Embracing the Mystery and Unity of the Eucharist
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound mystery of Christ's presence in the Eucharist, a concept deeply rooted in the early church's understanding. The early church fathers believed in a special presence of Christ when the bread and cup were blessed, a mystery that Paul calls us to guard as stewards of God's mysteries. This mystery is not something we can fully comprehend, much like the mystery of the Trinity or the incarnation of God as a human. It is a sacred truth that invites us to honor and participate in it with reverence.
We also reflected on the historical shift in church practices, where the centrality of the Lord's Table was replaced by the pulpit. This change, initiated by Ulrich Zwingli, led to a focus on individual interpretation and division within the church. However, the true essence of the church, as depicted in Acts 2, is a community devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This unity and shared life are what we should strive for, rather than settling for a mere imitation of church.
The call is to return to the simplicity and power of the early church, where believers were unified, shared everything, and experienced the presence of Christ in their midst. This unity is where God commands His blessing, and it is through this unity that we can transform how people perceive the church. The Lord's Table is not just a ritual but a proclamation of Christ's death and a reminder of the new covenant in His blood. It is a sacred time to examine ourselves, recognize the body of Christ, and come together in unity.
As we partake in the Lord's Table, we are reminded of the global body of Christ, including those suffering around the world. We are called to remember them, pray for them, and seek ways to serve them. This sacred act unites us with believers past and present, focusing our hearts on Jesus, our coming King.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Mystery of Christ's Presence: The early church fathers believed in a special presence of Christ in the Eucharist, a mystery that transcends human understanding. This sacred truth invites us to honor and participate in it with reverence, recognizing it as a profound mystery of our faith. [16:17]
2. Unity at the Lord's Table: The shift from the centrality of the Lord's Table to the pulpit has led to division and individualism in the church. True church, as depicted in Acts 2, is a community devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, where unity is paramount. [20:12]
3. Returning to the Early Church Model: The call is to return to the simplicity and power of the early church, where believers were unified, shared everything, and experienced the presence of Christ. This unity is where God commands His blessing, and it is through this unity that we can transform how people perceive the church. [27:13]
4. The Sacredness of the Lord's Table: The Lord's Table is not just a ritual but a proclamation of Christ's death and a reminder of the new covenant in His blood. It is a sacred time to examine ourselves, recognize the body of Christ, and come together in unity. [39:06]
5. Global Unity in Christ: As we partake in the Lord's Table, we are reminded of the global body of Christ, including those suffering around the world. We are called to remember them, pray for them, and seek ways to serve them, uniting us with believers past and present. [47:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [16:17] - The Mystery of Christ's Presence
- [17:39] - Early Church Beliefs
- [18:54] - Historical Shift in Church Practices
- [20:12] - Unity at the Lord's Table
- [21:22] - Vision for Unified Gatherings
- [24:22] - Imitation vs. Real Church
- [27:13] - Returning to the Early Church Model
- [30:08] - The Challenge of True Community
- [33:04] - Created for a Purpose
- [34:14] - The Power of Unity
- [36:15] - Pursuing the Real Thing
- [39:06] - The Sacredness of the Lord's Table
- [43:19] - Invitation to the Table
- [47:06] - Global Unity in Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30
2. Acts 2:42-47
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he warns against partaking in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner in 1 Corinthians 11:27-30? How does this relate to recognizing the body of Christ? [40:09]
2. According to Acts 2:42-47, what were the key practices of the early church that contributed to their unity and growth?
3. In the sermon, what historical shift in church practices is discussed, and how did it affect the centrality of the Lord's Table? [18:54]
4. How does the sermon describe the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and why is it considered a mystery? [16:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42) serve as a model for modern churches? What challenges might arise in trying to emulate this model?
2. The sermon mentions a shift from the Lord's Table to the pulpit, leading to division and individualism. How does this shift impact the way believers perceive and practice their faith today? [19:09]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unity at the Lord's Table can transform how people perceive the church? [21:54]
4. How does the sermon connect the act of partaking in the Lord's Table with the global body of Christ, especially those suffering around the world? [47:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal experience with the Lord's Table. How do you approach it, and what steps can you take to ensure you partake in a worthy manner? [40:09]
2. The early church was marked by unity and shared life. What practical steps can you take to foster a similar sense of community and unity within your small group or church? [27:13]
3. Consider the historical shift from the Lord's Table to the pulpit. How can you balance the importance of teaching and the Eucharist in your personal faith journey? [18:54]
4. The sermon calls for a return to the simplicity and power of the early church. What changes can you make in your life to align more closely with this vision? [27:13]
5. How can you actively remember and support the global body of Christ, especially those who are suffering, in your daily life and prayers? [47:06]
6. Think about a time when you felt disconnected from the church. What steps can you take to reconnect and experience the presence of Christ in your community?
7. How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to the unity and growth of your church community, as described in Acts 2:42-47?
Devotional
Day 1: The Mystery of Christ's Presence
The early church fathers held a profound belief in the special presence of Christ in the Eucharist, a mystery that transcends human understanding. This sacred truth invites believers to honor and participate in it with reverence, recognizing it as a profound mystery of faith. Much like the mysteries of the Trinity or the incarnation, the presence of Christ in the Eucharist is not something that can be fully comprehended by human minds. Instead, it is a divine mystery that calls for a heart of worship and a spirit of humility. As stewards of God's mysteries, believers are called to guard and cherish this sacred truth, approaching the Lord's Table with awe and reverence. [16:17]
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 can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe when participating in the Eucharist, recognizing it as a profound mystery of your faith?
Day 2: Unity at the Lord's Table
The shift from the centrality of the Lord's Table to the pulpit has led to division and individualism within the church. The true essence of the church, as depicted in Acts 2, is a community devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, where unity is paramount. This unity is not just a superficial agreement but a deep, spiritual connection that reflects the heart of God. The Lord's Table is a place where believers come together, setting aside differences and focusing on the shared faith in Christ. It is a call to return to the simplicity and power of the early church, where believers were unified, shared everything, and experienced the presence of Christ in their midst. [20:12]
Acts 2:42-44 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to fostering unity within your church community, especially during the celebration of the Lord's Table?
Day 3: Returning to the Early Church Model
The call is to return to the simplicity and power of the early church, where believers were unified, shared everything, and experienced the presence of Christ. This unity is where God commands His blessing, and it is through this unity that the church can transform how people perceive it. The early church model is not just about structure but about the heart and spirit of the community. It is about living out the teachings of Christ in a way that reflects His love and grace to the world. By embracing this model, believers can create a community that is not just an imitation of the church but a true reflection of the body of Christ. [27:13]
Acts 4:32-33 (ESV): "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all."
Reflection: What steps can you take to embody the spirit of the early church in your daily life, fostering a community of unity and shared purpose?
Day 4: The Sacredness of the Lord's Table
The Lord's Table is not just a ritual but a proclamation of Christ's death and a reminder of the new covenant in His blood. It is a sacred time to examine oneself, recognize the body of Christ, and come together in unity. This sacred act is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of Christ and the new life that believers have in Him. It is a time to reflect on one's relationship with God and with others, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation where needed. By approaching the Lord's Table with a heart of humility and gratitude, believers can experience the fullness of God's grace and love. [39:06]
1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (ESV): "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 can you prepare your heart and mind to approach the Lord's Table with the reverence and self-examination it deserves?
Day 5: Global Unity in Christ
As believers partake in the Lord's Table, they are reminded of the global body of Christ, including those suffering around the world. This sacred act unites believers with those past and present, focusing hearts on Jesus, the coming King. It is a call to remember and pray for those who are persecuted and in need, seeking ways to serve and support them. By recognizing the global nature of the body of Christ, believers can develop a deeper sense of connection and responsibility towards their brothers and sisters in faith. This unity transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, reflecting the heart of God for all people. [47:06]
Hebrews 13:3 (ESV): "Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body."
Reflection: How can you actively remember and support the global body of Christ, especially those who are suffering, in your prayers and actions today?
Quotes
When we read all the early church fathers, they really believed in some sort of special presence of Christ that when they blessed this bread and this cup, there was some sort of special presence of Christ, which is similar to what I was reading last week from First Corinthians about how it's a participation in the body and blood of the Lord. [00:16:05]
That's a mystery. Don't ask me how God could be three in one. Don't ask me how God Almighty, the Creator, could become flesh and be implanted in the womb of a virgin. That's above my pay grade. Okay, this is over me. I just go, it's a mystery. I don't know how Almighty God can take the form of a fetus. [00:16:55]
It wasn't until like 500 years ago, and some of you guys go, well, I'm a reformer. I believe in the Reformation. I believe in that time, and so I believe in their belief in it. And then I go, okay, well, what is their belief in it? Because Luther had a different view from Calvin who had a different view from Zwingli. [00:18:00]
What is God's desire, especially at the table, is somehow when the brothers dwell together in unity, God is going to command a blessing on that time, and I've been seeing it more and more and more, and I'm excited about it. And so these next few weeks, I am praying that God does something where, in our mindset, we always think bigger is better. [00:20:14]
There's a way that we can flip things where we actually get more excited about gathering with a group of believers. They may not be the most talented, intelligent, or whatever else, but they're devoted, and they want unity, and they want to love one another like that early church and come together and break bread. [00:21:02]
Could we possibly change the way people see church in one generation? And I really believe it starts at the table. So, where is my bag? There was a bag. Hi, would you steal my bag? Okay, it's okay, it's okay. Um, so, as a lot of you guys know, I travel a lot and speak at different places. [00:21:44]
When you guys get together, I know there's bread there, I know there's a cup there, but don't call that the Lord's Supper. That's some sort of cheap imitation, weird thing you're doing, where you guys who are rich are eating all this good food and you're even getting drunk. Meanwhile, you've got guys that are starving. [00:24:30]
Did you really try the church? Did you try the real, did you try the Acts 2 church? Okay, because here's church, okay. Maybe you tried going to a service somewhere, listening to a sermon, and singing some songs, but don't call that church. There might be some ingredient of that, but that's not church. [00:26:25]
When I think of church, I look at Acts 2, verse 42, when the church started, and it says, and they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. [00:27:07]
I want the real thing. I love real Chinese food, but here's the problem. Some people prefer this over real Chinese food. My wife is one of them. I mean, I was kidding, I'm not kidding, but I still love you. It's just this is one of your faults, okay, all right. Um, now let's pray that God breaks that chain over her. [00:29:24]
I believe I was created by God for a purpose, and that he knew I was going to be alive in this season, and he knew I was going to be with you, and I was going to be with you, and I was going to be with all of you guys. We were all going to be together in this room right now. [00:33:05]
There's something about the presence of Christ when we come in unity and break the bread. It's a proclamation of his death until he returns. There's something about reminding you that this cup is the new covenant in his blood and commanding you all to say all of you drink of it. [00:38:31]
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