Community

Brian Hamilton
When you come together remember Jesus and his sacrifice.
We don't become Christian because we have a list or are born into a Christian family. We are saved only by the mercy of God. United in Christ. Supper in the Bible designates the main meal of the day. The evening sit down for a leisurely meal. Connected with others because of Jesus and his fellowship.
The early church had a custom of a LOVE Feast. Everyone brought food.

In Corinth something went sadly wrong. The rich brought rich foods and refused to share. The poor got nothing. Paul told them to stay home if that's how they wanted to treat others.

Look inwardly
Look backwards
Look forward
Examine yourself. Look at your life. Not about not being worthy. None of us deserves the Lord's table. Then no one would ever take part in it. If we continue to harbor sin we should confess and clean it up. Our generosity should make sure there are no needy among us.
The Passover is the thanksgiving of Jewish culture. It is a time if feasting. Acts 2.46 They had their meals together with thankful hearts.
Look within. Am I living as I should? What can I give back to God for what he has done for me?

Look backwards. Remember those who have gone before. Remembrance day. That's what the Lord's supper is about. We follow Jesus through the agony of the trial and the cross. The shedding of his blood for us.

Look forward. Am I living to honour God? Do I remember what Jesus did? Do we anticipate him coming again?

The Lord's supper reminds us that we will reign with him forever and ever. There will be a point when evil will be removed.

Thank you Lord for giving us the privilege of coming to celebrate the Lord's table. Help us to remember your sacrifice.
Jesus instituted this celebration himself. As we eat the bread and drink this cup we remember Jesus and what he has done for us. We come to this table because we are imperfect. All disciples are invited. As we have named Jesus as our Saviour we are invited.

http://bible.com/116/1co.11.23-26.nlt
For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me."  In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it."  For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again.