Our Communion Practice
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving which we give thanks a communion in the
blood of Christ? And is not the bread which we break a communion in the body
of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we are one body, for we all partake
of the one loaf.” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
As the first Christians devoted themselves to
the Lord’s Supper, the also devoted themselves to the Apostles’ doctrine
(Acts 2:42). The two went hand in hand. As we devote ourselves to the Lord’s
Supper today, we also want to follow the example given in Scripture and
also be faithful to the Apostles’ doctrine. For this reason, our church practices
the same practice of the early Christian church now called “Close Communion.”
For Scripture teaches us that the common reception of this sacrament proclaims
that we teach, practice, and believe the same concerning this sacrament
and all of God’s teachings.
We also carry out this command because of another
urging by Holy Scriptures. Our Lord warns us that those who come to this
sacred meal without knowing what peace it offers, become guilty of eating
and drinking God’s wrath and punishment upon themselves. Instead of receiving
the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation, people end up eating and drinking
to their spiritual harm.
Because we care about people and especially
their spiritual well-being, all people who wish to partake of the Lord’s
Supper in our church are first instructed. This means that we instruct
ourselves, our children, everyone who wishes to come to the Lord’s Altar.
Our congregations offer a course of instruction entitled “ New Life In
Christ.” This course studies the Scriptures to prepare a person to
examine him/herself before receiving the Lord’s Supper. This instruction
makes the experience of receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion one that
is a spiritual blessing rather than one that is spiritually harmful.
This practice is in keeping with Scripture that says, “ A man ought to examine
himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who
eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks
judgment on himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28-29).
If you would like to enroll in this 10 week course and become a
communicant member of our church, please call our Pastor at (651-565-4742)
to arrange times for taking this Bible information class. Classes provide
the opportunity to grow in the Word of God and develop a personal relationship
with your Lord. Is there any reason for not signing up today?