The Lord’s Supper

At

Branford Bible Chapel

Branford Bible Chapel

212 Branford Rd.

North Branford CT 06471

Tel: (203) 488-3586

Welcome

If you are a guest or visitor at Branford Bible Chapel, the observation of the Lord’s supper (Communion) service may be new to you. The Lord Jesus Himself established this remembrance for us, (Mark 14:22-26) but the Bible does not describe every detail for its practice. Therefore, local churches must seek to follow God’s leading as laid out in the word. The Bible commands no specific frequency for the Lord’s supper, it simply says “for as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26) The practice and pattern, however, that we find in the book of Acts is that they began to celebrate it weekly, on the first day of the week. (Acts 20:7)

If you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you are welcome to partake of the bread and cup regardless of church “member-ship” elsewhere. We receive all those Christ has received and whose lives are being lived in a manner honoring unto Him. All who love the Lord Jesus Christ may join us around the Lord’s Table in fellowship as members of the body of Christ. If you have not yet personally trusted Christ as your Savior, or your life is not being lived in such a way as is pleasing unto Him, please observe us in worship, but refrain from the bread and the cup as they are passed (please see #6).

1) It is “participative” worship.

Worship is led by the Holy Spirit and follows no specific outline or order of service. All who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior are priests and therefore qualified as such to worship Him. (1 Peter 2:9) Any man who is a believer may suggest a hymn, lead in prayer, or read from the Bible to guide the group, under the Holy Spirit’s leadership in worship. Please come with a humble and prepared heart. Speak if the Holy Spirit leads you to speak and refrain from speaking if He leads you to refrain. It is NOT a time for teaching or sharing, but for Christ centered worship. Women also are priests and participate in worship, but scripture dictates that they do so silently (1 Timothy 2:11-12, 1 Corinthians 14:33-35). We make an exception when we are singing together as a congregation.

2) It is “reflective” worship.

It is not a “teaching” meeting. We wish to focus on our Lord Jesus Christ and give Him glory. As we read the Bible, sing hymns and offer prayers, our worship should be conscious of the theme or themes that have been introduced and lead by the Spirit. We desire to be united as a body, not just individuals each thinking our own thoughts. The Holy Spirit in His sovereignty may change the direction in midstream, and we do not wish to restrict His freedom, but it is helpful if the person who shifts the theme makes a transition so others can follow along.

6) It is “examined” worship. The Bible tells us “whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:27-28) This does not mean one must be a perfect human being to take part in the Lord’s Supper, we are all sinners, saved by grace, but anyone who is living in defiance of God’s will must examine himself or herself before taking part. (1 Corinthians 11:28) If you have any questions, please speak with one of the elders.

3) It is “musical” Worship. Music is an integral part of worship. Please request music that will help us worship along in the direction the Holy Spirit is leading, not just because it is a favorite song that you would like to sing. The black hymnal entitled: “Hymns of Worship and Remembrance” was designed for the purpose of worship and is therefore very helpful. But songs from both books are welcomed when appropriate to worship. 4) It is “considerate” worship. Please be guided by some sense of the clock. We do not want to limit the Holy Spirit, and there are times when it is His will that one worship at greater length. Also there may be times that the meeting runs a little longer than usual, but be careful lest we run overtime through inattention or lack of discipline. 5) It includes “giving” as worship. We pass the offering bags immediately after the cup is passed. We do not take offerings in this manner at any other meeting. We desire to make it clear that the Gospel is free. We take the offering for the work of the Lord at this meeting because all who attend are those who are in regular fellowship at this assembly and desire to support the work of the Lord among us. (1 Corinthians 16:2)