Should wine or grape juice be used for communion?
Whether it is acceptable to serve (and/or receive) either wine or grape juice during communion is a debate that can be very divisive. People defend their position with great zeal, and, in an effort to defend the position they’ve taken, many people seem to lose sight of the greater issue, and that is what the…
What is memorialism?
Memorialism is a view of the Lord’s Supper that sees communion as a remembrance of what Christ did on the cross. To the memorialist, the elements of the Lord’s Supper are symbolic—the bread represents Jesus’ body, and the cup represents His blood. In memorialism the elements of communion themselves have no literal or mystical connection…
What is a lectionary? What is the Revised Common Lectionary?
A lectionary is a book of Bible readings or list of references to be read from Scripture on certain days of the year. Historically, a lectionary took one year to go through; some modern lectionaries, such as the Revised Common Lectionary, are on a three-year rotation. They typically follow the liturgical calendar. Some Christian denominations…
Should we be baptized in Jesus’ name?
On the Day of Pentecost, Peter told the crowd, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). His command concerning baptism was that it be done “in the name of Jesus…
What is the origin of baptism?
First, it must be understood that baptism is an outward proclamation of an inward conversion. In other words, baptism is a ceremonial act undertaken after a person accepts Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior. This is usually done in the presence of the church body as a public proclamation of one’s faith.…
What is the spiritual presence view of the Lord’s Supper?
The meaning of the “spiritual presence” concerning the Lord’s Supper is that Jesus is spiritually (but not physically) present at communion. The view can perhaps best be seen in distinction from other views regarding the presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. The traditional Roman Catholic view is that of transubstantiation or sometimes called the…
When should children be baptized and/or allowed to take the Lord’s Supper?
While some churches have requirements for children to attend Bible classes for instruction in doctrine and the meaning of the ordinances before being allowed to participate, many others do not. Whatever the case may be, it is wise for parents to instruct and prepare their children for baptism and communion. Ultimately the instruction of children…
What did Jesus mean when He said, “This is my body, broken for you”?
During the Last Supper when Jesus and His disciples were eating a Passover meal the night of His betrayal, Jesus took bread, “and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me’” (1 Corinthians 11:24, NKJV). Jesus’…
What is the Lord’s day?
The Lord’s day (as distinguished from the day of the Lord) is Sunday. The term Lord’s day is used only once in Scripture. Revelation 1:10 says, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.” Since the apostle John does not elaborate on the…
Is an online communion service biblical?
This question has become relevant since the COVID-19 breakout and as we see churches gathering in homes and watching services online to avoid the spread of the pandemic. Many churches have continued online with as much of their regular activity as possible, including the observance of communion. Some believers take comfort in the fact they…