Core Rhythms - The Lord's Table

The Lord’s Table

Great Unity

Great Diversity

• What Happens at this Table (are we getting saved by God through it, or celebrating God’s salvation in it)
• What is Done for Us at this Table (are we receiving a sacrifice made for us now or proclaiming the one sacrifice made by Jesus)
• What is consumed by us at this Table (body and blood or bread and wine)

Historical Views

• Transubstantiation

• Consubstantiation

• Memorialism

• Spiritual Real Presence

It has many names – all appropriate

• Eucharist (Greek word for giving thanks)
• Communion
• The Lord’s Table
• Breaking of Bread
• The Lord’s Supper

Many times misunderstood

Why we observe this meal - The Biblical Teaching

Jesus Ordained The Meal  – Matthew 26:27–29; Luke 22:17–20

Key Observations: The use of Bread and Wine to be Body and Blood, It is a Covenantal meal whereby Jesus' blood seals the promise.  It is a remembrance.

Early Christian Observance—Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7

Key Observations: It was observed together and on the first day of the week

The Apostles Teaching – 1 Corinthians 10:14–17; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Revelation 3:19–20

Key Observations:  It is a participation/fellowship with JESUS and a PROCLAMATION of what he has done for his people.  It is eating with Jesus in a place of fellowship and repentance.

Summary of Our Observations

• It is a meal we observe together on the first day of the week...Sunday
• It is a meal that celebrates God’s faithfulness in the New Covenant
• It is a meal that is a remembrance and proclamation of the gospel
• It is a participation with Jesus himself where he works in our lives 

Our Observance At Jacob’s Well

Who should come?

What we do?

• Come clean - Confess and Repent
• Come together - Reconnect and Reconcile with one another
• Come in the gospel –  Reflect and Remember Jesus work on the cross
• Come thankful and rejoicing – Worship and Rejoice
• Come to receive from Jesus – Receive Grace from Jesus

Conclusion

Community Meditation

• Did you grow up in a Christian tradition where communion was central or did it seem marginalized and not very important? 
• In the past how have you understood communion? What is happening there?
• Read through the Core Rhythms Application Card and discuss as a community the various ways we can come to the table as a church.  How can you better use the time at the table each week at Jacob’s Well?
• What difference does a theology of spiritual real presence make from a theology of mere memorialism?  See junk drawer essay online for a short discussion of these two views.