The Lord's Supper

As your pastor, your spiritual leader, I must teach and preach as I feel lead of the Lord. I know I do not have all the answers. I make lots of mistakes, but I must respond to what little I do have. The message tonight is my convictions based upon the word of God. A man called me yesterday and asked the question, “Why are you a Baptist?” The answer is because I believe this church is the closest to the teachings of the New Testament church. I must teach my convictions, but how you respond is between you and God. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

I. It is the Lord’s Supper

1. Not only because He instituted it, but also because He appointed it as a memorial of Himself. Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:19

2. Human sentiment is not to govern it.

3. Long established customs are not to govern it.

4. Prejudices, tastes, and feelings are not to govern it.

5. He who placed it in His church has alone the right to prescribe every regulation for its government.

6. There were two ordinances given to the local New Testament church by Jesus. They were and still are baptism and the Lord’s supper.

a. Both were given to the church and only the church.

b. Both ordinances picture the death of Christ.

c. Romans 6:4-5; 1 Corinthians 11:26

II. The Lord’s Supper (Who)

1. There are various beliefs and practices concerning the Lord supper.

a. Wide open communion. Anyone saved or lost.

b. Partially closed communion. For believers only, regardless of doctrinal differences, church affiliation or baptism.

c. Closed communion. Members of each local church who are in harmony with one another and with the church. This is the view we hold to. Why?

2. The Lord’s supper is an act of worship that involves common interest, close fellowship, spiritual relationships, the same religious beliefs held in common with all participants. We commune one with another around the table of commemoration of the death, the body and the blood of our Lord.

III. Why Closed Communion? Communion for Members Only

1. Matthew 26:17-20; because Christ instituted closed communion.

2. Other disciples, his own mother, or the man who owned the house were not present. The supper was only for his church. 1 Corinthians 12:28

IV. The Scriptural Order that Preserves Closed Communion

1. Acts 2:41-42.

2. Communion is an act of sharing in the commemoration of the Lord's death with those of common beliefs.

3. The order:

a. Salvation, verse 41, nothing to remember if a person is not saved.

b. Baptism, verse 41, must be an obedience to him.

c. Church membership, verse 41, added unto them.

d. And they continued steadfastly in:

1) doctrine

2) fellowship, verse 44, had all things in common.

3) Breaking of bread.

4) Prayer, they continue together in these things.

4. Closed, because of the privilege of the church to discipline its members.

a. Discipline for division. Offenses contrary to doctrine. Romans 16:17

b. Discipline for bad reputation, conduct in deeds. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 & 8-13

c. It is the responsibility of the church to screen those who eat. The only way of knowing the participants is to know the church member.

d. If we open to all members of other churches, we have no way of obeying the command. That is not to eat with certain people.

V. It is a Memorial Service

1. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

2. The bread typical of the disjointed body of Jesus.

3. The wine typical of the blood that was shed.

4. Verse 26, it is in remembrance of the Lord’s death. Should bring us close to Him and make us remember what He did for us.

VI. A Warning About Self Judgement

1. Verse 28, examine yourself, look deep and so drink and eat.

2. Verse 29, for a man or woman to eat or drink of this supper with known unconfessed sin is to bring damnation.

3. Verse 30, the cause for much sickness and death in the church at Corinth.

4. Verse 31-32, self-judgment better than judgment by God.

5. Verse 27, to drink unworthily is to be guilty of the body and blood of Jesus.