Christian Foundations

In our previous post, we considered why the Lord Jesus wanted a group of people He called ‘The Church’.   We continue the previous post with the actions and symbolism that Jesus expected from His people.  We also saw that this group turned the known world upside down with His love and teachings.  So what has happened to the power and strength of the church today that same even say: “Jesus I love but the Church … not so much” 

As we continue with what Jesus called His people to do, remember the doing comes from the primary relationship with Him; our actions symbolise our faith in His guidance and love.

 

E.  THE PRACTICE OF THE LORD’S SUPPER – COMMUNION

The early church remembered Jesus’ life, death and resurrection by eating a meal together.  This tradition is called the ‘Eucharist’ or Communion.  Today some have kept the tradition of an actual meal, while others keep only the ‘emblems’ of the meal – the bread and wine.  Some hold this celebration once a month; others whenever they gather together.

1.  So what is the Communion, the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper?

This practice was commanded by Christ – Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25, as a way to remember and commemorate His sacrifice and resurrection.   Jesus expected this to be done frequently – Acts 2:42, 46-47, 20:7, 11.

However, we are warned that sometimes the whole act can be done with a wrong attitude – 1 Corinthians 11:20-22, 29-32.  Serious consequences happened in the early church that we face today! “Anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgement on himself.  That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.”  1 Corinthians 11:29-30

We could debate the meaning of this verse: the body of the Lord – the church as a whole is not recognised but split with divisions and denomination barriers?  …or not recognising what the Lord’s life, death and resurrection bought for us? ….or not judging ourselves brings His judgement?  Comments?

2.  What is the Purpose of Communion?

This practice of taking communion symbolises the transforming work of God in the believer’s life.  It is a “transfer” of God’s grace into our life.

We are to remember Jesus’ death – Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25.  This symbolizes Jesus’ body that was broken and His blood that was spilled on the ground for us, Matthew 26:26, 28, John 6:51-56, 1 Corinthians 10:16.  This act continues to proclaim the reason for His death – 1 Corinthians 11:26,

It helps us to recall the disciple’s supernatural meal with the risen Lord – Luke 24:30, 35, 41-43, John 21:13, Acts 1:4.  This symbolises an introduction to the New Covenant: Matthew 26:28, 1 Corinthians 11:25.

The meal helps us keep in Fellowship with others: Acts 2:42, 46-47, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17.

Then Communion is to anticipate Christ’s return: Matthew 26:29, 1 Corinthians 11:26.

Simply put, ‘Communion’ represents an inward spiritual bond with others of like faith and with the work of Jesus.  The ceremony unites us as believers.

 

F.  THE PRACTICE OF TITHING – “Why do I give to the church and how much?”

1.  Tithing in the Old Testament was ‘under the law given to Moses’.

Tithing was commanded by Jehovah.  It was given to the priests and helpers in the temple, as a way to support the temple structure, Leviticus 27:30-33, Deuteronomy 12:6-7, 2 Chronicles 31:4-8.  The tithes were set at 10% of each family’s income, harvests and other goods, Genesis 14:20, 28:22, Deuteronomy 14:23.  God considered it stealing from Him if it was withheld, Malachi 3:8-9.

By Jesus’ day the 10% tithing had become hypocritical and very legalistic, Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42.  It was also seen as a self-righteousness act to proclaim one’s piety, Luke 18:9-12.

The Law also commanded various offerings in the Old Testament, such as for a festival or celebration, a new birth or an increase in animals or the harvest. 

All these laws and requirements were superseded by the death of Jesus as the Lamb of God.

2.  Tithes and Offerings in the New Testament Covenant

Coming from Jewish roots, the early church was used to the tithing system to help support the work of the kingdom.  Evidence exists that they continued this practice into the new covenant church.

If we believe in building God’s Kingdom, it will change our attitudes about why we give tithes to the church.  However, we are now under the principle of ‘stewardship’.   We now recognise that everything we have and gain is the Lord’s.  If we could follow His example, we then give back to Him whatever He asks from us.  Most Christians would still follow the 10% rule.

Scriptures show that the New Testament tithe was also set aside to be given as a freewill offering to the Poor, Luke 19:8, Acts 11:28-30, Romans 15:25-27.  It was also given to help support Paul, 2 Corinthians 11:8-9, Philippians 4:15-18.

3. ‘Under Grace’ with the New Covenant, we are to be good Stewards of Everything He gives

 Everything belongs to God – Exodus 19:5, Psalms 24:1.  We need to recognise that God is the Source of all – Genesis 26:12-13, 1 Corinthians 4:7, 12:7-11, Romans 12:3-6, Psalms 39:4-5, Matthew 6:27, Job 1:21, John 3:27.  Therefore, God is the source of all Resources – time, money – Job 7:7, Psalms 89:47, 90:12, 17, Ephesians 5:15-16.

Obedience to what He requests replaces the law because we are now learning to ‘Walk in the Spirit’ – which is another topic for another post.   However, we are expected to give a minimum of 10% of our gross income to continue to support the work of His people.

4.  What are the Reasons for Giving to God?

This helps us recognise God’s ownership of everything and we are His stewards.  Giving helps keep greed and covetousness in check.  We can better learn to be content with what we have – Philippians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Hebrews 13:5.

We are charged to be faithful with what given. Matthew 25:14-27,1 Corinthians 4:2, Luke 16:10-12.  We cannot take credit for what we are given – Daniel 4:28-35, 1 Corinthians 4:7.  Our resources are to used for His glory – Romans 14:7-8, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Peter 4:11.

We are blessed when we give: On Earth, Deuteronomy 15:4, Acts 20:35, 2 Corinthians 9:5, 11. 13.   …..and In Heaven, Matthew 19:21, 1 Timothy 6:19.

We are encouraged to give freely, Matthew 10:8, with a joyful  and generous heart, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:5-7, 11:12-13, 1 Timothy 6:18.  Our giving is to be spontaneous, 2 Corinthians 9:2-5, and in line with our means, 1 Corinthians 16:1-32.

 

H.  USING PRAYER, SINGING, PRAISE AND WORSHIP

The word ‘worship’ means to give honour, reverence; to give homage in thought, feeling and action.  The Hebrew language adds ‘to prostrate, hold in awe, to serve religiously’.  The Holy Spirit is moves upon us to worship God – who is also Spirit, John 3:1-5, 4:20-24. 

Our Worship includes:

Reading Scripture – 1 Timothy 4:13,

Preaching – Acts 20: 7, 2 Timothy 4:2,

Praying – 1 Timothy 2:1,8, Luke 18:1-8,

Singing – Col. 3:16, Eph. 5:17-18, Psalms 100:150,

Giving offerings – 1 Corinthians 14:26-33, Malachi 3:6-10,

Using the Spiritual gifts – 1 Corinthians 14:26-33,

Taking the Sacraments – Acts 2:41-42, 1 Corinthians 11:18-29.

As you can see, there are many ways we can show our Creator that we are thankful for the world that has been created for us.  Gratitude can often be the opening of a door of health that can restore the spirit and bring a journey of change clearer.

We return our praise to our loving Creator, not so much because He needs it but because He deserves our praise.  If we didn’t recognise the majesty and glory of our Father God, ‘…the rocks and stones would sing out in our place….’.

 

I.  IN CONCLUSION

In this post we continue to discuss things that Christians are called to do: Communion, Tithing, Prayer, Praise and Worship, gathering together, becoming members of One Body, the Gifts of the Spirit and finding your place in the Body of Christ.  Some of this list has nothing to do with becoming a Christian but everything to do with being a Christian.

Christian Foundations as set by the Lord Jesus has many valuable lessons as we concentrate on finding Him and His will for each of us.  We are not left alone; we have been given the greatest Teacher ever to be found, the Holy Spirit.

As we following Him, the church will be more alive and well.  He calls us forward, not focusing on those who would be negative and bring His true body down to a lower level than He planned for us.  Yes, there are glaring faults with ‘the church’ if we look at her with negative eyes…. But as someone said, it’s better than anything else out in the world.

Our next post will go onto the next debatable topic of church authority, church government and help point the way to producing more fruit for the Kingdom of God with your own faith.  Join me again,

Susanne Fengler, Blog Author

www.christianfoundations.jesus-treeoflife.info

PS.  Also catch us on our two new blogs:  www.conflictsolutions.mentorsnotebook.com/blog   and   www.totalwholeness.mentorsnotebook.com

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Filed under: Foundations of our Faith