Communion: A Remembrance of Christ's Sacrifice

The **Lord's Supper**, also known as **Holy Communion**, is a Christian ordinance that commemorates the death of Jesus Christ. It is typically celebrated with bread and wine, which represent the body and blood of Christ, respectively. Communion is a time for Christians to reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made on their behalf, and to renew their commitment to following him.

The Bible provides several passages that speak about communion. One of the most well-known is found in **1 Corinthians 11:23-26**: "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

Importance of Communion

Communion is an important part of the Christian life for several reasons. First, it is a reminder of the **sacrifice** that Jesus made on our behalf. When we partake of communion, we are reminded that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. This is a humbling thought, and it should lead us to gratitude and repentance.

Second, communion is a time for us to **reflect** on our own lives. As we eat the bread and drink the wine, we are reminded of our own sinfulness and need for forgiveness. This can be a challenging time, but it is also an important time for growth and renewal.

Third, communion is a time for us to **come together** as a community of believers. When we partake of communion, we are reminded that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of a body of believers who are united in Christ. This can be a comforting and encouraging thought, especially in times of difficulty.

How to Prepare for Communion

There are several ways to prepare for communion. First, it is important to **examine** your own heart. Make sure that you are repentant of your sins and that you are trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior. Second, it is important to **fast** before communion. This is a time to set aside food and drink in order to focus on your spiritual preparation. Third, it is important to **pray** before communion. Ask God to help you to understand the significance of communion and to receive it in a meaningful way.

How to Celebrate Communion

There are many different ways to celebrate communion. Some churches use a **liturgy**, or set order of service, while others allow for more freedom in the way that communion is celebrated. Regardless of the format, there are certain elements that are typically included in a communion service.

First, there is a **reading of Scripture** about communion. This is typically followed by a **sermon** or **homily** about the meaning of communion. Then, the **bread** and **wine** are distributed to the communicants. Finally, there is a **time of reflection** and **prayer**. Communion is a special time of worship and fellowship. It is a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to reflect on our own lives, and to come together as a community of believers.

Benefits of Communion

There are many benefits to participating in communion. First, communion **strengthens** our **faith**. When we partake of communion, we are reminded of the promises of God and of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. This can help us to overcome doubt and to stand firm in our faith.

Second, communion **deepens** our **relationship** with God. As we partake of communion, we are drawn closer to God. This is a time to worship him, to thank him for his love, and to ask for his forgiveness. Communion can help us to grow in our love for God and to experience his presence in a more real way.

Third, communion **unifies** the **body of Christ**. When we partake of communion, we are reminded that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of a body of believers who are united in Christ. This can help us to overcome divisions and to work together for the common good.

Possible Disadvantages of Communion

While communion is generally a positive experience, there are some potential disadvantages to consider. First, communion can be a **divisive** issue. Some Christians believe that communion should be celebrated in a certain way, while others believe that there is more freedom in how it is celebrated. This can lead to conflict and division within the church.

Second, communion can be a **superficial** experience. It is possible to partake of communion without truly understanding its significance. This can lead to a sense of emptiness or disappointment. It is important to prepare for communion and to participate in it with a sincere heart.

Third, communion can be a **source of temptation**. The bread and wine of communion are symbols of the body and blood of Christ. It is important to remember that these are only symbols. We should not worship the bread and wine, but rather the God who they represent.

Communion and Unity

One of the most important aspects of communion is its ability to **unify** the body of Christ. When we partake of communion, we are reminded that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of a body of believers who are united in Christ. This can help us to overcome divisions and to work together for the common good.

The Bible teaches that communion is a **sacrament** of **unity**. In **John 17:21**, Jesus prays, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." Communion is a visible sign of the unity that we have in Christ. It is a reminder that we are all members of one body, and that we are called to love and serve one another.

Communion and Forgiveness

Another important aspect of communion is its ability to **forgive** sins. In **Matthew 26:28**, Jesus says, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Communion is a reminder that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. When we partake of communion, we are reminded that we are forgiven. Communion is a time to experience the forgiveness of God and to be reconciled to him.

The Bible teaches that communion is a **sacrament** of **forgiveness**. In **Acts 10:43**, Peter says, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Communion is a visible sign of the forgiveness that we have in Christ. It is a reminder that we are forgiven people, and that we are called to forgive others.

Communion and Spiritual Growth

Communion is also a **means of grace** that can **help** us to **grow** in our **faith**. When we partake of communion, we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Communion is a time to receive the grace of God and to be renewed in our spirits. The Bible teaches that communion is a **sacrament** of **spiritual growth**. In **1 Corinthians 10:16**, Paul says, "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?" Communion is a visible sign of the spiritual growth that we have in Christ. It is a reminder that we are growing in our

faith, and that we are called to be more like him.

3 Communion Stories

Story 1

A pastor was leading a communion service when he noticed a young boy sitting in the back row. The boy was clearly bored, and he was playing with a toy car. The pastor stopped the service and asked the boy to come to the front. The boy was hesitant at first, but he eventually came up to the pastor. The pastor asked the boy why he was playing with the toy car, and the boy said that he was bored. The pastor smiled and said, "I understand. Communion can be boring sometimes. But it's important to remember that communion is not about us. It's about Jesus. And Jesus is anything but boring. He's the most amazing person who ever lived. So let's focus on him today. Let's think about his life, his death, and his resurrection. And let's thank him for saving us from our sins." The boy nodded and listened intently to the pastor's sermon. After the service, the boy told the pastor that he had really enjoyed communion that day. He said that he had never thought about Jesus in that way before. The pastor was glad that he had taken the time to talk to the boy. He knew that the boy would never forget that communion service.