celebrating the lord's table

understanding the significance of the lord's supper

In the Lord's Table also known as the Lord’s Supper, we share together bread and grape juice as a powerful symbol of Jesus' death for us on the cross. In the breaking of bread together, we remember his body that was "broken" in the brutal act of His crucifixion. In sharing the cup, we are remembering His blood that was shed on the cross.

Now the idea of celebrating death may seem strange to many; but for followers of Jesus, this memorial which Christ Himself instituted at the Last Supper is a powerful experience of God's unending love for us, since Jesus gave His life to take upon Himself the penalty for our sins.

So then, we celebrate because in His death we have been given new life, a loving relationship with God that we could not have had if we still carried the burden of our sins; and we celebrate all the more because Jesus did not stay in the tomb, but was raised to life, promising us eternal life as well!

Because of these things, we refer to the Lord's Supper as an “ordinance”, that is, a special Jesus Christ-given command to remember His grace in our lives. Believer’s Baptism, by which an individual shares their commitment to Christ with others, is the other ordinance that we celebrate at ChurchForFamily.

symbolism

Now while baptism is often a one-time testimony of what God has done on the inside of a Believer’s heart, the Lord's Table is meant to be experienced repeatedly during one’s journey of faith.

In the symbolism of a meal, the Lord's Supper is a kind of spiritual nourishment to encourage and strengthen our faith as we go through life in this world. For this reason, it is appropriate only for believers to participate. It really only has meaning for one who has already experienced God's grace by surrendering his or her life to Christ to follow Him in faith. If you are not sure about your relationship to Christ, it would be best to refrain from participating.

However, if you are ready today to accept Jesus as your Lord (the One you follow as the Boss of your life) and your Savior (the One who has died to take away all your sins), you are welcome to join in this joyful celebration of God's love for us!