Communion | AGC & Discipleship Training (March 11th)

Understanding the Sacrament of All Sacraments

Introduction to the Teaching

• This teaching aims to encapsulate the essence of church and Christianity, focusing on the significance of sacraments.

• The speaker indicates that this topic cannot be covered in one session and will require two days for a comprehensive understanding.

Liturgy Discussion

• Next week's discussion will delve into the specifics of liturgy, including timing and reasoning behind practices. The term "liturgy" is explained as relating to "literal energy."

Dual Awareness in Rituals

• Priests must train themselves to operate in two spaces: being present physically while also engaging spiritually during rituals. This dual awareness is crucial for effective sacramental duties.

• Non-priests may not need this heightened awareness, but it is essential for those in priestly roles.

Online Participation

• The speaker acknowledges online participants, emphasizing community engagement during teachings. A total of 119 attendees are noted at this point.

The Role of the Priest

Importance of Priesthood

• A message from Pastor Sun highlights the depth and value of priestly teachings, indicating a desire for further discussion on these topics later. The role of priests is emphasized as significant enough that God sent His son as a chief priest.

Marketplace vs Church Standards

• There’s a critique regarding how society has reduced the role of priests to fit marketplace standards rather than elevating marketplace practices to align with priestly standards. This shift dilutes the true essence and authority associated with priesthood.

Call for Elevation

Submission to God and the Role of Communion

Understanding Submission to God

• The speaker emphasizes that true submission to God requires structure and community, indicating that one cannot claim submission without serving others.

• The discussion transitions into scriptural references, specifically Matthew 12, which is pivotal in understanding the concept of communion.

The Significance of the Sabbath

• Jesus' actions on the Sabbath are highlighted when His disciples pluck grain, prompting questions from the Pharisees about legality.

• The speaker notes that Jesus uses David's story to illustrate a deeper understanding of law versus mercy regarding hunger and necessity.

David and the Showbread

• The narrative shifts to King David entering the priest's house and eating showbread, which was typically reserved for priests only.

• This act symbolizes a breaking of traditional boundaries; David’s lineage (Judah) contrasts with Levite priesthood yet still partakes in sacred practices.

Symbolism of Showbread

• The showbread represents the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing God's people. It is significant as it illustrates communal identity within divine worship.

• Only priests were allowed to eat this bread, emphasizing its sanctity and connection to divine provision for God's people.

New Testament Foreshadowing

• David's request for showbread during his time of need foreshadows themes in the New Testament regarding grace and access to God’s provisions.

• Jesus points out that even priests can work on the Sabbath without blame, suggesting a shift towards understanding mercy over strict adherence to law.

Conclusion: Mercy Over Sacrifice

• Jesus declares Himself as Lord over the Sabbath, indicating a new covenant where mercy supersedes ritual sacrifice.

The Royal Priesthood and Communion

The Concept of the Royal Priesthood

• The speaker discusses the significance of David wearing a priestly garment, indicating a future where business leaders will embody a royal priesthood, transcending the traditional Levitical priesthood.

Sacrifice and Foreshadowing

• The priests were killed for giving David the showbread, symbolizing sacrifice. This act foreshadows Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

Understanding Communion

• A key question arises: Did David take the showbread by force? It is clarified that he asked for it from the priests, highlighting an example of communion.

Showbread as Symbolism

• The showbread represents nourishment and righteousness. It was presented to people every Sabbath as a sign of God's love, paralleling how Jesus later instituted communion.

Changing Nature of Priesthood

• Jesus indicates that His disciples are now part of this new priesthood, performing acts similar to those of Old Testament priests without being from Levi's tribe.

Understanding Church Practices

Insights from Personal Experience

• The speaker shares personal revelations about communion received during fasting and prayer over eight months, emphasizing its deep spiritual significance.

Energy and Spirit in Worship

Understanding the Capture of Spirit and Its Vessels

The Nature of Waves and Spirit

• The speaker discusses how various waves exist in every area, similar to radio frequencies that need to be tuned in for capture. This analogy illustrates the omnipresence of spiritual energy.

Capturing the Spirit

• The concept of an "earthen vessel" is introduced, emphasizing that both mind and body are necessary to capture the spirit effectively. The term "flesh" encompasses this duality.

Importance of Rituals

• Without a proper vessel or sacramental vehicle, spiritual experiences may go uncaptured. The speaker critiques gatherings where people experience the spirit but fail to utilize it meaningfully.

Flowing with the Spirit

• Observations are made about Pentecostal meetings where participants express joy through laughter and physical movement. However, the speaker suggests these moments should not be constant; instead, they should focus on capturing and imparting spiritual energy.

Role of Church as a Vessel

• Churches serve as vessels designed to catch divine glory. The metaphorical comparison is made between different types of vessels (e.g., glasses, ships), highlighting that each has its unique capacity for holding spiritual energy.

Unity Among Believers

• For effective reception of spiritual outpouring, unity among believers is crucial. Drawing from scripture, the speaker emphasizes that when brothers dwell together harmoniously, they can better catch divine blessings.

Mixed Multitudes and Shared Values

• A reference is made to "mixed multitudes" in the Old Testament as a barrier to receiving glory. Shared values among individuals are essential for maintaining spiritual integrity within relationships.

Communion's Connection to Spiritual Mechanics

• Transitioning into discussions about communion in 1 Corinthians 11, the speaker highlights a connection between head coverings and communion practices—suggesting both require understanding their underlying mechanics for effective participation.

Misunderstandings Around Communion Practices

• The speaker points out common misconceptions regarding communion rituals by referencing specific verses in 1 Corinthians 11. They argue that understanding context is vital for grasping its true significance.

Understanding the Ontology of Glory in Relationships

The Concept of Being a Vessel

• The speaker emphasizes that individuals should view themselves as vessels for glory rather than just as people. This perspective is crucial for understanding spiritual energy flow during significant life events like marriages and funerals.

Biblical References to Glory

• A biblical verse is introduced, stating that man is the image and glory of God while woman is the glory of man. The speaker clarifies that this isn't about gender superiority but about understanding roles in capturing divine glory.

Authority and Symbolism

• The discussion includes why women should have a symbol of authority on their heads, linking it to how angels interact within communion settings. This symbolizes the structure through which divine glory flows.

Interdependence Between Genders

• The speaker highlights that neither man nor woman is independent from each other in spiritual contexts, emphasizing mutual dependence under God’s design. This challenges patriarchal interpretations by stressing equality in purpose.

The Role of Women as Mothers

• Women are described as mothers who create and nurture life, representing the church's role in bringing forth children born from divine glory. This metaphor illustrates how spiritual lineage operates within faith communities.

Communion as Community

• Communion is defined not merely as a ritual but as a representation of community, where shared experiences foster connections among believers. Understanding this concept helps clarify the nature of relationships within the church.

Mechanics of Spiritual Connection

• The speaker compares spiritual dynamics to mechanical systems, suggesting that just like electricity requires specific components to function, so too does catching divine glory require an understanding of relational mechanics between genders.

Christ and the Church Relationship

Understanding the Flow of Divine Energy in Church Services

The Concept of Methodology vs. Energy

• The speaker emphasizes that church services should focus on the flow of divine energy rather than merely following methodologies, which can be seen as a power struggle.

• The term "circuitry" is introduced as a more fitting analogy for understanding how divine energy operates within a church setting, moving away from traditional doctrinal frameworks.

Communion and Its Origins

• The discussion shifts to the concept of communion, tracing its origins back to Genesis 14 and emphasizing its significance in understanding spiritual practices.

• The speaker highlights that communion's true roots are found in the Passover, where Jesus is identified as the Paschal lamb, linking it to covenantal themes.

Understanding Covenant Through Communion

• A critical point made is that God operates through covenants; during times of judgment (e.g., killing firstborns), specific instructions related to communion are given.

• This connection between communion and God's actions against enemies illustrates deeper meanings behind church practices and their implications for believers.

Symbolism of Leaven in Scripture

• Matthew 13:33 is referenced, comparing the kingdom of heaven to leaven that permeates dough, symbolizing how spiritual truths spread rapidly among believers.

• The speaker notes that leaven acts like bacteria—contagious and transformative—highlighting its importance in understanding biblical teachings about growth and influence.

Differences in Communion Practices

• A distinction is made between different Christian traditions regarding communion bread; Catholics use unleavened bread while Eastern Orthodox churches use leavened bread.

• This difference raises questions about ritual significance and theological implications surrounding the nature of Christ’s body represented during communion.

Insights from St. John Chrysostom

Understanding the Significance of Leaven in Communion

The Role of Leaven in Christianity

• The speaker discusses the metaphor of leaven, suggesting that Christians are like leaven in the world, meant to influence and "contaminate" others positively.

• There is a contrast made between traditional practices of communion with leaven versus unleavened bread, highlighting confusion among Catholics regarding their rituals.

• The original church used leavened bread for communion; however, this practice shifted over time without clear understanding or reasoning.

Biblical Foundations and Ritual Practices

• Reference to Exodus 12 emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical context when discussing communion practices.

• A mixed multitude is identified as problematic; unity among believers is essential for passing down spiritual truths effectively.

Secrets and Spiritual Integrity

• The speaker introduces a concept of "secrets" within spiritual leadership, indicating that trust increases with deeper knowledge shared among those who ascend spiritually.

• Maintaining secrets is portrayed as crucial for protecting spiritual integrity; compromising these secrets can lead to contamination by negative influences.

Protecting Spiritual Authority

• The significance of sacred oaths during confession is discussed; breaking confidentiality can allow negative forces to infiltrate one's spiritual life.

• An analogy involving holding corners of a bag illustrates how one compromised area can lead to vulnerabilities within a community or individual spirituality.

Maintaining Glory and Community Integrity

• Emphasis on maintaining the integrity of the vessel (community or individual), which holds divine glory; any compromise leads to loss.

Beware of Contamination: The Leaven of Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod

Understanding the Concept of Leaven

• The speaker warns against the "leaven" of various groups (Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herod), indicating that these influences can contaminate the church.

• Jason emphasizes that holding glory within the church is about achieving world dominion; this concept is crucial for understanding the church's role in society.

The Role of the Church

• The church is described as the highest dominion on earth and a powerful agency capable of holding divine glory.

• A distinction is made between unleavened bread (Catholic tradition) and leavened bread (Orthodox tradition), highlighting misunderstandings regarding their significance in relation to Christ.

Passover Ritual Significance

• Emphasis on how often unleavened bread is mentioned in scripture indicates its importance; it symbolizes purity and holiness.

• Each man represents a king and priest over his household, taking responsibility for spiritual leadership within his family.

Symbolism in Passover Practices

• The act of killing a lamb at twilight symbolizes Jesus' crucifixion; blood placed on doorposts signifies protection from destruction.

• Light represents God's favor upon His people while darkness falls upon their enemies during Passover rituals.

Communion as Protection

• Communion rituals are linked to light and glory being contained within believers while keeping destruction at bay.

• It’s emphasized that contamination through leaven must be avoided to maintain spiritual integrity; otherwise, blessings may leak away.

Eating with Urgency

• Participants are instructed to eat quickly during Passover as a sign of urgency for deliverance from enemies; this reflects an expectation of imminent salvation.

Communion and Contamination: Understanding the Significance

The Urgency of Preparedness

• The speaker emphasizes the need for readiness within a community, likening it to a state of war where members must be vigilant and prepared to act quickly.

• Discussion on why different denominations use unleavened bread for communion, highlighting historical separations from Orthodox and Catholic traditions.

The Symbolism of Unleavened Bread

• Unleavened bread is consumed with urgency, symbolizing a sense of war and haste in spiritual practices.

• The speaker notes that God’s judgment during communion extends beyond individuals to include all false gods and practices associated with witchcraft.

Spiritual Warfare During Communion

• Taking communion invokes fear in demonic entities; the act is portrayed as a powerful declaration against evil forces.

• Emphasizes the importance of unity within the church community during communion, warning against contamination from outside influences.

Protection of Church Integrity

• Historical context provided on why certain churches restrict participation in communion to protect their congregational integrity and glory.

• Highlights how various denominations maintain strict boundaries around their communion practices to prevent spiritual contamination.

Judgement and Repentance

• The speaker discusses personal experiences with offense within church communities, emphasizing prayer for those who may harbor resentment.

• A call for discernment among believers regarding who can partake in communion, stressing God's protective measures over His people.

Safeguarding Divine Glory

• An analogy comparing church operations to an airlock system illustrates how breaches can compromise spiritual integrity; safeguarding measures are essential.

• Further comparison made to circuit breakers, explaining how divine power must be carefully managed to prevent disruptions caused by external influences.

Conclusion: Maintaining Sacredness Within Community

• Reinforces that God desires His church to be a vessel of glory without leaks or contamination; this underscores the church's potential power when aligned correctly.

Understanding the Significance of Communion

The Role of Blood in Judgment

• The speaker references Exodus 12:13, emphasizing that the blood serves as a sign for protection against judgment during the plague in Egypt.

• Highlights the importance of approaching communion with reverence, contrasting casual attitudes with more solemn practices observed in Catholic traditions.

Preparation and Purity

• Discusses the command to eat unleavened bread for seven days, illustrating how this practice was crucial for preparation and purity among the Israelites.

• Stresses that consuming leaven during this period would result in being "cut off," indicating severe consequences tied to disobedience.

Separation and Judgment

• Explains that failure to adhere to these practices could lead to dire outcomes, such as illness or loss during divine judgment.

• Emphasizes the distinction between those who are pure (unleavened) versus those who are mixed (contaminated), linking it back to communal practices today.

Open Table Concept

• The speaker discusses having an open table for communion based on personal revelation about Jesus, suggesting inclusivity while acknowledging traditional beliefs about purity.

• Mentions historical context regarding religious conflicts during the Protestant Reformation, highlighting how rituals were critical for community identity and survival.

Ritualistic Practices and Community Loyalty

• Describes how both Catholic and Protestant armies prayed before battles, implying that understanding rituals could influence outcomes.

• Notes that early church practices involved using leavened bread to spread their teachings widely before later separating from other denominations.

Maintaining Community Integrity

• Discusses how different factions within Christianity sought to maintain purity by using unleavened bread as a symbol of loyalty and separation from perceived contamination.

• Reflecting on unity within communities through shared rituals while also addressing fears of external influences leading to division.

Future Evangelism Strategies

• Outlines plans for future evangelism where leavened bread will be used again, allowing members to spread their faith into various environments without losing integrity.

• Expresses a focus on building strong leaders within the community before expanding outreach efforts.

Use of Holy Water in Ritual Cleansing

Understanding the Ritual of Anointing and Communion

The Process of Cleansing with Holy Water

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of cleansing objects in a spiritual context, using holy water to remove any defilement or corruption from instruments and surfaces.

• It is explained that this practice is rooted in the belief that Jesus' incarnation has spiritually washed the world, symbolizing purification through simple acts like sprinkling water.

Significance of Foot Washing

• A reference is made to Jesus washing His disciples' feet, highlighting Peter's initial resistance and Jesus’ insistence on the necessity of this act for spiritual cleanliness.

• The speaker asserts that Christians do not require elaborate rituals; even a small amount of holy water can drive out negative forces.

Anointing with Oil

• After cleansing, oil is used to anoint various items, including bread and utensils, inviting the Holy Spirit into these elements.

• Salt is introduced as a covenant element in biblical tradition, emphasizing its role in adding flavor and representing a binding agreement within the community.

Historical Context of Ritual Practices

• The speaker discusses how these rituals have been practiced for centuries but may lack understanding among modern practitioners such as nuns and priests.

• Communion bread symbolizes unity within the church community while excluding those outside it due to concerns about spiritual contamination.

Importance of Unleavened Bread

• The text references biblical instructions regarding unleavened bread during specific periods, indicating its significance in maintaining purity within the congregation.

• Emphasis is placed on avoiding leavened products to prevent spiritual contamination and ensure communal integrity against external negative influences.

Repentance Before Communion

• The concept of repentance before partaking in communion is discussed; historically focused more on belonging to the church than merely confessing sins.

• Clarification is provided that repentance was originally about acknowledging one's place within the body of Christ rather than solely addressing personal sinfulness.

Understanding the Significance of Communion

The Mindset of the Priest During Communion

• The priest must adopt a specific mindset while breaking the bread, akin to the moment when the Lamb of God was slain in the temple. This act symbolizes a spiritual cutting, paralleling sacrificial practices.

The Process of Sacrifice and Its Spiritual Implications

• When an animal is sacrificed, its blood is drawn out to signify death. This practice is mirrored in both Muslim and Jewish traditions, emphasizing that life departs before consumption can occur.

• The concept here is that as life leaves during sacrifice, new life enters through communion. Breaking bread represents this duality: death (of Christ) and resurrection (the Holy Spirit entering).

Dual Actions at the Communion Table

• Two significant actions occur during communion: one where life departs (symbolizing Christ's sacrifice), and another where the Holy Spirit fills those present. Understanding these actions enhances one's experience at the communion table.

• Different gestures made by the priest during communion have distinct meanings; lifting up signifies resurrection while placing down represents sinfulness.

Unity Among Believers

• Emphasis on unity among believers is crucial for effective worship. Paul highlights that divisions within a congregation disrupt communal harmony and diminish spiritual energy.

• Paul references Psalm 133:1 about brothers dwelling together in unity, suggesting that such harmony allows blessings to flow from God through leaders to congregants.

Issues with Division During Communion

• Paul addresses issues arising from factions within the church during communion gatherings. He notes that differing backgrounds should not lead to disunity but rather enhance collective worship.

• A historical context reveals how early church practices evolved into structured rituals, contrasting personal home communions with formal church settings where order must be maintained.

Importance of Order in Worship

• Paul stresses respect for church order and leadership roles during communion. Disregarding this structure equates to disrespecting God's heart and undermines communal sanctity.

Understanding Order and Division in the Church

The Importance of Order in Worship

• The speaker emphasizes that attending church is about returning to order, suggesting that participation in worship aligns one's will with divine structure.

• He warns that divisions within the church can lead to a loss of glory, indicating that unity is essential for maintaining spiritual presence and power.

The Betrayal of Judas: A Lesson on Commitment

• During the Last Supper, Judas reaches for bread, symbolizing betrayal; this act highlights the significance of intention and knowledge in relationships.

• The speaker reflects on how Jesus identifies Judas as his betrayer through a prophetic word, illustrating the deep connection between actions and spiritual awareness.

Intimacy Without Commitment

• The speaker quotes Bill Johnson regarding intimacy without commitment being akin to Judas' betrayal, drawing parallels to modern relationships where individuals seek closeness without accountability.

• This concept is further explored by questioning whether people desire affection without responsibility, emphasizing the need for genuine commitment in faith.

Communion as an Act of Submission

• Coming to the communion table signifies submission to God's order; it represents a collective identity within the church community rather than individualism.

• By partaking in communion, believers affirm their belonging to a blessed body of Christ, reinforcing communal ties over personal desires.

Respecting Church Authority and Inheritance

• The speaker discusses respecting different church traditions and orders when participating in communion, highlighting each congregation's unique inheritance from God.

• He stresses humility when approaching other churches' practices—acknowledging their authority while valuing one’s own community's blessings.

Unity Amidst Diversity

• Emphasizing respect for various church structures enhances unity; recognizing each institution's role helps maintain glory within diverse expressions of faith.

• The importance of acknowledging divisions among congregants is noted as crucial for identifying those who are truly committed and approved within the community.

Remembrance Through Communion

• As Paul recounts Jesus’ words during communion (1 Corinthians 11:23), he underscores its significance as an act of remembrance—a call to regularly reflect on Christ’s sacrifice.

Understanding Communion and Unity in the Church

The Importance of Remembrance

• The act of communion should be a frequent reminder of unity among believers, emphasizing that it can occur outside church settings.

• Believers are encouraged to pray for their community, asking for God's glory to remain untainted within their family.

Unworthy Manner Explained

• The term "unworthy manner" refers not just to personal sin but specifically to divisions within the church community.

• Paul addresses the issue of division among members, indicating that such disunity contaminates the communion experience.

Self-Examination Before Communion

• Individuals must examine themselves before partaking in communion; failure to do so leads to judgment due to lack of discernment regarding the body of Christ.

• Not discerning the Lord's body means failing to recognize one's connection with other believers, which is crucial during communion.

Consequences of Division

• Offense and division within the church can lead to negative repercussions in personal lives, including financial struggles and health issues.

• Maintaining unity is essential for preserving God's glory within the church; a mixed multitude cannot hold this glory effectively.

Judgments and Community Health

• Eating and drinking in an unworthy manner results in self-inflicted judgment due to dishonoring communal bonds.

• Disrespecting community guidelines or breaking trust can lead to sickness or spiritual lethargy among members.

Reflection on Sin and Division

• The focus should not solely be on individual sins before communion but rather on addressing divisions that disrupt unity within the church.

Communion and Unity in the Church

The Importance of Togetherness

• The speaker emphasizes that division among church members can lead to spiritual sickness, lack of healings, miracles, and signs. Unity is crucial for the community's health.

• Communion serves as a reminder of the church's collective strength, likening it to a military force or "church militant," where members come together with purpose.

Invitation to Share Blessings

• The communion table symbolizes an open invitation for others to partake in the church's blessings. The intention is to share goodness rather than negativity.

• When divisions arise within the church, the speaker may temporarily close the communion table to ensure unity and protect its sanctity.

Ritual Significance

• Closing the communion table is compared to practices in other denominations (e.g., Catholicism), highlighting respect for different traditions while maintaining order within one's own congregation.

• The act of consuming leavened bread during communion signifies spreading positivity and gospel teachings beyond oneself.

Historical Context of Communion

• A deeper exploration into historical liturgy will be discussed in future sessions, focusing on thoughts and emotions associated with breaking bread and sharing wine during communion.

Clarifying Misconceptions about Bread

• A question arises regarding whether Jesus used unleavened bread during his last supper. The speaker clarifies that it was not unleavened since it occurred before Passover.

• This discussion ties back to biblical events involving David and priestly rituals, illustrating how Jesus' actions were symbolic of temple practices leading up to his crucifixion.

Respecting Different Traditions

• Participants are encouraged not to worry about past experiences with communion from other denominations; respect for each tradition’s rules is emphasized.

• The speaker acknowledges that every church has its own guidelines regarding who can partake in communion but reassures attendees about their participation here.

Discussion on the Lord's Supper

Opening Remarks and Invitation to Pray

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of not needing to close a table, suggesting an openness to sharing and spreading their message across countries soon.

• An invitation is made for participants to stand up and pray together, indicating a communal aspect of the gathering.

Significance of the Lord's Supper

• The speaker expresses gratitude for the institution of the Lord's Supper, highlighting it as a significant blessing.

• It is noted that at this table, enemies are judged while participants receive glory, emphasizing a spiritual victory associated with partaking in this sacrament.