Communion: A Divine Memorial of Jesus' Sacrifice
Summary
The covenant of communion is a profound and sacred observance that transcends mere ritual. It is a divine ministry and blessing instituted by Jesus Christ himself. As believers, we are called to remember the significance of this holy act, which serves as a memorial to the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for our salvation. Communion is not just a church practice; it is a supernatural encounter that captures the attention of Almighty God and releases blessings upon those who partake in it with reverence and understanding.
The historical context of memorials, such as those honoring soldiers who sacrificed their lives for freedom, parallels the spiritual memorial of communion. Just as national monuments remind us of the cost of freedom, communion reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus, who laid down his life for our eternal freedom. This observance is a call to remembrance, thanksgiving, and holiness, drawing us closer to God and reminding us of the blessings attached to it.
Communion carries a supernatural blessing that can bring healing and transformation to our lives. Testimonies of miraculous healings, such as those of individuals diagnosed with cancer and other ailments, illustrate the power of this sacred act. When we partake of communion, we are not only remembering Jesus' sacrifice but also receiving the blessing he imparted to the elements during the Last Supper.
The act of communion symbolizes oneness with the Lord. It is a symbolic ingestion of the blessing of God, which affects our body, soul, and spirit. This observance is a reminder of the victory over sin and death achieved through Jesus' sacrifice. It is a declaration to the kingdom of darkness that we are washed and cleansed by the blood of Jesus.
Communion is God's gift to us, a divine encounter that should never be reduced to a mere ritual. It is an opportunity to encounter God and receive the blessing that Jesus released over the elements 2,000 years ago. As we gather to partake in this holy observance, we are reminded to never forget the significance of what Jesus did for us and the ongoing blessing that communion brings into our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Communion as a Divine Memorial: Communion serves as a spiritual memorial, reminding us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. It parallels national memorials that honor those who sacrificed for freedom, emphasizing the importance of remembering the one who laid down his life for us. [03:57]
2. The Supernatural Blessing of Communion: Partaking in communion captures God's attention and releases blessings. Testimonies of miraculous healings highlight the power of this sacred act, demonstrating that the blessing attached to communion can bring healing and transformation. [07:03]
3. Symbolic Oneness with the Lord: Communion symbolizes our oneness with Jesus, as we ingest the elements representing his body and blood. This act is a reminder of the victory over sin and death, declaring to the kingdom of darkness that we are cleansed by Jesus' sacrifice. [20:11]
4. Communion as God's Gift: Communion is a divine gift, a sacred encounter that should not be reduced to a ritual. It is an opportunity to receive the blessing Jesus imparted to the elements, reminding us of the ongoing blessing and significance of his sacrifice. [34:06]
5. The Importance of Remembrance: Remembering the significance of communion is crucial, as it encourages our faith and reminds the kingdom of darkness of its defeat. This observance is a declaration of our freedom from sin and a reminder of the eternal life promised through Jesus. [21:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:48] - The Importance of Remembrance
- [03:57] - Memorials in the Church
- [04:41] - The Call to Holiness
- [05:21] - Testimonies of Healing
- [06:20] - The Power of Communion
- [07:03] - Miraculous Interventions
- [09:00] - Healing and Restoration
- [10:26] - The Blessing of Communion
- [11:20] - A New Understanding
- [15:41] - The Eternal Blessing
- [16:52] - The Corinthian Church's Warning
- [19:11] - Symbolic Oneness with Christ
- [20:11] - The Blessing's Continuation
- [21:55] - Declaring Victory Over Darkness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Covenant of Communion
Bible Reading:
- Mark 14:22-24
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific actions did Jesus take with the bread and the cup during the Last Supper as described in Mark 14:22-24? How do these actions relate to the concept of communion? [02:48]
2. In the sermon, what historical examples were used to illustrate the importance of memorials, and how do they relate to the observance of communion? [03:57]
3. What testimonies of healing were shared in the sermon, and how were they connected to the practice of communion? [07:03]
4. How does the sermon describe the symbolic oneness with the Lord that is achieved through communion? [20:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of communion serve as a divine memorial, and why is it important for believers to remember Jesus' sacrifice in this way? [03:57]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the supernatural blessings associated with communion, and how might these blessings manifest in a believer's life? [07:03]
3. In what ways does the sermon describe communion as a gift from God, and how should this understanding affect the way believers approach this observance? [34:06]
4. How does the sermon explain the importance of examining oneself before partaking in communion, and what are the potential consequences of doing so in an unworthy manner? [16:52]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you participated in communion. How did you approach it, and what might you do differently now to ensure it is a meaningful and reverent experience? [34:06]
2. The sermon mentions miraculous healings associated with communion. How can you incorporate prayer for healing into your practice of communion, and what specific areas of your life might you seek healing for? [07:03]
3. Communion is described as a declaration of victory over sin and death. How can you use this observance to remind yourself of the freedom you have in Christ, especially in areas where you feel bound or defeated? [21:55]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembrance. What practical steps can you take to regularly remind yourself of Jesus' sacrifice and the blessings of communion in your daily life? [03:57]
5. How can you teach the significance of communion to others, especially younger generations, to ensure they understand it as more than just a ritual? [25:23]
6. Consider the symbolic oneness with the Lord that communion represents. How can this understanding influence your relationship with God and your daily walk with Him? [20:11]
7. The sermon warns against partaking in communion with unconfessed sin. What steps can you take to examine your heart and seek forgiveness before participating in this sacred observance? [16:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Communion as a Spiritual Memorial
Communion is a sacred observance that serves as a spiritual memorial, reminding believers of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for their salvation. This act parallels national memorials that honor those who sacrificed for freedom, emphasizing the importance of remembering the one who laid down his life for us. As believers partake in communion, they are called to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus' sacrifice, which grants them eternal freedom. This remembrance is not just a ritual but a divine encounter that draws them closer to God and reinforces their faith. [03:57]
"Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you." (Deuteronomy 32:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create a personal memorial in your daily life to consistently remember and honor Jesus' sacrifice for you?
Day 2: The Supernatural Blessing of Communion
Partaking in communion is more than a symbolic act; it captures God's attention and releases supernatural blessings upon those who partake with reverence and understanding. Testimonies of miraculous healings, such as those of individuals diagnosed with cancer and other ailments, illustrate the power of this sacred act. When believers partake of communion, they are not only remembering Jesus' sacrifice but also receiving the blessing he imparted to the elements during the Last Supper. This blessing can bring healing and transformation, demonstrating the profound impact of communion on their lives. [07:03]
"And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:15, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need healing or transformation? How can you approach communion with faith and expectation for God's supernatural intervention?
Day 3: Symbolic Oneness with the Lord
Communion symbolizes the believer's oneness with Jesus, as they ingest the elements representing his body and blood. This act is a reminder of the victory over sin and death achieved through Jesus' sacrifice. It is a declaration to the kingdom of darkness that they are washed and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. As believers partake in communion, they are reminded of their identity in Christ and the power of his sacrifice, which unites them with him in spirit and truth. [20:11]
"For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread." (1 Corinthians 10:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you live out your oneness with Christ in your daily interactions and decisions?
Day 4: Communion as God's Gift
Communion is a divine gift, a sacred encounter that should not be reduced to a mere ritual. It is an opportunity to receive the blessing Jesus imparted to the elements, reminding believers of the ongoing blessing and significance of his sacrifice. As they gather to partake in this holy observance, they are reminded to never forget the significance of what Jesus did for them and the ongoing blessing that communion brings into their lives. This divine encounter is a moment to experience God's presence and receive his grace anew. [34:06]
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you approach communion as a gift from God, and what steps can you take to ensure it remains a meaningful encounter with Him?
Day 5: The Importance of Remembrance
Remembering the significance of communion is crucial, as it encourages believers' faith and reminds the kingdom of darkness of its defeat. This observance is a declaration of their freedom from sin and a reminder of the eternal life promised through Jesus. By partaking in communion, believers are called to a deeper understanding of their salvation and the victory that Jesus secured for them. This act of remembrance strengthens their faith and empowers them to live in the light of Jesus' sacrifice. [21:55]
"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children." (Deuteronomy 4:9, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to ensure that the significance of communion remains at the forefront of your faith journey?
Quotes
"Communion is more than just a church practice; there is a supernatural divine ministry blessing attached to it that was placed upon this observance by Jesus himself. And we're going to look at that today and so in preparation my text this morning that I'll be speaking from is found in the gospel of Mark." [00:00:15]
"Remembrance, you'll find from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror, over one million men and women have given their lives to protect this nation's freedom. It's because of their sacrifice that, honestly, we're here today. It's also because of their sacrifice that we have the privilege of being a part, I believe, of the greatest nation during our era and time in history." [00:02:25]
"So today is a day to remember and give thanks, absolutely, not only for our freedom, because again, without freedom and without sacrifice, this freedom would not be possible. And that's why there are national memorials around our land and national monuments. They serve what? As touchstones. So that we remember the history of those who laid down their lives for us." [00:03:38]
"When we as believers observe communion, whether privately or corporately as we're doing, it captures the attention of Almighty God. And when God's attention is captured, and when God is blessed by our obedience, when God is blessed, do you know what it does? Do you know what he does in return? He releases blessing." [00:04:57]
"One was a pregnant woman who was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She began to have her treatment and the doctors' outlook was not positive for this woman. During this time, it was on her heart that she needed to begin to observe communion. So she started to take communion on her own every day. After a few months into her treatment, the doctors giving careful care over her, monitoring her vitals, checking her blood, running the normal tests that you do, during cancer treatments." [00:05:41]
"When I started observing Holy Communion on a daily basis, that's when everything turned around. And the doctor said, well, I can't substantiate that. But what I can substantiate is that once you were sick and now you're healthy. Amen. Give God praise. Amen. When we observe Holy Communion, as I said, it captures the attention of God. And when Christians understand the importance and the power of the Lord's Supper, it becomes life-changing to our whole being." [00:09:23]
"God brings a blessing because when we partake and we understand the importance, and it's our desire for our observance of communion to be an act of worship from our hearts. To Almighty God. When we partake of those elements, we are ingesting literally the blessing that Jesus spoke over these elements the very first time it was instituted in that room when they gathered before his crucifixion to celebrate the Passover." [00:10:12]
"Communion carries a supernatural, write this down, blessing. And I want you to write these things down because I want you to go home and digest this. I want you to look at this and understand why this observance is so important and how this can be a benefit for all of us as believers when we're faithful to remember the Lord in this way." [00:10:50]
"Now, the reason Paul wrote these words to the Corinthian church was because a lot of these Corinthians came out of paganism, and there were a lot of lewd and immoral and evil lifestyles that they had embraced. And so what they were doing, they were saying, well, God's grace is so wonderful, we can continue living these ways, and yet God will still love us. Well, God loves sinners, amen, but he hates sin." [00:16:52]
"Now, it's important to understand also that communion is a symbolic act of oneness with the Lord. What do you mean? When you eat the bread, when you drink the cup, when you drink the cup, it's ingested through your mouth. It's taken into your body. You become one with those elements. Now, I emphasize the word symbolic because there are some organizations that might teach that transubstantiation takes place." [00:19:36]
"Thank God for the blood. I've seen him come through with my family, my children. He's been my ever-present help in times of trouble. I am so grateful. Things that I could not break before I knew Jesus, now he has changed, and those lifestyles are no longer a part of me. He has cleaned me up and continues to clean me up, and I welcome that in his most wonderful name." [00:21:01]
"Communion is God's gift. In conclusion, this is why the Lord's table is more than a ritual. It's honestly a divine encounter. And we're going to celebrate communion in just a few moments now. And we're going to encounter God around this table. The blessing that Jesus released on these elements 2,000 years ago, now with a greater understanding, you're going to remember." [00:37:02]
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