Lord’s Table | We practice two ordinances at MBC: Baptism and the Lord’s Table. By participating in these ordinances, Christians proclaim both their individual faith in Christ and our whole congregation proclaims our unity in the Gospel. MBC believes that the Lord’s Supper (Communion) is a commemoration of the Savior’s death, and, through participating, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” MBC Articles of Faith, Article XI – To prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Supper we must understand that we are practicing these four things when we come to His table:
We Worship
This ordinance is part of corporate worship, normally on the first Sunday of each month. This is why the Lord’s Table is for believers only. It is an act of the gathered family, the church. Unbelievers may be present, indeed, we welcome them to be present as there is nothing secretive about the Lord’s Supper, it is done in public, but it is the family meal for those who have already professed their faith in Jesus Christ and have come to worship.
We Remember
Human beings are prone to forgetfulness. This is especially true spiritually. Therefore, the mental action of all the participants of the Lord’s Supper is to focus our minds on Jesus, especially remembering his sacrificial and historical work of dying on the cross for our sins. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 says “Do this in remembrance of me.” At the table we remember.
We Give Thanks
The word “Eucharist” in 1 Corinthians 11:24 means to “give thanks.” We are filled with gratitude at the table because Jesus paid our sin debt and provided for us in abundance all that we need.
We Practice Self-Examination
The Scripture says a person “ought to examine themselves before he or she eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on themselves. (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) It’s important that we come to the table with a clear conscience before God. We come and confess our sins and renew our covenant commitment before God.
For Further Study
Communion is explained in the following key Scriptures: Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Cor 11:23-32.
Check our our informative Mini-Series on the Lords Table
Check out more of our relevant content on our You Tube Channel
Resources to Learn More:
- Why is the Lord’s Table so important? (9 Marks ministries)
- Guidance for Parents concerning the ordinances document
- Four views on the Lord’s supper (Zondervan Counterpoints series)
- The Lord’s Supper: Remembering and Proclaiming Christ Until He Comes (New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology)
- The Jewish background of the Passover (Link to Chosen People Ministries doing Passover talk at MBC)
Questions?
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”
