SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(1 Corinthians11:23-26) (23) "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:" (24) "And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." (25) "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me" (26) "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
(1 Corinthians11:27-30) (27) "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." (28) "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." (29) "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body." (30) "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep."
(1 Corinthians11:18-20) (18) "For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it." (19) "For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you." (20) "When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper."
(1 Corinthians11:21-22) (21) "For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken." (22) "What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not."
(Jude 1:12-13) (12) "These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;" (13) "Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever."
PREFACE SUMMARY
Beloved, the word “Eucharist” is derived from the Greek word eucharistic, which means “thanksgiving.” It reflects the attitude participants should have when participating in this sacred service. The Eucharist not only represents a remembrance of Christ’s Last Supper but also signifies a deep spiritual communion with Him and other believers as members of His glorious body. It serves as a reminder that believers are united with Christ and each other, forming a collective body that shares in His life and mission on earth.
In the early days of Christianity, believers would partake in a love feast alongside the Lord's Supper, also known as 'Holy Communion.' This love feast was a wholesome gathering, particularly noteworthy for its inclusivity. It was a place where individuals from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses, including those from low-income backgrounds, were all welcomed to join the fellowship, making everyone feel accepted and valued in their faith community.
The love feast, a key element of early Christian gatherings, allowed believers to build community and unity. It transcended social barriers and embraced the spirit of togetherness, fostering the participants' deep sense of belonging. This communal gathering, more than just a meal, was a meaningful expression of love, compassion, and mutual support among the early Christians.
Throughout this message, you will discover the true essence of the Lord's Supper by gleaning from it. You will find that this powerful service of worship offers an opportunity to connect with the God of the Bible and find spiritual nourishment for your soul as you experience the transformative power of this sacred service and discover the deeper meaning behind the bread and wine.
When I think of Holy Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, I am reminded of the memorial stones mentioned in the book of Joshua. The Jordan River was divided to allow the people of God to carry the heavy rocks smoothed out of the river by the water currents. Similarly, stones from the other side were taken into the river.
I have preached several times about this event, referring to the stones carried from the other side and placed in the river. This reminds me that when I feel down in spirit, I can take a trip down memory lane and reflect on how my life changed when Christ entered my life.
As I am being recharged in my spirit, I look at the smooth stones that were carried out of the river and placed as a memorial of how God rolled back the river when the priests carrying the ark stopped at its entrance, allowing the men to carry the heavy stones out to the other side, and as I reflect on the many churches, ministries, and organizations that God used me to establish, I can't help but smile inside, knowing He had a plan for me even before I met Him in that river.
