Churches of Christ: Who are these people?
Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a memorial remembrance that was inaugurated by Jesus when he commemorated the Passover with his disciples (Matthew 26· 17, 26-28). It continues to be observed by Christians in memory of the Lord’s sacrificial death (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The emblems-unleavened bread and fruit of the vine-symbolize the body and blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 10:16).
Churches of Christ observe the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. The reason for weekly observance centers in the determination to adhere to New Testament instruction. Describing the practice of the first century church, we read, “On the first day of the week we came together co break bread ” (Acts 20:7).
Some have argued chat the text does not specify the first day of every week. This is true-just as the Old Testament command to observe the Sabbath did not specify every Sabbath: simply to “Remember the Sabbath day” (Exodus 20:8) . The Jews understood that to mean every Sabbath day. By the same reasoning , it seems to us that the first day of the week means the first day of every week.
Respected historians such as Neander and Eusebius affirmed chat Christians in early centuries observed the Lord’s Supper every Sunday.
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By Joe Barnett
Published by Pathway Publishing House
Posted with Permission