The Lords Supper

[AJTruth]

Jesus Instructed Participation In Communion

Communion Mk 14:22-24, Lk 22:17-20, 1 Cor 11:23-25

Every time believers partake in the Lord's Supper. They are reaffirming their Faith in Christ's Death, Burial, Resurrection & imminent return.

Communion partaking invokes the new covenant, nourishes & sustains, those already born again, until His 2nd coming.

Matthew 8:
16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word """and healed all the sick"""

17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: He took up our infirmities """& bore our diseases"""
(Believers find spiritual & physical healing in the bread/broken

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
(Wounded, bruised & chastised & wiped for our healing)

1 peter 1:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
(He bore our sins & we can receive spiritual & physical healing!

At the 1st Passover: Psalms 105:37 They ate the LAMB & the next day: Although many were old:
""NOT 1 WAS FEEBLE AMOUNG THEM"""
(Christ is our Passover Lamb).

In the Lord's Supper we ""Remember"" His sacrifice. The covenant that brings us the forgiveness of sins was ratified, or "cut" by the shedding of Jesus sinless blood

""Remembrance"" itself is a covenantal word. In the Lord's Supper we ""Remember"" that our blessings were purchased through a costly price.

Generally when we go to REMEMBER the death, of a fallen soldier, a family member or loved one. It is a time when we feel grief & loss.

Jesus has Risen! The REMEMBERANCE in the Lords Supper. Is a time for CELEBRATION! We are invoking the NEW COVENANT.

Question: Are you a believer? Are you sickly or feeling ill? Have you been partaking in Communion REGULARLY?

Question 2: If you had were hungry & close starvation, would 1 meal completly restore your health?

The longer its been since you last partook in the Lords Supper or the sicker you are right now. The more often you should enter into Communion with the Lord!

Put the bread into your hand; close your eyes; see the Lord on the Cross. Now, eat the bread that symbolically represents his body broken for us. Next, praise & thank Him for your spiritual & physical healing!

P.S. Rereading John 6:53 Then """Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood""";

""""""""ye have NO LIFE in you""""""""

Without spiritual life you. You will never be able to reproduce (soul winning)


OT Temple
The table of the shewbread also called the bread of the Presence. The temple priests joined together weekly for the fellowship of eating the bread & became one with/in the presence of God.

The table speaks of fellowship and communion. And points to Jesus who provided a blood covenant made of/with better promises. Jesus referred to Himself as the bread of life.

And said whoever partakes in communion will live forever. Eating the bread provides physical & spiritual sustenance. When we partake we become one in/with Christ.
Maranatha

 

[1watchman]

Here is a good paper on the Supper at the Lord's Table

APPRECIATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
[A word of reverence and careful meditation on 1 Corinthians 11 -as KJV]​

Beginning at verse 23 of 1 Corinthians 11 Paul sets forth again that which the Lord showed him, and seeks to explain it carefully to restore holiness and reverence in the assembly. It is one of only two ordinances given to the church to keep---baptism being the other one. It is a request, not law, as all doctrines in the New Testament, but there are serious consequences in failure to appreciate it and conform to it. The Lord is saying, it appears: "...this do in remembrance of Me" if you care enough to be thankful and worship God. He takes note of that.

The Lord separates the bread from the wine as two distinct redemptive aspects of the Lord's sacrifice (as also seen in the Old Testament offerings). Both ought to be acknowledged and appreciated ---first as a picture and symbol today of the Lord's body wounded unto death, like the sacrificial lamb of Israel ---a type of Christ to come, but now as the Son of God who alone could bear man's sins away by suffering under judgment, and pay the price of redemption; then second, the cup of wine speaking of His precious life-giving blood poured out in death that we might be cleansed within, and joined to Him eternally. The Old Testament saints looked forward to Christ, and today we look back and up to Christ.

This could only be a memorial by those who have owned Christ's death for them, and have the spiritual washing of their sins by the blood of Christ. It is worship by true saints in remembrance, thankfulness, praise, and devotion to Him who loves us, and paid the price to release us from the bondage of sin; and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, making an entrance for us into the presence of God ---our Father. The Lord Jesus Christ had power to lay down His life, and power to take it up again (John 10:15-18), in which true believers have eternal hope. The Lord's supper honors the Lord, and it speaks of obedience as well as worship. It is worship when the heart is engaged with thanksgiving.

It seems important to understand that the Lord's supper is to be in communion and fellowship at the Lord's table, and not independent of it as one might choose. It is not for the general public; and is a fellowship of faithful and obedient saints (as the twelve faithful disciples who were called aside - Luke 22:9-14), and should be communion as given. It is not for just any disciples, but saints of God (note 1 Cor. 11:27-29). Other papers speak more about the table of the Lord for the supper.

Sometimes a gathered saint cannot be present for the collective Lord's supper, and certainly the Lord knows and understands, so He says: "For as often as ye (saints of God) eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come" - verse 26. One can always worship in his heart anywhere and anytime, but the supper at the table is that gathering of the saints on the Lord's day to remember Him in devotions.

In verse 27 we must consider a solemn thing. It is a warning against treating the emblems as a ritual, rather than holy communion, and with one partaking of it "unworthily" or in an unworthy manner. A saint of God must not come to the table in a carnal way with unjudged sin upon him (verse 28 & 29), for he will surely eat and drink judgment to himself, as God says. The thought in verse 28 is not that one should conclude that being a Christian he has a right to partake of the supper, but whether he is coming in holiness.

Truly, much more is to be found in such a meditation, but we can at least consider essential meaning and purpose here.
- R. L. DeWitt, 2006 -from biblecounsel.net

 

[AJTruth]

Here is a good paper on the Supper at the Lord's Table

APPRECIATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
[A word of reverence and careful meditation on 1 Corinthians 11 -as KJV]​

Beginning at verse 23 of 1 Corinthians 11 Paul sets forth again that which the Lord showed him, and seeks to explain it carefully to restore holiness and reverence in the assembly. It is one of only two ordinances given to the church to keep---baptism being the other one. It is a request, not law, as all doctrines in the New Testament, but there are serious consequences in failure to appreciate it and conform to it. The Lord is saying, it appears: "...this do in remembrance of Me" if you care enough to be thankful and worship God. He takes note of that.

The Lord separates the bread from the wine as two distinct redemptive aspects of the Lord's sacrifice (as also seen in the Old Testament offerings). Both ought to be acknowledged and appreciated ---first as a picture and symbol today of the Lord's body wounded unto death, like the sacrificial lamb of Israel ---a type of Christ to come, but now as the Son of God who alone could bear man's sins away by suffering under judgment, and pay the price of redemption; then second, the cup of wine speaking of His precious life-giving blood poured out in death that we might be cleansed within, and joined to Him eternally. The Old Testament saints looked forward to Christ, and today we look back and up to Christ.

This could only be a memorial by those who have owned Christ's death for them, and have the spiritual washing of their sins by the blood of Christ. It is worship by true saints in remembrance, thankfulness, praise, and devotion to Him who loves us, and paid the price to release us from the bondage of sin; and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, making an entrance for us into the presence of God ---our Father. The Lord Jesus Christ had power to lay down His life, and power to take it up again (John 10:15-18), in which true believers have eternal hope. The Lord's supper honors the Lord, and it speaks of obedience as well as worship. It is worship when the heart is engaged with thanksgiving.

It seems important to understand that the Lord's supper is to be in communion and fellowship at the Lord's table, and not independent of it as one might choose. It is not for the general public; and is a fellowship of faithful and obedient saints (as the twelve faithful disciples who were called aside - Luke 22:9-14), and should be communion as given. It is not for just any disciples, but saints of God (note 1 Cor. 11:27-29). Other papers speak more about the table of the Lord for the supper.

Sometimes a gathered saint cannot be present for the collective Lord's supper, and certainly the Lord knows and understands, so He says: "For as often as ye (saints of God) eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come" - verse 26. One can always worship in his heart anywhere and anytime, but the supper at the table is that gathering of the saints on the Lord's day to remember Him in devotions.

In verse 27 we must consider a solemn thing. It is a warning against treating the emblems as a ritual, rather than holy communion, and with one partaking of it "unworthily" or in an unworthy manner. A saint of God must not come to the table in a carnal way with unjudged sin upon him (verse 28 & 29), for he will surely eat and drink judgment to himself, as God says. The thought in verse 28 is not that one should conclude that being a Christian he has a right to partake of the supper, but whether he is coming in holiness.

Truly, much more is to be found in such a meditation, but we can at least consider essential meaning and purpose here.
- R. L. DeWitt, 2006 -from biblecounsel.net

Hello 1watchman,

I enjoyed reading & agreed with your reply until the last paragraph

Verses 27-29 "unworthily" I believe this only applies to unbelievers. Every church has unsaved people. When an unsaved person partakes they drink damnation unto themselves.

This one word has kept & keeps so many people from the blessing's found in communion partaking.

Final thought: How can a believer drink damnation & judgment unto themselves?

Christ took all our judgment & PAID IN FULL FOR EVERY SIN a believer sins.

Having said that, there is only one unforgiveable sin.

That's UNBELIEF! How can any true believer live in UNBELIEF? God bless you & yours.

 

[1watchman]

Hello 1watchman,

I enjoyed reading & agreed with your reply until the last paragraph

Verses 27-29 "unworthily" I believe this only applies to unbelievers. Every church has unsaved people. When an unsaved person partakes they drink damnation unto themselves.

This one word has kept & keeps so many people from the blessing's found in communion partaking.

Final thought: How can a believer drink damnation & judgment unto themselves?

Christ took all our judgment & PAID IN FULL FOR EVERY SIN a believer sins.

Having said that, there is only one unforgiveable sin.

That's UNBELIEF! How can any true believer live in UNBELIEF? God bless you & yours.

It might seem that way, friend, but in a more literal translation I believe "unworthily" is rendered: "in a unworthy manner", which would apply also to carnal Christians; so, all partakers are included (and the assembly overseers must certainly discern those in attendance ---and not holding such worship with the public). This is important because of the holiness of the Supper, which is not just a ritual, but communion with the Lord (and un-holiness is not allowed).

As to the question about "damnation" that verse is shown in literal translation as "judgment", rather than "damnation" as was shown in some Bibles ---this is made more clear in verse 32 there which speaks of judging. There is a worldliness creeping into christendom which does not discern between "born again" believers and professing Christians, and that is why I always advocate Bible-only gatherings of the saints. I hope this helps.

 

[AJTruth]

It might seem that way, friend, but in a more literal translation I believe "unworthily" is rendered: "in a unworthy manner", which would apply also to carnal Christians; so, all partakers are included (and the assembly overseers must certainly discern those in attendance ---and not holding such worship with the public). This is important because of the holiness of the Supper, which is not just a ritual, but communion with the Lord (and un-holiness is not allowed).

As to the question about "damnation" that verse is shown in literal translation as "judgment", rather than "damnation" as was shown in some Bibles ---this is made more clear in verse 32 there which speaks of judging. There is a worldliness creeping into christendom which does not discern between "born again" believers and professing Christians, and that is why I always advocate Bible-only gatherings of the saints. I hope this helps.

1 Cor 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
(LORDS SUPPER IS NOW THE CONTEXT)

21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
(HERE WE HAVE PEOPLE COMING TO COMMUNION LIKE ITS A COMMON MEAL OR PARTY. THEY ARE THERE TO EAT & DRINK & BE MERRY)

22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
(THE APOSTLE CHASTISES THIS BEHAVIOR. MY POINT TO THIS EARILER WAS: A BELIEVER, INDWELT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT KNOWS WHAT CHRIST'S BLOOD & BODY SACRIFICE MEAN. YOU CAN'T BE A BELIEVER AND RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT ""WHOM GUIDES US TO ALL TRUTH"" UNLESS YOU UNDERSTAND. ACCEPT GODS GRACE AND PLACE YOUR FAITH IN THE SACRIFICIAL DEATH, BURIAL & RESURRECTION OF JESUS THE CHRIST)

I briefly touch on this last reply. Unworthily: this one word has kept so many believers from the blessing of/in communion.

Common excuse is, I'm unworthy to partake. I'll wait until I become more worthy, and better prepared to celebrate it. I might expose myself to condemnation.

Rom 8:1 say's There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Also, your reply seems to imply only someone you've deemed special (overseer) can administer or partake in communion.

Would you be kind enough tp provide the scripture that teaches this.

 

[1watchman]

1 Cor 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
(LORDS SUPPER IS NOW THE CONTEXT) Yes, they were not coming to partake of "the Lord's supper" as they should, but for a ritual to please self.

21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.
(HERE WE HAVE PEOPLE COMING TO COMMUNION LIKE ITS A COMMON MEAL OR PARTY. THEY ARE THERE TO EAT & DRINK & BE MERRY) Yes, they only looked at the Lord's table as a fellowship place, and were just entertaining self.

22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
(THE APOSTLE CHASTISES THIS BEHAVIOR. MY POINT TO THIS EARILER WAS: A BELIEVER, INDWELT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT KNOWS WHAT CHRIST'S BLOOD & BODY SACRIFICE MEAN. YOU CAN'T BE A BELIEVER AND RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT ""WHOM GUIDES US TO ALL TRUTH"" UNLESS YOU UNDERSTAND. ACCEPT GODS GRACE AND PLACE YOUR FAITH IN THE SACRIFICIAL DEATH, BURIAL & RESURRECTION OF JESUS THE CHRIST). Yes, and how is this decided? The elders must watch for holiness in this, as I stated in my last post.

I briefly touch on this last reply. Unworthily: this one word has kept so many believers from the blessing of/in communion.

Common excuse is, I'm unworthy to partake. I'll wait until I become more worthy, and better prepared to celebrate it. I might expose myself to condemnation. Left to a new believer who is not helped to learn what Scripture teaches, one would not be expected to know all these holy things, so one who comes in and says he/she is a believer, needs to be taught some things and learn by sitting back over time and visiting with others to see what a scriptural assembly MUST hold. The local saints must obey and honor God. The elders should always be ready to welcome one among the gathering, explain that the fellowship must be "of one mind", as Scripture teaches; and also that when one understands what a scriptural assembly is, and then decides they want to be a part of this, they can be announced into fellowship. The Church is "born again" believers, and should not be just a place for all to do what they wish (and is a worldwide fellowship of "one mind"). Faithful saints there should have times set for public Gospel meetings to preach redemption that souls will hear and be saved. Then gathering into fellowship can be accomplished. If a real believer is carnal and dishonors God, it must be judged by the assembly, and if found true they will be asked to sit back and not participate until there is evidence to change of heart and mind. God is "a jealous God" as He says, and we must not be presumptuous to please the flesh. A truly scriptural assembly will be Bible-only, and not the ideas of men.

Rom 8:1 say's There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Yes, even one who is "in Christ Jesus" can fail and be behaving and dishonor God (and stumble other saints). There is no eternal condemnation of the true saint regarding Heaven, but the honor and glory of God is paramount in our walk and testimony in the world; and such a carnal one will also suffer loss of rewards in Heaven, so we should seek to help them.

Also, your reply seems to imply only someone you've deemed special (overseer) can administer or partake in communion. God appoints elders, and the assembly recognizes the gift as shown, and not by man's appointments. The elders do not administer the emblems at the Supper, but all the saints may take of it when it is passed around.

No, I did not say and I hope you can understand, that overseers are only viewed by the assembly as having godly gift to come together and make judgments which all should appreciate. They are not serving "for filthy lucre" as God warns against, and being lords over the saints.

Would you be kind enough tp provide the scripture that teaches this. There are many verses teaching these things in the Epistles. Keep the faith, friend! I will just add that the original paper on this subject of the Lords Supper came from the good site: www.biblecounsel.net and one can ask questions there too.

 

[AJTruth]

Hello 1watchman, I trust all is well with you. Thanks for your reply & the attempt to clear up a couple of difference's we may have.

The apostles had disagreements and were still able to love one another.

I'm still unclear on where some of your positions are to be found in scripture.

Yes, Paul gives leadership guidelines in both letters to Timothy & Titus as well.

I can find no place anywhere in scripture that an overseer/elder or anyone else is needed to administer the partaking of communion.

You stated Quote: """God is "a jealous God" as He says, and we must not be presumptuous to please the flesh. A truly scriptural assembly will be Bible-only, and not the ideas of men."""
(Question: How does any Holy Spirit indwelt believer's taking part in communion going to offend or provoke God to jealousy?)

You stated below Quote: """Left to a new believer who is not helped to learn what Scripture teaches, one would not be expected to know all these holy things, so one who comes in and says he/she is a believer, needs to be taught some things and learn by sitting back over time and visiting with others to see what a scriptural assembly MUST hold. The local saints must obey and honor God."""

(Question: Do you believe our Righteous-Loving God will punish a new believer-a babe in Christ for partaking in an ordinance instructed by the Lord Jesus Himself? Because he's not yet become a Bible scholar?

It seems strange to me that no matter how ungodly one may have been of how many sins they may have committed.

If they will humble themselves, acknowledge to God that they are sorry for ALL the sins they have committed in rebellion against him.

And that they understand He sent His Son to die in their place and they believe God raised Christ from the grave.

He right then forgives them, seals them with His Spirit & they're saved. With this simple acknowledgement an action of faith.

And then they have to sit under some overseers/elders leadership (FOR, I DONT KNOW HOW LONG?) before they can have partake in the life giving blessing of communion.

I asked you to provide the scripture that teaches we must sit under anybody OR that its necessary to have anyone administer the cup of blessing or the broken body represented bread

You said: God appoints elders, and the assembly recognizes the gift as shown, and not by man's appointments. The elders do not administer the emblems at the Supper, but all the saints may take of it when it is passed around.

Again I ask, Will you please provide the scripture that teaches this. Thx, in advance & God bless you. AJ

 

[1watchman]

Rather than continue with a long dissertation on Church Truth, AJ, (which is more than a simple answer) I will seek to go into more detail at your profile -Conversations. There is much in what you speak about that goes beyond a simple verse, but "all the counsel of God" and by "rightly dividing the Word of Truth". I think our discussion is too involved for here, and will weary readers ---and may get deleted for someone getting offended. I appreciate your honest inquiry and would be pleased to speak further with you as noted. - 1watchman

 

[AJTruth]

Rather than continue with a long dissertation on Church Truth, AJ, (which is more than a simple answer) I will seek to go into more detail at your profile -Conversations. There is much in what you speak about that goes beyond a simple verse, but "all the counsel of God" and by "rightly dividing the Word of Truth". I think our discussion is too involved for here, and will weary readers ---and may get deleted for someone getting offended. I appreciate your honest inquiry and would be pleased to speak further with you as noted. - 1watchman

Ok 1watchman, My goal was only to engage in honest debate.

If I offended you or anyone else. Please except my apology.

May the Lord's grace be multiplied to all readers. AJ