Why Christians Take the Lord’s Supper | The Table: Part 1 | Pastor Alex Himaya

Come on, church. Let's celebrate what Come on, church. Let's celebrate what God has done in and around God has done in and around God has done in and around this place this summer. this place this summer. this place this summer. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> All right. Let me just say to you, good >> All right. Let me just say to you, good >> All right. Let me just say to you, good morning. It is so good to be back with morning. It is so good to be back with morning. It is so good to be back with you today. I I've been out for 5 weeks you today. I I've been out for 5 weeks you today. I I've been out for 5 weeks and and uh the last message I preached and and uh the last message I preached and and uh the last message I preached was on spiritual warfare and I've was on spiritual warfare and I've was on spiritual warfare and I've certainly faced uh some of that over the certainly faced uh some of that over the certainly faced uh some of that over the last few weeks. I was actually going to last few weeks. I was actually going to last few weeks. I was actually going to do three uh of the love languages and a do three uh of the love languages and a do three uh of the love languages and a tick got in the way. I never thought I'd tick got in the way. I never thought I'd tick got in the way. I never thought I'd say that sentence say that sentence say that sentence uh that a tick got in the way, but many uh that a tick got in the way, but many uh that a tick got in the way, but many of you have asked already this morning. of you have asked already this morning. of you have asked already this morning. I am much, much better. In fact, I'm I am much, much better. In fact, I'm I am much, much better. In fact, I'm about 95% back and and about 95% back and and about 95% back and and and so, thank you for all your prayers. and so, thank you for all your prayers. and so, thank you for all your prayers. I also want to thank Josiah and Pastor I also want to thank Josiah and Pastor I also want to thank Josiah and Pastor John and Kate for filling in in those John and Kate for filling in in those John and Kate for filling in in those three weeks. Would you thank them again three weeks. Would you thank them again three weeks. Would you thank them again for doing that? for doing that? for doing that? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Uh we rejoice. Uh >> Uh we rejoice. Uh >> Uh we rejoice. Uh I want to uh jump in today, but before I I want to uh jump in today, but before I I want to uh jump in today, but before I do, let me just remind you of a of a do, let me just remind you of a of a do, let me just remind you of a of a thing or two. thing or two. thing or two. Uh your campus pastor may have just told Uh your campus pastor may have just told Uh your campus pastor may have just told you this, but I think it bears you this, but I think it bears you this, but I think it bears repeating.

repeating. repeating. Two weeks from today, say two weeks. Two weeks from today, say two weeks. Two weeks from today, say two weeks. On August the 30th, it is a gospel On August the 30th, it is a gospel On August the 30th, it is a gospel Sunday. And we do three of those uh a Sunday. And we do three of those uh a Sunday. And we do three of those uh a year. Only three of them a year. And year. Only three of them a year. And year. Only three of them a year. And here's the deal we've made with you on here's the deal we've made with you on here's the deal we've made with you on those three Sundays. If you will just those three Sundays. If you will just those three Sundays. If you will just invest in somebody's life to the degree invest in somebody's life to the degree invest in somebody's life to the degree that you earn the right to invite them that you earn the right to invite them that you earn the right to invite them to come with you on one of those gospel to come with you on one of those gospel to come with you on one of those gospel Sundays, we will in a crystal clear Sundays, we will in a crystal clear Sundays, we will in a crystal clear fashion share the gospel. We will not fashion share the gospel. We will not fashion share the gospel. We will not embarrass you. We will not embarrass embarrass you. We will not embarrass embarrass you. We will not embarrass your friends or family or loved ones. We your friends or family or loved ones. We your friends or family or loved ones. We will just simply present the good news will just simply present the good news will just simply present the good news of Jesus uh to them. And every year, all of Jesus uh to them. And every year, all of Jesus uh to them. And every year, all three times, we see hundreds of people three times, we see hundreds of people three times, we see hundreds of people uh respond uh to the good news of Jesus. uh respond uh to the good news of Jesus. uh respond uh to the good news of Jesus. And so, I want to ask you to begin now. And so, I want to ask you to begin now. And so, I want to ask you to begin now. In fact, right this very moment, would In fact, right this very moment, would In fact, right this very moment, would you just ask the Holy Spirit to lay you just ask the Holy Spirit to lay you just ask the Holy Spirit to lay somebody on your heart that he wants you somebody on your heart that he wants you somebody on your heart that he wants you to invest in. And if he does that, if he to invest in. And if he does that, if he to invest in. And if he does that, if he lays someone in your heart, then write lays someone in your heart, then write lays someone in your heart, then write that name on those two cards. The same that name on those two cards. The same that name on those two cards. The same name on both cards, okay? And in a name on both cards, okay? And in a name on both cards, okay? And in a moment, we will use one of those cards moment, we will use one of those cards moment, we will use one of those cards as part of a response as part of a response as part of a response in a moment. But I want to jump in in a moment. But I want to jump in in a moment. But I want to jump in today. I'm beginning a three-part series today. I'm beginning a three-part series today. I'm beginning a three-part series that we're calling the table. And the that we're calling the table. And the that we're calling the table. And the table that we're talking about is the table that we're talking about is the table that we're talking about is the Lord's table what we call the Lord's Lord's table what we call the Lord's Lord's table what we call the Lord's supper. You may have been raised in a supper. You may have been raised in a supper. You may have been raised in a church where you call it communion church where you call it communion church where you call it communion or a church where you call it the or a church where you call it the or a church where you call it the Eucharist. We We around here we call it Eucharist. We We around here we call it Eucharist. We We around here we call it the Lord's supper because that's what it the Lord's supper because that's what it the Lord's supper because that's what it is. It's a supper that belongs to is. It's a supper that belongs to is. It's a supper that belongs to the Lord. And maybe you grew up taking

the Lord. And maybe you grew up taking the Lord. And maybe you grew up taking every single week or once a month or every single week or once a month or every single week or once a month or whatever whatever whatever sequence that was for you. Or maybe sequence that was for you. Or maybe sequence that was for you. Or maybe you're here today and you've never heard you're here today and you've never heard you're here today and you've never heard of it. And this is going to be your of it. And this is going to be your of it. And this is going to be your introduction to introduction to introduction to the Lord's supper. And it doesn't matter the Lord's supper. And it doesn't matter the Lord's supper. And it doesn't matter whether you've known about it forever or whether you've known about it forever or whether you've known about it forever or for 5 minutes. for 5 minutes. for 5 minutes. I think one thing is true for all of us. I think one thing is true for all of us. I think one thing is true for all of us. There are parts of it There are parts of it There are parts of it that you've not spent a whole lot of that you've not spent a whole lot of that you've not spent a whole lot of time pondering and thinking about. What time pondering and thinking about. What time pondering and thinking about. What What does that actually mean? What does that actually mean? What does that actually mean? Here's an example. Have you ever thought Here's an example. Have you ever thought Here's an example. Have you ever thought about the fact that in the Lord's supper about the fact that in the Lord's supper about the fact that in the Lord's supper is an intersection? is an intersection? is an intersection? And in that intersection are two Adams, And in that intersection are two Adams, And in that intersection are two Adams, two covenants, two covenants, two covenants, two lambs, two meals, one foreshadowing two lambs, two meals, one foreshadowing two lambs, two meals, one foreshadowing the other. the other. the other. And so I just want to ask you study that And so I just want to ask you study that And so I just want to ask you study that over the next few weeks on your own in over the next few weeks on your own in over the next few weeks on your own in your own time. And come on Sundays your own time. And come on Sundays your own time. And come on Sundays having studied and having gotten having studied and having gotten having studied and having gotten yourself ready. And then on Sundays, yourself ready. And then on Sundays, yourself ready. And then on Sundays, we'll dive into the culture and the we'll dive into the culture and the we'll dive into the culture and the context of the Bible the whole Bible to context of the Bible the whole Bible to context of the Bible the whole Bible to see what all of that really means see what all of that really means see what all of that really means because it's true that the Lord's supper because it's true that the Lord's supper because it's true that the Lord's supper is a big part and important part of is a big part and important part of is a big part and important part of theology.

theology. theology. And so I want us to all start the series And so I want us to all start the series And so I want us to all start the series on the same page. And I find it easier on the same page. And I find it easier on the same page. And I find it easier to start on the same page with a to start on the same page with a to start on the same page with a definition. So I've written you a short definition. So I've written you a short definition. So I've written you a short definition definition definition uh of what the Lord's Supper is. The uh of what the Lord's Supper is. The uh of what the Lord's Supper is. The Lord's special meal that believers take part in special meal that believers take part in to remind us of what Jesus said and did. to remind us of what Jesus said and did. to remind us of what Jesus said and did. Now, that's a simple definition and it's Now, that's a simple definition and it's Now, that's a simple definition and it's kind of a 50,000-ft uh definition, but I kind of a 50,000-ft uh definition, but I kind of a 50,000-ft uh definition, but I want you to notice Jesus told us to do want you to notice Jesus told us to do want you to notice Jesus told us to do this. this. this. Some institution or church or Some institution or church or Some institution or church or organization did not start this. Jesus organization did not start this. Jesus organization did not start this. Jesus himself started it and not only did he himself started it and not only did he himself started it and not only did he start it, he did it himself and then he start it, he did it himself and then he start it, he did it himself and then he told us to uh do it. And in the Lord's told us to uh do it. And in the Lord's told us to uh do it. And in the Lord's Supper, there's there's two basic Supper, there's there's two basic Supper, there's there's two basic elements. Uh you have the bread, which elements. Uh you have the bread, which elements. Uh you have the bread, which is unleavened bread, represents is unleavened bread, represents is unleavened bread, represents uh the body of Christ, and you have the uh the body of Christ, and you have the uh the body of Christ, and you have the cup. Uh we use juice, some churches use cup. Uh we use juice, some churches use cup. Uh we use juice, some churches use wine. wine. wine. Uh but but the bread represents Jesus' Uh but but the bread represents Jesus' Uh but but the bread represents Jesus' body, right, that was broken uh for us, body, right, that was broken uh for us, body, right, that was broken uh for us, and the cup represents his blood, which and the cup represents his blood, which and the cup represents his blood, which was spilled on our behalf. So, in its was spilled on our behalf. So, in its was spilled on our behalf. So, in its essence, the Lord's Supper is a picture essence, the Lord's Supper is a picture essence, the Lord's Supper is a picture of the cross.

of the cross. of the cross. And it represents all that Jesus did at And it represents all that Jesus did at And it represents all that Jesus did at the cross. And he paid the price for the cross. And he paid the price for the cross. And he paid the price for your sins and made a way to reconcile your sins and made a way to reconcile your sins and made a way to reconcile you uh to God. And with him, he brought you uh to God. And with him, he brought you uh to God. And with him, he brought peace uh between us and God, and he even peace uh between us and God, and he even peace uh between us and God, and he even made a way for our healing. And as I made a way for our healing. And as I made a way for our healing. And as I said, said, said, at this intersection, uh uh at this intersection, uh uh at this intersection, uh uh two Adams, two covenants, two lambs, two two Adams, two covenants, two lambs, two two Adams, two covenants, two lambs, two meals, one foreshadowing the other, and meals, one foreshadowing the other, and meals, one foreshadowing the other, and the origin of what we call the Lord's the origin of what we call the Lord's the origin of what we call the Lord's Supper was the last supper. Supper was the last supper. Supper was the last supper. The last meal that Jesus had with his The last meal that Jesus had with his The last meal that Jesus had with his disciples before he went uh to the disciples before he went uh to the disciples before he went uh to the cross. And that meal in that day was cross. And that meal in that day was cross. And that meal in that day was actually another supper called the actually another supper called the actually another supper called the Passover uh supper. And if you were with Passover uh supper. And if you were with Passover uh supper. And if you were with us at Holy Week at Easter time, uh we us at Holy Week at Easter time, uh we us at Holy Week at Easter time, uh we talked all about that. We'll refer back talked all about that. We'll refer back talked all about that. We'll refer back to that periodically in this series. But to that periodically in this series. But to that periodically in this series. But for now, let's go to the Gospel of Luke for now, let's go to the Gospel of Luke for now, let's go to the Gospel of Luke and Luke chapter 22 and and read about and Luke chapter 22 and and read about and Luke chapter 22 and and read about the last supper. It says, "When the time the last supper. It says, "When the time the last supper. It says, "When the time came, Jesus and came, Jesus and came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the the apostles sat down together at the the apostles sat down together at the table.

table. table. And Jesus said, 'I have been very eager And Jesus said, 'I have been very eager And Jesus said, 'I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you to eat this Passover meal with you to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins.'" Say the before my suffering begins.'" Say the before my suffering begins.'" Say the table. table. table. The table. And he says, Jesus says, "I The table. And he says, Jesus says, "I The table. And he says, Jesus says, "I have been very eager." Those words have been very eager." Those words have been very eager." Those words translated in English as very eager in translated in English as very eager in translated in English as very eager in the Greek actually convey a whole lot of the Greek actually convey a whole lot of the Greek actually convey a whole lot of passion. passion. passion. In fact, in the Greek, it's literally In fact, in the Greek, it's literally In fact, in the Greek, it's literally this, "I desired with desiring. I this, "I desired with desiring. I this, "I desired with desiring. I desired with desiring." Sometimes Mary desired with desiring." Sometimes Mary desired with desiring." Sometimes Mary speaks with that kind of passion about speaks with that kind of passion about speaks with that kind of passion about Mexican food, right? And and it simply Mexican food, right? And and it simply Mexican food, right? And and it simply means that Jesus had one goal and only means that Jesus had one goal and only means that Jesus had one goal and only one goal in mind that night, to have one goal in mind that night, to have one goal in mind that night, to have this meal with his disciples. Now, look this meal with his disciples. Now, look this meal with his disciples. Now, look at what he goes on to say at what he goes on to say at what he goes on to say in verse 16. in verse 16. in verse 16. "For I tell you now that I won't eat "For I tell you now that I won't eat "For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is this meal again until its meaning is this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the kingdom of God." fulfilled in the kingdom of God." fulfilled in the kingdom of God." Meaning the kingdom to come. He's Meaning the kingdom to come. He's Meaning the kingdom to come. He's talking about his second coming, when he talking about his second coming, when he talking about his second coming, when he will return again. So, the Lord's Supper will return again. So, the Lord's Supper will return again. So, the Lord's Supper always looks back and it always looks always looks back and it always looks always looks back and it always looks forward with its present implications, forward with its present implications, forward with its present implications, okay? And so, it's always happening, okay? And so, it's always happening, okay? And so, it's always happening, looking back and looking forward. And in looking back and looking forward. And in looking back and looking forward. And in that day, they were looking back to the that day, they were looking back to the that day, they were looking back to the Passover, in our day, we're looking back Passover, in our day, we're looking back Passover, in our day, we're looking back to the cross and what Jesus did on the to the cross and what Jesus did on the to the cross and what Jesus did on the cross. By the way, think about it, when cross. By the way, think about it, when cross. By the way, think about it, when Jesus gave them the instructions that Jesus gave them the instructions that Jesus gave them the instructions that when they take this to remember his body when they take this to remember his body when they take this to remember his body and his blood, the cross had not and his blood, the cross had not and his blood, the cross had not happened. He was telling them something

happened. He was telling them something happened. He was telling them something that was going to happen. But for us, we that was going to happen. But for us, we that was going to happen. But for us, we look back to the cross and we look look back to the cross and we look look back to the cross and we look forward to the end of the age when Jesus forward to the end of the age when Jesus forward to the end of the age when Jesus will come back. And during the Passover, will come back. And during the Passover, will come back. And during the Passover, we talked about this at Easter, Jewish we talked about this at Easter, Jewish we talked about this at Easter, Jewish people drink from more than one cup of people drink from more than one cup of people drink from more than one cup of wine. We we we taught this back at wine. We we we taught this back at wine. We we we taught this back at Easter. How many cups of wine do they Easter. How many cups of wine do they Easter. How many cups of wine do they drink from? Four. I'm I'm giving it away right here. Four. I'm I'm giving it away right here. How many cups of wine do they drink How many cups of wine do they drink How many cups of wine do they drink from? Four, right? They drink from four. from? Four, right? They drink from four. from? Four, right? They drink from four. And during that fourth cup or one of And during that fourth cup or one of And during that fourth cup or one of those cups, Jesus says and does this and those cups, Jesus says and does this and those cups, Jesus says and does this and it was a big deal. Let's read it. it was a big deal. Let's read it. it was a big deal. Let's read it. He took some bread and gave thanks to He took some bread and gave thanks to He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. God for it. God for it. He broke it into pieces and said, "Give He broke it into pieces and said, "Give He broke it into pieces and said, "Give and he gave it to the disciples saying, and he gave it to the disciples saying, and he gave it to the disciples saying, "This is my body which is given for you. "This is my body which is given for you. "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In other Do this in remembrance of me." In other Do this in remembrance of me." In other words, we are to remember the cross, not words, we are to remember the cross, not words, we are to remember the cross, not just simply admire the cross. Now, look just simply admire the cross. Now, look just simply admire the cross. Now, look at what he goes on to say. After supper, at what he goes on to say. After supper, at what he goes on to say. After supper, which is important to the theology which is important to the theology which is important to the theology because this is the fourth cup. After because this is the fourth cup. After because this is the fourth cup. After supper, he took another cup of wine and supper, he took another cup of wine and supper, he took another cup of wine and said, "This cup said, "This cup said, "This cup is the new covenant. Remember I told you is the new covenant. Remember I told you is the new covenant. Remember I told you two covenants? The new covenant between two covenants? The new covenant between two covenants? The new covenant between God and his people, an agreement God and his people, an agreement God and his people, an agreement confirmed with my blood which is poured confirmed with my blood which is poured confirmed with my blood which is poured out as a sacrifice for you." That, in out as a sacrifice for you." That, in out as a sacrifice for you." That, in two simple verses, is the whole story of two simple verses, is the whole story of two simple verses, is the whole story of the Lord's Supper. But in the culture the Lord's Supper. But in the culture the Lord's Supper. But in the culture and in the context of what was going on,

and in the context of what was going on, and in the context of what was going on, there is a whole world of meaning and there is a whole world of meaning and there is a whole world of meaning and theology and implications. This was not theology and implications. This was not theology and implications. This was not just a little snack to tide them over. just a little snack to tide them over. just a little snack to tide them over. This was more than just a part of a This was more than just a part of a This was more than just a part of a bigger feast called the Passover. This bigger feast called the Passover. This bigger feast called the Passover. This was huge. Jesus calls this a new was huge. Jesus calls this a new was huge. Jesus calls this a new covenant. And when they heard that, covenant. And when they heard that, covenant. And when they heard that, understanding what a covenant was, that understanding what a covenant was, that understanding what a covenant was, that would be amazing for them and would be amazing for them and would be amazing for them and life-changing for them. Remember, two life-changing for them. Remember, two life-changing for them. Remember, two Adams, two covenants, two lambs, two Adams, two covenants, two lambs, two Adams, two covenants, two lambs, two meals, one foreshadowing the other. And meals, one foreshadowing the other. And meals, one foreshadowing the other. And by calling this simple meal the new by calling this simple meal the new by calling this simple meal the new covenant, Jesus is saying, "I'm ushering covenant, Jesus is saying, "I'm ushering covenant, Jesus is saying, "I'm ushering in a whole new state of affairs. This is in a whole new state of affairs. This is in a whole new state of affairs. This is going to change everything. Everything going to change everything. Everything going to change everything. Everything will be different in ways that they will be different in ways that they will be different in ways that they could not comprehend until a week could not comprehend until a week could not comprehend until a week later." later." later." But today what I want to talk about is But today what I want to talk about is But today what I want to talk about is the whole idea of a covenant meal. the whole idea of a covenant meal. the whole idea of a covenant meal. Because in order for us to understand Because in order for us to understand Because in order for us to understand the Lord's Supper, we have to understand the Lord's Supper, we have to understand the Lord's Supper, we have to understand biblically what a covenant meal is.

biblically what a covenant meal is. biblically what a covenant meal is. Simply put, a covenant meal is a shared Simply put, a covenant meal is a shared Simply put, a covenant meal is a shared meal that two parties partake in meal that two parties partake in meal that two parties partake in together, at least two parties. And they together, at least two parties. And they together, at least two parties. And they sit down sit down sit down and they eat and they eat and they eat as a way of sealing a covenant. You see as a way of sealing a covenant. You see as a way of sealing a covenant. You see this everywhere in ancient culture. In this everywhere in ancient culture. In this everywhere in ancient culture. In fact, even today, you see this play out fact, even today, you see this play out fact, even today, you see this play out in the Middle East. Meals are very in the Middle East. Meals are very in the Middle East. Meals are very important in that culture. Meals are important in that culture. Meals are important in that culture. Meals are very important to me for probably less very important to me for probably less very important to me for probably less spiritual reasons, and maybe even less spiritual reasons, and maybe even less spiritual reasons, and maybe even less relational reasons, right? But I love a relational reasons, right? But I love a relational reasons, right? But I love a great steak when it is prepared the great steak when it is prepared the great steak when it is prepared the right way with the things that should go right way with the things that should go right way with the things that should go with us are with it, right? In fact, I with us are with it, right? In fact, I with us are with it, right? In fact, I would say, "If you order a steak well would say, "If you order a steak well would say, "If you order a steak well done, done, done, you're allowed to come to the table. you're allowed to come to the table. you're allowed to come to the table. Cuz we are a grace place, right? You may Cuz we are a grace place, right? You may Cuz we are a grace place, right? You may have to sit at a different one, but but have to sit at a different one, but but have to sit at a different one, but but you get to come to the table. But in the you get to come to the table. But in the you get to come to the table. But in the Middle East, look, they almost always Middle East, look, they almost always Middle East, look, they almost always overcook beef. overcook beef. overcook beef. Like, they're afraid of parasites and Like, they're afraid of parasites and Like, they're afraid of parasites and bacteria and all and maybe they should bacteria and all and maybe they should bacteria and all and maybe they should be. But but but and it's not always in be. But but but and it's not always in be. But but but and it's not always in the Middle East about the quality of the the Middle East about the quality of the the Middle East about the quality of the food.

food. food. But it is always about the quality of But it is always about the quality of But it is always about the quality of the company. the company. the company. Meals in that culture are all about who Meals in that culture are all about who Meals in that culture are all about who you share them with. And if you sit down you share them with. And if you sit down you share them with. And if you sit down for a meal with people, for a meal with people, for a meal with people, usually, I say usually, almost always, usually, I say usually, almost always, usually, I say usually, almost always, it's for hours. it's for hours. it's for hours. And if they sit at the table, they say, And if they sit at the table, they say, And if they sit at the table, they say, "We're opening the table." Meaning, "We're opening the table." Meaning, "We're opening the table." Meaning, "We're We're closing this until we're "We're We're closing this until we're "We're We're closing this until we're all done, until you've you've finished all done, until you've you've finished all done, until you've you've finished eating, you've quit, and you're talking eating, you've quit, and you're talking eating, you've quit, and you're talking and laughing and being with each other. and laughing and being with each other. and laughing and being with each other. And that goes all the way back to Old And that goes all the way back to Old And that goes all the way back to Old Testament times. Specifically to the Testament times. Specifically to the Testament times. Specifically to the idea of a covenant meal. In fact, in idea of a covenant meal. In fact, in idea of a covenant meal. In fact, in Exodus, second book of the Bible, Exodus, second book of the Bible, Exodus, second book of the Bible, God invites Moses and all the elders to God invites Moses and all the elders to God invites Moses and all the elders to come up to the top of the mountain to come up to the top of the mountain to come up to the top of the mountain to share in a covenant meal with him. Let share in a covenant meal with him. Let share in a covenant meal with him. Let let me show you that passage. Exodus 24, let me show you that passage. Exodus 24, let me show you that passage. Exodus 24, The Lord instructed Moses, "Come up here The Lord instructed Moses, "Come up here The Lord instructed Moses, "Come up here and bring along Aaron and Nadab and and bring along Aaron and Nadab and and bring along Aaron and Nadab and Abihu and 70 of Israel's elders." Moses, Abihu and 70 of Israel's elders." Moses, Abihu and 70 of Israel's elders." Moses, if you remember, had been up on that if you remember, had been up on that if you remember, had been up on that mountain for nearly a week. And he mountain for nearly a week. And he mountain for nearly a week. And he received all the Ten Commandments and a received all the Ten Commandments and a received all the Ten Commandments and a whole bunch of other teaching that would whole bunch of other teaching that would whole bunch of other teaching that would be a part of what's known as the Book of be a part of what's known as the Book of be a part of what's known as the Book of the Covenant. Moses comes down off the the Covenant. Moses comes down off the the Covenant. Moses comes down off the mountain and he writes all this down in mountain and he writes all this down in mountain and he writes all this down in a book and he reads it to them. He a book and he reads it to them. He a book and he reads it to them. He doesn't just hand it to them. He reads doesn't just hand it to them. He reads doesn't just hand it to them. He reads the whole thing to them. And after he the whole thing to them. And after he the whole thing to them. And after he reads it, he asks them, "Do all of you reads it, he asks them, "Do all of you reads it, he asks them, "Do all of you agree?" And they all respond, "Yes, we agree?" And they all respond, "Yes, we agree?" And they all respond, "Yes, we agree to all of it." In fact, let me let agree to all of it." In fact, let me let agree to all of it." In fact, let me let me read it to you. Look at verse 7.

me read it to you. Look at verse 7. me read it to you. Look at verse 7. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> He took the Book of the Covenant and >> He took the Book of the Covenant and >> He took the Book of the Covenant and read it aloud to the people. In other read it aloud to the people. In other read it aloud to the people. In other words, you couldn't just scroll to the words, you couldn't just scroll to the words, you couldn't just scroll to the bottom and click yes. bottom and click yes. bottom and click yes. He read the whole thing to them, right? He read the whole thing to them, right? He read the whole thing to them, right? And it says, "And they they all And it says, "And they they all And it says, "And they they all responded, 'We will do everything the responded, 'We will do everything the responded, 'We will do everything the Lord has commanded. We will obey.'" In Lord has commanded. We will obey.'" In Lord has commanded. We will obey.'" In other words, this is their part of the other words, this is their part of the other words, this is their part of the covenant. This is a big deal. Are you covenant. This is a big deal. Are you covenant. This is a big deal. Are you seeing this? This is their part of the seeing this? This is their part of the seeing this? This is their part of the covenant. Now, you need to understand covenant. Now, you need to understand covenant. Now, you need to understand what a covenant is though, because in what a covenant is though, because in what a covenant is though, because in our culture, it's confusing. Cuz we use our culture, it's confusing. Cuz we use our culture, it's confusing. Cuz we use the word covenant for things that aren't the word covenant for things that aren't the word covenant for things that aren't really really really what the Bible would call covenants. If what the Bible would call covenants. If what the Bible would call covenants. If you're a homeowner you're a homeowner you're a homeowner and you moved into a neighborhood that and you moved into a neighborhood that and you moved into a neighborhood that has a homeowner's association, an HOA, has a homeowner's association, an HOA, has a homeowner's association, an HOA, how many of you have an HOA? Okay? You how many of you have an HOA? Okay? You how many of you have an HOA? Okay? You move into a neighborhood, when you close move into a neighborhood, when you close move into a neighborhood, when you close on that house, they hand you a booklet on that house, they hand you a booklet on that house, they hand you a booklet with some uh rules. with some uh rules. with some uh rules. And it's called And it's called And it's called a covenant, a homeowners association a covenant, a homeowners association a covenant, a homeowners association covenant. And it's a list of rules, and covenant. And it's a list of rules, and covenant. And it's a list of rules, and some of them are strange, like you can't some of them are strange, like you can't some of them are strange, like you can't mow your lawn on Tuesday, or you know, mow your lawn on Tuesday, or you know, mow your lawn on Tuesday, or you know, you can only paint your house this shade you can only paint your house this shade you can only paint your house this shade of white, or this shade of uh of gray, of white, or this shade of uh of gray, of white, or this shade of uh of gray, or or whatever. And by the way, we don't or or whatever. And by the way, we don't or or whatever. And by the way, we don't have a homeowners association in my have a homeowners association in my have a homeowners association in my neighborhood. It's kind of like the wild neighborhood. It's kind of like the wild neighborhood. It's kind of like the wild west west west in my neighborhood. I think we should in my neighborhood. I think we should in my neighborhood. I think we should have a homeowners association, and I have a homeowners association, and I have a homeowners association, and I nominate me to be president of it nominate me to be president of it nominate me to be president of it because of my religious background, I'm because of my religious background, I'm because of my religious background, I'm really good at making up rules. And your really good at making up rules. And your really good at making up rules. And your grass is too tall, fine.

grass is too tall, fine. grass is too tall, fine. Your trash cans are still out, fine, Your trash cans are still out, fine, Your trash cans are still out, fine, right? You put up Christmas lights right? You put up Christmas lights right? You put up Christmas lights before Thanksgiving, church discipline. before Thanksgiving, church discipline. before Thanksgiving, church discipline. Like we're we're not putting up with any Like we're we're not putting up with any Like we're we're not putting up with any Right, but that's not what a covenant Right, but that's not what a covenant Right, but that's not what a covenant is, right? In the Old Testament sense of is, right? In the Old Testament sense of is, right? In the Old Testament sense of the word, a covenant is not a booklet or the word, a covenant is not a booklet or the word, a covenant is not a booklet or a list of rules. A covenant is a bond a list of rules. A covenant is a bond a list of rules. A covenant is a bond that you share with someone else. In that you share with someone else. In that you share with someone else. In fact, the verb used in the Bible to seal fact, the verb used in the Bible to seal fact, the verb used in the Bible to seal a covenant is not to sign something. a covenant is not to sign something. a covenant is not to sign something. It's not to shake hands, or spit on your It's not to shake hands, or spit on your It's not to shake hands, or spit on your hand. It's nothing like that. The verb hand. It's nothing like that. The verb hand. It's nothing like that. The verb is the verb cut. is the verb cut. is the verb cut. Biblically, you cut a covenant with Biblically, you cut a covenant with Biblically, you cut a covenant with someone. And back in Genesis 15, which someone. And back in Genesis 15, which someone. And back in Genesis 15, which is 600 years earlier in the life of is 600 years earlier in the life of is 600 years earlier in the life of Israel, God tells Abraham that he's Israel, God tells Abraham that he's Israel, God tells Abraham that he's going to cut a covenant with him. And he going to cut a covenant with him. And he going to cut a covenant with him. And he tells Abraham, "Hey, go get a heifer, a tells Abraham, "Hey, go get a heifer, a tells Abraham, "Hey, go get a heifer, a goat, a ram, and two birds." goat, a ram, and two birds." goat, a ram, and two birds." And he tells them, "Cut the animals in And he tells them, "Cut the animals in And he tells them, "Cut the animals in half, and lay one half on each side, half, and lay one half on each side, half, and lay one half on each side, making a path through the rock."

making a path through the rock." making a path through the rock." And Abraham knew exactly what was going And Abraham knew exactly what was going And Abraham knew exactly what was going on, by the way. He had seen this before. on, by the way. He had seen this before. on, by the way. He had seen this before. And so, Abraham lays these animals out, And so, Abraham lays these animals out, And so, Abraham lays these animals out, one piece on one side, and one piece of one piece on one side, and one piece of one piece on one side, and one piece of each animal on the other side, a path in each animal on the other side, a path in each animal on the other side, a path in the rock in the middle, and the blood is the rock in the middle, and the blood is the rock in the middle, and the blood is pooling up in the pooling up in the pooling up in the the crevices and the pools in the rock. the crevices and the pools in the rock. the crevices and the pools in the rock. It's a very bloody encounter. Blood is It's a very bloody encounter. Blood is It's a very bloody encounter. Blood is everywhere. And Abraham is anticipating everywhere. And Abraham is anticipating everywhere. And Abraham is anticipating something really big about to happen. something really big about to happen. something really big about to happen. [laughter] And in those days and in that [laughter] And in those days and in that [laughter] And in those days and in that culture, if you wanted to make a culture, if you wanted to make a culture, if you wanted to make a covenant with someone, you would agree covenant with someone, you would agree covenant with someone, you would agree to the terms, maybe you would write them to the terms, maybe you would write them to the terms, maybe you would write them down and sign it, but then you would cut down and sign it, but then you would cut down and sign it, but then you would cut animals in half and lay them and make an animals in half and lay them and make an animals in half and lay them and make an altar between these two parts of the altar between these two parts of the altar between these two parts of the animal. And you, barefooted, would walk animal. And you, barefooted, would walk animal. And you, barefooted, would walk through the blood, leaving your through the blood, leaving your through the blood, leaving your footprints in the blood on the rock. footprints in the blood on the rock. footprints in the blood on the rock. They would walk through the other side They would walk through the other side They would walk through the other side of the blood, leaving their barefoot of the blood, leaving their barefoot of the blood, leaving their barefoot prints in the blood on the rock. You prints in the blood on the rock. You prints in the blood on the rock. You would meet in the middle, and then you would meet in the middle, and then you would meet in the middle, and then you would look down at the animals on either would look down at the animals on either would look down at the animals on either side of you, and you would say, "May side of you, and you would say, "May side of you, and you would say, "May what happened to these animals happen to what happened to these animals happen to what happened to these animals happen to me if I don't fulfill my part of the me if I don't fulfill my part of the me if I don't fulfill my part of the covenant."

covenant." covenant." But in Genesis 15, But in Genesis 15, But in Genesis 15, instead of God meeting Abraham in the instead of God meeting Abraham in the instead of God meeting Abraham in the middle of this path, God met God in the middle of this path, God met God in the middle of this path, God met God in the middle of that path. And he went through middle of that path. And he went through middle of that path. And he went through from one side as fire, and he went from one side as fire, and he went from one side as fire, and he went through the other side as smoke. And through the other side as smoke. And through the other side as smoke. And Abraham is watching [clears throat] the Abraham is watching [clears throat] the Abraham is watching [clears throat] the whole thing. whole thing. whole thing. And God met God all by himself. In other And God met God all by himself. In other And God met God all by himself. In other words, he was communicating to Abraham, words, he was communicating to Abraham, words, he was communicating to Abraham, "This covenant is all up to me." "This covenant is all up to me." "This covenant is all up to me." He He's saying, "You don't have anything He He's saying, "You don't have anything He He's saying, "You don't have anything to do with it and fulfilling it. I am to do with it and fulfilling it. I am to do with it and fulfilling it. I am going to do all of the work, Abraham." going to do all of the work, Abraham." going to do all of the work, Abraham." Now, if you've been around church or Now, if you've been around church or Now, if you've been around church or Christianity any length of time, that Christianity any length of time, that Christianity any length of time, that sounds very familiar to you. sounds very familiar to you. sounds very familiar to you. That sounds a whole lot like grace. That sounds a whole lot like grace. That sounds a whole lot like grace. What we would call amazing grace. That What we would call amazing grace. That What we would call amazing grace. That our salvation is not dependent upon our salvation is not dependent upon our salvation is not dependent upon anything we do, but it is completely anything we do, but it is completely anything we do, but it is completely dependent upon what God has done. And dependent upon what God has done. And dependent upon what God has done. And that's the type of covenant that your that's the type of covenant that your that's the type of covenant that your God wants with you. And now, after the God wants with you. And now, after the God wants with you. And now, after the covenant is cut, covenant is cut, covenant is cut, there are terms to the covenant. And there are terms to the covenant. And there are terms to the covenant. And those terms are written down in the book those terms are written down in the book those terms are written down in the book of the covenant, and they were read to of the covenant, and they were read to of the covenant, and they were read to the people and then Moses killed a bull the people and then Moses killed a bull the people and then Moses killed a bull and what he does is well, it's and what he does is well, it's and what he does is well, it's interesting. In fact, I don't know of interesting. In fact, I don't know of interesting. In fact, I don't know of anywhere else in scripture that this anywhere else in scripture that this anywhere else in scripture that this happens, but let me just read it to you.

happens, but let me just read it to you. happens, but let me just read it to you. Moses took the blood from the basins Moses took the blood from the basins Moses took the blood from the basins and splattered it and splattered it and splattered it all over the people. This is one of those Bible stories that This is one of those Bible stories that never made it to flannel graph and and never made it to flannel graph and and never made it to flannel graph and and you know, in Sunday school lessons. you know, in Sunday school lessons. you know, in Sunday school lessons. He sprayed the blood over all of them He sprayed the blood over all of them He sprayed the blood over all of them and then declaring this he says, "Look, and then declaring this he says, "Look, and then declaring this he says, "Look, this blood confirms the covenant the this blood confirms the covenant the this blood confirms the covenant the Lord has made with you in giving you Lord has made with you in giving you Lord has made with you in giving you these instructions." Now, where did these instructions." Now, where did these instructions." Now, where did Moses get that idea? I just alluded it Moses get that idea? I just alluded it Moses get that idea? I just alluded it to it and told you in Genesis 15. to it and told you in Genesis 15. to it and told you in Genesis 15. Abraham had to slaughter all those Abraham had to slaughter all those Abraham had to slaughter all those animals. So, Moses is using that animals. So, Moses is using that animals. So, Moses is using that blueprint for his procedure. blueprint for his procedure. blueprint for his procedure. And the point biblically is this, every And the point biblically is this, every And the point biblically is this, every covenant requires blood. covenant requires blood. covenant requires blood. And the new covenant that Jesus is And the new covenant that Jesus is And the new covenant that Jesus is setting up at the last supper, it it's setting up at the last supper, it it's setting up at the last supper, it it's not the blood of bulls and it's not the not the blood of bulls and it's not the not the blood of bulls and it's not the blood of rams or heifers or birds, it's blood of rams or heifers or birds, it's blood of rams or heifers or birds, it's the blood of the lamb. The lamb. Jesus the blood of the lamb. The lamb. Jesus the blood of the lamb. The lamb. Jesus himself is the lamb and that's what the himself is the lamb and that's what the himself is the lamb and that's what the Lord's Supper represents for you and me.

Lord's Supper represents for you and me. Lord's Supper represents for you and me. And when Jesus said what he said at the And when Jesus said what he said at the And when Jesus said what he said at the last supper, the disciples intuitively last supper, the disciples intuitively last supper, the disciples intuitively knew something big just happened. Now, knew something big just happened. Now, knew something big just happened. Now, let me just show you this by laying let me just show you this by laying let me just show you this by laying these two passages side by side so that these two passages side by side so that these two passages side by side so that you can see it. you can see it. you can see it. I've color-coded these words so that you I've color-coded these words so that you I've color-coded these words so that you can see the comparison and I want you to can see the comparison and I want you to can see the comparison and I want you to read read read the the words in color when when I get the the words in color when when I get the the words in color when when I get to it, okay? This cup is the new to it, okay? This cup is the new to it, okay? This cup is the new between God and his people, an agreement between God and his people, an agreement between God and his people, an agreement with with with which is poured out as a sacrifice which is poured out as a sacrifice which is poured out as a sacrifice You got it? You got it? You got it? Look at what Jesus said. Look at what Jesus said. Look at what Jesus said. This blood confirms the covenant the This blood confirms the covenant the This blood confirms the covenant the Lord has made with you. Do you see it? Lord has made with you. Do you see it? Lord has made with you. Do you see it? Word for word, Word for word, Word for word, the blood confirms the covenant and the the blood confirms the covenant and the the blood confirms the covenant and the covenant is made with you and for you. covenant is made with you and for you. covenant is made with you and for you. And when Jesus spoke those words, he was And when Jesus spoke those words, he was And when Jesus spoke those words, he was doing something very very very special. doing something very very very special. doing something very very very special. He was using a rabbinic Jewish technique He was using a rabbinic Jewish technique He was using a rabbinic Jewish technique called, we've talked about it, remez.

called, we've talked about it, remez. called, we've talked about it, remez. Remez is where the teacher says Remez is where the teacher says Remez is where the teacher says something out of a scripture, out of a something out of a scripture, out of a something out of a scripture, out of a Bible story, and expects the student to Bible story, and expects the student to Bible story, and expects the student to know the context and to know what it is know the context and to know what it is know the context and to know what it is that he's talking about or what he is that he's talking about or what he is that he's talking about or what he is referring to. So, when Jesus used those referring to. So, when Jesus used those referring to. So, when Jesus used those three words, the disciples' minds went three words, the disciples' minds went three words, the disciples' minds went immediately to Exodus 24 and they knew immediately to Exodus 24 and they knew immediately to Exodus 24 and they knew what Jesus is saying is special. This is what Jesus is saying is special. This is what Jesus is saying is special. This is monumental. It is so amazing. This is a monumental. It is so amazing. This is a monumental. It is so amazing. This is a covenant meal that Jesus is having with covenant meal that Jesus is having with covenant meal that Jesus is having with us. Now, what's a covenant uh meal? us. Now, what's a covenant uh meal? us. Now, what's a covenant uh meal? Well, go back to Exodus and I'm going to Well, go back to Exodus and I'm going to Well, go back to Exodus and I'm going to show you. Okay, look at Exodus 24. show you. Okay, look at Exodus 24. show you. Okay, look at Exodus 24. Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, those are great names. We don't hear those are great names. We don't hear those are great names. We don't hear those names regularly. And you don't those names regularly. And you don't those names regularly. And you don't need to feel the pressure if you're need to feel the pressure if you're need to feel the pressure if you're having a child to use Alex in the name having a child to use Alex in the name having a child to use Alex in the name uh of your child. You can use Alexandra, uh of your child. You can use Alexandra, uh of your child. You can use Alexandra, Alexander, Alexander, Alexander, Alexis. You can use any version of it Alexis. You can use any version of it Alexis. You can use any version of it you want. But but the 70 elders of you want. But but the 70 elders of you want. But but the 70 elders of Israel climbed up the mountain. Israel climbed up the mountain. Israel climbed up the mountain. There they saw I want you I want to point this out. I want you I want to point this out. This is big news.

They saw the God of Israel with their They saw the God of Israel with their eyes. eyes. eyes. And under his feet there seemed to be a And under his feet there seemed to be a And under his feet there seemed to be a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli as clear as the sky itself. Moses and as clear as the sky itself. Moses and as clear as the sky itself. Moses and Aaron and the 72 others climbed up the Aaron and the 72 others climbed up the Aaron and the 72 others climbed up the mountain and [clears throat] there had mountain and [clears throat] there had mountain and [clears throat] there had to be tremendous fear in these old guys' to be tremendous fear in these old guys' to be tremendous fear in these old guys' hearts. Why? Because they had been told, hearts. Why? Because they had been told, hearts. Why? Because they had been told, you can't climb the mountain. You can't you can't climb the mountain. You can't you can't climb the mountain. You can't even touch the mountain. Don't even even touch the mountain. Don't even even touch the mountain. Don't even touch it. touch it. touch it. And they get up to the top of it and And they get up to the top of it and And they get up to the top of it and they can see God, which is usually very, they can see God, which is usually very, they can see God, which is usually very, very, very bad news. In fact, look at very, very bad news. In fact, look at very, very bad news. In fact, look at what it goes on to say. And though the what it goes on to say. And though the what it goes on to say. And though the nobles of Israel gazed, they didn't just nobles of Israel gazed, they didn't just nobles of Israel gazed, they didn't just see him, they're now gazing upon God. see him, they're now gazing upon God. see him, they're now gazing upon God. What what happened? What what happened? What what happened? He did not destroy them. He did not destroy them. He did not destroy them. In fact, In fact, In fact, they ate they ate they ate a covenant meal. a covenant meal. a covenant meal. Eating and drinking in his presence.

Eating and drinking in his presence. Eating and drinking in his presence. They were not destroyed and they could They were not destroyed and they could They were not destroyed and they could see God and they lived and they shared a see God and they lived and they shared a see God and they lived and they shared a covenant meal. And a covenant meal is covenant meal. And a covenant meal is covenant meal. And a covenant meal is part of the process I've been trying to part of the process I've been trying to part of the process I've been trying to describe to you. You agree to the terms. describe to you. You agree to the terms. describe to you. You agree to the terms. You go through that blood ritual and You go through that blood ritual and You go through that blood ritual and then you seal it with a meal. And after then you seal it with a meal. And after then you seal it with a meal. And after they had just done this blood oath they had just done this blood oath they had just done this blood oath thing, blood is everywhere, they say, thing, blood is everywhere, they say, thing, blood is everywhere, they say, "Let's sit down and eat." "Let's sit down and eat." "Let's sit down and eat." It's all over the Bible, actually. In It's all over the Bible, actually. In It's all over the Bible, actually. In Genesis 26, when Isaac makes a treaty Genesis 26, when Isaac makes a treaty Genesis 26, when Isaac makes a treaty with his neighbors. In Genesis 31, when with his neighbors. In Genesis 31, when with his neighbors. In Genesis 31, when Jacob and Laban make peace. In Genesis Jacob and Laban make peace. In Genesis Jacob and Laban make peace. In Genesis 18, when Abram and Yahweh eat together. 18, when Abram and Yahweh eat together. 18, when Abram and Yahweh eat together. In each of those stories, they share a In each of those stories, they share a In each of those stories, they share a meal after making a covenant. And it meal after making a covenant. And it meal after making a covenant. And it wasn't a meal to feed to feed their wasn't a meal to feed to feed their wasn't a meal to feed to feed their stomachs because contract negotiations stomachs because contract negotiations stomachs because contract negotiations are exhausting and killing animals makes are exhausting and killing animals makes are exhausting and killing animals makes you really, really hungry. It's more you really, really hungry. It's more you really, really hungry. It's more than that. It's bigger than that. than that. It's bigger than that. than that. It's bigger than that. In fact, today, In fact, today, In fact, today, introductory, I just want to share two introductory, I just want to share two introductory, I just want to share two aspects of a covenant meal. And I want aspects of a covenant meal. And I want aspects of a covenant meal. And I want you to write these down and I want you you to write these down and I want you you to write these down and I want you to ponder them when we take the Lord's to ponder them when we take the Lord's to ponder them when we take the Lord's Supper in a few minutes together. Now, Supper in a few minutes together. Now, Supper in a few minutes together. Now, because they point to something bigger, because they point to something bigger, because they point to something bigger, okay? And the Lord's Supper is pointing okay? And the Lord's Supper is pointing okay? And the Lord's Supper is pointing to something much, much bigger. Now, you to something much, much bigger. Now, you to something much, much bigger. Now, you could go out west of here could go out west of here could go out west of here near Sapulpa, onto the turnpike, and you near Sapulpa, onto the turnpike, and you near Sapulpa, onto the turnpike, and you would see this sign.

would see this sign. would see this sign. Oklahoma City, 100 miles. Oklahoma City, 100 miles. Oklahoma City, 100 miles. How many of you've seen that sign How many of you've seen that sign How many of you've seen that sign before? Okay? You you you've seen that before? Okay? You you you've seen that before? Okay? You you you've seen that sign. It says Oklahoma City, 100 miles. sign. It says Oklahoma City, 100 miles. sign. It says Oklahoma City, 100 miles. Now, maybe you've been to Oklahoma City. Now, maybe you've been to Oklahoma City. Now, maybe you've been to Oklahoma City. Maybe you lived in Oklahoma City. I Maybe you lived in Oklahoma City. I Maybe you lived in Oklahoma City. I don't know why you would live there, don't know why you would live there, don't know why you would live there, okay? Uh Tulsa's way better, right? Far okay? Uh Tulsa's way better, right? Far okay? Uh Tulsa's way better, right? Far greener, usually, right? Uh far better greener, usually, right? Uh far better greener, usually, right? Uh far better culture, way better pastors. It's just a culture, way better pastors. It's just a culture, way better pastors. It's just a better place uh over here, right? But better place uh over here, right? But better place uh over here, right? But but maybe you've been to Oklahoma City. but maybe you've been to Oklahoma City. but maybe you've been to Oklahoma City. But just because you see this sign does But just because you see this sign does But just because you see this sign does not mean that you're familiar with not mean that you're familiar with not mean that you're familiar with Oklahoma City. Now, it points to the Oklahoma City. Now, it points to the Oklahoma City. Now, it points to the fact that there is an Oklahoma City, but fact that there is an Oklahoma City, but fact that there is an Oklahoma City, but it's just a sign pointing to the fact it's just a sign pointing to the fact it's just a sign pointing to the fact that there is an Oklahoma City, right? that there is an Oklahoma City, right? that there is an Oklahoma City, right? It is a sign of the real thing. The It is a sign of the real thing. The It is a sign of the real thing. The Lord's Supper is not the thing. Lord's Supper is not the thing. Lord's Supper is not the thing. It is pointing to the thing. And and it It is pointing to the thing. And and it It is pointing to the thing. And and it is not a replacement for the thing. So, is not a replacement for the thing. So, is not a replacement for the thing. So, let me show you two points today, okay? let me show you two points today, okay? let me show you two points today, okay? Write these down and ponder them this Write these down and ponder them this Write these down and ponder them this week. Number one, covenant meals are a week. Number one, covenant meals are a week. Number one, covenant meals are a symbol of peace. Say peace. To share a meal in that culture To share a meal in that culture means that you can rest.

means that you can rest. means that you can rest. It means there's no more conflict. It means there's no more conflict. It means there's no more conflict. In fact, in that culture, you would not In fact, in that culture, you would not In fact, in that culture, you would not just sit down to eat, you laid down. just sit down to eat, you laid down. just sit down to eat, you laid down. Some of you are like, Some of you are like, Some of you are like, "That's a spiritual discipline I could "That's a spiritual discipline I could "That's a spiritual discipline I could get behind. Like, eating in bed. Like, I get behind. Like, eating in bed. Like, I get behind. Like, eating in bed. Like, I think I could do that one, right?" think I could do that one, right?" think I could do that one, right?" But you would lay out a blanket and you But you would lay out a blanket and you But you would lay out a blanket and you would lay down at a low table. would lay down at a low table. would lay down at a low table. The very act of laying down put you in a The very act of laying down put you in a The very act of laying down put you in a vulnerable position. vulnerable position. vulnerable position. And you shared a meal in that vulnerable And you shared a meal in that vulnerable And you shared a meal in that vulnerable position saying, "I trust you." position saying, "I trust you." position saying, "I trust you." Every single time I walk in my house, my Every single time I walk in my house, my Every single time I walk in my house, my 3-year-old Australian Shepherd 3-year-old Australian Shepherd 3-year-old Australian Shepherd named Annie, named Annie, named Annie, acts like I've been gone a year. acts like I've been gone a year. acts like I've been gone a year. And she talks. Oh, uh And she talks. Oh, uh And she talks. Oh, uh just makes these noises like she's so just makes these noises like she's so just makes these noises like she's so excited to see me. And I will pet her, excited to see me. And I will pet her, excited to see me. And I will pet her, and then she will immediately lay down and then she will immediately lay down and then she will immediately lay down on the floor and put all four legs on the floor and put all four legs on the floor and put all four legs straight up in the air. straight up in the air. straight up in the air. So that I can see her belly and pet her So that I can see her belly and pet her So that I can see her belly and pet her belly. Now, I don't understand that, but belly. Now, I don't understand that, but belly. Now, I don't understand that, but I asked dog people who understand dogs, I asked dog people who understand dogs, I asked dog people who understand dogs, and they said, "What she's communicating and they said, "What she's communicating and they said, "What she's communicating to you is I trust you."

to you is I trust you." to you is I trust you." She is putting herself in a very She is putting herself in a very She is putting herself in a very vulnerable position where she could vulnerable position where she could vulnerable position where she could clearly and easily be harmed. And what clearly and easily be harmed. And what clearly and easily be harmed. And what she's communicating is, "I trust you. she's communicating is, "I trust you. she's communicating is, "I trust you. I'm safe around you. I'm at peace with I'm safe around you. I'm at peace with I'm safe around you. I'm at peace with you." Now, think about Psalm 23. We you." Now, think about Psalm 23. We you." Now, think about Psalm 23. We studied it before where David said, "You studied it before where David said, "You studied it before where David said, "You prepare a table." Say table. prepare a table." Say table. prepare a table." Say table. "Before me." Listen what he says, "In "Before me." Listen what he says, "In "Before me." Listen what he says, "In the presence of my enemies." Even though the presence of my enemies." Even though the presence of my enemies." Even though there are people out there that are out there are people out there that are out there are people out there that are out to get me, I can lay down with you, to get me, I can lay down with you, to get me, I can lay down with you, Lord, and be at peace. Why? Because I Lord, and be at peace. Why? Because I Lord, and be at peace. Why? Because I trust you to protect me. That's what the trust you to protect me. That's what the trust you to protect me. That's what the Lord's Supper represents, that you have Lord's Supper represents, that you have Lord's Supper represents, that you have been made right with God, and therefore been made right with God, and therefore been made right with God, and therefore you have peace with God. It's all over you have peace with God. It's all over you have peace with God. It's all over the New Testament, by the way. Paul the New Testament, by the way. Paul the New Testament, by the way. Paul hammers this in Romans 5. Look at what hammers this in Romans 5. Look at what hammers this in Romans 5. Look at what he says in verse 1. "Therefore," say he says in verse 1. "Therefore," say he says in verse 1. "Therefore," say therefore. therefore. therefore. You should go back and read chapter 4 You should go back and read chapter 4 You should go back and read chapter 4 this week to see what the therefore is this week to see what the therefore is this week to see what the therefore is there for, what he's talking about. there for, what he's talking about. there for, what he's talking about. "Therefore, since we have been made "Therefore, since we have been made "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight," right in God's sight," right in God's sight," we have something.

we have something. we have something. Because we've been made right in God's Because we've been made right in God's Because we've been made right in God's sight, we have something. And that thing sight, we have something. And that thing sight, we have something. And that thing that we have is peace with God. Why? that we have is peace with God. Why? that we have is peace with God. Why? Because of what Jesus Christ our Lord Because of what Jesus Christ our Lord Because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. So, when we take part has done for us. So, when we take part has done for us. So, when we take part in the Lord's Supper, these verses are in the Lord's Supper, these verses are in the Lord's Supper, these verses are coming alive. We finally have peace coming alive. We finally have peace coming alive. We finally have peace between us and God. And it might sound between us and God. And it might sound between us and God. And it might sound like we're the ones who decided that we like we're the ones who decided that we like we're the ones who decided that we wanted to be at peace with God, that we wanted to be at peace with God, that we wanted to be at peace with God, that we had a problem with God and he had had a problem with God and he had had a problem with God and he had offended us and now we want to be right offended us and now we want to be right offended us and now we want to be right with him, but that is not the case. You with him, but that is not the case. You with him, but that is not the case. You and I were enemies of God and we were and I were enemies of God and we were and I were enemies of God and we were the ones with all the attitude and all the ones with all the attitude and all the ones with all the attitude and all the sin that caused all the relationship the sin that caused all the relationship the sin that caused all the relationship to go bad, but it was God who did to go bad, but it was God who did to go bad, but it was God who did everything to come down and settle that everything to come down and settle that everything to come down and settle that peace by sending Jesus to die for us and peace by sending Jesus to die for us and peace by sending Jesus to die for us and shed his blood for us. That's why Jesus that is confirmed with my blood."

that is confirmed with my blood." So, the Lord's Supper So, the Lord's Supper So, the Lord's Supper confronts my tendency. This is my confronts my tendency. This is my confronts my tendency. This is my confession to you. confession to you. confession to you. It confronts my tendency It confronts my tendency It confronts my tendency to measure my relationship with God by to measure my relationship with God by to measure my relationship with God by how well I have performed. how well I have performed. how well I have performed. And let me just declare to you today And let me just declare to you today And let me just declare to you today pastorally, when you have failed, you pastorally, when you have failed, you pastorally, when you have failed, you don't need to run from Jesus. You need don't need to run from Jesus. You need don't need to run from Jesus. You need to run to the table. to run to the table. to run to the table. And and that peace brings peace in every And and that peace brings peace in every And and that peace brings peace in every other relationship. It leads to peace in other relationship. It leads to peace in other relationship. It leads to peace in every relationship. In fact, I would say every relationship. In fact, I would say every relationship. In fact, I would say to you today, if you don't have peace in to you today, if you don't have peace in to you today, if you don't have peace in your life, can't find peace in your your life, can't find peace in your your life, can't find peace in your life, I'm chasing after peace in your life, I'm chasing after peace in your life, I'm chasing after peace in your life, and everything's unsettled in your life, and everything's unsettled in your life, and everything's unsettled in your heart, it could be that you have not heart, it could be that you have not heart, it could be that you have not accepted that peace, God's peace, the accepted that peace, God's peace, the accepted that peace, God's peace, the very peace of God. You have not accepted very peace of God. You have not accepted very peace of God. You have not accepted his invitation to follow after him of his invitation to follow after him of his invitation to follow after him of your heart. And with that acceptance of your heart. And with that acceptance of your heart. And with that acceptance of that invitation, you now belong to the that invitation, you now belong to the that invitation, you now belong to the family of God, which brings me to the family of God, which brings me to the family of God, which brings me to the second thing that the covenant meal second thing that the covenant meal second thing that the covenant meal represents. It represents a It's a sign represents. It represents a It's a sign represents. It represents a It's a sign of Say it.

of Say it. of Say it. Belonging. Belonging. Belonging. I I want you to notice that Moses didn't I I want you to notice that Moses didn't I I want you to notice that Moses didn't go do this covenant meal all by himself. go do this covenant meal all by himself. go do this covenant meal all by himself. God told him, "Invite your brother and God told him, "Invite your brother and God told him, "Invite your brother and his sons and while you're at it, 70 his sons and while you're at it, 70 his sons and while you're at it, 70 other people, right? Bring them all." other people, right? Bring them all." other people, right? Bring them all." The meal, when you see it that way, was The meal, when you see it that way, was The meal, when you see it that way, was a banquet. a banquet. a banquet. It wasn't a work lunch. It wasn't a work lunch. It wasn't a work lunch. It was all about community, right? This It was all about community, right? This It was all about community, right? This is the Christian life. It was never is the Christian life. It was never is the Christian life. It was never intended to be walked alone. We were intended to be walked alone. We were intended to be walked alone. We were made to enjoy community together. In made to enjoy community together. In made to enjoy community together. In fact, in the opening pages fact, in the opening pages fact, in the opening pages of this book, but certainly the book of this book, but certainly the book of this book, but certainly the book that Moses wrote, the book of the that Moses wrote, the book of the that Moses wrote, the book of the covenant while he was up on that covenant while he was up on that covenant while he was up on that mountain in Genesis, mountain in Genesis, mountain in Genesis, he talks about creation and he says, he talks about creation and he says, he talks about creation and he says, "And God made the heavens and the "And God made the heavens and the "And God made the heavens and the earth." earth." earth." And he called them And he called them And he called them good. good. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> He made the sun and the moon and the >> He made the sun and the moon and the >> He made the sun and the moon and the stars and he called them stars and he called them stars and he called them Say it. Say it. Say it. Good. He made the plants and the animals Good. He made the plants and the animals Good. He made the plants and the animals and he called them and he called them and he called them good. But the first time God said, "That good. But the first time God said, "That good. But the first time God said, "That ain't good." And I'm not sure that's how ain't good." And I'm not sure that's how ain't good." And I'm not sure that's how he said it, but something like that.

he said it, but something like that. he said it, but something like that. Was when he saw Adam Was when he saw Adam Was when he saw Adam all alone. all alone. all alone. Because he knew that he had made us Because he knew that he had made us Because he knew that he had made us to need each other. to need each other. to need each other. And the way we say it around here is And the way we say it around here is And the way we say it around here is this way, life is better together. It's this way, life is better together. It's this way, life is better together. It's better together. Meaning we cannot better together. Meaning we cannot better together. Meaning we cannot actually do this thing all alone. It's actually do this thing all alone. It's actually do this thing all alone. It's better when we do it together. better when we do it together. better when we do it together. And that's why we don't just meet in And that's why we don't just meet in And that's why we don't just meet in rows in big rooms all over this city on rows in big rooms all over this city on rows in big rooms all over this city on Sunday mornings, but we actually meet in Sunday mornings, but we actually meet in Sunday mornings, but we actually meet in living rooms in circles in homes all living rooms in circles in homes all living rooms in circles in homes all over this city, hundreds and hundreds over this city, hundreds and hundreds over this city, hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of them offered all over and hundreds of them offered all over and hundreds of them offered all over the city almost every day of the week the city almost every day of the week the city almost every day of the week for every demographic or mixed for every demographic or mixed for every demographic or mixed demographic that you could possibly demographic that you could possibly demographic that you could possibly think of. And today we've made it think of. And today we've made it think of. And today we've made it incredibly simple for you to find a incredibly simple for you to find a incredibly simple for you to find a group if you don't have one. In the group if you don't have one. In the group if you don't have one. In the lobby of all of our campuses today, we lobby of all of our campuses today, we lobby of all of our campuses today, we have the start of a community group expo have the start of a community group expo have the start of a community group expo where there are people and leaders who where there are people and leaders who where there are people and leaders who want to meet you and help you find a want to meet you and help you find a want to meet you and help you find a group. group. group. That word community. So some of you were again were raised in So some of you were again were raised in a church that called the Lord's Supper a church that called the Lord's Supper a church that called the Lord's Supper communion.

Communion and community, do you know Communion and community, do you know it's the very same word? So, communion by very definition cannot So, communion by very definition cannot be taken alone. be taken alone. be taken alone. When when we take the Lord's Supper, When when we take the Lord's Supper, When when we take the Lord's Supper, we are saying we belong to Christ and we are saying we belong to Christ and we are saying we belong to Christ and don't miss this. don't miss this. don't miss this. And we belong to his people. And we belong to his people. And we belong to his people. It's a shared meal. Every covenant meal It's a shared meal. Every covenant meal It's a shared meal. Every covenant meal is a shared meal. And when you share a is a shared meal. And when you share a is a shared meal. And when you share a meal in the Middle East, you are saying meal in the Middle East, you are saying meal in the Middle East, you are saying you and I are one. We're part of the you and I are one. We're part of the you and I are one. We're part of the same family now. [clears throat] same family now. [clears throat] same family now. [clears throat] Covenant meals meant that you're a part Covenant meals meant that you're a part Covenant meals meant that you're a part of their tribe, they're you're they're a of their tribe, they're you're they're a of their tribe, they're you're they're a part of your tribe, and that still part of your tribe, and that still part of your tribe, and that still happens at almost every meal in the happens at almost every meal in the happens at almost every meal in the Middle East. If you travel with me to Middle East. If you travel with me to Middle East. If you travel with me to Israel or or Egypt in into the Middle Israel or or Egypt in into the Middle Israel or or Egypt in into the Middle East. By the way, East. By the way, East. By the way, this month is the deadline if you want this month is the deadline if you want this month is the deadline if you want to go to Kenya in January. We just have to go to Kenya in January. We just have to go to Kenya in January. We just have a few more spots available, so if you're a few more spots available, so if you're a few more spots available, so if you're going, you need to sign up this month. going, you need to sign up this month. going, you need to sign up this month. But when you travel to those places with But when you travel to those places with But when you travel to those places with me, periodically we make friends or or me, periodically we make friends or or me, periodically we make friends or or it's existing friends that we've already it's existing friends that we've already it's existing friends that we've already our friends with, and they invite some our friends with, and they invite some our friends with, and they invite some of us into their home, and we go sit in of us into their home, and we go sit in of us into their home, and we go sit in their home, and we share a meal with one their home, and we share a meal with one their home, and we share a meal with one another. Every time that happens, it's another. Every time that happens, it's another. Every time that happens, it's not a quick bite at McDonald's. It means not a quick bite at McDonald's. It means not a quick bite at McDonald's. It means something to them because they are something to them because they are something to them because they are inviting you to sit with them.

inviting you to sit with them. inviting you to sit with them. It's almost like It's almost like It's almost like finding your table finding your table finding your table in the high school cafeteria. in the high school cafeteria. in the high school cafeteria. I don't know if you remember that. I don't know if you remember that. I don't know if you remember that. But there was all kinds of tension in But there was all kinds of tension in But there was all kinds of tension in grabbing that tray and turning to face grabbing that tray and turning to face grabbing that tray and turning to face that room full of tables. that room full of tables. that room full of tables. But once you found your table with your But once you found your table with your But once you found your table with your people, the tension went away when you people, the tension went away when you people, the tension went away when you turned to face that room. Why? Because turned to face that room. Why? Because turned to face that room. Why? Because you had a table that you could sit with you had a table that you could sit with you had a table that you could sit with people, and they were your people, and people, and they were your people, and people, and they were your people, and they got you, and you got them, and you they got you, and you got them, and you they got you, and you got them, and you were in relationship, and you felt safe were in relationship, and you felt safe were in relationship, and you felt safe there. There's a saying in the Middle East, There's a saying in the Middle East, especially among the Bedouin tribes, especially among the Bedouin tribes, especially among the Bedouin tribes, who still live in tents and are still who still live in tents and are still who still live in tents and are still nomadic and still move all over the land nomadic and still move all over the land nomadic and still move all over the land based on pastures based on pastures based on pastures for the livestock. for the livestock. for the livestock. And one time I And one time I And one time I spent some time spent some time spent some time in a Bedouin village in a Bedouin village in a Bedouin village and under a tent and under a tent and under a tent and under the sky where you could see a and under the sky where you could see a and under the sky where you could see a billion stars.

billion stars. billion stars. Gathered around a fire sharing meals Gathered around a fire sharing meals Gathered around a fire sharing meals with with these people. with with these people. with with these people. And there's a saying that they would And there's a saying that they would And there's a saying that they would say, and I'm going to share it with you say, and I'm going to share it with you say, and I'm going to share it with you and I'm going to make you Middle Eastern and I'm going to make you Middle Eastern and I'm going to make you Middle Eastern today. The The saying is this, there's today. The The saying is this, there's today. The The saying is this, there's now salt between us. now salt between us. now salt between us. There's now salt between us. I want you There's now salt between us. I want you There's now salt between us. I want you to say that phrase. There is now salt to say that phrase. There is now salt to say that phrase. There is now salt between us. between us. between us. And And here's what that means. They And And here's what that means. They And And here's what that means. They would literally give you salt to season would literally give you salt to season would literally give you salt to season your food with, but it but it was bigger your food with, but it but it was bigger your food with, but it but it was bigger than seasoning because in their minds than seasoning because in their minds than seasoning because in their minds there's now salt between us means we are there's now salt between us means we are there's now salt between us means we are now bonded. We're We're We're bonded now bonded. We're We're We're bonded now bonded. We're We're We're bonded forever. It's as if you took your salt forever. It's as if you took your salt forever. It's as if you took your salt shaker and they took their salt shaker shaker and they took their salt shaker shaker and they took their salt shaker and you mixed it into one and shook it and you mixed it into one and shook it and you mixed it into one and shook it up. There's no separating it at that up. There's no separating it at that up. There's no separating it at that point. There's now salt between us. And point. There's now salt between us. And point. There's now salt between us. And the idea in their culture and in their the idea in their culture and in their the idea in their culture and in their mindset is salt lasts forever. I don't mindset is salt lasts forever. I don't mindset is salt lasts forever. I don't know if you noticed that or not, but know if you noticed that or not, but know if you noticed that or not, but there's no expiration date on any bottle there's no expiration date on any bottle there's no expiration date on any bottle of salt. of salt. of salt. It lasts. It lasts. It lasts. It may lose its taste, but it lasts It may lose its taste, but it lasts It may lose its taste, but it lasts forever. It'll never go bad. That's why forever. It'll never go bad. That's why forever. It'll never go bad. That's why it's used in preserving. In the days it's used in preserving. In the days it's used in preserving. In the days before refrigeration, you could take raw before refrigeration, you could take raw before refrigeration, you could take raw fish or raw meat and set it in salt and fish or raw meat and set it in salt and fish or raw meat and set it in salt and it would preserve it for days and days.

it would preserve it for days and days. it would preserve it for days and days. Why? Salt is eternal and it's Why? Salt is eternal and it's Why? Salt is eternal and it's everlasting and it means something. And everlasting and it means something. And everlasting and it means something. And here's what they're saying, there's no here's what they're saying, there's no here's what they're saying, there's no end end end to this covenant between us. Now, watch to this covenant between us. Now, watch to this covenant between us. Now, watch this. When Jesus told his disciples, this. When Jesus told his disciples, this. When Jesus told his disciples, this is a covenant meal. this is a covenant meal. this is a covenant meal. They knew that he was now providing They knew that he was now providing They knew that he was now providing peace. peace. peace. Peace between them and the Father, but Peace between them and the Father, but Peace between them and the Father, but they also knew they would be bonded they also knew they would be bonded they also knew they would be bonded forever. That this is an eternal, forever. That this is an eternal, forever. That this is an eternal, everlasting aspect to this meal. It's everlasting aspect to this meal. It's everlasting aspect to this meal. It's not some one-off. And when Jesus said in not some one-off. And when Jesus said in not some one-off. And when Jesus said in all the Gospels, well, three, Matthew, all the Gospels, well, three, Matthew, all the Gospels, well, three, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John 6 is not a part of Mark, and Luke, John 6 is not a part of Mark, and Luke, John 6 is not a part of this story, okay? So, don't confuse this story, okay? So, don't confuse this story, okay? So, don't confuse that. that. that. But in these three Gospels, when Jesus But in these three Gospels, when Jesus But in these three Gospels, when Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me." said, "Do this in remembrance of me." said, "Do this in remembrance of me." The word in the Greek, "Do this in The word in the Greek, "Do this in The word in the Greek, "Do this in remembrance of me." is in the imperfect remembrance of me." is in the imperfect remembrance of me." is in the imperfect future tense, which means, "I want you future tense, which means, "I want you future tense, which means, "I want you to keep on doing this forever and ever to keep on doing this forever and ever to keep on doing this forever and ever and ever. You don't stop because I'm not and ever. You don't stop because I'm not and ever. You don't stop because I'm not going to stop." And you see, there's going to stop." And you see, there's going to stop." And you see, there's only one person, by the way, who can only one person, by the way, who can only one person, by the way, who can invite you to this table, and it's invite you to this table, and it's invite you to this table, and it's Jesus. That's why we call it the Lord's Jesus. That's why we call it the Lord's Jesus. That's why we call it the Lord's Supper. Look Look at this verse.

Supper. Look Look at this verse. Supper. Look Look at this verse. The time came Jesus and the apostles sat The time came Jesus and the apostles sat The time came Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Now, there's down together at the table. Now, there's down together at the table. Now, there's something in the Greek language here and something in the Greek language here and something in the Greek language here and in the context of this story that says in the context of this story that says in the context of this story that says this is Jesus' table. this is Jesus' table. this is Jesus' table. And he invited the disciples And he invited the disciples And he invited the disciples to to this table. to to this table. to to this table. And it's a big table. And it's a big table. And it's a big table. If you did Christianity in the '90s, you If you did Christianity in the '90s, you If you did Christianity in the '90s, you know it was a big, big table with lots know it was a big, big table with lots know it was a big, big table with lots and lots of food. And the table of Jesus is very, very And the table of Jesus is very, very big. big. big. And it's full of people from all And it's full of people from all And it's full of people from all different backgrounds and all different different backgrounds and all different different backgrounds and all different nationalities and all socioeconomic nationalities and all socioeconomic nationalities and all socioeconomic statuses. It's full of people with all statuses. It's full of people with all statuses. It's full of people with all personalities, people who are loud and personalities, people who are loud and personalities, people who are loud and people who are quiet. But at the end of people who are quiet. But at the end of people who are quiet. But at the end of the day, it's Jesus who chooses who sits the day, it's Jesus who chooses who sits the day, it's Jesus who chooses who sits there. And the thing is, he has invited there. And the thing is, he has invited there. And the thing is, he has invited you. And my question for you today is, you. And my question for you today is, you. And my question for you today is, have you accepted his invitation? have you accepted his invitation? have you accepted his invitation? And And if the answer is no, by the way, And And if the answer is no, by the way, And And if the answer is no, by the way, when Jesus said, "Every time you eat and when Jesus said, "Every time you eat and when Jesus said, "Every time you eat and every time you drink, every time you drink, every time you drink, you are proclaiming you are proclaiming you are proclaiming the Lord's death."

the Lord's death." the Lord's death." Meaning this is not just about Meaning this is not just about Meaning this is not just about receiving. receiving. receiving. It's about proclaiming. It's about proclaiming. It's about proclaiming. And I want to ask you, have you received And I want to ask you, have you received And I want to ask you, have you received the invitation, have you accepted the the invitation, have you accepted the the invitation, have you accepted the invitation, and are you proclaiming the invitation, and are you proclaiming the invitation, and are you proclaiming the invitation to others? invitation to others? invitation to others? And in fact, if the Holy Spirit has laid And in fact, if the Holy Spirit has laid And in fact, if the Holy Spirit has laid a name on your heart, a name on your heart, a name on your heart, and you've written that down, I I want and you've written that down, I I want and you've written that down, I I want you to grab that card. If he hasn't, you to grab that card. If he hasn't, you to grab that card. If he hasn't, grab the card and let's pray about it, grab the card and let's pray about it, grab the card and let's pray about it, okay? Would you just just bow your head okay? Would you just just bow your head okay? Would you just just bow your head and ask the Lord, and ask the Lord, and ask the Lord, "Who would you have me invest in over "Who would you have me invest in over "Who would you have me invest in over the next 2 weeks and invite to this the next 2 weeks and invite to this the next 2 weeks and invite to this place on August [music] place on August [music] place on August [music] the 30th?" And if you're here today, And if you're here today, and you've never trusted Jesus as your and you've never trusted Jesus as your and you've never trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, never given your life Lord and Savior, never given your life Lord and Savior, never given your life to him, I I want to help you do that with a I I want to help you do that with a prayer. And you're going to hear people praying And you're going to hear people praying all around you at every single campus. But if that's you, you want to give your But if that's you, you want to give your life to Christ and receive his life to Christ and receive his life to Christ and receive his invitation, would would you just pray invitation, would would you just pray invitation, would would you just pray with me and would you say, "Dear God, with me and would you say, "Dear God, with me and would you say, "Dear God, I know I'm a sinner, I know I'm a sinner, I know I'm a sinner, but today I ask you but today I ask you but today I ask you to forgive me to forgive me to forgive me for all of my sin.

for all of my sin. for all of my sin. Jesus, would you come into my life Jesus, would you come into my life Jesus, would you come into my life to be my Lord, to be my Lord, to be my Lord, my savior, my savior, my savior, my forgiver, my forgiver, my forgiver, in the best way that I know how. in the best way that I know how. in the best way that I know how. I turn my back on my sin, I turn my back on my sin, I turn my back on my sin, and I trust you alone, Jesus, and I trust you alone, Jesus, and I trust you alone, Jesus, to save me. to save me. to save me. Thank you for saving me." Thank you for saving me." Thank you for saving me." And if you just prayed that prayer and And if you just prayed that prayer and And if you just prayed that prayer and you meant it with all of your heart, you meant it with all of your heart, you meant it with all of your heart, listen, you're invited to the table, listen, you're invited to the table, listen, you're invited to the table, to the Lord's Supper. to the Lord's Supper. to the Lord's Supper. Would you stand with me across all of Would you stand with me across all of Would you stand with me across all of our campuses today? And here's what our campuses today? And here's what our campuses today? And here's what we're going to do. Just go ahead and we're going to do. Just go ahead and we're going to do. Just go ahead and stand, if you would, across all the stand, if you would, across all the stand, if you would, across all the campuses. campuses. campuses. At every campus, we have the elements At every campus, we have the elements At every campus, we have the elements for the Lord's Supper at the front of for the Lord's Supper at the front of for the Lord's Supper at the front of the room. In some of the campuses, we the room. In some of the campuses, we the room. In some of the campuses, we also have it at at back of the room. But also have it at at back of the room. But also have it at at back of the room. But we're going to step out. We're going to we're going to step out. We're going to we're going to step out. We're going to bring that card. I gave you two cards, bring that card. I gave you two cards, bring that card. I gave you two cards, one for you to keep so you can remember one for you to keep so you can remember one for you to keep so you can remember to pray for them. to pray for them. to pray for them. And the other, I want you to drop in And the other, I want you to drop in And the other, I want you to drop in this receptacle so that we can pray with this receptacle so that we can pray with this receptacle so that we can pray with you for your friends and family and you for your friends and family and you for your friends and family and loved ones and neighbors and who loved ones and neighbors and who loved ones and neighbors and who whomever they are whomever they are whomever they are to you.

to you. to you. And in fact, let me just encourage you. And in fact, let me just encourage you. And in fact, let me just encourage you. I I I don't want you just to pray. For I I I don't want you just to pray. For I I I don't want you just to pray. For 23 years, there was a name 23 years, there was a name 23 years, there was a name that I wrote on cards like this. that I wrote on cards like this. that I wrote on cards like this. And sometimes I invited him and and And sometimes I invited him and and And sometimes I invited him and and sometimes I just prayed for him and sometimes I just prayed for him and sometimes I just prayed for him and never reached out. never reached out. never reached out. A couple of months ago, he died A couple of months ago, he died A couple of months ago, he died and never came into my knowledge, never and never came into my knowledge, never and never came into my knowledge, never trusted Christ. trusted Christ. trusted Christ. And and so my encouragement to you is And and so my encouragement to you is And and so my encouragement to you is this, this, this, if God lays somebody on your heart, talk if God lays somebody on your heart, talk if God lays somebody on your heart, talk to God about that person, but then go to God about that person, but then go to God about that person, but then go talk to that person about God. And it talk to that person about God. And it talk to that person about God. And it may just be as simple as come with me on may just be as simple as come with me on may just be as simple as come with me on August 30th. I'll pick you up. I'll take August 30th. I'll pick you up. I'll take August 30th. I'll pick you up. I'll take you to lunch afterwards. Just come be a you to lunch afterwards. Just come be a you to lunch afterwards. Just come be a part. And and so today, as you come part. And and so today, as you come part. And and so today, as you come forward, drop the name in the forward, drop the name in the forward, drop the name in the receptacle, take the elements of the receptacle, take the elements of the receptacle, take the elements of the Lord's Supper, go back to your seat, and Lord's Supper, go back to your seat, and Lord's Supper, go back to your seat, and in a moment the campus pastors will come in a moment the campus pastors will come in a moment the campus pastors will come and instruct you on taking the Lord's and instruct you on taking the Lord's and instruct you on taking the Lord's Supper together. Come on, church. Let's Supper together. Come on, church. Let's Supper together. Come on, church. Let's get the elements and let's lay these get the elements and let's lay these get the elements and let's lay these names in the receptacles.

>> As we prepare [music] to take communion >> As we prepare [music] to take communion together, for those of you joining us together, for those of you joining us together, for those of you joining us online, I want to encourage you to online, I want to encourage you to online, I want to encourage you to participate [music] as well. participate [music] as well. participate [music] as well. If you haven't already, you can If you haven't already, you can If you haven't already, you can remove the top layer revealing the wafer remove the top layer revealing the wafer remove the top layer revealing the wafer and just hold the wafer in your hand for and just hold the wafer in your hand for and just hold the wafer in your hand for just [music] a moment. And it says that when Jesus had one And it says that when Jesus had one final meal final meal final meal >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> with his disciples >> with his disciples >> with his disciples before he would go to the cross, it says before he would go to the cross, it says before he would go to the cross, it says that as they were eating that as they were eating that as they were eating Jesus took some bread and blessed Jesus took some bread and blessed Jesus took some bread and blessed [music] it. [music] it. [music] it. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And then he broke it in pieces and gave >> And then he broke it in pieces and gave >> And then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples saying it to the disciples saying it to the disciples saying take this and eat it take this and eat it take this and eat it for this is [music] my body. for this is [music] my body. for this is [music] my body. You may take the bread. And then it says he took a cup of wine And then it says he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. and gave thanks to God for it. and gave thanks to God for it. And he gave it to them and said each of And he gave it to them and said each of And he gave it to them and said each of you you you drink of it for this is my blood drink of it for this is my blood drink of it for this is my blood which confirms the covenant between God which confirms the covenant between God which confirms the covenant between God and his people. and his people. and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice It is poured out as a sacrifice It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. And then he to forgive the sins of many. And then he to forgive the sins of many. And then he says mark my words, I will not drink says mark my words, I will not drink says mark my words, I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new wine again until the day I drink it new wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my [music] father's kingdom.

with you in my [music] father's kingdom. with you in my [music] father's kingdom. You may take the cup. >> [music] >> [music] >> Church, we come to the table as a family >> Church, we come to the table as a family >> Church, we come to the table as a family and we live out our faith as a family. and we live out our faith as a family. and we live out our faith as a family. For those of you who are here today, you For those of you who are here today, you For those of you who are here today, you don't have [music] community. I want to don't have [music] community. I want to don't have [music] community. I want to encourage you, go out into the lobby, encourage you, go out into the lobby, encourage you, go out into the lobby, find a community group for you. And my find a community group for you. And my find a community group for you. And my prayer is that God's presence [music] prayer is that God's presence [music] prayer is that God's presence [music] and his peace would cover you this week. and his peace would cover you this week. and his peace would cover you this week. Church, we love you. We're praying for Church, we love you. We're praying for Church, we love you. We're praying for you. We'll see you next Sunday.