Welcome to the
CHURCH OF CHRIST
ASHAIMAN

LORD'S SUPPER

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER?
1 Cor. 11:23-26

Purpose: To examine the reasons why we partake.

I. Introduction:
    A. The Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:20) is known as several things. Communion
         (1 Cor.10:16), breaking of bread (Acts 2:42), table of the Lord (1 Cor. 10:21).
    B. Sometimes it is misnamed/misused. “Eucharist,” “sacrament,” “church ordinance.” Not
         found in the Bible. Some abuses in 1 Cor. 11. Factions, wrong motive, abuse, neglect of
         others, drunkenness. Some today use in wrong ways, at wrong times.
 
II. The Lord’s Supper instituted:
      A. Four accounts of the institution of the Lord’s Supper.
      B. Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20 and 1 Cor. 11:23-26.
      C. Was established at the Passover time, but not tied to it today.
 
III. Questions about the Lord’s Supper:
      A. What is the Lord’s Supper?
           1. It is a memorial. Luke 22:19.
           2. It is a proclamation. 1 Cor. 11:26.
      B. What do the elements represent?
          1. Bread. Represents body of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:24.
              a. Unleavened. Instituted during Passover period when no leaven would have been
                  allowed.
              b. Leavening is seen as corruption. Unleavened would be pure.
          2. Cup. Represents blood of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:25.
              a. Fruit of the vine or the cup.
              b. Not the literal blood. Figurative. John 6:53.
      C. Who should partake? How should one partake?
          1. Christians. Matt. 26:26-29; Acts 20:7.
          2. “Open” or “closed” communion? Each one to decide for themselves.
          3. Examine selves. Be worthy as you partake. 1 Cor. 11:27-28.
      D. When should one partake?
          1. First day of the week. Acts 20:7. Which one? All of them.
          2. Some say taking it once a week is too frequent–will take away from the meaning of the
              memorial. Is it too frequent to pray, sing, give once a week? Does it take away from
              the meaning of saying “I love you” if you say it at least once a week to your spouse?
    &