Historical Posts
The Greatest Author
Growing up, my favorite author was Franklin W. Dixon. The Hardy Boys was my favorite series, and I soon collected the entire set (including the handbook).
Carolyn Keene is just as popular with girls for penning Nancy Drew. Many authors wrote classics, fiction, nonfiction, and biographies that thrill many readers. They create characters and expound upon their adventures.
The greatest author of all, however, is Jesus Christ! Jesus is the author of “eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).”
No one else can create anything as wonderful! He even tells us how to receive it – by doing what He says! In order to come to God, we do so through faith in Jesus (Hebrews 11:6). Thus, Jesus is “the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).”
There is a lot of confusion in the world, especially regarding matters of faith. But, this confusion did not come from God! He is “not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).”
What is your favorite book to read? I hope and pray it is the Bible. After all, God is its author (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Everything you read there is true, and you will be prepared for living now and in eternity.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Striking the Proper Balance
One of the things we most admire about Jesus was His ability to strike the proper balance between sin and sinners.
He loved sinners, but hated sin. He had come into the world to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Yet, he never condoned sin. He always called sinners to repentance, saying, “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). This kind of balance is often absent in today’s preaching and teaching.
The tendency is to emphasize the love and grace of Christ apart from his demands for repentance and change.
Yes, Jesus loved the woman at Jacob’s well (John 4:3-42). No one would dispute the fact that she was a person of questionable morals, yet Jesus reached out to her. Following his example, we also should reach out to those in sin. Ours is a message of hope and deliverance through Jesus Christ. He died for the alcoholic, the drug addict, the sexually impure, the divorced, and the derelict. His blood can wash away every sin (Ephesians 1:7). There is power in his blood!
It is a mistake, however, to suggest that one can cling to salvation while persisting in sin.
This is the message often implied by those who emphasize the grace of Christ while neglecting his demands. The appeal of such an emphasis is obvious. The implication that one can live a life of sinful indulgence while continuing to enjoy salvation in Christ is appealing. This is far more appealing than the truth that Christ’s blood is a sufficient remedy for sin, but the practice of sin must cease. Adulterers can be forgiven, but the adultery must end. Thieves can be saved, but they must stop stealing. Drunkards can be redeemed, but they must sever their bond with alcohol.
Christ not only has the power to deliver us from the condemnation of sin, but also its control.
No one who understands the role of Christ as redeemer and savior argues that Christians never sin, but a strong argument can and must be made for the idea that Christians are not under sin’s control. This is the balance Jesus struck in his preaching and teaching. This is the same balance we should bring to our efforts today.
The apostle Paul offered these words of warning to all:
“What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:15-18).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Life Is Not Fair!
How many times have you heard the expression, “life isn’t fair!”? Sometimes you may even agree with that yourself. We often wonder why bad things happen to good people, and vice versa.
The truth is, we are the ones that are not fair!
God said, “Is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair (Ezekiel 18:25&29)?”
God is not happy when we turn from His way.
In fact, He clearly says that He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Those that are righteous will live; those that are wicked shall die. If one is righteous then turns wicked, he will die; but if a wicked person turns righteous he will live.
Therefore, God said “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit… For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies. Therefore turn and live (Ezekiel 18:28-29)!”
Our way is not fair, but God’s way is!
He commands us to “turn and live,” or to repent! Peter reminds us: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).” Even Jesus said, “…Unless you repent you will likewise perish (Luke 13:3,5).”
Let us turn from our way to God’s way! That is the fair thing to do!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Same Question, but Different Answers!
Is it possible to ask the same question to three different people, receive different answers from all three, and still each be correct? Think about it!
In Acts 2:37 Peter and the other apostles were asked: “What shall we do?” The import of the question was, “What must we do to be saved?” Peter’s response was: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” In Acts 9:6 Saul of Tarsus asked Jesus, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Again, the intent was, “What must I do to be saved?” To Saul’s question Jesus responded, “Arise and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” In Acts 16:30 a jailer asked Paul and Silas: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They answered: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). In each case the same question is asked, but the answers, though correct, are different. How can this be?
We can illustrate in the following way. Let us suppose that we are taking a trip from Marietta to Columbus. Let’s begin by asking someone in Marietta, “How far is it to Columbus?” Their answer would be about 100 miles. Suppose that we stop in Cambridge and ask, “How far is it to Columbus?” We have asked the same question, but this time the answer is about 60 miles. Now, let’s ask the same question in Zanesville. This time the answer is 40 miles. The identical question has been asked three times and three different but correct answers have been given. The explanation: Each time the question is asked, we have traveled a little further on our journey.
The same is true in regard to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” The response depends on how far the individual has traveled, spiritually speaking. An examination of all the accounts of conversion in the books of Acts indicates that each convert followed the same path. They heard the gospel, believed what they heard, repented of their sins, confessed their faith, and were baptized. No exceptions are to be found in the text. The Lord requires the same of each of us.
How far have you traveled?
Do you believe?
Have you repented?
Have you confessed your faith?
Were you baptized?
These are our Lord’s demands, not ours!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Summer Apparel
Someone has described today’s summer apparel in three words: SLIGHT, TIGHT, BRIGHT. It is appalling how little some people wear. The Bible demands modest apparel! According to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, modest means “observing the proprieties of dress and behavior; decent.” Immodesty may come from wearing too little or too much. Modesty demands that we dress in such a way that we do not attract undue attention. In the first century the problem was one of wearing too much. Then the emphasis was on gold, pearls and costly clothes (1 Timothy 2:9, 10). Today the problem is one of wearing too little. Now the emphasis is on flaunting the body. Both extremes are wrong.
Peter urged his readers to concentrate on the inner man, not on the body. The emphasis was to be on “the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:4). Real beauty lies within! Those who expose themselves in revealing attire, reveal much more than their near naked bodies, they also reveal a lack of self-respect and inner beauty.
At one time a man who hid behind a woman’s skirt was called a coward, but today he is often referred to as a magician. There is more cotton in an aspirin bottle than in some of the outfits worn in public these days.
There is an interesting story in the gospel of Luke regarding a certain man possessed of demons. Among the peculiarities of this man was the fact that he wore no clothes (Luke 8:27). As Jesus often did, he cast the demons out. The community, hearing what had been done, went out to see him. They found the man “clothed, and in his right mind” (Luke 8:35). I believe it is significant that in his right mind he was clothed. No one, in their right mind, would consider disrobing in public.
Try to remember this story as you shop for your summer fashions. Remember, as a Christian, we must represent Christ well wherever we are.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Little Bird Told Me
Have you ever been surprised when somebody fond out something you said or did, even though you thought no one else knew? When asked how they knew, their response usually is: “A little bird told me.” Obviously a bird cannot talk in English, but word gets around somehow!
One day Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. After looking around and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. The next day, two Hebrew men were fighting and Moses approached them. One of them asked, “Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-14)?” Perhaps a little bird told him.
Believe it or not, this saying is Bible-based! “Do not curse the king, even in your thought; do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; for a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird in flight may tell the matter (Ecclesiastes 10:20).”
What might a little bird tell on us?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Just for Fathers
Getting home late, after a very hectic day at the office, dad had just settled down in his easy chair, newspaper in one hand and a cool glass of tea in the other, when his four year old came down the hall and pounced in his lap. He had a thousand questions, but all dad wanted was to be left alone. “Daddy,” he demanded, “what did you do today?” “Nothing,” came the curt reply from dad. Undaunted, the fellow asked, “But daddy, how did you know when you were done?”
Children need their fathers! Please do not misunderstand. I am not saying fathers are more important than mothers. Both are important! But, it seems to me that many fathers do not appreciate the tremendous trust they have been given. “Children are a heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3).
Child rearing was intended to be a joint venture. Fathers, as well as mothers, have a vital part to play. It is fathers who are called upon to “bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Being a father entails much more than seeing that the bills are paid and that there is food on the table. It means being there to answer their questions, remove their fears, and ease their pain. It means giving yourself!
Don’t get too busy to be a father. If asked the two most important things a father should do for his children, I think I would answer as follows. First, the most important thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother. Second, just be there when they need you, and point them to God. It’s not too late to start.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Ask and Ye Shall Receive
Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you (Luke 11:9).” There are a lot of things in this world we ask for, but do we get all of them? Is there something you wanted and asked for and didn’t receive? When you didn’t get what you asked for, did you think Jesus lied to you?
Well, there may be a reason we don’t get what we ask for. John writes, “and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:22).” Next time you don’t get what you asked for, ask yourself: Am I doing what Christ commands me to do? Is He pleased with what I’m doing?
Maybe it’s not the fault of Christ if we don’t get what we asked for; maybe it’s ours! So, let’s always keep His commandments to show Him we love Him (John 14:15), and do that which is pleasing in His sight!
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Crazy World
If I know myself, and I am reasonably sure I do, I don’t harbor ill will in my heart toward a single human being. I try to treat everyone as I would want to be treated. I’m not perfect, and I don’t profess to be, but I would not intentionally say anything to upset someone or assassinate their character. I hold no malice in my heart toward anyone. I don’t judge folks by the color of their skin, the cut of their cloth, or the size of their bank account. I have strong beliefs about many things, but no interest in forcing my beliefs on anyone. Yet, because of what I’m about to say, the world will view me as close-minded, bigoted, prejudiced, intolerant, and out of step with the times.
Jason Collins, a twelve year veteran of the NBA, recently announced that he was homosexual. After making his announcement he was almost universally praised for his courage and leadership. John Amaechi, also a homosexual, recently wrote: “The support that Jason has received both in the sports world and society at large is certainly encouraging. He’s the sign of a changing tide in society; it’s the perfect time for someone like Jason to come along” (TIME, Vol. 181, No. 18, 2013, Page 17). I am appalled that society has changed so much that what was once universally acknowledged as sinful is now praised and paraded as something wonderful.
I should point out that I’m just as disgusted by heterosexual celebrities who are unfaithful to their marriage vows and parade their adultery and fornication before adoring fans who seem not the least bit offended or put off by their blatant immorality.
Sports figures, media celebrities, politicians, and actors have far too great an influence on society, and their actions tend to weaken the moral fabric of an already frayed society. Rather than being encouraged by Jason Collins’ actions, we should be sickened. Homosexuality, like adultery and fornication, is sinful, and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
No, I don’t have any ill will toward Jason Collins. What I would want him to know is that there is hope and deliverance in Christ, but to condone sin rather than confront it can only result in disaster. The Bible says: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
There is forgiveness for the transgressor in Christ, but the sin must cease. Christians must continue to plead for truth on this issue and all others without regard to what society thinks or believes.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Which is the Greatest?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).” Without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Sounds pretty important, right?
Faith is essential for salvation (Ephesians 2:8), but is it the greatest Christian quality?
“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance (Romans 8:25-26).” Life seems meaningless if there is nothing to hope for.
Christians likewise need hope, but is it the greatest Christian quality?
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).” What if God didn’t love us? What if we did not love Him in return?
Is love the greatest Christian quality?
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).”
Our faith will become sight; our hope will be realized; our love will last forever!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Musings on Marriage
June used to be the month for weddings. Times have changed and one month is almost as popular as another anymore. Nevertheless, when June comes around marriage is still on the minds of a lot of folks.
Weddings are stressful, but happy times for families. They are generally expensive, time consuming, labor intensive undertakings. But, they are packed with promise and enough memories to fill the heart with joy for a lifetime.
Few decisions in life have greater potential for bringing happiness to our lives than the choice of our life’s companion. The original intent of the Creator was for one man and one woman to be joined for life in the bonds of holy matrimony (Genesis 2:18-24). Marriage was designed by God to satisfy our longing for companionship and intimacy, and to provide an appropriate setting for reproduction and child rearing. Marriage, as God intended it, brings permanence and stability to society.
Sadly, not everyone comes to marriage with the commitment to the institution, the laws of God, or their mate which marriage demands. There are probably few events in life which bring more heartache and misery to lives than the trauma of divorce. Divorce is seldom the right choice. God hates it (Malachi 2:16).
Given the seriousness of marriage, it is not a decision which should be entered into lightly. And, once made, it should not be dissolved easily or hastily.
There are no problems in troubled marriages which lack solutions. There are only people who refuse to find and accept them. A failure to honor God’s plan for marriage will take a heavy physical, emotional, and spiritual toll!
To those who are contemplating marriage this month, and in the months ahead, please be true to your commitment. There are no perfect marriages, because there are no perfect people. But, if we are true to God’s laws, and faithful to our vows, we will be richly blessed in marriage.
If you find yourself in a troubled marriage, seek solutions not dissolution.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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I Don’t Understand
It is not unusual for a person to begin a conversation with someone who does not understand what they are saying. “We’re on two completely different pages!” is a common response.
This could be for many reasons, such as having less education, different cultural backgrounds, or even different personalities.
One thing we all need to understand is the Word of God. Can we? Of course we can!
“And we know that the Son of God has come and given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life (1 John 5:20).”
When God speaks to us through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), we can understand it! We have an example after Jesus was resurrected. He appeared to His disciples and “opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45).”
God means what He says, and says what He means. It’s not that hard to understand! “May the Lord give you understanding in all things (2 Timothy 2:7).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Rejoice Today!
A few days ago, I had “one of those days.”
- I started to get in my car to go teach a Bible class, only to learn the car wouldn’t start! Thankfully, I had another vehicle to use.
- At lunch, I couldn’t get banana pudding for dessert because it just ran out.
- Later that afternoon, I couldn’t charge my phone because the wires separated from the plug.
Have you ever had one of those days?
Regardless of how bad things may seem, we must remember, “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).” That adds a new perspective, doesn’t it?
God made that day; therefore, I will rejoice! Likewise, Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4)!”
As Christians, we have every reason to rejoice today and every day!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Missing Words
Billy Graham, in his book Approaching Hoofbeats, wrote: After the people had heard Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, “They were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Then “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,’ “We cannot escape that word repent. (Page 147)
Did you notice the conclusion, “We cannot escape that word repent”? What happened to the words “be baptized”? Apparently they did escape notice. Ironically, baptism has escaped the attention of a large segment of the “Christian” world. This has occurred in spite of the emphasis placed upon it in the New Testament (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:36-39; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
Baptism is intrinsic to the whole scheme of redemption as set forth in the New Testament. It is neither more nor less important than the other commands of Christ: faith (John 8:24), repentance (Luke 13:3), confession (Matthew 10:32, 33), and faithfulness (Matthew 10:22). It is, like the others, an essential part of His plan, and those who ignore it commit a serious error.
Baptism in no way makes salvation a matter of works. It is simply man’s loving and obedient response to the demands of a loving God. When man responds faithfully to God’s commands, he is then the beneficiary of God’s promises.
Jesus, in a conversation with Nicodemus, clearly revealed the essentiality of baptism when he said: “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). The “new birth” and “baptism” are inseparable (John 3:5). We cannot escape that word (baptism) either!
Have you been baptized?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Perfect Pair
Burton Baskin and Irvine Robbins shared a common interest: ice cream. Together, they established the famous Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain in 1945.
Phineas Taylor Barnum and James A. Bailey joined forces in 1888 to produce the “Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth.”
Colbert Coldwell and Benjamin Arthur Banker formed a well-known real estate agency (Coldwell-Banker) in San Francisco in 1906.
The aforementioned pairs shared a common interest, and together had much success.
The Bible asks, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed (Amos 3:3)?”
If we agree with God and walk with Him, think what all we can accomplish! After all, we can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13)! God and us are the perfect pair!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Mothers and Memories
“Precious father, loving mother, fly across the lonely years; and old home scenes of my childhood, in fond memory appear. Precious memories, how they linger, how they ever flood my soul; in the stillness of the midnight, precious, sacred scenes unfold.”
Some of the fondest memories of life are those cherished recollections of a saintly mother and her loving care. We never forget the surprise parties, the cookies only she could make, and the gentle hugs and kisses that made every hurt go away. Mothers are special, irreplaceable people. They deserve to be honored.
As youngsters we understood how special they were. We proudly presented them with the first flowers of spring, showered them with kisses, and bestowed upon them special love and honor. But, have we continued the practice?
Let’s not forget that they still need and deserve to be treated in a special way. Solomon wrote: “Despise not thy mother when she is old” (Proverbs 23:22). The debt we owe cannot be repaid. Flowers, cards, calls and visits need to be frequent. One day is not enough! People of all ages need to know that they are loved, but especially mothers.
Jesus taught a powerful lesson from the cross as he looked down to see his mother staring up. To her he said, “Woman (a term of honor and respect), behold thy son,” Then turning to his trusted disciple, John, he said, “Behold thy mother” (John 19:26, 27). In the darkest hour of his life, his love for his mother was apparent. His heart went out to her.
Is His example not worthy of imitation? Make all the memories precious. Make every day Mother’s Day! It’s still not too late to start.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The All Seeing Eye
“There’s an All-Seeing Eye Watching You”
Hopefully many people remember the song: “There’s an All-Seeing Eye Watching You.” I can remember first learning about eyes that see everything, and it scared me to death! I just knew that if I did something wrong, someone always knew it and would never forget it.
At the same time, however, it is nice to know that other people are being watched. That way, we can be warned if something is going to happen to us.
Proverbs 15:3 states, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Yes, it is true that God sees the evil that men do. At the appropriate time, God will take care of it.
Also, let us remember that God sees the good we do! If we love Him and obey His commandments, He will reward us!
Let the “All-Seeing Eye” see only good in us!
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Greatest Composer
Who is the greatest composer? Maybe you think of Beethoven, Chopin, or Mozart.
Yet, a composer is not just one that puts a musical piece together. A composer puts things in proper form, organizes, or creates. You may now be thinking of an artist like Grandma Moses, Leonardo da Vinci, or Rembrandt.
Can any composer compare with God? After all, He created the heavens and the earth. He showed Pharaoh 10 plagues that no one else can do.
Paul says, “God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it (1 Corinthians 12:24).” Only God could put together our physical bodies and make them work as they do.
Also in this context the church is described as the body of Christ. All Christians are different, and only God could use all of us to work together to accomplish His purpose.
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Purpose of the Supper
Why do Christians eat unleavened bread and drink fruit of the vine on the first day of every week? The obvious answer is, “Because the Lord told us to,” and that is a correct answer. After all, Jesus did say, “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19b). But, there is more to the Lord’s Supper than just going through the motions of observance. There is a purpose behind it that every Christian must understand, if they are going to partake of it “worthily” (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).
1 Corinthians 11 is an account of the establishment of the Lord’s Supper, which runs parallel to those that are given in the Gospels. It is identical to the accounts found in Matthew, Mark and Luke, but it also expands gives us additional information. In 1 Corinthians 11:26 KJV, the text says, “For as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come.” This means that the Lord’s Supper is a living memorial of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, which is meant to endure until He returns to bring the last age of the world to an end.
Like statues and other memorials erected by men to commemorate the valiant deeds and sacrifices of others, the Lord’s Supper is meant to testify to the world about Jesus Christ and the valiant sacrifice He made for all humanity. When we partake of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, our mind are meant to recall the Biblical account of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord. It also serves as a reminder that the Lord is coming back to the Earth to judge us all (2 Corinthians 5:10).
1 Corinthians 10:16 describes the Lord’s Supper as “communion” with the Lord. That is why most tend to regard it as a solemn occasion. While it is only one part of a worship service, which also consists of singing, prayer, giving, and preaching, it is a time when God is said to be acting in accord with us. When we fail to commune with God every week, our souls miss something that they desperately need. Don’t just go through the motions of observing the Lord’s Supper, but think about what it really means.
Content by Russell Kline
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Emblems of the Supper
The common practice in the churches of Christ is for the Lord’s Supper to consist of bread, which is unleavened, and grape juice, which is unfermented. As is the case with most everything that is done in the worship of the Lord’s church, we do this, not because it is our tradition, or because it is our preference, but because of what is written in the Word of God.
We know “that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread,” and we know that it was likely the very same kind of bread that He and His disciples had been eating at the “Last Supper,” but how do we know that it was unleavened? We know this, because this meal took place during “the feast of unleavened bread” (Matthew 26:17). This was a time when Jews were to put all leaven out of their houses and eat only bread which was unleavened (Exodus 12:6,18). Leaven is that which causes bread dough to rise. Therefore, unleavened bread is flat bread, which has no airy quality about it. Today, we use what is essentially a cracker, which has no leaven in it, at all. In certain denominations, it is popular to use leavened bread, but this is not in keeping with the Biblical pattern.
In like manner, the “fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29) is exactly what the text suggests: unfermented grape juice. The juice of grapes was safer to drink than water and it tasted better, too. We know that this is what Jesus used in instituting His Supper, because alcohol was considered a leavening agent by the ancients and would have been unwelcome at the feast of unleavened bread. Some denominations use wine in their observances of the Lord’s Supper, but this is not in keeping with the Biblical pattern.
Content by Russell Kline
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