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Where In The Bible Will I Find...
When Christians Are To Partake Of The Lord's Supper? Gary Colley |
Sadly, many people accept, without question, what their denominations teach rather than what the Bible teaches. This would not be so serious if it were not true that we shall all be judged by the Bible (John 12:48). This is true of many subjects, including baptism, women's roles in the church, mechanical instruments of music, and even when we are to partake of the Lord's Supper. Some teach that we are to partake of the Lord's Supper monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually, even though the Bible does not authorize any of these times. Some people teach that we can partake of the Lord's Supper at a wedding on Thursday night, or at other special occasions on any and every day of the week. But, do not be deceived. The Bible authorizes none of these either (Col. 3:17; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 John 9-11). Christians are taught in the Bible to partake of the Lord's Supper every first day of the week, or every Sunday, and only on Sunday, or the first day of the week. Let us study and act to show ourselves approved unto God (2 Tim. 2:15). In Matthew 28:18, after His resurrection (Mark 16:9) Jesus said He had been given "all authority in heaven and on earth." Before His ascension, He told His apostles to teach and baptize believers by His authority. He then commanded the apostles, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20). This they did after they had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and had done "many wonders and signs" to convince their hearers their message was from heaven (Acts 2:1-4, 43). The apostles taught those baptized believers what they were to practice in worship when the church was established on Pentecost — the first day of the week, or Sunday. They taught early Christians to continue "steadfastly...in breaking of bread" (Acts 2:42). These early Christians who were under the direction of inspired men, partook "steadfastly," but when? Every first day of the week (Acts 20:7). This will also be true of all who follow the authority of Christ today (1 Cor. 11:1). |