We are delighted that InterVarsity Press has agreed to contribute this column, “Defining Our Terms.” This table is taken from Adele Ahlberg Calhoun, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us, revised (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2015).
Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
Editor’s Note: In this issue we’re bringing back an old feature that helps us unpack the overall theme a little more. Throughout this issue of Conversations we’re exploring millennials and spiritual formation. While the editors invite a variety of voices to the table, we have come to believe it may be helpful to our readers if we offer some definitional clarity as an anchor point. As the cover art alludes to, Holy Communion is a spiritual discipline that is vital for millennials to partake of, and we also pause to remember a sacrament that is special to all believers, uniting us as the body of Christ.
To be nourished by Christ, tasting the sweet depths of redemption.
Definition
The Lord’s Supper celebrates God’s redemptive plan through the sacrificial death of Jesus. Through this meal of bread and wine (or grape juice) we join ourselves to Christ and feed on him in our hearts through faith.
Scripture
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said to them.” (Mark 14:22–24)
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” (Acts 2:46–47)
“Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” (1 Corinthians 10:17)
Practice Includes
Partaking of Christ’s body and blood in the sacrament of Communion.
God Given Fruit
• Keeping company with Jesus no matter what happens.
• Having nourishment for the journey
• A growing awareness of your own spiritual poverty.
• More fully appreciating Jesus’ sacrificial love to rescue you.
• Appreciating the diversity of other believers who take of the Lord’s Supper with you.
• Having a passion for unity of the church worldwide.