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First Steps for New Believers
The Local Church
11/28/2009 9:32:47 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

baptism, church, communion


Our local church is very important – a true blessing for all believers. Unfortunately, there are still countries where people are not allowed to meet openly in a local church. That is sad, as attendance in church is something that all of us need.

There are two formal ordinances which the local church is responsible for: 
  • Baptism
  • Communion – The Lord’s Supper
We have been talking about baptism in several postings. Let’s now talk a little about The Lord’s Supper. This is for us Christians a wonderful and truly important part of worship. Later, we will talk about other reasons why attendance at a local church is important for new believers. At this moment, let’s talk about its importance as the place where we can participate in the Lord’s Supper.
First, let’s think about the original Lord’s Supper communion event, when Jesus initiated this communion at the last supper with his disciples.
Lk 22:15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 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.” 20 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.
At this very special last meal with his disciples, he explained the significance of each of the elements of the Lord’s Supper, the bread (representing his body) and the wine (representing his blood) and He instructed them to “do this in remembrance” of him.
Paul, in relaying this wonderful event to other peoples in other places, such as Corinth, reminds us of something very special in Jesus’ words.
1Co 11:23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 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.” 25 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.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Paul assures us that this communion of the Lord’s Supper is in remembrance of Jesus, proclaiming his death “until he comes.” Each time we celebrate communion in our worship, we are reflecting, but also anticipating:
  • Reflection – remembering our Lord and how he died to pay for our sins
  • Anticipating – looking forward to when he will return for us
Each time you are preparing to take communion, focus on preparing your heart for this wonderful pair of purposes – the debt He paid for you and the life you should live now while waiting for his return.
Next post – more on the local church…
Blessings,

Larry

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