Communion

[jamie]

I would say it is necessary because Jesus said to do it in remembrance of Him. It is a command.

Is it really a command or was Jesus merely stateing to his disciples that while they were there together that they were doing it in remembrance of him.

Did He really mean for us to turn it into another ritual and tell others that they are commanded to do it down through the ages?

[Guest Called]

Well, when I look at it in context with all the verses-1 Corinthians 11:23-34, it certainly sounds like it wasn't meant for just that one time.

It says every time you eat the bread and drink the cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes. The words "every time", imply that this is to be done more than just that once and it also says "Announcing the Lord's death until He Comes", The Lord hasn't come yet.

[jamie]

I dont feel a need to announce His death when he is living in me.

[Guest Called]

We are remembering His death and sacrifice and the fact that He conquered death on the cross and his resurrection. We announce his death every time we witness to others, so that they can be saved. We should announce His death and resurrection from the roof tops.

[Ovedya]

"Do this...often..."

I love to take the Lord's Table, often!

[BobTriez]

Luke 22:19-20

19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

This do in remembrance of me....this does not sound like a one time event. Jesus is asking His disciples ( which we all are - yes ? ) to remember His sacrifice by "eating and drinking" in His remembrance...it is indeed symbolic; as was the passover of the Old Testament. Jesus was about to ( in the next 12-18 hours ) replace the animal and become a new sacrifice....he was about to give up His life and pour out His blood for the cleansing of all sin.

Jesus said with "desire He desired" to eat this passover ( Luke 22:15 )

Why ? Because of what He was about to endure - for them, for you, for me - and for HIM....He chose to give His life up ( John 10:18 )....that means it was also for His glory and desire that He died....He wants us to be near Him, and this supper we celebrate reminds us of what He did and it brings His children closer to Him in sprit for Him.

I dont feel a need to announce His death when he is living in me.

Let's see what Paul says about it

1 Cor 11:26

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Some versions say proclaim instead of "shew" ( same thing ) - why would we want to do this ? Because Jesus had to die there was no other way. And it was our fault....so in another sense, communion is also a very humbling experience. We are proclaiming and testifying "it was me Lord who crucified you - you did this [ died ] for me. That's why it's important to proclaim His death.

I wholeheartedly agree with the others about not legalizing it. When you're told you must do it every xxx weeks or whatever, it's special significants is diminished. Is in a must for salvation to take communion ? No, of course not...we know that only by grace we are saved ( Eph 2:8-9 )....just like Baptism doesn't save you, but rather an act of obedience towards Him...and that brings you closer.

[AllforJesustheLord]

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

This shows, people may choose to do this as often as they want, that means anytime. I have not taken communion for about maybe 6, or 7 months.

[jamie]

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

This shows, people may choose to do this as often as they want, that means anytime. I have not taken communion for about maybe 6, or 7 months.

I have no problem with taking communion as long as I'm not told that I have to.

The Jesus I know will let me know.

[Guest Called]

I have no problem with taking communion as long as I'm not told that I have to.

You don't have a problem with spiritual authority, do you?

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings Jamie,

I have no problem with taking communion as long as I'm not told that I have to.

The Jesus I know will let me know.

You are correct, Jesus will let you know and He will reveal it to you "through His Word". He will direct you to His specific Word by the Holy Spirit as you pray. Ask God for "wisdom" about this:

James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie