This study was taught at our Sunday evening service by Sim Forder, our assistant pastor, on the 13th October 2019. You can listen to the audio on this web page or save it for later listening.

This week we looked at Acts 2:42 which records the foundations upon which the early church was built, and we continued from our previous study by taking a look at what communion is.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:42

Below is a brief outline of this study, where we looked at Jesus command to remember Him (found in Luke 22:14-20) and then the who, what, where, when and why of communion:

• Who should take communion? Communion is just for Christians (it is not just remembering a historical event, but that we have been saved), and it is something that all Christians should take part in. However, we should examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:27-34, 1 John 1:5-10)

• What do we remember? It is more than Jesus’ suffering – the purpose was our salvation, which was (1) Substitutionary – Jesus died in our place (in the same way as Barabbas in Mark 15). (2) Sufficient – Jesus paid for all of our sin (Hebrews 10:10). (3) Simple – there are no works required to earn our salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9)

• Where should we take communion? Simply put – location is not important. Though it should not be irreverent. As we looked at last week, where 2 or 3 are gathered in Jesus name – He will be there in the midst of them. The important thing, is that it is done. And done with a right heart.

• When should we take communion? The Bible only states that it can be taken at any time. Legislating how often it is done and trying to enforce that on others is done so without Biblical authority. The frequency of communion is not a matter of doctrine. The importance of partaking in it, and doing so with a right heart, is. At DCF we aim for a balance between it becoming ritual – a mere formality – or forgotten.

• Why should we take communion? We are prone to forget – but also; (1) In taking it, we not only remind ourselves, but each other too. (2) Taking communion together keeps us in check of our responsibility to explain the gospel. (3) This is a witness to the world. (4) It keeps our attention on the cross, which helps us keep from sin.

There are also practical considerations – some of which are discussed briefly in this study – but in the end it is not so important as to how communion is delivered to you, but how it is received by you.