Take and Eat - by Harrison Perkins (Paperback)

About the Book

Have we neglected a powerful gift from Christ? Take and Eat makes the case for recovering the regular celebration of the Lord's Supper--showing how this ancient practice strengthens believers today.

Book Synopsis

In Take and Eat: Recovering the Regular Celebration of the Lord's Supper, author Harrison Perkins explains how the Lord's Supper is a gift to the church from Jesus Christ that should be regularly celebrated. Weekly communion services have long been part of the Protestant tradition, even reaching back to the early church, as a form of gospel proclamation. By recovering this regular practice today, Christians will come to appreciate the Supper as a wonderful encounter with Christ, who again and again reminds sinners of his love and grace poured out for them on the cross.

Review Quotes

"Take and Eat is a heart-stirring case for why we should consider gathering around the Lord's table weekly. With a pastor's care and a teacher's clarity, Perkins walks us through Scripture to show how this spiritual meal isn't just a ritual but a celebration of Christ's grace that strengthens us for our sojourn. If you've ever wondered why the Supper matters or how often we should take it, read this book by my friend Harrison and be blessed."
--Patrick Abendroth, pastor of Omaha Bible Church, Omaha, Nebraska

"According to the Apostle Paul our Lord Jesus said, 'Do this, as often as you drink it' but we have often turned our Lord's 'as often' into 'as infrequently.' We are all indebted to Harrison Perkins for his thoughtful, gracious treatment of the nature, pattern, place, blessing, and manner of celebrating the Lord's Supper. May the Lord use Take and Eat to bring about a renewed appreciation and celebration of holy communion in his church, and may the Lord use that celebration to bless confirm in us the promises of the gospel."
--R. Scott Clark, professor of church history and historical theology, Westminster Seminary California

"This is a book for church leaders to read so that they understand the responsibility and privilege of offering Christ and all his benefits to a hungry, needy congregation. We are always wanting more Christ, not less, and that's what the Supper gives us. It's also a book for every Christian to read so that they better appreciate the privilege and responsibility to come worthily to the Lord's Supper."
--Kerri Ann Cruse, social media and marketing coordinator, Westminster Seminary California

"Some activities become so habitual that we forget their significance. In Take and Eat, Harrison Perkins reminds us of the true nature of the Lord's Supper: it is the gift of Christ himself, provided for us out of overflowing grace. Drawing upon a wide range of historic reformed voices, Perkins makes a clear case for the frequent celebration of the Supper in congregational worship, using pertinent examples and straightforward language that will be accessible to the layperson and pastor alike. Perkins reminds us that this is not a meal only for fully sanctified people, but a gracious gift of the Spirit by which God himself sanctifies. I recommend this work to anyone hoping for a deeper understanding of this sacrament and the importance of its regular observance."
--Amy Mantravadi, author of Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation

"John Calvin famously argued that the church should celebrate the Lord's Supper 'at least weekly.' Most Reformed churches since the sixteenth century have instead adopted the practice of monthly or quarterly communion. Is there any good reason to reconsider why Calvin said what he did? Perkins explains in this very helpful book that once we understand what the Lord's Supper is and why the Lord gave us this means of grace that we too should want to receive it frequently. The arguments presented in this book should be prayerfully considered by every church elder and by every church member."
--Keith Mathison, professor of systematic theology, Reformation Bible College

"In plain language and laced with many helpful illustrations, this book makes the case for 'frequent feeding.' Drawing upon Scripture, Harrison Perkins offers a compelling argument for the weekly observance of the Lord's Supper. He acknowledges that the Supper is risky business: familiarity can breed indifference and even contempt. For this reason, some churches may opt for occasional observance as a way of risk management, lest through mindless routine the Supper becomes a means of judgment. This book will prompt you to cry out, 'I'm not worthy! Feed me and strengthen my faith!'"
--John Muether, dean of libraries and professor of church history, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida

"This little book on the Lord's Supper is a feast in itself! Harrison Perkins is an exemplar pastor-theologian: like a chef dishing out rich, nutritious meals of God's Word, Perkins' reflection on this too-neglected sacrament leaves the reader stuffed and grateful. Audible cries of agreement escaped my lips while reading this book. I know of no better book to make the case of frequent feeding at the Lord's table. Read it and come eagerly to the table of our Good Shepherd, which he sets for us in the wilderness while we eagerly anticipate the great wedding feast of the Lamb!"
--Samuel G. Parkison, associate professor of theology, Gulf Theological Seminary, UAE

"Rev. Dr. Harrison Perkins has provided the church with an accessible treatise on the Lord's Supper through a concise biblical theology of communion with God. He underscores not only why we should receive this gift with a sense of joy and responsibility, but also what the Supper is for all those who come in faith. Drawing from the Bible, the historic confessions of the church, and his own experience, he makes a strong case for why we shouldn't neglect this means of grace but humbly receive it with joy in accompaniment with the preached word. Perkins' work will bless you whether you're behind the pulpit or in a pew."
--Adriel Sanchez, pastor of North Park Presbyterian Church, San Diego, California

About the Author

Harrison Perkins (PhD, Queens University Belfast) is senior pastor of Oakland Hills Community Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan and senior research fellow at the Craig Center for the Study of the Westminster Standards.