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
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
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
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
Friday, January 13, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
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
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
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