Participation (NIV) = Communion (KJV) “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? ” 1Corinthians 10:16 Participation (NIV) = Communion (KJV)
John 6:48-58 Jesus makes some big claims: I am your staple food – basic sustenance (v48) I can give you eternal life (v50) How? Eat his flesh & drink his blood! (v51-53) Without this, you are spiritually dead (v53) How do we get eternal life? Taking what Jesus did at the cross inside you Feed regularly from him Not literal!
When you take communion you are saying... I want what happened at the cross inside me. I don’t want it to be abstract, but real. I need this to keep me going. I want more of you, Jesus. This is my spiritual staple food. I want to share – participate - in the life you offer.
How should communion be served? So it’s clear we are being nourished by Jesus not the minister! How often should we share communion? Regular and often!