Approaching the Lord's Table

Many Scriptures that speak of the Christ as the Passover Lamb
John 1:29
Rom. 5:8
1 Cor. 5:7   "...for Christ our Passover Lamb.."
1 Pet. 2:24
1 John 4:10 - this is love.....
2 Cor. 5:21
1 Pet. 3:18
1 Tim. 1:15

Could go on and on - there are more than 175 direct references to the death of Christ in the New Testament.
It is central to the Christian faith - the death of Christ for our sins.

We covered much of this in last week's message - forgiveness, cleansing for all who come through the cross, restoration, adoption!!

Today, another aspect of His death - ie:  Commemoration  (remembering)
1 Cor. 11:23-26 - ..."do this in remembrance of Me..."

Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, Eucharist - instituted by Christ at the Last Supper with His disciples, celebrated by His church for over 2000 years.

There is much disagreement on the Nature of the elements (trans-substantiation, con-substantiation, symbolic)
and, many opinions celebration - (when?  how?  who serves?  who partakes?)

BUT there is agreement on how we should approach the Lord's table.  (attitude, manner, etc.)

So.....

We should approach the Lord's Table ...

#1.  In Obedience - "do this in Remembrance of me" -- (therefore, it is a church ordinance (command) )
Similar to Baptism - "repent and be baptized"

2.  In Remembrance - "do this in Remembrance of Me"  and what He did for me.
Compare to the Passover - Ex. 12:14, 26-27, 13:8
Our tendency is to forget!!! (take for granted) - so..... Deut. 4:9

#3.  In Reverence - Awe/attitude of Worship.
Compare:  Heb. 4:16
On one hand, we're to approach with boldness and confidence - "Abba"
On the other hand, it IS the THRONE of ALMIGHTY GOD!!  Don't come flippantly!!  But with awe.

#4.  In Humility - place self beside Christ.  (see self as really are)
NOTE:  an unworthy person can approach in a worthy manner.    Luke 18:9-14 - parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

#5.  With Thanksgiving - Eucharist - (Greek word for thanksgiving)
Thanks for His work ..... for us (corporately)  for ME (individually)
No greater time than the Lord's Supper to give thanks

#6.  As A Believer who has embraced Christ (follower, disciple)
John 20:28 - my Lord and my God  

#7.  In Communion (harmony) with one another - (note context of the passage)
We will always have differences, however, set them aside.  Say that the bonds that hold us together are greater than our differences.

So........... 1 Cor. 11:28 - Take some time to consider, examine, prepare.  THEN come celebrate with us!!   Things for lifestyle - to think on daily.