1. Holy Communion is called by several different names in the New Testament:

A. In I Corinthians 11:20 it is called the "Lord's Supper."

B. In Acts 2:42 it is called "The breaking of bread."

C. In I Corinthians 10:16 it is called "communion" in the King James Version translating the Greek word KOINONIA which the NIV translates "participation."

D. Finally it is called "Eucharist" from the Greek word for thanksgiving, taken from the giving of thanks before taking of the elements.

2. Holy Communion was instituted by the Lord Jesus Himself:

Mark 14:22-14 "While they were eating Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and He gave it to His disciples saying, 'take it, this is my body.' Then He (Jesus) took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them and they all drank from it. This is my blood of the covenant (promise) which is poured out for many.'"

I Corinthians 11:23 "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: the Lord Jesus on the night he was betrayed took bread..."

3. Holy Communion helps us see Jesus' Incarnation and His atonement:

A. His Incarnation (In=in, Carn=flesh)

John 1:14 "The Word (Jesus) became flesh and lived for a while among us."

B. The Atonement - it helps us see Jesus shed His blood for us:

I John 1:7 "The blood of Jesus...cleanses us from all sin."

4. The Importance of Holy Communion

Read I Corinthians 11:23-33

A. It was passed to us by the Lord Jesus Himself - Verse 24a

B. It helps us remember what Jesus did for us - Verse 24b

C. It reminds us we have a new covenant with God through the Blood of Jesus - Verse 25

D. It reminds us to proclaim salvation through His death on the cross - Verse 26

E. It reminds us of the importance of searching out hearts and repenting - Verse 30-32

F. It reminds us to look out for the interests of others - Verse 33

5. Who can participate in Holy Communion?

A. You must be Born Again - Matthew 26:26 "While they were eating Jesus took bread and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, take and eat, this is my body.'" Notice He gave it to His DISCIPLES - His followers, those who have committed themselves to Him! Not just any stranger but the one who truly believes in Him!

B. You must examine yourself and confess any known sin - I Corinthians 11:28 "A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup."