Embracing Our Covenant: The Power of Communion
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the essence of community and the profound significance of Holy Communion, which I fondly refer to as the "Jesus meal" or "God's Power Meal." This meal is not just a ritual but a powerful covenant that connects us to the finished works of Jesus Christ. The early church understood this deeply, celebrating it daily as a means to access the divine life and promises of God. Unfortunately, the Corinthian church had lost sight of this, misusing the Lord's Supper, which led to disorder and spiritual weakness. This serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching Communion with reverence and faith, recognizing it as a point of contact with the divine.
We also explored the concept of the church as a covenant family, bound together not just by shared beliefs but by a deep, spiritual covenant with God and each other. This covenant is a divine exchange where we give ourselves fully to God and receive His fullness in return. It is through this covenant that we are adopted into God's household, becoming brothers and sisters in Christ. This familial bond calls us to live in community, sharing our lives, resources, and hearts with one another.
Moreover, we delved into the four pillars of devotion that characterized the early church: the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. These elements are foundational to our spiritual growth and the manifestation of God's kingdom on earth. Prayer, in particular, is a powerful force that fuels the life of the church, releasing God's power and presence among us. The Moravians' 24/7 prayer movement serves as a historical testament to the transformative power of prayer, leading to revival and missionary zeal.
As we continue to walk in this covenant relationship, let us be intentional in our devotion, fostering a community that reflects the love and power of Christ. May we be a people marked by our love for one another, our commitment to prayer, and our unwavering faith in the promises of God.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Communion: Holy Communion is more than a ritual; it is a covenant meal that connects us to the finished works of Jesus Christ. By engaging with this meal in faith, we access the divine life and promises of God, experiencing healing, provision, and protection. [01:11:48]
2. Church as a Covenant Family: We are not just a congregation but a covenant family, bound together by our shared relationship with God. This covenant calls us to live in community, sharing our lives and resources, and supporting one another in love and unity. [01:15:36]
3. Devotion to the Apostles' Teaching: The early church was devoted to the apostles' teaching, which laid the foundation for their faith and practice. This devotion to the Word of God is essential for our spiritual growth and understanding of God's will. [01:22:35]
4. The Transformative Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful force that fuels the life of the church, releasing God's power and presence among us. The Moravians' 24/7 prayer movement is a testament to the transformative power of prayer, leading to revival and missionary zeal. [01:35:45]
5. Living in Community: Christianity is not a solo journey but a communal one. We are called to live in fellowship, sharing our hearts and lives with one another, and working through conflicts with grace and love. This communal life reflects the heart of God and strengthens our witness to the world. [01:39:23]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:07:13] - Humorous Anecdotes
[01:08:41] - Introduction to New Series
[01:11:48] - The Power of Communion
[01:15:36] - Understanding Covenant
[01:22:35] - Devotion to Apostles' Teaching
[01:33:51] - The Role of Prayer
[01:35:45] - The Moravian Prayer Movement
[01:39:23] - Living in Community
[01:45:07] - Invitation to Faith
[01:46:44] - Celebrating the Covenant Meal
[01:47:48] - Closing and Communion Celebration
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-30
2. Acts 2:42-47
3. Ephesians 1:5
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Observation Questions:
1. What issues did the Corinthian church face regarding the misuse of the Lord's Supper, and what were the consequences mentioned in the sermon? [01:08:41]
2. According to Acts 2:42-47, what were the four pillars of devotion that characterized the early church?
3. How does Ephesians 1:5 describe our relationship with God through Jesus Christ?
4. What historical example was given in the sermon to illustrate the power of prayer in the church? [01:35:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Holy Communion as a "covenant meal" deepen our understanding of its significance in the Christian faith? [01:11:48]
2. In what ways does viewing the church as a "covenant family" change the way we interact with one another within the church community? [01:15:36]
3. How can the devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, as seen in Acts 2, be applied to modern church practices?
4. What lessons can we learn from the Moravian prayer movement about the impact of persistent and united prayer in the church? [01:35:45]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal approach to Holy Communion. How can you engage with it more intentionally as a "covenant meal" that connects you to the finished works of Jesus Christ? [01:11:48]
2. In what ways can you contribute to fostering a sense of "covenant family" within your church community? Are there specific actions you can take to support and love others more deeply? [01:15:36]
3. The early church was devoted to the apostles' teaching. How can you prioritize the study of God's Word in your daily life, and what resources or practices might help you in this endeavor?
4. Consider the role of prayer in your life. How can you incorporate more consistent and fervent prayer into your routine, both individually and corporately with your church community? [01:33:51]
5. The sermon emphasized living in community and sharing resources. Is there a specific way you can share your time, talents, or resources with someone in need within your church or local community? [01:39:23]
6. How can you work through conflicts within your church community with grace and love, following the biblical model of conflict resolution? [01:22:35]
7. Reflect on the idea of being a "house of prayer for all nations." How can you personally contribute to this vision in your church, and what steps can you take to encourage others to join in this mission? [01:39:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Communion as a Covenant Connection
Holy Communion, often referred to as the "Jesus meal" or "God's Power Meal," is a profound covenant that connects believers to the finished works of Jesus Christ. It is not merely a ritual but a powerful means of accessing the divine life and promises of God. The early church celebrated this meal daily, understanding its significance in accessing healing, provision, and protection. However, the Corinthian church's misuse of the Lord's Supper serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of approaching Communion with reverence and faith. By engaging with this meal in faith, believers can experience the fullness of God's promises. [01:11:48]
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Reflection: How can you approach Communion with a renewed sense of reverence and faith, recognizing it as a point of contact with the divine?
Day 2: The Church as a Covenant Family
The church is not just a congregation but a covenant family, bound together by a shared relationship with God. This covenant is a divine exchange where believers give themselves fully to God and receive His fullness in return. Through this covenant, individuals are adopted into God's household, becoming brothers and sisters in Christ. This familial bond calls believers to live in community, sharing their lives, resources, and hearts with one another. It is a call to support one another in love and unity, reflecting the heart of God in our interactions. [01:15:36]
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." (Ephesians 2:19, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively contribute to the sense of community and family within your church, sharing your life and resources with others?
Day 3: Devotion to the Apostles' Teaching
The early church was characterized by its devotion to the apostles' teaching, which laid the foundation for their faith and practice. This devotion to the Word of God is essential for spiritual growth and understanding of God's will. By immersing themselves in the teachings of the apostles, believers can deepen their faith and align their lives with God's purposes. This commitment to learning and applying the Word is crucial for personal and communal transformation, enabling believers to live out their faith authentically. [01:22:35]
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42, ESV)
Reflection: How can you increase your devotion to studying and applying the teachings of the apostles in your daily life?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful force that fuels the life of the church, releasing God's power and presence among believers. The Moravians' 24/7 prayer movement serves as a historical testament to the transformative power of prayer, leading to revival and missionary zeal. Through prayer, believers can experience God's presence and power in their lives, bringing about personal and communal transformation. It is a vital practice that sustains the spiritual vitality of the church and empowers believers to fulfill their mission in the world. [01:35:45]
"Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to cultivate a more consistent and fervent prayer life, both individually and within your church community?
Day 5: Living in Community
Christianity is not a solo journey but a communal one. Believers are called to live in fellowship, sharing their hearts and lives with one another, and working through conflicts with grace and love. This communal life reflects the heart of God and strengthens the church's witness to the world. By living in community, believers can support one another, grow together, and demonstrate the love and power of Christ to those around them. It is a call to be intentional in fostering relationships that reflect the love and unity of the body of Christ. [01:39:23]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally foster deeper relationships within your church community, encouraging and supporting others in their faith journey?
Quotes
Here are the selected quotes with timestamps:
"Father, we thank you for this beautiful woman. Thank you, Lord, for this woman of God. Father, thank you for her years of serving, Lord, even through hard time and difficult times. Father, thank you that you've always been faithful to her, always be faithful to her kids, to her family. And Father, we can look back, Lord, and say, wow, your faithfulness." [01:00:19]
"And so Holy Communion. So Holy Communion has many, many different words. As we talked about last week, if you haven't heard my talk from last week, go back to it because it's actually a very important talk. But the Holy Communion is also called the Lord's Supper. It's the Holy Eucharist. It's also the Holy Sacrament. I call it God's Power Meal, God's Happy Meal." [01:09:09] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Now just briefly, I really believe that we have underestimated the power of communion. Jesus meal, power meal, happy meal, Eucharist, whatever you call it. We have really misunderstood this and with dire consequences in our lives. However, the church, the early church celebrates this every day, as I do every day, like this morning again, before this morning when I get up, first meals always with Jesus, always Jesus meal." [01:10:55] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The key to understanding this meal, communion, communion is a covenant meal. Amen? I wrote this down. It is a point of accessing by faith the finished works of Jesus. It is a point of reverence, point of contact, engaging with this meal, engaging by the spirit of what God has done, the inheritance, we'll get the benefits of that, what he's done for us, his whole inheritance, his kingdom of life, the promises, all the stuff he's given to us, it's appropriated by this meal." [01:13:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God rules the world and his church through the prayers of his people. God calls for intercession and prayer. And in his grace, he has made his work dependent on them. That's a big statement. His work has been dependent on our aligning, our secret place, our longing, our prayers. Man, this gets me praying even more." [01:39:48] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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