One Cup Call

One Cup Call

She called the office last week; some sister from somewhere on the east coast who was coming to Oklahoma with her family this summer and was looking for a faithful-to-the-word-of-God congregation of Christ’s church to worship with. Due to the sad state of affairs in the Lord’s church today as some people decide to deride, deny, over-ride, disrespect, disobey, disregard and discard the Lord’s New Testament pattern and authority when it comes to His one and only blood-bought church, such calls are now, sadly, somewhat of a necessity for the faithful. In fact, I’ve made them myself.

One cup for communion or multiple cups? That was the issue.

One cup for communion or multiple cups? That was the issue.

At any rate, as she very gently and respectfully approached the subjects at hand, I decided to “cut to the chase” and save this good sister some time and potential discomfort. I wanted to ease her mind and let her know right up front that we were indeed a faithful to the old paths, God-fearing, Jesus-loving, bible believing, Scripture respecting and practicing congregation. “Let me help you out,” I said. I went on to assure her that if her family came to worship with us, they would not need to worry about experiencing vain worship according to the doctrines and desires of men, but would be amongst humble brethren worshipping in spirit and truth, and hence seeking with all their hearts, minds, souls and strength, to be exactly the kind of worshippers the Father is perpetually seeking (John 4:23-24). As a result, her family would certainly never encounter any females leading songs, leading prayers, preaching sermons, or serving on the Lord’s table in direct violation of the Lord’s divinely-dictated instructions and commandments in 1 Corinthians 14:33-37 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15; and that furthermore, it would be harder to find a musical instrument in our building than it is to find the so-called ‘sinner’s prayer for salvation’ in the Scriptures – absolutely non-existent in both cases!

At that point – although she seemed pleased thus far – she went on to ask if we observed communion each first day of the week (which of course we do in accordance with the Lord’s commandments as well – Acts 20:7). And then she inquired… as to whether we used one cup, or several. She went on to reveal how she and her husband were from a “one cup” congregation, and related how desperately, but fruitlessly to this point, she had searched to find one in Oklahoma for her family to worship with, as the last time they had been in Tulsa they had travelled for five hours, one way, to worship with a “one-cup” congregation in Arkansas! What incredible strength of conviction I thought! I mean, can you even imagine travelling for some five hours, past countless congregations that simply use multiple individual cups for communion, just to walk into a congregation full of total strangers, specifically to all drink from the same, one cup? (Because I must admit, if that were me, I would additionally want to get there early enough to set in the first seat, front row! How can that be considered even remotely sanitary… in today’s society especially?) I certainly admired this good sister’s courage and strength of conviction to say the least!

And so I informed her that I had a “Churches of Christ” directory there in the office which had abbreviations indicating the several different kinds of congregations listed, including the type she was searching for; and that although we in Cleveland weren’t a “one cup” congregation, I would respectfully help her to find one. After several more minutes of very pleasant conversation and supplying this good sister with the contact information for at least four such congregations with similar convictions in and/or around Tulsa, she thanked me for being so ‘helpful’ and voiced how she wished she and her husband could worship with us.

As I hung up the phone, I was suddenly very saddened. Saddened that this good sister and her family could not feel comfortable worshipping with us here in Cleveland. Saddened that the publishers of the so-called “Churches of Christ Directory” we have in the office feels they have to list so many factions, fractions, divisions, separations and abbreviations relative to we who are supposed to be as the one body of Christ (John 17:20-23; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Ephesians 4:4-6; Philippians 1:27). Saddened that there are reportedly some brethren out there who consider the use of multiple communion cups as opposed to one, to be the full and final test of fellowship and faithfulness. Saddened that some of my beloved brethren in Christ can seem to somehow believe that those of the rest of us washed in the same blood, and bought at the same price, and made members of the same church as they were, will be spending eternity in hell simply because we use multiple communion cups instead of succumbing to their personal perspective and insistence on everyone’s using only one.

Don’t get me wrong; if this was a biblically-accurate and scripturally-sustainable and defensible point, then I would also be all for it and would defend it to the death… but from everything I’ve ever seen and studied, and with all due respect, humility, and objectivity towards my “one cup” brethren, it’s neither. (And I have actually studied it quite a bit, and even had the privilege of presenting a series of sermons regarding both it and other elements often associated with it. Please listen in and check it out for yourself: http://www.clevelandcoc.com/?p=3942 .

But one of the saddest things associated with phone calls like that for me, lies in regards to what I consider to be one of the very simplest, most elementary, and most transparent and easy to see contradictions in the entire “one cup” perspective. This good sister’s home congregation used one cup… while the Arkansas congregation with whom she and her family worshipped last year – being one that also defends the “one cup” doctrine as well – obviously used a different and additional cup… as all four of the congregations I supplied her with contact information for will use yet more and different, separate cups from either her home congregation, the one in Arkansas, or one another… just as will every other “one cup” congregation in the world! Does anyone else besides me see the bitter irony here?

They all claim to be members of one church. They all believe in and militantly defend the doctrine of Jesus’ disciples all drinking from the same one cup during communion… and yet, at the very same time they defend a doctrine that divides them from those who claim that Jesus disciples can actually take communion from different cups, they actually also use different and multiple cups from one another when they are in congregations in different locations! They have to! It is a physical impossibility for all of Jesus’ disciples today all over the world to use “one cup.” It simply cannot be done. And so, while they defend their “one cup” doctrine to the point of actually dividing the body of Christ, severing and seeing themselves differently from those of their brethren who don’t insist on their particular “one cup” doctrine, they themselves actually use more than one cup every Sunday (from other “one cup” congregating disciples in other locations)! So which way is it? One cup, or several? One cup – no exceptions – as they insist upon in doctrine? Or one cup only when it is a matter of convenience as they actually practice? And how can they condemn the use of more than one communion cup amongst their brethren, when every one of their “one cup” congregation uses a different cup from every other one of them? In other words, when they themselves, while defending “one cup,” actually use multiple cups?

Which do you think is more important to the Lord: Preserving the unity of the one church which Jesus prayed and died and shed His blood for? Or dividing that one church over an absolute insistence on one communion cup and making it a test of fellowship, while at the same time, actually using different – and therefore multiple – cups themselves, from location to location?

And all the while, lost people headed for hell for all eternity drive by all our assemblies, while we sit and seek to strain out a gnat, while swallowing a camel. Sad? Yes; and more than sad to the Savior to be sure…

If you are a member or a congregation of the one body of Christ that wants to continue to hold to the “one cup” practice and perspective in the place where you worship, that is your business – we are all autonomous congregations. I certainly have no problem with how you, as my beloved brethren, conduct your communion service in your particular congregation in that particular regard. But please don’t insist that those who drink from multiple communion cups – just as you yourselves also do under certain circumstances, and in fact, just as you do every Sunday from location to location – are somehow sinning by so doing.

We are supposed to be one in Christ Jesus. When are we going to start acting, worshipping, serving and fellowshipping like it? Because the day we do, maybe we can finally convince the world that the Christ is indeed real, and then just maybe we can start to make the difference Jesus always desired His disciples to make (John 17:20-23; Philippians 1:27)!

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Revelation 4-5

Edification From Revelation: “Worthy Are You…” (Chapters 4-5)

Revelation has always been a book we understandably hesitate to study, considering that the book was “signified” (Rev. 1:1), i.e., written in symbolic language that is difficult to understand and of which are many interpretations vastly different from each other.  However, interpretation of Revelation might be less difficult than we think.  After all, we are told to “speak the truth” (Eph. 4:15; cf. John 17:17) and “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).  So when we seek to understand Revelation so that we can teach it to others, we must go first to the rest of Scripture to find the meanings behind the symbolism.  Keeping this in mind when we study John’s epistle from Patmos will help us see the many parallels between the physical events and people of the Old Testament and the spiritual truths presented in Revelation (cf. Heb. 8:1-5; 10:1; Rom. 5:14; Col. 2:16-17), and will lead us to a scriptural and logical explanation of its symbols.

Everyone has questions about Revelation!

Everyone has questions about Revelation!

We mustn’t forget that Revelation is Scripture “breathed out by God” which is “profitable for teaching…and for training in righteousness” so that we “may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  It is included among “all things that pertain to life and godliness” which God’s “divine power” has given to us (2 Pet. 1:3).  Thus, we need to study this great book in order to truly become what God would have us to be and to receive the comfort and encouragement from God we need during the trials of life (2 Cor. 1:3-5).  There is hardly any place in Revelation where this fact is more evident to me than in chapters 4-5, chapters I regularly peruse when I need encouragement and strength during the difficult times.

I have always wished that I could have been with the apostle John when he saw “a door standing open in heaven” and heard the voice “like a trumpet” telling him, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this” (Rev. 4:1).  I cannot imagine how it must have been to be “in the Spirit” and witness that magnificent scene in heaven, to have the awesome privilege to see the “one seated on the throne” with “the appearance of jasper and carnelian,” to marvel at the “rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald” that was around the throne (Rev. 4:2-3).  Whenever I read of this rainbow, my mind immediately harkens back to how a rainbow was a sign between God and man that he would never destroy all of mankind with water again (Gen. 9:12-17).  Its emerald color reminds me of spiritual life, especially when I see in nature how plants that are living and thriving are green and remember  how Scripture at times uses the symbolism of plant life to describe people (Is. 40:6-8; Judg. 9:7-15; cf. Rev. 9:4).  So when I read of the emerald rainbow surrounding God’s throne, I am filled with comfort because I remember his covenant with me, that he is always with his faithful followers who have spiritual life (Matt. 28:18-20) and will cause everything to “work together for good” for those who love him (Rom. 8:28; cf. John 14:15).

The “twenty-four elders” who are seated on the “twenty-four thrones” around God’s throne (Rev. 4:4) also remind me of the covenants God has made with man, specifically the old covenant made with the twelve tribes of Israel (Deut. 5:1-2) and the new covenant taught by the Spirit-inspired twelve apostles (Acts 2:42; Eph. 3:3-5).  The crowns on their heads remind me of the authority these covenants have in the lives of those under them (cf. Matt. 28:18), and when they fall down before God’s throne and cast their crowns before him I am reminded that the authority found in the old and new covenants comes from God (Rev. 4:10; cf. 1 Cor. 14:37).  Their white robes remind me of how obedience to the laws of these covenants makes one spiritually pure in the sight of God (Is. 1:18; 1 John 1:7-9; cf. Rev. 3:4-5, 18), thus motivating me to continue to strive to not let sin reign in my life (Rom. 6:12-18).

The “flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder” coming from the throne no doubt reminded John that he was in the presence of God (Rev. 4:5; cf. Ex. 19:16-20).  The “seven Spirits of God” symbolized by the “seven lamps of fire” burning before the throne (Rev. 4:5) remind me first of the Holy Spirit-inspired Word of God (2 Pet. 1:20-21) which is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105), as well as a “fire” in my mouth (Jer. 5:14) and “a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jer. 20:9).  The symbolism of the number “seven” also reminds me that God’s Word is “complete” or “perfect” (Rom. 12:2; James. 1:25; cf. 1 Cor. 13:10), just as God saw that his creation was complete and rested on the seventh day (Gen. 2:1-2) and just as our forgiveness of others is to be complete as well (Matt. 18:21-22).  Thus, this passage always serves as an motivator for me to continually preach and obey God’s Word in its completeness (Ps. 119:160), because there is never a time in my life when I am not in his presence (Heb. 4:12-13).

Reading about the “sea of glass, like crystal” before the throne (Rev. 4:6) reminds me that Scripture at times uses the symbolism of “the sea” to describe multitudes of people (Rev. 17:1, 15; cf. Is. 60:5).  When I think of pure crystal that is completely transparent with no spots or discolorations, I remember that faithful Christians also are without blemish in the sight of God (Eph. 5:27; 1 John 1:7-9; Is. 1:18).  Therefore, this passage always encourages me that I am not alone, that I am joined with multitudes of other Christians who stand before God’s throne serving him faithfully and receiving his forgiveness and protection (Rev. 7:14-15; cf. Heb. 4:15-16).

John also saw “four living creatures” (Rev. 4:6).  The first one was “like a lion,” the second “like an ox,” the third “with the face of  a man,” and the fourth “like an eagle in flight” (Rev. 4:7).  Reading that there are “four” of them brings to mind how Scripture at times uses this same number as a metaphor to describe the entirety of our physical planet (Is. 11:12; Jer. 49:36).  Associating these “four living creatures” with the physical planet makes even more sense when I am reminded of how their descriptions in verse 7 correspond with the fourfold division of physical life on this planet described at the creation (Gen. 1:21-26), with the “lion” representing wild animal life, the “ox” representing domestic animal life, the “man” representing human life, and the “eagle” representing winged creature life.  John saw these “four living creatures” surrounding God’s throne (Rev. 4:6), and observed that “day and night they never cease” to proclaim the holiness of God and give to him “glory and honor and thanks” (Rev. 4:8-9).  When I read of their worship and associate them with the physical life seen in the nature of this planet, I cannot help but be reminded of how the Bible teaches of how animals and nature give praise to God (Ps. 69:34; 148:4-10).

John then saw that “the twenty-four elders” joined with “the four living creatures” in offering worship to “him who lives forever and ever” and ascribing “glory and honor and power” to him because he “created all things” (Rev. 4:9-11).  When I read this, I am reminded not only of the association of “the four living creatures” with the physical creation of God but also of the correlation between “the twenty-four elders” and the spiritual laws of God given to man via the twelve tribes of Israel in the old covenant and the twelve apostles in the new covenant.  This helps me remember that everything – both physical and spiritual – is created by God and exist to please him (Col. 1:16-17).  He created everything, and that’s why he is worthy to receive all “glory, honor, and power.”  The original readers of Revelation who were surrounded by the idolatrous worship of Roman emperors would have been reminded by this passage that Jehovah is supreme, and two thousand years later I am reminded of the same.  Thus, I am encouraged to always give God the glory in all aspects of my life, both physically and spiritually (Matt. 6:33; John 4:24).

I am always edified when I read of the “scroll written within and on the back” in “the right hand of him who was seated on the throne” (Rev. 5:1) and how the only One able and worthy to open it would be the “Lamb of God,” Jesus Christ (Rev. 5:6-7; cf. John 1:29; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Is. 53:7).  The fact that the scroll is in “the right hand” of God tells me of its importance (cf. Heb. 1:3; Matt. 25:34).  Reading that it was “sealed with seven seals” tells me that its contents are complete, because other places in Scripture use the number “seven” to describe how God looks at certain things in a complete way (Prov. 30:15, 18, 21, 29; Ps. 12:6).  No one “in heaven or on earth or under the earth” could open the scroll or look into it (Rev. 5:2-3)…except Christ (Rev. 5:9).  When I read this, I am reminded of how much I need Jesus and how much I owe him (Rom. 5:6-11).

This is especially brought home to me when I read of how John wept loudly when it seemed no one would be able to open the scroll (Rev. 4:4).  It would later be revealed that the contents of the scroll reveal a description of the Christian age (Rev. 6-8; cf. 1 Cor. 10:11), the time when all men would be able to finally obtain redemption (Rev. 5:9; cf. Heb. 9:15; 10:1-4).  This sheds light into why John cried, because it appeared at this point in the vision that Satan would win and man would be lost.  However, he was comforted by one of the elders, who informed him  that “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll…” (Rev. 5:5; cf. Gen. 49:9-10; Is. 11:1-2; John 1:32-33; Luke 4:16-21; 1 Sam. 16:19; Matt. 28:18).

John then saw Jesus, “a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain.”  He stood among the elders between God’s throne and “the four living creatures” (Rev. 5:6), which immediately reminds me of how Christ is at the right hand of God (Heb. 1:3), making intercession for us (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 7:25).  John described him as having “seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth” (Rev. 5:6), which immediately brings to mind how the Holy Spirit-inspired Word of God is described as all-knowing (Heb. 4:12-13; cf. John 1:1, 14).  The Lamb took the scroll from the right hand of God, causing “the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders” to fall down before him (Rev. 5:6-7).  Each of them are described as “holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Rev. 5:7).  When I read this and see how the harps are later correlated with the worship of God in song (Rev. 14:2-3), I am reminded that my Lord deserves my worship of him in prayer and song because he saved me on that cross (Rev. 5:9) and made me part of his kingdom and priesthood (Rev. 5:10).

After reading Rev. 4-5 with the rest of Scripture as my primary guide to interpreting its symbolism, I am always encouraged, corrected, and reminded of all that my Lord has done for me.  May John’s testimony of what he saw in that open door of heaven continue to remind us all of what our Savior has done for us, and what we must do for him!

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Making a Great Leader

Making a Great Leader

A good leader has outstanding characteristics.

A good leader has outstanding characteristics.

When we consider elders in the church and other leaders, we can read from the Scriptures what qualities to look for in a leader. For instance, in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 we find the qualities that make an elder (bishop, pastor, presbyter). But now what? What do I mean by this? Well, when one humbles himself before God and obeys the Gospel and becomes a Christian, Paul and Peter describe them as coming out of the water as a baby (Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 2:2). But, if that is true of Christians, is that not also true of leaders in the church? An leader worth his or her salt knows that qualities are just a starting point for leadership.

Leadership is hard and often ugly. It has its growing pains, and church leadership is no exception. In the church, elders who are appointed to office oftentimes leave because they did not realize all the difficulties that are involved or they presumed that once they are in that role that it is smooth sailing from there. But hardly. There are countless elders who have thrown in the towel. Why? Could it be that they gave it all they could? Or, could it be that they were not continually equipped for the ministry of elders or the ministry of deacons? I believe that church leaders should be looking for ways they can develop as a leader and as a follower of Christ. That means that it will take more than just reading the Bible because staying stagnant is easy. But, great church leaders don’t choose what is easy; they choose what is best for the church. So, consider if you will, a small list of characteristics above and beyond the qualities found in the Bible.

It begins by knowing that the very best church leaders are life long learners. Leaders should always possess an insatiable curiosity. This is because they do not know everything and are constantly and consistently seeking ways to improve themselves and the qualities that got them into the role of an elder. These leaders are looking at what other church leaders are doing and seeing if there are better ways of handling things or solving problems or if the church is equipped to the best of their knowledge. But, those who believe they do not need help from others or that they need no additional knowledge need to reexamine themselves and why they are leaders.

Great leaders are wonderful listeners. They can hear a pin drop and what I mean is that there is nothing that will empower and encourage others you serve with than to know that you listen to them. Great leaders are not just a body in the room. They are more than just being present. They are involved.

Along similar lines of listening is being a leader who has a mentor. No great leader came to know what he knows without someone helping him or her along the way. And, in the church, it is essential, in my humble opinion, to have a mentor. Preachers are constantly seeking advice from those who are older. Why not elders? Do they think there is no need? Do they think they are better than others? Do they think that just because each congregation is autonomous that no one could share ideas? If so, then how did each letter of the New Testament float around to each congregation? Maybe the Roman Christians should have kept their letter to themselves? You see, the best leaders understand that there is much to learn from leaders who have gone before them. If you don’t have a mentor, ask yourself, “Who is someone that is where I want to be in 10-20 years?” and ask them to coffee (I go to Starbucks). Pick their brain and ask them how they got where they are. Ask your mentor to meet with you on a regular basis. That might mean on a monthly basis or a few times a year.

But, even more beyond these qualities is that the best leaders live on the solution-side of life. Why do we always look at things as a problem to overcome? Must leaders always see themselves as a victim? Must we shift the blame, pass the bucket or can we just find the solution?? Having a solution mentality is realizing that you are a peacemaker and that life is full of hardships and challenges, but that it’s our responsibility to ask the question, “How can I make this better?” And, when there is an issue, nothing is better when one sees a wise and humble eldership seek for a solution. This is vital to an eldership.

Another great characteristic of a leader in the church is to not be a “know it all.” You can and you may be, but you are wrong. That may sting! But, who is perfect that is reading this? Not me and certainly not you. Only Christ is perfect and only He is sinless. So, remember that great leaders don’t have all the answers, and they know that. They are humble and willing to admit when they are wrong or when they need help. And in fact, a great eldership consists of great elders who make each other’s weaknesses strong.

I hope you can see that there is so much more than just qualities of an elder or a deacon or preacher or any other leader in and out of the church. Everyone has their ups and downs, their challenges and roadblocks, but great leaders approach each one and the things they face with truth and grace. Great leaders know when to say yes and when to say no. Great leaders know when they are about to burnout and how to slow down so they can continue to fight the good fight of faith. And, they have people in their life who tell them when they are out of balance and help them focus on what is important. May we all learn from these few characteristics.

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Relationship with God

Relationship with God

God is mighty and desires a relationship with you.

God is mighty and desires a relationship with you.

When you come to the end of the of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel and Judah you also come to the end of the Hebrew Bible. And while there is still much to learn from the poets and prophets of the Old Testament 2 Chronicles 36 ends the inspired historical account of the people of Israel. But this also serves as a reminder that story of the people of Israel is first and foremost a story about God and His relationship with His creation. What should be evident is:

The Lord God is the one true and living God of all creation. “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:” (Mark 12:29). “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4–6).

He is a God of covenant and desires to have a relationship with His creation. “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:19–20).

He is a God of both justice and mercy. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face” (Psalm 89:14).

There are inescapable consequences to failing to keep His will. “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Each king was said to either have done that which was right in the sight of the Lord or that which was evil. Each had free will to choose what path he would take. We too have the same choice today, and every day, which we are blessed to live on God’s green earth.

How do you view God today? How is your relationship with Him at this very moment? If God were to have your life recorded for posterity how would your life be viewed? The choice today is yours…be wise, do what is right in the sight of the Lord, and be faithful! Will your life end in eternal glory with the Lord or will it be seen only as a sad saga of what could have been?

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Children’s Church

Children’s Church and the Word of God

I know that this is a broad title. We will narrow our focus to particular concerns with “children’s church”. But before we do we must note that one finds no direct reference to “children’s church” in God’s word the Bible (II Timothy 3:16). Just like there is no direct reference to “Sunday School” or “Bible School” and yet they are conducted as an expediency to carry out what God has directed that He wants done. God wants those in Christ to be taught and to teach (Matthew 28:20 Acts 2:42     Acts 20:7-9   Hebrews 5:11, 12). It is in the manner in which “children’s church” is carried out that we will look at in scripture. So when we reference “children’s church” we are talking about the practice of removing children from a worship assembly of the body of Christ to teach them outside of that worship assembly.

Children's Church sounds great! Where is it authorized?

Children’s Church sounds great! Where is it authorized?

Here in lies the issue or problem that we will address. In this practice you have a saint leave off either all or part of God commanded worship with the body of Christ to teach children about worship.   When one “leaves off or behind” all or part of worship they have “forsaken” the directive to “provoke one another to love and good works” in that assembly for worship. The inspired of God Hebrew writer says that one should not “forsake” (leave off or behind) the assembling of the body of Christ where one is carrying out God’s command to “consider one another to provoke unto love and good works”. When a child of God leaves the worship assembly to conduct “children’s church” they can not carry out God’s directive concerning worship. Some may say we are only leaving off part of worship and also we are doing a good work. The question still remains where in God’s word do we have the authority (the authorization) to do so? What part does God authorize to be left off? Some would suggest we could leave after the Lord’s supper and leave off the learning from the preaching. But again where is there authorization from God to do so?   In both Acts 2:42 and Acts 20:7-9 God demonstrated that He wants the word of Christ, the apostles teaching to be heard by teaching in the assembling of the body of Christ. By forsaking the assembly at any point by our own willful actions and not by God’s command we find ourselves sinning willfully. Notice in Hebrews 10 that verses 26-31 reminds us of the great consequences of “willfully” sinning. When one chooses to “forsake” (leave off or behind) the assembly by not assembling for all or part they have not followed God’s command (law or directive) and therefore have willfully sinned (I John 3:4). Also since there is no authorization from God to forsake any part of the worship assembly and only man’s notion (Matthew 15:7-9) to do so, then any part could be left off. That is the logical conclusion from willfully forsaking part of the worship assembly. No one would suggest that they can willfully forsake the assembly when it came to the Lord’s supper or singing and still be pleasing to God would they?

As for the second part, that the willful leaving of the worship assembly to do a good thing means it is ok for it to be practiced. Does scripture (God’s word) teach us we can willfully disregard what God said to do to do something we see as a good thing to do? I direct your attention to I Samuel chapter 15. Here King Saul is told to hearken unto the “voice of the words of Jehovah” in I Samuel 15:1. Then he (Saul) is given directives by God through Samuel to utterly destroy the Amelekites (vs.3). Then in verse 9 we learn that King Saul did not follow all the words of God in what God told Him to do. In verse 9 notice it says “But Saul and the people…” did only part of what God commanded them to do. They chose to do something that they thought would be good toward God. Look in verse 13 where Saul declares that doing only part of what God commanded him to do in order to do what he thought was a good thing toward God meant that he did what God commanded him. He was soon to discover from Samuel (vs.16) that God said it was not. God said it was “evil” in His sight (vs.19). In verse 22 we learn that God says it is better to obey His voice than to go against it in an effort to do what one may think to be good.

In verse 23 God calls what Saul did rebellion like the sin of witchcraft. God has commanded us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) and that means in accordance with His word (John 17:17). Teaching children the truth about worship or anything else should not have a child of God willfully disregard God’s command to assemble to worship, whether by forsaking all or any part of the assembly to worship Him.

It may seem that we have not addressed the aspect of separating children from the worship assembly but in light of what we have looked at in scripture we have. For how can it be done without having a redeemed child of God forsake the assembling for worship to teach them? It can’t! Therefore we have addressed the separating of children from worship. “If” it is thought that children need to learn about worship apart from what they learn from their parents and other saints in the worship assembly it can be done at another time period. Because in doing so we do not violate any one of God’s commands given to the body of Christ.

Pat Powers

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