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Listen as the pastors at FBC Lake Butler discuss their understanding and vision for practicing the Lord's Supper.

Notes: 
Definition: Christ commanded all Christians to eat bread and to drink from the cup in thankful remembrance of him and his death. The Lord’s Supper is a celebration of the presence of God in our midst; bringing us into communion with God and with one another; feeding and nourishing our souls. It also anticipates the day when we will eat and drink with Christ in his Father’s kingdom. (New City Catechism)

Why should we take the Lord’s Supper?
Obedience – Jesus commanded us to remember his life and death through this meal (Matt. 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 19:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23).

Proclamation – partaking of the ordinance / sacrament of the Lord’s Supper visually reenacts Jesus’ death and our union to his death and each other (1 Cor 11:26; 10:16-17). As baptism signifies our initial union with Christ, the Lord’s supper signifies our ongoing union with Christ. 

Strengthening – as we partake of the Lord’s Supper we experience Jesus’ Spirit in a unique way through the truths of the Gospel being recreated, leading to our faith being strengthened and invigorated (2 Pet. 1:4). 

Who should take the Lord’s Supper?
Baptized believers in Jesus (with faith preceding baptism) in good standing with their local church
-We don’t want someone to publicly proclaim what they are not (unbelievers proclaiming they’re believers). 
-We don’t want someone to experience God’s judgement (1 Cor. 11:29-30).

How should we take the Lord’s Supper?
1. Corporately – Paul urges the church to “wait” for each other (1 Cor. 11:33). He’s addressing the Lord’s Supper because of the division that’s come about through twisting the meal into a selfish event where people are separated by class, and drinking is excessive (1 Cor 11:21).

2. Cautiously / Introspectively ­– Paul warns against partaking in the meal in an “unworthy manner” (1 Cor 11:27). Since he is addressing the issue of turning the meal into a selfish event, this phrase most likely refers to arrogance concerning Jesus’ death and its effects. Partakers should instead examine their own lives to see whether they are living in repentance before proclaiming publicly their union with Christ.