"The Joy of Remembering - Part 2"

Outline

1. In our celebration of the Lord's Supper we experience the joy of proclaiming the Gospel, 1 Corinthians 11:26; Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:15-18; Philippians 1:18.

2. In our Communion service we are called to actively remember Christ and the events surrounding His death, burial, and resurrection, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25; Luke 22:19.

3. The Lord's Supper is a feast of grace, a communing, by faith, with Christ; it nurtures spiritual life and gives strength, John 6:37, 40, 53; 15:5; 1 Corinthians 10:16.

“I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). Elsewhere Jesus used organic imagery to describe our vital relationship with him— “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). His very life flows through us, and the Lord’s Supper displays this vital union with Christ. We call this meal the Lord’s Supper, and in it we “commune” with Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 10:16). Evangelical Convictions, (Kindle Locations 4085-4088). Free Church Publications.

4. As we partake by faith, we experience anew the fresh water of the New Covenant. It brought us forgiveness, new hearts, a belongingness to God, new life, glory, and happiness to our souls because we now know God, Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25; 2 Corinthians 3:1 - 4:6.

5. The co-searching of our hearts commanded before partaking of the Lord's Supper is a critical component in confession, repentance, joy-filled grace, and personal proclamation, 1 Corinthians 11:27-34; Psalm 32:1-11; 51:1-19; Psalm 139:23-24.

"Lessening the severity of the sin denigrates the gloriousness of the Lamb who was slaughtered. Lessening the abundance of grace and forgiveness lessens the seriousness of the One sacrificed."

6. The context of the meal must be a caring, loving, and all-embracing church community. The existential unity of the body is necessary to partake of the spiritual realities of the Lord's Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:27, 20, 22, 29.

"For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly." 1 Corinthians 11:29 ESV

7. The Lord's Supper, is a sharing of and fellowshipping with Christ, together as the body of Christ. Grace is poured out when we are living and partaking of the Lord's Supper in fellowship with each other and the Lord, 1 Corinthians 10:15-18.

Questions for group discussion

1. How are you strengthened in your faith? Does faith really need strengthening?
2. What are the four elements of the New Covenant from Jeremiah 31:31-34? What does it mean that God's law is written on our hearts? Do we still need to read the Bible?
3. Instead of searching our hearts we can sometimes survey our hearts. What the difference? Is it possible to be boastful about sin? How so? If we have committed a sin of great earthly consequence (murdered someone for instance) how can you get past the guilt feelings? Is it alright to still feel badly about grievous sins?
4. What are some things you can do to ensure that anyone who comes to TACC feels included?

Preparation for the Eating and Drinking at the Lord's Table on Sunday, March 6, 2016

Beginning Monday, February 29 - Read Mark's account of the last week in Christ's life, Mark 11-16. Are there any details of Christ's death and resurrection that stand out? Think about these and thank God that Christ was willing to suffer this for you.
Tuesday - Experience the joy of telling the Gospel to someone. Today try and share part of the story to someone, even if they are a fellow believer. There is great blessing in verbalizing the Gospel.
Wednesday - The Lord's Supper is a community communing in faith with Christ. This ordinance nurtures spiritual life and gives strength. Memorize one of these verses: John 15:5; 15:7; Colossians 1:27.
Thursday - Read Psalm 139:23-24; Psalm 32; 51. This is a daily co-searching of our hearts with the aid of the Word of God. Be sure to access your relationships with those at TACC. If there are any issues that need addressing: forgiveness sought, etc. Take time now to set up a meeting, Sunday will be too late.
Friday - Give thanks for the New Covenant. The law of God is written on our hearts, He cares for us because we belong to Him, we know Him and are forgiven.
Saturday - Go to bed early so that you awake refreshed and ready to worship.
Sunday, March 6 - Give thanks and come to worship.