Communion Thoughts
We celebrated communion on Sunday. It was really nice to sit and listen versus stand and preach. Pastor Dave preached a great message. Here are a few of the thoughts that percolated in my spirit.
It's not about what we can do for God. It's about what God has done for us. There is such freedom in that truth. And I feel like communion is a reminder that we don't bring anything to the table. God supplies the bread and cup! All we have to do is receive what he offers. I think there is a part of us that would rather prove ourselves to God by what we do. It is so hard to let God love us just the way we are!
Another thought I had during communion was the way communion changes our perspective on the past and the future. It allows us to look back without shame and look forward with anticipation. What a gift.
One other thought. Ever since I saw the screening of Amazing Grace I keep hearing something John Newton said: "I am a great sinner and Christ is a great savior."
I don't want to underestimate my sinfulness because all that does is cheapen the grace of God! But more importantly, I don't want to underestimate the grace of God. We need to be reminded over and over again that the grace of God is so much bigger than our biggest failure!
But where sin increased, grace increased all the more--Romans 5:20
It's not about what we can do for God. It's about what God has done for us. There is such freedom in that truth. And I feel like communion is a reminder that we don't bring anything to the table. God supplies the bread and cup! All we have to do is receive what he offers. I think there is a part of us that would rather prove ourselves to God by what we do. It is so hard to let God love us just the way we are!
Another thought I had during communion was the way communion changes our perspective on the past and the future. It allows us to look back without shame and look forward with anticipation. What a gift.
One other thought. Ever since I saw the screening of Amazing Grace I keep hearing something John Newton said: "I am a great sinner and Christ is a great savior."
I don't want to underestimate my sinfulness because all that does is cheapen the grace of God! But more importantly, I don't want to underestimate the grace of God. We need to be reminded over and over again that the grace of God is so much bigger than our biggest failure!
But where sin increased, grace increased all the more--Romans 5:20
9 Comments:
I love Tim Keller's quote in this arena...
"We are far worse than we could ever imagine...and far more loved than we can ever know or believe"
Do you give instruction for communion, specifically referencing 1 Cor 11:27-29.
With so many pre-christians coming through the doors of our church (50%) I often feel that we miss the mark not giving God's intruction on communion, and that is communion is reserved for believers, and more importantly, believers without unconfessed sin.
It seems our communion has an implied knowledge to it, especially since it is not taken corporately but individually.
Michael,
We're really explicit up front about communion. You can be a guest. That isn't the issue. The issue is this: have you come to a point where you understand what the elements represent and you have put your faith in Christ.
Can't be "too clear" when it comes to communion.
Mark
Mark, when you say you "celebrated communion" do you not have communion each time you gather?? Thanks.
Where does the Bible say that people have to put their faith in Christ to take communion?
27-29...
Unworthy Manner, doesn't that refer to the specific problems with Corinthian communion practices (i.e. overindulgence, partiality to wealthier believers, the things Paul says he has no praise for 17-22?)
I don't see instructions on believers/nonbelievers taking communion in this passage, nor do I see specific instructions regarding confession.
I'd love to hear back from you guys though about this text. Please help me, if I've got it wrong.
Ben
(I honestly am not trying to start a fight, and hope this doesn't become the tithe thing.)
This may be an over-simplification but the only people communing with God and remembering Christ's sacrificial blood are believers; unbelievers have yet to recognize/admit their need for salvation, so why would they celebrate redemption they do not have.
Matthew Henry has an outstanding commentary on 1 Corinthians at biblegateway.com.
Thanks for your insight.
-Ben
I've always questioned the idea that you have to be a "believer" to take communion as well. I'm still unconvinced either way.
Regarding communion only being for those that "commune", than shouldn't other church activities, like singing, praying, etc. all be for believers only.
I know Jack Hayford's view is that it is for anyone who will do so in a worthy/respectful way (at least I heard him teach this at one point). He always claimed that it was one of the best opportunities for people to experience God and His grace, and often subsequently cross the line of faith.
I'm definitely open either way. Just not sold on the Communion For Beleivers ONLY yet.
Glad to find this post! Especially since, as pastor, I announced at Communion yesterday one does NOT need to be a believer to partake! At 50+ yrs. old, raised in the church, I have never seen this until recently.
I've always believed this was reserved for believers. BUT - Jesus served Judas Isacariot, did he not?
And I have to agree with Ben on 1 Cor. 11 - it's to believers and THEIR attitude/heart.
As a real stickler on biblical accuracy, I must say I don't recall ANY instruction regarding unbelievers not being allowed to participate. My heart says, based on what I know of God and His Word, that indeed this is a great opportunity for sinners to "cross the line of faith" as RobbD posted.
And that's just what I presented to my congregation yesterday.
TIM
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