The Lord's Supper
Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26
One of the most precious things as belivers is to gather around the table for the Lord's Supper - to remember Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection. This special meal was started by Jesus when He met with His disciples for passover in the 'Upper Room'.
It was set up as a reminder, so that whenever they had this meal together, it would remind them of His sacrifice for them. And so it is today. We take the Lord's Supper to remind us. Whilst the bread and wine do not become Jesus, they remind all true believers that He was sacrificed so they could live.
Below is a summary of what we believe and how we practice this as a church. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, Matthew 26:27
1. The Lord's Supper Proclaims the Gospel
It Proclaims the Gospel
In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul writes, 'For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.' as a remindr that this simple meal shows that gospel through two simple symbols - bread, for Jesus' body broken for us, and wine, for Jesus' blood shed for our sins.
2. The Bread is Broken as a symbol of His body
Bread for His Body
In Luke 22:19, it says, 'And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”' The bread did not literally become Jesus' body, as He already had one, but it was a symbol of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf to pay the price of sin.
3. The Wine is Poured as a symbol of His blood
Wine for His Blood
In Luke 22:20, it says, 'And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood'. The wine did not literally become Jesus' blood, but, like the bread, it was a symbol of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf necessary to pay the price of sin.
4. The Meal is an expression of unity
United Together
"Do this in remembrance
of me."
1 Corinthians 11:24
In 1 Corinthians 10:17, it says, 'Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.' The church has many members, none of them identical. However, the church, just like the body of Christ, is called to be united. This meal reminds us that whilst we are all different, we are all saved by the blood of one Saviour, Jesus Christ.
5. The Meal is a reminder of His return
One Day Soon...
In 1 Corinthians 11:26, it says, 'For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.' Believers looks forward to the return of Jesus Christ. It is a Day He has promised. The signs around us suggest it will not be long. But however short or long the time is, we continue to remember what it took for Him to save us, and what His certain death means for all those who believe on Him - life now, and forever!
The Bible tells us that God is not willing that any should perish. He wants everyone to know Him and live with Him forever. He has also made it clear the only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we are then called to live out a life that reflects this through humble obedience, and that starts with Baptism. Once we are saved and have obeyed Christ in Baptism, He invites us to join at His table for The Lord's Supper.
If you are saved and have been baptised by immersion, we invite you to take the Lord's Supper with us.
In 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 it says, 'Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself'. We must each take personal account of our lives. This does not mean a sinner cannot join the Lord's Table but they should examine their relationship with God. The table is always open for anyone who truly seeks God's forgiveness and repents.
How should I prepare?
Have a look at your own life, and ask does this match what Jesus did? Wherever there is wrong, bring it to God first.
It is for me?
