Click to add Text The Lord’s Supper: The death our Lord Jesus Christ observed Tim Bench False Doctrines of Man January 13, 2015.

The Lord’s Supper Also known as… The Communion (see 1 Corinthians 10:16). The Breaking Of Bread (Acts 2:42, 20:7). The Eucharist, from the Greek eucharisteo, or "giving of thanks", which Christ did at the time of its institution (Matthew 26:26-27, 1 Corinthians 11:24). M M aaaa tttt tttt hhhh eeee wwww :::: ; M M M M M aaaa rrrr kkkk :::: ; L L L L L uuuu kkkk eeee :::: ; :::: ,,,, ; J J J J J oooo hhhh nnnn :::: ; A A A A A cccc tttt ssss :::: ,,,, ,,,, ; :::: 7777; 1111 CCCC oooo rrrr iiii nnnn tttt hhhh iiii aaaa nnnn ssss :::: ,,,, ,,,, ,,,, ; ::::

When is the Lord’s Supper to be taken? Christians came together on the first day of the week to "break bread" (see Acts 20:7). Christians came together on the first day of the week to "break bread" (see Acts 20:7). "Breaking bread" is also a reference to the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). "Breaking bread" is also a reference to the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

“....concerning Acts 20:7, what do we learn from the context? First, it was done on Sundays when the disciples came together for the purpose of breaking bread. Whatever the meal was, it was something that only occurred once a week. If it was a common meal, you would not expect it to be restricted to a single day of the week. After all, in Acts 2:46 we see that sharing meals was sometimes a daily event. But this particular meal made Sundays an important day of the week. Second, it required the disciples to come together to partake of this breaking of bread. This calls to mind Paul's discussion of the Lord's Supper in I Corthians 11. Notice how often the phrase "come together" appears in this discussion (I Corithians 11:17, 18, 20, 33). Third, while some early churches meet in a disciple's home, the group in Troas meet in an upper room (Acts 20:8). Once again, we see that this is a special gathering, separate from the home. “....concerning Acts 20:7, what do we learn from the context? First, it was done on Sundays when the disciples came together for the purpose of breaking bread. Whatever the meal was, it was something that only occurred once a week. If it was a common meal, you would not expect it to be restricted to a single day of the week. After all, in Acts 2:46 we see that sharing meals was sometimes a daily event. But this particular meal made Sundays an important day of the week. Second, it required the disciples to come together to partake of this breaking of bread. This calls to mind Paul's discussion of the Lord's Supper in I Corthians 11. Notice how often the phrase "come together" appears in this discussion (I Corithians 11:17, 18, 20, 33). Third, while some early churches meet in a disciple's home, the group in Troas meet in an upper room (Acts 20:8). Once again, we see that this is a special gathering, separate from the home. The conclusion can only be that Acts 20:7 is referring to the partaking of the Lord's Supper.” The conclusion can only be that Acts 20:7 is referring to the partaking of the Lord's Supper.”

Acts 20:7 as per JW McGarvey See “Gospel Guardian” at “The disciples came together on that day, even though Paul and Luke and Timothy, and all the brethren who had come from Greece, were present, not primarily to hear one or more of them discourse, but "to break bread." Such is the distinct statement of the historian. That such was an established custom in the Churches is implied in a rebuke administered by Paul to the Church at Corinth, in which he says: "When you come together into one place, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper." (I Cor. 11:20) Now, for this they would not have deserved censure, had it not been that to eat the Lord's supper was the proper object of their assemblage. These facts are sufficient to establish the conclusion that the main object of the Lord's-day meetings was to break the loaf.”

1 Corinthians 11: For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11: But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come. 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

Upward Luke 22:19…”And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19…”And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Matthew 26:27…And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it..”. Matthew 26:27…And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it..”. We should express gratitude and thanks via prayer for sacrificing himself for all of us. It was the death of Jesus which made the new covenant possible (Hebrews 10:10), and it was the blood of Jesus shed for the remission of our sins (Ephesians 1:7). We should express gratitude and thanks via prayer for sacrificing himself for all of us. It was the death of Jesus which made the new covenant possible (Hebrews 10:10), and it was the blood of Jesus shed for the remission of our sins (Ephesians 1:7).

Backward 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” The Lord’s Supper is a memorial to keep the memory, sacrifice, and death of Jesus in our hearts. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial to keep the memory, sacrifice, and death of Jesus in our hearts.

Outward 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” “Shew” is derived from the Greek “kataggello” and is defined as “to announce, declare, promulgate, make known, to proclaim publicly…” (see The New Testament Greek Lexicon, Strong’s Number 2605). “Shew” is derived from the Greek “kataggello” and is defined as “to announce, declare, promulgate, make known, to proclaim publicly…” (see The New Testament Greek Lexicon, Strong’s Number 2605). As we partake of Communion, we are proclaiming to a largely-apathetic world that Christ died. As we partake of Communion, we are proclaiming to a largely-apathetic world that Christ died.

Forward 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” The Lord’s Supper demonstrates that we as Christians look longingly forward to the return of Jesus Christ (see also Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 3:12). The Lord’s Supper demonstrates that we as Christians look longingly forward to the return of Jesus Christ (see also Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 3:12).

Inward 1 Corinthians 11:28-29, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 1 Corinthians 11:28-29, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.” For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.”

An examination of our inner selves Communion is a perfect time to reflect upon one's spiritual condition, examining our own hearts and dedication to the Lord. Are we living in a manner that shows appreciation for His sacrifice? Do we accept the infinite grace of God in our lives? (2 Corinthians 5:18). Are we living for Jesus who died for us? (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Galatians 2:20). Or are we living in a manner that shows disregard for His sacrifice? Do we sin willfully? (Hebrews 10:26-29). Do we refuse to repent and turn from our errant ways? (Hebrews 6:4-6). Am I partaking in an appropriate manner? Is my mind and heart focused on the Lord’s sacrifice and death? Does my mind wander off to the trivial and earthly? Am I focused on the presence of the Lord? The Lord’s Supper is of eternal importance…we must observe it correctly or else risk our eternal salvation.

Conclusions “Why do we partake of the Lord’s Supper? Well, it reminds us of the love of God and the price that Jesus so dearly paid on the cross. The Lord’s Supper humbles us as we consider sins that we’ve committed; and communion prompts us to confess our sins and repent of them. We realize that remembering the cross will keep us spiritually strong and faithful. Remembering the cross helps me to overcome sin. You see, I can’t look at the cross and desire sin at the same time. The cross strengthens our devotion and our resolve to follow Christ and it makes us want to do more in His service and to stay away from sin. When churches observe the Lord’s Supper, they tell the whole world they believe in Jesus Christ and that they look forward to His second coming. Each time we partake of the bread and the cup, we should examine ourselves and discipline ourselves to do it with great love and concentration. Worship is always a mental exercise; it’s a meditation on the love and the holiness of God.” From “The Lord's Supper” at “Search of the Lord’s Way”, Edmond, OK.

As we meet together upon the first day of every week to partake of the Lord’s Supper, let’s remember the words of Christ… As we meet together upon the first day of every week to partake of the Lord’s Supper, let’s remember the words of Christ… “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26). “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26).