The Lord's Supper: Gospel of Matthew
Jim Perdue
Matthew 26:26-30
Three times a month, Jermaine Washington and Michelle Stevens get together for what they call a ''gratitude lunch.'' With good reason! Washington donated a kidney to Stevens, whom he described as ''just a friend.'' They met at work where they used to have lunch together. One day Michelle wept as she spoke about waiting on a kidney donor list for 11 months. She was being sustained by kidney dialysis, but suffered chronic fatigue and blackouts and was plagued by joint pain. Because Washington couldn't stand the thought of watching his friend die, he gave her one of his kidneys. When you have a reason to be grateful, having a ''gratitude lunch'' is a great way to celebrate.*
Today, we come to the table to show our gratitude and celebrate how our Savior died so that we might have life. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a sacred, eternal treasure that has been entrusted to the church of God! Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus Christ instructed the church to observe two rites or ordinances that serve as visible reminders of the gospel; baptism and communion/Lord's Supper.
Baptism is the initial rite of the believer and the Lord's Supper is the continual rite of the believer. Today, we come to observe the Lord's Supper in a solemn and holy assembly. READ TEXT
While we partake in the Lord's Supper collectively, it is something we should take very personally. It is a powerful reminder and strong symbol of our Lord's sacrifice on the cross.
Who should participate?
Some practice ''closed'' communion, in which only active, participating members of that specific church are allowed to participate. Others practice open communion in which all who have been saved, baptized and seek to follow Christ can participate.
Here's what I would say. Don't place any restrictions here that the Bible doesn't place. It's clear that those who know Christ as Lord and Savior, who have been obedient in baptism ...
Jim Perdue
Matthew 26:26-30
Three times a month, Jermaine Washington and Michelle Stevens get together for what they call a ''gratitude lunch.'' With good reason! Washington donated a kidney to Stevens, whom he described as ''just a friend.'' They met at work where they used to have lunch together. One day Michelle wept as she spoke about waiting on a kidney donor list for 11 months. She was being sustained by kidney dialysis, but suffered chronic fatigue and blackouts and was plagued by joint pain. Because Washington couldn't stand the thought of watching his friend die, he gave her one of his kidneys. When you have a reason to be grateful, having a ''gratitude lunch'' is a great way to celebrate.*
Today, we come to the table to show our gratitude and celebrate how our Savior died so that we might have life. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a sacred, eternal treasure that has been entrusted to the church of God! Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus Christ instructed the church to observe two rites or ordinances that serve as visible reminders of the gospel; baptism and communion/Lord's Supper.
Baptism is the initial rite of the believer and the Lord's Supper is the continual rite of the believer. Today, we come to observe the Lord's Supper in a solemn and holy assembly. READ TEXT
While we partake in the Lord's Supper collectively, it is something we should take very personally. It is a powerful reminder and strong symbol of our Lord's sacrifice on the cross.
Who should participate?
Some practice ''closed'' communion, in which only active, participating members of that specific church are allowed to participate. Others practice open communion in which all who have been saved, baptized and seek to follow Christ can participate.
Here's what I would say. Don't place any restrictions here that the Bible doesn't place. It's clear that those who know Christ as Lord and Savior, who have been obedient in baptism ...
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