The Lord's Supper in the 5th century

    From a Facebook post earlier this week: “Cyril (d. 444), Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, on the Lord’s supper, a weekly practice. ‘If the poison of pride is swelling up in you, turn to the Eucharist; and that bread, which is your God humbled and disguised, will teach you humility. If the fever of selfish greed rages in you, feed on this bread; and you will learn generosity. If the cold wind of coveting withers you, hasten to the bread of angels; and charity will come to blossom in your heart. If you feel the itch of intemperance, nourish yourself with the flesh and blood of Christ, who practiced heroic self-control during his earthly life; and you will become temperate. If you are lazy and sluggish about spiritual things, strengthen yourself with this heavenly food; and you will grow fervent. Lastly, if you feel scorched by the fever of impurity, go to the banquet of the angels; and the spotless flesh of Christ will make you pure and chaste.’”

    The word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.” This was a post from a local preacher who, some of us are observing, is descending into denominationalism. Be that as it may, to this post I replied, “Or, better yet, turn to the Lord, learn His will, and implement His life and teaching, making it your own (Eph. 5.1). There is nothing magical about the Lord's Supper, which these words convey.” His reply to this was that he respectfully disagreed, meaning (as I interpreted it) that he did not want to have a conversation concerning this.

    Let me, then, give some attention to this topic, reflecting on the sacredness, importance, and spiritual nature of the Lord's Supper.

    The Lord's Supper is sacred, meaning the solemn occasion is dedicated in service to the Lord. That which we share in weekly, we do so to memorialize the Lord’s life, death, and resurrection. What we participate in weekly is (should be) a reflection of how we live life. Does one gain spiritual strength from it? He (she) should, but it will only be in relation to one’s obedience to the Lord’s will, similar as one would in prayer and praise.

    The importance of the Lord's Supper is that the command to observe is only for those who are Christians; it is not for those who have not obeyed the Gospel because they do not understand what they are doing. Churches of Christ practice “open communion,” meaning that each person must take account for himself in relation to the Lord. Some of us may have doubt about the spiritual standing of others; doubt we may have, but it matters not because one’s spiritual standing belongs to the one participating and the Lord. There are some churches that practice “closed communion,” meaning that only those who are members of the church where they worship can share in the sacred occasion.

    There is nothing in the participation of the weekly communion that corresponds to the words of the 5th century bishop (above). Search the New Testament and see if you find anything like what he said. If not, then why express sentiments like this? This is done because there is in the minds of some a “sacramental” approach to ritual. The word “sacrament” means something done / participated in is the instrument of divine grace or, in other words, there is an extra measure of divine pleasure coming from the Lord that would not otherwise be experienced. Thus, the spiritual focus of the communion (the Lord's Supper) is amplified to something the Lord never intended. There is no magical aura associated with one’s observance. The Christian observes the Lord’s Supper because the Lord wants him (her) to, nothing more.

    The Lord's Supper is sacred, important, spiritual, not magical. -Ron Thomas

 

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

 

Glory in the Highest to God

By David R. Ferguson     The Revised Standard Version translates Luke 2:14 thusly: "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."     Although I admire greatly the RSV, in this case I don’t believe this is the best or most accurate translation of this passage. A better rendering, I believe, is, "Glory in the highest to God, and on Earth peace among men of good will."     God didn’t send the gift of His Son to Earth because He was pleased with man, which is how the RSV appears to read. Had He been pleased with men, there would have been no need to send His Son in the first place. On the contrary, God sent us Jesus Christ because our sins had made us His enemy (James 4:4), and it’s His will that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).     What the Angels were intending to tell us is that glory and praise of the highest magnitude are to be given to God because of Whom He is, not merely because of where He is. As it’s written in the RSV, one might be led to believe that praise is to be given to God merely because of the place (location) where He is. There’s nothing wrong with that, per se, but I believe it falls short of what’s really being conveyed in this passage. What was being proclaimed is an affirmation from the Heavenly host of why God should be praised thusly.     The glory and praise bestowed upon God is to be of the highest caliber because only He offers salvation, only He offers peace, only He offers forgiveness of sins, and only He offers reconciliation of His people through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Through His boundless grace freely granted He offers this most precious of gifts to us, not because of our goodness or our works (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9), but because He loved us so much and knew that we were in need of His salvation (John 3:16).     The "peace among men of good will" will only come and be bestowed upon those who honor God with praise and glory of the highest magnitude. This only happens if we are men who are doers as well as hearers of His word (James 1:22). Then, and only then, will He be pleased with men, for we will have put to death our old man that the body of sin may be done away (Romans 6:6). We shall be conformed to the body of His glory (Philippians 3:21), no longer in bondage to sin (Romans 6:6). God will view us through the riches of His glory (Ephesians 3:16) that is His Son as we are now clothed in Christ (Galatians 3:27), our sins washed away through the redemption that is found in His blood (Acts 22:16; Ephesians 1:7).     May you and yours truly enjoy "peace among men of good will" as you give "glory in the highest to God"!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com

To Teaching, Admonishing One Another

By David Bragg Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”     LuLu Lotus has a gift, of sorts. She gained “fame” by being included in Guinness World Records for whistling. Her whistling is nothing like the Andy Griffith theme. Lulu is known for her ability to whistle at a high pitch through her nose. This was a gift she discovered at a young age and was often employed, inappropriately, in school. By her own admission she has said. "I couldn’t resist the temptation to play pranks on teachers and classmates at school” (www.guinnessworldrecords.com).     While LuLu used her “gift” to annoy and antagonize, God wants us to use the gift of His word to teach and admonish. Colossians 3:16 speaks of the power of singing God’s truth. But its implications reach far beyond. Our singing springs from allowing the word of Christ to richly dwell in us. Then we will share it with those around us. Teaching. Admonishing. We will use our great spiritual gift to build up and share it with those around us. We will also be strengthened by others who have the word of Christ richly dwelling in them. God’s wisdom is harmonious.

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

Ready for Worship

By Edd Sterchi 
    At worship, I am given the opportunity to...
...revere my Maker. “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of thesaints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” (Psalm 89:7)
...rejoice in my salvation. “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD; Itshall rejoice in His salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)
...refresh my spirit. “Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, sothat I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.” (Psalm 119:88)
   I can't wait to come and worship, praise and pay homage to the One who created me, delivered me, and awakens me. How about you?
“Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” (Psalm 100)

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/

What Is "The Lord's Day"

By Bob Prichard

    David reminds us that “the earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). All that we have belongs to the Lord, including the days of the week. But in Revelation 1:10, John speaks of a special day he calls the Lord’s Day. “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.” Being “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” allowed John to receive the Revelation from the Lord of those “things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1).

    The world of the early church was one in which many had to make a conscious and often life-threatening decision. Would they say, “Caesar is Lord,” or “Christ is Lord”? Recognizing that there is “one Lord” (Ephesians 4:5), they knew that there was only one choice: to follow Christ and to do all in His name. “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). Thus, Christians partake of the Lord’s supper (1 Corinthians 11:20) in the name of the Lord on the Lord’s Day.

    While the designation, “the Lord’s Day” is found only in Revelation 1:10, the concept of a day set aside for Christian worship is found from the very beginning of the church, as the early disciples met on the first day of the week. Jesus lived and died under the Old Covenant, and kept and obeyed the laws of the Sabbath, or seventh day of the week. Paul and other disciples went into the Jewish synagogues on the Sabbath day to reason with the Jews about the Christ (Acts 13; 17), but the church did not worship on the Sabbath day. Paul was usually expelled from the synagogues as opposition to his teachings grew, so we know that those Sabbath gatherings of Jews (and some Gentiles) were not meetings of the church.

    The pattern of first day worship was established with the resurrection of Christ from the dead on the first day of the week (Luke 24:1). Most, if not all of the post-resurrection appearances of Christ were on the first day of the week. Christ appeared in the midst of the disciples on the first day of the week, the resurrection day (John 20:19), and then again “after eight days” (John 20:26), meaning the next first day of the week, when the previously absent Thomas became a believer in the resurrection. Even as Paul hurried to be in Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16), he stopped in Troas to meet with the Christians there, “where we abode seven days” (Acts 20:6). Even though a Sabbath day must have passed during those seven days, the next verse says, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7). That gathering on the first day of the week was a gathering on the Lord’s Day by the Christians of Troas and Paul and the other traveling Christians. The scriptures also speak many times of “the day of the Lord” referring to a day of judgment by the Lord, but this is an entirely different word than “the Lord’s day.”

Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Why?

By Andrew Beasley

    Why? It is one of the greatest questions a person can ask. At the same time if you have any experience with young children at all it can be one of the more frustrating questions especially when asked in consistent repetition. But as you read this, I hope you will take a moment and contemplate a “why” question. Why do you come to worship? Why do you bother at all? Why take the time on Sunday to come and worship the Creator of the world?

    Is it out of a sense of obligation? Perhaps it is because you have simply gotten in the habit, that this is what you do? Maybe from a young age your parents brought you and you have merely continued that pattern. Is it because you are commanded to do so? There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these being a motivating factor in why you come. I hope you will allow that perhaps the reason for our worship, our assembly, and the daily righteous and just living of our lives should be grounded in adoration first.

    We are obligated to worship God, yes. Our worship of Him should be a habit, yes. We wish to obey Him. But above all else, it is a privilege for us to worship Him? Why?

“For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” – Psalm95

 

- Andrew Beasley serves as a minister with the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/

Some Not -So- Random Thoughts On Giving

 

By Adam Faughn     Of all the avenues of worship, giving is often the one that is either overlooked (we sometimes just leave it out when we name the acts of worship) or maligned ("there they go, asking for money again"). However, the New Testament makes it clear that the early church gave as part of their weekly worship (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and God demands that we be "cheerful givers" (2 Corinthians 9:7), so it is worth reminding ourselves of some basic things about our giving. This article may seem a bit random, but I have chosen just a couple of things that I feel need to be addressed concerning our giving. Proportionate     There are times, when someone leads a prayer before our giving, when they might say something like this: "let us give a portion of what You have given to us." I do not want to run down anyone who says that in a prayer, and I am certainly not questioning their heart, but is that terminology Biblical?     What the Bible teaches us is not "portion" giving, but to be proportionate in our giving. We are to give "as [we] have prospered" (1 Corinthians 16:2). To illustrate, if I am blessed to earn $1000 this week and I give $50, but then I am blessed to earn $5000 next week and still give $50, I have given a "portion" both times. But have I given proportionately; that is, "as I have prospered"? Not really.     Each time I earn something financially--whether that is through a paycheck, bonus, sale of a large item, or other means--I need to prayerfully consider my giving and seek to be certain that it is in proportion to how I have been blessed that week. Fund-Raising     When I was a much younger preacher, I would read anything I could get my hands on just to try to learn about Biblical issues and how to deal with them. I remember reading some old articles  sections of books that dealt with how the church did not need to "raise money" through things like bake sales or car washes. Honestly, I remember thinking, "is this really a problem?"     It is now 2024, and I am writing about it because, yes, it was--and sadly still is--an issue. The New Testament makes it clear that the church is to be supported through the freewill giving of each member. Period. That is the only God-approved way for the local congregation to support the works in which they are involved.     Some feel that it is okay to have some type of fundraiser for some special work; maybe a mission trip or building drive. They will ask if the church should not be able to sponsor a car wash or a T-shirt sales drive to pay for the young people to go on a mission trip or to help offset the cost of a major building project? The simple answer is "no." And the reason is simply this: the New Testament gives no authority for anything other than members giving freely to the work of the church. We do not have a "product" to "sell." We have hearts that are moved to give.     Some turn to Acts 4:32-37 and point out where members sold land and gave the proceeds to the church. That clearly occurred, and those First Century brothers and sisters are to be commended for their great generosity. But they were not doing that as some type of "fundraiser." They willingly chose to do that as a way to have something to give freely to the work of the church. In fact, the issue with Ananias and Sapphira in chapter 5 was not that they kept back some of the money from the church. It was that they lied about it (see 5:4).     If a member of the church wishes to sell a possession and give the proceeds to the church, that is fine and commendable. But the church has no authority to organize some type of special sale or fundraiser that members feel compelled to take part in. Instead, each person is to examine their own life and give from the heart. Conclusion Each week, when we give, let us be certain that we are following the instruction of Jesus to worship God "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). Examine your heart and give out of a place of great love and gratitude. Also, though, may we always worship, even in our giving, in "truth," following the pattern given to us through the pages of the New Testament.

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Worship of Entertainment

By Bob Prichard     There is no doubt that the man we know as Neil Postman described serious problems in modern culture in his insightful 1985 book Amusing Ourselves to Death. His thesis was that public discourse has been reshaped to such an extent by television and entertainment that thoughtful discourse is missing. Show business hype has affected advertising, politics, and religion. Postman’s conclusion is that none of these changes have made for improvement.     In our entertainment-oriented culture, many churches find themselves trying to out do themselves with more and more elaborate additions to worship. What began as special music by a choir becomes a full orchestra with professional soloists. A dramatic reading necessitates a full Broadway stage production. And as long as those who come to worship enjoy what is offered, anything goes. The expectation is that sermons will be shorter, wittier, and more uplifting. Anything in worship that cannot be “jazzed up” must be abandoned as boring-and there is nothing worse than being boring, we are led to believe.     The problem with this entertainment orientation is that the very object of worship is forgotten. God is the audience in worship. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that ignorant worship was unacceptable to God, even though it may have been sincere or enjoyable. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). To worship God in spirit and truth means that worship must be from the heart, not just outward acts, and that it must be done in exact obedience to God’s commands. The worship must be directed to Him, not to the whims of the worshipers.     God’s regulations for worship as set out in the New Testament are neither boring nor out of date. They are God-centered, while entertainment is man-centered.     Cultural relevance is important-thus many churches are implementing modern technology such as projection systems to enhance sermons, and there is nothing wrong with the worshiper enjoying worship. God intended for worship to bless His children, but when worship is merely window dressing for an entertainment performance, it cannot please God. The apostle warned, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God” (2 John 1:9). Paul condemned things that “have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship” (Colossians 2:23). “Self-imposed worship” is that worship fashioned after man’s desires.

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Worship _________

By Adam Faughn       How do you describe what we do when we gather on Sundays? I suppose that most of the time, we just say that we are "going to worship" or that those are our "worship times."     But if you had to put a word after the word "worship" to describe what we do, what word would you choose? Probably, the main way we would fill in that blank would be to use the word "service." We might even announce that it is time for us to begin our worship service. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with that. It is an accurate term for what we are doing, as worship is meant to be in service to our heavenly Father.     But I want to suggest another word that means a lot to me, and that might further help us focus on what we are doing.     For about seven years, I worked with Andy Kizer in Haleyville, Alabama. He meant a lot to me as a very young man trying to learn the ins-and-outs of local ministry. Outside of my own family, he is likely the man whom I would consider my "mentor" in the ministry.    One thing that he used to say then--and still does--is in describing worship. It is not that he never said "worship service." He would from time-to-time. But it was not his main way of describing these periods of time. Instead, the vast majority of the time, he would refer to them as "worship privileges." If you think about it, that is actually quite profound.     To be allowed to worship the almighty God of the universe and to know how to do so in a way that pleases and honors Him truly is a privilege. We should not be allowed in His presence, but He seeks such (cf. John 4:23-24). We would never know how to approach Him in a pleasing way, but He has clearly told us how to do so and that He delights when we do. What a privilege!     For various reasons, though, we sometimes struggle or even fail to see worship for the privilege it is. We treat it as common. We decide other things are more important. We want to change how it is done. We are present physically but a million miles away mentally. We would rather stare at Facebook than sing to the Father. We find mundane things of this world more interesting than the glory of worshiping God.     When we act in these types of ways, it is obvious that we are not seeing worship for the true privilege it is. But, oh, how we should! To come before God should humble us deeply. To know we can please Him as we do should cause us great joy. And to be allowed to do so each week should cause us to realize what an amazing privilege worship truly is.     It is a worship service. There is no doubt about that. But may we never forget that it is also a worship privilege and reverently treat these times as such.

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Bored in Church: From Boredom to Spiritual Enlightenment

By Jeff Arnette     Boredom, a sentiment often perceived as trivial or dismissive, can surprisingly serve as a catalyst for profound spiritual introspection. Within the walls of the church, grappling with boredom presents an opportunity. Instead of letting it engulf our worship experience, we can use it as a compass, pointing us toward areas in our spiritual journey that require attention and growth.     Addressing the complex relationship between boredom and church requires a multifaceted understanding. Firstly, it’s essential to differentiate between the kind of boredom that stems from not being entertained and the type rooted in genuine disengagement. The church was never designed as a place of entertainment. Its central mission is not to satiate our hunger for amusement but to nourish our souls with divine wisdom and connection.     In that light, it is wholly acceptable not to feel entertained in church. Worship isn’t a performance tailored for our personal gratification. It’s a communal experience, grounded in shared faith and reverence. However, if boredom translates to a genuine lack of interest or engagement, it becomes a concern. It could signify a disconnect from the divine essence of worship or an inability to bond with the spiritual community.     Encountering boredom in church can be disconcerting, yet it is not without its silver linings. Boredom can be seen as a spiritual signpost, urging introspection. It nudges worshippers to question the roots of their disinterest. Is it a manifestation of selfish expectations clashing with the collective worship experience? Is it indicative of a deeper spiritual unrest, or perhaps a struggle to integrate into the faith community?     As these questions emerge, boredom transitions from being an obstacle to an instrument of reflection. For instance, feelings of boredom might reveal an underlying struggle with individualism, prompting worshippers to reevaluate their approach to community and worship. Alternatively, distraction could be at the heart of the boredom, in which case, the solution might lie in surrendering these distractions and refocusing on the divine.     Ultimately, boredom becomes a mirror, reflecting our inner spiritual state. While it’s acceptable to occasionally feel bored, complacency in such feelings is not. The journey of faith is a continuous one, marked by peaks and valleys. Boredom might signify a valley, but it also points toward potential ascents, pushing believers to deepen their engagement with the divine and their community.     In conclusion, the key isn’t to evade or deny boredom but to confront and understand it. By doing so, believers can transform it from a mere feeling into a tool for spiritual growth, ensuring that their connection with the divine remains vibrant and evolving.

tag- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Bored in Church: The Evolving Concept of ‘Church’

By Jeff Arnette     The term “church” often conjures images of grand spires, stained glass windows, and echoing halls of worship. However, beyond the architectural marvels and historical significance, lies the heart and soul of what truly defines a church: its community. In an age where individualism often reigns supreme, understanding the true essence of the church becomes pivotal. It’s not just a physical space but a living, breathing entity forged from the bonds of its believers.     The perception of ‘church’ in the present age has undergone significant transformation. In a world where experiences are often tailored to individual preferences, the church too faces the challenge of being perceived through a lens of personal satisfaction. For many modern believers, ‘church’ simply denotes a weekly routine. A place where they attend services, like the songs, talks, and ways of worship in their church.     Such a viewpoint is problematic because it narrows down the expansive idea of the church to mere personal enjoyment. Narratives like “I didn’t enjoy worship today” because the hymns weren’t to one’s liking exemplify this narrow viewpoint. Such opinions often neglect the broader community, focusing solely on individual experiences and preferences.     Yet, at its core, the church isn’t just an institution or a weekly routine; it’s a congregation, a collective of diverse individuals united by faith. This community, often referred to as the ‘body of Christ’, is characterized by diverse believers coming together in shared faith and purpose. It celebrates a multiplicity of backgrounds, experiences, and preferences, which naturally means that not every aspect of a service will resonate with every individual.     Unity in such a diverse body doesn’t imply uniformity. The church encourages shared worship and praise but also recognizes and respects the varied spiritual journeys of its members. However, when individual preferences start overshadowing communal worship, the essence of the church as a collective body is at risk.     For instance, while one might not personally resonate with a particular hymn, it could be spiritually uplifting for another member. Similarly, a sermon that doesn’t personally “feed” an individual might be the exact message another congregant needed to hear. Thus, to truly engage with the church means to look beyond oneself, to actively participate in the community’s collective worship, even if it sometimes moves outside one’s comfort zone.     Embracing this understanding prompts a shift in perspective. It challenges believers to see the church not just as a place that caters to personal spiritual needs but as a vibrant community where they play an active role. It’s about being a part of something bigger, about participating in a divine fellowship that transcends individual needs, and truly cherishes the spirit of collective worship.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Bored in Church: The Layers of Boredom Amidst Worship

By Jeff Arnette   Boredom, a seemingly simple emotion, takes on intricate layers within the church. At first glance, it might be dismissed as transient, yet upon deeper reflection, it’s evident that this emotion touches the very core of one’s relationship with worship. In understanding boredom, one is not just confronting a momentary lapse of interest, but addressing the dynamics of personal faith, engagement, and the very essence of worship.     Within the church, every hymn sung, every scripture read, and every sermon delivered aims to connect the soul to the divine. However, boredom can creep in, even in this spiritual setting, leading us to question the nature of this disinterest. Is it a mere reaction to the external surroundings or a reflection of our internal spiritual state?     When we dissect the idea of boredom, its initial description paints a picture of disinterest towards our surroundings. However, in the context of worship, its implications are more profound. Disinterest during worship, when hymns are sung and scriptures are read, might indicate a mental and emotional closing off, a barrier erected between oneself, and the divine message being conveyed.     But, as humans, it’s also essential to recognize that sometimes our disinterest isn’t necessarily about worship but about our personal state of mind. Often, we associate the feeling of boredom with the absence of enjoyment or entertainment. This association can be especially problematic in a church setting. Worshipers might find themselves disengaged because the hymns aren’t familiar or because the sermon doesn’t resonate with their immediate concerns. Such feelings could be mislabeled as boredom when, in reality, they’re about unmet personal preferences or expectations.     The danger here lies in the potential shift of focus. If one begins to evaluate church services based on personal enjoyment or entertainment value, the essence of worship risks being overshadowed. For instance, the choice of hymns or the style of a sermon should not be the yardstick measuring the ‘worth’ of a service. To equate personal preferences with the quality of worship is to misunderstand the very essence of faith and community.     In this light, the challenge is to discern the roots of our boredom. Is it a fleeting sentiment, borne out of a misalignment between personal expectations and the worship experience? Or is it indicative of a deeper spiritual disconnect, where the heart and mind are no longer in harmony with the spirit of worship?     Thus, the journey to understand boredom in church is a call to introspection. It beckons worshippers to delve deep into their feelings, recognize the transient nature of emotions, and recommit to the true essence of their faith and worship.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Bored in Church: The Dilemma of Boredom in Church

 

By Jeff Arnette       In our modern age, the church remains a sanctuary of faith, unity, and introspection. Within we come in search of solace, understanding, and a deepened connection with God. Yet, in a world brimming with distractions and an ever-shortening attention span, the sacred hush of the church can sometimes be mistaken for monotony. When worshipers drift into feelings of boredom and detachment, a complex dilemma arises. Is this boredom a reflection of a fleeting human emotion or a deeper disconnect with divine communion?     The experience of church, for many, is both a refuge and a ritual. It’s a space where one can connect with the divine, find solace in community, and partake in age-old traditions. Yet, among the hymns and quiet reflections, a contemporary issue bubbles up – that of boredom. It isn’t uncommon to spot individuals who, while present in body, seem absent in spirit. They stand amidst the congregation, but their gaze is distant, their participation minimal. Such observations lead to the pivotal question: Is it okay to be bored in church?     Upon posing this question, myriad responses emerge, painting a complex picture of modern worship. Some believers argue with fervor, suggesting that boredom is synonymous with spiritual disconnect. For them, the essence of church lies in unwavering attention and deep immersion in every aspect of the service, from the hymns sung to the words of the sermon.     On the other side of the debate are those who offer a more lenient perspective. They argue that in our human journey of faith, there are bound to be moments of distraction and disinterest. This does not necessarily signify a weakening bond with God but rather reflects our imperfect human nature. Boredom, they suggest, is but a fleeting emotion, not a litmus test for the depth of one’s faith.     While opinions might vary, they all touch upon a singular truth: the experience of church is deeply personal. What might be a moment of profound connection for one might seem monotonous to another. But as these varied responses suggest, the presence of boredom in church is not a simple matter of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but a topic demanding deeper introspection.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Others for Whom Worship is Hard

By Adam Faughn       To worship God as He demands and desires takes effort. To worship "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24) does not happen accidentally, and God will not accept it if we try to worship half-heartedly. It takes effort, and true reverent worship is not easy.    Sometimes, we are reminded of certain groups of people for whom worship might be especially difficult. We might think of the person who just lost a spouse and now struggles to come to worship alone. Or we might consider the young family with the baby that never stops crying and how they wonder every week if they should bring that baby (the answer is "yes!"). We obviously think of those who have physical limitations and who struggle just to come into the building.     I want to suggest to you, though, that there are some other people who you might not as readily think of who can struggle to worship properly. They are present all the time, and their hearts want to worship, but they are doing other things that cause them to have to work extra hard at their worship.     Who are they? Here are a few to consider.     Our security team rarely even gets to be in the auditorium. Throughout worship services, they are watching and checking doors and hallways, keeping up with security cameras, and communicating with each other to be sure we are physically safe as we worship.     Those who work in the audio/visual room have several things they are keeping an eye on. They are making sure the PowerPoint is running properly (and changing slides while we sing). They are running livestreams for those watching services on YouTube and Facebook. They are keeping the sound system levels in a good place so we can hear the service well.     Think of those who are leading worship in a public way. They want to do well to God's glory so we can all be encouraged. But the nerves do set in! Often, they can struggle to worship because they are thinking about their "part." While worship is not a performance, they still want to do well, so their mind might be on the next song they are to lead, or the prayer they are going to lead, or the words they will say to help us commune or even the "ready recollections" of the sermon they are about to preach.     Consider our elders and deacons. Often just before worship, they are given prayer requests, news of a broken commode, an update on an upcoming event, and more. Now their mind is spinning, but they want to worship God, and they struggle to put their minds solely on Him.     And I would be remiss if I didn't mention our secretary, Sheri. Many of us bring a notebook to worship to take notes during the sermon. She, however, often has to carry a notebook to remember all the things she has to do before and/or after worship. And then people give her more things to add to the bulletin or ask her about something that could easily wait until later in the day.     I am not writing this as a way to complain or vent. Instead, I am writing this to give honor to those who volunteer and choose to do these things so that the rest of us can worship more easily. They are doing things behind the scenes, or they are carrying extra news and information, in part, so that someone else can have a clearer mind to come before the throne of God. And sadly, often, what gets noticed is when one of those things does not go smoothly, which is rare.     Worship is hard enough, but for those who volunteer to make it a little more difficult on themselves so that the rest of us can have it a little easier, I give a heartfelt "thank you."     And I pray for more who have the same type of heart you do so that you can get some relief and be able to have more weeks to simply come and worship with no added responsibilities.

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Music In Worship

By Dan C. Bailey       People often ask the question, "Why don't you have a piano or organ in your worship service?" My response is, the Lord's church stands upon the solid rock of the authority of God's Word.  Mechanical instruments of music, like the piano, organ, drums, saxophones, etc., are simply not authorized by God in New Testament worship. God did not teach us in the New Testament to simple make music. He specifically teaches us to sing. Since God specifies singing, that is what God authorized.     The communion or the Lord's Supper is authorized by God in the New Testament.  The two elements in the communion are clearly specified, the fruit of the vine and the unleavened bread. In general terms, the fruit of the vine is a drink. And in general terms the unleavened bread is food. Now who could say that it is alright to take Pepsi Cola and potato chips at the Lord's table?     Had God used the general term to make music, then we could play instruments or we could sing, or we could do both. But God specifically said sing. That rules out all other types of music, in exactly the same fashion that the fruit of the vine rules out all other drink, and the unleavened bread rules out all other food.     Please consider the following scriptures in order to determine the type of music that God authorized in the New Testament:   Ephesians 5:19 - "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; "   Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."   Hebrews 2:12 - "Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee."   1 Corinthians 14:15 - "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

The Lord's Supper

By Dan Bailey       It is good for us to study and meditate upon the memorial of the Lord's Supper. At one time in Corinth, the apostle Paul had to rebuke the brethren for intermingling the Lord's Supper with a common meal. God expects our worship to be according to His Word, and to be spiritual in nature. Paul wrote the church in Corinth saying: "When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not" (I Corinthians 11:20-22).     Paul was not condemning Christians for partaking of a common meal together, but he was condemning the intermingling of that meal with worship. Paul's purpose was to keep the common meal separate and distinct from the worship service. Sometimes Christians gather together for a common meal in a home, a restaurant, or somewhere on the church property. There is nothing at all sinful with this. However, it should be distinct from our worship services.     Paul went on to say, "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come" (I Corinthians 11:23-26).     When Jesus said of the bread, "Take eat: this is my body," He was not saying that the bread really, that is, literally, became His body. But rather that it was symbolic of His body, or represented or stood for, His body. The bread brings to our memory the precious body of our Lord that was suspended between heaven and earth upon the old rugged cross.     The cup mentioned in I Corinthians 11:25, meant the contents of the cup, or the fruit of the vine. There are some who believe that Christ meant for His disciples to use only one physical cup while partaking of the Lord's Supper. This is to confuse the container with that which is in the container. Whether we use one physical cup or many, does not effect the contents of the cup. Jesus said, "...This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me" (I Corinthians 11:25). The cup is not literally blood, but it represents, or is symbolic of the blood, of the Lamb of God. When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, He said, "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:28).  When we partake of the Lord's Supper we do so in remembrance of His death. "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come" (I Corinthians 11:26).     To partake of the Lord's Supper "unworthily" has reference to the manner or disposition of heart while partaking of the supper. Each person is to "examine himself" and to "discern the Lord's body." To discern the Lord's body is to make the proper separation or distinction between the common meal, common things, and spiritual worship. If there is no separation of the two, then Christ is not properly set apart or honored in our hearts. Our worship needs to be as directed from God's Word.     The final thought from Albert Barnes enumerates reasons why one should examine himself before taking the Lord's Supper. -- "Because the observance of the Lord's Supper is a solemn act, and there will be fearful results if it is celebrated in an improper manner. Because self-examination supposes seriousness and calmness, and prevents precipitation and rashness - states of mind entirely unfavorable to a proper observance of the Lord's Supper. Because by self-examination one may search out and remove those things that are offensive to God, and the sins which so easily beset us may be known and abandoned. Because the approach to the table of the Lord is a solemn approach to the Lord himself; is a solemn profession of attachment to him; is an act of consecration to his service in the presence of angels and of people; and this should be done in a calm, deliberate and sincere manner; such a manner as may be the result of a prayerful and honest self-examination" (Albert Barnes Commentary on I Corinthians 11).

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

Guidelines for Generous Giving

By Edd Sterchi       I don’t know how many times I have had someone come up to me and ask, “How much should I be giving?” That’s always a tough question to answer, for it is indeed dependent upon many things.     Under the Old Law, the tithe was the standard giving amount for the faithful child of God. This consisted of ten percent of the gross amount of one’s produce and/or earnings (cf. Lev. 27:30-32; Deut. 24:32). But the Old Law was nailed to the cross, and we are no longer bound by those regulations (Col. 2:14).     Under the New Covenant, Christians are to give, to make their offering to God, in an individual, regular, predetermined, and proportional manner (see 1 Cor. 16:2 as an example of all of these). But that still does not answer the question of how much of one’s income one is supposed to give. Is it 5%, 10%, 25%, etc.? In actuality, everybody’s situation varies so much that God has left it up to each person to determine the amount to give. But we also need to note this: God knows when we do not give the proper amount or with the proper attitude.     Too many times we may look at giving as determining the smallest amount we can get away with, or possibly discovering what spare change or small bills we can find in our pocket, purse, or wallet. Maybe we should look at it as determining how much we can give back to God. Given that thought, here are some guidelines for generous giving:         * Give as much as you want to receive back from the Lord. In Luke 6:38, Jesus told His disciples that they would receive back from God in direct proportion to how much they gave (see also 2 Cor 9:6). So look at giving to God as a “down payment” on the blessings you will receive from Him.         * Give as much as you love the Lord and His people. The Macedonian brethren are set forth as an example of generous giving in 2 Cor. 8:1-5. Even in their poverty, they gave abundantly, because they loved God and knew that their giving was a part of fellowshiping with His people. So look at giving to God as a demonstration of your love and appreciation for Him and what He has done for you.         * Give as much as you want to see the Lord’s church do. In 2 Cor. 9:8-14, the Corinthian Christians are commended for their generous giving which helped the work of the church, specifically in the spreading of the gospel and in benevolence to the needy. So look at giving as a declaration of what you would like to see this congregation of the Lord’s church do in His name.     It is also important to note that we can and should give of our time and talents as well as of our treasure to the Lord. But when it comes down to the giving of our means that the Lord has blessed us with, remember that our giving is a down payment on future blessings from God, a demonstration of our passion for Him, and a declaration of how influential we want His church to be. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor.9:7)

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/

Singing Is God’s Idea

By Joe Chesser       I love to worship in song. I always have. My mother instilled this in me at an early age. We of course sang during our worship at church assemblies. But there were many other times when we sang “church” songs together at family gatherings, or with friends, or at area-wide singings, or at Bible camps and VBS. I was privileged to sing with Christian choirs in high school and college, and on several other occasions. Sometimes my wife and I would just open up a song book and sing together. I just love to sing. Singing moves my heart closer to God.     However, not everyone was raised to love singing like I was. Not everyone enjoys singing like I do. And that’s ok. But what’s not ok is to have a negative attitude about singing. Why? Because singing is God’s idea.     In seems that in lots of churches singing is becoming an afterthought, even a drudgery. It seems that some are only doing it because that’s what they’ve always done or because it is an “item of worship.”  It seems that many song leaders just select their songs without much forethought or planning, and that church leaders and church members fail to attach much importance or value to singing. This may be an exaggeration, but my point is to encourage us all to refocus our attention on the fact that singing is God’s idea. And because it is His idea, perhaps we need to reevaluate why He wants us to sing, and even more so, why He wants me to sing.     Singing is not just for those who can sing well. It is awesome and inspiring when singing is beautiful, and we should work at singing the best we can. But a beautiful sound is not the main point. According to Colossians 3.16 the reason for singing is for teaching and admonishing one another with the word of Christ that dwells richly in our hearts. Certainly we can teach and admonish each other without music. That what preachers and teachers and parents do. But it’s God’s idea to also do it with singing. God knows music has a way of moving and influencing us in ways that nothing else can. Different kinds of songs (psalms, hymns, spiritual songs) teach and admonish us in different ways than merely speaking the words can do. When music is combined with spiritual lyrics, we can be affected deeply as we make melody in our hearts (Ephesians 5.19). PLUS, we can impact others, and that is one thing God wants us to do in worship, according to the above Scriptures.     So, let’s be encouraged to give God our best in worship by singing to each other as we allow our own hearts to make melody to God. Let’s be encouraged to pay more attention to the lyrics of the songs so we can all be moved closer to God.

- Joe Chesser preaches for the Fruitland Church of Christ, Fruitland, MO.  He may be contacted at joeandareva@yahoo.comg

I’d Like to Think They Knew

By Adam Faughn

 

    A few weeks ago, our family was looking for a quick devotional idea. It had been a busy evening, but we wanted to have a family devo. So, we had this idea: we simply asked the kids if there were any songs they could think of that we sing in worship that they did not understand.

    After thinking for a few moments, our son mentioned the song "Let the Lower Lights be Burning." I think the way he worded his question was, "what's that all about?" We rehearsed the lyrics and then talked about how it shares the responsibility we all have of bringing people to the safe "harbor" of Jesus.

    Last Sunday night, we sang that song in worship. As soon as it showed up on the PowerPoint screen, I had to look over toward our kids to see if it "clicked" that we had just talked about this song a few days earlier. Well, they are teenagers, so they did not look back our way, but I would like to think that it was in their mind. Far more than that, however, I would like to think that now, when they sing that song, they understand the beautiful imagery of it and the responsibility it reminds us that we each have in our service of Jesus.

    All this had me thinking: do we think about what we sing? Do we even understand some of the lyrics that we sing?

    Now, to be fair, some songs are more difficult than others lyrically. Some are older and use words (or word pictures) that may seem a bit outdated to us, especially to younger people. Others may have to "force" words a bit to make the lyrics fit within the parameters of a poem. Additionally, since we are dealing with poetry, there are some lyrics that are so image-driven that the message can almost get lost if we are not truly thinking about what we are singing.

    It just causes me to wonder: is our mind truly engaged when we sing, or do we just go through the words with little-to-no thought? A number of years ago, I had a man who was probably in his early 50s and had been "in the church" since he was a boy come up to me and ask me about the song, "Bringing in the Sheaves." He admitted that he had sung that song his whole life and had no idea what "sheaves" were, so he did not really know what he had been singing for all those decades!

    I am not suggesting that we have to "get" every lyric the first time we read it. What I am suggesting is that we need to think about what we sing. Are there lyrics you have sung for years and years but do not really know what they mean? Are there some words that are a bit archaic, and you are not totally sure of how they fit with the message of the song? If so, don't you think it is time to take a few moments to consider words that you are offering to God in worship?

    From "Night with ebon pinion brooded o'er the vale" to singing about the "panoply of God," there are some lyrics that may be confusing to us. It would be a wonderful way to spend a few moments to truly think through the lyrics of those songs, focus on the meaning of them, and let them help build your faith once you have a greater understanding of them.

    It simply does not make sense to worship God with words that we do not understand. After all, worship is meant to combine our heart and our mind, so we need to do our best to understand what we are offering to Him (see 1 Corinthians 14:15). Will you take the time to study and consider what you are offering to Him through the words that come from your lips? (Hebrews 13:15)

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith.

One Bucket at a Time?

By Ron Thomas

    “I only have to attend one service each week to be pleasing to God!”

    Have you heard this before? Perhaps not in these words, but the sentiment is certainly expressed on occasion, whatever words are used. Is it true? Not with the attitude that is seemingly conveyed with the remark (as written above). It has all indications of “Don’t bug me! Is it not good that I am coming at least once?” This is not a question they are asking, but a firm declaration to “drop it.”

    When I obeyed the Gospel in 1983, it was not long before some started calling me a “Jesus freak” or something similar. It did not matter to me; once I found what I didn’t know I was looking for, I went headlong into a new approach to life. The ripples of which were not always pleasant in the normal experiences of life. Nevertheless, I stayed the course.

    Since that time, I have heard many sermons that have not been all that beneficial to me, that is, they were boring or had no real application I could make. Still, when “the doors were open” I (then my family) came; it was important to me, then it became important to us. There were occasions when other things I preferred to do could have been done, but when “the doors were open”, I preferred to enter the doors of the church house instead of going through the doors of another route. We wanted to be present, and we all knew we should be.

    Each Sunday morning, our attention is turned to the Lord in worship. We sing praises to His name and honor Him with the life we live. On Sunday evening, we do the same. Do you have a hard time picking up the Bible and reading it because you have no time? If so, that is even more reason you need to be present with the brethren when “the doors are open.”

    The evil being thrown against you is having more powerful of an impact than you know. Should you not at least give yourself opportunity to hear the Lord’s message more than one hour weekly? Can you imagine trying to put out a fire that consumes your home with one bucket of water at a time? Our approach to the Lord is not one hour at a time, but a matter of the heart’s attitude. When you think about giving yourself an opportunity to strengthen your faith in the Lord, is it only one hour at a time? Charles Williams' translation of the New Testament reads in 2 Peter 3:18, but instead, you must continue to grow in the spiritual strength and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Are you? 

- Ron Thomas preacher for the Sunrush Church of Christ, Chillicothe, OH. He may be contacted through the congregation's website. www.sunrushchurchofchrist.org