Communion and the Apostle’s Doctrine
… and they continued steadfastly in the Apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, and the breaking of bread.(Acts. 2:42.)
Are doctrines important?
(Eph 4:14-15 NIV) Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
It does matter what we study and believe.
(1 Tim 6:3-5 NIV) If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,[4] he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions [5] and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
(Titus 2:7-15 NIV) In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness [8] and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
All religions, true or false, are founded on various religious teachings. These doctrines when believed, received and practised determine:
What we are.
What we do, in this world AND the next.
Where we go.
The Scriptures speak of:
i. The doctrine of Christ
(John 7:16 NIV) Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me.
(Heb. 6:1-2 NIV) Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, [2] instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
(2 John 1:10 NIV) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him.
ii. The doctrine of demons.
(1 Tim 4:1 NIV) The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
(Rev 2:14-15 NIV) Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. [15] Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
(Rev 2:24 NIV) Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets
iv. The doctrine of corrupt humanity.
(Mat 16:12 NIV) Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
(Mark 7:7 NIV) They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.
(Eph 4:14 NIV) Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
v. The doctrines of the Apostles.
(Acts 2:42 NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
… and the the breaking of bread
(Mat 26:26-30 NIV) 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.” [27] Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. [28] This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. [29] 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.” [30] When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
This may be called the Lord’s Supper
(1 Cor 11:20 NIV) When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat.
Some call it the “Eucharist” which is Greek for thanksgiving.
(1 Cor 10:16 NIV) 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?
What are the symbols used in thanksgiving?
i. A table, a place of love and fellowship.
(Ps. 23:5 NIV) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
(Luke 22:30 NIV) so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
(Rev 3:20 NIV) Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
ii. Bread.
(Mat 26:26 NIV) 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.”
(Luke 22:19 NIV) And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
(1 Cor 10:16 NIV) 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?
iii. Fruit of the Vine.
(Mat 26:27 NIV) Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
(Luke 22:17-20 NIV) After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. [18] For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
With what attitude should we come to the Lord’s table?
i. Come with a desire to participate.
(Luke 22:15 NIV) And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.
ii. Come in faith believing.
(Rom 14:23 NIV) But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
(Heb 11:6 NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
iii. Come remembering.
(1 Cor 11:24-25 NIV) 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.” [25] 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.”
iv. Come being aware that this is His body.
(1 Cor 11:24-25 NIV) 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.” [25] 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.”
v. Come with thanksgiving.
(Luke 22:17 NIV) After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you.
(1 Th. 5:18 NRSV) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
vi. Come to partake together.
(1 Cor 11:33 NRSV) So then, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
Remember it is an act of sharing and the bible teaches that all believers are to break bread and drink of the cup together (the bread which WE break, the cup which WE bless).
Some important teachings
Taking part in the Lord’s Table is the same as in water baptism. It is a command of the Lord. Jesus said, “Do this” We are taught to wait upon each other. (i.e. partake together.)
(1 Cor 11:24 NRSV) and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Before eating each person needs to examine themselves, i.e. make sure that there is no unconfessed sin in our hearts. Note that we confess sin to God and God alone not to man.
(1 Cor 11:28 NRSV) Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
Background understanding
The following is in the form of a discussion about the practice of communion among Christian gatherings. The Scriptures speak about this as a mystery and we understand the underlying truth by an awakened spiritual life given by Christ when we are born again by the Holy Spirit of God. The coming together of the people of God and the joy of fellowship one with another is founded on the understanding of Christ in us being pre-eminent and drawing us all into a oneness in the Spirit.
(Gal 4:19 NIV) My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
(Col 1:27 NIV) To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
(Col 1:28-29 NIV) We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. [29] To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
(Psa 133 NIV) How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! [2] It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. [3] It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
The human body as an example
(1 Cor 15:46 KJV) Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
The human body recognises the bread and the nourishment it contains and how it sustains health and vigour, how it provides the materials to build, allow growth. The body recognises the wine and the life sustaining nature of this blessing. In the wine is the water which sustains the blood stream that carries life to all the cells of the body. The soul/mind/personality recognises, appreciates, and gives thanks for the comfort of food and drink. It experiences well being as hunger and thirst are satisfied.
But we are more than the mind and body. The true us is spirit. We are a new creature, born again of the Spirit and part of a new creation. We can say, I am a spirit, I have a soul and I live in a body.
The spiritual body
In the act of obedience that is the physical act of Communion we take of the physical bread and wine. As we remember in humble faith a greater table opens before us in the spiritual realm and by faith a spiritual act of grace touches our spirit. (not “in memory of” but in an affectionate calling of the person of Christ Himself to mind & heart.)
Then by faith our re-born spirit takes to itself a portion of the true bread of everlasting health and vigour. Our spirit cries out for joy as the life from the blood of Jesus flows and cleanses from sin. Our spiritual being walks in Him and in so doing we walk in the light as He is in the light.
We experience well being as spiritual hunger and thirst are satisfied.
(Psa 23:5 NRSV) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
(1 John 1:7 NIV) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
A deliberate calling to mind and an awareness of Christ in us is a central thought in the communion service. Not a memorial service but a “now” experience. He is ALIVE in us and we are in Him. We have fellowship together in the oneness of the LIVING BODY of Christ. In the Tabernacle, the bread was called “The Bread of the Presence“. By understanding this we are able to discern the body of Christ in ourselves and in the brethren of the ecclesia gathered to rejoice with us.
Remember we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are in God and God is in us.
(John 14:19-20 NIV) Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. [20] On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. (Num 4:7 NRSV) Over the table of the bread of the Presence they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the plates, the dishes for incense, the bowls, and the flagons for the drink offering; the regular bread also shall be on it; (Num 4:8 NRSV)