Who is the Greatest? (Part 9)

By Clifton Angel       What, then, does Matthew 18:18–20 mean? We have noted the paramount principle of keeping Scripture in context. This is necessary to understand, interpret, and make proper application of Biblical words. The passage at hand DOES NOT authorize the church to make changes to the doctrines of Christ. Let us read it again. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered to- gether in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Matthew 18:18–20).     Another primary key to understanding these three verses is the phrase “in my name” (18:20). When you write a check, you sign your name in order to authorize the dispensing of funds from your bank account to the recipient indicated and for the amount designated. Contextually, the “two or three” people who “are gathered together” are doing so for the purpose of restoring an erring brother or sister (read again Matthew 18:15–17). If by following the methods Jesus prescribed and keeping the principles Jesus has authorized, the decisions of the 2 or 3 (and if necessary, the entire church) have the full support of Heaven (i.e., their decisions/agreements are “bound in heaven,” “loosed in heaven,” and accomplished by our “Father which is in heaven”).     The contextual circumstance is a difficult one [especially in today’s sensitive society]. It is so difficult that many are ignorant of the proper methods to address such, and those who do know often choose not to use the proper methods. Backlash from the impenitent brother or sister, their family, the community, or even then world is possible. In recent years, the impenitent have taken to public platforms like social media, news outlets, and even television shows to seek to bring harm to Jesus’ church that has been commanded by Him to withdraw from them (cf. Matt 18:17; 1 Cor 5; Rom 16:17; 2 Thess 3:6–15). To the church that operates by His authority (“in my name”), God says: “You have Our support!”     Two pertinent questions follow. (1) Does Matthew 18:20 permit one to forsake the assembling of the local church and worship at home? No. This is a misapplication of the passage, and it places it in contradiction with other passages (cf. Hebrews 10:24–25, et. al.). (2) Is there a contradiction between Matthew 18:17 and 2 Thessalonians 3:15? No. In part 7 of this series, we noted Jesus’ accommodative language as a form of irony. The impenitent are to be seen as the lost sinners they have chosen to be and not as those in fellowship. This does not make them our enemies; rather, it should make them a priority in our desire for saving the lost (cf. James 5:19–20).

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Who is the Greatest? (Part 10)

By Clifton Angel   Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21–22).     McGarvey and Pendleton indicate, “Peter was striving to be liberal, for the Talmud [oral traditions/debates of Jewish teachers] limits forgiveness to three times” (The Four-fold Gospel). Peter’s supposed “liberality” did not match the mercy and grace in the mind of God. It is apparent that Jesus’ use of “seventy times seven” (490) was a hyperbole to imply that our grace and mercy toward our brethren should be limitless. Our carnal inclination is to want to draw lines and excuse ourselves from forgiving someone who has sinned against us multiple times. The world teaches us that once someone is out of our “good graces,” they will no longer be welcomed by us. Then, there’s that false forgiveness where we place qualifications on our mercy: “I’ll forgive you, but no longer will I (fill in the blank).” “Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”     After setting this precedent, Jesus proclaimed a powerful parable that is heart-wrenching and humbling to everyone who recognizes his position in relation to God. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants (Matthew 18:23; NOW READ, 18:24–35).     In this parable, the king’s servant owed him 10,000 talents. The Fourfold Gospel, published in 1905, notes: “Assuming that the silver talent is meant ($1,600), the debt was $16,000,000, which would render the debtor hopeless enough. If it was a gold talent, it would be nearly twenty times as much.” A quick web search and calculation yields a modern number of $559,680,000 for the silver talent. I recall reading one source that indicated one talent as the average yearly wage in Jesus’ day. Thus, it would take 10,000 years for the servant to repay it; in other words, he could never repay the debt. Yet, in his plea for more time, the king was merciful to wipe the debt clean. As the parable goes, the same servant who was forgiven this great, un-payable debt did not extend "even an ounce" of the same mercy to his fellow servant. His co-worker owed him “an hundred pence” which equates to about 100 days wages according to one source, or $100 in 1905 ($3,498 today, CA), according to The Fourfold Gospel. This recipient of the king’s grace and mercy was harsh, unmerciful, and impatient with his fellow-servant. As result, the king delivered this unmerciful servant the death penalty by torture. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses (Matthew 18:35).     Who is the greatest? “Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

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