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THE LORD'S SUPPER There is much division in Christendom about what the Lord's Supper is, for whom it is intended, and even what it should be called (Lord's Supper, Communion, Eucharist, an ordinance, a sacrament, etc.). Many Christian leaders use the Lord's Supper as a means of controlling the congregation. For example, some, such as conservative Anabaptist groups, consider it to be one of seven ordinances that must be practiced in order to go to heaven. And (they say) to be allowed to partake of "Communion" one must be in good standing with the church---which includes being in agreement with all the teachings of the sect. If you are not in agreement then you cannot partake of Communion; and if you miss two or more Communion services for this reason then you are excommunicated; and if you die in an excommunicated state you will go to hell. Some groups teach that the Lord's Supper (which they call the Eucharist or Communion) is a sacrament and is a means of obtaining grace and that one must continue to partake on a regular basis in order to maintain one's salvation. Some believe that the elements (bread and wine) literally turn into the body and blood of Christ. Some believe that grape juice should be served instead of wine and vice versa. Some believe that only a bishop (pastor) should administer it, and some believe than an elder or even a deacon (and in some groups even a woman) can. Some believe that the Lord's Supper should be observed or administered or celebrated weekly, some monthly, some quarterly, or at other intervals. All these differences are just some of the variances in doctrines concerning this subject. But all these things mentioned above mean very little if we do not even know what the Lord's Supper is and who should be the participants. The Lord's Supper is a memorial and a proclamation. Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of Me" (Lk. 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:24). Having been instructed by Jesus, the apostle Paul wrote, "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (1 Cor. 11:26). Who should be the participants of this memorial and proclamation called the Lord's Supper? Only the brethren. It is unscriptural for women to participate in the Lord's Supper. (Please see article titled What Is The Church). There were many women believers before Jesus died when He and His disciples ate the Last Supper. But Jesus did not include any of the women, only men. When the apostle Paul wrote about the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians he addressed the brethren (adelphos) not the sisters (adelphe). The Spirit-inspired apostle wrote, "Moreover brethren [adelphos]...The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" (1 Cor. 10:1, 16). "Now I praise you, brethren [adelphos]...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...this do in remembrance of Me...But let a man examine himself, and let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup...Wherefore, my brethren [adelphos], when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home...." (1 Cor. 11:2, 23-28, 33-34). The Greek word adelphe, translated "sister" or "sisters," is used more than twenty times in the New Testament, but not in any passage or context in which there is teaching concerning the Lord's Supper. These scriptures are addressed only to the brethren. Some wrest the Scriptures to teach that "brethren" means "sisters" too. But like so many other teachings in these last days of apostasy, the enemy has perverted the true meaning and purpose and who should be the participants of the Lord's Supper. (Please see articles titled It's A Man's World and It's Time To Come Out of The Churches.)
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