http://opc.org/os.html The Lamb's High Feast en-us Fri, 02 May 2008 12:06:01 EDT Copyright 2007-2008 Orthodox Presbyterian Church Orthodox Presbyterian Church http://opc.org/os.html?issue_id=31 From the Editor. As I sing that glorious communion hymn "At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing," I wonder at the greatness of the feast to which we have been invited, and in which we participate. But I also wonder at the decline in appreciation of that feast among the churches in our culture. In Reformed circles, although we may debate the frequency of the supper, the use of wine, or the proper partakers, etc., it is cause for rejoicing that our Lord is teaching us to care about this important subject. This issue of Ordained Servant features two different opinions on the frequency of the Supper, as well as other practical articles and reviews. I hope you find this edifying, especially as you celebrate the Lamb's high feast. Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EST http://opc.org/os.html?issue_id=31 http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=107 When I administer the Lord's Supper—as I do each Sabbath—after distributing the bread, I say, "Take eat, this is my body ... " I never say, "Our Lord said," or words to that effect. I say the same for the wine. Why? Because I seek to implement the Calvinistic doctrine of the real presence of our Lord. He is the resurrected, enthroned, living host of the Supper. It is his Supper. I speak in his place, thus, not as if he were absent. Liturgically it is important that those partaking understand that there is more going on in the Lord's Supper than meets the eye. By his Word and Spirit the Lord is present, and his presence is a transforming one. Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EST http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=107 http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=103 A recent decision of the Christian Reformed Church (June 2006) to prepare the way for child communion within that denomination highlights the durability of that issue. The General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church received a report on this issue in 1987 in which a division of opinion was expressed. I will argue that the Confessional Standards of the OPC are correct in disallowing the practice of paedocommunion, because of the nature of the Lord's Supper as a covenant renewal meal. Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EST http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=103 http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=102 (Based on the Larger Catechism of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, questions #168--175. The following grew out of our session's [Franklin Square, NY OPC] extensive discussions of what is required of covenant children who desire to profess their faith and partake of the Lord's Supper. We are now using this in both our "Professing My Faith" classes for non-communicant members, and also in our church membership classes for visitors.) Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EST http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=102 http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=101 Introduction Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EST http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=101 http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=104 It would be desirable that the Holy Supper of Jesus Christ be in use at least once every Sunday when the congregation is assembled, in view of the great comfort which the faithful receive from it as well as the fruit of all sorts which it produces--the promises which are there presented to our faith, that truly we are partakers of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, His death, His life, His Spirit, and all His benefits, and the exhortations which are there made to us to acknowledge and by a confession of praise to magnify those wonderful things, the graces of God bestowed upon us, and finally to live as Christians, joined together in peace and brotherhood as members of the same body. In fact, our Lord did not institute it to be commemorated two or three times a year, but for a frequent exercise of our faith and love which the Christian congregation is to use whenever it is assembled."[1] Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EST http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=104 http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=105 God's Judgments: Interpreting History and the Christian Faith, by Steven J. Keillor. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2007, 223 pages, $18.00, paper. Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EST http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=105 http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=106 Given for You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper, by Keith A. Matheson. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2002, xvii + 376 pages, $15.99, paper. Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 EST http://opc.org/os.html?article_id=106