by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Faith, General — No Comments ↓

In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. You likely didn’t need that sentence finished for you. Christopher Columbus played an important role in the discovery of the American continents. Though looking for a more convenient route to Asia, he discovered a new land that would dramatically change the world’s history. Life’s journey sometimes takes us to unexpected places. As a Christian we must take stock of our lives as Paul commanded, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (II Corinthians 13:5).

Things don’t always work out as we expect. Consider the life of Matthew. He was one of the twelve listed in Matthew 10:3. However it is noted that he was a publican, or tax collector. Before Matthew was called to follow Christ he had a steady job collecting taxes for the Roman government. But when Jesus calls Matthew he immediately gets up to follow (Matthew 9:9). Jesus can, and should, have an impact on our lives. When we obey the gospel, we are giving up our lives to live for Him (Galatians 2:20). Whether it’s a career you must leave, a habit that must be broken, or a lifestyle that must be forsook these temporal things do not compare to the rich blessings of Christ (Romans 2:4; Ephesians 1:7).

Many Jews, who despised being under Roman rule, came to hate the publicans and saw them as traitors to the nation of Judah. Zacchaeus, also a tax collector, admitted to using his office to take extra taxes for himself (Luke 19:8). One wonders if Matthew was involved in such things. It is interesting that of the twelve we have Matthew, an employee of Rome, and Simon the zealot (Luke 6:15). The zealots were the most fervent in their hatred for Rome. They hoped for war that could overthrow Rome and Judah would reclaim its power in Canaan. Who would have thought that Matthew and Simon would become coworkers for the cause of Christ? I may not always get along with my brethren, but I must not allow earthly distinctions to distract me from a common goal (John 17:20-21).

Sometimes God’s will makes perfect sense to us. For example in the case of Paul the apostle, our Lord sent him to preach primarily to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). It makes sense that Paul would work better in Gentile nations because of his history in Judea. Formerly known as Saul, he was a part of the Jewish council that had Stephen killed, and dragged Christians to prison and death. This reputation followed Saul, even after his conversion to Christ, and had he preached primarily in a Jewish area it could have hindered the gospel. Other times God’s will may not make as much sense to us. In no way would this mean that God is any less wise for He made foolish the wisdom of the world (I Corinthians 1:20). With a history of working for Rome as a publican one might think that Matthew was a poor choice to reach the Jews with the gospel. But it is Matthew who is chosen to write the gospel account most scholars agree is meant for the Jews. Special attention is paid in Matthew’s account to the seed promise and Jesus’ line back to Abraham (Matthew 1). This work is critical to prove that Jesus is the Christ promised by God. As we look to the work of the kingdom left for us we may feel inadequate. Perhaps even those more confident might look for someone better to accomplish the task. May we remember the servant who is rebuked for fear and that it is the cowardly who will find their part in the lake of fire and brimstone (Matthew 25:25; Revelation 21:8).

Life doesn’t always go the way we expect but that does not mean it wont go the way God expects. Whether you are faced with the unexpected challenges to change, to work closely with those who make it difficult or to stretch yourself to the task God has left for you, face it with the courage to do what is right.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Doctrine, False Doctrines, General, Worship — No Comments ↓

Why have we chosen singing, praying, preaching, the Lord’s Supper, and giving as our five acts of worship? These are the only five things we find in scripture as acceptable New Testament worship that are directed as praise to God. Idol worship is something that fits the definition of worship, but this is obviously condemned by scripture.

To sing is commanded in Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:17, and Hebrews 13:15-16 (this passage also applies to prayer and notice the distinction between worship and service in verses 15 and 16). Singing is directed toward God as praise.

To pray is commanded in I Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 6:9ff, and I Timothy 2:8. This prayer is directed toward God through Christ (Colossians 3:17). These means that while it is perfectly acceptable to worship Jesus (Luke 24:52), we only have authority to pray to the Father through Him. Prayer is praise to God in that we are giving Him thanks and recognizing Him as all powerful and all loving to hear us.

To have preaching during our worship is commanded through example in Acts 20:7. Notice it is Sunday, the first day of the week. Paul waited so he could worship with them in two explicit ways, preaching and partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Preaching is to be done by one man as he instructs others with God’s word (I Corinthians 14:34, 40). This praises God as being the One who has all authority and speaks through His word to us.

To partake of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of every week is commanded in Acts 20:7 and I Corinthians 11:17-29. This proclaims the Lord’s death till He comes and is in remembrance of Him. This praises Christ for His sacrifice.

To give of our means on the first day of every week is commanded in I Corinthians 16:1-2. This was a collection to help in the work of the church. In this instance it was going to support the church in Jerusalem. We have Biblical examples to give to help those in need, to send others to preach, to pay a local preacher, and other various items. While the specific need in Jerusalem no longer applies, the obligatory principle of taking up a collection every first day of the week applies.

While some want to change what worship means today to fit the modern culture, God has set aside these five acts and deemed them as the only acceptable worship for the New Testament age. While some add to and take away from these simple commands, let us remain steadfast in observing these which God has given.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, False Doctrines, General, Worship — No Comments ↓

In order to properly discuss what is an act of worship we must define it. There are several words for worship in the New Testament but the most prominent is proskuneo. This literally means “to kiss towards” and has the idea of someone in a kneeled position directing praise toward God. Based on this definition we have to assume that worship is an action with a direct purpose of praising God.

Everything we do in life cannot be worship for several reasons. In Genesis 22:5 Abraham tells his men to wait while he and Isaac go to worship. If all of life is worship he would not have made the distinction. Also, if all of life is worship then why would there be a New Testament mandate to assemble and perform certain actions on the first day of the week? One must take ridiculous positions to consistently keep this doctrine. One must declare that going to the bathroom was worshipping God, or sleeping, or eating chocolate pie (this would make a good argument for the husband to convince his wife he needs more pie but nonetheless unsound doctrinally). Many people go to Romans 12:1-2 to say that all of life is worship. Some versions have the word “service” and others have “worship.” The word here is latreia which can be translated worship. But this word is not talking about worship as described above. Instead it has the idea of being a minister or servant of God in everything we do (Colossians 3:17). There is a major difference. Service can be any good work to help the church or fellow man and this is service to God (Matthew 10:40). Worship is praise that God authorizes.

It is important to determine whether this idea is true because it will determine how we conduct our Sunday worship service. Each action we perform is because we have authority from the scriptures to do so. We would not know which actions Christ wanted us to do on Sunday if all of life was worship. Without a distinct separation of worship and service we could worship however we choose on Sundays, and some have taken this approach. It is an act of service to provide food. We have a Bible example of Jesus feeding the 5000 and later the 4000. It is holy and right to follow the example of Jesus by serving others. But this does not mean that we could serve any type of food for the Lord’s Supper and call it worship. Obviously this is not right. We must be able to discern between a life of service and worship. If not, we could have a worship service where we put tables up and play cards and call it worship. We could put up a big screen TV and watch an episode of The Andy Griffith Show (I’ve witnessed this personally) and call it worship.

The problem with believing that all of life is worship is not the idea itself, because many believe it and still worship in the proper way on Sunday. The danger is where it leads. If we are unsure about New Testament worship then unauthorized, unacceptable practices will be allowed in congregational worship to God.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Doctrine, General, Hermeneutics, Worship — No Comments ↓

When we in sorrow consider the unfaithfulness of many congregations we clearly see the problem. A lack of understanding or love for God’s law is at the heart of the issue when congregations allow unauthorized practices and doctrines to prevail (Psalm 119:113). We are to lovingly admonish these unfaithful brethren to repent of this wickedness (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).

When we do, often we turn to Revelation 22:18-19 where John writes in part, “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life.” The principle taught is applicable to the entirety of holy writ. As Paul wrote, we must do only that which is authorized by scripture in the name of Jesus without adding our own doctrines (Colossians 3:17). While this argument does well in defeating the progressive ideas of our day, we desire to apply this scriptural principle in all areas of faith. Some would look to the use of multiple cups during the Lord’s supper as a digression from Christ’s authority in instituting the meal with one cup. When using multiple cups are we being inconsistent with the word of God?

Let us consider the cup Jesus used. When Jesus, and later Paul, described the cup that the disciples were to take He called attention to the symbolism present. The cup represents the blood of the New Testament (Matthew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 11:25). Those who bind the use of one cup teach that the fruit of the vine represents the blood but that the literal cup (container) is part of the New Testament doctrine of worship. Is this what Jesus intended? Notice carefully that Matthew recorded, “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it” (Matthew 26:27). In Luke’s account Jesus told the disciples to “divide it” among themselves (Luke 22:17). Obviously Jesus was using metonymy. He used the word cup to represent the contents of the cup. Otherwise He was telling the disciples to take the literal container and divide it up and drink it. Which is more likely?

If we look to Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 11:27 he tells us to drink the cup of the Lord. Some use the argument that if Paul says there is one cup of the Lord then we should apply that the same way that we apply what we read in Matthew 16:18 where Jesus said He would build His church (singular). Paul said one cup and Jesus said one church by using the singular case so if we believe in one church then we must believe in using one cup. This is a misapplication of the doctrine of the one cup. Truly there is only one cup of the Lord. By that Paul refers to the symbol of the contents of the cup (using metonymy) teaching that if we are to be faithful Christians we must all partake of the fruit of the vine on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). There is one authorized bread and one authorized cup. If we change the items to hamburgers and soda we are worshipping outside of the doctrine of Christ.

As with any doctrine we must examine the consequences of the doctrine to test it. If Jesus and Paul were referring to and teaching that we must use one literal cup then that means we all Christians everywhere must use the same cup. No matter what continent, country, time zone, or city we must all gather in one place and divide one cup among all present if “this cup” means one literal cup. Also, if Jesus is referring to the literal cup He held then we must find the actual cup He had in His hand and all drink from that.

It soon becomes clear from examining the evidence that we are authorized to divide the fruit of the vine. To bind the use of one cup is to ignore the clear meaning of scripture and add doctrine to the scripture which is not authorized. Let us seek to speak “as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Children, Christian Living, General, Homosexuality — No Comments ↓

I couldn’t believe it. It was right there on one of the most listened-to stations in the DFW metroplex. The words I was hearing were in a new popular song and those words were dangerous. The song is “Same Love” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert. The lyrics indicate that anyone who teaches that God disapproves of homosexuality doesn’t understand God’s love. These obviously don’t understand because they merely “paraphrase a book written thirty-five-hundred years ago.” What are we listening to? I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised.

The purpose of this article is not to talk about the sin of homosexuality, but let me refrain from paraphrasing God’s holy word and simply quote:

“Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient” (Romans 1:24-28).

The same love that moves parents to protect their children from physical harm should motivate them to keep them from being entertained by spiritual garbage like “Same Love” and any similarly destructive songs, movies, television shows, and books. Unfortunately many parents don’t even know or care what type of entertainment their children are accessing. This could be because they are skeptical about the dangers of the popular entertainments of the day. If this describes you, I invite you to look up the lyrics to the Billboard’s Top 100 songs and check out Kids in Mind to get detailed descriptions of the popular movies. You will be shocked. Some parents don’t know what their kids are watching and listening to because they’re too lazy or overwhelmed by their own schedules. To these I say, “Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

How would you react if your child told you they intended to start using illegal drugs recreationally? I believe you would have the love to tell that child “no” and do everything you could to derail such a harmful plan. Why would you? Because you recognize the dangers. He could do irreparable physical and financial damage to himself, wind up in prison, or even lose his life, and he will probably forgive you when he grows to realize the dangerous path he was on. The entertainment pushed today is just as dangerous because it focuses on winning the minds of our youth to a humanistic, worldly, sinful, philosophy. Remember, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:4-5).

“As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:4-5). Having a lot of children who are directed (straight as an arrow) will make you happy. But children who grow up to follow the ways of the world will bring you grief. Don’t be surprised when your children make you grieve if you allow them to consume ungodly entertainment.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Faith, General — No Comments ↓

When trying to live a holy life and leave sin behind, one of the hardest things that must be overcome is apathy. The “I don’t care” attitude hinders us from having the zeal necessary to resist Satan’s wiles. We see this same problem in the lives recorded in scripture.

When choosing a place for his family to live, Lot was distracted from thinking about spiritual things. The Bible records that he “pitched his tent toward Sodom” and that the city was “wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly” (Genesis 13:12-13). Lot didn’t care about the sinfulness of the city enough to take his family away from it though he was “vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked” (II Peter 2:7). By the time God is ready to destroy the city for its wickedness Lot is found as a prominent figure there. He paid dearly with the loss of his wife and the consequences of his daughters’ learned immorality.

How does one deal with this destructive attitude. Many of us are stubborn and find change difficult even when we know it occur. Perhaps we should use our stubbornness as a strength instead of a weakness. Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who lived as faithful Jews in the pagan culture of Babylon. They showed that they didn’t care either. Only this time they didn’t care about the consequences of living righteously. They boldly refused to worship the idol that the king had set up to be worshipped. When questioned concerning their disobedience they gave the timeless reply, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” They did not care what happened to them choosing to stubbornly follow God.

The “I don’t care” attitude can be used to our advantaged if channeled towards Satan and tempered with the knowledge of God’s will. It takes great strength and courage to stubbornly say “no” to ourselves, our neighbors, and our Adversary. James offers, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

But if we don’t care enough to make the tough decisions for the sake of the cross then we’ll never be strong enough to stand up to the tough consequences that come along. Jesus said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12). Paul adds, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

We must gird up the loins of our mind in preparation for the difficulties Satan will send our way (I Peter 1:13). It takes determination to withstand his wiles (Ephesians 6:11). Ultimately those who care enough for Christ and care little for what will happen to them if they do will be victorious over the Adversary’s persecution.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in General — No Comments ↓

Demon possession is a Bible topic long misunderstood. Skeptics ignore it, believers are curious about it, and Hollywood is obsessed with it. The truth is the Bible says it happened and if you want to believe any part of the Bible you have to believe all scripture (II Timothy 3:16). 

 Those who choose to ignore the Bible’s claims that demon possession legitimately happened have several explanations for their skepticism. They say the word “demon” was used figuratively to personify moral evil or that the term was used by Christ accommodatively because of the superstitions of the day. Perhaps the writers of the Bible themselves fell prey to these superstitions and didn’t realize that those healed were merely victims of some sort of mental or physical illness. Some would be so bold as to question Jesus’ deity by concluding He must have been mistaken about demons. According to them, because no one has seen a demon possessed person in modern times it must not have ever existed.

The truth is demons and demon possessions were real. Jesus indicated that He actually believed in demons (Matthew 17:21) and taught that demon possession is directly related to the power of Satan (Matthew 12:25-30). One cannot pick and choose words of Jesus to believe or ignore and be consistent. Based on my belief in the Bible and our Lord, I must believe also that demons existed in that time. But what are they really?

Some have suggested demons are the spirits of evil dead men, others the offspring of angels and women. Some say they are fallen angels. The Bible indicates that the dead return to God (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Luke 16:19-31) and reading Genesis 6:2-4 out of context and without proper research of Hebrew terms is the only way to conclude that angels have had children by women. However various scriptures point to fallen angels as a possible identity of demons. II Peter 2:4 and Jude 6 talk about angels that sinned against God. Could it be that the bonds mentioned are not literal bonds for physical beings but spiritual bonds for spiritual beings? Matthew 25:41 talks about everlasting fire reserved for Satan and his angels. It seems plausible that demons are angels who once served God but committed themselves to Satan.

One can understand how the devil and his angels could have once been angels of God, but why would God allow these demons to take control of a man or woman and cause them to harm themselves and others? Luke 11:20 teaches that this was allowed to show God’s power during the time of miracles. When the Bible with its testimony of the power of the Godhead was complete, such miraculous signs were no longer necessary (I Corinthians 13:10). This would mean that demons cannot possess people today (despite what all the exorcism movies say). 

 Satan cannot control us, because God promised that we can overcome any temptation (I Corinthians 10:13). The Bible teaches that Satan influences us through the world which is where his power lies (Ephesians 2:2; II Corinthians 4:4). There is no need for the miraculous casting out of evil spirits today, but there is a need for casting out evil behaviors. Satan cannot control us but he can devour us (I Peter 5:8). Beware his evil influence and choose instead to live for Christ (Galatians 2:20).

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Doctrine, General, Hermeneutics, Worship — No Comments ↓

Some look at the Bible as a list of the things we must do and must not do. It is true that when we perform behaviors such as the ones listed in Galatians 5:19-21, or when we omit Christian traits from our lives like the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23, we are sinning. But while the Bible does include these clear commandments to avoid sins of both commission and omission, it is much more than that. God’s word is a guide book for life and Colossians 3:17 reveals for us the way we should apply the holy text. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). The principle being discussed is that of authority. Paul is teaching that the Christian, as a follower of Christ, must have His authority for everything said or done. This principle applies to our worship within the New Testament church as well as our everyday life.

Some have misunderstood the implications of a discussion on authority. According to Paul’s word “whatsoever” in Colossians 3:17, meaning “whatever” or “everything,” when I come to the Bible I must find the authority for everything I do or say. If we believe Colossians 3:17, “unauthorized” is equivalent with “sinful.” If I do or say things for which I have no authority, then I am operating outside of God’s will for my life and sinning against Him.

In daily life, scripture authorizes the Christian to work (II Thessalonians 3:10-12), marry (Matthew 19:4-6), relax (I Kings 19:4-8), and spend time in recreation (Mark 6:31). Nowhere in scripture are we told to flee unholy music full of sexual innuendo and cursing or to abstain from movies with crude humor, language, and nudity. What we are commanded is to think on things that are pure (Philippians 4:8). Therefore we are not authorized to participate in such entertainment.

In worship, we are authorized to sing (Ephesians 5:19), pray to the Father (Acts 2:42), give of our means (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2), listen to the teachings of scripture (Acts 20:7), and take the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). If we discover from the Bible that some activity is not authorized, that would mean that there is no example, necessary inference, implication, or command to participate in that activity in the New Testament. Practices such as hand clapping, mechanical instruments of music, women in leadership roles, choirs, and praise teams are not authorized. There is no commandment or implication to perform them. If an activity is unauthorized and therefore sinful, the Christian should not feel comfortable participating in or even being near such sin.

Many Christians however, seem to be comfortable promoting immodesty, gambling, crude language, and the like. While they may not participate themselves, they assist Satan in spreading this influence through the use of social media. Every immodest picture you share on Pinterest is viewable by friends of either gender. You may cause a fellow Christian to stumble because of something you pinned (Romans 14:13). When you share messages with crude language on Facebook, even if you never spoke or typed the words yourself, Satan’s purpose is served. Adherence to God’s authority necessitates that we stop asking, “What’s wrong with it?” and start asking “What’s right about it?” The honest heart will submit to God’s authority and repent of any unauthorized behavior.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Doctrine, Hermeneutics, Old Testament, Worship — 1 Comment ↓

When discussing the authority for hand clapping most want to debate its purpose. Those opposed to it say that while the purpose of clapping is to applaud, when we worship in singing or during a lesson from God’s word, we are not to be entertained and God is the audience. Those who defend the act say that hand clapping is merely a tool (like a pitch pipe or song leader) to help keep the beat in the singing as well as a method of showing approval when used during the sermon. While there are some points to be discussed with these arguments they do not center on the main issue. In whatever we do we should be asking if the practice is authorized by God in His holy word (Colossians 3:17). All other points fall behind this major query. It is with this humble desire, to submit to God’s will, that we address the question.

 

There is no Bible implication, account of action, or command to use hand clapping in New Testament worship. Under the oversight and direction of the apostles, the church in the first century worshiped as God desired (Acts 2:40-42). When congregations of the Lord’s body began to worship in an unacceptable way it was quickly corrected. For example, Paul taught the Corinthians not to treat the Lord’s Supper as a common meal and not to divide themselves in worship (I Corinthians 11:17-22, 33-34). Because we find no mention of clapping in New Testament worship, it should concern us to see it take place in worship today. This would apply to any song of worship to God including songs during children’s Bible class and Vacation Bible School. It would also apply to the sermon where many choose to applaud the preacher for a point he has made.

 

There are some religious bodies who wear the name of Christ but fail to follow His doctrine. They see no problem with choirs, instrumental music, or hand clapping as a part of worship. Some others would draw a line of distinction here; they would never consider adding an organ, piano, or guitar to worship, but categorize clapping differently, saying that because clapping is without tone it should not be grouped with mechanical instruments. I suppose if the argument were about categories of instruments we would need to consider that. But the issue is one of authority. Instrumental music is not authorized in worship because God commanded us to sing with the heart, with understanding, and to teach and admonish (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; I Corinthians 14:15). Just as there are Old Testament passages that show the use of harps and such like, there are passages that refer to the clapping of hands (Psalm 47:1). However, the Old Testament is a different law. To take part of that law requires that we be bound by all of it (James 2:10). We cannot pick and choose which parts of the old law we would like to add to the law of Christ. Remember, there is no salvation in that law (Hebrews 10:1-4). To use a mechanical instrument, whistle, clap my hands, stomp my feet, make instrument-like noises with my mouth, or hum all go beyond God’s authority. Even if the argument that hand clapping does not create a tone was valid, then the argument would have to permit the use of drums in our worship to God. Clearly this goes beyond the authority of scripture.

 

Hand clapping is not, as some would assert, equivalent to saying “amen” during a lesson or at the conclusion of a song or prayer. This point, as mentioned in the introductory paragraph, is secondary to one of authority but needs to be mentioned for this reason: verbal agreement is authorized while non-verbal agreement is not. The use of the word “amen” is authorized in I Corinthians 14:16. Some would find this type of reasoning too strict but I submit that many need to change the way they think about the authority of the scriptures. “Does the Bible say anything against it?” is not the right question to ask. Consider that the Bible says nothing forbidding arson. There is not a bit of scripture that explicitly forbids the use of milk and cookies for the Lord’s supper. The correct question for all that we do in life or in worship is, “Where is the practice authorized in scripture?” When we ask that question regarding hand clapping during an act of worship to God we find that it is not. Therefore we are obligated to refrain from such a practice.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Doctrine, General, Grace, Old Testament, Worship — No Comments ↓

[Our brother David Barker gave me this idea last week when he presided over the Lord’s Table when he talked about the fact that God uses symbols as mechanisms of remembrance. I wish to give credit where credit is due.]

 

The Heavenly Bodies. Before God created the universe there was nothing. The Bible tells us that the earth was void meaning emptiness (Genesis 1:2). There was no need for time and God certainly was not bound by it (II Peter 3:8). But when a spiritual God created a physical earth containing a physical man He decided to give the creation the sun, moon, and stars to view and to serve as “signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years” (Genesis 1:14). With creation came time and God saw the need for signs to teach us how to keep time. As we view these heavenly bodies in wonder may we also remember the sign of God’s claim to creation of our universe in six days. It did not occur through any big bang or other natural phenomenon.

 

The Rainbow. God was not pleased in the destruction He chose to bring on the earth in the days of Noah. It was because the imaginations of the hearts of men were evil continually and because all flesh had been corrupted that God brought a universal flood to cleanse the earth (Genesis 6:5, 12). After the rains ceased, the waters receded, and Noah and his family worshipped God there was placed in the clouds a symbol to remember. God said that the rainbow would be the symbol of His covenant with the earth that “the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh” (Genesis 9:13-15). When we see the rainbow today it is to remember this promise, but also the warning to flee the evils that brought on that destruction. We must remember that God will punish those who disobey Him with fire (II Thessalonians 1:7-8).

 

The Lord’s Supper. There is no more beautiful doctrine or dogma than that of the salvation provided by the grace of our Lord. Through the sacrifice of His body He provided the hope of remission of sins (Colossians 1:20-23). This act is memorialized through two symbols. The unleavened bread representing His body offered and the fruit of the vine representing His blood shed constitute the Lord’s Supper which was taught through word and example of Christ and His apostles (Mark 14:22-26; I Corinthians 11:23-27). This is to be taken on the first day of the week as is taught by New Testament  example (Acts 20:7). When we partake of this supper we are to remember what these symbols mean: that our Lord died not for His sins but for ours!

 

The Body of Christ. The Kingdom of God has been present on the earth since the 1st century (Mark 9:1). That happened, as was prophesied, on the day of Pentecost recorded in the book of Acts (Acts 2:16-21). New Testament Christians are called into one body (Colossians 3:15; Ephesians 4:4). Christ is the head of that body, which is also described as the church (Colossians 1:18). Because of this doctrine we must remember that every individual member of that body is important as Paul contends in I Corinthians 12:12-17. Also we must not divide the body by teaching doctrines outside of the doctrine of Christ the way that the denominational world has (I Corinthians 12:15).

 

These mechanisms of remembrance are great assets for us because they help us to remain focused on God’s truth. May we praise Him for His great wisdom in providing for us everything we need to be fruitful in every good work (Colossians 1:9-10).