The Fight Is Still On!

"Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

Mark 10:9 NIV

I'm not always sure that people are glad to know they have inspired me to write something but in the lesson today I was once again led into a path of thinking about who we are and what we have been about in the course of our history. Of course, the verse listed above has always been used in conjunction with a wedding and today I was given the opportunity to consider the verse in light of the church.

It was mentioned that we are quick to claim that God is responsible for adding people to His church and not man. My additional thoughts went to consider the aspect of us being God's family and heirs with Christ.

When considering the nature of families, those of us with brothers and sisters know how fighting between siblings is a normal part of family life. Many times the fights even continue into adulthood and create additional problems with grandchildren and other members of the extended family. With families joining other families through marriage or adoption, problems often expand into unworkable situations. Oddly, those with the greatest success accept each other for who they are and realize they are all part of the same family.

I imagined tonight what it might be like if the parents of each child born into a family dictated that each sibling be exactly alike to remain part of the family. How impossible it would be for the second, third and subsequent children all to be told. "That is not the way your older sister does things and so you must be exactly like her;" effectively telling them they can have no individuality.

As I grew up in the church, it was not stated this way but we were taught what to believe, and not how to read and think. We were told this is the right way to do things and all of the verses were established in our thinking to support every tradition we had in the church. Obviously, when all the scriptures are established to mean what we are taught they mean, the church is "following" the bible in all things done.

The concept of being with like-minded people is thrown out and being of EXACT mind is taught so no error can exist. In the church (God' family) there is no room for individuality because only one way is right and anyone not exactly on the same pattern is not following the bible and lost (a wolf in sheep's clothing).

I'm sure in many families, the idea of wanting to get rid of a family member or kick them out of the family might often become a desire of the fighting children but this is not an option. I can imagine going to my mother or father and saying we need to take ???????? and drop them off somewhere in the woods far away from home because they just don't work in our family. Yeah, if my brother and sisters might come across this the ? marks refer to you but in all honesty, you probably would have had a greater chance of getting mother and daddy to take me out and drop me off since discussion already took place about what to do with me.

I don't want us to miss the great fact present in these comments, however, that brothers and sisters don't get to decide who is a member of the family. If our parents want to adopt another child we get no say and it is only the sick parents who get rid of their kids and not those who are trying to look like Christ.

As kids, we will still fight. We tell our brothers and sisters you are doing that wrong and dad is going to be angry with you. As I typed this sentence, I wonder if anyone has ever stated "and dad is going to kick you out of the family." Our parents might say I'm going to leave you out of the will but just what takes place before a parent leaves a child out of the will? I believe the answer lies in the child refusing to have anything with the family and withdrawing him or herself and not the parents not having anything to do with the child.

Yes, we have the ability to walk away from the family of God. We have the ability to place ourselves in a position where it is impossible for the Father to extend an inheritance to us but we don't have the right to decide who the Father extends His gifts.

I doubt if "kids" will ever get a grasp on the idea that we don't run the family regardless of how much energy we expend trying to take over and I guess we will be fighting among ourselves until Christ comes and puts an end to all of this.

I would hope and pray those of us having had families might learn from our own families and realize how happy we become as parents when the kids are all getting along with each other; they can do no wrong during this time. How much more our Father in heaven will be pleased with us when we all play well with each other and honor the family with good treatment of our brothers and sisters. Fights do nothing more than sadden our parents and fights between those calling God Father only sadden the one who gave everything so He can live with His family!

Food Fight At The Table

"I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies."
Amos 5:21

Having just finished reading "One Bread, One Body" by Al Maxey, I thought of the scripture above. The reason behind God despising everything done by His people, was not the perfection or lack of perfection they had in the performance of their acts of worship, but rather the fact of their hearts being far from Him and in my opinion the mockery they made of God by simply going through the motions.

In Al's book, there is a constant calling of God's children back to the family and the reminder that God looks at the hearts of His people. While I did find one use of the word must at the bottom of page 166, I do not believe Al ever intended to leave the reader with the idea he believes we really "must" ask the questions set forth. Instead, in many examples he reminds the reader of things being to his personal taste and not a condition of Christian fellowship. I openly admit that I am a biased reader of Al's and I told him in a message that this was so because what he writes MAKES SENSE!

He starts his book with a poem "Help Them Be One" which I intend to read before communion sometime in the near future. He then goes on to discuss the many abuses and traditions that have crept into something meant to simply have us remember the gift of our Savior on the cross. One of the comments made more than once in his book is the fact that we have often been the children having a food fight at the Lord's table. I would add that he does not limit all of his comments to the Lord's table but we can easily be led to believe that we have not only been having a food fight at the table but have been a pretty bad group of children as we look for ways to fight with our brothers and sisters in God's "house." One expression I learned from Al in some of his writings has been that those with the same Father are brothers and sisters not twins!

The first chapter of this book is worth the purchase if you read no further but I'm sure some of the things will catch your eye and cause you to finish the book. In the Table of Contents he calls the chapter "Brief History of the Lord's Supper" and even though I'm not a theologian, I think it may be the best "Reader's Digest" version of the the history you can pick up anywhere. He covers the many views of what the emblems were actually thought to be and the powers they were believed to possess in the chapter and yet with a simple mind, the item that caught my attention most was the idea that some thought we might cause an infestation in heaven if we allowed crumbs from the bread to be dropped and possibly eaten by mice!

In contrast to the last book I read on the Lord's Supper, I believe Al came up with seven purposes he perceived for the Lord's Supper instead of just one (off the top of my head). In my thinking, the basic premise was that the concept of who Christ was and what he had done for us is more important than the emblems on the table. Having seen in the brief history that we have been having this argument for over 2000 years now, I expect his book will not solve the fighting at the table. I do believe he realizes this but I pray, as does he, that we will at least get a few more children to the table together celebrating God's gift to mankind without the fight.

One of my favorite sections dealt with the timing arguments concerning the celebration of Passover by Jesus and His disciples prior to the actual Passover. I don't know how many times I have read over this section in the life of Christ but I did not realize his presentation and eventual death took place on the day of preparation which means he celebrated Passover on the WRONG DAY. Since I don't believe Jesus sinned, the day must not have been as important as what was done with His disciples. He also discusses the four cups on the table and the controversy this should bring to those who must defend the idea of silence in the bible actually forbidding a practice. It may be in another chapter but the discussion of the question concerning the use of Jewish or Roman time when Paul stayed over at Troas was exceptional. I have thought and mentioned for a few years now how Paul obviously shared communion with the Christians on Monday morning before leaving and with his explanation, I am even more convinced of this being fact.

In one of the chapters, Al devotes time to a request he got from a reader (there are a few of these in the book) concerning the desire of her daughter to have communion at her wedding instead of the unity candle. His response was superb and if I was not already married, I believe I would have communion offered not only to my bride and I, but also the rest of those with me. My only change would be to do so during the meal following the wedding. The way he wrote in the book would be the words used prior to the offering of communion because I don't think it could be said any better.

The book is almost over by the time he introduces the history behind the communion token and yet being near the end of the book was great because the choice was made by Campbell not to use his token because the clergy was deciding who was worthy (my brief interpretation so read the book). A constant theme throughout the book was the idea that he, you and I may have preferences for what we like but we are not charged with the ability to decide who is and is not our brother. Our freedom is a wonderful thing and freedom is not bound by traditions.

The prayer of Jesus for our unity is mentioned several times and while he didn't say it in so many words, I am amazed that we use even one ounce of our strength and time to condemn someone who says they love God. We a tremendous number of people who fully stand against God and yet we (those in many fellowships but mainly mine of the past) want to condemn others claiming to love God to hell while we ignore and stay clear of the evil spread by those claiming no association with God at all.

While it may be a strange concept, I believe we adopt the Father and once adopted, He fully adopts us! To the best of my ability, I am going to accept those who have adopted the Father as my sibling and make every attempt to share His love rather than condemn their individual actions.

In closing, let me encourage you to purchase a copy of this book One Bread, One Body and support Al in his writing. If you are not a follower of his weekly Reflections, I would also encourage to to contact him and get on the email list. Once he has you in his list, the effort to send you a copy takes no more time than it does to send to several thousand others. You are the one missing out if you choose not to read.

You can find his previous Reflections at http://www.zianet.com/maxey/Reflect2.htm

and here is the information once again for his book. I already know you will enjoy both!

One Bread, One Body
An Examination of Eucharistic
Expectation, Evolution and Extremism
A 230 page book by Al Maxey

Order both books from Publish America at:
www.publishamerica.com or (301) 695-1707

Fundamental Principles?

Recently, I was speaking with one of my good friends and he mentioned a book to me he referenced in a lesson. The book was "Fundamental Principles of Serving The Lord's Supper" by Jonathan Walker Sr.. I think he knew the mentioning of the book would get my blood flowing a bit faster but I don't think he considered this flow of energy would cause me to order the book. After ordering the book, I sent an email to Al Maxey asking if he had heard about the book and he informed me of his latest book which, after ordering a book, I believed might fit right into my biased opinion of what is still taking place in the church, was all the encouragement I needed to order one I believed might actually be a blessing to myself and others. I have not received Al's book yet but based on his past level of writing, I will go ahead and recommend the readers ordering one for themselves. I will also read and make comments about his book when I get it in the mail.

My argument against the book by Jonathan Walker Sr. does not challenge his desire to bring the Lord's Supper to a higher criterion and deeper understanding that will strengthen the congregation through spiritual encouragement. My reading of the book also gave me some short comments which I might find useful at sometime in the future when I have the opportunity to speak prior to the Lord's Supper.

My disgust with the book is found primarily in the two areas of (1), "the need for a guidebook concerning the preparation, implementation, and supervision of communion" and (2), his decision, not the instruction of the bible, to preface many statements with the word "must." I won't waste the readers time with how I feel about a "rule" book to follow for the Lord's Supper but I fully believe it reflects the church I grew out of and the need to do church in the RIGHT WAY! Someone might as well instruct me the the right way to love someone or accept love from someone because I fully believe an instruction manual on the Lord's Supper is nothing more than an attempt to instruct me on the proper way to feel and be loved by my Savior.

There is much more to be said about the "must" statements and in an effort to keep this post as short as is possible, I will, for the most part, show the quote and allow the reader the choice of accepting the statement as a God required must.

The first statement I noticed can be found on page 41. "The leaders of a congregation must pay close attention to the sequence of events in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and 1 Corinthians in relation to the Last Supper of Christ." While I see nothing wrong in the examination of these passages, there is no indication from God concerning the testimony becoming some sort of "guide" for the right way to partake of the the bread and cup.

In the same paragraph, he then states, "In addition to the sequence of events, there must be an equal emphasis placed on the overall preparation for and the implementation of the Lord's Supper." When making reference to the comments made prior to the communion, he states, "the comments must focus on at least one of the four scriptures quoted above." I find myself able to accept certain words of it might be a good idea or I would like to recommend but instead, we find the writer using the word must. As I mentioned earlier, some of the suggested comments provided in the book are quite good.

Following the examination of the bible passages mentioned, he then makes two more statements. "One could deduce that blessing or praying over the bread is a principle that must be adopted before distributing it to the partakers...Moreover, Jesus Christ has furnished a fundamental guideline to an orderly communion-bless the bread before it is provided to partakers.

Not necessarily using the word must, the author makes the following statement on page 44. "Also, a Christian's sole purpose is to reflect on and remember Jesus Christ when partaking in this ceremony." I would guess the process of examining the body "must," therefore, take place prior to the blessing of the bread and distribution to the partakers. In his concluding comments of chapter 3, the author reminds the reader, "Also, a communion prayer is not optional, but rather, it is essential before the bread and cup are distributed to the partakers." He goes on to say that Jesus Christ furnished the best example and while I have no problem following an example of Jesus, it is the will of man making an example more than an example.

Chapter 4 deals with the implementation of the Lord's Supper and we are told, "The communion servers must plan and rehearse the event in all aspects." When referencing the disciples traveling with Jesus prior to the Passover meal, he states, "a congregation must "make ready" the Lord's Supper prior to the start of worship." While I think most of us would agree it is not a bad idea, I'm not sure where the must comes in to play.

The following statements are taken from the discussion of the communion table layout and the positioning of servers on the communion table (I think most of us would rather have those serving communion be at the table instead of on the table but we all know what is meant).

"Because the bread is normally consumed first, the tray containing the bread should be placed in between the cups." I'm not sure where "normally" came from since we have already been told the sequence of the communion is very specific.

"The Christian assigned to preside is located at the center of the communion table or in the middle of the bread and cup." "those who oversee the Lord's Supper can determine if the active speaker will serve the communion or remain inactive during this duty." A microphone is necessary if the active speaker is positioned on the same level as the servers or when the servers are assigned to bless the bread and cup."

In discussing the service of the communion to the partakers, the author tells us, "Moreover, the servers must use both hands and lightly release the communion tray when it comes to handing off the tray to a member. However, the server should keep at least one hand underneath the tray until the server is confident the tray is firmly in the hands of the member." He goes on to remind the server of the need to make this happen even when there is a tray in each hand.

Ending chapter 4, the author lets us know of the proper way to end service, "Consequently, the communion should be closed with a simple statement such as, "This concludes the Lord's Supper" so that visitors and members have a sense that a new segment of worship will occur."

Chapter 5 deals with the oversight of the communion and opens with, "There must be one member assigned to oversee the preparation and implementation of the Lord's Supper to achieve a higher-caliber communion." A few more comments are provided below from this section.

"The process must be in writing as a reference guide for the servers and can be provided in outline format."

"Therefore, the communion may comprise of the following elements: comments at the communion table, communion hymns, prayers over the bread and cup, distribution of the Lord's Supper, and a closing communion hymn."

"A congregation must establish a worship plan that addresses each part of a worship service from announcements to closing prayer." Anyone see formula written all over this?

The required outline from above, has the following elements:

1. a written procedure regarding how the Lord's Supper is managed and how the process is integrated into the communion.
2. A plan that specifically itemizes the assigned tasks and who will be performing the tasks.
3. A summary of the executable steps within a worship plan or communion procedure.
4. A document allowing the worship coordinator to monitor the execution of the communion process.
5. The name of each member assigned to worship duty, which includes communion servers.

"As a courtesy, the servers should (nice use of word) arrive twenty minutes prior to worship service to confirm assignments."

Chapter 6 deals with the comments made at the communion table and we are told, "The active speaker is charged with preparing comments-days in advance-and reading the comments to the congregation as a form of reflecting on Jesus Christ."

Additionally, "If the active speaker reads scriptures, the passage must be short and concise, but directly related to the remembrance of Jesus Christ."

"The Lord's Supper is a separate worship event from contribution or a sermon; therefore, a verbal separation must be maintained. When the communion and collection are consecutive in the worship service, it may be confusing to some visitors, so it would be worth stating, "This concludes the Lord's Supper. Now we take up the collection."

While several appropriate comments are provided for speakers, the authors, seemingly concerned with confusion of various aspects of a worship service, often mixes the apparent requirement of baptism as necessary to partake of communion. While this has become a common tradition of my fellowship, there is no reason to believe all who love and cherish the gift of God in sacrificing his son should not partake and I believe it can be a great teaching time for our children.

He does mention, "So we gather here on the first day of the week-just as Jesus and the apostles did-to break bread and drink of the vine in remembrance of Jesus Christ's death." I'll have to look that one up because I don't remember Jesus meeting with the apostles on the first day to partake. He does come short of stating that the first day of the week is the only appropriate day but I believe it to be his belief from what is written.

All of this can be most frustrating to those who have been freed from the regulation of men to our time together but things like this written in 2009 serve as a constant reminder that we have not yet entirely broken free from our heritage and sadly, the appreciation of so precious a gift has been reduced by many to the "fundamentals" rather than the richness of our enjoyment.

While I look forward, yes with a biased expectation, to Al's book arriving, I hope the reader is able to recognize this book is written in the tradition of man and not the Law of God.

I also hope the reader might join me and order Al's book. The information is provided below.

One Bread, One Body
An Examination of Eucharistic
Expectation, Evolution and Extremism
A 230 page book by Al Maxey

Order both books from Publish America at:
www.publishamerica.com or (301) 695-1707