Embracing God's Love Through the Act of Communion
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound love of God as expressed through the act of Communion. John 3:16 reminds us of God's immense love for the world, a love so great that He gave His only Son for our salvation. This love is inclusive, unconditional, and available to all who believe. Communion serves as a powerful reminder of this love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Unlike baptism, which is a one-time act, Communion is an ongoing practice meant to continually remind us of Christ's sacrifice and our relationship with Him.
We explored the significance of Communion through the lens of 1 Corinthians 11, where Paul addresses the Corinthian church's misuse of the Lord's Supper. The Corinthians had turned Communion into a self-centered act, forgetting its true purpose. Paul reminds them, and us, that Communion is a time to remember Christ's sacrifice, to testify to God's grace, and to examine our own lives.
When we partake in Communion, we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. We acknowledge that we are all sinners in need of a Savior and that Jesus is the solution to our sin problem. This act of remembrance is not just a ritual but a profound declaration of our faith and commitment to Christ.
Communion is also a public testimony of God's grace. By partaking, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes, bearing witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Our actions and lives should reflect this testimony, showing the world the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Finally, Communion is a time for self-examination. We are called to assess our relationship with God, ensuring that we are not just believers but are walking in intimate fellowship with Him. This involves confessing our sins and seeking to live a life that honors God.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Unconditional Love: God's love is all-encompassing and unconditional, extending to everyone regardless of their past sins. This love is demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died to offer us eternal life. Reflecting on this love should inspire us to live in gratitude and humility. [15:21]
2. The Purpose of Communion: Communion is a recurring practice meant to remind us of Christ's sacrifice and our ongoing relationship with Him. It is a time to remember His death, burial, and resurrection, acknowledging that we are all sinners saved by grace. This act of remembrance should deepen our faith and commitment to Christ. [16:26]
3. Public Testimony of Faith: Partaking in Communion is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ. It is an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel and testify to God's grace. Our lives should reflect this testimony, showing the world the transformative power of Jesus. [35:00]
4. Self-Examination: Communion calls us to examine our lives and our relationship with God. We must ensure that we are not just believers but are walking in intimate fellowship with Him. This involves confessing our sins and seeking to live a life that honors God. [36:24]
5. The Seriousness of Communion: Partaking in Communion is a serious act that should not be done flippantly. It is a time to assess our spiritual condition and ensure that we are in right standing with God. This self-examination helps us to live authentically and in alignment with God's will. [39:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:21] - God's Unconditional Love
[16:26] - The Purpose of Communion
[17:22] - Visitor Welcome and Announcements
[18:17] - Upcoming Events
[19:09] - Opening Prayer
[26:06] - Paul's Message to the Corinthians
[27:43] - Self-Centered Worship
[29:24] - Remembering Christ's Sacrifice
[31:36] - The Old and New Covenant
[33:17] - Testifying to God's Grace
[35:00] - Proclaiming the Gospel
[36:24] - Examining Our Lives
[39:20] - The Seriousness of Communion
[40:14] - Authentic Relationship with God
[41:00] - Invitation to Salvation
[42:18] - Confession and Intimacy with God
[42:57] - Preparing for Communion
[50:19] - Partaking in Communion
[56:29] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:16-18
2. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
3. 2 Corinthians 5:20
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 3:16-18, what is the purpose of God sending His Son into the world? How does this passage describe God's love? [15:21]
2. In 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, what issues does Paul address regarding the Corinthian church's practice of Communion? [26:06]
3. What does Paul say we are doing when we partake in Communion according to 1 Corinthians 11:26? [33:17]
4. What are the two ways mentioned in the sermon that one can partake in Communion in an unworthy manner? [37:19]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the unconditional love of God, as described in John 3:16-18, challenge our understanding of who is worthy of God's love? [15:21]
2. Why is it important to remember Christ's sacrifice during Communion, and how does this act deepen our faith and commitment to Him? [29:24]
3. What does it mean to proclaim the Lord's death until He comes, and how should this proclamation impact our daily lives? [35:00]
4. How does self-examination during Communion help us maintain an intimate relationship with God, and what are the consequences of neglecting this practice? [39:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on God's unconditional love. How does knowing that God loves you regardless of your past sins affect your daily life and interactions with others? [15:21]
2. Communion is a time to remember Christ's sacrifice. How can you make this act of remembrance more meaningful in your personal spiritual practice? [29:24]
3. Partaking in Communion is a public testimony of faith. In what ways can you better reflect the transformative power of Jesus in your actions and words this week? [35:00]
4. Self-examination is crucial during Communion. What specific steps can you take to ensure you are walking in intimate fellowship with God? Are there sins you need to confess and turn away from? [39:20]
5. The sermon emphasized the seriousness of Communion. How can you prepare your heart and mind before partaking in Communion to ensure you are doing so in a worthy manner? [39:20]
6. Think about a time when you may have approached Communion flippantly. What changes can you make to approach this practice with the reverence it deserves? [39:20]
7. How can you use the act of Communion as a reminder to live authentically and in alignment with God's will in your everyday life? [40:14]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unconditional Love
God's love is all-encompassing and unconditional, extending to everyone regardless of their past sins. This love is demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died to offer us eternal life. Reflecting on this love should inspire us to live in gratitude and humility. God's love is not limited by our actions or our past; it is a constant, unwavering force that seeks to bring us closer to Him.
When we understand the depth of God's love, it transforms our perspective on life. We begin to see ourselves and others through the lens of grace and compassion. This understanding should lead us to live lives marked by gratitude, humility, and a desire to share this love with others. As we partake in Communion, we are reminded of this profound love and the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us. [15:21]
1 John 4:9-10 (ESV): "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt unworthy of love. How does understanding God's unconditional love change your perspective on that experience?
Day 2: The Purpose of Communion
Communion is a recurring practice meant to remind us of Christ's sacrifice and our ongoing relationship with Him. It is a time to remember His death, burial, and resurrection, acknowledging that we are all sinners saved by grace. This act of remembrance should deepen our faith and commitment to Christ.
Unlike baptism, which is a one-time act, Communion is an ongoing practice that continually brings us back to the core of our faith. It is a moment to pause and reflect on the immense sacrifice that Jesus made for us and to renew our commitment to live in a way that honors Him. By regularly partaking in Communion, we keep the memory of Christ's sacrifice alive in our hearts and minds, allowing it to shape our daily lives. [16:26]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How does regularly participating in Communion impact your relationship with Christ? What steps can you take to make this practice more meaningful in your life?
Day 3: Public Testimony of Faith
Partaking in Communion is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ. It is an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel and testify to God's grace. Our lives should reflect this testimony, showing the world the transformative power of Jesus.
When we partake in Communion, we are not only remembering Christ's sacrifice but also proclaiming it to those around us. This act serves as a powerful testimony of our faith and the grace that we have received. It is a reminder that our faith is not just a private matter but something that should be evident in our actions and interactions with others. By living out the principles of the Gospel, we bear witness to the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. [35:00]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: In what ways can you be a more visible testimony of God's grace in your daily life? How can you let your light shine more brightly for others to see?
Day 4: Self-Examination
Communion calls us to examine our lives and our relationship with God. We must ensure that we are not just believers but are walking in intimate fellowship with Him. This involves confessing our sins and seeking to live a life that honors God.
Self-examination is a crucial aspect of the Christian walk. It requires us to take an honest look at our lives and assess whether we are living in alignment with God's will. Communion provides a regular opportunity for this introspection, allowing us to confess our sins and seek God's guidance in areas where we may be falling short. By doing so, we can maintain a close and intimate relationship with God, continually growing in our faith and commitment to Him. [36:24]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your current relationship with God. Are there areas in your life that need confession and realignment with His will? How can you take steps to address these areas today?
Day 5: The Seriousness of Communion
Partaking in Communion is a serious act that should not be done flippantly. It is a time to assess our spiritual condition and ensure that we are in right standing with God. This self-examination helps us to live authentically and in alignment with God's will.
Communion is not just a ritual; it is a profound declaration of our faith and commitment to Christ. It requires us to approach it with reverence and a sincere heart. By taking the time to examine our spiritual condition, we can ensure that we are partaking in a manner that honors God. This seriousness helps us to live authentically, aligning our actions and attitudes with the teachings of Christ. [39:20]
1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (ESV): "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."
Reflection: How do you approach Communion? Are there ways you can prepare your heart and mind to partake in a manner that truly honors God? What changes can you make to ensure you are living in alignment with His will?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God loves everyone, no matter who they are, no matter what they've done, no matter how simple their sin, no matter how grotesque their sin, He loves them equally. And He's made it possible for every single one of us to come into a relationship with Him through His shed blood on the cross." [15:21] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we proclaim his resurrection, we're proclaiming that his life brings us life. When we proclaim his return, we're offering hope to the world and we're giving hope ourselves. And when we proclaim our faith, we share his love and his truth with everyone around us who will listen." [35:00] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you don't know Christ as your Savior, and right now you sense the conviction of the Holy Spirit, God is speaking to you. And He's putting His finger on you and saying, you need to do this. The Bible says, no man comes to the Father unless the Spirit draws him. That's the Holy Spirit speaking to you. And He's inviting you to receive Him." [41:00] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you would confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, the Bible says, you will be saved. That's a spiritual transaction. And what do you do? You call upon the name of the Lord. You pray. So right where you're sitting, you can say, Lord, I believe you're speaking to me right now." [41:41] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the lord's death until he comes. It means to announce publicly. It's to stand on the street corner and announce Jesus is lord Jesus is savior. It's to be unashamed of the gospel because you understand that's the power of god for salvation to say it's the only thing that's powerful enough to say." [33:17] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When it comes to communion, I believe this is one of those things that we sometimes do with the right with the right motives sometimes we do them with the wrong motives because we really don't understand what this table is all about and its significance to our lives and so today I want to take a few minutes to understand why why communion why the lord suffer." [26:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What was going on the corinthian church is that they made church all about them all about what what they could get out of it and as a result they were inconsiderate they became disapproving comparing themselves with other people i'm better than this person this person's better than this person and they became self-consumed and the problem wasn't just that it was occurring at church it was spilling over into their homes and into their witness in their culture in their community." [27:43] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we come to this table what we're what we're being reminded of is of the old and the new covenant we're being reminded that god promised a passover lamb he provided a solution to the problem of sin and jesus is the one and only solution john chapter 14 says he is the only way the only truth the only life and no man not even one comes to the father except through him." [31:36] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We partake of the Lord's Supper to make sure that we're not just saved, but that we're walking with Him in the abiding life. That we have intimacy with God. Not just a relationship, we have intimacy with Him. Listen to verse 27. Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord." [36:24] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "This really, for the Christian, this is when you get down to business about the authenticity of your relationship with God. The word examine is a word we actually looked at. A couple of weeks ago, it means to assay a precious metal. When you say a precious metal, you put it to fire and melt it down and then you pull out all the impurities. That's what we're doing here." [39:20] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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