Communion

This week we will be commemorating ANZAC day, a very sad day in our history when 2779 of our soldiers followed orders and went to their deaths at Gallipoli. Another 5212 we’re wounded. We commemorate ANZAC day every year because otherwise we would quickly forget what those soldiers did for us. We remember their deaths helped buy our freedom today. That freedom which we often take for granted. 

Every year at Easter there’s a debate over whether the shops should be opened. Some people don’t want to stop and to take time to reflect on the meaning of Jesus death and resurrection. They want freedom of choice. For them Freedom is the freedom to do whatever you want. Stopping to think why they had the freedom they do is out of the question.

It’s been 3 weeks since Easter But here at PCC we have Communion every week because we don’t want to forget, we need to pause and reflect. Every time we have Communion we tell the story. Communion is a memorial. To remember the body of Christ broken for us and his blood poured out for the forgiveness of our sins. It’s our ANZAC day every week.

In the light of Christ, we see our wretchedness. Like Peter, we can say « go away from me because I am a sinful man ». The Bible says to examine ourselves before taking Communion. That’s because it’s more than just a memory, it’s about our relationship with Christ.

But rather than shrink back because of our sin, Jesus wants us to draw near to him at Communion. He loves us. Our relationship with him should be at the forefront of our minds. Is there anything we need to say sorry for? 

The Communion was a very important part of the growth of the early church. Peter preached his first message after Pentecost reminding the crowd of their sin and how they had crucified Jesus but he was raised. They knew the grave was empty and 3000 responded and repented of their sins.

Acts 2:40-47

And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 

Does anybody feel fear we are living in a perverse generation?

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

Yes we can be saved out of this wicked generation which rejects God.

Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Once our relationship is right, we want to meet with Jesus every day! That’s what was happening in the early Church, that made it grow so quickly. Communion is an integral part of that.