Communion | JSM Intermission | (9/1/2024)

 Communion

By Rev. Nicholas Sybrowsky

Heb. (נּט רּקהץ מּןביםךשד דּטנרם'דלט)

Gk. (Βψ Ρεω. Νιξηολασ Σψβροωσκψ)

Invocation:

Holy Father, we; your children are here today to be with you.  You Lord have drawn us near to you that we may truly know your truth, your life and your way.  As we draw ourselves closer to thee, grant us the grace and mercy needed to commune with you.  Prepare our hearts for communion and let the mercy you have given us be replicated throughout our family, or friendships and this entire community of believers and unbelievers. Amen.

Opening Word & Reading for Worship:

Christ’s Time & Church Time

Several years ago, Dr. Gilbert Stafford described Communion in a unique way.  “At the holy meal,” he said, “ we are called to both the center of our faith, Jesus Christ, and the circle of our faith, fellow believers regardless of their church tradition, personal preferences, manners of worship, age, class, and racial distinctions.  The Lord’s Supper is the center time and circle time.  It is Christ’s time and church time.”

Pastor Andrew Harsanyi of Hungary told the story of a little boy who waited in the pew as his elderly grandmother slipped out to the front of the church to take the Communion.  It was Christmas Eve and the sanctuary was silent.  The little boy broke the reverent silence by shouting, “Grandma, how does it taste, how does it taste?”

That is a very good question.  The little boy may not have been very reverent but was he ever relevant!  When you take the Supper, do you sense the taste of Christ?  Do you sense the taste of the church?  This is an enriching time spiritually.  It is an enriching time for fellowship with the body.  It is body time.  It is the body of Christ, Jesus and the body of Christ, the church.  Does your Communion have the delicious taste of the Word, Jesus, and the work of the Spirit, the church?

Every first Sunday I take the Lord’s Supper and frequently at other occasions.  My father took it at some time in his life before me.  His father took it every Sunday before him.  Now my daughter takes the Supper as frequently as she does and someday my grandchildren will take it conscientiously aware of its purpose.  At least six generations of our family have taken the Supper nearly every week.  If you trace it back far enough you will find that Jesus began the celebration.  Every week since that time someone, somewhere has taken the Supper.  Until Jesus returns, we remember the center of faith and the circle of faith.  

“May the circle be unbroken, by and by Lord by and by.” Amen. (Cite 1)

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.  Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”  ~Ps. 95:1, 2 (NIV)

Let us join our hearts, minds and spirits with His spirit.

Communion

(Scripture Reading before the distribution of the elements)

[Before Jesus physically incarnated; manifesting in the flesh and walking upon the earth 117 prophecies were disclosed by God to and through the LORD’s chosen servants.  Later fulfilled at the Lord Jesus Christ’s first coming.  Of these 117 prophecies later fulfilled; the prophet Isaiah had shared 34 of these predicted plans by our Holy Father.  Twenty nine percent of the 117 were shared through this major prophet.  Some of which were the 

“Spitting on God’s servant (50:6 | Mt 26:67; Mk 14:65).  Israel not to believe in the Messiah (53:1 | Jn 12:38; Ro 10:16).  Messiah to be rejected by his own people (53:3 | Jn 1:11).  Healing ministry of God’s servant (53:4-5 | Mt 8:16-17; Mk 1:32-34; Lk 4:40-41; 1Pe 2:24).  Suffering Lamb of God (53:7-8 | Jn 1:29, 36; Ac 8:30-35; 1Pe 1:19; Rev 5:6, 12).  The sinless servant of God (53:9 | Heb 4:15; 1Pe 2:22).  Messiah to be buried in a rich man’s grave (53:9 | Mt 27:57-60).  God’s servant numbered with transgressors (53:12 | Mt 27:38; Mk 15:27-28; Lk 22:37; 23:33; Jn 19:18).”  (Cite 2)

[Isaiah 52 & 53]  

"See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.  Just as there were many who were appalled at him—his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness—so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him.  For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.

Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?  He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.  He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.  He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.  Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely, he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.  But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.  We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.  By oppression and judgment, he was taken away.  And who can speak of his descendants?  For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.  He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.  After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.  Therefore, I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors.  For he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.  ~Isaiah 52:13—53:12 NIV"

(Cite 1)

{Invite the ushers to distribute the elements}

Prayer:

Thank you, Father, for this memorial supper, by which we proclaim the death of Christ until he comes.  Thank you for the saints who have gone before us who have shared in this same meal of reflection and proclamation.  Thank you for those who will come after us who will join in this same observance.  May we take our place today, declaring with faith that Jesus, whom we remember in these emblems, died for us and rose again.

LORD, bless the bread, the body of Christ given for us.  LORD, bless the cup, the blood of the new covenant.  LORD our Father, bless your people, the body of Christ assembled here in his name.  Until he comes, Father, we pray in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Cite 1)

Tithes & Offerings:

Prayer:  

“Father, it is at this time that we have the opportunity to give back a portion of what you have blessed us with.  Whether we’re here in person or donating via mail.  [We thank you for the ability to give back.]  Open our eyes to see how blessed we are that you are the one that has supplied us with what we have.  As we determine what we can give, may we remember that we cannot out give you!

[Spiritually prosper] both the gift and the giver; may the [treasure] be used in a way that will benefit your work here on earth.  May we be able to use this money to help draw others closer to you in some way.  Be with us throughout the remainder of the service, and may you be pleased with our offerings to you both now and in our worship in spirit and in truth.  [In the mighty name of Jesus.]  Amen 

(Cite 1)

Announcements:

See church blog.

True communion with the Lord makes way permitting passage.

Intro:

Communion.  The word “communion” defined by the American Heritage dictionary as “The act or an instance of sharing, as of thoughts or feelings.” Also, defined as “Religious or spiritual fellowship”. Additionally, “A body of Christians with a common religious faith who practice the same rites; a denomination”(Cite 3).  As most of you know.  As a community, we’ve been engaged in a sermon series called Jesus’ Sermon on the mount.  We had planned to continue where we left off last week at the teaching about Adultery.  As I began to prepare the message on Manuscript Monday, it was as if I was operating onboard a Naval vessel again.  “Attention on Deck”  Or “Make Way” are terms used to gain command & control of your Sailors or to permit passage through a tight space.

Loyalty to the commander of our faith led to a change of direction for today.  When we seek to honor the Lord Jesus Christ, we will experience a set apart relationship that when the spirit says, “move” we move.  When the Holy Spirit says, “jump” we ask, “How High?” Don’t worry, we’ll continue in our series next week, Lord willing.

True communion in the Lord pays close attention and is always ready to get in step with the Spirit and make way permitting passage of the Commander of commanders.  Communion in spirit and truth causes a response to the call.

 Main Text :

Many of you may be familiar with Saul on the road to Damascus.  This is where we pick up at in our main text.  This is a portion of the story of Saul who became the Apostle Paul, the author of nearly 25% (23.48% cite 4) of the New Testament.

(Acts 9:8-19 ESV) "(8) Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. (9) And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (10) Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." (11) And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, (12) and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." (13) But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. (14) And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name." (15) But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. (16) For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." (17) So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (18) And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; (19) and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus."

Attention to the cause and Commander driving the vessel.

1. Here is what I command you to do (9:10).  Aye, LORD.  Here I am.  Sounds familiar. 

The phrase “Here am I” occurs 84 times in 23 verses in the KJV, including 16 exact phrases.  Isa 6:8,

 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me.” ~ Isa 6:8 KJV

34/117 prophetic details fulfilled in Christ Jesus’ first coming!  In my opinion, Isaiah is most definitely one of the greats, “receiving a portion among the great[s]” (Isa 53:12).

Attention to detail.  Make way to do what?  Just how high do you expect me to jump?

2. The Commander, our Lord Jesus cares for your concerns (9:13-14).

What about this and that? “That’s a tall order!” Frankness with God.

Carry out the plan and execute it as instructed.  Trust me for I AM trustworthy.

3. Go (9:15; 9:11-12; 9:17-19) 

After frankly expressing concern (reasoning with God), Ananias’s reply, “Aye-aye”.  Not blind loyalty.   

4. Next Week we continue to examine greater righteousness | Adultery, Divorce & Vows.  Pray that we do so without compromising the truth.

Conclusion:

Permitting Divine interruption requires steady obedience, loyalty and honor.  Communion with God invites a call to action.  God doesn’t call the qualified.  He qualifies the called.  It’s our responsibility to answer the call from God.  You’re chosen to be an instrument for His good purposes.  It is our responsibility to reply, to respond and to explore the call that God has placed within the core of our being human.  Ask for clarity in His vision for you.

Exhortation:

Let not the noisy needs and desires of this world hinder your access to “the way, the truth and the life” (Jesus, Jn 14:6).  Are you standing ready to take and execute the orders of your Lord and Savior?  Are you a ready instrument?  Ready to be played in the great commission orchestra. Ready to be used for the sake of His glory and honor?  Let’s ALL aim to hear and obey the word GO and someday hear in heaven, “well done my good and faithful servant” (Mat 25:21, 23, Luke 19:17).  For some others, let’s take aim to hear well done my great and faithful servant (Isa 53:12).

Altar Call to Action/Suggested Response:

Ananias was proactively in communion with God.  Not only on Sunday, Saturday, or at the scheduled mid-week prayer or church study session.  Like Saul of Tarsus, God is looking for the least likely person (JSM Mt. 5-7); chosen to become an instrument for His great purpose and glory.  If you’re willing to suffer for the cause of Christ.  Let the Lord know.  Maybe raise your hand and let him know today by raising your hand.  Say, here am I Lord, please send me.

Prayer & song.  

 

Benediction:

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Next week:  

Citations:

1- Dr. Guthrie Veech Christian Minister’s Manual. 

2- Fire Bible (MSV) Chart pg. 815 OT Prophecies Fulfilled in Christ.

3- The American Heritage Dictionary Third Edition

4- NT Authorship percentages | https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-questions-and-answers/did-paul-write-most-of-the-new-testament