Sunday School: Lord’s Supper

What is baptism?

Baptism & Lord’s Supper are symbolic ceremonies.

Baptism = Ordinance of initiation (inclusion).

Lord’s Supper = Ordinance of ongoing communion.

i.e., When I got married to Brooke, we exchanged rings (“Baptism”).

We still go out on dates together to build our relationship (“Lord’s Supper”).

Ordinance = Authoritative decree

Sacrament = Sacred sign - External expression of a spiritual reality.

Preaching = The gospel is heard.

Ordinances = The gospel is seen.

Things God uses to remind us of our commitment and of His promises.

They strengthen our faith and encourage us in our walk with God.

Why do we call it the Lord’s Supper?

It’s not just a common meal.

It’s set apart.

Different names for this practice:

Lord’s Supper - 1 Cor 11:20

Lord’s Table - 1 Cor 10:21

Communion - 1 Cor 10:16

Breaking of bread - Acts 2:42

Euchurist (eucharistía) - Matt 26:27

Background behind the institution of this meal:

Luke 22:14-20

Connected to Passover.

What we’re doing when we observe the Lord’s Supper:

Look Back — at the cross: V. 23-25

2. Look In — self-examination: V. 27-32

3. Look Around — at your fellow church members: V. 18, 33

4. Look Ahead — to the marriage feast: V. 26

Why are there only two ordinances?

Commanded by Christ for the whole church.

Follows the pattern of the New Testament.

Signifies the gospel.

Celebrates our redemption.

There should be no sacraments except those found in the Bible: I can find only two, the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.

Martin Luther (Founder of the German Reformation)