Sermon Tone Analysis

I) Variety of practices

This was not as issue before local churches began the practice of having an additional service on Sundays in the early 20th century

But, since that time, there have been a number of different practices to develop in local churches we would call our brethren in Christ

i.

No serving of the Lord’s Supper, even if some missed

ii.

Two servings in separate morning services, and one in evening

iii.

Serving to a limited number during the evening service

iv.

Serving to a limited number in a separate room concurrently

v. Serving to the entire congregation at the evening service

The variety of practices itself does not prove anything other than the fact there is not one settled practice used universally

II) Nature of authority

That which is required, that which is forbidden and that which is allowed – that last section is the most difficult, yet broadest of the three areas –

Two questions arise: 1- Can churches serve the Lord’s Supper more than once Sunday?

Can disciples partake more than once Sunday?

First is the question of the church meeting more than once on Sunday – ; – which comes from generic authority that does not limit assemblies (this is that third category of “allowed”)

Each church must decide what is beneficial for them

III) Second serving of Lord’s Supper

Can the local church serve the Lord’s Supper more than once is still a controversial question that sometimes divides brethren – ; – the day is specific – – but the time and frequency is not specified by scripture

Frequency in particular is left open – – “as often”

IV) Second participation in Lord’s Supper

Can a disciple partake more than once is also a controversial question that has been debated privately and publicly (three written debates)

First is the question of authority, which is also generic, limited only to the day, but not the time or frequency

Of equal importance is the purpose, since worship without purpose is simply rote – – and the purpose is exactly the same as the first participation – – to proclaim the Lord’s death

Paul declares that each one must decide for themselves – – which is “open communion”

V) Objections raised

Only one partaking is required – but that is true of assemblies, songs, prayers, etc – if we are only intending to do that which is required, our hearts are not right before God –

Why not contribute in the evening service?

– – if we have prospered, then there is ample authority to do so

It is the Lord’s Supper and there is only one supper each day – Supper is often in the evening, but this has nothing to do with a physical meal

Passover was only celebrated once – this again blurs the distinction between physical meals and spiritual meals

Troas only met once on Sunday – that is assumed without evidence, but if that is significant, we must stop meeting on Sunday morning

When someone partakes of the Lord’s Supper a second time, it is a second supper – that would be true each week also

When someone else partakes of the Lord’s Supper at a second service, I commune with them, even though I do not partake myself – would that be true in the morning also?

When one or a few partake without the majority, they are not communing with the others – – but what percentage is required (if one does not, does that prevent all?

– – remember that meal included Judas)

Concl: I recognize that in this one setting, I cannot consider all circumstances and objections raised to the practice of one or more disciples partaking of the Lord’s Supper on more than one assembly on a particular Sunday.

But, my intention was to establish the authority of each disciple to choose for themselves what they believe to be best.

I conclude with this written statement from James Needham in a debate several years ago:

“If a congregation wants to serve the LS at both the morning and evening services for all saints present on the Lord’s Day, there is abundant scriptural authority for it, and the man doesn’t live who can refute it.

Furthermore, such a practice, in my considered judgment, more completely comports with scriptural principles than having an evening assembly in which the supper is served to only a few, maybe only one person, while everybody else watches.

I firmly believe that if the practice of serving it to all saints at both services were generally adopted that it would take on a great deal more meaning than it now has, would settle the strife that exists in many places over our present practice, and would make us all more mindful of the sacrifice of our Blessed Savior.

It could not help but do only good and no harm at all.

I heartily recommend it to churches everywhere as a way to increase our spirituality and devotion to the author and finisher of our faith.

If we feel that more than one sermon, prayer, song, or Bible class on the Lord’s Day will increase our spirituality and devotion, why would not more than one observance of the LS do the same?”

Torch magazine, May 1982, pg.13.