A. What Is The Correct Name For The Lord’s Table?
1. The Lord’s Table, (1 Cor. 10:21).
2. The Lord’s Supper, (1 Cor. 11:20).
3. Breaking bread, (Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7).
4. Ordinance, (1 Cor. 11:2).
5. Eucharist (a Roman Catholic term) from eucharisto, “to give thanks.” “He took the cup, and gave thanks” (Matt. 26:27).
6. Sacrament (we do not use this term because it means merit to the partaker).
7. Memorials, “in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:24).
B. Why Should You Partake?
1. You become obedient to the Lord’s command. “Take, eat . . . drink ye all of it” (Matt. 26:26-27).
2. You follow the early church’s example. “When ye come together to eat” (1 Cor. 11:33).
3. You continue what the Lord instituted. “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me’” (1 Cor. 11:23-24).
4. You prevent backsliding in your life. First you examine yourself, v. 28, second, confess your sins, I John 1:9, then you restore “communion” with the Lord and with other believers. In the Lord’s Table we deal with sin, “If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1Cor. 11:31).
5. You enrich relationship with believers. Because it is called “communion,” and we are commanded to eat it “together.”
6. You renew your walk with Christ. There is no merit in taking the elements, but you become more spiritual as you obey. They are called “memorials” as a place to remembrance; (1) you remember His agony (broken flesh and spilt blood) for you, (2) you remember your conversion, (3) you renew your love to Him.
7. You testify to others of your spiritual growth. “You proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26).
C. How Often Should It Be Taken?
1. The New Testament church took it daily at the beginning. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house” (Acts 2:46).
2. Later they took it weekly. “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7).
3. The biblical sequence is regularly. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). The word “often” can mean once a month, or once every quarter. A few churches do it once or twice a year.
D. Who Can Partake At A Church?
1. Closed communion, only for members of that church.
2. Open communion, for all who are saved.
3. Closed communion, for those who have been baptized in like-believing churches, and living in fellowship with God.
E. Where Can Communion Be Served?
In a day of interdenominational activity. Man non-church groups serve communion for personal benefits. However, communion is a church ordinance and should not be served at campuses, seminaries, mission conferences, or other non-church meetings. It is not a family activity, and the father should not serve it to his family.
1. Commanded a local church, not individuals. “This do you as oft as ye drink it” (1 Cor. 11:25). See word “you” and “body.
2. To be taken together not privately). “When ye come together” (1 Cor. 11:33).
3. The name communion implies to eat with Christ and with one another.
F. Should Fermented Wine And Unleavened Bread Be Used?
No, Christ would not use fermented wine produced by leaven. Leaven (yeast) before Passover made the drinkers unfit for Passover. Even though Christ used unleavened bread because it was the Passover, it is not mandatory for today. The cup (the word wine is never used) and bread are symbolic in use.
G. What About The Following:
1. Some got to the altar to receive the elements.
2. Some wash feet as a church ordinance with communion.
3. Some have the love feast with communion.
4. Some churches have all drink from one cup.
5. Some churches insist on tables to serve elements.
6. The key in heart obedience to Jesus Christ. He demands inward obedience, not outward conformity.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
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Dr. Towns' email is ELTowns@liberty.edu
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com
