The Lord's Supper

By Dr. F. Edward Allen.

This is commonly referred to as the Communion service, the Sacrament service and also the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper should be celebrated as often as possible. That can be once per week or several times per week as the case may be. This feast was instituted by the Lord Himself, just before he went to the cross to die. He command that it be done in remembrance of Him.
The Lord's Supper is a must for all Christians. It lies at the heart of our Christian faith. It is important that each member of a Church be present at the Lord's Table. This is the hallmark of our worship, and is the only service of the church that was planned by Christ. It has a six-fold purpose for the Christian:

1. To remember His sacrifice on the cross.
2. To practice the oneness of the Body of Christ.
3. To remind us of His presence with us in worship and service.
4. to reaffirm His promises to us regarding His coming again.
5. To proclaim to others our love and obedience to Him.
6. To enhance our worship of Him.
The Table and its importance

The table is a place for forging union and communion. Supper time is usually the last meal of the day. At that time the entire family is present, and it affords a time for reflection and reminiscing over the days activities. It also points to the morrow, the dawning of a new day.

When the church of Christ is together at the Lord's Table, the same picture is exhibited. Christ as Head is present in the midst. We reflect on His suffering and death and look forward to the bright new day of His Coming Again.

And Christians should be present to partake of this feast. It is a family affair, and reaffirms our continual love devotion to the Lord and our solidarity with the Church, its ministry and fellowship.

Three Table mentioned in the Scriptures

1. David's Table
Mephiboseth was invited. Clearly, this is the Table of Grace.
2. Solomon's Table
This is the table at which the Queen of Sheba ate. This is the table of Grandeur.
3. The Lord's table
Only those redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ are welcome
This is the table of Gratitude.

Like Mephiboseth, we do not deserve to be at David's table. We deserve eternal death, but God has received us and shown us grace for Christ's sake. We are what we are because of the grace of God.

As for the table Solomon set up for the Queen of Sheba., it was one of grandeur. It spoke of many nice things and a display of kingly provision and glory. So it is with us in Christ. The table is spread and the emblems symbolize all that we are and shall have in Jesus Christ. Grandeur and glory are seen as we remember our Lord in His death on Calvary for us.

And finally, our gratitude is expressed by our continually coming to remember the Lord at His table. Here was express our appreciation to Him and for all He did for us at Calvary. These two ordinances speak of the believer's devotedness to his Lord. As the result of obedience, all Christians should seek to observe these important ordinances.