Kitchen Table Theology
Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!
Kitchen Table Theology
086 Ordinances of the Church: Communion Part Two
“Belief in Christian doctrines is not for mere education, or the ability to argue with others, but to supremely delight in Christ.” - Dustin Benge
Hello Kitchen Table Theology Family! In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Jen Denton are currently in a series about the ordinances of the church. So far in this series, we have discussed Baptism and today we continue our discussion on Communion or the Lord’s Supper.
[00:01] Continuing Our Discussion
- This episode is brought to you by Your Greatest Adventure: Taking the Next Steps in Your Faith by Pastor Jeff Cranston
- What does the Eucharist mean?
[03:44] 5 Main Views On the Meaning of the Lord's Supper
- The Memorial View
- Jesus intended the Lord's Supper to primarily be a memorial observance of him
- Communion ought to remind us of our oneness with Christ, and our oneness with other believers, as we fellowship
- The Roman Catholic View
- Transubstantiation. The bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ
- The Lutheran View
- Consubstantiation. Christ is said to be in with and under the elements
- The Zwinglian View
- A commemorative act
- The Reformed or Calvinistic View
- Christ’s spiritual presence is real in such a way that Jesus’ body and blood is enjoined in the supper
[18:52] Which View is Most Strongly Supported Biblically?
- The Biblical support for The Memorial View
- How should our heart be postured when taking communion?
- Pastor Jeff tells a story about Leonardo Da Vinci and the painting of The Last Supper
- Nothing must detract from Jesus Christ when we take communion
[23:07] Closing Segment
- We’ll be going on a break!
- Announcing our next series topic!
- This episode is brought to you by Your Greatest Adventure and Happily Ever After by Pastor Jeff Cranston
- Closing words!
Key Quotes
“The spiritual presence of Christ, I think, is as real in the Lord's Supper, as it is real in the Word of God, and the believer’s life as the believer fellowships with Christ,” - Pastor Jeff Cranston
“We've got to come to the table in a worshipful attitude. We have to examine ourselves, make sure that we're properly related to the Lord and to other believers in that moment.” - Pastor Jeff Cranston
Resources Mentioned
Join the Conversation
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!