COMMUNION - As a regularly practiced discipline

Alright doers, what a crazy journey! Our hope and prayer is that your life has transformed as you have put the Word of God into action. We follow Him whole-heartedly, intentionally, consistently, and without excuses. As James 1:22 states, we do not just know or listen to Gods Word, we do what it says as we put it into practice.

Remember, no amount of doing or righteousness (right behavior) can replace your personal relationship with Jesus. This relationship begins when you put your faith in Him as Savior and Lord. This week, we will look closely at a discipline that is typically practiced corporately (with other believers), but should help us keep the gospel and our faith based relationship with Jesus at the forefront of our minds personally.

While He was here on Earth, Jesus instructs us in this final discipline, telling us to take communion “in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). This week, our look at the  practice of communion will show us that this reflective practice helps us look:

• Backward at God’s gift of Jesus
• Inward for self-examination
• Outward as we proclaim the gospel
• Forward to Christ’s return

1 Corinthians 11:26 |  For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

Acts 2:41-47 | Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.  All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.  A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Luke 22:17-20 | Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.

Discussion

1. What is communion? How is it done? Why do we practice (do) it?
2. Jesus teaches us to take communion “in remembrance of Him.” What does communion help you remember about Jesus?
3. How do you feel when you take communion or when you think about the death of Jesus?
4. The early church practiced communion regularly. How might this have helped them stay focused on their purpose?