Lord's Supper

by Jonathan Black, Michael Brown (Foreword)

"Do this in remembrance of Me."

From the very beginning, the Lord's Supper has stood at the heart of Christian worship. But over the years we've trivialized it, squeezing it in between "real" worship. If Jesus lives in us, and the Holy Spirit is poured out on us, why do we need to eat bread and drink grape juice or wine? Does it really matter?

It does matter--and it's life-changing, says leading Pentecostal theologian Jonathan Black. With warmth and depth, he explores not only how the table is still a powerful place of transformation and encounter with Jesus, but also how we can experience Christ's promise of presence, glory, healing, forgiveness, victory, and intimacy when we answer His call to come to the table.

Whether you're feeling the lack of His presence, are ashamed of sin in your life, or have never felt anything during Communion, Christ's invitation to partake in His feast is your invitation to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Genres: Theology

224 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2023

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Samuel G. Parkison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely meditation on the Lord’s Supper.

[Dylan Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raised in the Reformed tradition, I was taught a healthy reverence for communion. Having also attended charismatic churches, I understand Black's desire for charismatic Christians to have a greater emphasis on communion and what it means. I appreciate his exploration of the promises Jesus made about it. “Jesus is present in the supper in a way He isn't present anywhere else...” (42)

Black reminds us of the importance of preparing for the communion experience, such as self examination. He also explores the blessings of communion, both in the sense of fellowship with God and with other believers. He shares encouraging stories of people experiencing the presence of God in miraculous ways during communion. He is also realistic, noting that those experiences have been few and are not experienced by all.

This is a good book to remind charismatic Christians of the blessings available in communion. Jesus said there is life giving power available in His body and blood. (116) Jesus is present at communion and though we may disagree at to how that happens, we can experience His presence and receive from Him.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Linda Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to take communion after reading this. Immediately ordered two physical copies after finishing the audiobook. The breaking of bread is brought to life in this book through careful connection to what Jesus intended through his words in the bible. The author explains this in a very clear, understandable, approachable, and important for our hearts way.
If you've thought eating bread and drinking wine in church is a waste of time, read this book to know more of the depth of how God wants to be with us.
Well chosen narrator for the audiobook, too. Although he doesn't have the same accent to match the author's stories from Northern Ireland, he's enjoyable to listen to and doesn't distract from the content.

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever feel like communion is a tag-on, unimportant, dry, simply a memorial, or nothing 'special' -then read this book!

This book will open your eyes to a rich biblical, historical and experiential approach to the Lord's Supper. Soaked in scripture, deep in doctrine, abounding in application, and dotted with Welsh church history (a particular joy), it will also make your heart burn with love for the Saviour.

There is so much to think about as a result of this book. I feel like my monochrome understanding of communion has had a technicolour upgrade.

Diolch Iddo.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful exploration of the riches of the Lord's Supper, including discussion of a number of areas I hadn't thought about before. The author writes from a Pentecostal perspective, but you don't need to be a Pentecostal to appreciate his biblical and theological reflections, or to be inspired by his desire to know Jesus better.

[Mike Nicholls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed diving into this book. Communion is something I have always seen, and have always joined in with, however I felt I learnt so much more of the importance of communion reading this.