John K. Jenkins Sr - Instructions and Symbols of Communion

I’m just going to talk for a few moments from 1 Corinthians chapter 11. I want to discuss the instructions and symbols of communion. 1 Corinthians 11 is a familiar passage, as you have already read it this evening. I want to begin by telling you about the different views that people and churches have about communion. I want you to know clearly what it is we believe and teach in our church. There are four basic views of communion.

First of all, there are some churches, like the Catholic Church, that believe the bread and wine are the actual body and blood of Jesus. They believe that when you partake of communion, you are actually partaking of the body and blood of Jesus. That is not what we believe. Then there’s another group that believes Jesus is present in the bread and the wine. We believe, number three, that the bread and wine are symbols that represent His body and blood. Lastly, there are some who believe that the Holy Spirit is present and gives spiritual strength to those who participate in the service. Those are the four common views of communion: the bread and wine as the actual body and blood, Jesus being present in the bread and wine, the bread and wine as symbols, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The problem with the belief that bread and wine are the actual body and blood is that it implies you’re crucifying Jesus every time you partake in it. The last time I read, He died once, and that was enough for eternity. Some believe that Jesus is present in the bread and the wine, but we believe it’s a symbol. Someone say «symbol». Now, churches also have different views on communion practices. We believe in open communion. What does it mean to have open communion? Open communion means that people have the freedom to decide for themselves whether or not they should participate. Anyone who feels worthy can partake in communion-that’s called open communion.

Then there’s what’s called close communion, which means that only those of a particular denomination can participate. And then there’s closed communion, which means only those of a particular church can take part in communion. Open communion is for anyone who feels worthy. Close communion is limited to people of a specific denomination, and closed communion is exclusive to members of a particular church. We practice open communion, which means we do not dictate whether or not you should partake, but we follow the outline provided in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. «But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.» You must examine your own life, your own posture, and your own position to determine whether or not you will participate in communion.

Now, let me briefly discuss the symbols of the bread and the wine, and I’ll be finished. I want to first tell you that in 1 Corinthians 11:26, it says, «For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.» Communion is your participation in proclaiming the death of the Lord Jesus. It is important that you put it on your calendar. I try to mention this every time I have the opportunity, as there are some people who have not taken communion since Abraham Lincoln was shot. There are others who haven’t participated in communion since they joined the church, and I think it’s tragic that people don’t make it a priority on their calendars to participate. As far as this church is concerned, I believe it is critical. In fact, that’s one of the questions we ask when you come in: «When was the last time you attended communion?» That speaks volumes about what Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection means to you.

If it is never on your calendar, that is an issue. I know I’m preaching to the choir, as you all are here tonight. It’s the people who don’t participate that I have concerns and challenges with because the Bible is clear about this. This is not an optional spiritual exercise; it is an act of devotion and commitment to the Lord that you put on your calendar to participate in communion. It’s not a suggestion; it’s not optional. It is what Jesus requests of us. It says right here, «As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming, shouting, celebrating, and affirming the death of Jesus „, and we are to do that until He comes back. The truth is, He is coming back. We believe that. Someone tell your neighbor, „We believe He’s coming back.“

So, we believe He’s returning. In verse 11: 23-25, it states, „For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you .“