Could Communion be a Parable?

[mikeangel]

I posted a thread about sacrifice and Communion. And the huge difference in positions is mind blowing. And the muck slinging. But I'd like to present another possibility. Could this be a huge test from Jesus, and God, on love?
On many of the parables that Jesus gives, and scripture, God wants mercy over everything, through faith in him. Take the separation of the sheep and the goats, those on his right and his left. To those he loved and invited in, he said to come in, because they had fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless, visited the sick and in prison. Basically loved others as themselves. Not from Communion taking, rituals, traditions or anything else. The others were excluded not because they failed to perform rituals or traditions, but they failed to show mercy. The same with the rich man who walked over Lazarus every day. The same with the good Samaritan. All through the Bible, God ask for mercy for others. And he frowned on traditions, and arrogant leaders.
So how does Communion, and his declaration, fit into this? Someone on the last thread I posted mentioned it, and I agree with it. Its a MYSTERY,and that God alone knows everything. But consider this-Colossians 1

"15Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,1:15 Or He is the firstborn of all creation.
16for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth."

So, when he said "This is my body", it really was him. The day before Calvary. Likewise with his blood. So what will happen at Judgement?

I don't pretend to judge, only God can. But this is what I think. Your works will not save you. Only Jesus sacrifice and your faith in him will. BUT, you will be rewarded by your conduct, as recorded on the scrolls, because your works DEFINE you. Mercy. Charity. Love. Compassion.Not traditions. You can go to mass every day, and receive communion every day, and confession once a week, Have a Doctorate in Divinity from the Seminary, but if you do not love others and God like you love yourself, and are mean and arrogant and selfish, it is for nothing. You can profess Jesus every Sunday, and roll around the church like a fish in the boat. Jump up yell scream get bit by a snake and live, whatever. But if you fail to show mercy to your brothers and sisters, whether they go to your church or not,and love others with a sincere heart, "He never knew you".

Let the do do slinging begin by the know it alls.
Peace to the meek and humble.
Love to both
Me

 

[Radagast]

So how does Communion, and his declaration, fit into this?

Jesus specifically told us to celebrate Communion, as Paul points out.

 

[Blood Bought 1953]

I posted a thread about sacrifice and Communion. And the huge difference in positions is mind blowing. And the muck slinging. But I'd like to present another possibility. Could this be a huge test from Jesus, and God, on love?
On many of the parables that Jesus gives, and scripture, God wants mercy over everything, through faith in him. Take the separation of the sheep and the goats, those on his right and his left. To those he loved and invited in, he said to come in, because they had fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless, visited the sick and in prison. Basically loved others as themselves. Not from Communion taking, rituals, traditions or anything else. The others were excluded not because they failed to perform rituals or traditions, but they failed to show mercy. The same with the rich man who walked over Lazarus every day. The same with the good Samaritan. All through the Bible, God ask for mercy for others. And he frowned on traditions, and arrogant leaders.
So how does Communion, and his declaration, fit into this? Someone on the last thread I posted mentioned it, and I agree with it. Its a MYSTERY,and that God alone knows everything. But consider this-Colossians 1

"15Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,1:15 Or He is the firstborn of all creation.
16for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth."

So, when he said "This is my body", it really was him. The day before Calvary. Likewise with his blood. So what will happen at Judgement?

I don't pretend to judge, only God can. But this is what I think. Your works will not save you. Only Jesus sacrifice and your faith in him will. BUT, you will be rewarded by your conduct, as recorded on the scrolls, because your works DEFINE you. Mercy. Charity. Love. Compassion.Not traditions. You can go to mass every day, and receive communion every day, and confession once a week, Have a Doctorate in Divinity from the Seminary, but if you do not love others and God like you love yourself, and are mean and arrogant and selfish, it is for nothing. You can profess Jesus every Sunday, and roll around the church like a fish in the boat. Jump up yell scream get bit by a snake and live, whatever. But if you fail to show mercy to your brothers and sisters, whether they go to your church or not,and love others with a sincere heart, "He never knew you".

Let the do do slinging begin by the know it alls.
Peace to the meek and humble.
Love to both
Me

Why sling do do? I don’t agree with every detail of your post,but you have an understanding of the Heart of God."..what’ve did Paul say? Paraphrasing here....if you don’t have love— you have nothing. God bless

 

[mikeangel]

Jesus specifically told us to celebrate Communion, as Paul points out.

Don't misunderstand me. I am aware of that. I am not negating Communion at all. But what I am lamenting, is the division over the beliefs about it, and how that has divided the body of Christ, instead of uniting it. Consider this-
1 Corinthians 10:17 (NLT) And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.

So, is the bread you receive at the Catholic Church, the same as the Lutheran, or the Methodist, or the Episcopal etc. etc.? Or is it the Faith in Christ' resurrection that makes it the same, so no one has reason to boast or condescend, before all the "doctrines" and "traditions"?

 

[Johnny4ChristJesus]

I posted a thread about sacrifice and Communion. And the huge difference in positions is mind blowing. And the muck slinging. But I'd like to present another possibility. Could this be a huge test from Jesus, and God, on love?
On many of the parables that Jesus gives, and scripture, God wants mercy over everything, through faith in him. Take the separation of the sheep and the goats, those on his right and his left. To those he loved and invited in, he said to come in, because they had fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless, visited the sick and in prison. Basically loved others as themselves. Not from Communion taking, rituals, traditions or anything else. The others were excluded not because they failed to perform rituals or traditions, but they failed to show mercy. The same with the rich man who walked over Lazarus every day. The same with the good Samaritan. All through the Bible, God ask for mercy for others. And he frowned on traditions, and arrogant leaders.
So how does Communion, and his declaration, fit into this? Someone on the last thread I posted mentioned it, and I agree with it. Its a MYSTERY,and that God alone knows everything. But consider this-Colossians 1

"15Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,1:15 Or He is the firstborn of all creation.
16for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth."

So, when he said "This is my body", it really was him. The day before Calvary. Likewise with his blood. So what will happen at Judgement?

I don't pretend to judge, only God can. But this is what I think. Your works will not save you. Only Jesus sacrifice and your faith in him will. BUT, you will be rewarded by your conduct, as recorded on the scrolls, because your works DEFINE you. Mercy. Charity. Love. Compassion.Not traditions. You can go to mass every day, and receive communion every day, and confession once a week, Have a Doctorate in Divinity from the Seminary, but if you do not love others and God like you love yourself, and are mean and arrogant and selfish, it is for nothing. You can profess Jesus every Sunday, and roll around the church like a fish in the boat. Jump up yell scream get bit by a snake and live, whatever. But if you fail to show mercy to your brothers and sisters, whether they go to your church or not,and love others with a sincere heart, "He never knew you".

Let the do do slinging begin by the know it alls.
Peace to the meek and humble.
Love to both
Me

Your point is a valid one for consideration; but did you actually read what you wrote? On one hand you are testifying that God loves mercy over judgement; but, didn't you already start mudslinging? If you put yourself in the shoes of someone who doesn't think like you, did you model the temperament you are asking for OR the mudslinging you are bashing? So, when writing this, were you writing from the Spirit or from the flesh?

 

[mikeangel]

Your point is a valid one for consideration; but did you actually read what you wrote? On one hand you are testifying that God loves mercy over judgement; but, didn't you already start mudslinging? If you put yourself in the shoes of someone who doesn't think like you, did you model the temperament you are asking for OR the mudslinging you are bashing? So, when writing this, were you writing from the Spirit or from the flesh?

Good point. The flesh. I was jaded from the other thread I started, and am being overcome by evil. What happens to me as soon as I hit the door, and ride behind someone in the fast lane going 10 under. I hope to improve. I am not bashing by the way. If I seemed offensive I apologize. Peace

 

[Johnny4ChristJesus]

I posted a thread about sacrifice and Communion. And the huge difference in positions is mind blowing. And the muck slinging. But I'd like to present another possibility. Could this be a huge test from Jesus, and God, on love?
On many of the parables that Jesus gives, and scripture, God wants mercy over everything, through faith in him. Take the separation of the sheep and the goats, those on his right and his left. To those he loved and invited in, he said to come in, because they had fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless, visited the sick and in prison. Basically loved others as themselves. Not from Communion taking, rituals, traditions or anything else. The others were excluded not because they failed to perform rituals or traditions, but they failed to show mercy. The same with the rich man who walked over Lazarus every day. The same with the good Samaritan. All through the Bible, God ask for mercy for others. And he frowned on traditions, and arrogant leaders.
So how does Communion, and his declaration, fit into this? Someone on the last thread I posted mentioned it, and I agree with it. Its a MYSTERY,and that God alone knows everything. But consider this-Colossians 1

"15Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,1:15 Or He is the firstborn of all creation.
16for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth."

So, when he said "This is my body", it really was him. The day before Calvary. Likewise with his blood. So what will happen at Judgement?

I don't pretend to judge, only God can. But this is what I think. Your works will not save you. Only Jesus sacrifice and your faith in him will. BUT, you will be rewarded by your conduct, as recorded on the scrolls, because your works DEFINE you. Mercy. Charity. Love. Compassion.Not traditions. You can go to mass every day, and receive communion every day, and confession once a week, Have a Doctorate in Divinity from the Seminary, but if you do not love others and God like you love yourself, and are mean and arrogant and selfish, it is for nothing. You can profess Jesus every Sunday, and roll around the church like a fish in the boat. Jump up yell scream get bit by a snake and live, whatever. But if you fail to show mercy to your brothers and sisters, whether they go to your church or not,and love others with a sincere heart, "He never knew you".

Let the do do slinging begin by the know it alls.
Peace to the meek and humble.
Love to both
Me

Jesus is the Word of God and Jesus is the Bread of Life. After all, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus said "my food is to do the will of My Father." God's will is expose in His Word (as you have already shown in some verses you posted. So, maybe the bread we are to eat is "the Word of God" and therefore become more and more like the one and only Word of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit. As far as the Blood, I can't get past the passover lamb of exodus. Jesus is the true Lamb of God sacrificed for us.

While I agree that we can't just get "do church," there is something special about pausing and considering what the Bread and the Blood mean for us. That should actually help us, not be an alternative, to "loving our neighbor as ourselves" and "treating others as we would want to be treated". It doesn't have to be a meaningless ritual. It should be a spirit-filled remembrance.

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

In its simplest and original form, communion came out of the Last Supper that Jesus had with His disciples. He held up the bread, signifying that this was His body that will be broken for them, and then He held up the cup of wine and said that this was His blood that would be shed for them. He did not mean that the bread was His actual body, nor was the wine his actual blood. These were symbols of the sacrifice of Himself that was to take place the next day. He said that whenever they ate together, eat the bread in the light of His body broken for them, and drink the wine in the light of the shedding of His blood for them. I believe what Jesus meant that we remember His death and resurrection every time we have a meal. It was never meant to be a ritual which some called the Eucharist.

When the Church met together they had their service, and then a fellowship meal. It was at that meal that remembrance was made of His death and resurrection. The problem is that the event has now become so formalised that it is no longer the Lord's supper, but the Lord's snack. and just have a small square of bread and a thimble of wine (or a wafer that tastes like cardboard and a sip of wine out of a communal chalice) is not even a reasonable snack!

What I think should happen is that every family of believers, when they sit down for a meal, as part of the grace that is said, remembrance is made that Jesus died on the cross for them and the bread (or food) they eat, and the "wine" (or tea, coffee) they drink stand for the body and blood of the that was sacrificed on the cross for them. This is much more authentic and meaningful than some chanted ritual in a church service.

 

[mikeangel]

In its simplest and original form, communion came out of the Last Supper that Jesus had with His disciples. He held up the bread, signifying that this was His body that will be broken for them, and then He held up the cup of wine and said that this was His blood that would be shed for them. He did not mean that the bread was His actual body, nor was the wine his actual blood. These were symbols of the sacrifice of Himself that was to take place the next day. He said that whenever they ate together, eat the bread in the light of His body broken for them, and drink the wine in the light of the shedding of His blood for them. I believe what Jesus meant that we remember His death and resurrection every time we have a meal. It was never meant to be a ritual which some called the Eucharist.

When the Church met together they had their service, and then a fellowship meal. It was at that meal that remembrance was made of His death and resurrection. The problem is that the event has now become so formalised that it is no longer the Lord's supper, but the Lord's snack. and just have a small square of bread and a thimble of wine (or a wafer that tastes like cardboard and a sip of wine out of a communal chalice) is not even a reasonable snack!

What I think should happen is that every family of believers, when they sit down for a meal, as part of the grace that is said, remembrance is made that Jesus died on the cross for them and the bread (or food) they eat, and the "wine" (or tea, coffee) they drink stand for the body and blood of the that was sacrificed on the cross for them. This is much more authentic and meaningful than some chanted ritual in a church service.

I have often thought that also, that whenever there is a meal, To remember Jesus' death and resurrection as a family. And also together in community with other Christians. Without the implied sacrificing.

But I differ with you, just in definition, of "my body" and "my blood of the covenant". I believe what the 1st chapter of John stated. Everything was created through him. And without him, nothing was made. I believe that when he held up both bread and wine to them, he declared that, and made himself known in "the breaking of the bread". They understood that it ment that Jesus was their very existance and life. Without Jesus , there would not be anything. And faith in him is "manna from heaven" that enables you to live forever.

I believe, what this means, is no one has superiority over anyone else, just by how they view a ritual. That God will reward you on how you loved others, and ministered to them, and loved him. Not in how you practiced your rituals. The chosen "the 144k, the great multitude, the 7000 in the 11th chapter", will not be just Catholic as some think. Neither will it be all protestant. But will be the meek and humble and contrite in all of them, to be revealed by God when he takes his elect ."The first will come last, and the last will come first" Amazing to think about. And I believe that will show what I just stated. I wish it was today!! Peace

 

[ViaCrucis]

Don't misunderstand me. I am aware of that. I am not negating Communion at all. But what I am lamenting, is the division over the beliefs about it, and how that has divided the body of Christ, instead of uniting it. Consider this-
1 Corinthians 10:17 (NLT) And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.

So, is the bread you receive at the Catholic Church, the same as the Lutheran, or the Methodist, or the Episcopal etc. etc.? Or is it the Faith in Christ' resurrection that makes it the same, so no one has reason to boast or condescend, before all the "doctrines" and "traditions"?

For the first fifteen hundred years there was a universal consensus on the meaning and significance of the Lord's Supper. It was people like Ulrich Zwingli and others, who insisted that the bread and wine of the Supper were merely a "memorial" of Christ's body and blood rather than being Christ's body and blood that has wrought division on that subject.

We who confess the Real Presence of the Lord are not going to throw away our faith in order to pretend at unity--unity in the Church cannot come from compromising the Gospel.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[mikeangel]

We who confess the Real Presence of the Lord are not going to throw away our faith in order to pretend at unity--unity in the Church cannot come from compromising the Gospel.

What do you mean "throw away our faith"? Do you mean faith in the real presence or Christ? I have the real presence of Christ. He is in my heart. He is with me wherever I go. I cannot go anywhere where he is not.

The question to you is this-When communion is given at another church-any other church- Is it the same (one) with yours? Is your communion "better" than one who just professes Jesus and follows his command to "do this in remembrance of me".

 

[R.A.M.]

I posted a thread about sacrifice and Communion. And the huge difference in positions is mind blowing. And the muck slinging. But I'd like to present another possibility. Could this be a huge test from Jesus, and God, on love?
On many of the parables that Jesus gives, and scripture, God wants mercy over everything, through faith in him. Take the separation of the sheep and the goats, those on his right and his left. To those he loved and invited in, he said to come in, because they had fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless, visited the sick and in prison. Basically loved others as themselves. Not from Communion taking, rituals, traditions or anything else. The others were excluded not because they failed to perform rituals or traditions, but they failed to show mercy. The same with the rich man who walked over Lazarus every day. The same with the good Samaritan. All through the Bible, God ask for mercy for others. And he frowned on traditions, and arrogant leaders.
So how does Communion, and his declaration, fit into this? Someone on the last thread I posted mentioned it, and I agree with it. Its a MYSTERY,and that God alone knows everything. But consider this-Colossians 1

"15Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,1:15 Or He is the firstborn of all creation.
16for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth."

So, when he said "This is my body", it really was him. The day before Calvary. Likewise with his blood. So what will happen at Judgement?

I don't pretend to judge, only God can. But this is what I think. Your works will not save you. Only Jesus sacrifice and your faith in him will. BUT, you will be rewarded by your conduct, as recorded on the scrolls, because your works DEFINE you. Mercy. Charity. Love. Compassion.Not traditions. You can go to mass every day, and receive communion every day, and confession once a week, Have a Doctorate in Divinity from the Seminary, but if you do not love others and God like you love yourself, and are mean and arrogant and selfish, it is for nothing. You can profess Jesus every Sunday, and roll around the church like a fish in the boat. Jump up yell scream get bit by a snake and live, whatever. But if you fail to show mercy to your brothers and sisters, whether they go to your church or not,and love others with a sincere heart, "He never knew you".

Let the do do slinging begin by the know it alls.
Peace to the meek and humble.
Love to both
Me

The mud slinging does get old doesn't it? Lol

In response to your train of thought I have a line of study and supposition that I believe may answer some questions.

The short version is an answer to; what does God want from us as a believer? If there is a process, what is that process?

Arrogant as it may sound to many, I believe I absolutely have uncovered that answer within The Word.

A four step process detailed at least dozens of times in The Word, and fulfilled by Christ.
To fully grasp this, one needs to research the 7 feasts, the 7 Letters in Revelation ch. 2-3, and the 7 days of Creation.

Christ fulfilled the First four Feasts, on their day, beginning with His Crucifixion on the cross.
To fully understand the Feasts' meaning and prophetic symbolism, as well as how they are mirrored in the other series of 7's in The Word, I invite others to engage in their own study. I will however publish an expose at a later date for its own thread on the matter.

So, the 4 step process of fulfilling the purpose of the first 4 Feasts, in your own life and walk with God:

1) Acceptance of Christ, His Blood, and His Word.
2) Begin and continue the Life Long process of seperating ourselves from our own sin.
(the prophetic reason the 2nd feast lasts 10 days is because this process never ends for so long as we are alive on this earth)
3) Through genuine and Spirit Filled study, we begin to gain accurate discernment of The Word.
4) Proper Observance, Dispensation, and Teaching of The Word; it's lessons, tennants, prophecies, signs, symbols, mysteries, etc.
(This step, this accomplishment to overcome, is how we grow as grafted vines; capable of bearing Fully Mature Spiritual Fruit)

Our purpose is to bear fruit. Fruit is not born however for the sake of the vine, it is merely the function of the vine. If we are to remain grafted into God, the "Main Vine", then we must bear fruit. Otherwise a vine which bears no fruit is pruned, and removed from the "Main Vine"

 

[mikeangel]

The mud slinging does get old doesn't it? Lol

In response to your train of thought I have a line of study and supposition that I believe may answer some questions.

The short version is an answer to; what does God want from us as a believer? If there is a process, what is that process?

Arrogant as it may sound to many, I believe I absolutely have uncovered that answer within The Word.

A four step process detailed at least dozens of times in The Word, and fulfilled by Christ.

To fully grasp this, one needs to research the 7 feasts, the 7 Letters in Revelation ch. 2-3, and the 7 days of Creation.

Christ fulfilled the First four Feasts, on their day, beginning with His Crucifixion on the cross.
To fully understand the Feasts' meaning and prophetic symbolism, as well as how they are mirrored in the other series of 7's in The Word, I invite others to engage in their own study. I will however publish an expose at a later date for its own thread on the matter.

So, the 4 step process of fulfilling the purpose of the first 4 Feasts, in your own life and walk with God:

1) Acceptance of Christ, His Blood, and His Word.
2) Begin and continue the Life Long process of seperating ourselves from our own sin.
(the prophetic reason the 2nd feast lasts 10 days is because this process never ends for so long as we are alive on this earth)
3) Through genuine and Spirit Filled study, we begin to gain accurate discernment of The Word.
4) Proper Observance, Dispensation, and Teaching of The Word; it's lessons, tennants, prophecies, signs, symbols, mysteries, etc.
(This step, this accomplishment to overcome, is how we grow as grafted vines; capable of bearing Fully Mature Spiritual Fruit)

Our purpose is to bear fruit. Fruit is not born however for the sake of the vine, it is merely the function of the vine. If we are to remain grafted into God, the "Main Vine", then we must bear fruit. Otherwise a vine which bears no fruit is pruned, and removed from the "Main Vine"

Greetings!

I was fully Roman Catholic until I was 48. Then my dad died, and I read the entire Bible from beginning to end, praying the whole time for HIM to guide me. And the Cannon. In my humble opinion, they do not match in some places.

So, I studied all other churches and doctrines. And ditto, in some places they did not match either.

So, I started to go downtown and help with the homeless. And my wife's church (She is southern fried Baptist) ministers at a nursing home. I started helping with that too.

And loving and forgiving my enemys. As much as I can. Some still hate me.

So simple, yet spiritually nuclear in impact. I am not the same, or ever will be. I beg God to call it every day, but live as if it won't be any time soon.

That is how I got close to God. I know him. He has done so many things on a regular basis, that I have transcended faith, and went to knowledge. I don't think God exist, I know it. And I believe what he has revealed to me through scripture, and what his spirit prophesies to me.

I like your way too mind you, but I am a simple kinda man. I go to church sometimes, and I think they are the "bankers" in the parable of the minas. But I like to give and minister directly. I get more love out of it. And more love and mercy, is what it is all about. It has become daylight at midnight for me. Thanks for responding to my post. Peace and Love to you and yours. Me

 

[Andy centek]

I posted a thread about sacrifice and Communion. And the huge difference in positions is mind blowing. And the muck slinging. But I'd like to present another possibility. Could this be a huge test from Jesus, and God, on love?
On many of the parables that Jesus gives, and scripture, God wants mercy over everything, through faith in him. Take the separation of the sheep and the goats, those on his right and his left. To those he loved and invited in, he said to come in, because they had fed the hungry, sheltered the homeless, visited the sick and in prison. Basically loved others as themselves. Not from Communion taking, rituals, traditions or anything else. The others were excluded not because they failed to perform rituals or traditions, but they failed to show mercy. The same with the rich man who walked over Lazarus every day. The same with the good Samaritan. All through the Bible, God ask for mercy for others. And he frowned on traditions, and arrogant leaders.
So how does Communion, and his declaration, fit into this? Someone on the last thread I posted mentioned it, and I agree with it. Its a MYSTERY,and that God alone knows everything. But consider this-Colossians 1

"15Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,1:15 Or He is the firstborn of all creation.
16for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth."

So, when he said "This is my body", it really was him. The day before Calvary. Likewise with his blood. So what will happen at Judgement?

I don't pretend to judge, only God can. But this is what I think. Your works will not save you. Only Jesus sacrifice and your faith in him will. BUT, you will be rewarded by your conduct, as recorded on the scrolls, because your works DEFINE you. Mercy. Charity. Love. Compassion.Not traditions. You can go to mass every day, and receive communion every day, and confession once a week, Have a Doctorate in Divinity from the Seminary, but if you do not love others and God like you love yourself, and are mean and arrogant and selfish, it is for nothing. You can profess Jesus every Sunday, and roll around the church like a fish in the boat. Jump up yell scream get bit by a snake and live, whatever. But if you fail to show mercy to your brothers and sisters, whether they go to your church or not,and love others with a sincere heart, "He never knew you".

Let the do do slinging begin by the know it alls.
Peace to the meek and humble.
Love to both
Me