The Assembly 7 - The Breaking of Bread

Here is a brief comparison of the "Lord's Table" and the "Lord's Supper":

Table of the LordA figurative description of communion with the Lord (1 Cor 10:21), which we express when we eat his supper. By eating the bread and drinking from the cup, we express... (1 Cor 10)	The Lord's SupperOn the night when the Lord Jesus was going to be delivered into the hands of His enemies, He instituted the Lord’s Supper so that the believers may always think... (1 Cor 11)
Principles ("table rules")	Manner
Cooperative privileges, blessings, and responsibility with regard to external relationships	Personal privileges, blessings, and responsibility in relation to the inner attitude
Fellowship with our Lord and with one another	Personal blessings in the foreground
Who do we break bread with? - Shared responsibility	How do I eat the bread? - Personal responsibility
Cooperatively, we have the desire to express that we are "one."	Personally, everyone desires to think of the Lord Jesus and the Lord's death.

The signs

• Bread: speaks of the Lord's body given into death (Lk 22:19) and of the one body created as a result of his death (1 Cor 10:17).
• Cup: speaks of the Lord's atoning blood that flowed, i.e., of his life given in death (Lk 22:20).

Why do we break the bread?

1. It is his request, his invitation (Lk 22:19).
2. to have fellowship with the Lord (1 Cor 10:16)
3. to have fellowship with one another (1 Cor 10:17)
4. as one body (Eph 4:3, 4; 2:22; 1 Cor 12:13).
5. The local assembly is the representation of the whole assembly on the whole earth. What one assembly decides applies to all the others (1 Cor 12:27). We express this unity precisely in the breaking of bread. Therefore, we cannot simply "commute" between different Christian groups that...
   - are not in full communion with one another,
   - or do not realize the decisions of the other local assemblies
   - or come together on the basis that the Bible shows us.
   - For God, outward participation means inward fellowship (1 Cor. 10:18).
6. We proclaim his death before God, the angels, the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed..., and the whole universe (1 Cor 11:26).
7. We do it in remembrance of him (1 Cor 11:24, 25).

Where do we break bread?

It is in connection with the local assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... (1 Cor 11:27, 17, 18, 20, 33).

What do we do when we break bread?

1. We offer thanks, praise, worshipIn both Hebrew and Greek, the word "worship" can also be translated as "prostrate / bow down" (Ps 95:6). It is more than praise and thanksgiving because, in worship, honor..., and adoration to God and the Lord Jesus (1 Pet 2:5; Heb 13:15; John 4:23).
2. We have Himself as our center (Lk 22:19).
3. We remember our great Savior and proclaim His death (1 Cor 11:26).
4. We eat of the bread and drink from the cup (1 Cor 10:16; 11:26).
5. We realize fellowship with the Lord and with one another.

When do we break bread?

Every first day of the week - a new beginning (Acts 20:7).

Who takes part in the breaking of bread?

1. Basically, it is a matter for the Lord because it is His table, His meal and He is the host and Lord (of the house).
2. In principle, every child of God has a place at the Lord's table.
3. Yet he has given the local assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... the responsibility to decide who - according to the criteria of the Bible - is received and who is not (Mt 18:17.18; 1 Cor 5:6-8) ->, e.g., Isa 26:1.2; 2 Chr 23:19.
4. What are these criteria?
   - New life (1 Cor 10:17; Mt 7:20; 1 Jn 5:2; 2 Tim 2:19),
   - Moral purity (1 Cor 5:1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 11),
   - doctrinal purity (Gal 5:1-9; 2 John 9-11),
   - no unclean associations (1 Cor 10:16, 18; Rev 18:4; 2 Tim 2:19-21; Ps 93:5).

How (in what manner) do we break bread?

• worthily => with inner exercises of the soul and not lightly (1 Cor 14:33, 40).
• holy => let each one examine himself / daily self-judgment (Mt 5:23.24).

Until when do we break bread?

Until He comes! (1 Cor 11:26)

A place of worshipIn both Hebrew and Greek, the word "worship" can also be translated as "prostrate / bow down" (Ps 95:6). It is more than praise and thanksgiving because, in worship, honor...

1. WorshipIn both Hebrew and Greek, the word "worship" can also be translated as "prostrate / bow down" (Ps 95:6). It is more than praise and thanksgiving because, in worship, honor... presupposes having the Lord Jesus or God alone before one's eyes.
2. The highest form of worshipIn both Hebrew and Greek, the word "worship" can also be translated as "prostrate / bow down" (Ps 95:6). It is more than praise and thanksgiving because, in worship, honor... is to tell God something about the Lord Jesus (Gen 45:13a).
3. Only children of God can worshipIn both Hebrew and Greek, the word "worship" can also be translated as "prostrate / bow down" (Ps 95:6). It is more than praise and thanksgiving because, in worship, honor... the Father.
4. The Father is looking for true worshippers.
5. We worshipIn both Hebrew and Greek, the word "worship" can also be translated as "prostrate / bow down" (Ps 95:6). It is more than praise and thanksgiving because, in worship, honor... in spirit and truth (John 4:23).