Why We Won’t Have Online Communion
“Many churches will work to adapt their normal practices to online formats, including the Lord’s Supper. We, too, have worked to provide continuity of worship and Bible study via the internet, yet we will not be making the same provision for the Lord’s Supper. Here are three reasons why.” - GARBC
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It has been interesting to read the different comments. I would like to touch on what I have learned.
I asked if any felt it was OK for one person or say a couple to self observe the Lord’s Supper. One person responded with, you are not a church. I got to thinking, when Jesus instituted the LS he did not do that with the church if you believe the church began at Pentecost. That also means that Baptism was not after the church was formed since it was given in the Great Commission prior to Pentecost. I accept both as ordinances of the church not as sacraments or any means of grace. So I guess I am questioning why they have to administered by a church?
Call me a heretic if you want to, but I believe the church began in John 20:19-23. That was when the nucleus of the church was formed. In the book of Acts at Pentecost 3000 souls were added to them. I don’t feel we can say the Apostles were part of that number. Modern day church planting follows this pattern. A preacher follows the vision to start a church and works toward the launch date.
The Lord’s Supper is the term I prefer. I do not like the word communion (however it is used in 1 Cor. 10:16) mainly because of what I would call a false sense of being in fellowship with the Lord having partaken of this ritual for the lack of a better word. See 1 Cor. 10:21.
No one talked about open or closed “communion” which would be very hard to police over the internet. Or would you for any reason be able to deny the elements to someone watching from afar?
Here’s a thought-provoking read to consider: “Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Screens.”
Discussion