This Sunday is the first Sunday of the month. As usual, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. We will break the bread. We will drink the cup. We will remember Christ’s death, and proclaim His coming.
The Lord’s Supper is central to the life of our church. It is an ordinance, Christ mandated it. It is a means of grace, by it we are strengthened in the faith. I’ve recently been reading the Baptist Catechism. It helps us keep the meaning of the Lord’s Supper clear. The Lord’s Supper does not save by magic. There is no intrinsic virtue in the elements. And certainly not in the one who serves them. They become effective only by the blessing of Christ. And by the work of His Spirit in those who receive them by faith (Question 98, 1 Peter 3:21; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; 12:13).
As an ordinance, The Lord’s Supper is set apart. Christ instituted it to represent, and apply, the benefits of the new covenant by visible sign. They are not mere symbols. But appointed signs that preach the gospel to our senses (Question 99, Acts 22:16; Matthew 26:26-28; 28:19; Romans 6:4).
What is the Lord’s Supper? The Catechism calls it a holy ordinance. By eating the bread and drinking the cup we proclaim forth His death. Those who eat and drink in a worthy manner partake spiritually in His body and blood. By faith we are nourished with the benefits He purchased and we grow in grace (Question 107, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 10:16).
How then should we come? With careful self-examination. Paul is blunt. Examine your knowledge. Discern the Lord’s body. Test your faith. Repent. Love. Obey. Coming unworthily brings judgment. Coming worthily brings nourishment. Come with trembling joy (Question 108, 1 Corinthians 5:8; 11:27-31; 2 Corinthians 13:5).
Practical notes for this Sunday
- Children: On the first Sunday of the month all our children remain in the service for the whole service. Part of the reason is so they can see their parents take communion, and proclaim the gospel to them. After the service we have a jumping castle, so they can burn off some of that excess energy.
- If you would like a daily catechism question to ponder, join our WhatsApp group. We post a question and answer Monday to Saturday. Sign up here: https://benonibaptistchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/988201.
- Make every effort to prepare your heart for the communion meal. Pray. Confess. Examine. If you lead a home, remind your family what we remember on the day. The death of our Lord. The life we now have in Him. The hope of His return.
