Tag Archives: communion

Engaging Our Culture: April 17-The First Communion

Posted on April 17, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2004 movie “The Passion of the Christ”

Bible Verse of the Day:

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you, Luke 22:14-20.

Biblical Connection:

Up to this point, Jesus had spent 3 years of His life mentoring 12 men. These disciples traveled with Jesus throughout the Middle East, listening, observing and watching. This preparation leads to one final meal together known as the last supper. Yet, for modern followers of Christ, this conversation at a table was the first communion. At this moment, the disciples didn’t understand what was going to happen over the next 3 days. After Resurrection Sunday, the symbolism of this new covenant was revealed and has become a weekly or monthly tradition in churches today.

Jesus drops subtle hints to His disciples during the 3 years that they were together. However, many of the disciples believed that Jesus would become an earthly king of the Jews. Unfortunately, this ungodly belief prevented Jesus’ core leadership team from seeing his true identity as a heavenly king. Struggling to say His last words before dying on a cross, “It is finished,” Jesus fulfilled what was prophesized in the Old Testament. The prayer in Garden of Gethsemane following the Last Supper in Luke 22:39-46 puts into motion Jesus’ journey to the cross.

Closing Song:

The older I become, the more I realize that modern day Christians don’t understand the cost of following Jesus. Instead, most keep Jesus as their Savior, but not as Lord. Subsequently, the light and love of Jesus isn’t on display at all times, picking and choosing at your own convenience. May this power of the Holy Spirit awaken your soul in 2025 to celebrate the risen Christ daily.

by Jay Mankus

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Do You Want to Enjoy Life and See Good Days?

Posted on March 14, 2022 by expressyourself4him

I tend to be outspoken about issues that affect or impact my life. While teaching high school Bible for a decade, I lost my cool a couple of times. On one occasion I wrote a letter to the administration which got me in hot water with other teachers. Following this escapade, my good friend Spencer provided words of wisdom: “loose lips sink ships.” According to one of Jesus’ disciples, this is crucial to enjoying life and seeing good days ahead.

For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit), 1 Peter 3:10.

My grandmother Joana always greeted me with the same corny phrase, “you’re such a good religious boy.” As a children raised in the Roman Catholic Church, I was taught to pursue the holy sacraments. From my first communion, years of CCD (Sunday School for Catholics), and completing the Confirmation process, I thought I was well on my way toward enjoying life and seeing good days. Boy was I wrong as if God was whispering, “not so fast.”

Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! 6 And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man’s nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna), James 3:5-6.

While I knew all the right religious answers, my life was void of a personal relationship with God, Romans 10:9-10. Subsequently, I struggled through my first two years of high school with many unanswered questions. Thanks to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes group at Concord High and a local Methodist youth group, I started to run the race of faith, Hebrews 12:1-2. Although I’m nowhere near graduating from this spiritual adventure, I’m on the right path to clearing up my speech. As Christian’s mature, enjoying life and good days are slices of heaven on earth before the real party in the sky commences.

by Jay Mankus

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When a Communion Ceremony Turned into a Pissing Match

Posted on November 13, 2021 by expressyourself4him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX38E34JEFw

The content of your conversation reflects the type of person that you are. Everyone has a hot button, a topic that you can talk about for hours at a time. Depending upon who you are talking with, you may be tempted to one up whoever is speaking. Following the conclusion of their story, you may brag, embellish or exaggerate to impress everyone in the room. This is exactly what happened when Jesus’ disciples turned the first communion ceremony into a pissing match of who’s the best.

Then He took a loaf [of bread], and when He had given thanks, He broke [it] and gave it to them saying, This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. 20 And in like manner, He took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament or covenant [ratified] in My blood, which is shed (poured out) for you. 21 But, behold, the hand of him who [a]is now engaged in betraying Me is with Me on the table. 22 For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined and appointed, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed and delivered up! 23 And they began to inquire among themselves which of them it was who was about to do this, Luke 22:19-23.

Insecurities tend to cause human beings to want to be liked by their peers. Subsequently, you may lie or pretend to be what is popular, trendy or socially acceptable. This masquerade continues until you’re fully comfortable with the person that you’ve become or you no longer care about what other people think. In the case of the twelve disciples, each one was trying to impress Jesus, hoping to become his favorite. This insecurity spawned a look how much better I am than you debate.

But Jesus said to them, The kings of the Gentiles [c]are deified by them and exercise lordship [[d]ruling as emperor-gods] over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors and well-doers. 26 But this is not to be so with you; on the contrary, let him who is the greatest among you become like the youngest, and him who is the chief and leader like one who serves. 27 For who is the greater, the one who reclines at table (the master), or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am in your midst as One Who serves, Luke 22:25-27.

This earthly mindset is exposed in the passage above. Heaven isn’t concerned about who the best is at this or that. Rather, heaven rejoices at the sight of Christians humbling themselves so that they develop a heart to serve others. Jesus didn’t just talk a good game; He was willing to lay down his life for sinners, Romans 5:8. Therefore, the next time someone tries to get you to participate in a I’m a better Christian than you debate, steer this conversation toward becoming the greatest servant of all.

by Jay Mankus

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The Burning within Us

Posted on April 18, 2021 by expressyourself4him

On the original Easter Sunday, a group of individuals traveled from Jerusalem to Emmaus, a 7 mile walk. Without any electronic devices to pass the time, this group reflected upon all that had happened during Passion Week. Going along on this walk was Jesus, disguised and playing coy. Jesus asks a series of questions, setting the tone for this afternoon stroll. Upon arriving, Jesus is asked to stick around for dinner. This is when an internal burning sensation began deep inside the hearts of these men..

Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, Do you alone dwell as a stranger in Jerusalem and not know the things that have occurred there in these days? 19 And He said to them, What [kind of] things? And they said to Him, About Jesus of Nazareth, Who was a Prophet mighty in work and word before God and all the people— 20 And how our chief priests and rulers gave Him up to be sentenced to death, and crucified Him, Luke 24:18-20.

Based upon the knowledge of a first century doctor, Cleopas appears to have been one of 72 additional disciples chosen by Jesus in Luke 10:1. Since no one else is mentioned directly by name, Cleopas seems to be the leader of this caravan. Jesus continues to asks Cleopas questions as if a stranger, unaware of the previous events that took place from Palm Sunday to Good Friday. Cleopas responds to Jesus with a befuddled expression as if to suggest, “where have you been man?”

But they urged and insisted, saying to Him, Remain with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. So He went in to stay with them. 30 And it occurred that as He reclined at table with them, He took [a loaf of] bread and praised [God] and gave thanks and asked a blessing, and then broke it and was giving it to them 31 When their eyes were [instantly] opened and they [clearly] recognized Him, and He vanished (departed invisibly). 32 And they said to one another, Were not our hearts greatly moved and burning within us while He was talking with us on the road and as He opened and explained to us [the sense of] the Scriptures? – Luke 24:29-32.

The mood of this group changed during a meal. Reclining at a table, Jesus let his guard down as the conversation ignited a spiritual fire within those who attended. It’s unclear what triggered their minds to finally recognize Jesus, but this communion like atmosphere opened their eyes. As soon as Jesus vanished like a ghost, this encounter struck a nerve in their consciences. Perhaps, there was a sense of regret, “I can’t believe Jesus was with us the whole time.” Inspired by this special moment, Cleopas’s group turned around, walking 7 miles back to Jerusalem as the fire inside their hearts continue to smolder.

by Jay Mankus

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A Subtle Reminder

Posted on August 7, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Every day mail boxes are filled with reminders. Letters sent to remind you of an obligation, usually to pay a specific bill by a certain date. While many individuals have opted to set up their banking online, there will always be mailboxes filled with daily reminders. After a quick glance, most of the junk mail goes directly to the garbage, the recycle bin or a pile to be burned.

For anyone who eats and drinks without discriminating and recognizing with due appreciation that [it is Christ’s] body, eats and drinks a sentence (a verdict of judgment) upon himself, 1 Corinthians 11:29.

Whether you pick up a Bible, daily devotional or read online translations, this book is filled with spiritual reminders. In the passage above, the apostle Paul warns believers about going through the motions while taking communion. Instead of following the crowd to get in line, take some time for self reflection, If your heart isn’t right with God, it’s okay to abstain.

That [careless and unworthy participation] is the reason many of you are weak and sickly, and quite enough of you have fallen into the sleep of death, 1 Corinthians 11:30.

While the Walking Dead is a popular television series on AMC, if you look closely enough each day, you’ll pass by many people who are lifeless. They may not be zombies, but a lack of joy leaves a growing number comfortably numb. To avoid falling prey to apathy, depression or suicidal thoughts, make sure you take time to read the Bible daily. Once inside you’ll find subtle reminders to keep you from going through the motions.

by Jay Mankus

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Uniting Communion with Prayer

Posted on December 29, 2019 by expressyourself4him

The word unite refers to coming or bringing together for a common purpose or action. In a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul explains the meaning and purpose of communion. Whenever you partake in communion, the passage below is either read or summarized. Yet, if you exclude prayer from communion, there is a key element being overlooked.

For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are representing and signifying and proclaiming the fact of the Lord’s death until He comes [again], 1 Corinthians 11:26.

Perhaps, first century churches began taking communion services for granted, going through the motions without any personal reflection. The passage below serves as a warning, a reminder to take this sacrament seriously. To avoid this careless mistake, Paul urges readers to thoroughly examine yourself prior to eating the bread and drinking your cup.

So then whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in a way that is unworthy [of Him] will be guilty of [profaning and sinning against] the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a man [thoroughly] examine himself, and [only when he has done] so should he eat of the bread and drink of the cup, 1 Corinthians 11:27-28.

While in college, one of my mentors served as a pastor in a rural area. Many of his members took this passage to the extreme, not showing up at all on Sunday for church, feeling unworthy and unprepared to take communion. After a couple of months, pastor Jack stopped announcing when communion would be served, changing the weeks every month. The next time you partake in communion, prepare yourself with prayer so that contrite hearts will begin to purge sin from your life.

by Jay Mankus

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Missing Christ

Posted on December 28, 2019 by expressyourself4him

Until high school, I was a struggling student, caring more about fitting in than getting good grades. This immaturity caused me to surround myself with individuals with questionable character. By the time I reached junior high school, I was somewhere between amoral and naïve, going through the motions. This spiritual condition led me to miss Christ’s role in Christmas as presents distracted me from the true meaning of Christmas.

Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die. But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us, Romans 5:7-8.

Perhaps, I was hindered by Catholicism, going from point A to point B. After celebrating my first communion, my parents enrolled me in CCD, the Catholic version of Sunday School. Unfortunately, adult Sunday School classes were fun, CCD was more like going to school, but more boring. Instead of simplifying this process, the pursuits of sacraments, theology and traditions staggered my faith.

For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [[g]endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness], 2 Corinthians 5:21.

The most important aspect of CCD is preparing 8th graders for Confirmation. While I still didn’t grasp Jesus’ role in the mass of Christ, I was exposed to God’s free gift of salvation, Romans 6:23. Looking back, going through the Confirmation process laid a foundation for my current faith. As you unwrap your gifts this Christmas, don’t miss the spiritual truth of a Savior born to save mankind from sinful desires that wage war against human souls.

by Jay Mankus

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Communion, Connection and Conviction

Posted on September 16, 2018 by expressyourself4him

Depending upon your upbringing, communion may mean the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings.  To Catholics and Christians, communion is a Holy Sacrament, also known as the Eucharist.  In the context of the passage below, Jesus withdraws from a crowded house to spend time with God, likely listening, meditating and praying to his heavenly father.  This daily spiritual practice energized Jesus’ soul, providing vision and direction for his earthly ministry.

Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there, Mark 1:35.

Before the concept of home churches began, Jesus connected every day with his disciples.  This time together was spent teaching, answering questions and reclining at a table while eating.  Like a first century Bible Study, Jesus was the living word, John 1:1-5, living his life as an open book for the whole world to see.  The disciples maintained this gathering after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, Acts 2:42-47.  The more individuals connect with fellow believers, the sharper you become spiritually, Proverbs 27:17.

Simon [Peter] and his companions searched [everywhere, looking anxiously] for Him, 37 and they found Him and said, “Everybody is looking for You!” 38 He replied, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so I may preach there also; that is why I came [from the Father].” 39 So He went throughout Galilee, preaching [the gospel] in their synagogues and casting out demons, Mark 1:36-39.

When communion is immediately followed by connection with like minded Christians, the Holy Spirit fills individuals with a strong conviction to act upon their faith.  Communion and connection propelled Jesus to preach the good news of salvation from town to town.  If you have ever had the chance to attend a conference, retreat or revival, God fills people with confidence, desire and energy to serve Jesus like never before.  This fusion of excitement is like a raging river bursting out of its banks.  May this blog inspire you to commune with God, interact with brothers and sisters and share your faith with others without hesitation or regret.

by Jay Mankus

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Last Rites

Posted on April 1, 2015 by expressyourself4him

No one except God knows what will be your last day, meal or words.  In the case of Jesus, I guess you can say He was born to die, causing a wide range of emotions.  As the Passion Week approached, interactions with family, friends and disciples would be his last, causing the praises of Hosanna on Palm Sunday to be replaced with “Crucify Him.”

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. – Luke 19:10

Today, when doctor’s sense the end is near, Catholics call a priest to perform last rites.  Otherwise known as the sacraments of anointing the sick, if death is expected, Penance and Communion is also offered to prepare one’s soul for the afterlife.  Once complete, family members gather around to savor the remaining moments of life together.  The closest thing that I’ve ever experienced was the day my grandfather died, holding his hand one last time before his last breath.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” John 11:25.

While hanging from a cross on Good Friday, there were only two more things left on God’s agenda.  First, Jesus gave hope to one of two criminals hanging from an adjacent cross, offering Him the promise of paradise for his repentant words.  Second, as the oldest son, Jesus wanted to make sure Mary was in good hands, commanding John of Zebedee to watch after his mother.  Though no last rites where necessary for Jesus, a perfect man, Hebrews 4:14-16, Jesus gave up His spirit with one final comment, “it is finished!”

by Jay Mankus

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When Silence Kills

Posted on June 18, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As human beings enter life on earth, God places certain instincts within babies, crying to get their mother’s attention.  Once talking commences, whining is replaced by mine, ooh and wanna.  Born inside of every child since Adam and Eve, the sinful nature is at war with silence.  If gratifications aren’t instantly met, silence can kill inclinations to be self-absorbed, training infants in the way they should go. Proverbs 22:6.

On the other hand, silence also separates individuals from God, Romans 3:23, as sin establishes a barrier deeper than the grand canyon, Romans 6:23.  Created to be in communion with the Lord and mankind, silence often steal, kills and destroys faith.  If this wall isn’t broken or lifted, souls will die void of any hope, joy or love.  Perhaps, someone or something is blocking this line, muffling God’s still small voice, 1 Kings 19:12-13.

No one is immune to silence, especially when prayers lifted up to heaven go unanswered.  Waiting is one thing I detest, rather pointless to a person in desperate need of answers.  Yet, despite my feelings, there are clues left behind by in the Bible which shouldn’t surprise me.  According to a servant of God who was sawed in two for his faith, silence is a way of life, Isaiah 40:27-31.  As Israel complained to this prophet, God reveals a message of hope to those still waiting in the dark for a response.    Therefore, if you are like me, scratching your head, trying to make sense life’s trials, may silence kill any hint of impatience within you, replaced by spiritual strength from the only One who can breathe life into a tired and weary soul.

by Jay Mankus

 

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