What does the LCMS mean by "in, with and under" the forms of bread and wine?

I am struggling with a very personal issue basic to the Church's teachings and I do not feel that I can in all good conscience partake of communion until God and I can work this matter out through prayer and counseling.  What are valid reasons for a member not to partake of communion?

How does the Lord's Supper in the Lutheran church differ from that in the Roman Catholic and Baptist denominations? 

What verses in Scripture can be cited that teach "that BOTH bread and wine AND Christ's true body and blood are present in the Lord's Supper?  In other words, the doctrine of Real Presence?

If the pastor administering the Lord's Supper does not impact the benefit/power of this Sacrament (i.e., his sins or theological beliefs) then why is it wrong to take communion from a Methodist, Baptist pastor, since it doesn't depend on the pastor's faith?

Who may take communion to the sick of the congregation? Only the pastor? A lay leader?

Baptism and Communion are regarded as the "Means of Grace." I understand the Lutheran doctrine of Baptism, but am a bit confused about Communion. Question #315 of the 1943 Catechism says that we approach the Lord's Table "Chiefly to receive forgiveness of our sins..." and question #317 expands upon this: It states that the forgiveness is placed within the sacrament for us. As Lutherans receive Communion weekly, is this signifying that, during the week, we have accumulated more sins and are separated from God and in need of another salvation? Is our salvation something to be renewed on a weekly basis since Lutherans believe it can be lost?  If so, does this not render the act of partaking a work, and if a work, salvation is not of grace? (Rom 11:6) If not that, salvation would be of grace but sustained by works?

I recently attended a LCMS church service at an area nursing home. I was surprised that it was a communion service, since many in attendance were not Lutheran. Also of concern was the fact that there were a number of residents that did not know  their religious affiliation or were unable to verbalize such. I asked my Pastor how he would handle it and he said he would NOT offer communion during a service such as this. He stated he would give private communion to those that he knew were from the LCMS. What would be the Church's stand on this issue?

I understand many congregations are changing their Communion practice to include young children, and the Missouri-Synod is also in favor of communing children, so we have been informed by our pastor. Is this true?

Being raised in the LCMS, I was surprised today when I was visiting a LCMS church that had a pamphlet explaining their beliefs about communion. It went on to say that if the visitor believed these things also then they could commune at that church. I thought that only LCMS members could commune at LCMS churches. Has this changed?

In communion, do we commune with the sacrificed body and blood of Jesus, or the resurrected body and blood of Jesus?

Wouldn't it be possible to contract a virus via an infected person who has drunk of the communion cup prior to you? Drinking from the community cup seems to be the traditional and proper way. But does that potentially put me in harm's way? Does drinking from the individual cups remove some of the community aspect of the gift?

I was taught that Lutherans do not believe that the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper are symbols.  I was also taught that you do not believe that the bread and wine are "changed into the body and blood of Christ," but believe it "is" the body and blood...that it is still bread and wine, and that Christ is "in, with and under" the bread and wine. Can you show me in Luther's writings and in Scripture why this is true?

A discussion has arisen as to which is preferable for use at communion--red or white wine. I realize that the Bible does not speak to this issue. Would it be possible to give me the rationale for the use of either? Or, is it simply a matter of personal preference?

I believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, but I am have some trouble reconciling it with the Old Testament prohibition against eating blood. Didn't the Jerusalem Council in A.D. 50 send out a pastoral letter informing Christians to abstain from eating blood? I have also been accused by fellow Christians as committing cannibalism in the heart and sacrificing Jesus over again.

What does the Missouri Synod teach regarding the sacrament of communion and who can partake in this sacrament?

My Lutheran (not LCMS) Bible study leader said that the purpose of communion is to remember Jesus. This startled and confused me. I grew up and was confirmed in the LCMS. Communion, as far as I am aware, is a means of grace. A sacrament instituted by Christ so that we may see and participate in this forgiveness. The only part that throws me off theologically, is the words of institution where we say "this do in remembrance of me." Perhaps you can shed some light on my confusion.

I have heard the expression that a person could take communion to their damnation. Could you explain? Is there scripture for backing this statement?

What is the LCMS position on the practice of intinction (dipping the bread into the common cup but not drinking) as the only means of receiving Holy Communion?

I've noticed in most LCMS churches, on the communion registration card, it says that an individual seeking to partake in the Lord's Supper must be baptized.  Why is this a requirement prior to receiving Christ's body and blood?  I understand Baptism is the means of grace by which we begin our faith in Christ, and the Lord's Supper is the means of grace by which we are fed in Christ and receive strength from the tangible assurance of our salvation.  Is this why baptism is a prerequisite to communing with the body of Christ?  Or is there another explanation?

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