†), but rather a Tau cross (T).
Nails were inserted through the palms of the hands, and through the top of the feet (one on top of the other) – flat against the cross – with the knees slightly bent. This could only be done if the person was also tied to the cross, to support the weight.

Otherwise, nails were inserted, just above the wrists, so they would not tear; with the bone (at the joint) supporting the weight of the body.

Sometimes a foot-rest, or small seat, was attached to the cross, for the purpose of taking the person’s weight off the wrists.

Other accounts show/tell that the feet were nailed against the outside of the cross.

The person was suspended with the arms at 60 to 70 degrees from vertical

The crucified one would not be able to raise him/herself up, to allow his lungs to breathe, and that was quickened, by the breaking of the legs. So, death came from asphyxiation (inability to breathe – more specifically; not being able to exhale).

Usually the body was left to rot on the cross, and this was done as a deterrent to those who entered the city. Vultures & other birds consumed the body.

After Jesus’ death, the soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals crucified alongside Him.

When they came to Jesus, He appeared to be dead, so they did not break His legs. Instead, the soldiers pierced His side, to assure that He was dead. In doing this, it is reported that “blood and water came out”, referring to the watery fluid surrounding the heart and lungs.

Death on the cross, ranged from a matter of hours, to a number of days. The whole point was not the crucifixion (itself), but the slow, painful and humiliating death, that it brought.

Jesus’ was convicted of blasphemy; because He claimed to be God (in earthly form); to which the religious leaders of the day, took great offense - especially, as Jesus’ followers grew in number, their power lessened.

For speaking the truth, Christ as sentenced to die.

Jesus was nailed to the cross around 9am, and by 3 in the afternoon, He spoke His final words;

“Father, into thy hands, I commit my spirit.”

“It is finished.”

And He bowed His head, and breathed His last.

Communion; is a thankful remembrance, of Christ, His love & His sacrificial death on the cross.

Why? Who?
By Brian Reid, November 3, 2007

Communion is never to be taken lightly, but reverently, for this new covenant, cost Jesus, everything (it cost Him His very life). This is not a meaningless ritual, but a sacred and Holy Sacrament, given by Christ - to help strengthen our faith.

When we partake of it, we show our deep and continued gratitude, for Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. Eating the bread and drinking the cup, signifies that we are acknowledging and remembering Christ’s death, and renewing our commitment to serve Him; as He served us, so long ago (and continues to serve us today).

Jesus, the final Passover Lamb, ate the traditional meal with His disciples in the upper room, of a house in Jerusalem.

During that meal, they shared the bread and wine, which would become the symbols of all future Communion celebrations. During that meal, Jesus told His disciples, of His betrayal (by one of them), and the fulfillment of the scriptures, “for the Son of Man must die.”

Why?
Why did Jesus have to die?
What was the reason?
Yes, Jesus died upon the cross for our sins –‘once, and for all.’ Jesus took upon Himself, all the sins, of all mankind (past, present & future sins).

He paid the penalty that we could never pay.
He paid the penalty that we could never pay?
He paid the penalty…to whom?
To who, did Jesus pay our debt?

That is the real question.

Christ was an atonement for us. He was a substitution, He took our place, to satisfy – the wrath of an anger god. That god, was our Lord, God.

Atonement is a process of brining those who are estranged, not seeing eye-to-eye, back into unity. It has to do with making amends, appeasing someone’s anger; to pacify, to soothe, to reconcile.

God had created the world and everything in it; including man. Man was created to fellowship with God; for the full enjoyment of God – made in his image - but something went terribly wrong, right from the start.

Man rejected God’s commandments. So, man was expelled from the Garden of Eden – to fend for himself.

Later, God tried again, through Noah, to rebuild the earth, with righteous people. But that also failed. Again and again God tried to guide and protect mankind. And, again and again mankind turned a back to God.

Mankind had one persistent and constant defect; God gave mankind free-will, and they used it to get themselves into trouble - again and again.

Finally, God had had enough. He was an angry God; hurt and frustrated by the very things He created to love; who were supposed to love back, by obedience to Him.

God demanded satisfaction, but knew that mankind could never correct, what they had done to God; thus is Man’s inability to deal with Sin (or change completely).

But, God in all His wisdom, compassion and mercy, knew how to get His atonement, and provided mankind with a cure for sin. For that cure, that atonement was Jesus Christ.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not die, but have eternal life.”

Christ’s crucifixion was an atonement, for us, to God. And even-though God demanded to be appeased, He was the one who provided the means of redemption and reconciliation; because He never stopped loving us – and never will.


“The Man on the Middle Cross”
by Brian F. Reid, NTUBC, November 3, 2007

As suggested in our scriptures today, the Passover Festival became an annual remembrance, of how God delivered the Hebrews from Egypt. Each year the people would pause, to remember the night, that the Destroyer (God’s angel of Death), passed over their homes. They gave thanks to God for saving them from death, and for bringing them out of the land of slavery.

The Passover Feast (eaten during the Festival), is also called the Feast of the Unleavened Bread (or unraised bread). This bread is a strong reminder of the haste, the rush, the hurriedness, of the Great Exodus. Once the command was given, time was paramount.

The people could not wait, linger, or delay; they needed to be able to flee at a moment’s notice, They didn’t even have time to let their bread rise. They packed up everything they could – in a short time – and were ready when word was given.

Today, this Communion Sunday, we experience a day of deliverance as well; the day we were delivered from spiritual death, and the slavery of sin. The Lord’s Supper is our ‘Passover Remembrance’ of our new life, & freedom from the death of sin.

Communion is a visible representation, symbolizing the death of Christ, for our sins. It reminds us of Christ’s death and the glorious hope of His return. Our participation in it, strengthens our faith, through fellowship with Christ and other believers.

And, our celebration (today) can be traced right back to Passover.

Moses had gone to Pharaoh many times with God’s message; “Let my people go!” Every-time Pharaoh rejected that message.

Long before the 10 plagues began, Pharaoh had made up his mind not to listen to God; for Pharaoh couldn’t (and wouldn’t) believe that someone was greater then he.

Then, one plague after another, consumed Egypt; the plague of blood, the frogs, the gnats, the files, the plague of the livestock, the boils, the hail, the locust, the plague of darkness, and, finally the plague of death - all the first-born males would die; including Pharaoh’s own son.

The Festival of Passover is an annual holiday, in honor of the night when the Lord ‘passed over’ the homes of the Israelites. The Hebrews followed God’s instructions, by smearing the blood of a lamb, on the doorframes of their homes.

That night, the first-born son, of every family, that did not have this marking, was killed. This was God’s judgment against the land of, and the nation of Egypt – ruled by Pharaoh; and their gods.

Following the instructions given by God – through Moses:

On the 10th day of the first month, in the Hebrew Calendar (Nisan – around March or April), a 1 year old male (sheep / goat), with no physical defects, a spotless lamb, a perfect lamb was chosen.
The family gave special care to this lamb. On the evening of the 14th day, each family would slaughter the lamb. This perfect lamb served as a sacrifice, which they could consume. Most sacrifices were not to be eaten, but this one could. Then, the blood was taken, and the top and sides of the doorframe, of the house, was marked.

We too are marked by blood. Christ became the Perfect Lamb of God, the ultimate sacrifice – for the sins of man. And the blood, that marked the doorframes was replaced, substituted by Christ’s blood. For, on the cross, Jesus replaced us, He substituted Himself, so we did not have to die.

The night of the Passover, the blood of the lamb, was simply a foreshadow, of the blood of Christ, from the man who gave His life, so we could have life – “The Man on the Middle Cross.”

In verse 11, God gives these instructions, on how to eat the Passover Meal – the very first Passover Meal.

“Wear your traveling clothes, as you eat this meal, as though prepared for a long journey.”

Eating the Passover feast, while dressed for travel, was a sign of the Hebrew’s faith. Although, they were not free yet, they were to prepare themselves for that time. God had promised to lead them out of Egypt, and they were to be ready to leave at any moment. Their preparation, was an act of obedience.

Preparing ourselves, for the fulfillment of God promises, no matter how unlikely they may seem, serves to demonstrate our faith in God; and our commitment.

The second-coming of Christ could happen at any moment. We must be prepared! We don’t even have time to let the bread rise; for we must be wearing our traveling clothes.

Here’s more of the instructions;
“Wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hands. Eat the food quickly. For this is the Lord’s Passover.”

Moses was revealing to them, that this was the night in which death, would give way to victory. This was the night, by which, death in Egypt, would bring about, new life for the Israelites.

God’s message continues;
“On that night, I will pass through the land of Egypt, and kill all the first born sons, and first born male animals – in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the Lord!”

The Hebrews, were to eat their Passover Meal quickly; as a symbol and a sign that they were ready to depart, when God showed the way. Further, it is most important to recognize that the death-blow to the Egyptian first born, was a blow to their pagan-gods at well.

God would (and did) execute His judgement, by executing all the first-born, of those who opposed, and rejected Him.

Verse 13;
“The blood you have smeared on your door-posts will serve as a sign. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.”

Whether anyone experienced the plague of death (or not), was not a question of race, culture, or kinship; but one of faithful, obedience. Whoever did not trust and obey God instructions, would not be speared. In this last plague, deliverance - became a matter of faith.

All, was not automatically given to the Hebrews; commands had to be kept, promises received with trust, and blood sprinkled, before safety could be theirs.

The same can be said of us, today; All, is not automatically given – we have to believe and commit.

At the crucifixion, Jesus’ shed, blood, served as a sign also; that God would spear those who choose to believe in Him, and commit to His commandments.

The whole story of the Passover, can be applied to us today, if we simply change one word. ‘Passover’ can be changed to ‘compassion’ or ‘protection’ or ‘sparing.’

By the shedding of a lamb’s blood, the Israelites were redeemed. By the shedding of a lamb’s blood, we were also redeemed.

But, this redemption, this passover, this compassion, this protection, this sparing, does not come freely.
Jesus’ blood ushered in, a new covenant relationship with God. Jesus was lifted up on the cross to bring eternal life, to all who trust in Him. The Passover Feast served as the bases, on which Jesus developed the Last Supper, as a lasting memorial for His followers.

Just as the Passover Meal was the last meal the Hebrews ate, together in Egypt, Jesus ate a last meal with His disciples.

In Exodus 6:6, God tells the Israelites;
“I am the Lord, and I will bring you out, from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an out-stretched arm, and with great acts of judgment.”

Well, God, in a great act of judgment, on Pharaoh, and all His false gods, concluded as all Egypt’s first-born died. Today, Jesus redeemed, all of us, not with one out-stretched arm, but with 2.

Jesus said; “This is My body, which is given for you…”

On that night, Jesus prepared His disciples, as they sat around His table. During this seemingly, simple meal, Jesus told of His departure, reminded them of what God did for the Israelites - on the night of the passover, He ate with them, one last time, before giving Himself up to be crucified, and He instituted, He began, He created Communion.

The Man On The Middle Cross was the innocent, perfect, lamb of God. Without blame - He died; without sin, without faults – but, He did not die - without purpose.

(Conclusion)

Because of what Christ did, the plague of spiritual death will not touch God’s children.

The next time life’s struggles and trails knock you down, remember how God has delivered you in the past, and focus on the promise of a new life, with Him.

And, when you’ve been knocked down, so many times, and think you just can’t get up any more; remember what Christ went through, on the day He was crucified. Think about how many times He was knocked down, on His way to Golgotha, Skull Hill, at Calvary. Thank about how many times He must have…gotten up – knowing, that He would, and that He must, die.

For the Israelites, to be speared, from the plague of death, a lamb, perfect, with no defects, had to be killed, and its blood placed on the doorframes of each home.

In killing the lamb, the Israelites shed innocent blood. The lamb was a sacrifice, a substitution for the person, who would have died – a kind of atonement.

For the Israelites, an innocent, perfect, lamb was sacrificed. For us, our innocent, perfect lamb, was; “The Man on the Middle Cross”

Let’s Pray;
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Son, who, through His death, gave us life. Amen.


The Act of Communion

At this time, we will forgo the usual manner of communion. We will go through the preparation process, and then, I will give you further instructions.

Communion; is a thankful remembrance, of Christ, His love & His sacrificial death on the cross.

We approach the Lord’s Table, not because we must, but because we can. If you believe that Jesus died on the cross for you, if you have a personal relationship with Christ, if you are a sinner that Jesus died for, then you are welcome at this table.

I invite you to attend the Lord’s Supper.

Communion Hymn: #129 “At The Cross” (vs 1 & 2)


As we eat the bread and drink the cup, we should be quietly reflective, as we recall Jesus’ death and His promise to come again, grateful for God’s wonderful gifts to us, and joyful as we meet with Christ, and the rest of the body of believers.

Let us pray;

Dear God,
We come to you today, during this communion service, with a self-searching attitude, and plenty of gratitude.

We come, seeking, but knowing, that we have failed you, in so many ways.
We have strayed from the fullness of life, that you have made possible.

Give us, at this time, the grace to accept the healing of our broken-ness, and the prospect for new birth. Let us, now, in silence, confess our sins.

(pause)

And in our silence, we ask for forgiveness, so that we can commune with you and the rest of the believers here.

(pause)

We ask, that you grant to us, the strength to do your will, in our lives, and we thank you for your grace. May we have your mercy, always, and feel your love, forever. Amen

“The Lord Jesus, on the night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, ‘This is My body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’”

God gave His Son, as a sacrifice, to redeem us, of our sins. Christ gave up Himself freely, He gave His body, to wash away the sins, of our bodies.

“Let us eat this bread, in remembrance, of Christ’s sacrifice for us, the love He grants to us, and be thankful.”

“In the same way, He took the cup also, after supper, saying, this cup, is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For, as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again.”

Christ’s blood was shed, to cleanse the world. His promise to us, that covenant, is found in the Blood of the innocent and perfect Lamb of God.

Christ did not have to suffer and die.

“He could have called a million angels to His side and stepped down from the cross, and walked away. But His love, held Him there, through the anguish and despair, to pay the debt, that we could never pay.”

“Jesus said; this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for the many, for the forgiveness of sins.
Drink this, in remembrance, that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.”


Let’s bless the bread & wine;

Dear God;
At this table, we lift our hearts in thanksgiving to You. Let this bread and wine speak to us of the sacrifice, of that precious body, that was broken for us, and the blood that was shed. May our hearts be open to the Your searching spirit, at this time; as we search ourselves, in preparation, also.
Were, it not for Jesus, who shed His blood on our behalf, we could never come before You; as Your children. In Christ, we have been given everything.

In Him, we have kinship. In Him, we have forgiveness and adoption. In Him, we have the boldness to call You - Father. For, His great love is expressed in these elements, we give thanks and praise You - in Jesus’ name. Amen

When you are instructed, you will come forward, form a line, first here in front of me, holding your hands together (in front of you), then I will present you with the bread. Then, you can go to Teddy, who will bless you. Wait for Jonathan to do that.

Then, you can pick up the cup (yourself), drink, and return the cup to the table. If you are unable to come forward, let one of the Deacons know, and they will come to you.

First, Teddy and I will serve one another. Once we get into position, Linda and Sheila will come – so they can play for the rest of Communion. Then, the deacons are invited to come forward, so they can be ready to assist – if needed. And, then the rest of the congregation are invited to come;

Come, Share The Lord.

Let’s begin.

(Act of Communion)

Communion Hymn: #129 “At The Cross” (vs 3 & 4)
I leave you with this Blessing:

And so, into God’s gracious keeping we would commit each other. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

And, as you go out into the world, take the light of Christ, and the joy of His love, with you.

Peace be with you, always, Amen.