Faith 101Discovering the Faith

Lesson Eight

Holy Communion

Various Names

Holy Communion The Lord’s Supper Sacrament of the Altar The Lord’s Table Breaking of Bread Holy Supper Eucharist Mass

What is Holy Communion?

The holy Evangelists Matthew (26:26-28), Mark (14:22-24), Luke (22:14-20), and St. Paul (1 Cor 11:23-25) write:

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of me.

In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

Words that do not change…

This is my body

This is my blood

Here is the heart of the sacrament

3 Major Approaches

Roman

Catholic

Lutheran Reformed

No Longer Bread and wine

Bread and Wine Bread and Grape Juice

Body and Blood of Christ

Body and Blood of Christ

Not Body and Blood of Christ

Changed Into Is Symbolizes

THE LUTHERAN TEACHING

Real Presence

Body and Blood of Christ is Present In, With and Under the Bread and Wine

All Four Elements are Present

What Blessings Does Jesus Give in this Sacrament He gives us assurance of His presence He gives forgiveness of sins” He strengthens our faith by assuring us He will

keep all His promises

“new covenant in my blood”

“given and shed for you”

1 Corinthians 11:26 He gives us fellowship with Himself and one

another

I Corinthians 10:16-17

Am I worthy?

Examine yourself (1 Cor 11:28-29) Think of parable of Pharisee and

tax-collector/1 Corinthians 11

3 Questions

Am I sorry for my sins?

Do I believe that Jesus died and rose again for me?

Do I believe that Jesus is truly present in this sacrament?

How do I take Communion?

What’s the proper attitude for receiving communion? Casual or Serious? Happy or sad?

Common or Individual cup?

How Often?

“As often…

Acts 2:42

Practice of Early Church, Luther’s day

Communion: Open or Closed?

Open: Anyone can come

Closed: Only members of this church can come.