Communion is an object lesson that represents a great spiritual truth for believers. Because of the various beliefs and traditions held about the subject here is an explanation of what we believe and some answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” about communion:
1. What Is Communion? (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
- It is a SIMPLE ACT. (there were no golden chalices etc.)
“The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread…” (vs. 23)
- It is a REMINDER.
“…And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; eat it in remembrance of me.’” (vs. 24)
- It is a SYMBOL of His Body and Blood.
“In the same way, He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; drink it to remember me.’” (vs. 25)
- It is a STATEMENT OF FAITH.
“For whenever you eat the bread and drink from the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes back.” (vs. 26)
2. Who Should Take Communion?
- Those who are already BELIEVERS (Mark 14:22-26)
Jesus performed the first communion with his closest followers (hisdisciples). He did not observe communion for the multitudes.
“For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment upon himself.” 1 Corinthians 11:29
3. How Do I Prepare Myself For Communion?
“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A person ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
4. When and How Often Should We Observe Communion?
Jesus never said when or how often believers should observe The Communion. He instituted it on a Thursday night (at Passover). Since it is a “supper”, it may seem more appropriate to observe it in the evening.
Since our Sunday morning service is designed so you can bring your non-believing friends, we generally observe Communion in services designed for believers about four times a year or in our Growth Groups.
For more about The Ridge Fellowship go to www.ridgefellowship.com
To see more about our beliefs go to
http://theridgeblog.com/category/our-beliefs/