Truth Magazine

By M. Thaxter Dickey

The need to think properly during the Lord’s Supper is illustrated in 1 Corinthians 11: 17-34. Misuse of the Lord’s Supper results in serious consequences for those who partake unworthily. In this case many members of the church were sick and some even dead because of abusing the Lord’s supper. Note that the passage does not condemn those who are unworthy to partake for so we all are. If the requirement were worthiness then no one would qualify for “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:25).

What is condemned is partaking in an unworthy manner. Now that doesn’t mean that only a specific form of ritual is acceptable but rather that the condition of the heart must be right. Matthew 5:23,24 gives us an example of engaging in service to God in a worthy way. We cannot enter into His presence with sins that are unrepented. Nor are we participating worthily if our thoughts are far from him (Matt. 15:7, 8).

But keeping our thoughts from straying is a difficult task. It is impossible if we only try to get rid of the worldly thoughts that fill our minds. For each time we chase one away several return to plague us (Lk. 11:25). What we must do if we are to participate with our minds as well as our bodies is to find some positive thoughts on which to concentrate. And there are many topics worthy of thought during the Lord’s Supper.

1. Remember Jesus (Lk. 22:14-20, Matt. 26.26-28). The purpose of the Supper is that we might remember Jesus. It is in fact the only memorial He left. But small mementoes can powerfully bring back memories as anyone who treasures a small belonging left them by a departed parent can testify. In the same way by our participation in the communion Jesus should be vividly real to us not just a dusty historic figure. It is impressive to think that His living memorial in the form of the Supper has outlasted what were at one time more physically impressive and seemingly permanent stone monuments.

What should we remember of Him? First of all, we can remember events of His life: how He cried over Lazarus even though He had power over disease and sin and even death. We can remember His compassion for the Widow of Nain, the careful attention to small things which brought to His notice the widow’s mite, His righteous wrath in cleansing the temple, and His continued mastery over the Pharisees as they tried to humiliate him, His concern for the little man, Zaccheus, who was pariah to everyone else.

We can also remember His suffering and death. Paul calls these thoughts to the minds of the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 11:23 when he writes: “The Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed . . . .” And which Christian does not have graphically impressed in his memory the hours of Jesus’ humiliation and mistreatment during the trials, His glance at Peter as the cock crew, His domination of Pilate in their moments together, His gracious “Father forgive them they know not what they do,” His responsible concern for the care of His mother as He hung on the cross, or His final triumphant shout as He “gave up the ghost,”? How easily we should be able to fill our minds with these scenes.

We could remember, too, that He inaugurated the New Covenant of His Blood (Matt. 26:28). By His death He put -into effect “His last will and testament.” A will is made by one person for the benefit of the other and the beneficiary can only accept or reject those benefits and the conditions of the will. lie cannot alter the terms. And how much better are the terms of the New Testament than those of the old (Heb. 8:6-13; 9:15-17,22).

We can remember that He is the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (Jn. 1:29). It is for this purpose that He came into the world. And remembering this we can remember that our sins have been forgiven. And if that is not a compelling thought on which we may well spend a few minutes then something surely is missing from our spiritual lives.

2. Recognize Jesus as the Source of Life and Nourishment (Jn. 6.-47-58). Another train of thought which would be proper during the Lord’s supper is this: that we are what we eat and so we become like Him as we eat of His body and’drink of His blood (Jn. 6:35). This may seem to some an unpleasant picture but we are alive by His death. Some unbelievers may try to confound us by saying that the communion is a cannibalistic ritual. Yes and nol Never has it been truer than of Christians that we live because someone else died. But it is also true that Jesus loved us enough to freely offer Himself in our place (Rom. 5:8 and 1 Jn. 2:2) and our parlicipation in the Lord’s Supper is a means of being made alive “in Him.” But we also die so that He may live in us (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:2).

This convinces me that we ought to learn the habit of regular devotions – and an essential one is this weekly breaking of bread. If it represents the bread by which we are made spiritually alive then we cannot afford to miss it. A life preserving ritual is not one easily forgotten orlightly forsaken. That is why the early church, by God’s plan, participated in weekly observance. To miss deliberately is to spurn the blood of Christ, the only thing which can save us (Heb. 10:29).

But we do partake of these emblems and He dwells in us and so we no longer live the same kind of life (Gal. 2:20 and Jn. 6:36). Communing with the Lord in the Lord’s Supper is then a time for renewing our commitment (1 Cor. 10:21). If we are honest in it we can profitably pray to God while we are engaged in the breaking of bread vowing to be as Christ like as possible in the week to come.

3. We Share Here With Others (1 Cor. 10:16, 17). Paul condemned the Corinthians for not communing together (1 Cor. 11:20, 21). Christians are set apart by their participation in this breaking of bread. The Supper is a communion and we share with Christ in it (1 Cor. 10:16) as we share with Him in our lives (Phil. 3:8, 10). And thus we are not liked by the world (Jn. 15:18; Lk. 6:26) because, by our observance of His memorial feast, we show His death till He comes again (1 Cor. 11:26).

It is a proclamation to the world. By partaking we say to the world: “I believe: that He lived and died as the Son of God, that He rose from the grave by the power of God, and that He’s coming again (Acts 1:10,11) to claim His own Qn. 14:1-3; Matt. 26:29) and to judge the world (Acts 10:42). And thus there is a glorious hope on which to fix our minds during the Lord’s Supper. It is wonderful to think on and draws us closer to Him. The feast then is anticipatory as well as commerative (Matt. 26:29).

We should also remind ourselves that as Christians, partaking of the Supper together, we are one body (Eph. 4:4) of which Christ is the Head (Col. 1: 18). There is peace among us (Eph. 2:14-17). And unity is our sign of godliness (Jn. 17:20, 21). If we are to love each other as Jesus loved us (1 Jn. 4:9-11), how can we sit week after week and year after year without getting to know those who share this precious moment with us and without learning to care for them? It is said that families who share together stay together. And what greater thing to share together than this participation in the communion with Christ death? And what greater family ‘unity could there be than that among the family of God?

4. Examine Ourselves Individually (2 Cor. 11:27; 13:5). We must participate in the communion in the right manner, as is true of all worship (Matt. 5:23,24). So it is fitting as we engage our minds in this act of worship that we examine ourselves (2 Cor. 11:27). Self-examination prevents rashness and promotes solemnity, a necessary ingredient of sound worship. No progress is ever made without regular examination. We really should prepare for this moment before we come if it is to be of maximum value to us and acceptable to God. For if we’ve not given a thought beforehand to our purpose for coming then it is unlikely that we are participating in a worthy manner.

During the Lord’s Supper itself is a good time to continue this self-examination (1 Cor. 11:28). Here are some questions which may help in that endeavor.

(1) Do I really desire to follow Christ (Matt. 16:24)?

(2) Do I fully appreciate what Christ has done for me (Rom. 5:6-10)?

(3) Am I truly repentant of my sins (Acts 3:19)?

(4) Am I humbled by this supper (Lk. 17:10)?

(5) Do I love my fellow participants (1 Jn. 4: 11)?

If the answer to any of these questions is negative then we have something to work on before we next gather to break bread. And the occasion of the Communion itself can be a source of spiritual strength for learning these things or coming to feel them more deeply. If all of our answers are yes then the Lord’s Supper will be a meaningful experience for us each Lord’s day – one from which we will draw great encouragement and comfort.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 20, pp. 620-621
October 20, 1983

By Lewis Willis

Having observed a rather significant shift in public thought during my life-time regarding a question of morality, I decided that something needed to be done to bring the practice of the church into conformity with the thinking of the world about us. The particular issue to which I have reference is the issue of homosexuality. It was my thinking that brethren have assumed a rather arrogant attitude toward the homosexuals of the, world. Brethren have continued to smugly and arrogantly look down their collective noses at the ever-growing crowd of homosexuals around us. The Akron Beacon Journal (6/26/83) referred to the size of this growing segment of society. The paper reported a Sunday “Gay Freedom Day Parade” in San Francisco with 300,000 expected celebrants participating. The National Gay Task force expected 200,000 people “for New York City’s ‘Gay Pride’ March and Rally.” New York’s Mayor, Ed Koch, had even gone so far as to declare the entire week to be “Gay and Lesbian Pride Week.”

It seemed to me that 500,000 people in our society could not just be ignored – it is certainly unthinkable that they should all be condemned. A listener to our radio program sent me a tract published by Last Days Ministries in Lindale, Texas in which the author referred to information published by the David Wilkerson Crusade. Wilkerson, in speaking against homosexuality, noted that homosexual churches now claim 50,000 members. How could 50,000 people be wrong?

Since it is necessary to deal with reality, I assembled several brethren from the area, renowned and respected, to discuss this issue, ala Jerusalem style (Acts 15). Explaining the realities of the situation, they all agreed that a statement should be issued representing our view that homosexuality not be considered “a sinful condition” any longer. We concluded instead, that homosexuals should be accorded compassion and understanding. Furthermore, we decided that we should be less judgmental and not condemn them, exercising care to avoid alienating them from other church members. We concluded that efforts should be made to make them feel welcome in our midst. Therefore, be it known to all brethren that such is the official policy of the church.

Such Things Do Happen

Let me carefully and pointedly assure you that the scenario referred ‘to above did not happen! That is, not among God’s people! It did happen in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco.

I have before me an article from the Wichita Eagle Beacon (6/11/83), entitled “Homosexuality Not Sinful State, Says San Francisco Archdiocese. ” A new report, “approved by Archbishop John Quinn . . . is the official policy of the Archdiocese.” The report says “that homosexual orientation ‘is not held to be a sinful condition,’ although it says the church can never endorse homosexual activity.” Catholics were urged to treat their homosexual brethren “with the same compassion and understanding accorded other members of the church.” Catholic spokesman Miles Riley said, “We need to be much more non-judgmental and not condemn them or judge them.” Riley said the report will guide the clergy so as “to avoid the alienation” of homosexuals; so that “homosexual men and women will feel welcome” and that they “will see themselves as genuinely an important part of the church.”

How will such a policy work? Probably like the one David Wilkerson referred to in connection with the Metropolitan Community Church which held a convention in Dallas, Texas not long ago. Wilkerson reported the following in connection with an annual convention they held:

Each delegate, as they registered, was given a packet which included, among other things, two “boy” magazines of all nude men and a list of all the gay bars in Dallas – so that delegates could leave the evening service, go to their selected bar, and connect with a lover for the night., And, those delegates call themselves ,’ministers.” How they did sing! They praised the Lord with enthusiasm; but their evangelist corrupted the Gospel beyond comprehension. He said, “Sure, Paul condemned men who changed the natural use and burned one toward another. But that’s not us. We didn’t change anything. We were born this way. So, come out of your closets. Be filled with the Holy Ghost, and enjoy your homosexuality! “

If this what Catholics want to embrace? Is this what their compassion and understanding buys? Is this what the Catholic church wants to “feel welcome” among them?

Does that make you sick or does that make you sick? To say that homosexuals “have come out of the closet” is an understatement! And, many politicians and supposed religious leaders haven’t enough guts to step on the sinful “roaches” when they appear. As noted, Roman Catholicism has thrown down its sword on this subject. Some of our own brethren who preach so loudly about showing understanding and compassion for people who sin if they supposedly know no better are going to find themselves hard-pressed to speak out on this subject. Be aware that some of these creatures get into the church. Some homosexuals sincerely believe that theirs is but an alternate lifestyle into which they were born. They, therefore, deny their practice is sinful. Those who try so hard to accommodate Christians who sin in ignorance, have no basis whatsoever to withhold fellowship from the so-called Christian (?) homosexual. For the life of me, the only posture they can have is one similar to the Catholic position discussed therein.

As for me, I shall continue my attempts to practice what Paul taught when he said, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11). 1 shall continue to affirm that sinful relationships involving women with women Oesbians) and men with men (homosexuals) is unseemly error, unnatural and condemned (Rom. 1:27-28). 1 shall not miss an opportunity to inform the effeminate and those who abuse themselves with mankind that their practice is unrighteousness gone to seed and such people shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9). To imply that God sanctions such filth is an insult to Him! Psychologists and some preachers might call it a “disease” but I am committed to calling it what God calls it – sin! God’s people would be well advised to do more than shake our heads in disgust when confronted with this junk. Let us not miss a single opportunity to identify it for what it is. No conference of men, political or ecclesiastical, can alter the word of God. Attempts to do so are simply continuing efforts to pervert the Gospel of Christ (Gal. 1:7).

If any homosexual should perchance read this, please do the world a favor and stay in your closet until you have decided to repent of your sin and reform your corrupt life!

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 20, pp. 619-620
October 20, 1983

By Randy Harshbarger

Because of trying circumstances of life, some Christians grow tired of living the kind of life God desires; their despair sometimes leads them to give up all together. Because of persecution, peer pressure, lack of faith, opposition of family, etc., some Christians think it is impossible to fight the good fight and remain faithful to the end. Of course, this problem is not new. Christians of the first century were plagued with some of the same obstacles that present themselves to Christians of the twentieth century.

Paul, and the Christians he was associated with at Phlippi, present a good example of this. In the book of Philipians, Paul suggests to us, that one can be a Christian regardless of the circumstances in life. He closes the book by saying: “Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren that are with me salute you. All the saints salute you, especially they that are of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (4:21-23). Paul addresses this letter to the “saints” at Philippi. A saint is a person who has been set apart or consecrated to the Lord. All who have obeyed the gospel have been set apart in Christ. With faith in Christ and His word, we can remain faithful, even in the face of opposition. The Christians at Philippi demonstrated this. The Caesars were not known for their spirituality. They did not appreciate Christianity. Nero and other Roman kings were avowed enemies of Christ and His church. And yet, these Christians in Caesar’s household were able to remain faithful; they even demonstrated love and concern for those in other places.

Other examples of those who had to stand alone in the midst of opposition come to mind. Joseph, who at the hand of ungodly brothers, was sold into Egyptian slavery. He was forced to serve at the feet of a man who had contempt for the God of heaven. Joseph was tempted to commit adultery by the enticement of an ungodly woman. He seemed to suffer for the right he tried to do. But the main thing we need to remember about Joseph is this: he did not lose God’s respect! What about the three Hebrew boys who were thrown into the fiery furnace? Surely they had the right to say: “Well, everybody else is doing it!” Consider Daniel, who faced certain death in the lion’s den. He stood and faced the crowd with “open windows.” All of these men took their religion with them.

There are, of course, some Saints in Caesar’s household today. Sometimes, in the home or family relationship, one mate is faithful to God and faces an uphill battle in order to remain faithful. Often an ungodly companion presents strong pressure to give up and in. Paul believed that women could be faithful in spite of their unfavorable circumstances (1 Cor. 7:12-14). Peter suggests the same thing; in fact, she can use her life to convert her husband (1 Pet. 3:1-3). Many times Christians have to work with those who curse, swear, etc. Sometimes the pressure to drink alcoholic beverages is strong. And yet, there are those who withstand this type of pressure and harassment. Men and women in military service are exposed to many temptations. Yet, Cornelius was a military man and who could deny that he -was dedicated to God. Young people are tempted with pressure to conform. Pressure of peers to dance, engage in drug abuse, and illicit sex is strong. And yet, young people also have a responsibility to live right before God and man. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of fife, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).

We thrill at the triumphs of faith that Daniel, Joseph, and Paul furnish us. Their examples tell us that we too can remain faithful, even in the midst of severe opposition and unfavorable circumstances. We can do right if the determination is strong enough. “I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.”

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 20, p. 618
October 20, 1983

By Irven Lee

“Daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). This is an example of zealous Christians carrying out the Lord’s command to preach the gospel to every creature in Jerusalem. Ibis same work was carried out in the Gentile world. Paul disputed “daily in the school of Tyrannus. This continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:9,10). There is evidently a lack of this kind of zeal in America today.

The Master mentioned the sower as he went forth to sow. In this parable, the seed is the word of God. This parable is found in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8. It is heaven’s desire that we know of this work and that we go forth with zeal sowing the seed. We have no way of knowing who will hear and believe.

Jesus found that those who sat in Moses’ seat were not good listeners. The “publicans and the harlots” were much better listeners than the “chief priests and the elders of the people” (Matt. 21:23,32). Both John and the Savior could observe this. Some had ears that were dull of hearing, eyes that were closed, and hearts that were hardened (Matt. 13:13-16). Even the greatest Teacher of all times did not reach these people. “Never man spake like this man,” but the self-righteous Pharisees were not benefitted (John 7:46). It was not the Teacher’s fault. He taught and confirmed His message with signs. He went about doing good, but the god of this world has blinded their eyes (2 Cor. 4:4; Acts 10:38).

There are many passages that make it evident that it is not always the fault of the teacher when the word is rejected by some of the people. They cannot see if they are not looking, and they cannot hear if they are not listening. Ibis fact and these passages are not meant to cause the servants of Christ to give up preaching, but these servants do have a right to realize that they are not required to do the impossible.

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame” (Heb. 6:4-6). This, of course, is not talking about a brother who errs and needs to be corrected (Gal. 6: 1; James 5:19,20). It is speaking of those who refuse help. They sin willfully after knowing the truth. (Please read Heb. 10:24-3 1.) Some cannot be reached. God is willing, but they are not. The impossibility is in getting them to repent.

There were some spiritually blind people concerning whom our Lord said, “Let them alone” (Matt. 15:1-14). Our Lord tasted of death for every one, but not every one will do the will of the Father (Heb. 2:9; Matt. 7:21-27). He even wept over Jerusalem whom He had taught because they had rejected their only hope of life. Their house was left to them desolate (Luke 19:41; Matt. 23:37,39). This sorrow of heart was at the close of His diligent work among them. Some who say, “I will,” do not; but we can be thankful that some who say, “I will not,” do repent so we should preach the gospel to every creature.

We are not required to continue on and on and on working with people who will not obey. “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the gentiles” (Acts 13:46). Should we be that bold after we have tried hard and miserably failed?

When the sower went forth to sow, some seed fell by the wayside, but there was no harvest there. These hearts were so hard that none could teach them. Some seed fell on shallow soil and for a time there seemed to be hope, but the plants withered. Converts of this type have been found in all parts of the earth in all generations. Some seed fell among thorns and brought forth nothing. These people were too busy with trivial things and with this life to read the Bible, worship, or teach their children. Their children may turn out to be wayside soil (Luke 8).

Some seed fell on good soil and produced a good harvest. These were people with honest and good hearts.. This type makes the efforts worthwhile. The people with good hearts may be compared with gold, silver, and precious stones (I Cor. 3:12,13). This precious material is in contrast to wood, hay, and stubble. The latter cannot stand the test of fire, and the test is sure to come to all.

When the twelve were sent out on the limited commission, they were told, “Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet” (Matt. 10: 14). There is no necessity to cast “your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you” (Matt. 7:6).

Let the worthy teacher go among those who can be taught. Let none be too hasty to give up when there is Still room for hope. Evidently there is still a time to dust one’s feet and turn away from those who are unwilling to be taught. Even in a corrupt city like Corinth the Lord had many who could learn. They needed to be taught. (Read Acts 18:9-11).

There are some in the area where I live who seemingly will go to the judgment as people who have not done the will of the Father. Are there some near you who also have interests other than the righteousness and kingdom, of God? The Christ has been appointed to handle the matter of judgment for the obedient and the disobedient for the believers and the unbelievers (Acts 17:31).

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 20, pp. 616-617
October 20, 1983