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Communion

"The Indwelling Christ" John 15:1-8

Date:March 31, 2021
Author: Wayne J. Edwards

Introduction:

Communion Service

A Time of Quiet Reflection –

Since it is Christ’s table and since He sees the secret as well as the obvious sins of our lives, the Apostle Paul urged us, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup, for he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” (1 Cor. 11:28)

Call to Worship –

As the Lord gathered with His disciples in the Upper Room on the night before His crucifixion, we ask the Lord’s presence with us tonight as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

(All) This we do in remembrance of Christ.

As we partake of these symbols of the Lord’s body which was broken for us, and of His blood, which was shed for us, let us humbly repent of our ungratefulness for His sacrifice for us.

(All) This we do in remembrance of Christ.

Hymn # 460 – “Let Us Break Bread Together”

Pastoral Prayer – Reading of the Apostles Creed –

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ His Only Son, our Lord.
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell; the third day, He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost: the holy Christian church,
the communion of the saints; the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen!

Hymn # 305 – “Jesus Paid It All”

Distribution of the Elements –

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Heritage Baptist Church Sermon

“The Indwelling Christ”
John 15:1-8
Wayne J. Edwards, Pastor

“Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?’ He said, ‘Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’ And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.” (Matthew 26:17–19)

“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.’”

  • People eat the bread and then pray silently –
  • “Lord Jesus, thank You for becoming the very bread of life to us. In receiving this bread, we renew our oneness with You and purpose in our hearts to live our lives for You. Amen.”

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

  • People drink the cup and then pray silently –
  • “Lord Jesus, may we never take for granted the enormous price You paid to forgive us of our sins. In drinking this cup, we renew our commitment to walk worthy of such sacrificial love. Amen.”

I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

  • People pray silently –
  • “Heavenly Father, thank You for sending your only begotten Son to give His life a ransom for our sins, that through His death and resurrection we can be reconciled to you. Father, we ask now for the grace to be the channels of Your peace in the world, and to long for that moment when the Prince of Peace will return to this earth and rule the world with truth and grace. Amen.”

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:26–30)

Hymn # 664 – “Take My Life, Lead Me Lord”

Closing Responsive Reading –

As we leave the Lord’s Table, let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving for His manifold blessings.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

(All) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits.

Who forgives all our iniquities and heals all our diseases.

(All) Who has redeemed our lives from the pit and crowned us with steadfast love and mercy.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and always abounding in steadfast love.

(All) He does not deal with us according to our sins nor repay us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.

(All) As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him, who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, and will also give us all things with Him.

(All) Therefore, shall my mouth and heart show forth the praise of the Lord, from this time forth forevermore. Amen

Adapted from Psalm 103