Rev Scott Cross
Communion as Seen from the Heart of Jesus
Is your past holding you back, or are the divisions of the world making you lose focus? In this Communion Sunday message, Rev. Scott Cross reminds us that regardless of political parties, personal backgrounds, or past failures, the church has one central focus: Jesus Christ.
Drawing from a powerful testimony of a former London drug cartel member whose $50,000 debt was wiped away because he found Christ, Rev. Cross illustrates that your “old self” is truly dead. Because of the New Covenant—sealed by the blood of Jesus—you are a brand new creation with a debt that has been paid in full.
In this message, you’ll discover:
- The Equalizing Table: How the Lord’s Table breaks down cultural and social barriers, uniting us all as equals in Christ.
- The Unbreakable Promise: What it means to have God’s covenant “poured over you,” guaranteeing that He will do exactly what He promised for your life.
- Living Worthy of the Sacrifice: A moving reflection on the “Saving Private Ryan” challenge—how to live a life that honors the immense cost paid for your freedom.
- Healing for the Soul: How Communion serves as a “divine medicine” for a sick heart and a remedy for the mistakes of our past.
Stop looking at your failures and start looking at the “crimson stream” that makes you whiter than snow. Experience the wonder-working power of the blood and find the peace that comes from a fresh start.
Examine Your Heart Without Condemnation
(1 Corinthians 11:28) Scripture calls us to examine ourselves before taking communion, but this is not an exercise in self-condemnation. Instead, it is a holy opportunity to honestly assess our spiritual health and allow God’s medicine to heal our hearts from the noise and distractions of the world. Much like the dying captain in Saving Private Ryan urging a soldier to live a life worthy of the sacrifice made for him, communion challenges us to ask: Am I living my life in a way that brings honor to the sacrifice Jesus made for me?
Keep Jesus at the Center of the Church
(1 Corinthians 11:17-22) The Apostle Paul addressed the early house churches error. They had been allowing cultural divisions—specifically the separation of wealthy members and slaves—to corrupt the Lord’s Table. Today, it is easy to let modern issues like politics, personal health choices, or outward appearances create similar divisions. However, the focus of the church must always remain solely on our relationship with Jesus Christ, who unites us and makes us equal.
The Promise of the New Covenant
(Exodus 24:7-8, 1 Corinthians 11:25) When Jesus offered the cup as the “new covenant in my blood,” He was making an unbreakable promise. Much like Moses sprinkling blood to seal God’s Old Testament covenant with the people, Christ’s blood is poured over our lives as a guarantee. This covenant signifies that God will do exactly what He promised to do — He will secure our future and wash away our sins.
Embrace Your Identity as a New Creation
(2 Corinthians 5:17) No matter how dark your past is, the power of Christ’s blood breaks chains and sets you free. Pastor Cross shared a powerful story of a former London drug cartel member. When he shared his testimony of finding Jesus with his boss, the cartel leader wiped away his massive debt. When the enemy tries to bring up your past, remember that your old self is dead, and you are a brand new creation in Christ.