Benchley, January 24, 2010

• What is it?
  • A memorial of Jesus instituted by Jesus Himself.
    • Matthew 26:26-30; I Corinthians 11:23-26; 5:7; Luke 22:19; I Peter 2:24
  • An indicator of what we believe.
    • I Corinthians 11:26; 15:13-14
  • A communion (sharing, fellowship) with Christ.
    • I Corinthians 10:16-17,20-21
• In what manner should it be observed?
  • Worthily (sincerely, reverently) – I Corinthians 11:26-30
• What are the elements?
  • Mark 14:22-26 – unleavened bread and fruit of the vine
  • Transubstantiation – belief that the elements are literally changed into the body and blood of Jesus, although this change is not detectable by the senses.
  • Consubstantiation – belief that bread and juice are spiritually the flesh and blood of Jesus, but have not actually changed.
  • Neither transubstantiation nor consubstantiation are supported by the scriptures.
• Must we distribute it in one cup?
  • This is a figure (metonymy).
    • “He couldn’t give up the bottle” is another example of this figure of speech.
    • Matthew 10:34; Genesis 6:11; John 1:29; Matthew 3:5-6; I Corinthians 11:25-28; Matthew 26:27-29
  • The memorial is what’s singular, not the literal bread/cup.  I Corinthians 10:16-17
• When and how often should we observe it?
  • Acts 20:7
  • “Bread bread” in Acts 20:7 is the Lord’s Supper
    • Acts 2:46; 27:35-36 – sometimes this is a common meal.
    • Matthew 26:26; Acts 2:42 – sometimes is it talking about the Lord’s Supper.
  • The fact that the Holy Spirit specified a day of the week suggests it is a weekly event.
  • The first day of the week is the only day which has special significance in the New Testament.

By Jesse Jenkins

Benchley, October 25, 2009

By Jesse Jenkins

Benchley, May 31, 2009