Communion

[Ben1445]

What are your positions on communion in church? (Do you go to church, or are you an independent, independent Baptist?)
Open- unregulated
Closed- members only
Close- like minded believers, members or not
Independent- observe communion yourself, independent of church

 

[David Lamb]

What are your positions on communion in church? (Do you go to church, or are you an independent, independent Baptist?)
Open- unregulated
Closed- members only
Close- like minded believers, members or not

Close. Not too sure what you mean by your question in brackets - surely independent Baptists are not lone Baptist; they meet with other believers for worship and to study the word.

 

[Ben1445]

Close. Not too sure what you mean by your question in brackets - surely independent Baptists are not lone Baptist; they meet with other believers for worship and to study the word.

No, I am an independent Baptist. There is just an increase of people who have forgotten that church is an assembly and I suppose I should have made a different category for the people who have started their own church for just themselves. I am in no way disparaging independent churches.

 

[David Lamb]

No, I am an independent Baptist. There is just an increase of people who have forgotten that church is an assembly and I suppose I should have made a different category for the people who have started their own church for just themselves. I am in no way disparaging independent churches.

Thanks for explaining. Yes I agree that a lot of confusion is caused by using the same word "church" in English to mean so may things.

 

[Ben1445]

No, I am an independent Baptist. There is just an increase of people who have forgotten that church is an assembly and I suppose I should have made a different category for the people who have started their own church for just themselves. I am in no way disparaging independent churches.

I did say that poorly. I had intended to identify the person who does not go to church as being independent of even independent Baptists. Sorry for that.

 

[Dr. Bob]

Added 4th choice defining "independent" as you described your original intention

 

[JoshOne]

What are your positions on communion in church? (Do you go to church, or are you an independent, independent Baptist?)
Open- unregulated
Closed- members only
Close- like minded believers, members or not
Independent- observe communion yourself, independent of church

The scripture gives us a couple of patterns as to how we approach the table. In every instance of the New Testament there is not one example or command or indication that supposes a man to receive the supper without being baptized and discipled prior. That being the case, to allow anyone to the supper would give what is holy to dogs and outsiders.

We are instructed to be aware of those of the church. Anyone can fake a profession of faith and eat unto their judgement, which is why it is vital that we are aware of our members and those who receive the supper.

A good rule of thumb: you don’t feed family food to outsiders, likewise you don’t feed spiritual food to those not considered spiritual.