Path to Spiritual Maturity Meeting #11 Recap - Communion

Opening Prayer

Welcome:

Step 1: Overview

a. Go over last week’s assignment of reading an article on #7 Communion in the Foundations Pathway, and of doing an application.

b. This week’s assignment: read an article on #8 The Church in the Foundations Pathway, and do an application.

c. Finish with time for questions/comments.

If we run out of time you can always e-mail us, or post in the discussion group. I will post those e-mail addresses and the group link at the end of our session.

Step 2: Review of #7 Communion.

-Go over last week’s assignment of reading an article on #7 Communion in the Foundations Pathway, and do an application.

So did you do your reading and application this week? (Yes/no) Did you find it helpful? What struck you the most from your reading this week? Was there anything that you were really challenged on that you prayed about or are doing something about?

Communion is not an optional exercise for Christians. It is a command of Christ’s for us to remember His death, burial, and resurrection until He comes back again. Communion for me as a believer was always an important time. I was taught from Scripture that during that time I should dwell on what Christ had done in redeeming my soul from sin, and I should make sure that there was nothing in my life that was coming between the fellowship in my relationship with God. If there was anything I should confess it to God and get my heart and priorities straightened out. While in seminary I was a part of a church that had its main worship service centered around the observance of communion. This helped me appreciate communion even more as different men would take turns leading us from Scripture to consider again and again from all different ways what Christ had done for us as His adopted and forgiven children. We all need those reminders both of what Christ has done/is doing, and of maintaining that close fellowship with the Lord. Doing this corporately is the way that God has designed for these reminders, encouragements, and challenges to best take place.

How do you view communion? Do you on the one hand take it seriously and examine your relationship with God beforehand? Do you on the other hand take it excitedly, looking forward to remembering your great God and Savior? Do you take it regularly with a body of believers? Is it an encouragement to you? Does it help motivate you, affect your attitude, heart, emotions, and actions? Try taking more time to prepare for it and to really think about what Christ has done for you personally in freeing you from sin from various angles in Scripture and in aspects of your daily life.

Step 3: This week’s assignment: Begin #8 The Church in the Foundations Pathway.

Read at least one article in the Church category on the Path to Spiritual Maturity (#8 The Church under step 4) [or listen to an audio, or watch a video]. Then think about what you have read and do an application (some suggested ones are listed there). Next week we can discuss any questions that you might have had either about the article, or its application.

Other ideas:

*blog about your reading/application

*write down any questions you might have from the reading/experience

*write out any terms that you did not understand

*spend some time praying about and thanking God for His Word that He has given us to be able to know His truths.

Step 4: Questions, comments, and interaction.

…

Step 5: Closing Reminders:

*This week, focus on the Church Step. (Keep up your Bible reading time, and as needed, focus on your motivation.)

*Go to the group page to post comments, questions, or to find a posting of what we discussed during our time together. http://users.bible.org/groups/path_spiritual_maturity_discipleship

*E-mail us as needed.

Closing Prayer

Pursue Christ in all you do, and may this Path to Spiritual Maturity be a tool to help you pursue Him. That is our prayer and desire. God bless!