The Lord's Supper and You

 Origin of hte Lord's Suupper -- disciples gathered in Jerusalem to celebrae (commemorate) the Passover (Ex. 12)

They celebrate (commemorate)
(1)  their deliverance - from slavery in Egypt
(2)  their election (selection) as God's chosen people - NOT because they were Jews
(3)  the promises - that accompany that privilege

This = a Covenant arrangement/contract, agreement God made with them

NOW Jesus introduces a NEW  Covenant, arrangement, new agreement AND a New People Group. - came to be known as the church, Christians.
WITH a NEW COMMANDMENT RITUAL - (ceremony)

ie:  The Lord's Supper - Matt. 26:26-28

With this new Covenant there is also...
(1)  deliverance  - *from penalty for sin) - death, separation from God
(2)  election - (He chooses a New people group)
(3)  promises - "be with you.... never leave, forsake"  These come with being chosen

So....Note:  1 Cor. 5:7  "Christ... OUR Passover lamb"

As the Jews celebrate their deliverance (through the Passover meal)
So we (Christians) celebrate...
     Our deliverance (through Jesus' sacrificial death)
     Our election
     Our standing (and promises that go with it)

The primary text for the Lord's Supper - 1 Cor. 11:23-26
The primary admonition within the text = "DO THIS"  Was 1st. spoken to the disciples.
Eventually recognized as applying to ALL Christians.

I)  DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE
of..... what He did   (cross, death, resurrection)
  ......  why He did it  - John 3:16, Rom. 5:8
  .....   who He did it for.
            On one hand, the world, mankind
           On the other hand, me, you, individual

IF you've even felt God's call, Holy Spirit's draw  THEN He's chosen you!!!
This = Awesome Privilege!!!  Is NOT to be taken lightly

Could Add ... do this in Remembrance of.....
                     what He's doing (presently) - He hasn't quite acting in my life
                     what He's going to do  (future)  - anticipation
Example:  1 Pet. 1:3-4, Col. 1:12

This makes the Lord's Supper a comprehensive act of Recognition and Thanksgiving   (as well as confidence & trust!)

II)  DO THIS TO PROCLAIM   1Cor. 11:26
AS Public Baptism = non-verbal declaration...
SO Lord's Supper = non-verbal declaration of...
     (1)  your Belief in Him
     (2)  your Confidence (trust, faith) in Him

This is more than head knowledge ... it = trust, confidence, a personal commitment of self to Him.   As Savior,  as Lord!

Is not stated here but universally accepted by Christians...
III)  DO THIS TOGETHER - as a group, congregation, church

Old Testament, Jews ... Deut. 7:6 - holy, set apart
New Testament, Christians ... 1 Pet. 2:9-10 - special people set apart to declare His praises
Both texts = a people group!!

On one hand, the Lord's Super =  a very personal observation!
However, traditionally, universally is celebrated as a group, congregation - "a people of God"
Example:  "may not sing in harmony... but all singing the same song"

OBJECTION!  "I feel unworthy!"
Answer:  = you are unworthy.  BUT  1 Cor. 11:27 - "manner"  (attitude)

Still feel uncomfortable!"  Answer - let it pass by!!

How We do This = (1)  gather (add any singles to join your group if alone)
                              (2)  worship
                              (3)  Partake
                              (4)  Fellowship

If have never accepted Christ?  Can do that before this evening!  (may want to share than before the supper)

Need to Re-dedicate?  Re-commit?  do it this afternoon (may want to share that before the supper)

Closing scripture:  Psm. 95:6-7