As we gather together each week we look at this time from different perspectives for there is so much that we can learn about our salvation in Christ at this time in our service. One of our, perhaps, most familiar passages from which we glean truth is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 11 verse 23 and following, which reads: For I have received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.

Jesus said this is My body. You know, over the centuries there has been quite a bit of debate as to whether or not Jesus was speaking symbolically here or if he was speaking literally. There are some who are persuaded that the elements that we hold literally become the body and the blood of Christ. There is a secondary debate as to when that transition happens. Is it when we pray for the elements? Is it when the elements touch our lips or enter our bloodstream? There are others who believe that Jesus was speaking in symbols or emblems or pictures. And, you know, there is provision in the original language for both translations, and both understandings.

Let me see if I can explain. Pastor? (Pastor Ralph hands portrait to Pastor Leighton) Thank you Pastor Ralph. This is a picture of my family. It's actually a bit antiquated because my children have grown quite a bit, but I have a much more distinctive hairline right there so that's why I chose it you see. But I can say to you, this is my family and you understand exactly what I'm saying. Now this is not literally my family. My family is made of flesh and blood, and three-dimensional, but if I say to you, this is my family, you understand what I'm saying. Pastor Ralph. (Hands portrait back to Pastor Ralph).

And so there's a provision in the original language for an interpretation of Jesus' saying, concerning the elements, this is My body, in speaking in a fashion similar as we represent the picture. Some people might suggest well then all that we're holding are just symbols. What important or significance do they have? The Bible is very clear that they have eternal significance, and that they are not to be taken lightly or trivially. For the same passage continues saying: Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

So what we hold in our hands are more than just a wafer and some juice, the writing to the Corinthian church, from which we gather this passage, some of the believers there had taken this moment in lightness and triviality, and as a result, God's Holy Spirit had brought judgment upon them with weakness, and sickness and even death. And so this time together and the elements that we hold are not to be taken lightly. Some of the greatest theologians to have lived in this century have declared that what we are about to experience is a great mystery.

I want to invite you to, if you're physically able, to join me as we kneel in the presence of our Lord and Savior. If you're physically not able to do that we invite you to sit in your pew and join with us as we follow the scriptural instructions for us to examine ourselves.

Lord, in these quiet moments Your Spirit has been talking to us revealing to us areas in our life where we are not pleasing to You, where we are living in rebellion, where we have decided we do not want You to be king or sovereign. Lord thank you for Your patience with us, Your love for us. Truly Lord it is our innermost desire that You establish Your kingdom in our lives that every aspect of our living might bring honor and glory to You. We are so thankful Lord that Your Word says if we confess our sins You're faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And Lord this very day we confess our sins to You. Each and every one of us does things each and every day that is sinful. Thank you Lord for Your mercies which are new every morning. Thank you for Your great love and provision for us in Calvary's cross. Thank you Lord for the elements that we hold. Let's partake of the bread and also the cup. Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord.

(Singing) 
Establish Your kingdom in this earthen clay, 
righteousness, peace and joy within me today.

Thank you Lord. Hallelujah. Let's say thank you Lord together, shall we? Thank you Lord. Let's say it again. Thank you Lord. We worship You this day Lord for You're great and greatly to be praised. Thank you for inhabiting our praise. Thank you for being here even now. In Jesus' name we pray, and together we say, amen. Let's stand and greet well over a dozen of our neighbors this morning.