Breaking of Bread: A Covenant - Zac Poonen - September 4, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/breaking-bread-covenant River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon explores the profound meaning of partaking of the Lord's Supper, focusing on the 'New Covenant' established by Jesus' blood. The speaker emphasizes that this covenant is not merely a symbolic act but represents the immense price paid for sin, which should not be treated lightly or cheaply. True understanding requires a deep commitment to living in overcoming life, fixing one's eyes on Jesus as the author and finisher of faith.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Jesus introduces the New Covenant at the Last SupperJesus breaks bread and shares the cup with His disciples, referring to it as the blood of the covenant poured out for the forgiveness of sins.Matthew 26:26
The life of the flesh is in the bloodLeviticus explains that physical life is in the blood, and Jesus poured out every drop of His blood on the cross to establish the New Covenant.Leviticus 17:11
Not treating the blood of Christ like tap waterHebrews warns against treating the blood of Christ as something common or cheap by continually sinning and assuming easy forgiveness without taking sin seriously.Hebrews 10:28–29
Resisting sin to the point of shedding bloodBelievers are called to look to Jesus, who endured the cross and resisted sin to the point of completely dying to self.Hebrews 12:1–4
What does the broken body mean?The broken bread signifies how Jesus daily broke His own will and chose the Father's will for thirty-three years.
Proclaiming the Lord's death until He comesEating the bread and drinking the cup is an active proclamation of the Lord's death and a personal testimony of being crucified with Christ.1 Corinthians 11:26
Taking part in an unworthy mannerPartaking of communion without caring about its meaning makes a person guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, bringing discipline rather than blessing.
Fellowship in the blood and the bodyThe cup and bread represent a shared fellowship in Christ's suffering and a binding horizontal covenant with other believers who form one body.1 Corinthians 10:15–17
Signing a serious agreement with GodCommunion is like signing a legal agreement; it requires a sincere desire in our heart to keep terms of fellowship and obedience to God.
