Basic Bible Christianity

Basic Bible Christianity Lesson Eight God works through Holy Communion

Search the Scriptures • Study Romans 6:1-14. • What attitude did some apparently have toward God’s grace and forgiveness? • License to sin • What is Paul’s response to this attitude? • How can we sin when we died to sin? • What happened when we were baptized into Christ Jesus? • We were baptized into his death. • In Baptism we were “buried” and “raised” with Christ. What is our purpose now? • To live a new life Lesson 7 God works through Holy Baptism

Search the Scriptures • What does it mean to be “crucified” with Christ? • We were inseparably united with him in his death. Everything that you can say about him you can say about those who are baptized. • What is now the purpose of our lives as baptized Christians? • To live for God • Who is our new Master? • God Lesson 7 God works through Holy Baptism

True or false F T T F T All rituals used in the church are known as sacraments. In a sacrament, God attaches his promise and forgiveness to something tangible. Something must be instituted by Christ to be considered a sacrament. In Baptism, oil and God’s Word combine to bring the forgiveness of sins. We know that the Holy Spirit is working in Baptism because we have God’s promise. Lesson 7 God works through Holy Baptism

True or false F T T T T A person who has not heard the gospel and has not been baptized may still be saved by other means. Newborn infants can believe in Jesus, because faith comes from the Holy Spirit, not from their own reason. A person who claims to believe in Jesus but rejects Baptism is really an unbeliever. In an emergency, any Christian can use water and God’s Word to perform a valid Christian baptism. A Christian can take great comfort in his or her baptism because of God’s covenant in the Sacrament. Lesson 7 God works through Holy Baptism

Questions for discussion If a child in a Christian family were stillborn or were to die before he or she could be baptized, is there any comfort you could offer to the parents? Luke 1:44—As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Lesson 7 God works through Holy Baptism

Questions for discussion If it is possible for a person to believe the Word of God and be saved without Baptism, is it okay to wait until a child or adult is older before administering the Sacrament of Holy Baptism? It is common in some circles for people to be rebaptized after a previous baptism, especially if the first baptism took place when they were infants. Does Scripture offer any insights into this practice? Some parents say, “I won’t have my child baptized as an infant. When the child is older, he can choose for himself whether or not he wants to be baptized.” What insights does Scripture provide? Lesson 7 God works through Holy Baptism

Basic Bible Christianity Lesson Eight God works through Holy Communion

Opening Devotion Read Psalm 23. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

What’s needed? Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

What’s needed? Acquired by Jesus on the cross Forgiveness Salvation God’s Word Baptism Distributed to us through the means of grace Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion All people

Key term Means of Grace The means through which God’s grace is distributed to all people. The tools/instruments/pipelines/channels through which God passes out the forgiveness and salvation won by Jesus on the cross. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Key term Sacrament A “sacred act” that is I O U Sacrament A “sacred act” that is Instituted by Jesus. O U Sacrament A “sacred act” that is Instituted by Jesus. Offers the forgiveness of sins. U Sacrament A “sacred act” that is Instituted by Jesus. Offers the forgiveness of sins. Uses an earthly/visible/tangible element. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Holy Communion—what is it? Matthew 26:26-29—While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, 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.” Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Holy Communion—what is it? Q: When did these events take place? A: The night before Jesus died, Maundy Thursday Q: What meal was Jesus celebrating with his disciples? A: Passover Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Why Passover? Old Covenant New Covenant Rescue from Egypt  Passover  Jesus  Lord’s Supper Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Holy Communion—what is it? Matthew 26:26-29—While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, 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 26:26-29—While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, 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 26:26-29—While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, 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.” Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Holy Communion—what is it? 1 Corinthians 10:16—Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Q: What do we eat and drink in Holy Communion? A: Bread and wine, Christ’s body and blood Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Truth and error about Holy Communion Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Who receives what? • Real presence • Believer: body/bread, blood/wine • Unbeliever: body/bread, blood/wine • Transubstantiation • Believer: body and blood • Unbeliever: body and blood Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Who receives what? • Representation • Believer: bread and wine • Unbeliever: bread and wine • Spiritual reception • Believer: bread/body and wine/blood • Unbeliever: bread and wine only Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

What does God do through Holy Communion? Matthew 26:26-29—While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, 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 26:26-29—While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, 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 26:26-29—While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, 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 26:26-29—While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, 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.” Q: What does Jesus do for us through Holy Communion? A: He offers us the forgiveness of sins. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

What does God do through Holy Communion? 1 Corinthians 11:23-26—The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Q: What purpose does Communion serve? A: Proclaim/remember what Jesus did for us (strengthening of faith) Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

What does God do through Holy Communion? 1 Corinthians 10:17 1 Corinthians 10:17—Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. 1 Corinthians 10:17—Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. 1 Corinthians 10:17—Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. Q: What reality do we celebrate in Communion? A: Complete and total oneness and unity. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

What does God do through Holy Communion? The word communion means “oneness” or “common union.” Communion between the bread and wine and Jesus’ body and blood Communion between you and God Communion between you and the Christians around you Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

What’s needed? Acquired by Jesus on the cross Forgiveness Salvation God’s Word Baptism God’s Word Baptism Lord’s Supper Distributed to us through the means of grace Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion All people

How are we to prepare for Holy Communion? 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 1 Corinthians 11:27-30—Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30—Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30—Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30—Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30—Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30—Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

How are we to prepare for Holy Communion? Q: What should a person do before receiving Communion? A: Examine himself Q: What does an unworthy communicant do to himself? A: Spiritual harm rather than spiritual good Q: What consequences may follow? A: Physical illness, death Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

How are we to prepare for Holy Communion? Questions for self-examination: Have I sinned against God and my neighbor? Am I sorry for my sins against God and my neighbor? Do I trust that Jesus has paid for my sins with his death on the cross? Do I recognize that in Holy Communion Jesus’ body and blood are really present for the forgiveness of my sins? Do I sincerely desire to change my sinful life? Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Who should not receive Holy Communion? Matthew 5:23,24—“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” A: Those who have an unresolved conflict with a brother or sister in Christ. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Who should not receive Holy Communion? 1 Corinthians 11:24,25—“This is my body. . . . This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” A: Those who do not believe in the real presence of Jesus’ body and blood. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Who should not receive Holy Communion? 1 Corinthians 11:28—A man ought to examine himself. A: Those who cannot or have not examined themselves. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Who should not receive Holy Communion? Matthew 18:15-17—“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along. . . . If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” A: Those who are living in a sin for which they are not sorry (impenitent sinners) Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Who should not receive Holy Communion? 1 Corinthians 10:17—Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. A: Those who are not in complete and total agreement with one another concerning what the Bible teaches. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

Key Term Close(d) Communion Receiving Holy Communion only with those who 1. are properly prepared and 2. are completely united with us in what we believe. Something done out of LOVE for God’s Word, the souls of others who might eat and drink judgment on themselves, and our own souls as we strive to avoid false teaching. Lesson 8 God works through Holy Communion

What’s on your mind? Questions about this week’s class? Questions about next week’s class? Time’s up!!!!

Basic Bible Christianity