One main difference between Roman Catholics and Protestants concerns communion. Talk about the Catholic and Memorial views of communion here.

Talking Points:

  • The Roman Catholic view teaches that when the priests speaks the Mass in remembrance of Jesus, the bread and wine become Jesus’s body and blood in substance, though they still taste of bread and wine. This view is called “transubstantiation,” meaning “change of substance.”
  • The Memorial view teaches that the practice of communion is about remembering Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. By remembering what Jesus did for us, we can examine ourselves and ask through the Holy Spirit how we can more closely remember and honor him daily. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
  • If we agree that communion is a sacrament, we are agreeing that a church or group has control of who does and does not receive God’s grace. Matthew 16:18-19
  • If we agree that communion is an ordinance, we are agreeing that God’s grace comes from God alone – through our faith in him. Ephesians 2:8-9
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Why should we take communion as Christians?
  3. What would it mean to view the bread and wine/grape juice of communion as the actual body and blood of Jesus rather than just a memorial? If you hold to the Catholic view, what would it mean to view communion just as a memorial?
  4. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. How does the Apostle Paul’s statement here mesh with the Roman Catholic position that people receive God’s grace through sacraments like communion, baptism, marriage, and others?
  5. Read Romans 8:34, 1 John 2:1-2, and Hebrews 7:23-25. Why is it significant that Jesus intercedes on our behalf? How would you approach God differently if you believed a person, church, or other group had to “mediate” on your behalf in place of Jesus?
  6. Do you believe God’s grace comes through observing authorized religious rites, or does it come by his grace alone through your faith alone?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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