Communion - Jesus' Three Part Symbol of Love

    Washing the Saint's Feet - Symbolizes Christ's ministry of sanctification
    John 13:1-17; I Timothy 5:10, John 13:3-16
    Feet washing is the first part of our communion service. It reminds us of our need for daily cleansing from sin and it provides a time for self-examination. Jesus wants us to remember that even though believers have been forgiven for all sin--past, present and future--we must appropriate His cleansing power and forgiveness on a daily basis. Washing feet was not something thought of by the church or the apostles. It's what Jesus asked us to do. "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." John 13:14 
    The Lord's Supper - Symbolizes Christ's future ministry of glorification
    John 13:2,4; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Jude 12
    This is the second part that we celebrate at our church during our communion service. As we participate we are reminded that Jesus will welcome us to His celebration in heaven without sin as his future bride. The meal is a time of fellowship and it gives us another opportunity to share Christ's love. Eating together reminds us of our special bond to Christ and with each other.
    The Bread and Cup - Symbolizes Christ's past ministry of justification
    Matthew 26:26-29;     1 Corinthians 11:23-27; 1 Timothy 2:5-6
    At the end of the meal, we participate in the third and final part of our communion service--The Bread and Cup. We follow Jesus' instructions in remembering the gift He gave to each believer in order to secure eternal life for us. That gift was His life. His body was broken and His blood was shed as He took on the sin of the world. Why? Because of His love for us.
    (Excerpts from What is Communion, The Readables Series - A ministry of CE National, 1994)
 
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