IS THE LORD'S SUPPER A SACRAMENT?

A. I Corinthians 11:23-25

B. Matthew 26:28

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF RECEIVING THE LORD'S SUPPER?

A. Mark 14:22-24 & I Corinthians 10:16

B. Matthew 26:28

C. I Corinthians 11:24-25

D. I Corinthians 11:26

E. I Corinthians 10:17

THE LORD'S SUPPER SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY!!!

A. I Corinthians 11:29

B. I Corinthians 11:28

WHO SHOULD NOT PARTAKE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER?

A. I Corinthians 11:27

B. I Corinthians 10:21

C. I Corinthians 11:28

D. I Corinthians 11:29

E. Matthew 5:21-22

F. Matthew 5:23-24

THE PROPER USE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

A. Acts 2:42

COMMUNION: THE DIVINE CHANGE

A. Exodus 12:3-14

B. Mark 14:12-17

C. Colossians 2:16-17

1. Why partake of the Lord's Supper?

2. Should Communion be given to anyone requesting it? Why or why not?

IS THE LORD'S SUPPER A SACRAMENT? YES!

A. I Corinthians 11:23-25 The Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus Himself, Who commanded its perpetuation.

B. Matthew 26:28 The Lord's Supper offers the forgiveness of sins.

C. The Lord's Supper contains physical elements (bread and wine) and the Word of God (the Words of Institution).

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF RECEIVING THE LORD'S SUPPER?

A. Mark 14:22-24 & I Corinthians 10:16 Through the Lord's Supper we receive Christ's Body and Blood in, with, and under the bread and wine (the Real Presence).

B. Matthew 26:28 We receive the forgiveness of sins.

C. I Corinthians 11:24-25 We are reminded of Jesus and His sacrifice on our behalf.

D. I Corinthians 11:26 We publicly proclaim the Lord's death until He returns on the last day.

E. I Corinthians 10:17 Christian unity is experienced and expressed through the common belief in, and reception of, the Lord's Supper.

THE LORD'S SUPPER SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY!!!

A. I Corinthians 11:29 The failure to understand and accept the Scriptural teaching of the Lord's Supper can bring God's judgment upon an individual. For this reason, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod practices what is called "Close Communion", that is, only communicant members of the congregation are communed unless an individual has talked to the Pastor before the service. Close communion is practiced for the protection of the individual.

B. I Corinthians 11:28 Prior to communing, we should examine our personal understanding of the "Real Presence" and our sinfulness.

WHO SHOULD NOT PARTAKE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER?

A. I Corinthians 11:27 The Lord's Supper should not be taken in an unworthy manner. The following people are unworthy communicants:

B. I Corinthians 10:21 Those living in unbelief.

C. I Corinthians 11:28 Those who do not know why or how to examine themselves.

D. I Corinthians 11:29 Those who do not accept the Scriptural teaching of the "Real Presence."

E. Matthew 5:21-22 Those bearing a grudge against another person.

F. Matthew 5:23-24 Those who have wronged another person and have not corrected the offense.

THE PROPER USE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER

A. Acts 2:42 The Christian regularly partakes of communion with his brothers and sisters in Christ during congregational worship.

B. The blessings of the forgiveness of sins and the body and blood of Christ are strengthening factors in difficult tunes. For this reason, communion is often requested by Christians when confronting a crisis (for example when a person has truly repented of a sin but has a difficult time turning the guilt over to Jesus). At such times the Christian should make their desire for communion known to their pastor.

COMMUNION: THE DIVINE CHANGE

A. Exodus 12:3-14 Prior to the Exodus, God commanded His people to observe the Passover meal.

B. Mark 14:12-17 It was during a commemorative Passover meal that Jesus instituted His Supper. However, Jesus replaced the Passover lamb in this meal.

C. Colossians 2:16-17 The Passover meal was the foreshadow of communion. The Christian no longer celebrates the Passover meal, but rather its replacement, the Lord's Supper.