CCF

Four sets of parents are suing a church in Indiana for what happened at a New Year’s Eve lock-in. A youth leader chewed up a mixture of dog food, sardines, potted meat, sauerkraut, cottage cheese, and salsa, topped off with holiday eggnog. As if this spectacle were not disgusting enough, he then spit out the mixture into a glass and encouraged the members of the youth group to drink it!

Some of those who did, of course, became sick, whereupon their parents sued the church. The youth pastor said that the “gross-out” game, called the Human Vegematic, was just for fun and that the church forced no one to participate. (from an Associated Press story, 2002)

Early Church – bread (probably leavened)
Now – bread (typically unleavened)
NO BIBLICAL MANDATE FOR TYPE OF BREAD

Early Church – wine (yes… fermented)
Now – grape juice (most churches)
NO BIBLICAL MANDATE FOR FERMENTATION

Early Church – at least weekly
Now – varies by denomination & tradition
NO BIBLICAL MANDATE FOR FREQUENCY

[The wealthy person hosting the meal] invited into the triclinium his closest friends among the believers, who would have been of the same social class. The rest could take their places in the atrium, where conditions were inferior. Those in the triclinium would have reclined… whereas those in the atrium were forced to sit. (from the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)

1. Communion reminds us of our connection to one another and to Christ.

The Agape and the Eucharist were intended to convey to every participant the he or she is somebody precious to God.

2. Communion also reminds us of Jesus’...
a. Provision.

2. Communion also reminds us of Jesus’...
a. Provision.
b. Sacrifice.

2. Communion also reminds us of Jesus’...
a. Provision.
b. Sacrifice.
c. Presence.

2. Communion also reminds us of Jesus’...
a. Provision.
b. Sacrifice.
c. Presence.
d. Return.