| STUDIES |
| HOME |
Introduction
This study focuses on the Lord's Supper. What is the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, commonly called Communion? What manner of behavior should we have toward it and in it? What should we expect from it? How should we conduct it? Why do we have it? When should we have it? Who can participate in it? Is there a particular place or location to have it and how do we know that place? Are there negative effects we should be aware of in its observance and what are they?
The answers to these questions are important to every Christian believer.
Many churches today have done away with celebrating the Lord's Supper altogether. Some have restricted it to once each calendar quarter. One church offered it as a buffet; the bread and wine were set on a table positioned in the back of the sanctuary with the emblems available for anyone during the church service. Some believe an atmosphere that appeals to our senses is desirable in the Lord's Supper. They have candlelight and soft music accompanying the bread and wine to set the mood.
What do we, as believers, really know and truly understand about this ordinance? Do we "loathe this light bread"? (Num 21:5) The Lord reproved the Israelites concerning Passover: "…And ye say 'Wherein have we despised thy name?' Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, 'Wherein have we polluted thee?' In that ye say, 'the table of the Lord is contemptible'. But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, 'The table of the Lord is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible'. Ye said also, 'Behold what a weariness is it!' And ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts…" (Mal 1:6,7,11-12)
The Apostle Paul reproved the Corinthians concerning the Lord's Supper: "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." (I Corin 11:29-30).
These reproofs are serious indictments. One of the reasons why we value the ordinance so little, and benefit so little by it, may be that we barely understand the nature and vitality of that unique spiritual union believers have with Jesus Christ in the Lord's Supper. Not only do we have communion with Jesus Christ, we also have communion with God our Father and the Holy Spirit in this ordinance.
If we neglect the observance of this ordinance, or observe it without diligence and due order, we lose its benefits by not knowing its meaning, significance, and advantages. Are we then not showing disdain for Jesus, Himself, and what He did for us at Calvary? Jesus Christ, the Head of His Church, with His authority commanded His Church to observe this ordinance. Are we submitting to His authority?
| STUDIES |
| HOME |