FAITH IN THE PUBLIC ARENA

The question of faith in public has reached the forefront in a variety of arenas. In the political arena the faith of some is questioned. A person may claim Christian faith, but as Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruit”. Another claims a faith heritage that is seen by some as no different than mainline Christianity, but by others as diametrically opposed to it. Still others claim their faith is simply a return to that expressed by the founders of the United States of America.

Jesus says the following, “"Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness! Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Now everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:21 to 27 NKJV).

Claiming faith in Christ, and even serving in Jesus name have no eternal point for us unless the desire is truly to serve the Lord and not ourselves. The hypocritical leaders in Jesus day did a variety of things that if they were done to glorify Jesus are excellent. However, their desire was not to show off Jesus, but show off their own piousness to an audience of human beings. As with prayer, as mentioned in my last regular blog, they should be done for an audience of one, the Holy One. Here Jesus returns to that theme later in His Sermon on the Mount. Here he lays out their fate in no uncertain terms saying, “depart from me”. He compares the person who lives out their legitimate faith to the wise builder who constructs his house, his life, on the solid rock, Jesus Himself. The one with an illegitimate faith builds theirs on a constantly shifting foundation of sand. Their result ends in disaster.

There is an old saying which to some may seem trite or cliche’, but never the less true, “You may be the only Bible some people ever read”. If you worked with a person who was a scoundrel to deal with, who knows and tells the vilest of dirty jokes, who “borrows” all sorts of company owned resources, etc., and then loudly proclaims their Faith and church membership – which personality are you going to believe? If you served on a parent committee at your child’s school with a woman who constantly gossips about or slanders other committee members, and then invites you to her ladies group at church, would you accept the invitation? What if that person at work shows a truly humble spirit, is an encourager to the rest of the staff, or shows a solid work ethic would it make their claim more believable. If the mom builds up those around her instead of tearing them down, her invitation would be more acceptable.

If you had a spiritual mirror in front of you, would you like what you see?

Dr. Oberg

Are the Mormons Christians??

In light of recent comments on the political front I felt the need to re-publish two of my early blog's concerning one of the most widely accepted cults world-wide. The first part lays out a definition of a cult. the second deals specifically with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.


INTRODUCTION
In my life I have had the opportunity to deal directly with three of the major cults active in the United States. The fourth dealt with in this presentation represents some of the heritage of my family. In this presentation I hope to expose these groups for what they truly are. The majority of well meaning, but ignorant, Christians accept these groups as equals. Looking at them as just other denominations, other groups of true Christians. Part of the reason for this misunderstanding is the fact that these groups use the Bible, primarily the King James Version, as one of their primary texts.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (The Mormons) were given an opportunity to teach me concerning their beliefs. Two well meaning young men stopped by my home one Saturday afternoon. I introduced myself, and the fact that I was a Pastor serving a local church, and offered to sit down with them and discuss things. Even in light of my identity the two young men agreed and we began meeting every Tuesday for a time of study and prayer. Over the next few weeks I was taught by four different Mormon Elders, their term for their door to door missionaries. From the outset it was agreed that chances were slim that I would be converted to Mormonism, and they were also slim that the young men would be converted away from Mormonism. In the process I learned a great deal about the young missionaries and their devotion, and I learned a great deal about the Mormon Church.

I had a similar opportunity with the Seventh day Adventist Church. I was serving a young Independent Christian Church that met for three and one half years in the Seventh Day Adventist Church building in our community. In the one and a half years I served the church I developed a close friendship with their pastor. At one point I became his test subject or guinea pig. He had been trained to present a thirteen week study in Seventh Day Adventist doctrine, but before he could train his congregation he was required to actually conduct the study with a person not connected with the Seventh Day Adventist church. Here again I learned a great deal about their heritage and doctrine.

My encounters with the Church of Christ Scientists (AKA. Christian Science) hits a little closer to home. My mother dabbled in Christian Science for decades. She would attend their lectures, read their materials, and try to apply their teachings. At one point she balanced the teachings of Kenneth Hagin, a “name it claim it health wealth doctrine” charismatic evangelist, and those of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. My mother was faithful to Christian Science almost to the end. She was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer that had spread to her brain and liver. She had not sought medical treatment until the cancer was beyond repair. However after being diagnosed by a physician, and being treated in a hospital, a Christian Science Practitioner, their term for a minister, refused to counsel her further.

The fourth group, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have not impacted my life as personally as the other three. My paternal Grandmother at one time in her life practiced this religion. Some of my relatives on that side still practice it.

DEFINING A CULT
Dr. Charles Braden defines a cult as, “…any religious group which differs significantly in one or more respects as to the belief or practice from those religious groups which are regarded as the normative expressions of religion in our total culture.”[1] John H. Gerstner of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary uses the term “sect” rather than “cult”. He is quoted as saying, “Evangelicals generally use Sect when referring to those denominations which do not hold to fundamental biblical principals – especially the deity of Christ and His atonement”[2]
For a Biblical perspective lets consider Galatians 1:6 to 10. These verses read, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”(NKJV). The basic question before us is simple. Is what the group teaches in conformity to orthodox Christian doctrine as revealed to us in the Scriptures.

In this presentation we are going to do a brief comparison of basic Christian doctrine and the beliefs and doctrines of these three major groups. We will especially concentrate on the following areas:
1. Scripture - how do these groups view the Bible as well as other documents they may hold as inspired.
2. The Trinity - how do they define the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as compared to orthodox Christianity.
3. Salvation - is there a thing called sin, and how is it atoned for.
4. The Sacraments of Baptism and Communion.
We will conclude with a list of principles to keep in mind when reaching out to these groups, as well as any other denomination of religious group. Much of the material used has been gleaned from the official and authorized materials published by each of these respective groups. When necessary the information has been supplemented with conservative, evangelical responses taken from such works as The Kingdom of the Cults by Dr. Walter Martin and Larson’s New Book of Cults by Bob Larson.

BASIC CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIANITY
Before we look at these cults we need to lay out a foundation of some of the basic beliefs that are held as the truth which cannot be altered or changed. First, the Bible is the inspired word of God. II Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”(NKJV). II Peter 1:21 adds, “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”(NKJV). Some thirty-nine human authors were given the word by the process of revelation. God, through, the Holy Spirit, used the vocabulary, style, and even dialect of these authors to deliver His word. In addition, there are sections of Scripture that were given primarily by dictation with God instructing the authors to “Write these words”. In its original form, in its original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) the Bible is without error in any form

Second, conservative Christianity teaches there is one God, but that He is a trinity of three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As a part of the commission of His Church, God gave the following instruction, “"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). Chafer and Walvoord write, “While the doctrine of the Trinity is a central fact of the Christian faith, it is also beyond human comprehension and has no parallel in human experience. It is best defined as holding that, while God is one, He exists as three persons. These persons are equal have the same attributes, and are equally worthy of adoration, worship, and faith.”[3]

Third, conservative Christianity teaches that man is a sinner in need of salvation. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”(NKJV). Romans 6:23 adds, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(NKJV). Ephesians 2:8 and 9 tell us how to collect this gift, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”(NKJV).

Finally, conservative Christianity recognizes two ordinances of the church. The first is baptism, as stated in Acts 2:38, “…Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(NKJV). The second is communion or the Lord’s supper, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.”(I Corinthians 11:26 NKJV).

[1] Martin, Walter, The Kingdom of the Cults, (Minneapolis, MN., Bethany House Publishers, 1997) p. 17
[2] Gerstner, John H., The Teachings Of Mormonism, (Grand Rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) p. 5, Dr. Gerstner includes this same definition in each of his series of booklets on the major sects.
[3] Chafer, Lewis Sperry and Walvvord, John F., Major Bible Themes, (Grand Rapids, MI., Zondervan Publishing House, 1974) p. 40

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
Mormonism is perhaps the most native of all American religious groups, in its early history and development it was chased out of Ohio, Mississippi, and Illinois. The faithful settled in what at the time was Mexican territory, but which later became part of the American west. It all began in Sharon, Vermont, the birthplace of Joseph Smith. There he was born to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. He was a prophet in his own right, having had visions that were very similar to the later ones alleged by his son. Joseph Smith’s mother would have been seen as a “psychic” today. His maternal grandfather, Solomon Mack displayed a great knack for the occult. One biographer, Fawn Brodie, summed up Joseph Smith JR’s youth with this description, “a likable, ne’er-do-well who was notorious for tall tales and necromantic arts and who spent his leisure leading a band of idlers in digging for buried treasure.”[1] In 1820 Smith had his first vision. In 1823 Smith “met” the angel Moroni who was reportedly a resurrected saint who had died in AD 400. Moroni introduced him to a set of gold plates that contained the text of the Book of Mormon. In 1830 this new revelation was published in Palmyra, Illinois. Later that year the church was founded. In 1844 Smith was martyred by a lawless militia near Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1847 Brigham Young lead the Saints to Utah which was not a part of the United States at the time. Young offered a knowledge of business in place of Smith’s visions.
The most notable characteristic of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (AKA. Mormons) is their door to door evangelistic efforts.. Most have encountered Mormon missionaries or elders, and can spot them very readily. The typical missionaries are males, traveling in pairs, they are 19 to 21 years of age, and they serve for a period of 18 months to two years. Their normal attire is black pants and white shirts. Some things not so readily known is that they are volunteers, it is not compulsory that a Mormon young person serve in this capacity. They are unpaid, and have had to raise their own support for the work. They are given some training before being sent out. A training period of three weeks is given, with nine weeks being allowed if a foreign language must be learned.. They are taught to present a set presentation of their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ and His Atonement for all people.. There are approximately 60,000 missionaries at work at any one time, and this work may include evangelism as well as community service.[2]

PLEASE NOTE - You may want to review my previous article which outlines very briefly the tenets of conservative Christianity.

The Mormons and the Scriptures
When one of these young men come into a home they will be carrying a book which they revere as much as we do the Bible. In a single bound volume they have the King James Version of the Holy Bible.[3] In addition to the Bible are the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. All of these additional works are considered divine and authoritative.
Concerning the Book of Mormon Joseph Smith is quoted as saying, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God… we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”.[4] The Book of Mormon was allegedly given to Joseph Smith by the Angel Moroni who had compiled it in 421 AD It is a sacred record of the peoples of ancient America written on metal plates and supernaturally translated by Smith. The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations. These were received through Joseph Smith Jr. beginning in 1829 when he was fourteen years old. It was subsequently added to by later Presidents and Prophets of the Mormon Church. The Pearl of Great Price is a collection of writings by Joseph Smith. It was first published in 1851, and later accepted by the church in 1880. Included in it are the Book of Moses, Book of Abraham, Book of Matthew, Book of History, and the Articles of Faith.[5]

The Mormons and The Trinity
When answering the question “Who is God?” the Mormons offer a mix of descriptions and definitions. Some of their definitions sound true and legitimate, but others sound extremely far fetched. The Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 offers this description, “God the Father is a glorified and perfected man, a personage of flesh and bone.”. Another definition offered by Joseph Smith says, “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!…God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same s Jesus Christ himself did.” (Teachings, p. 345).[6] We to can become a god. Christ became God, “By obedience and devotion to truth he attained that pinnacle of intelligence which ranked his as a God…As such he became, under the Father, the Creator of this earth and of worlds without number.”[7]
The Spirit of the Lord has three distinct meanings in Mormonism. First it is referencing the spirit body of Christ our Lord, the body he inhabited from his birth as the First born of the Father until he was born of Mary in mortality. It also means the Spirit of Jesus Christ, or light of truth, the Spirit which is impersonal and fills immensity of space; the agency by emas of which God governs and controls in all things. Finally the Spirit entity of personage who is a member of the God head.[8] The Prophet Joseph Smith did not accept the Spirit as a part of the Godhead. In Lectures on Faith he writes, There are two personages who constitute the great, matchless, governing, and supreme power over all things, by whom all things were created and made…They are the Father and the Son.”[9]

The Mormons and Salvation
One of the most notable teachings in Mormonism is the fact that anyone may attain a position of Godhood. God hood is defined as, “…to have the character, possess the attributes, and enjoy the perfection which the Father has. It is to do what he does, have the power resident in him, and live as he lives, having eternal increase.”(Doctrine and Covenants 132:17-20, 37)[10] Eternal life is described as, “To inherit the same power, the same glory, and the same exhaltation, until you arrive at the station of a god, and ascend the throne of eternal power, the same as those who have gone before..”(Teaching, p. 345)[11]
The Mormons also teach a salvation for the dead. This is a system where those who would have accepted the gospel in life, had they been permitted to hear it, will have a chance to accept it in the spirit world. This involves a baptism for the dead where a living subject acts as a proxy fulfilling the ordinance of baptism. A Mormon may be baptized numerous times for numerous people. One of the young elders I dealt with had already been baptized over 20 times.

The Mormons and the Ordinances
The Mormons believe in two types of baptism. Water baptism, by immersion, by the power of the Aaronic Priesthood and Baptism of the Spirit by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Baptism serves four purposes in Mormon doctrine. Baptism is for the remission of sin, membership in the church and the kingdom, it is the gate to the celestial kingdom, and finally, the door to personal sanctification. [12] Communion or the Lord’s supper is not considered a sacrament, but simply a rite or ceremony of the church.

MY CONCLUSION
Comparing the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to the basic beliefs of conservative Christianity it becomes apparent they are a cult. They deny the divinity of the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They also add to the Scriptures.

[1] Gerstner, p. 8
[2] This information has been taken from the official web site of the Mormon church.
[3] Some have contended that the Mormons adapted or changed the KJV, but I found no evidence of this.
[4] Articles of Faith, Article 8
[5] This information has been taken from the official website of the Mormon church
[6] McConkie, Bruce R., Mormon Doctrine, (Salt Lake City, UT., Publishers Press, 1966), p. 321
[7] Ibid. p 129
[8] Ibid. P.752
[9] Ibid. p. 319
[10] Ibid. p.321
[11] Ibid. p. 321
[12] Ibid. p. 70

BACK TO THE BASICS PT8 - Prayer (Cont.)

"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9 to 13 NKJV)

This is the passage of Scripture normally referred to as The Lord’s Prayer. It is a prayer recited weekly in some churches as a part of their liturgy. When I was in elementary school in the Tulsa Public Schools, in the late 60’s, we started each day with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and this prayer. However, it has been a point of contention whether this prayer was ever actually intended to be prayed verbatim. Albert Barnes in his notes on the New Testament says, “This prayer is given as a model. It is designed to express the manner in which we are to pray, evidently not the precise words or petitions which we are to use. The substance of the prayer is recorded by Lu 11:2-4. It, however, varies from the form given in Matthew, showing that he intended not to prescribe this as a form of prayer to be used always, but to express the substance of our petitions.”. Most scholars hold a combined view, both looking to this as an actual prayer, and as a model to be followed. Adam Clarke in his commentary tells us, “Forms of prayer were frequent among the Jews; and every public teacher gave one to his disciples. Some forms were drawn out to a considerable length, and from these abridgments were made: to the latter sort the following prayer properly belongs, and consequently, besides its own very important use, it is a plan for a more extended devotion. What satisfaction must it be to learn from God himself, with what words, and in what manner, he would have us pray to him, so as not to pray in vain!”. John Wesley said this, “-He who best knew what we ought to pray for, and how we ought to pray, what matter of desire, what manner of address would most please himself, would best become us, has here dictated to us a most perfect and universal form of prayer, comprehending all our real wants, expressing all our lawful desires; a complete directory and full exercise of all our devotions.”.

I want to share with you how I use this prayer – as a model for my own daily devotions.

OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME - Begin with praise and worship. Usually I will read from a variety of Old Testament and New Testament passages. Then I draw from my readings reasons to praise God. These don’t have to be positive in nature. He deserves praise for being our Father, and as a father He often has to discipline his wayward children. He loves us, He provides for our needs, He protects us, but we still go astray. Discipline is intended to train us more than punish us. His discipline may hurt, but we are the better for it. Some suggest having a hymnbook at hand so we can sing our praises as well as speak them.

YOUR KINGDOM COME. YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN - Submit is a word many people do not like. It means turning our will over to another party. However, who better to submit to than our heavenly Father whom we have just praised. Often our praise and worship will readily lend to our submission. If nothing else one of God’s attributes that makes us submit to him is His sovereignty. He is our Lord as well as our loving Father.

GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD - When we pray our prayer often become nothing more than a list of wants and desires. Yes, we need to come to Him with our own petitions and requests, but we also need to intercede, stand in the gap, for the needs of others. If we are involved in a congregation, a list of needed intercessions is probably readily available.

FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS. DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE - Debt here of course refers to sin. I John 1:8 to 10 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” (NKJV). Confession needs to be a part of our regular prayer life. I find it interesting that in the Old Testament Law there were provisions made for sins done in ignorance, sins done which were not recognized as sins. I John says denying that we have sinned is self delusion, and worse calls God’s honesty into question. We need to confess our specific sins, and the fact that we sin in general.

FOR YOURS IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY FOREVER. - I finish as I started, with a time of praise

Dr. Oberg

BACK TO BASICS PT 7 - Prayer

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. “ (Matthew 6:5 to 13 NKJV).

AND WHEN YOU PRAY - God desires a direct and intimate relationship with His children. Genesis 3 demonstrates this as God was coming to spend time with His creation, Adam and Eve particularly. They of course had fallen for Satan’s temptations and had fallen into sin, which lead to the severing of this face to face relationship. The Psalms are filled with references to God hearing and ministering to the needs of His people. Jesus here seems to be assuming that Christians will want to communicate with His Father. He then lays out some simple instructions concerning this communication.

DO NOT BE HYPOCRITES - The word translated Hypocrites is really a transliteration of the Greek word hupokrites defined basically as an actor on a stage. That is the type of behavior Jesus is describing in this entire section of the Sermon on the Mount. To pray like a hypocrite was to pray not to the Lord, but instead to whatever humans were in ear-shot. The Pharisees were known to pray literally long, wordy prayers in their synagogues and in the marketplaces to simply demonstrate for those humans around them just how pious they could be. Jesus’ answer to this was to instruct us to go into a private place, away from the temptation and distraction of other people, and pray solely to the Father. The room or closet specifically refers to that place where the people stored their most valuable possessions. Isn’t that the way we should treat our relationship with God, as a highly valued commodity.

DO NOT BE LIKE THE HEATHENS - A Heathen was the same as a Gentile, or non-Jew. Many were noted for their repetitious prayers involving the same phrase over and over and over. There are two Biblical examples of this occurrence. In the Old Testament Elijah went up on Mt. Carmel to challenge the priests of Baal. The priests of Baal repeated for hours on end, “Oh, Baal hear us. Oh, Baal hears us…” while Elijah taunted and teased them. They added beating themselves until they were bloody trying to impress their deity. In the New Testament book of Acts the followers of Artimus or Diana of the Ephesians tried a similar practice by repeating, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians” over and over to no avail. Our prayers do not need to be lengthy or the least bit fancy to be heard or answered by our heavenly Father. What He simply desires is for us to talk with Him. Even though in His omniscience He knows our every need, He still wants us to take the time to communicate with Him. Next time we will look at the Lord’s prayer, the model Jesus left us to follow.

Dr. Oberg

BACK TO THE BASICS PT 6 - Devoted to Breaking Bread (Cont.)

Are there limitations on who can serve communion? - Some denominations and brotherhoods try to restrict who is allowed to administer the communion service. I encountered this as a Pastor of a United Church of Christ congregation. The congregation had called me to serve as their minister even though my education and ordination was through another group. However, a denominational committee had to supposedly give their approval for me to serve the sacrament of communion. The committee reluctantly agreed to me being the pastor. However, I was instructed NOT to serve communion. The congregational leadership decided that they were the ones who called me, and their desires trumped those of the denomination. From a Biblical point of view I see no restriction on who can serve or oversee communion. In fact communion was a part of corporate worship, but is more a personal act between a person and God. There are instructions concerning preparing to receive communion.
How does one prepare to partake of communion? - I Corinthians 11:28 and 29 read, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.” (NKJV). Albert Barnes in his notes on the New testament write, “Let him search and see if he have the proper qualifications--if he has knowledge to discern the Lord's body, if he has true repentance for his sins, true faith in the Lord Jesus, and a sincere desire to live the life of a Christian, and to be like the Son of God, and be saved by the merits of his blood. Let him examine himself, and see whether he have the right feelings of a communicant, and can approach the table in a proper manner. In regard to this we may observe,”. John Wesley adds, “Whether he know the nature and the design of the institution, and whether it be his own desire and purpose thoroughly to comply therewith.”.
Are there grounds for not serving communion to a person? - I encountered this question while serving communion to the shut-ins of a congregation in Arkansas. One particular woman was over 100 years of age, but also suffered from dementia. When offered the bread and the cup she thought we were giving her another pill and some medicinal concoction. She did not recognize it as having anything to do with the Lord’s body or blood. At the other end of the age spectrum, I have watched as children would partake thinking it was “snack time”. They had no idea what the loaf and cup truly commemorated. Parents, or other adults, can use this as a teachable moment to introduce the child to Christ and His sacrifice.
If you can think of any other questions concerning communion feel free to put them in the comment section or e mail them to me.
Dr. Oberg

BACK TO THE BASICS PT. 5 - The Breaking of Bread

Acts 2:42 says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (NKJV). A phrase in this verse that has led to some confusion is “the breaking of bread”. Barnes Notes on the New Testament says concerning this, “The Syriac renders this "the Eucharist," or the Lord's Supper. It cannot, however, be determined whether this refers to their partaking of their ordinary food together, or to feasts of charity, or to the Lord's Supper.”. Jamison, Fawsett, and Brown concur with this saying, “…not certainly in the Lord's Supper alone, but rather in frugal repasts taken together, with which the Lord's Supper was probably conjoined until abuses and persecution led to the discontinuance of the common meal.”. However Matthew Henry’s Commentary says, “They continued in the breaking of bread, in celebrating that memorial of their Master's death, as those that were not ashamed to own their relation to, and their dependence upon, Christ and him crucified. They could not forget the death of Christ, yet they kept up this memorial of it, and made it their constant practice, because it was an institution of Christ, to be transmitted to the succeeding ages of the church.” What the early church apparently did was to meet for a common meal, and during the meal pause to celebrate The Lord’s Supper. The partaking of communion raises several questions for us to address.

Does anything happen during Communion? Transubstantiation is the belief held by Catholicism that says the bread and wine actually change into the flesh and blood of Christ. Consubstantiation is the idea that the Spirit of Christ overtakes the bread and cup, but they remain in their original state. This is the view of the Lutheran Church. I do not believe either of these has any backing from the word of God. The clearest picture found in Scripture is that of the Lord’s Supper being a memorial feast. Jesus Himself says, “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:19 and 20 NKJV). The bread and the cup are to remind us of the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, the price paid for our salvation.

Can a congregation restrict who partakes of Communion? Some churches hold what is called a closed communion. To participate one has to be a member on the rolls of the particular body of believers. Outsiders are not allowed to take communion, and in some cases even asked to leave the service. The problem I have with this is simple – ITS NOT OUR TABLE. God is the one who has set the table, and He is the one who provided His Son as the sacrifice being commemorated. The church only provides the bread and the cup, the participants actually do the communing. There are instructions given concerning the proper attitude we are to have as participants. This will be covered in later blog articles.

Dr. Oberg

BACK TO THE BASICS PT4 - HOW FAR DOES FELLOWSHIP GO?

As previously discussed Acts 2:42 says the earliest Christians were devoted to fellowship. One element of this fellowship was seen in Acts 2 and Acts 4 as mutual material support, as well as an element of emotional and spiritual support. That leaves us with the question should this support be extended beyond the Church. Matthew 25 uses the phrase “these brethren of mine” to describe supporting the poor, the sick, the stranger, and the convict. In one sense it is a commendation of those who do reach out to these, and the other is a condemnation of those who do not.

Many current congregations offer a variety of benevolence ministries. Unfortunately food pantries and soup kitchens are becoming more and more commonplace. Some make the argument that these need to be limited to church members, non- Christians need not apply. Others say that such ministries should be open to anyone who may be in need, whether church members or not. Those who argue that these are for church members only rely on the word brethren being limited to just that, fellow church members. Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines brother as used in Matthew 25:40 as, “a disciple or follower”. However, Vine’s Greek Dictionary defines the same word as simply, “mankind”.

Perhaps the best way to answer this is to look at how Jesus dealt with those outside those who could be called His brethren, non-Jews. Four examples come to mind. The Roman Centurion who came asking for a healing, not for himself but for one of his servants. Jesus commended the Roman’s show of faith. The Canaanite woman came asking for Jesus to relieve her daughter of the demon that tormented her. Again Jesus complied with her request, and commended her faith. Twice Jesus fed literally thousands with just a few loaves of bread and a few small fish. The nationality of these people is unknown.

I believe both ideas are valid. Christians should be able to turn to their “brothers” in the church when they find themselves in need. If a non-Christian approaches with a need the church can meet that need with the Gospel Message accompanying whatever material goods may be given. Consider it this way. With the sharing of the Gospel you have planted or watered, eventually God will get the increase.

Dr. Oberg

BACK TO THE BASICS PT 3. - DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP

DEVOTED TO FELLOWSHIP

Say the word "fellowship" in the context of the church and the thoughts of most people turn immediately to one thing - FOOD! Most of the churches I have attended or served have had regularly scheduled times of what they call fellowship. It may be a fellowship dinner, an agape feast, a carry-in dinner, a snack after an evening service, etc. True fellowship goes a lot further.

Reading Acts 2:44ff we see, “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (NKJV). Acts 4:32 to 35 adds, “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” (NKJV). Fellowship is seen a physical or financial support. To be "in need" meant a person had no resources and no family members to turn to for assistance. This comes into play most evidently in Acts Chapter 6. The situation involved the support of the widows of the church. One ethnic group believed that another ethnic group was being favored in the distribution of the available resources. The result was the selection of the first Deacons, the first leaders outside the Apostles, to oversee the care of all the widows. Paul gives instructions for a collection to be taken in Corinth, as he had apparently done with the Galatian church, to be given to the church in Jerusalem where there was a need.

Hebrews 10:19 to 25 say, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NKJV). These verses show fellowship to be corporate worship, but more importantly, corporate encouragement.

Paul uses the illustration of the body in several passages discussing the Spiritual Gifts. Fellowship includes using those God given gifts for the betterment of the Body of Christ, the Church. Especially check out I Corinthians 12:12 and 13, and Romans 12:3 to 6. What if a member will not actively participate in the life of the church? Consider these examples. Joni Tada was injured in a diving accident as a teenager. It left here paralyzed leaving here unable to walk, severely limited in the use of her arms. However, it left her with a beautiful singing voice and an ability to paint wonderful pictures using a brush in her teeth. Her body had to compensate for those parts unable to operate. Retired senator Robert Dole was injured in his military service in WW ll. He skillfully compensated for the injuries to one arm to the point that some never realized he was injured at all. The point I am making is their bodies had to compensate for the parts that wouldn't work. The body of Christ has to compensate for us when we refuse to participate in the fellowship. In other words, if you do not participate you leave the body of Christ paralyzed, blind, deaf, mute etc.

HOW IS YOUR FELLOWSHIP!!!

Dr. O.

BACK TO THE BASICS PT.2 - BIBLICAL MEDITATION

"Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1 and 2 NKJV)

When many people envision meditation the picture that comes to mind is that of a person seated in the Lotus yoga position (cross legged) repeating the same sound or phrase (Their Mantra) over and over. I used to practice what I called meditation. I would sit comfortably and concentrate on some spot on the horizon, and try and empty my mind of any thoughts whatsoever. As God's people we are encouraged to meditate. In the above verses the word meditate is a translation of the Hebrew word "hagah" which means to ponder, imagine, or study. It also means meditate out loud or mourn by muttering, speaking, talking, or uttering. What we are given to concentrate on is the written revelation of God found in the Scriptures.

In the New King James version (NKJV) Psalm 119 has a subtitle that says, "Meditation on the excellence of the Word of God". The 176 verses that make up the Psalm 119 the Word of God is referred to by a variety of terms. It refers to the Law, or the Torah, the first five books of the Bible authored by Moses. The Testimonies which are the ordinances or standards of conduct expected by God. The Way is the pattern of life laid out in the Law. Precepts are the injunctions, requirements, and commands. Statutes are the enacted laws. Commands are distinct authoritative orders. Bindings refers to binding judicial decisions. The word Word is the general term for God's revelation. All these carry the idea of how authoritative the Bible should be in our lives.

Psalm 119 also tells us that acceptance of and adherence to the Word comes with great benefits. These include peace (Vs 166), power to resist (vs 165), joy (vs 16), understanding (vs 99), strength (vs 26), freedom (vs 65), hope (vs 114), comfort (vs 50), no shame (vs 6), reverence (vs 20), a thankful heart (vs 60), a worshipful heart (vs 164), a clean life (vs 9), and generally personal revival (vs 25). I can personally testify to the truth of these benefits, and the opposite as well, when I have had times when God's Word was not what I concentrated upon.

Some may ask "How do you meditate?". Any number of excellent books have been written on how to study, the basic idea behind meditating. My suggestion is to get one at your local Bible bookstore or at the library, and then follow the instructions given.

Dr. Jerry Oberg