Francis Chan - Church Together || December 15, 2019

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is a call to re-examine our understanding and practice of communion, also known as the Lord's Supper. The speaker shares personal struggles with this topic and invites us to consider the early church's devotion to it, as well as the warnings given in Scripture about partaking unworthily.

Key Scripture References

• Acts 2:42 - In the early days of the church, believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, prayer, fellowship, and the Lord's Supper. This sets a precedent for our own practice.
• 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 - Paul warns that partaking of the bread and cup in an unworthy manner can lead to judgment, sickness, or even death. We are called to examine ourselves before participating in communion.
• Hebrews 11:6 - God's ways are unsearchable, and His thoughts are beyond our comprehension. This reminds us that we cannot fully understand the mysteries of God, including the significance of communion.
• Romans 11:33-36 - Paul marvels at God's wisdom and ways, acknowledging that they are beyond human understanding. This encourages us to approach communion with humility and reverence.
• 1 Corinthians 4:1 - Paul describes himself as a servant of Christ and steward of the mysteries of God. This reminds us that our role is not to dictate or impose our own interpretations, but to humbly follow and learn from Scripture.
• Matthew 26:26-30 - Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, teaching that it represents His body and blood given for us. We are called to remember this sacrifice and participate in communion with reverence and gratitude.

The Importance of Discerning the Body

The speaker emphasizes the need to discern the body when participating in communion. This involves recognizing the significance of gathering as a church, the ekklesia, where Christ is present among us. We are called to approach communion with a sense of incompleteness, acknowledging that we are part of a larger body and that our individual needs and desires should be secondary to our participation in the corporate gathering.

The Early Church's Practice

The speaker explores the early church's practice of communion, noting that they devoted themselves to it and saw it as a vital part of their faith. He also examines the writings of early church fathers, who agreed on the importance of discerning the body when participating in communion. This highlights the significance of considering the historical and theological context surrounding this practice.

Conclusion

This message encourages us to re-examine our understanding and practice of communion, inviting us to approach it with reverence, humility, and a sense of incompleteness. By discerning the body and participating in communion as part of the ekklesia, we can deepen our relationship with Christ and experience the presence of God among us.