The following is a question that was texted to me from a dear sister in Okla. City:
“Good afternoon Rev. Proctor.
I sometimes go to two services on Sunday or watch the 2nd one from home & after attending church. What is the right way to handle Communion when both services take Communion? Should I take it twice, it's not a problem for me either way.”
My response is below:
“Greetings Paulette, I trust you're doing well. Patricia and I attend worship service on Saturday at a Messianic Jewish congregation (of Christian Jews) and an Evangelical Free Church on Sunday. We take Communion at both services.
Why? Because it doesn't matter. First, Scripture doesn't specify how often to take it. Jesus said, "as often as you drink it," meaning whenever you take it (1 Cor. 11:25). I believe first Sundays are ideal because it was on a Sunday when Jesus rose from the dead. During Communion, we're commemorating Jesus' death. We're also celebrating His resurrection by worshiping on the first day of the week (Matt. 28:1). However, believers are privileged to choose whatever day they desire (Romans 14:5-6a, 8-9), although Emperor Constantine decreed Sunday to be the Christian day of worship in A.D. 321. Like water baptism, Communion is the only other ordinance given by the Lord for the church (Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-31). Unlike baptism, Communion is to be repetitious, and neglecting it or taking it in an unworthy manner can result in dire consequences (1 Cor. 11:27-31). Water baptism doesn't have to be repeated and should not be done unless Spirit baptism preceded it
(1 Cor. 12:13). A person without the Spirit's baptism doesn't belong to Christ (Rom. 8:9). Likewise, neither should such a person take communion. So, as a believer, take Communion only with other believers as often as you wish. Just keep in mind the manner in which you take it.
I hope this helps.
Blessings!”
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