The Lord’s supper, communion (Tutor notes)

Communion and the Apostle’s Doctrine

… and they continued steadfastly in the Apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, and the breaking of bread.(Acts. 2:42.)

Are doctrines important?

The answer is of course yes. But teachings are of no use if a person does not understand what is being taught. This seems self evident but there are still many well meaning Christians who say why bother studying, God will look after everything. It is not quite that simple.

The Scriptures speak of:

A few comments on what could happen if we believe each or all of these doctrines might be interesting.

As with the Pharisees, humankind loves to make up its own doctrine. A close examination of the doctrine of Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses and the Roman church will soon show a host of teachings that have no basis in the biblical account. Some directly contradict the Scriptures.

1.10.2 The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a meeting of believers in which bread and wine, symbolising His body and blood, are shared in remembrance of Christ’s death, in proclamation of His presence, and in anticipation of His Second Coming. It speaks of the new and eternal covenant made by God with man, and is sealed with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. This ordinance should be celebrated regularly by all genuine believers for it reminds the believer that Christ has provided for his every need, and that at the appointed time Christ is coming for His Church.
Matthew 29:26-29: Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22: 15-20; I Corinthians 10:16-17;11:20-26.

The above italic extract is a copy of a typical Charter in regard to Communion or the breaking of bread.

i. The doctrine of Christ

(John 7:16 NIV) Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me.

(Heb. 6:1-2 NIV) Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, [2] instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

(2 John 1:10 NIV) If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him.

ii. The doctrine of demons.

(1 Tim 4:1 NIV) The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

(Rev 2:14-15 NIV) Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. [15] Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

(Rev 2:24 NIV) Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets

ii. The doctrine of corrupt humanity.

(Mat 16:12 NIV) Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
(Mark 7:7 NIV) They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.
(Eph 4:14 NIV) Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

v. The doctrines of the Apostles.

(Acts 2:42 NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

… and the the breaking of bread

Avoid the controversial subjects such as transubstantiation at this level. Keep it simple in line with the study.

What are the symbols used in thanksgiving?

Our own homes in the natural living environment give an important place to table, bread and wine. Jesus selected the idea of communion from the feast of Passover which was a truly family affair. It would widen your knowledge as tutor, to read a good description of the Jewish Passover feast. It helps greatly in putting the Lord’stableinto a proper context.

With what attitude should we come to the Lord’s table?

The basic idea here is to prepare a very new Christian for the experience of communion and widen their experience so that they are comfortable during the service. Discuss the attitudes in a broad common sense way and initiate discussion where appropriate.

Some important teachings

The aspect of sacredness and holiness is the underlying thought.