WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.580 Reflect. 00:00:22.059 --> 00:00:25.080 That was a really, really good video, but that's okay. 00:00:25.620 --> 00:00:26.060 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.539 I'm going to go back to 1 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:00:31.899 --> 00:00:33.240 1 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:00:33.920 --> 00:00:36.539 Harlan, if you would walk me through the slides today. 00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:40.060 I don't have my remote. 00:00:40.179 --> 00:00:45.820 I'm not sure where it is right now, but if you just click me through. 00:00:47.120 --> 00:00:51.980 We're going to start off talking about the Lord's table. 00:00:52.579 --> 00:00:56.159 So if you go back one slide, I want to ask you this. 00:00:56.159 --> 00:01:01.419 Have you ever been invited to someone else's table for supper? 00:01:02.199 --> 00:01:02.519 Anybody? 00:01:04.019 --> 00:01:04.700 Good. 00:01:05.099 --> 00:01:09.939 Hopefully more than just raise their hands, because I feel really bad for you if you've 00:01:09.939 --> 00:01:11.359 never been invited to that. 00:01:11.359 --> 00:01:18.900 The experience that follows really depends on the host, doesn't it? 00:01:18.920 --> 00:01:19.420 There you go. 00:01:19.420 --> 00:01:25.879 Sometimes it's a dinner party that's really exclusive and formal. 00:01:26.519 --> 00:01:28.159 Maybe that one up top there. 00:01:31.040 --> 00:01:37.579 Those are, you know, they can be enjoyable at some level, maybe. 00:01:37.579 --> 00:01:41.480 How many of you prefer the one down under it? 00:01:41.739 --> 00:01:42.000 Anybody? 00:01:42.340 --> 00:01:43.200 Yeah, me too. 00:01:44.259 --> 00:01:51.340 You're not worried about saying the wrong thing, wearing the right clothes, using the right fork. 00:01:54.539 --> 00:01:58.099 I like the ones that are relaxed and homey, you know? 00:01:58.219 --> 00:02:01.019 You just walk in, you sit down, you feel like you belong. 00:02:01.019 --> 00:02:10.299 Today, Jesus is inviting us to a table, and his table. 00:02:11.199 --> 00:02:14.740 We don't have to worry about setting it right, formal or informal. 00:02:14.939 --> 00:02:17.960 We don't have to worry about doing everything just right. 00:02:18.079 --> 00:02:24.000 But the question is, what should our attitude be at Jesus' table? 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:32.159 Only his children are invited to the table. 00:02:33.379 --> 00:02:36.460 Now, in our world, that's a hard line to draw. 00:02:37.900 --> 00:02:41.979 Supposed to be inclusive, not exclusive, right? 00:02:43.080 --> 00:02:48.520 Jesus invites everyone, but only his children have a seat at the table. 00:02:49.139 --> 00:02:50.979 So you have to become his child. 00:02:51.280 --> 00:02:53.580 You want to have a seat at his table. 00:02:54.539 --> 00:02:59.919 All are invited to become his children by faith in him. 00:03:01.080 --> 00:03:07.900 So the question for us this morning as we consider the Lord's table is not whether we're invited. 00:03:08.060 --> 00:03:10.379 The question is, what should our attitude be? 00:03:10.539 --> 00:03:10.780 Thank you. 00:03:14.960 --> 00:03:15.800 All right. 00:03:17.099 --> 00:03:22.960 Our attitude should not be one of anxiety, should not be one of shame, should not be one of performance. 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:34.560 Our attitude should be one of gratefulness, reflection, remembering, and redirection, not perfection. 00:03:35.960 --> 00:03:44.259 If you think that you're going to approach the Lord's table and observe the elements that you see in these silver trays right in front of you down here, 00:03:44.259 --> 00:03:53.419 with a spirit of coming from a place of perfection, then you're wrong, you're misguided. 00:03:53.419 --> 00:04:07.579 It's a place of remembering, of reflecting, of being grateful, and of redirecting ourselves from off the path that maybe we've been distracted to walk down, 00:04:07.819 --> 00:04:12.459 and getting back on the straight and narrow path that walks in the footsteps of Jesus. 00:04:12.460 --> 00:04:15.939 That leads us to our big idea for today. 00:04:15.939 --> 00:04:19.579 As we consider the Lord's table, what do we mean by the Lord's table? 00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:26.259 The Lord's table, the Lord's supper, communion, even the Eucharist, 00:04:26.259 --> 00:04:34.079 these are all religious terms that have been used by different groups that claim to follow Jesus over the years of church history, 00:04:34.079 --> 00:04:38.800 and they all mean the same thing, regularly gathering to remember the broken body, 00:04:38.920 --> 00:04:45.399 the shed blood that Jesus freely gave to forgive our sins, to restore our relationship with the Father. 00:04:45.959 --> 00:04:48.639 So, the big idea for today is this. 00:04:48.639 --> 00:04:52.579 The Lord's table is not a reward for our perfection. 00:04:53.319 --> 00:04:56.139 It's a refocusing of our direction. 00:04:56.939 --> 00:05:00.099 Last Sunday, we looked ahead to 2026. 00:05:00.319 --> 00:05:02.620 By the way, happy 2026, everybody. 00:05:02.740 --> 00:05:03.099 It's here. 00:05:03.539 --> 00:05:04.180 We're in it. 00:05:08.379 --> 00:05:15.319 And we said that 2026, for our church, we're praying that it would be a year of direction, not perfection. 00:05:15.319 --> 00:05:27.099 Well, the Lord's table is a wonderful opportunity to kick this year off by redirecting ourselves back onto focusing on Jesus. 00:05:27.259 --> 00:05:29.540 We had our starting point class this morning. 00:05:29.680 --> 00:05:35.339 We looked at Hebrews chapter 12, looking unto Jesus, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. 00:05:35.719 --> 00:05:37.500 That is the direction. 00:05:37.920 --> 00:05:39.120 That's who we pursue. 00:05:39.120 --> 00:05:47.120 So, we're refocusing our direction as we prepare our hearts to observe the Lord's Supper or the Lord's table this morning. 00:05:47.240 --> 00:05:49.840 This table doesn't celebrate how well we're doing. 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:53.780 It realigns us with where Jesus is leading us. 00:05:54.300 --> 00:05:57.519 So, we're in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. 00:05:58.019 --> 00:05:59.540 We're going to look down at verse 17. 00:05:59.540 --> 00:06:08.400 As a few of you are still turning, I want to remind you, last Sunday, we kicked off 2026. 00:06:08.700 --> 00:06:10.460 It's our year of direction, not perfection. 00:06:11.160 --> 00:06:20.420 Everything may not be perfect, but we have a direction laid out before us as a church and as individual families and people, members of the church. 00:06:20.520 --> 00:06:24.439 So, today's teaching about the Lord's table is meant to reinforce that point. 00:06:24.640 --> 00:06:28.140 It invites honesty, not pretense, not pretending. 00:06:28.139 --> 00:06:32.180 And Paul is writing here in 1 Corinthians 11 to a church that was struggling. 00:06:32.500 --> 00:06:33.599 They were divided. 00:06:33.979 --> 00:06:35.079 They were selfish. 00:06:35.839 --> 00:06:37.719 They were careless with each other. 00:06:38.500 --> 00:06:45.620 And he addresses how then, coming from a place like that, how do they approach the Lord's table? 00:06:46.120 --> 00:06:48.079 Picking up in verse 17, Paul writes, 00:06:48.219 --> 00:06:50.919 In the following instructions, I cannot praise you. 00:06:51.339 --> 00:06:54.860 He's just gotten done praising them for some of the things they're doing well. 00:06:54.860 --> 00:06:58.520 But he says in the following instructions here, I can't praise you for this. 00:06:58.960 --> 00:07:02.300 It sounds as if more harm than good is done when you meet together. 00:07:03.400 --> 00:07:05.220 Can we just pause right there for a second? 00:07:05.439 --> 00:07:08.879 Never in a church, right, would more harm than good be done. 00:07:08.879 --> 00:07:17.379 I say that a little bit facetiously, a little bit sarcastically, because oftentimes churches and their efforts to do good can end up doing harm. 00:07:17.980 --> 00:07:19.000 We hate to see that. 00:07:19.439 --> 00:07:21.180 But it's been proven out time and time again. 00:07:21.259 --> 00:07:29.819 And that's why we've got to refocus our direction, not on our own perspectives, not on our own priorities, but back on the mission, the kingdom of God. 00:07:29.819 --> 00:07:33.459 So, in the following instructions, he can't praise them. 00:07:33.800 --> 00:07:36.899 More harm than good is being done when they meet together. 00:07:37.219 --> 00:07:37.779 Verse 18, 00:07:37.899 --> 00:07:42.240 First, I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church. 00:07:42.920 --> 00:07:45.139 Again, we can't imagine that, right? 00:07:46.180 --> 00:07:47.459 A church being divided? 00:07:48.379 --> 00:07:49.339 Look, it happens. 00:07:49.600 --> 00:07:53.800 Anytime you get a group of people together, divisions might start to pop up. 00:07:53.800 --> 00:07:58.400 That's why the Holy Spirit has to heal those, has to reunite us. 00:07:58.720 --> 00:08:16.000 That's why the consistent theme, when God ordained his church all the way through the New Testament, is unity, coming together, setting ourselves aside, making Jesus first, and giving ourselves less of a priority. 00:08:16.759 --> 00:08:22.160 So, verse 20, when we meet together, not really interested in the Lord's Supper. 00:08:22.160 --> 00:08:26.200 Some of you hurry to eat your own meal without sharing with others. 00:08:26.960 --> 00:08:32.519 You get a picture back into the first century church and how their Lord's Supper was going down back then. 00:08:33.820 --> 00:08:37.620 As a result, some go hungry while others get drunk. 00:08:39.220 --> 00:08:42.040 Sounds a little different than what we do here, doesn't it? 00:08:43.700 --> 00:08:44.220 What? 00:08:45.279 --> 00:08:48.680 Paul says, kind of my reaction to, what? 00:08:49.320 --> 00:08:51.820 Don't you have your own homes for eating and drinking? 00:08:52.159 --> 00:08:54.259 It's not what this whole meal is about. 00:08:54.519 --> 00:08:57.179 It's not what this observance of this table is about. 00:08:58.120 --> 00:09:04.620 He says, do you really want to disgrace God's church and shame the poor, the less fortunate among you? 00:09:05.179 --> 00:09:06.559 What am I supposed to say? 00:09:07.179 --> 00:09:08.179 You want me to praise you? 00:09:08.719 --> 00:09:10.419 Well, I'm certainly not going to praise you for this. 00:09:11.199 --> 00:09:13.079 That leads us directly to point number one. 00:09:13.080 --> 00:09:15.220 The table calls us. 00:09:15.220 --> 00:09:15.240 The table calls us. 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:15.240 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:15.240 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:15.240 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:20.600 The table calls us to honesty. 00:09:22.040 --> 00:09:25.340 The table calls us to honesty. 00:09:27.100 --> 00:09:28.879 Skip down to verse 28, would you? 00:09:29.100 --> 00:09:30.259 1 Corinthians 11, 28. 00:09:30.259 --> 00:09:36.960 This is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. 00:09:37.220 --> 00:09:38.879 Notice what he doesn't say. 00:09:39.779 --> 00:09:45.159 He doesn't say, before eating the bread and drinking the cup, you need to fix yourself. 00:09:46.299 --> 00:09:50.460 He doesn't say you need to make sure you're perfect. 00:09:51.340 --> 00:09:55.259 He doesn't say you need to make sure you've cleaned up all the areas of your life. 00:09:55.259 --> 00:09:58.480 He says you need to examine yourself. 00:09:59.639 --> 00:10:01.799 And the implication is you need to do it honestly. 00:10:02.980 --> 00:10:06.500 You need to be real about your faults. 00:10:06.939 --> 00:10:09.840 You need to be real about your shortcomings. 00:10:10.860 --> 00:10:12.500 None of us want to dwell on those. 00:10:13.059 --> 00:10:14.340 We don't want to think about it. 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:16.980 We sure don't want other people to point it out. 00:10:19.559 --> 00:10:21.460 But we must examine ourselves. 00:10:21.460 --> 00:10:25.059 The Lord's table calls for honesty. 00:10:25.740 --> 00:10:27.379 It doesn't mean condemn yourself. 00:10:27.539 --> 00:10:29.960 It means to be truthful. 00:10:30.819 --> 00:10:34.139 Paul teaches us, who is he that can condemn us? 00:10:34.500 --> 00:10:34.980 Nobody. 00:10:35.620 --> 00:10:37.399 Only Christ can condemn us. 00:10:38.159 --> 00:10:39.779 And we have already been tried. 00:10:39.919 --> 00:10:44.700 We've already been brought before the judge, God himself, and found guilty. 00:10:45.080 --> 00:10:49.000 And that's when Jesus stepped in and said, I will make a way to forgive them. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:50.939 I will make a way to make them right. 00:10:50.940 --> 00:10:57.220 And so if we have placed our faith in him and his forgiveness, then no one can condemn us. 00:10:57.380 --> 00:11:05.620 But we must examine ourselves and say, yes, even though I'm forgiven, I still have faults. 00:11:05.620 --> 00:11:10.639 I still have the ability to harm my brother or sister in Christ. 00:11:11.139 --> 00:11:15.440 I still have the ability to get my eyes off of Jesus and onto myself. 00:11:15.539 --> 00:11:21.820 So at the Lord's table, we stop pretending and we stop performing. 00:11:21.820 --> 00:11:27.060 We stop pretending and we stop performing. 00:11:28.060 --> 00:11:30.740 The table is where we acknowledge what we really are. 00:11:31.420 --> 00:11:32.879 Where we really are. 00:11:33.480 --> 00:11:36.640 Spiritually, emotionally, relationally. 00:11:37.020 --> 00:11:45.240 And we bring that reality before our loving, forgiving, but brutally honest God. 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:51.500 You ever felt like God was just brutally honest with you? 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:54.980 Showed you unmercifully who you really are? 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:57.440 But we know he is full of mercy, isn't he? 00:11:58.060 --> 00:12:05.159 And even though he'll show us who we really are, he reminds us that I still love you anyway. 00:12:05.960 --> 00:12:08.740 I still extend you forgiveness and mercy anyway. 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:20.940 So as we prepare our hearts to receive these elements, the bread and the juice, to remind ourselves of the body and blood of Jesus, we need a moment of honesty. 00:12:21.080 --> 00:12:21.879 It calls for that. 00:12:22.039 --> 00:12:22.759 Stop pretending. 00:12:24.840 --> 00:12:26.560 It's not doing anybody any good. 00:12:27.580 --> 00:12:28.680 Stop performing. 00:12:29.680 --> 00:12:32.399 It doesn't impress like you think it does. 00:12:34.340 --> 00:12:37.799 You don't examine yourself to disqualify yourself. 00:12:37.799 --> 00:12:41.359 You examine yourself to realign yourself. 00:12:42.740 --> 00:12:43.759 Realign your heart. 00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:46.879 How many of you get the idea in your head sometimes? 00:12:46.959 --> 00:12:47.759 You don't have to raise your hand. 00:12:47.959 --> 00:12:54.199 But how many of you get the idea in your head sometimes that the longer you wander away from God, it takes just that long to come back? 00:12:54.779 --> 00:12:56.139 That's not how God works. 00:12:56.620 --> 00:13:00.259 The longer you wander away from God, he's still there. 00:13:00.740 --> 00:13:01.899 He's still ready. 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:06.659 At any moment, you can turn back to him and he receives you with open arms. 00:13:06.659 --> 00:13:10.659 Now, you might have some scars that take a long time to heal. 00:13:11.759 --> 00:13:17.079 You might have some complications in your life that are going to take a long time to sort back out. 00:13:17.600 --> 00:13:22.759 But God is right there, ready to forgive, ready to welcome you back with open arms. 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:24.659 So enough with the pretending. 00:13:24.980 --> 00:13:25.919 Enough with the performing. 00:13:26.819 --> 00:13:29.799 Realign yourself back with the heart of the Father. 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:34.819 And you're ready to observe these elements. 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:38.500 Get your mind and your heart back with God. 00:13:39.220 --> 00:13:41.799 This is a GPS recalculation here. 00:13:42.799 --> 00:13:44.080 You took the wrong route. 00:13:44.080 --> 00:13:47.480 But God's going to get you back where he wants you to be. 00:13:47.980 --> 00:13:49.460 And you realize you've drifted. 00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:51.820 The table doesn't shame you. 00:13:52.180 --> 00:13:54.900 It gently points you back to Jesus. 00:13:55.300 --> 00:13:56.040 Point number two. 00:13:57.200 --> 00:13:58.620 The table calls for honesty. 00:14:00.259 --> 00:14:02.500 The table also points us to Jesus. 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:03.920 It's what it does. 00:14:03.919 --> 00:14:06.879 The Lord's Supper. 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:07.639 Communion. 00:14:08.519 --> 00:14:12.039 When we take this together, it's not just a strange religious rite. 00:14:12.839 --> 00:14:17.279 It's not just a practice that we gather together four times a year and we say, 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:19.339 all right, we've got to eat this weird cracker. 00:14:19.419 --> 00:14:20.799 We've got to drink grape juice. 00:14:20.860 --> 00:14:22.579 And it's the only time we do that all year long. 00:14:22.580 --> 00:14:29.060 I grew up drinking grape juice, but I never drink it anymore except at the Lord's Supper. 00:14:33.139 --> 00:14:39.940 But when we experience, when we taste the grace of God, it gives us direction. 00:14:40.680 --> 00:14:43.500 It doesn't leave us rudderless. 00:14:43.759 --> 00:14:46.360 It doesn't leave us without a course. 00:14:47.180 --> 00:14:50.620 When we taste God's grace, it gives us purpose. 00:14:51.140 --> 00:14:52.379 It gives us direction. 00:14:52.860 --> 00:14:59.440 The Lord's Supper reminds us that Jesus acted on our behalf before we had it all together. 00:15:00.220 --> 00:15:01.820 What does Romans 5.8 teach us? 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:08.580 While we were still sinners, not good people, not got it all together, 00:15:09.400 --> 00:15:12.200 not impressive upstanding members of the community. 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:16.200 While we were sinners, Christ died for us. 00:15:17.379 --> 00:15:18.740 They didn't like Jesus. 00:15:18.940 --> 00:15:20.220 He went where the sinners were. 00:15:20.220 --> 00:15:26.740 He hung out with what they called publicans and sinners, the people who were the black sheep of society, 00:15:26.879 --> 00:15:30.540 the people who the parents would say, don't hang out with that crowd. 00:15:30.539 --> 00:15:33.799 Jesus went to them and said, I love you. 00:15:34.399 --> 00:15:36.179 I want to show grace to you. 00:15:36.399 --> 00:15:37.879 I want you to be healed. 00:15:37.879 --> 00:15:39.460 I want to forgive you. 00:15:39.460 --> 00:15:40.899 I want to restore you. 00:15:42.460 --> 00:15:44.820 And that is you and me. 00:15:45.600 --> 00:15:46.919 Such were you and I. 00:15:46.919 --> 00:15:48.819 We needed to be healed. 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:50.419 We needed to be restored. 00:15:51.620 --> 00:15:55.579 Look at Luke chapter 22, verses 19 and 20. 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:57.379 This moment is described. 00:15:57.860 --> 00:15:59.040 Jesus took bread. 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:00.500 He gave thanks to God for it. 00:16:00.560 --> 00:16:01.440 He broke it in pieces. 00:16:01.440 --> 00:16:07.520 He gave it to his disciples and he said, this is my body given for you. 00:16:07.740 --> 00:16:09.639 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:15.320 Then after supper, he took another cup of wine and he said, this cup is the new covenant between God and his people. 00:16:15.320 --> 00:16:20.920 An agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:23.340 Now, don't miss the timing of how this happened. 00:16:23.660 --> 00:16:35.200 When this took place, Jesus offered his body and his blood knowing full well that in the next few hours, Peter would deny him. 00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:37.480 Judas would betray him. 00:16:38.140 --> 00:16:40.300 The rest of his disciples would scatter. 00:16:40.299 --> 00:16:45.679 And Jesus still says, this is my body given for you. 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:49.000 My blood poured out for you. 00:16:50.139 --> 00:16:52.659 Grace comes before growth. 00:16:54.699 --> 00:16:57.019 Grace comes before growth. 00:16:58.079 --> 00:17:01.000 God's love comes before our loyalty. 00:17:03.699 --> 00:17:05.619 And that's what I want to remind you of. 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:07.779 I want you to grow. 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:09.619 I want you to be loyal. 00:17:10.299 --> 00:17:11.980 I want your heart to never wonder. 00:17:12.099 --> 00:17:15.180 I want that for myself and my family, my children as well. 00:17:16.639 --> 00:17:20.740 The truth is, sometimes my growth and your growth is going to slow down. 00:17:21.899 --> 00:17:25.599 Sometimes our hearts are going to be disloyal and they're going to chase after something else. 00:17:26.659 --> 00:17:29.879 But God's grace is still strong. 00:17:30.379 --> 00:17:31.940 God's grace is still abundant. 00:17:32.259 --> 00:17:34.180 His love is still overwhelming. 00:17:34.180 --> 00:17:36.019 It still conquers all. 00:17:36.019 --> 00:17:48.960 So this table and the remembrance of his sacrifice points us back to Jesus, the forgiving one, the gracious one, the merciful one. 00:17:49.779 --> 00:17:52.700 Direction comes after his mercy. 00:17:52.700 --> 00:17:55.380 Then we get the direction. 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:55.900 Oh, yeah. 00:17:56.460 --> 00:17:58.000 God really is good, isn't he? 00:17:58.340 --> 00:17:59.940 He really does love me, isn't he? 00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:02.559 He really doesn't hold a grudge against me, does he? 00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:04.460 I got to pursue him. 00:18:04.640 --> 00:18:05.680 I got to follow him. 00:18:05.759 --> 00:18:06.900 I got to be more like him. 00:18:07.340 --> 00:18:08.940 That's how I got to pattern my life. 00:18:09.100 --> 00:18:09.920 That's the blueprint. 00:18:10.580 --> 00:18:11.900 I've been following something else. 00:18:11.900 --> 00:18:17.519 I've been listening to the wrong voices and holding up the wrong heroes. 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:21.060 I got to get back to Jesus. 00:18:21.860 --> 00:18:24.420 Jesus doesn't say, follow me once you're fixed. 00:18:26.160 --> 00:18:30.380 He says, follow me and I will heal what needs healing along the way. 00:18:30.600 --> 00:18:33.240 I will make you what you need to be. 00:18:35.280 --> 00:18:40.540 So grace doesn't excuse us from the direction that we need to walk in. 00:18:40.539 --> 00:18:44.920 Grace empowers us to follow that direction. 00:18:45.559 --> 00:18:50.779 Grace empowers us to move forward with Jesus, the forgiving one. 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:54.859 The table calls for honesty. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:56.319 The table points us to Jesus. 00:18:57.220 --> 00:19:01.559 And finally this morning, the table gives us common direction. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:04.180 Common direction. 00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:09.720 We might be coming from different spots. 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:13.379 But we're all moving toward the same goal. 00:19:14.980 --> 00:19:18.519 We might be at different places along our journey with Jesus. 00:19:18.700 --> 00:19:20.940 But we're all following him. 00:19:22.079 --> 00:19:24.399 You might see the world differently than I do. 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:28.659 But the one we're pursuing is the same. 00:19:29.379 --> 00:19:31.799 The Lord's Supper is not just personal. 00:19:33.379 --> 00:19:35.279 Communion is communal. 00:19:35.279 --> 00:19:38.220 We do it together. 00:19:39.420 --> 00:19:47.000 Paul reminds this church that this meal doesn't just look backward to the cross and what he did. 00:19:47.099 --> 00:19:49.180 It also looks forward. 00:19:49.960 --> 00:19:55.299 1 Corinthians back in 1 Corinthians 11 that we read just a moment ago back up to 25 and 26. 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:58.059 Jesus took the cup of wine after supper saying, 00:19:58.059 --> 00:20:01.359 This cup is the new covenant between God and his people. 00:20:01.680 --> 00:20:03.720 An agreement confirmed with my blood. 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:06.819 Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it. 00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:10.879 For every time, don't miss this, you eat this bread and you drink this cup, 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:17.740 you are announcing or proclaiming the Lord's death until he comes again. 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:19.400 We've talked about that before here. 00:20:19.660 --> 00:20:28.920 But this whole idea is that one of forward movement and action on behalf of God's mission and God's kingdom. 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:36.599 That when we look back at the cross, we would then get our eyes fixed on Jesus. 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:38.299 And you know what you see? 00:20:39.859 --> 00:20:44.259 When you see Jesus, you see what he sees. 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:50.579 When you get your eyes on him, you see where his eyes are. 00:20:51.680 --> 00:20:55.640 His eyes are on those he wants in his kingdom. 00:20:56.539 --> 00:21:00.859 His eyes are on the lost, the sheep without a shepherd. 00:21:02.160 --> 00:21:09.160 Those in your family, in your life, on your job, on your block, in your neighborhood, 00:21:09.920 --> 00:21:12.940 in your sphere of influence, in your little world. 00:21:12.940 --> 00:21:17.480 God sees those in your world who need him. 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:21.039 And if you look at him, then you'll see them too. 00:21:22.420 --> 00:21:29.640 The table gives us common direction to proclaim his death until he comes again. 00:21:30.320 --> 00:21:32.080 To point people to what he did. 00:21:33.259 --> 00:21:37.880 The table reunites us on our mission for Christ. 00:21:37.880 --> 00:21:40.800 The table points us forward. 00:21:41.040 --> 00:21:41.600 Not backward. 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:43.240 Not to regret. 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:44.860 Not to a place of shame. 00:21:45.180 --> 00:21:46.300 Not to isolation. 00:21:47.340 --> 00:21:48.500 But forward together. 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:51.360 That's how a church moves into a new year. 00:21:52.380 --> 00:21:54.140 Not pretending that we've arrived. 00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:56.100 Not shaming where we've been. 00:21:56.099 --> 00:22:00.500 But locking arms around where Jesus is leading us next. 00:22:00.599 --> 00:22:01.039 Together. 00:22:01.319 --> 00:22:02.339 Let's go forward. 00:22:03.740 --> 00:22:06.799 It asks, are you willing to walk with Jesus from here? 00:22:07.839 --> 00:22:12.659 From wherever you are, are you now willing to link arms with Jesus and link arms together 00:22:12.659 --> 00:22:14.679 and say, let's follow him? 00:22:14.680 --> 00:22:19.980 Christian life isn't about arriving spotless. 00:22:20.420 --> 00:22:25.100 It's about staying pointed toward Jesus, the one who is worthy. 00:22:26.340 --> 00:22:33.440 So, today, this table is not about resolving everything that's wrong in your life. 00:22:37.360 --> 00:22:42.779 It's not about remembering all the bad you've done, all the good you've done. 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:50.380 It's about remembering Christ and what he did, what he made right. 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:56.240 So, as you take the bread and the cup today, let me challenge you to do these three things. 00:22:56.940 --> 00:22:58.620 Number one, receive God's grace. 00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:01.220 Number two, release your shame. 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:06.580 And number three, recommit your direction to following Jesus. 00:23:09.799 --> 00:23:11.500 I don't want you to take offense at that. 00:23:11.500 --> 00:23:16.119 I want you to sit back and think, what makes you think I haven't been following Jesus? 00:23:16.299 --> 00:23:21.680 Listen, every time I hear that challenge, I need to examine my heart and say, God, 00:23:22.339 --> 00:23:27.339 there's no way that every area of my heart, my life, is committed to you. 00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:31.559 Show me where I can recommit myself. 00:23:31.839 --> 00:23:33.059 Maybe I've gotten selfish. 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:35.720 Maybe I've gotten self-centered in certain areas. 00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:39.480 Maybe I've gotten hard or closed off. 00:23:40.440 --> 00:23:42.240 Maybe I've gotten comfortable. 00:23:42.839 --> 00:23:48.420 Whatever it is, God, show me so I can recommit my direction to you. 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:48.880 Why? 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:53.640 Because everything around you is fighting against that. 00:23:53.640 --> 00:24:07.220 Your flesh, the devil himself, the world around us is striving and working overtime to pull some part of you away from Jesus and onto anything else. 00:24:09.300 --> 00:24:10.580 So, we need these. 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:19.439 We need these moments to come together individually in our hearts, but then together as a church to say we recommit. 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:25.179 We receive the grace that God so freely offers every new day. 00:24:26.139 --> 00:24:31.259 We release the shame from who we know we are when we're honest about ourselves. 00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:36.519 And we recommit our direction together to following Jesus. 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:37.680 It's not about perfection. 00:24:38.019 --> 00:24:39.339 It's about direction. 00:24:39.480 --> 00:24:42.200 If you're tired, come to Jesus. 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:45.599 If you're unsure, come to Jesus. 00:24:45.680 --> 00:24:50.980 If you've stumbled, but you're still following him, then come to Jesus. 00:24:51.619 --> 00:24:52.680 Sit at his table. 00:24:53.379 --> 00:24:55.759 We're going to observe this together in just a moment. 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:59.299 This table is for people in process. 00:25:00.539 --> 00:25:03.599 People who know the way forward is not about trying harder. 00:25:04.440 --> 00:25:06.440 It's about trusting more deeply. 00:25:07.420 --> 00:25:10.799 So, this table reminds us to whom we belong. 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:23.119 I invite you this morning to remain in your seat, put in your heart, come to the table. 00:25:23.119 --> 00:25:23.159 Come to the table. 00:25:24.699 --> 00:25:29.179 Receive the bread as Christ's body. 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:33.519 Receive the juice, remembering his blood. 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:37.599 Come to it honesty. 00:25:39.179 --> 00:25:43.239 Being fully honest about who you are, where you are. 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:45.899 Look to Jesus clearly. 00:25:47.399 --> 00:25:50.559 And leave together moving in the same direction. 00:25:50.679 --> 00:25:51.500 Would you pray with me now? 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:56.500 God, right now I pray that we would do those three things. 00:25:56.579 --> 00:25:59.259 We would approach your table honestly. 00:25:59.839 --> 00:26:04.480 That we would open our eyes and see ourselves clearly, but see you clearly. 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:09.980 And we would leave today moving in the same direction. 00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:12.920 We're not always going to agree on everything all the time. 00:26:12.920 --> 00:26:16.980 We're going to be coming from different perspectives and you want that. 00:26:20.340 --> 00:26:22.580 But we can be moving toward you together. 00:26:23.840 --> 00:26:30.880 I pray that that's what you would teach us as we ready ourselves to receive the Lord's table today. 00:26:30.880 --> 00:26:33.040 I'm going to ask the deacons to come forward. 00:26:33.100 --> 00:26:35.340 Would you keep your heads bowed and your eyes closed for just a moment? 00:26:39.640 --> 00:26:47.860 Gentlemen, you can distribute the trays and in just a moment, I'll release you to distribute the elements. 00:26:47.859 --> 00:26:52.699 Let me ask you a couple questions while our heads are bowed. 00:26:52.700 --> 00:27:01.259 Music's going to start playing in just a moment. 00:27:04.680 --> 00:27:06.240 We're going to read again this account. 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:12.140 You're going to have the opportunity to hold a cracker and a cup of juice in your hand. 00:27:12.140 --> 00:27:20.600 And there's nothing special or particularly holy about those items, but it's what they signify. 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:22.100 It's what they remind us of. 00:27:22.160 --> 00:27:22.960 It's what they represent. 00:27:25.320 --> 00:27:30.980 And with churches all across the ages, with churches all around this world, 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:37.960 we get to do this jointly in our pursuit of our Savior. 00:27:39.800 --> 00:27:41.300 So how do we get ready for this? 00:27:41.299 --> 00:27:43.960 First of all, would you ask yourself this question? 00:27:44.579 --> 00:27:45.639 Am I a child of God? 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:51.500 At some point in my life, have I placed my faith in Jesus and Jesus alone? 00:27:52.319 --> 00:27:59.200 I'm not trusting my good works to get me right with God, to earn my forgiveness. 00:27:59.899 --> 00:28:01.779 I'm not trusting my church attendance. 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:04.940 I'm not trusting my status. 00:28:04.940 --> 00:28:12.920 I'm not trusting anything other than God's grace given to me on the cross. 00:28:14.140 --> 00:28:17.640 God's power proven through his resurrection of his son. 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:25.180 So if that's not your testimony, then I invite you to make it that today. 00:28:28.600 --> 00:28:30.160 And I don't want to give you an opportunity. 00:28:30.160 --> 00:28:34.160 I don't want you to leave here without having the opportunity 00:28:34.160 --> 00:28:35.759 to turn to Jesus today in faith 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:39.080 so while people's heads are bowed 00:28:39.080 --> 00:28:40.700 I'm going to ask you that question 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:43.820 if today is the day you need to become right with God 00:28:43.820 --> 00:28:45.880 and place all your faith in him 00:28:45.880 --> 00:28:47.820 to forgive your sins 00:28:47.820 --> 00:28:50.100 would you slip your hand up now and I'd love to talk with you 00:28:50.100 --> 00:28:51.120 when we're done here 00:28:51.120 --> 00:28:54.500 thank you 00:28:54.500 --> 00:28:57.400 for the rest of us 00:28:57.400 --> 00:28:59.720 would you receive this grace 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:01.360 would you release this shame 00:29:01.360 --> 00:29:03.420 would you recommit your direction 00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:05.079 to following Jesus 00:29:05.079 --> 00:29:06.720 maybe it's something in your heart 00:29:06.720 --> 00:29:10.140 maybe it's something that as a family you need to unite around 00:29:10.140 --> 00:29:11.559 maybe you need to sit the kids down 00:29:11.559 --> 00:29:14.420 and talk tonight before everybody goes to bed 00:29:14.420 --> 00:29:15.559 and say we're going to make God 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:18.420 we're going to make Jesus a bigger part of our life 00:29:18.420 --> 00:29:20.480 we're going to be intentional about that 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:22.759 we're going to start praying together 00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:24.559 whatever it is 00:29:24.559 --> 00:29:26.120 to recommit our direction 00:29:26.120 --> 00:29:28.420 to following the Savior 00:29:28.420 --> 00:29:32.539 God we ask all this in your name 00:29:32.539 --> 00:29:34.200 by your grace 00:29:34.200 --> 00:29:35.440 through your strength 00:29:35.440 --> 00:29:37.720 it's in Jesus name we pray 00:29:37.720 --> 00:29:38.340 amen 00:29:38.340 --> 00:29:40.940 the deacons are going to distribute the elements now 00:29:40.940 --> 00:29:45.140 when you receive the bread and the juice 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:46.440 would you hold on to them 00:29:46.440 --> 00:29:47.980 and together 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:50.140 in a moment we'll read from the scriptures 00:29:50.140 --> 00:29:52.440 one of our deacons will lead us in prayer 00:29:52.440 --> 00:29:54.299 and then we'll take 00:29:54.299 --> 00:29:55.660 the bread first 00:29:55.660 --> 00:29:56.539 and then the cup 00:29:56.539 --> 00:30:00.320 I want to remind you 00:30:00.320 --> 00:30:01.120 this is for 00:30:01.120 --> 00:30:03.900 you don't have to be a member of this church 00:30:03.900 --> 00:30:06.000 but we ask that you know in your heart 00:30:06.000 --> 00:30:07.180 that you are one of God's children 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:08.340 you've placed your faith in Him 00:30:08.340 --> 00:30:10.039 for forgiveness of your sins 00:30:10.039 --> 00:30:11.420 and that we welcome you 00:30:11.420 --> 00:30:13.240 to join us in observing 00:30:13.240 --> 00:30:14.180 the Lord's Supper 00:30:14.180 --> 00:30:14.960 today 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:36.259 as you can hear 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:36.259 --> 00:30:36.259 00:30:44.960 --> 00:31:14.940 Thank you. 00:31:14.960 --> 00:31:44.940 Thank you. 00:31:44.960 --> 00:32:14.940 Thank you. 00:32:14.960 --> 00:32:44.940 Thank you. 00:32:44.960 --> 00:33:14.940 Thank you. 00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:44.940 Thank you. 00:33:44.960 --> 00:34:14.940 Thank you. 00:34:14.960 --> 00:34:44.940 Thank you. 00:34:44.960 --> 00:35:14.940 Thank you. 00:35:15.400 --> 00:35:17.360 Thank you. 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:17.360 00:35:17.360 --> 00:35:26.660 As a church, pray that we just put aside selfish ambitions and just remembering the sacrifice you made of giving your son to die on the cross for our sins. 00:35:27.019 --> 00:35:28.539 In his name we pray. Amen. 00:35:31.280 --> 00:35:34.160 Jesus said, this is my body, which is for you. 00:35:34.700 --> 00:35:38.360 Do this in remembrance of me. 00:35:38.360 --> 00:35:39.680 Let's take the bread together. 00:35:47.360 --> 00:35:55.420 In the same way, after supper, he took the cup. 00:35:55.960 --> 00:36:01.200 I'm going to ask Steve Ross to lead us in prayer, thanking God for his shed blood for us. 00:36:05.200 --> 00:36:15.579 Lord, we thank you for this day, for this time that we come before you to take of your Lord's Supper. 00:36:18.360 --> 00:36:27.579 Lord, we ask that you would help us to examine ourselves and refocus on Jesus Christ. 00:36:31.340 --> 00:36:40.220 Lord, we come this morning in remembrance and in love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:36:40.219 --> 00:36:46.459 We ask that you bless this juice that we take. 00:36:47.679 --> 00:36:54.739 The juice that represents the blood of Jesus Christ in forgiveness of our sins. 00:36:54.739 --> 00:36:57.959 Lord, we love you. 00:36:59.239 --> 00:37:02.919 And we pray these things in the strong name of Jesus Christ. 00:37:03.079 --> 00:37:03.339 Amen. 00:37:06.239 --> 00:37:09.099 Jesus said, this cup is the new covenant in my blood. 00:37:09.579 --> 00:37:12.599 Do this whenever you drink it in remembrance of me. 00:37:12.599 --> 00:37:23.119 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 00:37:23.219 --> 00:37:25.420 Can we sing one line of amazing grace? 00:37:25.579 --> 00:37:29.139 How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me together. 00:37:29.139 --> 00:37:50.379 Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. 00:37:50.380 --> 00:38:02.400 I once was lost, but now am found. 00:38:02.900 --> 00:38:11.559 Was blind, but now I see. 00:38:11.559 --> 00:38:18.360 I'm going to ask Greg Cox to close us in prayer. 00:38:18.820 --> 00:38:19.840 Deacons, you are dismissed. 00:38:20.039 --> 00:38:21.119 Thank you for your service. 00:38:21.739 --> 00:38:24.900 And if you are a guest with us this morning, I want to thank you again for being here. 00:38:24.960 --> 00:38:25.699 I'd love to meet you. 00:38:25.779 --> 00:38:28.719 My wife and I will be in the lobby right after the service. 00:38:28.840 --> 00:38:30.420 But thank you for worshiping with us today. 00:38:30.699 --> 00:38:31.699 We'll see you Wednesday. 00:38:31.840 --> 00:38:32.279 Don't forget. 00:38:32.280 --> 00:38:36.080 Let us pray. 00:38:37.220 --> 00:38:45.519 Dear Father, we just give you thanks, adoration, and praise for all that you do in our life. 00:38:45.900 --> 00:38:49.180 For all that you have provided day by day. 00:38:49.740 --> 00:38:53.860 But especially this morning as we reflect on the gift of our Savior. 00:38:54.840 --> 00:38:59.120 We again thank you for your great love for us. 00:38:59.119 --> 00:39:02.279 We ask that your provision would continue. 00:39:02.639 --> 00:39:05.839 Your mercy would exceed in our lives. 00:39:06.420 --> 00:39:08.400 That you will guide our path. 00:39:09.019 --> 00:39:14.539 Help us to walk in faith and commitment as servants in your kingdom. 00:39:14.940 --> 00:39:16.719 Dismiss us with your grace and mercy. 00:39:17.319 --> 00:39:19.319 We'll give you thanks and praise. 00:39:19.559 --> 00:39:20.859 It's in your name we ask it. 00:39:21.179 --> 00:39:21.420 Amen.