Faith Through Trials: The Power of Communion

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we encounter various trials and tribulations that may lead us to question our standing with God. However, it is essential to understand that difficulties are not indicative of God's displeasure or our disobedience. Rather, they can be a testament to the anointing upon our lives. The challenges we face may very well be the platforms upon which God's glory is revealed and our faith is strengthened.

In the scripture, we find the Passover, a pivotal moment where God delivered His people from bondage in Egypt. This event is marked by the institution of the Passover meal, which included the drinking of four cups, each symbolizing a different aspect of deliverance and promise. However, when Jesus came, He presented a single cup, signifying that in Him, all the promises of God are fulfilled. He is our sanctification, our redemption, our strength in affliction, and our blessed hope of eternal life. This cup is a reminder that we are set apart, redeemed, and destined for glory with Him.

As we partake in the sacrament of communion, we are not merely remembering the sacrifice of Jesus, but we are also renewing our commitment to Him. The sacrament is akin to an oath of loyalty to our Commander-in-Chief, declaring that no matter the struggles or temptations we face, our allegiance to Christ remains unwavering. Each time we approach the Lord's table, it should be with a heart of gratitude, recognizing that it is by grace we are saved, not by our own merits.

Moreover, the sacrament is an intimate partnership with our fellow believers. It requires us to examine ourselves, ensuring that we are in right standing with one another, treating each other with love and respect, just as Christ has loved us. This self-examination is crucial because it aligns our hearts with God's heart, fostering unity and purity within the body of Christ.

The Passover also teaches us about the protective power of the blood of the Lamb. As the Israelites applied the blood to their doorposts, they were spared from the death angel. This act of obedience resulted in their deliverance from certain death. Similarly, the blood of Jesus covers us, granting us life in the midst of situations that could have otherwise destroyed us. We have much to be thankful for, not just for material blessings, but for the very breath of life and the spiritual protection we have in Christ.

Finally, the act of eating the lamb during Passover was not only a remembrance but also a means of receiving supernatural healing. In the same way, as we partake of the bread, which represents the body of Christ, we are to believe for healing—be it physical, emotional, financial, or relational. The power of the Holy Spirit is at work within us, bringing restoration and wholeness to every area of our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- The presence of difficulties in our lives is not a sign of God's displeasure but can be an indication of His anointing upon us. Through these challenges, God is preparing us for greater works and revealing His glory through our perseverance and faith. [49:33]

- In Christ, all the promises of God are yes and amen. The single cup He offered represents the fullness of God's redemptive plan—sanctification, redemption, strength in affliction, and the hope of eternal life. This is a cause for continual thanksgiving and praise.

- The sacrament of communion is a sacred oath of loyalty to Christ. It is a declaration that, regardless of life's trials, our allegiance to Him remains steadfast. This commitment is a reflection of our understanding of grace and the price paid for our salvation.

- Communion is an intimate act that requires self-examination and right relationships with others. It is a time to ensure that we are treating our brothers and sisters in Christ with the love and respect that reflect the love Christ has for us.

- The bread of communion is not just a symbol but a point of contact for supernatural healing. As we partake in faith, we are to expect healing and restoration in every aspect of our lives, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring wholeness where it is needed.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 12:7-13 - The Passover and the blood of the lamb.
2. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 - Self-examination before taking communion.
3. Isaiah 53:5 - By His stripes, we are healed.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the blood of the lamb during the Passover in Exodus 12:7-13?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, why is it important to examine ourselves before partaking in communion?
3. How does Isaiah 53:5 describe the healing power of Jesus' sacrifice?
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the purpose of difficulties in our lives? [22:17]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Passover event in Exodus 12:7-13 foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus?
2. What does it mean to take communion in an unworthy manner according to 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, and how can this affect our relationship with God and others?
3. How can the understanding of Isaiah 53:5 influence a believer's faith in God's healing power?
4. The pastor mentioned that difficulties are not a sign of God's displeasure but of His anointing. How can this perspective change the way believers face challenges? [22:28]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you perceive God's presence during that time? How might viewing it as a sign of His anointing change your perspective? [22:28]
2. When you partake in communion, do you take time to examine your relationships with others? What steps can you take to ensure you are in right standing with your fellow believers? [08:50]
3. The pastor emphasized the importance of gratitude during communion. How can you cultivate a heart of thankfulness in your daily life, especially during difficult times? [06:03]
4. Have you experienced a situation where you felt protected or delivered by God, similar to the Israelites during Passover? Share your experience and how it strengthened your faith. [12:00]
5. The sermon highlighted the healing power of the bread in communion. Is there an area in your life where you need healing? How can you actively trust in God's power to bring restoration? [15:04]
6. How can you remind yourself of the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the fulfillment of God's promises in your daily walk with Him? [24:01]
7. Think of a person in your life with whom you need to reconcile. What practical steps can you take this week to mend that relationship in the spirit of Christ's love and unity? [08:50]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Trials as Divine Anointing
Difficulties in life are not merely obstacles; they are opportunities for growth and a demonstration of God's anointing. When faced with trials, it is easy to feel abandoned or punished, but the truth is that these moments are often when God is most active in our lives. He uses our perseverance and faith to prepare us for greater works and to showcase His glory. It is in the furnace of affliction that our faith is refined and our character is shaped. As believers, we are called to stand firm, trusting that God is working through our struggles to bring about a greater purpose—one that often extends beyond our understanding. The presence of challenges is not a sign of God's displeasure but rather a testament to the fact that we are being prepared for something greater, just as gold is tested by fire [49:33].

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4 ESV)

Reflection: Consider a recent trial you have faced. How can you view it as a means of God refining your faith and preparing you for His purposes?

Day 2: The Fulfillment of God's Promises in Christ
In Jesus, we find the culmination of all God's promises. The single cup He offered during the Last Supper represents the fullness of God's redemptive plan. This cup is a symbol of sanctification, redemption, strength in affliction, and the hope of eternal life. It is a reminder that in Christ, we have everything we need to live a life of holiness and purpose. As we reflect on the significance of this cup, we are called to a posture of thanksgiving and praise, recognizing that every promise God has made is fulfilled in Jesus. We are no longer slaves to sin or bound by the law; instead, we are free to live in the grace that has been extended to us through the sacrifice of Christ. This understanding should fill our hearts with gratitude and lead us to worship God for His faithfulness and the completeness of His work in us [49:33].

"For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory." (2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV)

Reflection: How does the understanding that all of God's promises are fulfilled in Christ affect your daily walk with Him?

Day 3: Communion as a Covenant of Loyalty
The sacrament of communion is much more than a ritual; it is a sacred oath of loyalty to our Lord and Savior. As we partake in the bread and the cup, we are declaring our unwavering allegiance to Christ, regardless of the trials and temptations we may face. This act of communion is a reflection of our understanding of grace and the profound price paid for our salvation. It is a time to renew our commitment to Jesus, acknowledging that our strength comes from Him alone. By participating in this sacrament, we are not only remembering Christ's sacrifice but also affirming our dedication to live for Him and Him alone. This commitment is a powerful statement of faith, one that should be made with a heart full of gratitude for the grace that has been bestowed upon us [49:33].

"But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:32 ESV)

Reflection: What does partaking in communion mean to you, and how does it reinforce your commitment to Christ?

Day 4: The Importance of Self-Examination and Unity
Communion is a time for self-examination and fostering unity within the body of Christ. Before we approach the Lord's table, we are called to ensure that we are in right standing with our fellow believers, treating them with the love and respect that Christ has shown us. This self-examination is crucial as it aligns our hearts with God's heart, promoting unity and purity among us. It is an intimate act that not only connects us with Christ but also with one another, reminding us of the importance of maintaining healthy relationships within the church. As we partake in communion, let us remember to examine our own hearts, confess our sins, and seek reconciliation where needed, so that we may truly reflect the love of Christ in our interactions with others [49:33].

"Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." (Romans 14:13 ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone in your church community with whom you need to reconcile? How can you take steps towards unity and love today?

Day 5: Healing and Restoration Through Communion
The bread of communion is not just a symbol; it is a point of contact for supernatural healing. As we partake of the bread, which represents the body of Christ, we are to believe for healing in every aspect of our lives—physical, emotional, financial, or relational. The power of the Holy Spirit is at work within us, bringing restoration and wholeness where it is needed. This act of faith is a declaration that we trust in God's power to heal and restore us. It is a reminder that Christ's sacrifice was not only for our salvation but also for our healing. As we receive the bread, let us do so with the expectation that God will move mightily in our lives, bringing healing and peace to every area that needs His touch [49:33].

"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." (Acts 2:42-43 ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking healing? How can you approach communion with faith for God's restorative power to work in you?

Quotes

1) "Passover ought to make you shout because it means that you were able to live through the thing you were supposed to die in." [12:32] (Download) 2) "Every time you take that bread this year say to yourself I'm healed supernaturally. What medicine can't do the lamb can do." [18:05] (Download) 3) "The difficulty is not the sign of God's embarrassment or disagreement or your disobedience but the difficulty sometimes is the sign of the anointing that's on your life." [23:47] (Download) 4) "This cup means I'm sanctified because I've been set apart, this cup means I can handle affliction because Jesus is in me, this cup means I've been redeemed." [26:08] (Download) 5) "The sacrament is not just something you take about the body and blood of Jesus Christ but when you take the sacrament you are saying to the Lord you are my commander." [06:47] (Download) 6) "When you know you are sinner saved by grace every time you see the table you'll say God I thank you." [06:47] (Download) 7) "When you come to this table you ought to be able to look around at everybody at the table and say I'm treating him right, I'm treating her right." [09:09] (Download) 8) "The destroying angel was restrained from entering the house marked by the blood of the lamb, that the death angel as the death angel came through the city would pass over the house of anybody who had the blood." [11:06] (Download)

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Transcript
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