An Excerpt from "A Biblical-Theological Framework of the Lord's Supper" Read the entire article here: Click Here
... Dearly beloved, next Sunday we purpose to observe the ordinance of the Lord's Supper together as a congregation. It is serve to remind us of the body and blood of Christ and his meritorious cross and suffering, whereby alone we obtain forgiveness of our sins and are made partakers of the Kingdom of heaven. Wherefore it is our duty to render most humble and hearth thanks to almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that He has given His Son our Savior Jesus Christ. It is a divine and comfortable thing to those who receive it worthily, and a dangerous thing to those who presume to receive it unworthily; my duty is to exhort you, in the meantime to consider the dignity of that holy mystery, and the great peril of the unworthy receiving thereof; and so to search and examine your own consciences, and that not lightly.
The way and means thereto is: First to examine your lives and conversations by the rule of God's commandments; and wherever you perceive yourselves to have offended, either by will, word or deed, there to bewail your own sinfulness, and to confess yourselves to Almighty God, with full purpose of amendment of life. And if you perceive your offenses to be such as are not only against God, but also against your neighbors, then you shall reconcile yourselves to them, being ready to make restitution and satisfaction, according to the utmost of your powers for any injuries and wrongs done by you to any other; and being likewise ready to forgive others who have offended you, as you would have forgiveness of your offenses at God's hand, for otherwise the receiving of the Lord's Supper dos nothing else but increase your condemnation. Therefore, if any of you is a blasphemer of God, a slanderer of His Word, an adulterer, or if you are harboring malice, envy or any other grievous crime, repent of your sins, or do not come to the Lord's table.
The point is to say like King David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts; See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
The Rationale and Importance of the Benevolence Offering
We have seen in our discussion above that the early church had a keen interest in taking care of those who had need. There was extreme generosity as people even sold property and gave the money to the leaders of the church to make sure their brothers and sisters were not going hungry. We see this in the meals where those who had more shared with those who had less. We also see the early church taking up a special offering to send to the church in Jerusalem which was going through an extremely difficult time.
At Long Green Baptist, it is our traditional practice to receive a special “Benevolence Offering” on the first Sunday of each month in conjunction with the Lord's Supper. We make a distinction between tithes and regular giving in contrast to special offerings. This offering is understood to be in addition to the tithe or regular percentage giving. Though it is a special offering that may require a greater sacrifice, we have chosen to receive it at the same time as the regular giving when the ushers pass the offering plates. You should find a special designated envelope that looks something like this: The Deacons administer this offering in confidence, focusing on those in the congregation with needs as well as some outside the church who are referred to the Deacons by members of the congregation. As you pray and prepare for the Lord's Supper ahead of time, please consider how God might have you contribute via the Benevolence Offering.
Read Dale's Full Article Here: Click Here