fall communion
Water cooler conversation:
What was your biggest win this week? What was your biggest challenge?
What’s your defining memory of September 11, 2001?
What is one tradition that is unique to you and your family?
Unpack the Message:
At Expectation Church, we observe two ordinances - baptism and the Lord’s Supper, or “communion.” An ordinance is a Christian rite associated with physical elements (water, bread, and wine) practiced by Christian churches. Some denominations may use the word “sacrament,” an outward sign or symbol of spiritual truth.
The night before he was crucified, Jesus and His disciples took communion together at what we commonly refer to as the “Last Supper.” He passed a cup of wine, tore the bread into pieces, and passed each element to the disciples, telling them the wine was a picture of the blood He would shed, and the bread symbolized His body which would soon be broken. All of this was done so that humanity could be reconciled to His Father (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus’ death at Calvary is the most pivotal point in history. By observing communion, those who have placed their faith in Christ humble themselves, confess their sins and demonstrate their respect and gratitude for His sacrifice. Our surrender is on His terms—not ours. True surrender is complete surrender. Salvation is inclusive, meaning it is for everyone regardless of race, stature, or wrongs done. But it also means forfeiting our right to determine our own path. Instead, we allow our will and desires to be transformed according to the Holy Spirit’s leading. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”
In Ephesians 2, Paul is preaching and teaching with inclusivity for Jews and Gentiles at the heart of his message. He reminds his audience that no one comes to Christ through the rituals of culture or religion; it is only by the life-giving blood of Jesus Christ that we can be saved, erasing all the barriers that stand between us and God (John 3:16). It’s not about rules; it’s about a relationship. Through salvation, we become part of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19).
There is power in remembering. As individuals, we have defining moments in our lives—getting our Driver’s Licence, the birth of our children, the death of a loved one. But, collectively, as a nation, we have those defining moments as well—a momentous victory like the 1980 Olympic hockey victory we call the “Miracle on Ice,” a news story like Sandy Hook or Columbine, or the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
Intentionally remembering pivotal events helps us be mindful that life as we know it can change in a moment. This reorientation helps us to re-prioritize our lives. Unfortunately, the demands of daily life mean that we sometimes lose sight of the eternal because the immediate seems more urgent. 1 Corinthians 11 instructs us that to observe communion as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice. Paradoxically, communion not only reminds us of His agonizing death but is a celebration of God’s mercy, grace, and the priceless gift of His forgiveness.
Significantly, there is very little instruction for the Lord’s Supper recorded in Scripture. We aren’t given a script of the words to use, the language to speak, how often, or even where we should observe communion. The one thing we are told is to remember.
Observing communion allows us to realign our hearts with God. By recognizing that there is significance in His sacrifice, we pull our eyes off the immediate and focus once again on the magnitude of what He has done for us. By examining our hearts (1 Corinthians 11:28), we search out any unconfessed sin impeding our fellowship with God (1 John 1:6–9). Eating and drinking the elements of communion is a picture of union with Christ as our Savior. (1 Corinthians 10:16).
Make a Move:
Are you guilty of approaching the Lord’s Supper with a casual attitude? Set aside time this week to read Why Communion Matters, by Dr. Douglas Groothuis. Before you read, ask God give you a renewed sense of the magnitude and meaning of communion.
Prayer Prompt:
Father, may I never come to your communion table without first examining our hearts. I ask for a humble and contrite spirit that is mindful of the magnitude of your sacrifice at Calvary. I pray that you would forgive me for straying from Your will and ask that you would set me on the right path so that my life is a living testimony of Your grace and mercy so that those far from Christ may be drawn into a relationship with You. Amen