A Reformed Perspective on Fencing the Lord’s Supper

In this episode, Pastors Chris Gordon and Dan Borvan discuss the biblical practice of fencing the Lord’s Supper. They explore why the church has historically protected communion, and how this practice serves to protect both the Supper itself and those who would partake of it. The discussion covers the different views on communion—closed, close, and open—and the biblical and historical arguments for each. They also address the challenges of practicing fencing in a modern culture of individualism, and the potential spiritual dangers of a slow drift away from biblical standards.

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 - Fencing the Lord’s Supper
00:02:45 - Who should come to the Lord's Table?
00:04:00 - Why fence the table, but not the worship service?
00:04:15 - A look at 1 Corinthians 11
00:05:30 - The Supper is for those in Christ
00:08:00 - Standards for taking the Supper
00:11:00 - The three views on communion
00:11:08 - Closed communion
00:14:45 - Old Protestant practice
00:16:00 - Close communion
00:17:50 - The danger of "open" communion
00:18:50 - Study the Word and church history
00:21:50 - Higher standards in the early church
00:23:00 - Rugged individualism vs. authority
00:23:20 - Open communion and culture
00:26:50 - The problem with church hoppers
00:27:45 - Jesus will pull His lampstand
00:29:30 - "Don't judge my heart"
00:30:00 - The cause of disarray in the church
00:31:25 - Protecting people from judgment
00:32:30 - Erring on the side of "open"
00:37:10 - The spiritual nature of koinonia
00:39:00 - Who does the fencing?
00:40:00 - Elders distributing the Supper
00:42:50 - Who should come?