Insightful Musings on the New Testament
by
Ray Sparre, NU class of '67

Ray has a wealth of experience as a Husband, Father, Pastor, Missionary, and student of the Word. He believes and practices his faith where the rubber meets the road. You'll find his writings to be practical, insightful, and grounded in a truly Christ-centered world view.

Below are links to a printable daily Bible reading guide which Ray is following, and an archive of all his daily devotional writings for 2010.

|  Daily Reading Guide  |  2010 Devotion Archives  |
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19 July 2010
Passage: I Corinthians 11:2-34
Focus: “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”  I Corinthians 11:28.
                Many Christian churches often use this passage on the LORD’S SUPPER as a guide when conducting the ceremony of Holy Communion.  It is certainly best if we as believers have a proper understanding of this highly significant ordinance of the Church.  To help review its meaning I think I would like to draw some points from my Study Bible notes under this passage and make mention of its 3 facets of meaning:  past, present, and future.
Past significance.  The LORD’S SUPPER is a remembrance of Christ’s saving and once-for-all death, redeeming us from sin and its condemnation (Lk. 22:19).  Properly remembered, it should be a great deterrent to falling back into sin and avoiding even the appearance of evil (I Thess. 5:22).
Present significance.  The LORD’S SUPPER is a ceremonial expression of our present and ongoing fellowship with Christ and participation in the benefits and blessings of the New Covenant in His blood where Christ becomes both our priest and sacrifice.  It also indicates a fellowship with other members of the Body of Christ (10:16-17). By this act we proclaim the lordship of Christ and our commitment to do His will.

Future significance.  Finally, the LORD’S SUPPER looks to the return of Christ, the future Kingdom of God, and the Messianic banquet when all believers will be with the Lord (Matt. 8:11; 22:1-14; Mk. 14:25; Lk. 13:29; 22:17-18, 30).

Whereas we are instructed that “a man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup” (vs. 28), perhaps these perspectives can assist in this self-examination process. Just bear in mind that the LORD’S SUPPER is a ceremony—physical action that displays and illustrates a spiritual reality.  So beware of how easily this form can be faked. Remember—it’s not about performance, it’s not about eating—it’s about relationship, it’s about worship, it’s about deliverance from and victory over SIN. Examine yourself.

 
                “The word WORSHIP is a shortened form of the old word WORTHSHIP, which means we are showing God the worth He holds in our lives.”