Trying to understand communion

[plainj]

I hear some pastors quote Matt 5:23,24 during communion:
23 Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

I don't understand what this scripture has to do with communion? This text is talking about murder.

Also, 1 Cor 11:27-30
27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood[d] of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner[e] eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s[f] body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.

What do you think this means? I've been made to feel as though I should not take communion if I haven't forgiven someone or feel ill-will in my heart towards someone, etc.. I've been afraid that something bad would happen to me if I took communion if my heart is not right. Then I came to realize that the scripture is not saying that we must be worthy to take communion. Afterall, who among us is truly worthy? It's saying that we should not take communion in an unworthy manner; in a way that doesn't represent the meaning of communion.

What do you think?

 

[PinkPebbles]

Communion is for those who believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead. The sacrifice of Christ redeemed us from sin, eternal death. Therefore, whoever participates in communion while not understanding this would then take it in an unworthy manner.

And you are correct by stating that no one is worthy of communion. However, as a believer our worthiness comes from Christ not ourselves.

Also, since Christ is merciful to forgive us of our sins once we confess them; we should be merciful to forgive those who have trespass against us.

The theme that is centered on communion is forgiveness. Without forgiveness of sins there would be no communion for any of us to partake in. I guess that's why Pastors bring up the scripture about reconciling with those who have offended us.

Lastly, I think that Christians should not withhold themselves from taking communion. We all have struggles and it's a process to overcome. If we confess our sins and struggles unto the Lord He is merciful to help us overcome them.

HTH.

 

[HeChangedMyName]

I hear some pastors quote Matt 5:23,24 during communion:
23 Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

I don't understand what this scripture has to do with communion? This text is talking about murder.

Also, 1 Cor 11:27-30
27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood[d] of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner[e] eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s[f] body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.

What do you think this means? I've been made to feel as though I should not take communion if I haven't forgiven someone or feel ill-will in my heart towards someone, etc.. I've been afraid that something bad would happen to me if I took communion if my heart is not right. Then I came to realize that the scripture is not saying that we must be worthy to take communion. Afterall, who among us is truly worthy? It's saying that we should not take communion in an unworthy manner; in a way that doesn't represent the meaning of communion.

What do you think?

You are sort of on the right track. Non of us is perfect and we have ALL fallen short. However, the scripture is basically saying that you should check yourself to make sure you are in line with Christ who is love. If you are sitting on the pew thinking how you hate your roomate or how you want to slap sister so and so for looking at you sideways, then you are out of line with God's will which is love.

The part about bringing judgement on yourself is basically saying that hey, once you drink this, then you believe and affirm who Jesus is and that HE died for your sins and that you are to be a reflection of Him. If you are not reflecting him then you can't say. . ."I didn't know I couldn't do this and that and the other" or "I didn't know I had to forgive people" etc.


I would liken it in laymens terms to going up on the stand before judge and jury, swearing on the Bible and then lying through your teeth.

 

[HeChangedMyName]

But. . . . . .The kicker is that God forgives you. For stuff you've done, and will do, so long as you are repentant and ask forgiveness from him. So, let's say you learned later on after communion that you were in a sinful way about something. You can always ask for forgiveness.

 

[ClassicBeauty]

I read that scripture in a more literal way. I don't take communion if I'm not living/doing right. I usually ask God for forgiveness of my sins before I take communion, but taking communion with hate in your heart or while knowing you're headed to the casino after church... um no. Taking communion knowing you're sitting next to the man that you're sleeping with who is not your husband... um no.

That's how I was raised. Examine yourself.

 

[plainj]

Thank you ladies for your responses. I take communion very seriously. I want to make sure I'm doing it right. I decided to ask in CF because I'm confused by what I read recently which refutes what I've known pastors to preach on communion.

 

[Mamita]

I wouldnt take communion unless i was Holy Ghost filled

 

[plainj]

I wouldnt take communion unless i was Holy Ghost filled

Ok, what do you mean by that? Different people have different meanings for that. I believe I am Holy Ghost filled just by my change alone and other things. Some people make me believe I'm not because I don't speak in tongues or don't show signs of other gifts. I hear pastors say you shouldn't take communion if you're not saved. So what do you mean by that.

 

[Mamita]

well actually in Holiness we believe what those people have told you, that speaking in tongues is the proof of the indwelling. From what you said about your change, we would consider that still seeking the Lord, ... we also have communion only once a month

but hey to each his own, there's an expression in french which literally says "do according to your soul and conscience"

 

[plainj]

Thanks Mamita for your response. Do you believe there's a difference between being filled with the Holy Ghost and Baptism of the Holy Ghost?

And I just feel I need to say this. I don't agree with "to each his own". We shouldn't all be doing whatever we want; what we feel we should be doing. We should be doing what God wants/requires/commands us to do.

 

[Mamita]

I actually agree with you, it's just the closest i could come up with for "our understandings are different but i still respect you and I'm not fit to preach but the will of God will be done anyway" lol

well iiii dont think i see a difference lol if we agree baptism is being submerged then i guess the Holy Ghost descending in someone would be a baptism. I never differentiated the 2, some do?