Celebrating the Lord’s Supper

I have attended many churches over the years and partaken of the Lord’s Supper at many of them. Each time it was a quiet, mournful and solemn experience. I have often wondered why everyone appears so sad by what should be a celebration. The popular belief among Christians is that church is the place where we do a lot of introspection of our selves. In our Sunday worship service, we do some worrying about our performance and our current standing on the sin scale. We sing. We hear the preached word and leave. Hopefully we leave challenged to change our lives. This is very serious business. It would appear that with all the solemnest, many people don’t believe the church is also a place for smiles, lightheartedness and celebration.

If we look back at church tradition, viewing the history of the church; we see in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, that many of us believe this is a time for solemnest or sadness. If you could visit churches around the country, as they participate in the Lord’s Supper, you might find lots of people looking solemn, sad or even crying. Some people are concerning themselves with this week’s record of their sins, in order to participate in the Lord’s Supper. They feel this is what they should do; Examine themselves! They want to determine if they are worthy to participate in the Lord’s Supper, according to a recited scripture by the pastor. We know that this understanding comes from a Bible Scripture cited in         1 Corinthians Chapter 11. This scripture is preached from pulpits every First Sunday or whenever a church partakes in the Lord’s Supper.

The scripture I am referring to comes in the pastor’s invitation to the body, to partake of “The Lord’s Supper.” It is 1 Corinthians 11: 27-28 (NIV), wherein states:  “Therfore, whoever eats the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28) A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”

However, some Pastors read it and comment to their congregations as if it said: (My paraphrase)

“You must examine yourself (assess your worthiness by reflecting on your sins) for worthiness to partake of the Lord’s Supper. If you partake of it and you are not saved, (having accepted Christ as you personal savior); you will bring divine judgment upon yourself, because you have partaken of it in an unworthy manner. They imply that if you have sinned in any way, you are not worthy and therefore, should not partake of it until you have confessed your sins; however, if you partake of it anyway, (supernatural) bad things will happen to you, such as sickness and death.”

After hearing this, the believers and visitors don’t know what to do!  They have feelings of guilt. If they don’t partake of the Lord’s Supper, everyone will assume they are guilty of sins. If they do partake of the Lord’s Supper, then they bring damnation upon themselves. I have heard this scripture expressed in this way many times over the years. Fortunately, they heard the Word first!

I question whether or not a visitor attending church services where the Lord’s Supper is commencing; can be denied the right (by scripture intimidation);  to participate in the Lord’s Supper, based on this particular scripture and the assumption they are unsaved??

If we look a little deeper into this passage, I believe we will find that, instead of this celebration being about us; it’s really about someone who is not us. With this understanding, we should feel relieved!  That means now, when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we can smile, celebrate and enjoy!  That means we don’t have to sit there with solemn faces, reflecting on our sins, past and present; and questioning ourselves, if we should partake or not. That means we don’t have to be concerned with what other believers think!

How preachers arrived at this understanding of this scripture, I cannot say. I don't know if the cause is just plain ignorance of scripture or they just refuse to continue their study and explore the scriptures to get the correct understanding. I can only tell you what I believe scripture does say from my studies and the understanding the Holy Spirit has granted me. Let’s take a look at the background story in order to appreciate and put this scripture in very possibly, the correct context!

The main theme of the Epistle to the Corinthians is Christian Conduct. It was written by the Apostle Paul at the close of his three years residence in Ephesus. This occasion for this epistle was a letter of inquiry from the Corinthian Church. They asked questions of Paul concerning such things as was it advisable for Christians to enter into the married state? Should a husbands or wife after being converted continue to live with an unconverted partner? What should the Christian attitude be toward the eating of meat which had previously been offered in sacrifice to idols? Should women have their heads covered when attending public worship? What is the significance of the variety of spiritual gifts?

But Paul was also greatly troubled by reports from Corinth of deepening division, increasing contentions, and other problems among the believers; and by a case of incest which had not been judged by the church. Located on the Mediterranean, the city of Corinth was a wealthy trading center. It was also a wicked city and was known for its wickedness throughout the Roman world. Because the church in Corinth was new, it was hard for the newly converted Jew and Gentile Christians there not to act like their pagan neighbors. So the church had some very serious problems.

The Christians in Corinth were not getting along with one another. There was division amongst them and they were taking sides. They divided themselves with false pride by exalting themselves over which Apostle baptized them; whether it was Paul, Peter, Apollos or Jesus. Some of them were living very sinful lives while claiming to be Christians. Paul wrote this letter to scold them and teach them how Christians should act. He tried to teach practical lessons about the Christian life so that people in Corinth would know right from wrong.

The main thrust of the epistle is correction of error brought about more by the carnality of the believers at Corinth, than by heresy. While Paul defends his apostleship because it involves the authority of the doctrine revealed through him; the letter is also an expression of his grief, concern and holy indignation on account of the unspiritual and immoral behavior of Christians at the Corinthian church.

Although this Epistle covers 16 chapters and subjects concerning, division in the church, sexual immorality; lawsuits, marriage, Christian rights and responsibilities, public worship and the importance of spiritual gifts, I am directing my examination to the issue of The Lord’s Supper in the church at Corinth.

1 Corinthians 11: 27-34 (NIV)

This scripture has been quoted from pulpits by preachers for a very long time. I believe it has been quoted without the correct understanding of it. Thus it has been misquoted and misunderstood by the preacher and his listening audience. I know that one can only speak from that which he has learned and believes. However, one should be open to continued knowledge, learning and understanding. After all, scripture says in, Prov.4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding.”  So one should adjust his understanding in light of that knowledge accordingly!

As I mentioned earlier, this scripture is quoted in a way that guilt’s a person into not partaking of the communion or Lord’s Supper. I believe that many pastors have the wrong understanding of the true purpose of The Lord’s Supper. Paul indicates plainly the true purpose of the Lord’s Supper, quoting directly from Jesus’ mouth, in the preceding verses,   1 Cor. 24-26

V.24    And when He (Jesus) had given thanks, He (Jesus) broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

V.25    In the same way, after supper (finished eating) He (Jesus) took the cup saying, “This cup is the new covenant (agreement, testament) in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

V.26   (Paul speaking) For whenever you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

According to these verses, The Last Supper Celebration is a “Remembrance Supper.”

So what do these scriptures tell us? They say that Jesus commanded His followers to eat the bread and drink the wine “In Remembrance of Him.”  Jesus knew that eating and drinking were a natural, every day occurrence in the lives of His followers. Therefore He insured that they would not forget the significance of his coming death, by commanding them to do this as often as they would normally eat and drink, in “Remembrance of Me”

The Apostle Paul added in V.26, (My paraphrase) - that as often as His followers did eat and drink, they would be proclaiming (announcing, making known to others) the fact of Jesus’ death and resurrection; until Jesus’ returns in glory.

You should also remember that the believer converts of the early First century believed they were living in the “Last Days.” They believed that Jesus’ return in Glory was imminent and they would witness it within their lifetime; of course, unless Jesus delays His coming. This was the common understanding amongst the early Christians. It was this understanding that led to their decisions to sell their unneeded property; give to the poor and needy; pool their money and resources to take care of one another, in their small home churches.

V. 27 (Paul speaking) Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.

V. 28   But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

So what is Paul trying to tell the Corinthians in verse 27?  If you eat of the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner, you are guilty of disrespecting Jesus and the purpose of the celebration…The remembrance of Jesus’s sacrifice for us!

Nowhere in this scripture does ‘Jesus’ say a man must “examine himself” before he can partake of the Remembrance Supper.  Surely, if this was so important a prerequisite to eating and drinking the Lord’s Supper, Jesus would have commanded it right then. But Jesus did not command this of His followers at the Last Supper.

V. 28 was a commandment of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians! NOT JESUS!!  Are we as believers in Christ, obligated to do as Paul commands? Just because it is “In the Book?”  There is much in the Book that we do not follow, for good reason. We don’t even pretend to try and follow the 10 commandments or the 600 plus Mosaic Laws. The reason is simple.  We cannot keep these laws! That is why God gave us a New Covenant in the person of Jesus Christ! We who are saved by Jesus’s redemptive work on the cross, live under and by Grace!  Which means we are covered under a new covenant with God because of Jesus’ blood sacrifice; and by His Grace we have been cleansed of sin once for all. God no longer sees us as sinners! We are restored to good relationship with God, through Jesus Christ!

 We are no longer under or bound by Old Testament Mosaic Law! Jesus stated plainly, “This cup is the New Covenant (agreement, testament) in my blood”  And Hebrews 10:9-10 confirms this:       9 “Then He said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first (Old Testament covenant) to establish the second.” (New Testament covenant) 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”        See also Hebrews 8:10-13; Hebrews 9:15; and Hebrews 10: 15-18

We need to examine the background story of the Apostle Paul and the Corinthians a little closer, to understand why Paul commanded the Corinthians in this way. This letter of Paul to the Church at Corinth not only gives counsel and instruction on important issues of Christian faith and conduct, but it also throws a revealing light on the serious problems facing this young church, shortly after its beginning in the middle of the first century.  Consider the background story as it was two thousand years ago!

Paul had brought the message of Christ to Corinth during the course of his second missionary journey. This city presented a tremendous challenge to the Gospel, both as one of the great cosmopolitan centers of commerce in the ancient world and as a place notorious for corruption and sexual immorality. If the message of the Cross had power to reach and transform the lives of men and women in such a setting, then it was powerful indeed!  And this is precisely what happened. The members of this young church had been enriched with a variety of spiritual gifts. Gifts of the Spirit! This was a confirmation to them, and to the world, that God was present and working powerfully in their midst.

But it was not long before serious errors of doctrine and practice, which threatened the well-being and even the survival of the Christian community there, arose within the ranks of the believers. It is to the correction of these errors that 1 Corinthians is mainly devoted. In the first place, deplorable division had split the church into hostile factions; shattering the unity in which all who profess to be brothers in Christ, should be bound together.

Secondly, one of their number had been guilty of gross immorality, (incest) of a kind even the profligate society of pagans around them, would have condemned. However, much to Paul’s surprise, the congregation of Corinth had failed to impose discipline upon the offender by expelling him from their fellowship.

Thirdly, members of the church had been dragging each other before pagan secular courts to settle disputes that had arisen between them, instead of resolving their quarrels in a spirit of Christian love within the community of the church, or being willing, after Christ’s example, to endure wrongs without retaliation.

Fourthly, some had been committing fornication with prostitutes and attempting to justify their conduct by arguing that only the body was involved and that the deeds of the body were of no consequence. Therefore, they had not sinned!

Fifthly, the Lords Supper, which should have been a Celebration in Remembrance, and an expression of loving harmony, had degenerated into an occasion for irreverence, gluttony, and uncharitable behavior.

Sixthly, there were disorderly and unedifying scenes when they met together for public worship, especially in the exercise of the spiritual gifts with which they had been endowed. Paul found it necessary to remind them that the gift which is best of all and most to be coveted is the gift of love. Apart from which all other gifts are worthless.

Seventhly, heretical teaching had gained a footing in the Corinthian church. Which, by its denial of the fact of Christ’s resurrection and indeed of the possibility of any resurrection from the dead; had struck at the very cornerstone of the Christian faith.

These matters, of which every one is appalling, received Paul’s careful and urgent attention in this epistle letter to the Corinthians. It is through this background narrative that Paul found himself having to rebuke and instruct, the Christians of the Church at Corinth.

Now we have to go back a few verses to see and understand the context of the problem; that prompted Paul to command them to examine themselves. There is a type of examination that the Corinthians needed to do two thousand years ago. However, it’s not the same type of examination that Christians are engaging in today. Reflecting on past and current sins!

 In 1 Corinthians 17-22 (NIV) Paul states the problem very clearly. V17- “In following directives I have no praise for you, for your meeting do more harm than good. 18- In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.     19- No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. 20- When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, 21- for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk. 22- Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!”

So when we look at this passage, what do we see they were doing? They did not follow the directions Paul had given to them to guide themselves and their budding church. When they would meet together for home church, they quarreled so; it did more harm than good. They were divided into factions within the church. They were coming to the home church celebration of the Lord’s Supper and they were not just eating the little half ounce serving of bread and wine.  They were sharing a whole meal together first.  Then they would break the bread and drink of the cup.

Other people were showing up for this celebration at the home church early and not waiting for anybody else to eat.  You know what happens when people show up early to a buffet. They get the best of the food. They get fed first! They get full! They get to make sure they eat enough!  So what happens to the late comers? They get very little or nothing!  They go away hungry! The others, who got there early primarily for the alcohol, would go away drunk.

Can you see now what type of examination is required by these people? They were eating and drinking in an unworthy manner. Gluttony & Greediness!!  A manner that is not worthy of Christians. Inconsideration & Greediness! A manner that is not worthy of the celebration. self-centeredness!  So what should they do????    Examine Themselves!!!!

 Examine what they are doing!  Re-evaluate their behavior! Consider that maybe there is a less selfish way to eat the meal and celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

Now fast forward two thousand years! What have we turned this scripture into by taking it out of its true context? When pastors emphasize the words, EXAMINE HIMSELF?  We have made this a scripture about US!  Pastors have shifted the attention on US! When it never was really intended to be that way.   THIS COMAND IS SOLEY ABOUT THE CORINTHIANS!  IT IS NOT ABOUT US TODAY!!

Paul’s next question says frankly, “Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? (Can’t you eat and drink at home?) Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!  There were poor people among the believers, who also would show up for the celebration. They knew there would be a meal served beforehand. Perhaps this was the only full meal they would have that day. So by some people showing up and hoarding all the food, many had to go away hungry. Paul asked “ Do you despise the church so much that you are shaming those who have nothing?”  Should I praise your behavior? I most certainly will not!  Do see the problems he was trying to correct??

In the verses to follow, you will see that Paul instructs them in the right way to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, according to what he received from Jesus. What is the right way to do it?? If we can figure out the right way, then God will be pleased! The only right way to celebrate the Lord’s Supper correctly is to do it “IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIM!”  That is what Jesus asked of them in 1 Corinthians 11: 24-25.

THE LORD’S SUPPER IS A “REMEMBRANCE SUPPER” AND IT IS NOT ABOUT US EXAMINING OURSELVES AND REMEMBERING OUR SINS…IT’S ABOUT REMEMBERING  HIM….AND HIS DEATH!

Can we deny a visitor or unsaved person the Lord’s Supper?  Certainly not! The Apostles did not do this! The unsaved were amongst the converted believers eating and drinking. The Remembrance Supper was a great “teaching point” for the Apostle!

So the next time, when we are sitting in service, about to partake of the Lord’s Supper; and we hear a Pastor say “A man ought to examine himself;” if we bow our heads and begin to introspect about yesterday, this week, this month; this kind of sin and that kind of sin; reflecting on all of our sins that seem to impress us in the guilt category; what are we remembering? Are we doing it in remembrance of Him? Or are we doing it in remembrance of ourselves and our sins?

REMEMBER….. It’s not about US…It’s about Jesus!

Your brother, In His Service

Min. Douglas   

WILL A MAN ROB GOD?

You have heard this often repeated scripture of Malachi 3: verses 6-10, wherein it relates to tithes and offerings.  It is not enough for a pastor or anyone to just quote these verses as the authority by which the church demands believers to pay tithes of ten per cent. To fully understand this scripture, you need to understand the true context in which it was written. To do this, you need to read the entire book of Malachi.  Most people don’t really study the Bible to know truly the meaning of scripture. Particularly some pastors are guilty of this. They prefer to skim through the bible; to pick and choose scriptures that are relevant to a thought or support the message they want to get across in a sermon. This is not proper study of the word.

The Bible is written in a way that tells stories. All of the stories depicted in the bible bare a message or lessons that will aide our spiritual growth. Basically, it tells the story of God and His relationship to man and a nation. How He brought them into existence; how they repeatedly failed to keep His commandments; how they suffered as a result of their disobedience; and how He put forth a plan for their redemption through the blood sacrifice of His Beloved Son. It is a very simple narrative, but it is full of history, drama, and truth.  To get at the truth, you must read more than a verse here and a verse there. You need to explore the back story to discover the true context of a particular verse.

The Book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament or Old Covenant. The name Malachi means “my messenger”! The Book records the messages of the prophet, Malachi; who lived during the second half of the fifth century B.C. This was after the temple at Jerusalem had been rebuilt. The Jews religious life was not in good condition. They had married foreign women, failed to give God what they should have, and even left the worship of God after he delivered their forefathers from bondage in Egypt.

Malachi’s chief concern was that the Israelites relationship to God was not as it should be. They had forgotten God and treated him with dishonor. They failed to do what God required of them! (This is an important point) He gave them the Law through the prophet Moses. Because of this, there would be judgment; but the God-fearing people did not need to worry because they were in God’s book and would enjoy God’s salvation forever. Let’s look at this book chapter by chapter!

In Chapter I, (1: 1-5)…..God declares His love for Israel. In Chapter I, (1:6-2:16) Israel insults God by sacrificing crippled, blemished animals on His altar. He says He will not accept their sacrifices. He states “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male (unblemished) in his flock and vows (promises) to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord.” 

God required the people of Israel and the Priests, to make acceptable sacrifices. Acceptable sacrifices were the first fruits of any harvest and perfect unblemished animals. Malachi found that the people and the priests had strayed from this law. They were keeping the very best of everything for themselves and offering to God the least of their harvest and blemished, crippled and diseased animals. This was an insult to God Almighty and a defile of His altar.

Next He admonishes the Priests, who were charged with keeping and teaching the Law, because they do not honor him. He says He has cursed them and the people because of this. He reminds them that his covenant was made with Levi and that Levi walked upright with Him. This is where the tribe of Levi, gets their name. They are one of the twelve tribes of Israel and were chosen (set aside) to be Priests of The Tabernacle, God’s Temple. He tells them that they have turned from the way Levi instructed them and by their teachings they have caused many to stumble. (To Sin against God)

Next he speaks of how the tribe of Judah was unfaithful to God by breaking faith with one another. (Breaking their marriage vows) Judah has desecrated the sanctuary the Lord loves, by marring the daughter of a foreign god. (God loves the sanctuary of marriage) He tells how they weep and wail because God no longer pays attention to their offerings or accepts them. They were divorcing their wives of many years although God made them one flesh and spirit, belonging to Him. God says “I hate divorce.” (Verse 16)

Chapter 2: 17 – Chapter 4:6 - -God’s Judgment and promise. It is in Chapter 3 that the subject of “robbing God” comes up. Now if you look at the backdrop of Israel as stated above, when you read Chapter 3, it will become plain to you, the context of the question “Will a man rob God.”

In 3: 6, God says “I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, (the tribes of Israel) are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your forefather you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them.” (Remember how when Moses guided them out of Egypt and gave them the Laws of God; how they turned back to worshiping false gods. How they angered God over and over and He forgave them again and again? This is what he is speaking of. From way back then to now, they have not obeyed God’s Commandments and Laws; Because of this they are away from God.) 

Next God says “Return to me, and I will return to you! But you ask, how are we to return? (How can we get back in good relations with you Lord?) 8 God answers, “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, “How do we rob you?” (God has been telling them through his messenger Malachi, in all these chapters, what they were doing wrong that caused them to be cursed by him. This is one more thing they were doing wrong! He is offering them another opportunity to “Return to Him”…get back in good relationship)

He answers, “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse, the whole nation of you; because you are robbing me!”  (How were they, the priests and tribes robbing God??  Under the laws of Moses, from God, each tribe was supposed to give ten percent of their wealth to the tribe of Levi, the chosen priests. The Levites’ were not allowed to own property of any sort. They were to be totally dedicated to serving the Tabernacle of God. Since they had no means of earning a living, God decreed that the other eleven tribes were to support them with tithes and offerings. (This did not mean just money. It meant livestock, grains, goods and service also) This they were not doing; and they were not giving the first fruits and best of their livestock for sacrifice to God. They gave poor grain offerings and crippled and blemished animals for sacrifice to God and they kept the best of everything for themselves! THIS IS HOW THEY WERE ROBBING GOD!  It does not mean just giving money!)

Now Verse 10-12 is the kicker! These are the verses some pastors use to convince you to give ten percent of your income to the church, as a commandment of God! I call them the “Let’s make a deal” verses. Verse 10,… Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Verse 11- I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit, “says the Lord Almighty.” Verse 12- Then all the nations will call you blessed, for y ours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord.

In these verses God is telling the Israelites’ how they can once again be blessed by Him! He asks them to start obeying His laws again by giving the proper tithes and offerings to His house. He asks them to put Him to a test. Allow Him to prove His word to them. If they will do this, He will bless them greatly! He will bless them so much that they won’t be able to store it. He promises that no pest will destroy their crops and their fruits and vines will flourish in abundance. He is promising them that none of the natural occurrences of agriculture and farming, will happen to them, if they return to serving Him. He tells them that they will be admired by   other nations, because of the abundance of their land.

It is plain to see that these scriptures reveal a much different meaning then that taught and preached in churches today. In no way does this scripture refer to or endorse compulsory tithes and offerings, on the part of believers. God’s obvious intention in giving instruction to Israel to bring tithes into the storehouse was to insure the support of the priest and maintenance of the Tabernacle, as He had previously instructed. It was never intended to be applicable to the early Christians or Christians today. In the early church “God motivated giving” was encouraged! Giving comes from motivation of the heart and it is Jesus who motivates our hearts to 

give in support of the Church, its programs and one another!

Belief is what motivates the giver! Belief in the life; death; burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Believers are supposed to give to the church out of their love of God, coming from that belief!  There is no compulsion or pressure to give; nor dictates as to how much each person is to give, in “their giving”!

Contributing to the church is voluntary and freely given from an individual’s sincere desire to sustain the church, its programs and meet its needs. When we are saved by the preached gospel of Jesus Christ, we desire others to be saved also. So, we give what we can of our knowledge, energies, talents, and finances to ensure the church is maintained and able to fulfill this purpose.

There is indeed satisfaction and joy in giving!  But it comes from your “free will, cheerful, eager giving”! You will find satisfaction in seeing that the support you gave to the church is used in a tangible, meaningful way to support the church, its programs and the saints. Hopefully, people are thankful for it! Hopefully it causes them to turn to God and “say the benefits of this ministry have truly ministered to me personally. Thank you Jesus for this Church being here!”

Unfortunately, some Pastors have gotten the scriptures concerning tithes and offerings all twisted! Whether it is intentionally self serving, immaturity in faith or simply a lack of knowledge; they are preaching “Let’s Make A Deal” with God! If you give so much…then God will reward you with so much! They have turned simple heartfelt giving into some sort of “prosperity program!” that benefits them and their families. More and more you see these so called “Sheppard’s” enjoying enormous salaries and living lavish lifestyles, as a result of the deceptive interpretation of Malachi 3:6 and other scriptures. They are the ones who should answer the question, “Will a man rob God?”

Give your tithes and offerings to your home church, but give from knowledge that your giving is not compulsoryz; nor can anyone dictate as to how much you are to give! Give cheerfully from your heart, of what God has blessed you with, in whatever amount comfortable for you. God does not want you to be poor. Give to sustain the church; to aide its causesand programs; and to meet  other’s needs! However, don’t be pressured by anyone into injuring yourself  or your family's financial position, by giving a mandatory 10% of your income!  It is not Biblical!

Your brother, In His Service

Min. Douglas  

TOWARDS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE

 To begin our discussion of Better Understanding the Bible, I want to share a few important facts with you. There are a number of important details that are overlooked by laypeople and pastors alike, when it comes to reading and studying the Bible. Some of these details are printed in the introductions to chapters; in commentaries, concordances, and included in some bibles. Most of these facts are only known to those who engage in “serious bible study”. Not the cursory study done by most people or in most church bible study classes. But by people who dedicate themselves to knowing as much about the Word of God, as possible. This information comes from reading biblical history, bible commentaries, bible translations, reference books and the published works of renowned bible scholars and theologians..

We owe much to the Theologians and Bible Scholars of the past centuries and present day. Open any edition of The Bible and you will find the names of the learned scholars and theologians who are responsible for its translation, creation, editing and printing. If you research their names, using any search engine; you will find their credentials, academic authorities and accomplishments. They are the highly educated masters of the arts, scholars, theologians, archeologists, anthropologists and scientist, who religiously search after the knowledge of the scriptures.

Why is it important to have knowledge of who these scholars are? Because these are the people of whom all who read and study The Bible, trust for our understanding and the correct interpretation and translations of the scriptures! Many are highly respected professors who teach at prestigious seminaries and universities. They are the men and women who have devoted their education and their very lives to the exploration and study of scripture.

They are highly respected for their knowledge on the subject because they have lived in the biblical lands; unearthed the treasures of long ago buried civilizations; researched and studied the peoples; their history and customs for untold years. They have learned to read, write and speak the various languages in which the texts (scriptures) were written. Their experiential knowledge is what enabled them to aide in the translation of the American English Bible. Equally important, is having more than a cursory knowledge of how we got The Bible. It did not just miraculously appear out of nowhere or drop from the sky and land in the hands of some individual. Readers should have some knowledge of just how this great book came to be.

The Bible is the number one bestselling book of all times; and its readers know little or nothing about its origins. We accept, trust and believe its message and content based entirely on its claim to be the “Inerrant Word of God!” Now, when we think of God, our Heavenly Father, we think of His Holy, Righteous, Devine Nature and His Infallibility! Because of our high regard for God, we carry over these same thoughts and attributes to His Word, The Bible. We want to believe that the men responsible for its writing, were writing under the influence of the Holy Spirit and therefore their writing is inerrant and infallible.

We forget that men are not infallible and the Bible itself is testimony to man’s ongoing struggles with unrighteousness. If you have a sincere desire to know the truth contained in the Bible, begin to read and study in earnest! God will reward your study of His word, with a new clarity and insight you have not known before. How much richer your life would be if you left each Bible reading with a new perspective and a small change for the better. A small change every day adds up to a changed life…. that is the true purpose of Scripture.

The following 5 points are some of the details and background information not known to laypeople and often overlooked by those called to preach the Gospel. However, they are significant and fundamental to a clearer, better understanding of this great book; the various translations it has come through; and the true contexts in which scripture is written. Because we all very often read scripture without fully knowing the context of the verses that are written; we are subject to error in our beliefs and our application of these scripture truths, to our lives.

#1 The Bible underwent numerous language translations prior to the King James Version in English.

The Bible existed for centuries in other forms prior to King James authorizing the English version we have today in 1611.Prior to this, Scripture was first past down by oral tradition. It was memorized and recited verbally for a long time before it actually appeared in a written form. When you open the first pages of the Authorized King James Version it says, “It was translated out of the original tongues, with the former, diligently compared and revised.” No one ever asks the question, “what were the original tongues it was translated from?” Common sense says if you knew that, one could research and find out the accuracy of any of the translations, compared to the original. The Original tongues were Aramai and Hebrew. It was later translated into Greek, Latin and finally into Old English. Since 1618, it was translated into American English, (with multiple upgraded editions as our language changed) and almost every language spoken by man.

#2 The Bible writers were not all “Inspired Men of God.”

When you study the history of peoples in biblical times, you will find that there existed racial, religious, cultural and political issues that shaped the world of that day. After the Ascension, Jesus’ followers were considered just another cult by the Romans, who ruled at that time. They were counted among the numerous existing heathen religions. The Romans were idolaters and polytheist. They had no fear of the little Jesus cult popping up everywhere; so long as they caused no trouble to the Empire. Every cult had their own Gods, miracles, worship practices and sacred writings. Each cult attempted to spread its doctrines through its converts and its writings. When the writings of all were being considered for inclusion in the bible, each cult’s adherents tried to influence the selection in their favor.

The inspired men of God wrote the scriptures, however, professional scribes were used to produce copies for distribution. The professional scribes, charged with the writing, were members of various religious groups and cults. Through mistakes in copying and deliberate alteration, the original manuscript text was changed. Some of these changes came about from honest errors in their choice in words, phrases and concepts, being translated from one language to another. Some changes were made do to these scribes editing to reflect their group’s teachings, doctrines and points of view.

#3 The “Original Text” of the Bible’s Scriptures, is unknown.

There is no “original text” of the bible scriptures! The originals do not exist today! In all of the archeological searches and discoveries over the centuries, isn’t it peculiar that not one of the original texts have been found? What the archeologist discovered and later translated into the various languages, were “copies” of the originals, written in Aramai, Hebrew and Greek. Large quantities of scrolls have been found of the scribe’s failed attempts to copy the scriptures, with the various errors and alterations. Scientist and Scholars have very accurately discovered the ages of these texts and have determined they could not be the originals.

When the New Testament life, teachings and sayings of Jesus were first written, by those who followed him, they were spread by the believers who could read and write. They meticulously copied them and shared the copies with other small groups of believers. The same is true for the Apostles written accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings. However, these attempts at recording and compiling the Master’s Life and Teachings did not occur for up to 70 years after His Ascension.

However, the writers of Scripture do affirm in 2 Timothy 3:16, that the words of their writings are divinely taught. 16-“All Scripture is God-Breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

And in Romans 15:4, 4-“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Do these scriptures only refer to the “Original Manuscripts” and not to subsequent translations and versions, with their alterations? Even so, the labors of competent Bible scholars have brought our English versions to a remarkable degree of reliability, so that no essential truth of Scripture is ever under any question.

#4 Early converts to “The Way” (Christianity) were largely illiterate.

In biblical times the majority of people were uneducated. They could not read or write in their own language. They communicated verbally and followed long established oral traditions. The common people spoke Aramai; the religious leaders spoke, read and wrote Hebrew; and the Ruling Class was educated and spoke, read and wrote Greek; in addition to their native language. When people became coverts, they became converted as a result of “hearing the gospel.” The Good News was preached to them by an Apostle or another convert to “The Way.”

“The Way” was the name for Jesus’ teachings by the Jewish and Gentile converts of the 1st. century. These believers were converted after Jesus’ death and resurrection, by Jesus’s commissioned disciples and other converts. As they traveled throughout the region, they established small church groups called Ecclesia’s. At their gatherings for worship, the copies of scriptures and letters from the Apostles were read aloud to them. This is how they received their instruction and teachings in the Word of God… by hearing! Examination of the scriptures shows that they were written to be read aloud to audiences. Those who could read and write were charged to make copies to be read and studied in their Ecclesia. They used these copies to share with neighboring groups and to convert others to “The Way.”

#5 Authorship and Dates of many books in the bible are questionable.

Scholars have done their best to authenticate the authors and attempt to date the events recorded in the Bible. However, in many of the cases they can only speculate as to “Who wrote that particular epistle and the date of its writing.” They can only state that “they believe” it was written by “so n’so” because of certain known facts; similarities to events recorded in other historical books; and by comparison to the writing styles of known authors of that era; And the date “is approximately “so n’so”, by equating the writing to known historical events!

For example, the author of Hebrews is unknown! It is ‘believed’ to be written by the Apostle Paul by some scholars and others attribute the writing to Paul’s disciple Barnabas; because the style and wording is unlike any of the known epistles penned by Paul. Another example, no one is certain exactly when the Book of Job was written!

Some theologians think it may have been the first Bible book written, while others date it up to two thousand years later. In addition, there are different alleged eye witness accounts of the same events in history. Certain dates and authorship continue to be hotly debated, amongst theologians and scholars.

The Gnostic and other heathen cults produced many writings (texts) during the early 1st Centuries. Their writings were considered to be heretical writings, by the early Church Fathers. It was their common practice of the time to place the name of an Apostle or famous Theologian on their writing as the author. The result was, they gained credibility for their cults and spread their philosophy and doctrines, by this deception. Many of these writings found their way into consideration for inclusion into the first composition of the Bible in 1611. These writings came under great scrutiny and examination by the Counsels charged with the compilation. The rejection of these texts gave origin to the creation of the books called Apocrypha..

The word "apocrypha" means "of questionable authenticity." These are called non canonical books because when the canon of Scriptures (the sixty six books of the Old and New Testaments) was accepted by the early Church Fathers, they recognized that these books contained false material and therefore were not inspired of God. They were not accepted as “Holy Scripture”, and stand separate from the Bible.

Other names for these books are "hidden" or "deuterocanonical" books. Meaning, a secondary collection of scriptures; relating or belonging to a secondary, less well-regarded, or disputed collection of religious scripture; especially the Apocrypha. These books are also called "pseudepigraphal", meaning "false writings", anonymous or pseudonymous writings professing to be biblical, but not included in any acceptable biblical canon. They were designated as counterfeit and unauthentic books of the late centuries B. C. and early centuries A. D. These books contain religious folklore and and were considered “heretical writings.” They have never been considered inspired of God by biblical scholars and Church founders from the earliest times of churches.

This treatise has not been written with the intent to have anyone doubt the Word of God, in any regard. It was written to aide you in a better understanding of the Bible and to entreat you to be serious in your reading, examination and study the Word. Allow the truths of the scriptures to come forth from your diligence, with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

Why should we study the Bible? 1) Because, God urges each of us to apply His Word to our lives. (James 1:22-25 NIV) And 2) Because, believers are not reading the Bible with understanding and therefore not applying its commands to their lives.

The aim of this writing can be summed up by the following words of scripture, from Nehemiah 8:7-8, 12 NIV

“7 The Levites…..instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. 12- Then all the people went away….to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.”

I believe if we are diligent in our study of the Word and the application of its precepts in our lives, we will indeed become new creatures in Christ. We can become a light unto the Path for the unsaved. They will see their way to Christ not only by the preached gospel, but by the light emanating from our lives, as we allow Christ to shine forth through us.

Your brother, In His Service

Min. Douglas

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Welcome to my blog! I have chosen this medium of communication because it affords all who have something to say, whether monumentally important or trivial, the largest listening audience. I am a Christian! I am a follower of Jesus Christ and a Minister of His Gospel.  I write commentary on a variety of subjects, concerning the Church today, the Scriptures and our society, as it relates to Christian living. This blog is an effort to share what God has blessed me to know and understand from studying His Word.

 I am a truth seeker and a diligent Bible Student. I do not consider myself a Theologian or an authority on Bible scripture, by any stretch of imagination. Neither am I trying to impress anyone with what little intellect God has blessed me with. I have attended no seminary or institution of higher learning prior to starting this blog project. However, since then I have enrolled in Seminary and attend regularly. There are no theological or doctoral degrees behind my name, as I am not seeking the approbation of men. God has led me to attend Seminary, to gain formal knowledge in Theology and to formally learn how to represent my calling to Ministry.  I am just a humble servant, your brother in Christ. Diligently studying and seeking knowledge and a better understanding of God’s Word and Will.

 I consider myself an empty vessel and therefore usable by the Lord. I am seeking to be filled by His knowledge alone. I have everything I need, in Jesus Christ. I hope through this blog, you will come to the same realization! My writings are commentary on questions and issues we have all found that effect us as Christians. Questions that may not have been adequately answered in the past and have caused us much confusion today.  Questions that challenge our beliefs and practices and cause us to wonder in search for clearer answers than what we have received. The subjects address here will undoubtedly stimulate some thought and possibly controversy. I find myself now taking exception to many of the teachings, doctrines and long established traditions we were raised with and are still being preached today. It would appear that as Christians, we have become complacent in our practices.

Looking at our church leaders today, one cannot help but see how many have become lax in their preaching, teaching and doctrine application. Listening to the quality of sermons being preached, it seems they have compromised and made concessions with the world, in proclaiming the Gospel! This is not a blanket indictment of all Pastors. However, many Pastors have jumped on the popular bandwagon of the “prosperity gospel”; and are preaching a “feel good” gospel, in an attempt to be politically correct. They have turned a blind eye to sin running rampant within the church. They are afraid to confront the issues that are running people away from the Church and their salvation. They fear losing their positions of authority and their paychecks.

They are misguided into thinking the Gospel of Jesus Christ is worded too strong and they don't want to  offend anyone! I could care less about being politically correct or who may get their feelings hurt upon hearing the truth of the Gospel!   I am of the opinion that political correctness is, trying not to offend anyone with our words, while it is an offense to God to alter His Word to appease sinners. It is their compromising and watering down the truth, which is causing many to live continuously in error and outside of God's intended Will. Pastors must be “Biblical Correct" in their preaching, teaching and doctrine today! Matthew 7:13 (NASB) says, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." Many come to stand at the crossroad of decision; to accept the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ or to continue on the broad road to destruction! It is my prayer they choose “The Road Less Traveled' and enter through the narrow gate to life eternal.

Your brother, In His Service

Min. Douglas