Winning Ways: Six Things to Look for in the Lord's Supper

Yogi Berra once said, "You can observe a lot just by watching."

Smart man.

When we schedule the Lord's Supper in a worship service, as we will this Sunday, we sometimes call it the "observance of the Lord's Supper." So what can you "observe" in this sacred time? According to 1 Corinthians 11, there are six things that deserve our attention.

First, look around.  In verses 17-22, Paul says that, because of the Corinthian believers' insensitivity to each other, "it is not the Lord's Supper that you eat."  Let's make sure we never deserve that reprimand ourselves.  Instead, we should take time during the Lord's Supper to think about the health of our church relationships.  Are we growing closer together or further apart?

Second, look up.  Paul wrote, "The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it"(verses 23-24).  The Lord's Supper is a chance to look up to God in praise.  A communion service should be solemn but not somber!

Third, look back.  Jesus told them to eat of the bread and drink from the cup "in remembrance of me" (verses 23-25).  So, look back to the crucifixion and remember what it cost the Lord of Life to bring you to himself.

Fourth, look outward. In verse 26, the Apostle wrote that we "proclaim the Lord's death" every time we participate in the Lord's Supper.  Remarkable:  We serve as God's witnesses simply by the devotion we give to this ordinance.

Fifth, look forward. In verse 26, he continues to say that by participating in the Supper we proclaim the Lord's death "until he comes back."  The Lord's Supper is a time to think about Christ's promised return.  "I tell you," Jesus said upon establishing the Supper, "I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:29).

Sixth, look within. In verses 27-28, Paul says to "examine yourself" before taking part in communion.  Since the Lord's Supper commemorates Christ's death for our sin, we should confess to God those besetting sins which required his precious sacrifice.

This Sunday, you have a chance to make these six observations as we take part in the Lord's Supper.  Join us at 10 a.m.

Ministry Staff articles. Did you know you can read the rest of the Ministry Staff articles online? Click here. This week, Gene Chappell explains the new offering envelopes, Herb Ingram announces our new Connection Campaign, Steve Cloud recaps last week’s Rock Week, and Karen Raulie fills you in on The Summer Bookin’ Bible memory challenge and the Kits-for-Kids project. Take a moment to read these important columns!

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