An Examination of How We Memorialize Christ

REMEMBRANCEIN

ofME

OVERVIEW• Purpose• Elements• Time• Place• Event

• Participants• Focus• Mindset• Behavior • Why All This?

Purpose

Does our Purpose matter?

1 Corinthians 11:23-25

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 

1 Corinthians 10:16-17

16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread

Purpose• Memorial (1 Cor 11:23-25)– The Bread is in memory of Christ body– The Cup is in memory of Christ blood

• To Commemorate his death on the Cross–Mat 26:28

Purpose• A Proclamation (1 Cor 11:26)–We proclaim Christ death–Why might we proclaim His death? • 1 Cor 15:3

–We proclaim Christ return• ”till He comes” (cf Jn 14:3)

Purpose• A Communion…– A sharing of Christ Blood (1 Cor 10:16)• Between Christians and God

– A sharing of Christ Body between each individual Christian (1 Cor 10:17)

The Elements

What are the proper Elements?

The Element

• Mat 26:26-29– Verse 26, Bread = Christ Body• Unleavened Bread (Mk 14:1, Mat 26:17, Ex 12:18)

– Verse 29, Fruit of Vine = Christ Blood

The Time

Can we partake of the emblems any Time?

The Time• First Day of the Week– Cf Mat 28:1– Act 20:7– Cf 1 Cor 16:1-2– Cf Act 2:42

The Place

Can we observe the Lord Supper anywhere?

The Place• The Gathering of the Saints or Church– Acts 2:42– Act 20:7– 1 Cor 11:33– Cf 1 Cor 10:17

The Participants

Who is to Partake?

The Participants• Disciples partook at Troas (Act 20:7)• Christians observed at Corinth (1 Cor 11:33)• Non-Believers receive no benefit – 4th July– Thanksgiving

The Focus

What should we Focus upon?

The Focus

• Focus up upon Christ– His death for us– His atoning for our sins– “we proclaim the Lord’s death ‘til He comes” • 1 Cor 11:26

The Focus– Remember Christ suffering for us• Lk 22:14-20• Mat 26:26-28• 1 Cor 11:24-25• Cf Ps 22, Isaiah 53, the Gospel Accounts • The songs we sing before we partake

Our Mindset

What should we set our Minds upon?

Proper Mindset• “a man must examine himself…”– 1 Cor 11:28

• Partake in a worthy manner• Preparation to be worthy –Mat 5:23-24, cf Lev 6

Proper

Why be so proper in our observance?

Why So Proper?• To Show Reverence to the our Lord• “in a worthy manner” 1 Cor 11:27, 29 • Improper brings about– Guilty of the body & blood of Christ– Eat & Drinks Judgment upon oneself

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on the Lord’s Supper

Conclusion• The Lord’s Supper is a simple act for Saints• It is an Important Act• We Need to be Prepared • Improper observation is dangerous • When Properly observed, it can…

Conclusion• The Lord’s Supper provides us a look– Upward to God– Backward in memory of the crucifixion – Outward proclaim of the Lord’s death– Forward of the Lord’s Second Coming– Inward in self-examination

God’s Plan for Salvation • HEAR THE GOSPEL – ROMANS 10:17• BELIEVE JESUS IS THE CHRIST –

JOHN 8:24• REPENT OF SINS – ACTS 2:38• CONFESS CHRIST – ROMANS 10:9-10• BE BAPTIZED – MARK 16:16• BE FAITHFUL – REVELATION 2:10