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Do you see A "Spiritual presense" In the Communion?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Yeshua1, Aug 9, 2013.

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  1. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    Not as either RCC/Lutheryns do, but do you see there being more than just a symbolic referencing here?
     
    #1 Yeshua1, Aug 9, 2013
  2. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    If I didn't...

    ....see a spiritual presence and sense it....I wouldn''t be doing communion in the first place. I believe in it bringing us into His full presence!

    Great question! :praying:
     
    #2 righteousdude2, Aug 10, 2013
  3. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    No I do not. Its symmbolic only.
     
    #3 Earth Wind and Fire, Aug 10, 2013
  4. clark thompson

    clark thompson Member
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    It is to remind us of what He did for us by His death.
     
    #4 clark thompson, Aug 10, 2013
  5. Inspector Javert

    Inspector Javert Active Member

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    No. I agree with EWF.

    I think a general penchant or need for symbolic imagery is ingrained into humans by nature and thus God has appealed to that in the ordinances. I think God condescended to man when he decreed them. But, I don't think that there's a real "presence" at all, at least, not in any way other than what already exists when two or more are truly gathered in his name and in obedience.

    I think humans are generally wired to "Need" something akin to a liturgy...and God provided a system within Christianity wherein we might benefit from it. But, otherwise, the answer is no.
     
    #5 Inspector Javert, Aug 10, 2013
  6. Alive in Christ

    Alive in Christ New Member

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    I dont think there is anything "mystical" about the Lords supper, but I DO always get a very real sense of "awe" as I meditate on what Christ endured..for us..s shortly after that that meal. :praying:
     
    #6 Alive in Christ, Aug 10, 2013
  7. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I believe it symbolic, to remind US of His death until He returns and to remind HIM of His promise to return and take us to enjoy the Lord's Supper with Him in heaven!!

    At the same time, there IS a spiritual level involved. Just like in other aspects of our worship - in reading the Word, in singing, in praying, in baptizing. These are times of "living out grace", not receiving it (or more of it).
     
    #7 Dr. Bob, Aug 10, 2013
  8. Herald

    Herald New Member

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    First, what it is not:

    The Lord's Supper is a means of grace. It provides a real spiritual benefit to the recipients. Its benefits are described this way:

    When the local body of Christ gathers to celebrate the Lord's Supper they are communing with each other and God. By strengthening the faith of the recipients the ordinance becomes a means of grace.
     
    #8 Herald, Aug 10, 2013
  9. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    I believe it’s symbolic, but I also believe that many (including my church and myself) often have a too shallow attitude towards its observance.

    (I don’t believe that the Lord’ Supper provides a means of grace that is absent except during Communion but I also don’t believe it is merely a symbol – it is an act of worship).
     
    #9 JonC, Aug 10, 2013
  10. Herald

    Herald New Member

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    Interesting. What exactly is worship? Worship is both an attitude of reverence and awe towards God, but also acts of service. Under the Old Covenant economy worship was performed by the priests through temple service. Hebrews 9 informs us that Jesus Christ entered through a better tabernacle and did away with the system of Old Covenant worship. Today worship is through the Holy Spirit which actually brings us into the presence of God (John 4:23, "spirit and truth") during worship. In other words God is present during our worship. If that is true then He is present during the administration of the Lord's Supper; and if that is true then the Lord's Supper, while still remaining a memorial, possesses a spiritual component. Worship not only ascribes to God the glory due His name, but it also spiritually strengthens the worshiper. In that sense it is a means of God's grace. That is why some view the Lord's Supper as a means of grace.
     
    #10 Herald, Aug 11, 2013
  11. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    I just wonder if the lord jesus wants us to be especially focused upon Him and His work on th Cross for us during those times, so that we can get "blessed"...
     
    #11 Yeshua1, Aug 13, 2013
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