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Eucharist in the Catechism of the Catholic Church

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1106. "Together with the anamnesis, the epiclesis is at the heart of each sacramental celebration, most especially of the Eucharist:  You ask how the bread becomes the Body of Christ, and the wine . . . the Blood of Christ I shall tell you: the Holy Spirit comes upon them and accomplishes what surpasses every word and thought . . . Let it be enough for you to understand that it is by the Holy Spirit, just as it was of the Holy Virgin and by the Holy Spirit that the Lord, through and in himself, took flesh. [St. John Damascene, De fide orth 4, 13: PG 94, 1145A.]"

1324. "The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life.' [LG 11.] 'The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.' [PO 5.]"

1327. "In brief, the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: 'Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking.' [St. Irenaeus, Adv. haeres. 4, 18, 5: PG 7/l, 1028.]"

1329. "The Lord's Supper, because of its connection with the supper which the Lord took with his disciples on the eve of his Passion and because it anticipates the wedding feast of the Lamb in the heavenly Jerusalem. [Cf. 1 Cor 11:20; Rev 19:9.]  The Breaking of Bread, because Jesus used this rite, part of a Jewish meat when as master of the table he blessed and distributed the bread, [Gal 3:27 .] above all at the Last Supper. [Cf. Mt 26:26 ; 1 Cor 11:24 .] It is by this action that his disciples will recognize him after his Resurrection, [Cf. Lk 24:13-35.] and it is this expression that the first Christians will use to designate their Eucharistic assemblies; [Cf. Acts 2:42, 46 ; Acts 20:7, 11.] by doing so they signified that all who eat the one broken bread, Christ, enter into communion with him and form but one body in him. [Cf. 1 Cor 10:16-17.]  The Eucharistic assembly (synaxis), because the Eucharist is celebrated amid the assembly of the faithful, the visible expression of the Church. [Cf. 1 Cor 11:17-34 .]"

1336. "The first announcement of the Eucharist divided the disciples, just as the announcement of the Passion scandalized them: 'This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?' [Jn 6:60 .] The Eucharist and the Cross are stumbling blocks. It is the same mystery and it never ceases to be an occasion of division.  'Will you also go away?': [Jn 6:67 .] the Lord's question echoes through the ages, as a loving invitation to discover that only he has 'the words of eternal life' [In 6:68.] and that to receive in faith the gift of his Eucharist is to receive the Lord himself."

1340. "By celebrating the Last Supper with his apostles in the course of the Passover meal, Jesus gave the Jewish Passover its definitive meaning. Jesus' passing over to his father by his death and Resurrection, the new Passover, is anticipated in the Supper and celebrated in the Eucharist, which fulfills the Jewish Passover and anticipates the final Passover of the Church in the glory of the kingdom."

1355. "In the communion, preceded by the Lord's prayer and the breaking of the bread, the faithful receive 'the bread of heaven' and 'the cup of salvation,' the body and blood of Christ who offered himself 'for the life of the world': [Jn 6:51.]  Because this bread and wine have been made Eucharist ('eucharisted,' according to an ancient expression), 'we call this food Eucharist, and no one may take part in it unless he believes that what we teach is true, has received baptism for the forgiveness of sins and new birth, and lives in keeping with what Christ taught.' [St. Justin, Apol. 1, 66,1-2: PG 6, 428.]"

1356. "If from the beginning Christians have celebrated the Eucharist and in a form whose substance has not changed despite the great diversity of times and liturgies, it is because we know ourselves to be bound by the command the Lord gave on the eve of his Passion: 'Do this in remembrance of me.' [1 Cor 11:24-25 .]"

1359. "The Eucharist, the sacrament of our salvation accomplished by Christ on the cross, is also a sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for the work of creation. In the Eucharistic sacrifice the whole of creation loved by God is presented to the Father through the death and the Resurrection of Christ.  Through Christ the Church can offer the sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for all that God has made good, beautiful, and just in creation and in humanity."

1360. "The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all his benefits, for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification. Eucharist means first of all 'thanksgiving.'"

1365. "Because it is the memorial of Christ's Passover, the Eucharist is also a sacrifice. The sacrificial character of the Eucharist is manifested in the very words of institution: 'This is my body which is given for you' and 'This cup which is poured out for you is the New Covenant in my blood.' [Lk 22:19-20.] In the Eucharist Christ gives us the very body which he gave up for us on the cross, the very blood which he 'poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.' [Mt 26:28 .]"

1367. "The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice: 'The victim is one and the same: the same now offers through the ministry of priests, who then offered himself on the cross; only the manner of offering is different.' 'In this divine sacrifice which is celebrated in the Mass, the same Christ who offered himself once in a bloody manner on the altar of the cross is contained and is offered in an unbloody manner.' [Council of Trent(1562): DS 1743; cf. Heb 9:14, 27.]"

1368. "The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of the Church. The Church which is the Body of Christ participates in the offering of her Head. With him, she herself is offered whole and entire. She unites herself to his intercession with the Father for all men. In the Eucharist the sacrifice of Christ becomes also the sacrifice of the members of his Body. The lives of the faithful, their praise, sufferings, prayer, and work, are united with those of Christ and with his total offering, and so acquire a new value. Christ's sacrifice present on the altar makes it possible for all generations of Christians to be united with his offering. In the catacombs the Church is often represented as a woman in prayer, arms outstretched in the praying position. Like Christ who stretched out his arms on the cross, through him, with him, and in him, she offers herself and intercedes for all men."

1369. "The whole Church is united with the offering and intercession of Christ. Since he has the ministry of Peter in the Church, the Pope is associated with every celebration of the Eucharist, wherein he is named as the sign and servant of the unity of the universal Church. The bishop of the place is always responsible for the Eucharist, even when a priest presides; the bishop's name is mentioned to signify his presidency over the particular Church, in the midst of his presbyterium and with the assistance of deacons. The community intercedes also for all ministers who, for it and with it, offer the Eucharistic sacrifice:  Let only that Eucharist be regarded as legitimate, which is celebrated under (the presidency of) the bishop or him to whom he has entrusted it. [St. Ignatius of Antioch, Ad Smyrn. 8:1; SCh 10, 138.]  Through the ministry of priests the spiritual sacrifice of the faithful is completed in union with the sacrifice of Christ the only Mediator, which in the Eucharist is offered through the priests' hands in the name of the whole Church in an unbloody and sacramental manner until the Lord Himself comes. [PO 2 # 4.]"

1374. "The mode of Christ's presence under the Eucharistic species is unique. It raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as 'the perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all the sacraments tend.' [St. Thomas Aquinas, STh III, 73, 3c.] In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist 'the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.' [Council of Trent (1551): DS 1651.] 'This presence is called 'real' - by which is not intended to exclude the other types of presence as if they could not be 'real' too, but because it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present.' [Paul VI, MF 39.]"

1378. "Worship of the Eucharist. In the liturgy of the Mass we express our faith in the real presence of Christ under the species of bread and wine by, among other ways, genuflecting or bowing deeply as a sign of adoration of the Lord. 'The Catholic Church has always offered and still offers to the sacrament of the Eucharist the cult of adoration, not only during Mass, but also outside of it, reserving the consecrated hosts with the utmost care, exposing them to the solemn veneration of the faithful, and carrying them in procession.'[Paul VI, MF 56.]"

1384. "The Lord addresses an invitation to us, urging us to receive him in the sacrament of the Eucharist: 'Truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.' [Jn 6:53 .]"

1396. "The unity of the Mystical Body: the Eucharist makes the Church.  Those who receive the Eucharist are united more closely to Christ.  Through it Christ unites them to all the faithful in one body - the Church.  Communion renews, strengthens, and deepens this incorporation into the Church, already achieved by Baptism. In Baptism we have been called to form but one body. [Cf. 1 Cor 12:13 .] The Eucharist fulfills this call: 'The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread:' [1 Cor 10:16-17.]  If you are the body and members of Christ, then it is your sacrament that is placed on the table of the Lord; it is your sacrament that you receive. To that which you are you respond 'Amen' ('yes, it is true!') and by responding to it you assent to it. For you hear the words, 'the Body of Christ' and respond 'Amen.' Be then a member of the Body of Christ that your Amen may be true. [St. Augustine, Sermon 272: PL 38, 1247.]"

INTRODUCTION

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

We are branches grafted into the life-source of Jesus when we Commune with Him. We present ourselves at the Lord's Table as a living sacrifice. We bring nothing of any merit to the Table except what the Lord has already given us. We have received His life full of grace and truth and we have received the Holy Spirit given to lead us into His presence and bring all things to our remembrance. (Romans 11-12)

Bibliolatry: Placing the written Scriptures, the "graphe" Word of God above the place of your personal relationship with the 'logos" JESUS.

Ritualolatry: Placing the disciplined activity of Christian ritual (taking the Eucharist) above your personal relationship with the Lord.

Does this happen?

Bibliolatry

I remember back in 1976 when I sat under the wonderful ministry of Dennis and RIta Bennett for a full week at Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas. In one message The Rev. Dr. Dennis J. Bennett said, "Some have made a God out of the Bible and are involved in 'Bibliolatry'!" This was a new word in my theological vocabulary. It is a seed that has germinated for almost 40 years. Where do we see this today?

Let me ask you another question first. How many Christians have Bibles? How many have more than one Bible? How many Christians are involved in Bible Studies? Go to worship where the Pastor 'rightly divides' the Word of Truth? How much Christian Media is tied up in Bible reading, studies, seminars, conferences, retreat centers and campaigns? I would venture to say that about 90% of non-Catholic Christianity have their heads buried in the scriptures. How did the Church survive the first 300 years without the New Testament? How did the Church survive without personal Bibles only possible after 1440 years? It was each believer's personal relationship with the Living Jesus, the Bread of Life and the Wine of Life by the Holy Spirit! It is a relationship based on regular Communion with the Lord Jesus.

Ritualolatry

Let me ask another question. How many Christians are involved in having daily Communion or who daily partake of the Eucharist? For non-Catholics I would venture a guess that 99% are not having Communion Daily and among Catholics (Roman or Orthodox) I would venture that on a good day daily Communion might be 10% of the membership of each Parish. I know this because when visiting these churches I would get in line to be blessed during the Mass and noticed that less than 10% of the membership actually showed up daily. Having been a non-Catholic pastor I never knew anyone in 40 years who had Communion daily outside of the faithful few who would attend Mass each day at lest in the western Church. Then of those who do faithfully 'take Communion' how many actually 'receive' Communion? One is bread and wine the other is the Body and blood of Jesus. When it is the Flesh, the Living Bread of Christ and the Blood or the Life quickening agency of the Holy Spirit then we truly encounter Jesus while consuming the Holy Meal He gives to us. We either come to a table in the Church (an alter) or we sit down at The Table of the Lord. It is the difference between 'doing something' and 'experiencing something'. It is the difference between formality and obedience versus encountering and experiencing our relationship with Jesus. 

How do these two observations relate to Bibliolatry and Ritualolatry? 

Just this: If we, the Church, were spending even 'weekly' time in the presence of the Lord through the means Jesus (logos) gave us, in Communion, the scriptures (graphe) would come alive (rhema)! The Bible alone as the means to knowing the Lord will not bring transformation. Having Communion as a ritual exercise will not bring transformation, only the experience of encountering the presence of the Lord in His glory. 

Part One BIBLIOLATRY

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

We are branches grafted into the life-source of Jesus when we Commune with Him. We present ourselves at the Lord's Table as a living sacrifice. We bring nothing of any merit to the Table except what the Lord has already given us. We have received His life full of grace and truth and we have received the Holy Spirit given to lead us into His presence and bring all things to our remembrance. (Romans 11-12)

Bibliolatry: Placing the written Scriptures, the "graphe" Word of God above the place of your personal relationship with the 'logos" JESUS.

Does this happen? Jesus defines the problem of 'Bibliolatry'

See what Jesus says in John 5: “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

I remember back in 1976 when I sat under the wonderful ministry of Dennis and RIta Bennett for a full week at Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas. In one message The Rev. Dr. Dennis J. Bennett said, "Some have made a God out of the Bible and are involved in 'Bibliolatry'!" This was a new word in my theological vocabulary. It is a seed that has germinated for almost 40 years. Where do we see this today?

Let me ask you another question first. How many Christians have Bibles? How many have more than one Bible? How many Christians are involved in Bible Studies? Go to worship where the Pastor 'rightly divides' the Word of Truth? How much Christian Media is tied up in Bible reading, studies, seminars, conferences, retreat centers and campaigns? I would venture to say that about 90% of non-Catholic Christianity have their heads buried in the scriptures. How did the Church survive the first 300 years without the New Testament? How did the Church survive without personal Bibles only possible after 1440 years? It was each believer's personal relationship with the Living Jesus, the Bread of Life and the Wine of Life by the Holy Spirit! It is a relationship based on regular Communion with the Lord Jesus.

How do these two observations relate to Bibliolatry? 

Just this: If we, the Church, were spending even 'weekly' time in the presence of the Lord through Communion, the means Jesus (Logos) gave us, the scriptures (graphe) would come alive (rhema)! The Bible alone as the means to knowing the Lord will not bring transformation. Only having Communion with Jesus will bring transformation, only the experience of encountering the presence of the Lord in His glory. Otherwise those experiences are rare and random. Fellowship with Jesus at His Table is where He prepares for us to meet with Him. (2 Corinthians 3:18, 4:18, Luke 24:31, 1 John 1:1, John 1:14)

A Further Look at Bibliolatry

Let's review the word, "WORD" in its three forms in the New Testament Rhema, Logos, Graphe.:

RHEMA: What God gives us in His presence. He breathes the Logos into our lives by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead. "Man shall not live by bread alone but by every RHEMA that is breathed into us from the mouth of God." (This does not happen through memorization, reading and studying the paper and ink) - although from time to time it may occur by His grace and sovereignty. The RHEMA is something that happens in a relationship. For example, if your wife or child tells you they love you it has a totally different meaning than a facebook message when someone you hardly know says I love you to their wife or child online. Its nice. (You may "like' it, but it is not said in the  context of a relationship with you.) 

In Communion the bread and wine have both physical and spiritual properties. When we eat the natural food it pulls back the veil to reveal Jesus and His life (the Logos) to us. We feed on His presence. We commune with Him. When we do, the Holy Spirit brings The RHEMA to our eyes, ears and hearts. It quickens our hearts and minds. The RHEMA infuses us with such revelation that we are transformed by it. It is not dead paper and ink it is the Living Bread, the Living Word it is JESUS become flesh and we feast upon Him. Our relationship is what brings us the Word of life. (Connect the dots between these three scriptures: (Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, John 14:26)

LOGOS: (1 John 1:1, John 1:1, John 1:14) The 'embodiment of the LOGOS' is the person of JESUS. JESUS is the Law, the Prophets, the Psalms, the Gospels, the Acts, the Epistles and Revelation made flesh who lives among us. First as the Word (LOGOS) made flesh and then as the flesh of the living bread in Communion. 

COMMUNION is what Jesus demonstrated, gave us, asked us 'to do this' because it is where the natural (the graphe can produce the RHEMA.) The LOGOS has been written down, printed, bound and shared in thousands of different languages to put man in contact with the 'readable' testimony of Jesus. Then the Holy Spirit confirms what is read. But it is Communion, the Eucharist - the Agape Meal, of the bread and the wine, where the LOGOS becomes the RHEMA and has the power to bring transformation to our lives. Not the Bible but JESUS! The Bible can change culture, influence society, inspire us and is used by the Holy Spirit to bring about conviction of sin righteousness and judgment. But it is the personal encounter and relationship with Jesus that allows for us to experience the personal life changing RHEMA of His presence. It is our relationship with Jesus not the Bible that brings transformation. Notice what Jesus says about Communion in John Six.

"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 

Also John 6 - NOTE:  “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The "WORDS" I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe. 'WORDS' here = RHEMA

GRAPHE: Holy, inerrant writings of the Scripture (Includes Old Testament and New Testament). See what Jesus says just before He prophesies about the life giving power of a personal relationship with Him through Communion in John Five! He warns those who 'worship the reading, study and practice of Scripture in deference to having a Communal relationship with Him. Read this careful and then go back and read what is written above from John Six. 

The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy. It is RHEMA from the Holy Spirit in the context of Communion. Our relationship with Jesus (LOGOS) is the center of our faith. The Scriptures (GRAPHE) are there to confirm what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us about our relationship with the Lord. Communion brings  the scriptures to life when we encounter JESUS when done in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit it will just be a piece of bread and cup of wine. The fire is the glory. The glory is what Jesus shares in Communion. We are being changed from glory to glory as we look to the images of Jesus projected by the Holy Spirit into our hearts when His presence is shown to us. He opens our eyes and we 'recognize' Him. When we do it is this power that transforms our life. It has nothing to do with something we read, study, memorize or fill our minds with. It is by the power of the glory of God we encounter when we feed on the presence of the Lord that transformation takes place. We cannot transform ourselves. His presence alone transforms us.

Where your treasure is there will be your heart also. Spend time in Communion with the Lord before you pray! Before your study scripture! By yourself or with your family - before you go to church. Encounter the same Jesus who you gave your heart to and get to know Him at His Table. Experience His love, peace and joy as a personal experience before you go share the 'good news' with others. You must have His life to share His life. You must be in His light before you can share that light. If you drink from His presence -  your life with flow rivers of living water!  


PART TWO: RITUALOLATRY
We behold His glory as the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth



INTRODUCTION

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

We are branches grafted into the life-source of Jesus when we Commune with Him. We present ourselves at the Lord's Table as a living sacrifice. We bring nothing of any merit to the Table except what the Lord has already given us. We have received His life full of grace and truth and we have received the Holy Spirit given to lead us into His presence and bring all things to our remembrance. (Romans 11-12)

Bibliolatry: Placing the written Scriptures, "the 'graphe' Word of God" above the place of your personal relationship with the 'Logos Word of God" JESUS.

Ritualolatry: Allowing our activity of Christian faith to become empty ritual (as in 'taking the Eucharist') replacing the Lord's intention to bring us into deeper personal Communion with Him by 'receiving Communion' from Him. 

Does this really happen? 

Yesterday I blogged about "Bibliolatry" - a profound distraction from having an ongoing personal relationship with the Lord Jesus and understanding the operation of the Holy Spirit in that relationship through Communion. Please understand that after more than 40 years of Bible Study, Bible School, Membership classes, teaching and preaching ministries and more Bible than any one person deserves I am not selling out on the need for the Bible. What I am calling for and believe the Lord is crying out for is for His people to return to Him! He is the Word. He is the reason for faith. Because of Him we have the gift of eternal life but He wants to share that life with you here and now. Jesus has prepared His Table and is waiting to see you. He has much to share and so few who want to receive what He has. Mostly He just wants to share the reality of His love for you. There is another distraction and it is less obvious but as much a deterrent to our relationship with the Lord as Bibliolatry. 

Let me ask another question. How many Christians are involved in having daily Communion or who daily partake of the Eucharist? For non-Catholics I would venture a guess that 99% are not having Communion Daily and among Catholics (Roman or Orthodox) I would venture that on a good day, daily Communion might be 10% of the membership of each Parish. I know this because when visiting these churches I would get in line to be blessed during the Mass and noticed that less than 10% of the membership actually showed up daily. Having been a non-Catholic pastor I never knew anyone in 40 years who had Communion daily outside of the faithful few who would attend Mass each day at lest in the western Church. Then of those who do faithfully 'take Communion' how many actually 'receive Communion'? One is bread and wine the other is the Body and Blood of Jesus. When it is the Flesh, the Living Bread of Christ, and the Blood or life quickening agency of the Holy Spirit, then we truly encounter Jesus while consuming the Holy Meal that He gives to us. We either come to a table in the Church (an alter) or we join the Lord t His Table. It is the difference between 'doing something' and 'experiencing something'. It is the difference between formality and obedience versus encountering and experiencing a living, day-to-day, personal relationship with Jesus. 

How do these two observations relate to Ritualolatry? 

Just this: If we, the Church, were spending even 'weekly' time in the presence of the Lord through the means Jesus gave us, in Communion, the scriptures and the Eucharistic experience would come alive! The Bible alone as the means to knowing the Lord will not bring transformation. Having Communion as a ritual exercise will not bring transformation, only the experience of encountering the presence of the Lord in His glory.

Having Communion Each Morning - This morning on the Front Porch

COMMUNION is what Jesus demonstrated. He gave us something very special and even more important than the celebration of Passover.  He said 'to do this' because it is where the natural leads us into the supernatural. It is Communion, the Eucharist - the Agape Meal of the bread and the wine, where Jesus sees you and you look back at Him. He shares with you. He opens His treasures to you. He tells you His promises and comforts you. He lets you know how much He loves you personally and how much your life means to Him. So He meets you where you are, as you are for who you are. It is when we look back (eyes closed) at Him that transformation happens. Not the mechanics of the Eucharist but JESUS! It is the personal encounter and relationship with Jesus that allows for us to experience the real presence of Jesus. 

When Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life" He is saying that as the Good Shepherd He leads us to His Table. He is the way. He leads us on paths of righteousness even through the valley of the shadows. He is the truth. His glory is where we encounter the reality of His presence. He shares His glory with us and in His glory we see Him as He is in that moment. When we do we experience eternal life. We see the unseen. He opens our eyes to His reality. That is the definition of truth, The reality of Jesus presence, the Kingdom of God. In that reality He shares His life with us. Whatever happens in His presence in Communion, as brief as it may be, it is life giving and life changing. When we encounter His image "as in a mirror's reflection" it changes us from one degree of glory to another. It is our relationship with Jesus not the ritual memorial of the Eucharist. Its what happens while having the Eucharist. Its what happens as we eat the bread and drink the wine that brings transformation. Notice what Jesus says about Communion in John Six.

(1) "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. 

(2) I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 

(3) I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. 

(4) This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 

(5) Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 

When Camille and I have Communion each morning the presence of the Lord floods our home

Something Should Happen When You Receive the Eucharist - When You Receive Communion - The Greater Glory of the New Covenant - (Note the dynamic quality of the the glory of God)
2 Corinthians 3:7-18

"Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

We consider this in the context of Communion where we see Jesus in the glory (fire). CommunionFire is what happens when the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to recognize Jesus as we feed on His presence through the Living Bread of His Body and the Wine of Life in His Blood. (Consider Luke 24:13-49 specifically verse 30-31, 35-36; 2 Corinthians 4:13-18; 1 John 1:1-5)

Before there is Communion in the Body of Christ there must be CommunionFire between each person and the Lord. Only then will we see His glory as he intends. It is by revelation in CommunionFire that Jesus builds His Kingdom. "Upon this rock" (referring to the moment Peter sees Jesus and recognizes Him as the Christ, the Son of the Living God) Jesus says, "I will build my Church. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father who is in heaven!"

May the Lord pour out the renewal of CommunionFire as God's people receive the Eucharist; the Living Bread of His Body and the Living Wine of the Spirit in His Blood. and may we see the Scriptures in the light of His presence not just as paper and ink but as looking upon Jesus who quickens it by the Holy Spirit. Father we ask in the name of your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that you would pour out CommunionFire upon all who respond to your invitation to sit down at the Table of the Lord. May each of your children have their eyes open to recognize Jesus that each may feast upon His presence, life and love. Then by our communion with Him may we find our communion by Him with one another - that the world may believe that you sent Jesus. 

Notes
(1 John 1:1, John 1:1, John 1:14) The 'embodiment of the LOGOS' is the person of JESUS. JESUS is the Law, the Prophets, the Psalms, the Gospels, the Acts, the Epistles and Revelation made flesh who lives among us. First as the Word (LOGOS) made flesh and then as the flesh of the living bread in Communion. 

COMMUNION is what Jesus demonstrated, gave us, asked us 'to do this' because it is where the natural (the graphe can produce the RHEMA. The RHEMA has been written down, printed, bound and shared in thousands of different languages to put man in contact with the testimony of Jesus. Then the Holy Spirit confirms what is read. But it is Communion, the Eucharist - the Agape Meal of the bread and the wine, where the LOGOS becomes the RHEMA and has the power to bring transformation to our lives. Not the Bible but JESUS! The Bible changes cultures and is used by the Holy Spirit to bring about conviction of sin righteousness and judgment. But it is the personal encounter and relationship with Jesus that allows for us to experience the RHEMA of His presence. It is our relationship with Jesus not the Bible that brings transformation. Notice what Jesus says about Communion in John Six.

Also John 6 - NOTE:  “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The "WORDS" I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe. 'WORDS' here = RHEMA

Part Three: All the Olatries!

We ALL have "Olatries"! You, me and everyone in between. What's yours? What keeps you away from your relationship with Jesus? What keeps you from having deepening Communion on a regular basis? What hinders you from responding to His invitation to "Do this"? He is waiting at a Table He has prepared just for you so that He can pour out His love and life to you! 

Bibliolatry: When written Scripture becomes more important than your relationship (Communion) with Jesus the Logos/living Word of God. As in Bible study, teaching, preaching, memorization of God's written Word replaces a Communion-centric/Christ-centered, life of faith. In other words: Is Communion with Jesus the hub of all aspects of your Christian devotion.

Ritualolatry: When function of ritual distracts from the real relationship/presence of the Lord in Communion. As in going through the motions without an active Communion with the Lord and the Holy Spirit. In other words - have you lost your passion for Communion with the Lord?  

It is just like Addiction-olatry, Success-olatry, Money-olatry, Greed-olatry, Sin-olatry, Vanity-olatry are tactics used by evil to keep you from knowing the love of Jesus and His power to give you new life. 

For the believer we encounter Bibli-olatry, Ritual-olatry, Prayer-olatry, Self-olatry, Worship-olatry, Discipleship-olatry, Media-olatry and the list is never ending. 

Well-intentioned, religious 'practices', anything that you feel you must be self-employed to do to "have Communion with the Lord" is an "Olatry" - as in "id-olatry". We simply cannot work our way into the presence of the Lord. We cannot study our way into the presence of the Lord. We cannot pray our way into the presence of the Lord. We cannot mission our way into the presence of the Lord. We don't "make the presence of the Lord happen by our will, determination and strength"

The glory and presence of the Lord through Communion, like His all-sufficient gift of grace 
and the gift of the Holy Spirit is a gift  of heaven to each of us as well! 

Communion Opens Our Eyes to Recognize Jesus and Prepare Us for the Wedding Feast of the Lamb

God does not hold a report card on you when it comes to having enough merit badges to get a pass into His presence. It is the gift of God lest any man should boast. He invites us to His Table. In fact He invites all who will come! In the end of days He sends His friends out to "Compel them" to come!" He wants every seat filled. He said the religious would be "too busy" with the rewards of their 'self-effort' to come. Jesus said the King sent those already at His Table to go and get the halt, the blind, the lame and bring them to my Table. He was speaking of those who could not get there on their own. He invites - the children and says do not prevent them, those who have no money - those who are hungry and thirsty - all who labor and are overburdened. Labor to enter the rest of the Lord! "If we rest, He works" - perhaps then if "we work, He rests". Then the people say, 'Lord we have done s you have asked but there are still more empty seats!" The King tells them to go into the highways and byways and "compel them" to come! I want my house to be full!"  Luke 14:15-24, Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 13:24-29, 36-43, 25:1-13

In and of "our own strength" is part of the strategy of evil to dissuade us from knowing the power of Communion with the Lord. Gifts are given to receive! You can't earn them!

Once in Communion I saw the Lord sitting at a garden on a beautiful day with a 4 year old friend named Anna. A Bunny hopped past them and then a frog. Jesus was smiling as was Anna. Then I saw my youngest grand daughter walk up and she looked at me and said, "I want to be with Jesus like Anna!" I said, "You go ahead and sit down and look at how happy Jesus is to see you too!" The Holy Spirit then whispered in the cup, "His yoke is easy and His burden is light." With that i understood that the yoke was to sit down at the Garden with them and the burden was to just enjoy the moment! That's how it is in Communion. We eat and He shares His life and happiness with us. If we are not sitting down at the Lord's Table to enjoy the life He wants to share with us then something is an "Olatry" in our lives! Communion with Him is why He came, lived among us, suffered, died, rose and ascended! He wants to share His life with you! Not just the moment you ask Him into your heart but every day! He provides the means through Communion to see you! When He sees you and you see Him Communion happens! His presence transforms our life! 

How to be set free from ANY OLATRY in your life: 

Take a piece of bread and a sip of wine and 
ask the Lord to bless it as His Body and His Blood. 
Eat the Bread of Life and see Him - eyes closed - lets you see with the eyes of the spirit. 
Drink the Cup of Salvation and hear Him - eyes closed - lets you hear with the ears of your spirit.

Write down or think about what He shared with you in those few quiet moments. 

If not alone share with each other what you encountered. What you saw, heard, sensed or felt. When you do you have become a witness to the Testimony of Jesus.

When you do this all your Olatries will immediately disappear as the glory of the Lord quickly comes into your heart and mind. The "olatries" lose their grip. The power of the presence of the Lord will cause the enemy to scatter like darkness by the light or death and sickness by His life. Those who the Son sets free are free indeed. Our relationship with Him through His gift of the Eucharist to bring us into Communion with Him reveals His glory! When we encounter Him we are transformed from glory to glory!

Remember, He prepares His Table for you in the presence of your enemies. When you feast on His presence He anoints your head with the oil of gladness and revelation. As you drink from the never ending well of His salvation you are made new all over again. Every day with Jesus is better than the day before. Its that simple and that wonderful. Come to the Table. Sit down and eat and feast on His presence right there where you are. He comes to you to share something. Whatever He shares it is the sharing of His life with you. Jesus becomes your story. Drink in His salvation and realize you are clean through His blood of all sin, guilt, shame and condemnation. The law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death. It IS no longer you who lives, but Jesus who lives in you! When you drink from the cup of the new and everlasting covenant it causes a wellspring of life to overflow like a river in you and through you. 

"My the glory of the Lord cover your life as the waters cover the sea!" The peace of the Lord be with you!

http://visionbreadtoday.weebly.com/visionbreadtoday/the-heart-of-jesus-pounding-for-his-bride
http://visionbreadtoday.weebly.com/visionbreadtoday/the-bishop-the-preacher-the-pope-a-new-communion
http://www.communionfire.com/communionfire-blog/one-second-in-his-glory-full-of-grace-truth
http://www.communionfire.com/communionfire-blog/come-union-come-unity-come-to-me-all-who

Billy Graham
http://endtimeheadlines.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/billy-graham-sounds-alarm-for-2nd-coming/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzShNFn8E54

Blood Moons
http://superstore.wnd.com/Welcome/Four-Blood-Moons-Something-Is-About-to-Change-Paperback
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=blood+moons+john+hagee

Harbinger of Isaiah 9:10   Rabbi Jonathan Cohan
http://superstore.wnd.com/sales/Bundles-Bonanza/The-Harbinger-Paperback-The-Isaiah-910-Judgment-DVD-BUNDLE
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=harbinger+jonathan+cahn

Prophecy of Messiah by Rabbi Ytschak Kaduri 108 years old
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3fosCXsLrk

Prophecy of the Popes - Francis the Last Pope?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophecy_of_the_Popes

Just worth a look with regard to CommunionFire Today
John Wesley Sermon 101 http://www.communionfire.com/communionfire-blog/the-duty-of-constant-communion-by-john-wesley

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the comfort and encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for your word has quickened me.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Philippians 3:7-14 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

The Lord is your Good Shepherd. He has prepared a Table for you. He invites all who will come to sit and feast on the bread His flesh and wine His blood. When you do you encounter His presence and abide in Him and He abides in you! He is the God of all comfort. For in him we live and move and have our being.

Are we better off praying what is on our heart and mind or to pray what is on God's heart for us. Remember Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you" (given to you).

Our Father who art in heaven - hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done 

[Here Jesus was telling where the direction of prayer should come from - Heaven (in 4 ways: where He is, who He is, what it is about and how you fit in)! This is where the Father dwells - where His name is above every name given to men. His eternal Kingdom is what He sent Jesus and the Holy Spirit to make real to us. Jesus said, "If you know me you know the Father. If you have seen Me you have seen the Father." So 'prayer' begins with us giving God our attention not getting Him to pay attention to us! When we pay attention to Him it is at His Table as "set" for us by Jesus. It is there that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit who has been sent to us for this purpose, shares His life and words as given to Him by Jesus as given to Him by the Father.] 

On earth as it is in heaven 

[When we look to heaven it is to look to Him and to listen to Him to understand His plan. His next step in is made known in making His presence real to us at His Table through Communion. When in His presence He shows us something, shares something with us that is like a treasure or a gift. He may speak to us about it or about something else. He may even show us something in the near future or 'prophetically' (Revelation 19:10). Sometimes He wants to make His peace love, or joy real to us. It may be a sense of His presence, His touch or even His embrace. He wants to share His life with us and He does this through things that we understand. He knows you better than you know yourself. When He shares something with you you know its Him because no one else can touch your heart the way He does. In His presence is life forevermore.]

KEY: Give us this day .............. our daily bread or day to day bread 

[Before sharing on this topic Jesus says, "I already know what you need before you ask so don't act all 'public' about it when you "ask me for something" as though your request reminds God what He should be doing! 

The first phrase Give us this day: means 'today's date' (as if give us this day, right now, where we are as we are for who we are) 

Our "daily" or "day to day" bread. This is the only place in all of scripture (epiousis) "Day to Day" is used (Matthew 6:11 and Luke 11:3). 'daily bread' has to do with a location not food. It is the place where we feed on His presence. It is the Table of the Lord where we feed on the 'eternal bread of life that never goes stale and keeps feeding us forever. (As if) Today Lord, let us feast on "Daily" or "Day to Day" living bread. It literally means 'a defined area' or locale  where He tells His story - or 'the dwelling of telling'. (Christ in you the hope of glory - where 'we behold Him as in a mirror and when we behold His glory we are changed into that same image from glory to glory'. 

We are His sanctuary and where two or more are gathered in His name He is in the midst. he is building us together as His dwelling. "I will dwell in the House of the Lord" is speaking of being in His presence. It also means "our heavenly subsistence for the coming day".  Jesus says when we eat His flesh and drink His blood it is real food. He also says that when we do this in remembrance of Him we have His life inside us. He wants to share His life with us and when He does we feed on what He gives us for days, weeks and months to come. It is food that feeds us and never grows stale. When we feast on His presence it is where He makes His story real to us personally. Thus, "Give us Lord today, our daily (Communion) or sustenance as we feed upon your presence (CommunionFire)."]

Forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors 
and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil 

[Once we have been in His presence and encountered His grace and glory our hearts are overwhelmed and they overflow with kindness, goodness and mercy for others knowing full well that He only leads us to His Table. The power of temptation has been broken and we are fully delivered from evil. If God be for us who can be against us. In the overflow of being in His presence at His Table being fed on eternal life we know nothing can separate us from His great love for us. We are firmly in His grasp - free from any ability the enemy has to pluck us from the Lord's embrace.]

For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever! Amen. 

[When you are with the King Jesus you are in the domain of His Kingdom! He sent His Holy Spirit to lead us into His presence, to bring more and more of His story into our thinking (memory) and to show us things to come. When we have Communion - when we sit at His Table we encounter His glory! When we do it reshapes, reforms, transforms, rekindles, who we are to become the person He always intended us to be. Its not something we can do on our own. It takes the divine revelation of His presence. When we see Him, hear Him and understand Him we are converted, changed, transformed and healed. His love is the the power that brings transformation almost without us being aware of it until we look back.]

So His love comes to us. It transforms us and He fits us together as a house that declares His praise because others see His glory in our lives.

Daily or Day to Day "Bread of life" Heavenly bread - the body/flesh of Jesus in Communion - as in "feeding on the presence of Jesus. It is a location where we feed that we find when we "Do this to build remembrance". 

Jesus is our DAILY, DAY-TO-DAY bread of life and our DAY-TO-DAY drink of redemption. (It is a substance that tells a story.) The bread shows us the story and the wine tells us the story. The body/flesh of Jesus is consumed and regenerates as new life in us. The blood of Jesus is our drink of the New Covenant that quickens that new life within us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ. His story becomes our story. In Communion we becomes first hand witnesses of the fire of His glory. 

epiousios: for the coming day, for subsistence (Epie: defined A-G then Ousios: H-I)

Together Epei + Ousios = "Provision what is needed each day (what precedes is true, what follows is appropriate) that is for 'whosoever' sees what is factual and true (by definition there is a clearly defined perimeter) beyond what is expected (from 'on the other side' as in from heaven to earth if measured as any distance) - the property, wealth and substance defined by the self-existent, "I AM", eternal life, bread and light. 

Short version: (Give us today our 'day-today bread) "Today, in Communion with you at your Table (the defined location) Lord, bring us into your presence that we might receive from you what we need to live in the spirit and be led by your Spirit."

Original Word: ἐπιούσιος, ον
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: epiousios
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee-oo'-see-os)
Short Definition: for the morrow, necessary, sufficient
Definition: for the morrow, necessary, sufficient.

HELPS word-Studies
1967 epioúsios (from 1909 /epí, "upon, fitting" and 3776 /ousía, "being, substance") – properly, aptly substantive, appropriate to what is "coming on" (happening), i.e. suitable (apt) for the coming day.
[1967 (epioúsios) is cognate with 1966 /epioúsa, "the next day," "the following (approaching) day," "the coming day," see the NAS dictionary.]
1967 /epioúsios ("aptly substantive") only occurs in the Lord's Prayer. It refers to God's provision that is needed for each day (Mt 6:11; Lk 11:3) – literally, "bread that fits (meets) the unique demands of the coming day."

B) From the root: epeiper: since indeed, seeing that 
Original Word: ἐπείπερ
Part of Speech: Conjunction
Transliteration: epeiper
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-i'-per)
Short Definition: since indeed, seeing that
Definition: since indeed, seeing that.

C) epei: when, because
Original Word: ἐπεί
Part of Speech: Conjunction
Transliteration: epei
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-i')
Short Definition: after, for, since, otherwise
Definition: of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else.

HELPS word-Studies
1893 epeí (a conjunction composed of 1909, "on, fitting" and 1487 /ei, "if, which assumes the premise is factual") – properly, aptly if, introducing something assumed to be factual and fitting, i.e. as appropriate to what is assumed. Its sense is, "Assume what precedes is true, and understand what follows to be appropriate and applicable" (i.e. true as well).

D) epi: on, upon (prime word)
Original Word: ἐπί
Part of Speech: Preposition
Transliteration: epi
Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ee')
Short Definition: on, to, against, on the basis of, at
Definition: on, to, against, on the basis of, at.

HELPS word-Studies
1909 epí (a preposition) – properly, on (upon), implying what "fits" given the "apt contact," building on the verbal idea. 1909 /epí ("upon") naturally looks to the response (effect) that goes with the envisioned contact, i.e. its apt result ("spin-offs," effects). The precise nuance of 1909 (epí) is only determined by the context, and by the grammatical case following it – i.e. genitive, dative, oraccusative case.
+
E) ei: forasmuch as, if, that
Original Word: εἰ
Part of Speech: Conditional Particle Or Conjunction
Transliteration: ei
Phonetic Spelling: (i)
Short Definition: if
Definition: if.

HELPS word-Studies
1487 ei (a conditional conjunction) – if. 1487 /ei (followed by any verb) expresses "a condition, thought of as real, or to denote assumptions" (i.e.viewed as factual. for the sake of argument) (BAGD). Accordingly, 1487 (ei) should not be translated "since," but rather always "if" – since the assumption may only be portrayed as valid (true, factual).

F) (from epeiper = epei + per) per: whosoever
Original Word: περ
Transliteration: per
Phonetic Spelling: (per)
Short Definition: whosoever

HELPS word-Studies
4007 per (an emphatic particle derived from 4012 /perí, "concerning, all about") – fully concerning; wholly, very, really – literally "all-around" the whole perimeter; (figuratively) to the limit, beyond what is expected (usual).

G) (root) peran: on the other side
Original Word: πέραν
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: peran
Phonetic Spelling: (per'-an)
Short Definition: over, beyond
Definition: over, on the other side, beyond.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
akin to pera (on the further side)
Definition
on the other side

H) ousia: substance, property
Original Word: οὐσία, ας, ἡ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: ousia
Phonetic Spelling: (oo-see'-ah)
Short Definition: property, wealth
Definition: property, wealth, substance.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from ousa (fem. part. of eimi)
Definition
substance, property

I) eimi: eimi: I exist, I am    (as if: I am the bread of life)
Original Word: εἰμί
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: eimi
Phonetic Spelling: (i-mee')
Short Definition: I am, exist
Definition: I am, exist.

HELPS word-Studies
1510 eimí (the basic Greek verb which expresses being, i.e. "to be") – am, is.1510 (eimí), and its counterparts, (properly) convey "straight-forward" being(existence, i.e. without explicit limits).

1510 /eimí ("is, am") – in the present tense, indicative mood – can be time-inclusive ("omnitemporal," like the Hebrew imperfect tense). Only the contextindicates whether the present tense also has "timeless" implications. For example, 1510 (eimí) is aptly used in Christ's great "I am" (ego eimi  . . . ) that also include His eternality (self-existent life) as our life, bread, light," etc. See Jn 7:34, 8:58, etc.

Example: Jn 14:6: "I am (1510 /eimí) the way, the truth and the life." Here1510 (eimí) naturally accords with the fact Christ is eternal – maning "I am(was, will be)." The "I am formula (Gk egō eimi)" harks back to God's only name, "Yahweh" (OT/3068, "the lord") – meaning "He who always was, is, and will be." Compare Jn 8:58 with Ex 3:14. See also Rev 4:8 and 2962 /kýrios("Lord").

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prol. form of a prim. and defective verb
Definition
I exist, I am


Today - Lord we come by your invitation (and leading as our Shepherd) to the Table you have prepared for us, even in the presence of our enemies. Just as the betrayer sat at the same Table you prepared in the Upper Room you introduced the First Communion as the meal of the New Covenant replacing the Passover meal as the meal of the Old Covenant. So today and each day we come empty handed to your Table to ask your blessing on the bread to be your body/flesh and your blessing on the wine to be your blood as real food that gives us eternal life both now and forever. We feed upon you and receive this gift with great thanksgiving in our hearts. As we do, we see you! We hear you! We sense your holiness and love and take in the revelations and fragrances of your Kingdom. For you promised by the number of grace to send your Holy Spirit to all who believe on the night of your first Communion. You said that He would lead us into your presence to encounter your glory where you share your life with us. That He would reveal things to come to confirm your message to us and to all we share your story with. You are my daily bread of life. Your cup of suffering has become our cup of redemption. By your blood we are redeemed and renewed by the life of your Holy Spirit carried in your blood into every part of our life; body, soul and spirit. For that same Spirit that raised you from the dead now dwells inside us and quickens our mortal body that we might live in the spirit and be led by the Holy Spirit. We are your sanctuary. We share your life with one another as you have given it to us that we might be one with each other as we are with You. We are your witnesses and take the stand of the world to declare your testimony as we have personally experienced it in the fire of Communion, even in your glory. In Your presence and because of you we are transformed from glory to glory to become fully the people you always intended us to be. 

Parchment & Pen Blog

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TWELVE APOSTLES? HOW DO THEIR DEATHS PROVE EASTER?
by C Michael Patton  April 10th, 2009 43 Comments

Download Article with Discussion Questions
There are conflicting legends about the deaths of the twelve apostles, making the historical evidence difficult to interpret. This is partly because early Christians wanted their homes to be known as the final resting place of an apostle.

While this may make finding the truth more of an “adventure”, every Christian should investigate the historical record for themselves. Free Video – Session 1 from the Church History Boot Camp

Who Was Martyred and When?

• James (Martyred: 44–45 A.D.)
• Peter (Martyred: ca. 64 A.D.)
• Andrew (Martyred: 70 A.D.)
• Thomas (Martyred: 70 A.D.)
• Philip (Martyred: 54 A.D.)
• Matthew (Martyred: 60–70 A.D.)
• Nathanael (Bartholomew) (Martyred: 70 A.D.)
• James the Lesser (Martyred: 63 A.D.)
• Simon the Zealot (Martyred: 74 A.D.)
• Judas Thaddeus (Martyred: 72 A.D.)
• Matthias (Martyred: 70 A.D.)
• John (Martyred: 95 A.D.)
• Paul (Martyred: 67 A.D.)

The martyrdom of some of the apostles is more certain than others. For instance, historians don’t dispute the martyrdom of Peter, Paul, or James. Many of the other accounts have decent historic validity as well, but some raise the eyebrow and prompt agnosticism.

However, when boiled down to their least common denominator, it is feasible to believe that all but one of the apostles suffered a martyr’s death, even if we can’t be sure of the exact details.

Why Were They Martyred?

Amidst some uncertainty, one thing is clear—the reason given for their deaths was the same. They were killed because they claimed to be eyewitnesses of Christ’s death and resurrection. They all died because of an unwavering, unrelenting claim that Christ rose from the grave. They died for Easter. This article doesn’t cover all the evidence so you might want to check out 14 Evidences for the Resurrection of Jesus and 14 References.

The gruesome death of the apostles, as recorded below, is one of the greatest gifts God ever gave to the Church. It contributes much to Christian apologetics by answering the question“How can you be sure of the resurrection of Christ?”

After looking at all the best sources, the most likely scenarios for each apostle’s death are detailed below. At the risk of spoiling some of the “legends”, I've graded each account:

• A = Highest Probability
• B = High Probability
• C = Low Probability
• D = Lowest Probability

Read through the accounts below; make it an Easter tradition. This may sound odd, but I thank God for bringing about the apostles’ deaths. They sealed their testimony in the blood of martyrdom, providing a firm foundation for our faith in the risen Christ.

1. James (Martyred: 44–45 A.D.)
Probability Grade: A – James’ martyrdom, C – executioner’s martyrdom
James, the apostle of the Lord, was the second recorded martyr after Christ’s death (Stephen was the first). His death is recorded in Acts 12:2. Where it says of Herod Agrippa:
He killed James the brother of John with the sword
Both Clement of Alexandria and Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History II.2) report that after seeing the courage and unrecanting spirit of James, the executioner was so convinced of Christ’s resurrection, that he was executed with him.

2. Peter (Martyred: ca. 64 A.D.)
Probability Grade: A
Although Peter denied Christ three times just before the crucifixion, after the resurrection, he was willing to be martyred for his belief. In John 21:18–19 Jesus even told Peter how he would die:
Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
According to Eusebius, Peter thought himself unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Master, and asked to be crucified “head downward.”

3. Andrew (Martyred: 70 A.D.)
Probability Grade: B
Andrew, who introduced his brother Peter to Christ, was martyred six years after Peter. After preaching Christ’s resurrection to the Scythians and Thracians, he too was crucified for his faith. As Hippolytus tells us, Andrew was hanged on an olive tree at Patrae, a town in Achaia.

4. Thomas (Martyred: 70 A.D.)
Probability Grade: B – Thomas’ martyrdom, D – the method of execution.
Thomas was known as “doubting Thomas” because of his reluctance to believe the other apostles’ witness of the resurrection. In John 20:25 Thomas states:
“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”
After this, Christ appeared to Thomas and he believed unto death. Thomas sealed his testimony as he was thrust through with pine spears, tormented with red-hot plates, and burned alive.

5. Philip (Martyred: 54 A.D.)
Probability Grade: C
Christ corrected Philip when, in John 14:8–9, he asked:
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Philip saw the glory of Christ after the resurrection and was undoubtedly amazed at Christ’s response to his request. Philip evangelized in Phrygia, where hostile Jews had him tortured and then crucified.

6. Matthew (Martyred: 60–70 A.D.)
Probability Grade: B
Matthew, the tax collector, desperately wanted the Jews to accept Christ. He wrote The Gospel According to Matthew about ten years before his death. Within its pages one can see the faith for which he spilled his blood. In Matthew 28:20 the resurrected Christ says:
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
These comforting words likely sustained Matthew when we was beheaded at Nad-Davar:

7. Nathanael (Bartholomew) (Martyred: 70 A.D.)
Probability Grade: C
Nathanael, whose name means “gift of God”, was truly given as a gift to the Church through his martyrdom. In John 1:49, Nathanael was the first to profess Christ:
Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
He later paid for this profession through a hideous death. Unwilling to recant his proclamation of a risen Christ, he was flayed and then crucified.

8. James the Lesser (Martyred: 63 A.D.)
Probability Grade: B – that he was cast down from the temple, D – that he was being beaten to death with fuller’s club after the fall.
James was the appointed head of the Jerusalem church for many years after Christ’s death. He undoubtedly came in contact with many hostile Jews who in Matthew 27:25 said:
And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
To force James to deny Christ’s resurrection, these men positioned him at the top of the Temple in Jerusalem. Unwilling to deny what he knew to be true, James was cast down from the Temple and finally beaten to death with a fuller’s club to the head.

9. Simon the Zealot (Martyred: 74 A.D.)
Probability Grade: B
Simon was a Jewish zealot who strived to set his people free from Roman oppression. After he saw with his own eyes that Christ had been resurrected, he became a zealot of the Gospel.
Historians tell of the many places Simon proclaimed the good news of Christ’s resurrection: Egypt, Cyrene, Africa, Mauritania, Britain, Lybia, and Persia.
His martyrdom, brought about by a governor in Syria, verified his testimony for Christ.

10. Judas Thaddeus (Martyred: 72 A.D.)
Probability Grade: C
In John 14:22, Judas asked Jesus:
Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?”
After he witnessed Christ’s resurrection, Judas knew the answer. He preached the risen Christ in the midst of pagan priests in Mesopotamia. He was eventually beaten to death with sticks, showing to the world that Christ was indeed Lord and God.

11. Matthias (Martyred: 70 A.D.)
Probability Grade: D
Acts 1:26 recorded how Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot (the betrayer of Christ who hanged himself) as the twelfth apostle of Christ:
And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Matthias is believed to have been one of the seventy Christ sent out during his earthly ministry, as Luke 10:1 records:
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.
This qualifies him to be an apostle. Matthias, of which the least is known, is said by Eusebius to have preached in Ethiopia. He was later stoned while hanging upon a cross.

12. John (Martyred: 95 A.D.)
Probability Grade: A – that he was not martyred, C – that he was thrown into boiling oil.
John is the only one of the twelve apostles who died a natural death. Although he did not die a martyr’s death, he did live a martyr’s life. He was exiled to the Island of Patmos during the reign of Emperor Domitian for his proclamation of the risen Christ.
It was there that he wrote the last book in the Bible, Revelation. Some traditions say he was thrown into boiling oil before the Latin Gate. While this didn’t kill him, it likely scarred him for life.

13. Paul (Martyred: 67 A.D.)
Probability Grade: A
Paul, was a self confessed persecutor of the Christian faith as he states in Galatians 1:13
For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
Paul was brought to repentance as he traveled to Damascus. Ironically, he was on his way to arrest those who held to Jesus’ resurrection. Paul started as the greatest skeptic, but spent the rest of his life proclaiming the Christ he once persecuted.
Writing in 2 Corinthians 11:23–27, defending his ministry, Paul tells of his sufferings for the name of Christ:

Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.

Finally, Paul met his death at the hands of Emperor Nero when he was beheaded in Rome.