The Transformative Power of Communion in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to see you all here today. We believe that Jesus is all about people, and today we will delve deeper into that belief. We have some exciting announcements, including the youth retreat and a comedy night with Brian Bates. But today, we are focusing on a significant aspect of our faith: communion.
We are in a series called "Remember," and today’s message is titled "The Communion Connection." Communion is more than just a ritual; it is a profound spiritual practice rooted in the Jewish Passover. The Passover was a meal that commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt, and Jesus redefined it during the Last Supper, prophesying His sacrifice on the cross. He took the bread and wine, elements of the Passover meal, and gave them new meaning, symbolizing His body and blood given for us.
Communion is a prophecy of the cross and a proclamation of the new covenant. Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection fulfilled the old covenant and inaugurated a new one, offering us forgiveness, freedom from sin, and a restored connection with God. When we take communion, we are invited to remember Jesus' sacrifice, renounce our sins, and receive His grace.
I shared a personal story about how God’s grace met me at a low point in my life, teaching me that His love and mercy are not based on my performance but on His unchanging nature. This revelation transformed my understanding of communion and my relationship with God.
As we take communion today, let's remember what Jesus did for us, renounce our sins, and receive His grace. Let this act be a reset, a moment to reconnect with God and proclaim our freedom in Christ. Pursue His presence and will in your daily life, knowing that you were made for more.
### Key Takeaways
1. Communion is Rooted in the Jewish Passover: The Passover meal commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt, and Jesus redefined it during the Last Supper. By taking the bread and wine, He gave them new meaning, symbolizing His body and blood given for us. This act connects us to the historical and spiritual significance of God's deliverance and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. [23:38]
2. Communion is a Prophecy of the Cross: Jesus' actions during the Last Supper were prophetic, pointing to His impending sacrifice. The breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup symbolize His body broken and His blood shed for our sins. This prophetic act invites us to see beyond the ritual and understand the depth of Jesus' love and sacrifice for us. [28:52]
3. Communion Proclaims the New Covenant: Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled the old covenant and inaugurated a new one. This new covenant is not based on our works but on Jesus' finished work on the cross. It offers us forgiveness, freedom from sin, and a restored connection with God. Understanding this helps us to live in the freedom and grace that Jesus provides. [39:05]
4. Personal Transformation Through Communion: My personal story illustrates how God's grace can meet us at our lowest points. Communion is a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice, renounce our sins, and receive His grace. This act can be a powerful reset, helping us to reconnect with God and experience His transformative power in our lives. [55:32]
5. Living Out Communion Daily: Communion is not just a ritual but a way of life. It reminds us to pursue God's presence and will in our daily lives. By regularly remembering Jesus' sacrifice and proclaiming our freedom in Christ, we can live in the fullness of His grace and impact lives for eternity. [52:58]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [19:17] - Announcements
3. [22:26] - Opening Prayer
4. [23:07] - Series Introduction: Remember
5. [24:03] - Communion Connection
6. [25:06] - Importance of Being Present
7. [27:48] - Spiritual Practices and Mindfulness
8. [28:52] - Exploring Communion
9. [30:11] - Luke 22:7-20
10. [31:25] - Three Aspects of Communion
11. [32:49] - Passover and Its Significance
12. [36:34] - Prophecy of the Cross
13. [39:05] - Proclamation of the New Covenant
14. [44:16] - Implications for Believers
15. [48:01] - Practical Steps for Taking Communion
16. [55:32] - Personal Story of Transformation
17. [01:09:23] - Invitation to Communion
18. [01:17:39] - Proclaiming Freedom in Christ
19. [01:23:45] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 22:7-20: "Then came the day of unleavened bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, 'Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.' 'Where do you want us to prepare for it?' they asked. He replied, 'As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, "The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?" He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.' They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, 'I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.' After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, 'Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.' And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to Peter and John for preparing the Passover meal? ([28:52])
2. During the Last Supper, what did Jesus say the bread and wine represented? ([30:11])
3. How did Jesus describe the new covenant during the Last Supper? ([39:05])
4. What personal story did Pastor Jimmy share to illustrate the transformative power of communion? ([55:32])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus redefined the Passover meal during the Last Supper? ([31:25])
2. How does understanding the Jewish Passover enhance our appreciation of communion? ([32:49])
3. What does it mean for communion to be a proclamation of the new covenant? ([39:05])
4. How can personal experiences of God's grace, like Pastor Jimmy's story, deepen our understanding of communion? ([55:32])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from God. How can the act of communion help you reconnect with Him? ([27:48])
2. Pastor Jimmy mentioned that communion can be a "reset" in our spiritual lives. What specific areas of your life need a reset, and how can you use communion to address them? ([48:01])
3. How can you make the practice of communion more meaningful in your daily life, rather than just a ritual? ([52:58])
4. Pastor Jimmy shared a story about struggling with sin and experiencing God's grace. Is there a sin or struggle in your life that you need to bring to God during communion? ([55:32])
5. How can you pursue God's presence and will more intentionally in your daily life, inspired by the practice of communion? ([52:58])
6. Think about the concept of the new covenant. How does knowing that Jesus' sacrifice offers forgiveness and freedom from sin impact your daily decisions and actions? ([39:05])
7. Pastor Jimmy talked about proclaiming freedom in Christ. What specific steps can you take this week to live out that freedom in your interactions with others? ([52:58])
Devotional
### Day 1: Communion's Historical and Spiritual Roots
Communion is deeply rooted in the Jewish Passover, a meal that commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt. During the Last Supper, Jesus redefined this meal by taking the bread and wine and giving them new meaning. The bread symbolizes His body, and the wine symbolizes His blood, both given for us. This act connects us to the historical and spiritual significance of God's deliverance and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. By participating in communion, we are reminded of the profound history of God's salvation and the new meaning Jesus brought to it.
Communion is not just a ritual but a bridge that connects us to the past and the present. It allows us to remember the mighty acts of God in history and how Jesus' sacrifice has redefined our relationship with Him. This connection helps us to appreciate the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to save us. As we take communion, we are invited to reflect on this rich history and the new covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice. [23:38]
Exodus 12:14 (ESV): "This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast."
Reflection: How does understanding the historical roots of communion deepen your appreciation for this practice? Can you take a moment today to thank God for His deliverance and Jesus' ultimate sacrifice?
### Day 2: Prophetic Significance of Communion
Communion is a prophecy of the cross. During the Last Supper, Jesus' actions were prophetic, pointing to His impending sacrifice. The breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup symbolize His body broken and His blood shed for our sins. This prophetic act invites us to see beyond the ritual and understand the depth of Jesus' love and sacrifice for us. It is a powerful reminder of the price He paid for our redemption and the love that motivated His actions.
When we partake in communion, we are not merely participating in a tradition; we are engaging in a prophetic act that points to the core of our faith. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was foretold through His actions at the Last Supper, and each time we take communion, we are reminded of this prophecy fulfilled. This understanding helps us to grasp the magnitude of His love and the significance of His sacrifice. [28:52]
Isaiah 53:5 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."
Reflection: How does viewing communion as a prophetic act change your perspective on this practice? Can you take a moment today to meditate on the depth of Jesus' love and sacrifice for you?
### Day 3: Proclaiming the New Covenant
Communion proclaims the new covenant established through Jesus' death and resurrection. This new covenant is not based on our works but on Jesus' finished work on the cross. It offers us forgiveness, freedom from sin, and a restored connection with God. Understanding this helps us to live in the freedom and grace that Jesus provides. When we take communion, we are reminded of the new covenant and the incredible gift of grace that comes with it.
The new covenant is a transformative reality that changes how we relate to God. It is a covenant of grace, not of works, and it assures us of God's forgiveness and love. By participating in communion, we proclaim this new covenant and remind ourselves of the freedom and grace we have in Christ. This proclamation is a powerful declaration of our faith and a reminder of the new life we have in Jesus. [39:05]
Jeremiah 31:33 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Reflection: How does the new covenant change your understanding of your relationship with God? Can you take a moment today to thank Jesus for the grace and freedom He has given you through His sacrifice?
### Day 4: Personal Transformation Through Communion
Communion is a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice, renounce our sins, and receive His grace. This act can be a powerful reset, helping us to reconnect with God and experience His transformative power in our lives. Personal stories of transformation illustrate how God's grace can meet us at our lowest points and bring about profound change. Communion is an opportunity to reflect on these moments and allow God's grace to work in us anew.
Each time we take communion, we are invited to experience personal transformation. It is a moment to remember Jesus' sacrifice, renounce our sins, and receive His grace. This act can be a powerful reset, helping us to reconnect with God and experience His transformative power in our lives. By reflecting on personal stories of transformation, we can see how God's grace has worked in the past and trust that it will continue to work in our lives. [55:32]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you experienced God's grace in a transformative way? How can you allow communion to be a moment of reset and renewal in your relationship with God today?
### Day 5: Living Out Communion Daily
Communion is not just a ritual but a way of life. It reminds us to pursue God's presence and will in our daily lives. By regularly remembering Jesus' sacrifice and proclaiming our freedom in Christ, we can live in the fullness of His grace and impact lives for eternity. Living out communion daily means embodying the principles of grace, forgiveness, and love that Jesus demonstrated through His sacrifice.
Living out communion daily involves more than just participating in the ritual; it means allowing the principles of communion to shape our lives. It is a call to pursue God's presence and will in our daily actions, relationships, and decisions. By regularly remembering Jesus' sacrifice and proclaiming our freedom in Christ, we can live in the fullness of His grace and impact lives for eternity. This daily practice helps us to stay connected to God and live out our faith in meaningful ways. [52:58]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the principles of communion into your daily life? What specific actions can you take today to pursue God's presence and will in your life?
Quotes
1. "I know for me, I did the last freedom myself. I went through it. Now I went through it thinking I was gonna learn more about what they were doing and had no idea about the deep impact it would have on me and dealing with shame and other things that had been in my life that I just had never dealt with. And I think a lot of times when men are thinking about this, it's like an admission that I've got significant issues. Well, I mean, we all need to know this. I need a savior. So if Jesus is Lord of your life, you've already admitted you have issues, right?" [21:26] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What about our spiritual practices? Like prayer, like studying the Bible, like worship. Can we be, can we be doing, going through the motions? Like I satisfy my desire to check the box that I spent time with God, but did you spend time with God? Or did your eyes simply bounce across words on a page? Did you pray or did you mouth a series of words, but was there a sense of connection in it? And we can do that with worship songs. And we could do that with a lot of things. And we can do it with this activity that we call communion." [27:48] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Is there more that Christ wants us to experience in communion with him? Like just our relationship and then specifically in the act of communion. Could it be that by simply going through the motions, we're missing out on something far deeper and maybe something that could transform our spiritual lives? And I believe there is, and we're going to explore that." [28:41] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Communion is the proclamation of the new covenant. So those men that were sitting at the table were in a current covenant with God. We call it the old covenant. It was just their current covenant to them. They didn't refer to it as an old covenant. And the Jews today won't refer to it as an old covenant. It's the covenant that they're in that came through Moses. Oftentimes they'll call it the covenant of Moses versus the covenant of Abraham or Noah or something else." [39:05] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "My connection to God has been activated, meaning an inactive spirit that was disconnected from God. Jesus dies and pours out his spirit and reconnects us to the father. So listen, communion can be real. Communion just means common union. He's taking you from a place of disconnection to union with God. That's what he wants to do. Are you following me?" [46:35] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I remember what Jesus did for me. I remember that he died for me. And so I go back and I think, hey, you know what? I remember. That what Christ did is rooted in historic covenants with God, starting with the Passover and the Jewish people. And Jesus fulfilled that. I remember that he prophesied of his death and told us it was coming and then he did it. And then he rose from the grave. I remember that he paid for my sins. And I remember that he disempowered my demons. And I remember that he connected me with God." [48:01] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I proclaim that greater is he that's in me than he that's in the world. I proclaim that I am free to live a life that's pleasing to God, which leads to number five. I pursue God's presence and will, you know, maybe, maybe the most important part of communion isn't this activity. It's how we live after this activity. It's, it's taking communion to stay aware of the union that I have of Christ throughout my day." [52:58] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Friends, there is an invitation for you like there was for me. And you don't need a prophetic word to come to the communion table. You just come knowing that Jesus is on the other side of that. Saying take breaks his body. This is my body broken for you. And you come, this is the blood of the new covenant given. And you just come and you receive by grace in all your weakness, the love and the mercy of God, because friends, he has something for each one." [01:09:23] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "May the Lord bless you. May He keep you. May He reveal Himself to you in greater and greater ways. May you know not just the communion we ate, but the communion that's possible to experience and walk with Him as you live your life. May you discover that you were, in fact, made for more. And may you experience more of God's goodness, grace, and fulfillment as you impact lives for eternity. In Jesus' name, amen." [01:24:34] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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