Communion (Lord`s Supper)
After consultation with the Elders I sent the following to parents and teachers. We appreciate all children, their parents and others as we worship our Lord and Saviour together @ IBCZ. Our family, as well as our church family, need to recognize that something very special takes place when we participate in Communion (Luke 22:19-20, Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Cor. 11:23-26). No one really understands the full meaning of Communion but in our Celebration, we remember what Christ accomplished for us. We explain to our children that we celebrate the Lord`s Supper in memory of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, what He accomplished in His Death, Burial and Resurrection. He took the judgment that we, His children by Faith, deserved from God His Father. He asks us to remember Him! We reflect on what He accomplished as we participate in Communion until that Day when He comes again. His Death, Burial and Glorious Resurrection in His body has eternal purpose and meaning. Isaiah (Ch. 53) foretells Suffering and Death of the Messiah (Christ):
- borne our griefs (v 4) carried our sorrows (v 4) pierced for our transgressions (v 5)
- crushed for our iniquities (v 5) brought us peace (v 5)
- with his wounds we are healed (v 5)
- the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all (v 6)
- stricken for the transgression of my people (v 8)
- make many to be accounted righteous (v 11) bear our iniquities (v 11)
- bore the sin of many (v 12) makes intercession for the transgressors (v 12)
Sovereignty of God
- Acts 2:23 “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.”
- John 10:17 “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
Fellowship (Koinonia) “come together” (v 17, 18, 20, 33, 34)
1 Cor. 10:16-17 “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” We share and celebrate Christ. This should be expressed in our love for each other. Unlike the Corinthians who “despised the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing” (v 22). Fellowship has deteriorated so Paul said v 17 “when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse”. It is like saying – “you have messed this meeting so badly, you better not meet at all!”
Worship
Reminder for reverence: first of all, it is from the Lord (v 23). The Lord’s Supper is a vital, essential part of our worship. We submit ourselves to God for His pleasure. This objective in sharing in this celebration is for God`s glory.
- “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
(1 Corinthians 10:31).
Our minds and hearts are to be prepared for worship as we consciously remember what Christ has accomplished for our Salvation (sinners save by God`s Grace.) We are to have cleansed hearts and minds with a longing to be all that God wants us to be.
- Receive a charge, command ( 17) not to come unless we have prepared by self examination. (v. 27-28) participate displaying a worshipping spirit, mind and body.
- Receive warning 29 `anyone who eats and drinks without discerning (judge thoroughly) the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. `
Participants
Believers only – testimony to faith in Jesus Christ (opportunity to call on unbelievers to respond). To participate children and parents need to confess with all their heart that Jesus is their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9.) Act of obedience to the Lord`s Command. Children are to be guided by their parents as to when they reach an age of understanding (usually early teens) re- significance of the Lord`s Supper and of course the same is required for Baptism.
If we can be of any help in discussing this further the Elders and I would be happy to do so.
Your friend and Pastor, Jim