The Lord's Supper is one of three ordinances to the church given by
Jesus Christ. We understand an ordinance to be a ceremonial or religious
regulation instituted by Christ "in which, by sensible signs the
grace of God in Christ, and the benefits of the covenant of grace are
represented, sealed, and applied to believers, and these in term give
expression to their faith and allegiance to God" (Church of God in
Christ Official Manual, p. 76).

The Lord's Supper, or the Communion Service, was instituted by Jesus
on the occasion of the Passover seder he shared with his disciples the
night of his arrest (Mark 14:12-17; Luke 22:7-14). Jesus established the
ritual portion, as he broke off pieces of bread and distributed them to
the disciples to eat (Mark 14:22), and then circulated his cup of wine
for all to have a sip (Mark 14:23). Jesus explained the significance of
the elements, as he declared "This is my body which is given for
you: this do in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19) and "This cup is
the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you" (Luke 22:20).
Our Lord also left record that the ceremony should continue to be
practiced by the believing Church (1 Cor. 11:26).

We understand that the Lord's Supper was a symbolic representation
of his death. The elements prefigured his "broken" body and his
"shed" blood at crucifixion. Our participation in the rite
testifies of the truthfulness and efficacy of this event. We know also
that partaking of the elements is symbolic of a spiritual communion with
Christ; that "he that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood,
dwelleth in me, and I in him" (John 6:56). Finally, it also
represents our communion and fellowship with the entire body of Christ
(1 Cor. 10:17).


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Hey my brother, how are you? I know that Baptism is the second, what is the thrid?

 

Great to hear from you, Pastor Sweet! 

The Church of God in Christ recognizes Feet Washing as the third ordinance. To quote our official manual: "Feet Washing is practiced and recognized as an ordinance in our church because Christ, by his example, showed that humility characterized greatness in the Kingdom of God, and service rendered to others gave evidence that humility, motivated by love, exists." In the local church, a feet washing-service is held subsequent to the Lord's Supper, but the regularity of its observance is left up to the individual pastor's discretion as a practical matter.

Oh Okay I never knew that! Thanks for sharing!

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