THE SERVICES,
in the ancient Israelite Sanctuary pointed forward to the Messiah Who was to come and His Ministry and death. Similarly, The Lord's supper commemorates the death of Jesus and His Resurrection, but also draws our attention to His promise of His return, to bring us, the faithful, with Him, and be together forever!
This Ordinance, however, goes far beyond the symbolizing pardon for all sins, one may have committed. In addition to confessing one's sins to God The Father through God the son,, as well as to any others against whom we may have transgressed, it involves asking God to help us change, to gain victory over our sins, and become more and more like Jesus in our character. It's a service, solemn, and rich in symbolism that, over all the time, has been helpful way to pass on basic spiritual truths!
Although some churches have put a literal interpretation on Jesus' words, "This is my body," and "this is my blood", but Adventists interpret them figuratively. Jesus often stated other truths symbolically, such as "I am the gate" [John 10:7] , but obviously, He did not mean that HE was literally a gate!. Similarly, the unleavened bread and the unfermented grape juice [wine] are symbols of the broken body and blood. Participation is these symbols is an expression of faith in Him as Savior from our sins and of the union of His life with our own!
Since the final days of 1840's Seventh day Adventist have celebrated the Lord's supper four times each year, every quarter, and its am open service, membership is not required, but repentance and faith in Christ is.
Note: We allow God to Judge this for all such practitioners! This is HIS, not our JOB!
A typical service is conducted in the following manner.
FOOT WASHING.
Following a short sermon by the Pastor, the men and woman separate and go to different rooms in the church for the service of foot-washing. This service represent the cleansing from sins, as well as teaching us humility. [John 13:1-17]
While there is no particular merit beyond humility, in the act itself, it does give all the perfect opportunity to settle their differences and to confess our faults to each other. It symbolizes cleansing from sins committed during the participants' walk along the Christian pathway. The foot washing service also symbolizes, their renewed dedication to the service of Christ.
One MUST put away self-pride, in order to kneel before a brother, or spouse, or sister, and to simple wash their feet! It means that these are willing to serve Jesus and their fellow man, whole-heatedly. As this service emphasizes the Spirit of Christian fellowship, it is an appropriate preparation for participation in the Lord's Supper..
Following the foot-washing service, the peop-le return to the Sanctuary. The Pastor and the elders come in to the Communion Table, remove the cloth that covers the Implements that contain the grape juice and and bread, and read the flowing....
1 Corinthians 11:23-24 " For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me"
Followed by a short prayer, the Pastor, Elders, then distribute each to the congregation. and then another prayer is given with the reading of scripture such as..>>>>
1 Corinthians 11:25-26 "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
All should wait until all have been served, and after the scripture reading and prayers are done, all should partake of the Symbols, at the same time. Thus all take of the symbols together The service concludes with a song and a prayer, and then a collection is taken up for the Poor.
SOLEMN JOY.
One the one hand, the lord's Supper is a solemn occasion, a time when believers remember that Jesus took upon Himself our guilt and died for sins, in our place!>>>
Isaiah 53:5 " But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
But on the other hand, it's an occasion for great rejoicing, for it looks foreword to the day when god will make all things new:>>>
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
Then ALL in Christ, will sit down with Jesus, our Redeemer and older brother at a great supper of the Lamb>>>
Revelation 19:9" And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God."
Further Study: Matt. 26:17-30; John 8-63; 13:1-17; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. Revelation 3:20.
Thanking YOU for your time...
Questions? Comments? john at servant@frontier.com
For more info Visit your Seventh day Adventist church any Saturday/Sabbath at 9-10 AM. You just may be pleasantly surprised and the peace of mind Christ gives to those who ask.
Other sites: www.benabraham.com www.blbn.org. www.aftv.org wwwamazingdiscoveries.org
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