5. Self Examination: The Lord’s Supper is a very private matter between a believer and God, a time to reflect on the past and to resolve for the future.
-
- A time for reflection of our spiritual condition (11:28).
- Living in a manner that shows appreciation for His sacrifice.
- Whether we are walking in light of the Scripture or going astray.
- Do we still have any unfinished agenda or some sins still sticking in our body which can hinder us to partake in the Lord’s.
6. Corporate activity: The Lord’s Supper is a communal meal.
-
- The disciples came together to break the bread (Acts. 20:7).
- When they came together they would have wait for one another (11:33).
- The Lord’s Supper builds fellowship with one another and as well with the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Having the Lord’s table with one or two persons who are indisposed or sick should not be treated as something against. But one has to be lead by the Holy Spirit for partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
7. Continue to observe: Our spiritual lives are dependent upon the value and benefits of our Lord’s death on the cross. A weekly observance of the memorial helps us to live appreciatively and accordingly!
-
- Christians came together on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts. 20:7)
- The Corinth church was instructed to take collection on the first day of the week (16:1-2) which shows they were meeting on the first day of the week and perhaps having the Lord’s Supper too.
- There are historical evidences outside the Bible confirms the day and frequency that The Didache (95 AD) indicates Christians were meeting together on the first day of the week to break bread (Didache 14:1). Further Justin Martyr (150 AD) records that Christians assembled on Sunday and partook of the supper.
- The early church writers from Barnabas, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandra, Origen and Cyprian all with one consent, declare that the church observed the first day of the week. They all have agreed equally that the Lord’s Supper was observed weekly, on the first day of the week.”
- Some believe that a weekly observance diminishes the importance of the Lord’s Supper and so they do it monthly, quarterly, or annually. But we must understand that it can never diminishes the value, just as we study the Word of God day by day, the Word of God helps us to live better. In the same way, weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper makes us more proactive, holy, increases our spiritual aptitude and improves our relationship with God.
Finally we must remember that the Lord’s Supper is a family meal, and He wants His children to love one another and care for one another. It is impossible for a believer to get closer to the Lord while at the same time he or she is separated from their fellow believers. “God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 Jn. 4:11). Further it is a time of thanksgiving and joyful anticipation of seeing the Lord! Jesus gave thanks, even though He was about to suffer and die. Let us give thanks also.