The ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper we may think are not much consequence but this has not always been the case and I want to proclaim is not the actual case today.

In 1531, Sicke Snyder was beheaded for being baptized as a believer.

Between 1555-1558, 288 were burned at the stake for their heresy of believing the Lord’s Supper was not the actual body and blood of Jesus.

These are ordinances and not sacraments. Ordinances mean they were ordained or instituted by God. Sacraments mean they conveyed grace in themselves. As we clearly see in verses 24-25, the taking of the Lord’s Supper was commanded by Jesus. "This do…" and out of obedience we partake.

Is this the actual body and blood of Christ. No. When I pick up a picture of my family and say, "This is my family." I am not saying this is the actual people, but it represents my family. The juice and the bread represent the body of Christ.

We often hear the Lord’s Table called the Eucharist.

We eat of one loaf of bread, drink of one cup.

It speaks of the fellowship of the body. That which pulls us together as one.

If there are problems of fellowship within the body, they are to be dealt with according to Matthew 18 and then excluded at the table of the Lord. Look at I Corinthians 5: 11.

You eat as a remembrance of His death. The greatest historical event ever is reflected in this supper.

When Admiral Nelson’s coffin was lowered into the grace, some of his sailors ran and tore some of the flag from the coffin and exclaimed, "I’ve got a piece of him and I will never forget him."

It shows forth the story and proclaims what has saved us.

We do this "until He comes." This is rehearsal for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

We are to examine ourselves.

Unworthy – adverb, it is the way we eat

Weak – no energy, the way you feel when you are sick, spiritual weakness

Death

Burden laid on us to examine ourselves – 27-28

Blessing of self-judgment 31-32

Blight of eating unworthingly 29-31