Holy Communion: Life.Church Midweek

Sharing in Christ’s Body and Blood

Scripture References

Primary text

• 1 Corinthians 11:28
• 1 Corinthians 11:26

Other references

• 1 Corinthians 10:16
• Luke 22:19
• Matthew 26

Overview

During this Holy-Week mid-week service, Pastor Craig Groeschel, his wife Amy, and worship leader Luke “Mr. Music” Guevarra guide the church family through worship and the Lord’s Supper. Craig centers the moment on what Jesus endured for us, teaches why communion is participatory, and invites everyone to examine their hearts, remember Christ’s sacrifice, and look forward to His return. The service blends Scripture reading, songs of resurrection victory, and a guided time of bread and cup in homes all over the world.

Context

• Viewers were told ahead of time to prepare simple elements for communion; Craig reassures them that the power is in Christ’s presence, not in perfect bread or juice (he recalls once using Goldfish crackers and lemon-flavored Gatorade at a wedding).
• Holy Week focus: anticipating Easter while pausing to honor Jesus’ suffering and death.

Main Points

Communion means participation, not observation

• The Greek word “koinonia” is translated both “fellowship” and “communion”; it implies active sharing.
• Illustration: Baseball vs. soccer – in baseball many watch while few act; in soccer everyone moves and touches the ball. Christianity is like soccer: every believer participates in Christ’s life.
• 1 Corinthians 10:16 calls the cup and the bread “a participation in the blood and body of Christ.”

Three heart postures before taking the Lord’s Supper

Look Within

• 1 Corinthians 11:28 instructs believers to examine themselves.
• Repent of sin, rejoice over victories, and remember that Jesus is near to those who feel alone.

Look Back

• Luke 22:19 – Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”
• Remember His faithfulness in Scripture and in personal history.
  • Story: Craig surveys crises the church has already lived through—OKC bombing (1995), 9/11, the 2008-09 housing crash—and trusts God will likewise carry us through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Look Ahead

• 1 Corinthians 11:26 proclaims the Lord’s death “until He comes.”
• Matthew 26 records Jesus’ promise not to drink the cup again until He drinks it new with us in His Father’s kingdom.
• Early believers would end communion saying, “Next time, with Christ,” anticipating a final earthly communion followed by one with Jesus Himself.

Guided celebration of the elements

• Bread: “This is My body, broken for you.” Participants eat in remembrance.
• Cup: “This is My blood of the new covenant, shed for the forgiveness of sins.” Participants drink in gratitude.
• Craig leads a declaration of praise for Jesus’ grace, power, and coming kingdom.

Worship declarations

“Who can compare to the Lord Almighty?
He’s awesome in power, He’s mighty to save.”

“It was the death of death when You rose to life… praise the Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Key Truths

• Communion is an active sharing in Jesus’ body and blood, not a passive ritual.
• Self-examination and repentance prepare the heart to receive Christ’s grace.
• Remembering past deliverance fuels faith for present trials.
• The table also points forward: Jesus will return, and believers will feast with Him.
• Christ’s death and resurrection secure ultimate victory—“the death of death.”

Response

• Examine your heart honestly; repent of anything that offends Christ.
• Celebrate specific ways God has already shown faithfulness in your life.
• Take the bread and cup with gratitude, declaring Jesus’ sacrifice and victory.
• Live expectantly, knowing the next communion could be with Christ Himself.
• Invite friends and family to the upcoming online Easter services.

Closing

Craig concludes by reminding anyone overwhelmed with fear that true peace is found in Jesus, the risen Son of God. Calling on His name brings forgiveness and new life. He urges the church to gather online all Easter weekend and ends with the Life Church refrain:

“Whoever finds God, finds life.”

Prayer

Amy leads in prayer: confessing sin, thanking Jesus for bearing our shame, rejoicing in His resurrection life, and longing for the day believers are fully with Him.