The provided audio recording captures a spiritual discussion from Kingdom Teachers International Ministries, led by Apostle Keith Jenkins, alongside Reverend Rose and Pastor Lamont. The primary focus is a discourse on the Lord's Supper, emphasizing "three reasons why you should not miss" it. The speakers address common excuses for not partaking, such as feeling unworthy due to unconfessed sin, not being truly saved or converted, or harboring unresolved conflicts with others. They assert that genuine repentance, salvation, and reconciliation should occur before approaching the Lord's Supper, as the table validates the participant, not the other way around. The conversation also explores various theological interpretations of the LORD’S supper across different Christian denominations, ultimately stressing that Christ's simple declaration of "This is my body, this is my blood" overrides complex interpretations.
Briefing Document: The Imperative of Partaking in the Lord's Supper
Source: Excerpts from "Three Reasons Why You Should NOT Miss the Lord's Supper.mp3" by Apostle Keith Jenkins, Kingdom Teachers International Ministries.
I. Introduction: The Unwavering Importance of the Lord's Supper
Apostle Keith Jenkins of Kingdom Teachers International Ministries delivers a passionate and emphatic message on the critical importance of partaking in the Lord's Supper, arguing that there is "no valid reason for missing the Lord's supper." The sermon, featuring contributions from Pastor Lamont and Reverend Rose, aims to dispel "erroneous belief systems" and "erroneous teachers" that lead believers to abstain from this foundational Christian practice. The core argument is that the Lord's Supper is not something we validate through our worthiness, but rather "The table validates us."
II. Erroneous Reasons for Missing the Lord's Supper and Their Refutation
The speakers identify and debunk common excuses and "erroneous mindsets" that lead believers to miss the Lord's Supper.
A. Common Excuses and Their Underlying Issues:
Logistical Reasons: "They weren't feeling well to make it," "they had to work," "they were going out of town," "I forgot." While seemingly practical, the sermon implies these often mask deeper spiritual issues.
Feelings of Unworthiness/Unconfessed Sin: This is highlighted as a primary reason, with individuals feeling they have "unconfessed sin" or "unforgiveness." Reverend Rose states, "most of them say that uh they don't feel worthy. They have some um unconfessed sin that they done, unforgiveness." This often stems from a "erroneous belief system that is attached to the reason why people believe that they should not receive the Lord's Supper."
Works-Based Salvation Mindset: A significant point is that some approach the table based on their perceived "works that they have done or not done." Jenkins forcefully corrects this, stating, "If someone thinks that salvation is works based... then when they approach the table, they are approaching on the works that they have done. or not done... The table makes us worthy. It is I know this is going to be a shock for some people but we are saved by grace. through faith and the the head would nod in the affirmative. Here's the other part because sometimes the other part is left out least any man should boast. We are saved by grace through faith. least any man should boast, there will be no boasting at the table."
Sexual Immorality/Lack of Immediate Repentance: The sermon directly addresses believers engaging in "rendezvous and sexual escapade" on Saturday nights, then feeling unworthy to partake on Sunday. Jenkins expresses frustration: "you had all the rest of the night to the morning, 11 o'clock in the morning, almost noon time to do your quote repentance that you really don't mean anyway." The expectation is that repentance should be immediate and genuine, not delayed until the time of communion or performed superficially.
Unresolved Conflicts/Broken Relationships: People staying away due to arguments or unresolved issues with others is another identified reason. Jenkins emphasizes, "you should have dealt with your sins... If there was going to be any confession, I feel all right. That would have been the time."
B. The Crucial Role of Timely Repentance and Self-Examination: The speakers strongly assert that any issues preventing participation in the Lord's Supper should be dealt with before arriving at the table.
"By the time you get to the congregation, you should have dealt with your sins."
"If you confess your sins... He, speaking of Christ, is faithful and just to forgive you of your sins."
Confession requires forsaking sin: "You cannot confess your sin and don't forsake your sin."
Self-examination is for evaluation, not exclusion: "That examination was not an exclusion from the table. It was for you to evaluate where you are at in Christ at the table. And wherever you are at is where You don't miss the meal, but miss me with that."
Reverend Rose adds that this pre-table repentance applies even to interpersonal conflicts: "if you did it last night at 12:00, by the time you get home, you should your conscience should have hit you someplace that you repented of that mess. You know, don't wait until you get to church, then act crazy."
III. Three Core Reasons Why Believers "Should Not Miss" the Lord's Supper
Pastor Lamont reiterates Apostle Jenkins' three main reasons to never miss the Lord's Supper, framed as conditions that must be addressed beforehand.
Unrepentant Sin or Lack of Self-Examination: As discussed above, any sin should be confessed and forsaken immediately, not brought to the communion table. Self-examination is a continuous process of aligning with Christ.
Not Saved, Not Converted, Not Born Again: The Lord's Supper is a "family meal" for "those that have been regenerated." The sermon criticizes those who "sit among us and they are not regenerated," including leaders, musicians, and choir members who "know all the theology... But you are not converted. You are not born again." Reverend Rose explicitly states, "the unsaved and the unconverted, if you're not regenerated, if you're not born again, have no business taking the suffer because you're not in covenant."
Broken Fellowship or Unresolved Conflict: Believers are called to "follow peace with all men, knowing that holiness without no one shall see the Lord." Any conflicts should be resolved prior to the communion celebration. Pastor Lamont emphasizes, "all of this should be dealt with before the table. not when you get to t to the table."
Photo by Rey Proenza on Unsplash
IV. The Nature of the Lord's Supper: Remembrance, Not Boasting or Works
The scriptural basis for the Lord's Supper is found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-34, read by Reverend Rose. Key takeaways from this passage and the sermon's interpretation include:
Remembrance: "This do in remembrance of me." The act is a continuous showing of "the Lord's death until he comes."
Self-Examination: "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of that cup." This self-examination is about preparedness and alignment, not self-condemnation that leads to abstention.
Unworthiness and Judgment: Eating and drinking "unworthily" brings "damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body." This unworthiness is connected to unrepentant sin, lack of conversion, or unresolved conflict, which should ideally be addressed before the supper.
Grace-Based, Not Works-Based: "We are saved by grace through faith. least any man should boast, there will be no boasting at the table. If you make it to the table, you get there by Jesus Christ."
Christ Alone: The sermon warns against "Christ plus something else. Christ plus someone else. Christ plus some weird doctrine. Christ plus some weird preacher. Christ plus some weird teaching. Christ. Okay, that's the part. Christ and he stands alone."
V. Theological Views on the Lord's Supper (Brief Overview)
Apostle Jenkins briefly outlines various Christian theological perspectives on the Lord's Supper, highlighting the diversity but ultimately emphasizing Christ's direct declaration.
Roman Catholic (Transubstantiation): Bread and wine literally become Christ's body and blood.
Eastern Orthodox (Divine Mystery): Affirms real presence but avoids explaining how.
Lutheran (Consubstantiation): Christ is "in, with, and under" the elements, which remain bread and wine.
Reformed Calvinist (Spiritual Presence): Christ is spiritually present through the Holy Spirit; elements are symbols, but true communion occurs.
Zwinglian (Memorialism): Purely symbolic remembrance of Christ's death; no physical or spiritual presence in elements.
Evangelical and Non-Denominational: Often aligns with memorialism, sometimes spiritual presence; practices vary; emphasis on "personal faith, unity and remembrance."
Jenkins concludes by bringing it back to Christ's simple words: "Christ said this is my body. Hallelujah and this is my blood. I'm done. He didn't say figure it out. He didn't even say work it out. Us what it is. And then he didn't say it was a means of grace. He said this is my body. This is my blood." The emphasis is on obedience to Christ's command regardless of full intellectual comprehension, comparing it to driving a car without understanding its mechanics.
VI. Practical Applications for Daily Living
Pastor Lamont concludes with practical advice derived from the sermon's themes:
Live in Daily Remembrance of Jesus: Not just during the Lord's Supper, but "Every day. 24 hours a day. Three 365 days a year and 366 days on the league."
Examine Yourself Regularly: "Everything that you do, you must examine yourself in doing it. Do you look, think and act as like Jesus?"
Walk in Forgiveness: "We must choose to forgive quickly, not well... forgive them for it right then and there. Quickly. Don't hold grudges." Unforgiveness is linked to physical health issues.
Practice Humble Worship: Through "prayer, praise, and and and and living with your purpose."
Keep Your Heart Full of Reverence and Wonder: This leaves "no room to hold grudges" or "not forgive."
VII. Conclusion: A Call to Sincere and Covenantal Participation
The overall message is a strong call for believers to approach the Lord's Supper with reverence, sincerity, and proper preparation. It is a covenantal act for those who are genuinely born again and have dealt with sin and conflict through immediate repentance and forgiveness. Missing it without having addressed these foundational issues is seen as a sign of spiritual misalignment. Reverend Rose's final comments underscore the seriousness: "the Lord's supper is something that you just don't play around with." The church needs to be "retrained" and have "a clearer understanding of what it really means" to ensure "worthy participation."
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