More and more, there are indications that some brethren are losing sight of the simplicity of the Lord's Supper. Some are adding activities, seeking to enhance or embellish it. Some are attempting to make a meal out of it — which I find quite amazing in light of Paul's strong teaching against this in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. A good friend recently told of seeing a video of a congregation partaking the Lord's Supper while an electronically produced large cross was "floating" around the auditorium. One brother has stated that some "are inclined to make a pageant out of observing it rather than appreciate its simplicity."

We are now hearing of some churches lengthening the time taken for the Lord's Supper. Some are setting it apart as a separate service, while having the other acts of worship during another later service, etc. I don't know or understand all the reasons for these practices. I do know that based upon what we read in scripture concerning the Supper, there is no indication of how much time it took. It is quite evident that it must have been simple, based upon what has been revealed to us in God's Word.

As we follow the New Testament example regarding the Lord's Supper, we find that it was observed each first day of the week in the assembly (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34). It is a memorial of the Lord's death — not of His life or of His resurrection (1 Cor. 11:26). The Supper was instituted by Jesus Himself (Matt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25; Lk. 22:14-20; 1 Cor. 11:17-34), and is to be done "in remembrance" of Him (1 Cor. 11:24-25). When we follow His example, again, we emphasize that it is very simple; but yet, with such great depth and profoundness to its meaning! It being a memorial of His death-the unleavened bread represents His body that was sacrificed in His death and the fruit of the vine represents His blood that was shed in His death for the remission of our sins. When Jesus instituted the Supper, before telling His disciples to eat the bread and drink the cup, He gave thanks for the bread and He gave thanks for the cup. The verb "blessed" (eulogeo) as used in Matthew 26:26 & Mark 14:22 means "the giving of thanks" (the Bible I use, NKJV, has a footnote at the bottom of the page — M-Text reads gave thanks for). The word "thanks" (eucharisteo) as used in Luke 22:19-20 & 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 means He "gave thanks." Thus, the two Greek words are used interchangeably meaning the same thing — He gave thanks. For a parallel example, when Jesus fed the 5,000 He "blessed" the loaves, then when He fed the 4,000 He "gave thanks" for the loaves and fish (Matt. 14:19; 15:36). He did  

the same thing on both occasions — He gave thanks — just as we are commanded to give thanks before eating our food (1 Tim. 4:4-5). Thus, all who lead the prayers at the Lord's table, likewise, must remember to give thanks for the two items — the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine.

In 1 Corinthians 10:16, Paul tells us that observing the Supper is a "communion" of the blood and body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-34, Paul gives further instructions concerning the Lord's Supper. We are warned not to partake in an "unworthy manner, not discerning the Lord's body;" we are to "examine" ourselves; we are to "wait" for or cordially receive one another; and we must not turn the Supper into a meal — we "have houses to eat and drink in." The consequences of not partaking properly are severe — guilty of the body and blood of the Lord; weak and sick among you, and many sleep; judged and chastened by the Lord; and "you come together for judgment."

May we ever be mindful of the importance, significance, and the simplicity of the Lord's Supper. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you would be willing to given an invitation on the first Sunday night of the month (Singing night) there will be a sign-up sheet on the back bulletin board. We would like to have a list prepared like the Wednesday evening invitations. This will enable Mike to go to preach at other places on those evenings. We appreciate all the men who participate and are willing to take an active part in the services.

Starting January 3rd there will be a class for married couples and young people who are dating age. The class will be designed to discuss the home and family, resolving conflicts in marriage, how to build a better marriage, etc.

As someone has wisely noted, "life is governed by esteemed values." It's what people consider important that really counts in the ordering of personal priorities. Obviously, not all consider the same things important. What one views as trivial may be another's treasure, and vice versa. But this much is sure: no man ever treats his own "treasure" as a trivial thing.

On the contrary, one's devotion to his special interests will likely be conspicuously manifest, even when he might wish it otherwise. As Jesus has said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). Again, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34).

The heart is where the treasure is and the mouth will soon reveal where the heart is. Our priorities tell on us because we like to tell about them. Sooner or later, the topic of conversation will be centered on our interests — maybe not with the enthusiasm of a golf or fishing "nut", but like ants at a picnic, they'll keep on showing up. Our auditors hear what we are concerned about. What do they hear? Is it ever spiritual subjects? It may be enlightening to see a list of what friends consider to be our priorities. Chances are they wouldn't be far off because if our conversations didn't tell on us, our schedules would.

Like our speech, the employment of free time says much about our interests. That's why we always seem to find time for doing what we want and seldom find time for the don't-wants. Worse, we may even become unconscious to making such distinctions — even to the extent of habitually first doing what we want, then, if necessary, invent excuses for our failures. Mostly, Christians with excuses are just Christians with wrong priorities. Think, for instance, of how Christians could redeem the time, not only by attending Bible studies and worship, but by visiting the sick and weak and teaching the lost. Yet, it is not unusual to hear of those who put in more time watching TV in one or two evenings than on all of these activities put together for a whole week! We ought to be ashamed! Not for watching TV, but for neglecting the other. Redeeming the time (Ephesians 5:16) becomes an impossible task without right priorities.

Finally, the use made of financial resources says something about what we consider important. In fact, some say it says the most the loudest. Anyway, like time and tongue, it does tell where the heart is and its use can be a proof of love (2 Corinthians 8:24). Certainly, that which we profess to be the most important and urgent cause on earth deserves to be supported accordingly, financially and otherwise. Remember, our priorities do tell on us. And they always tell the truth! The Lord hears what they say. The brethren hear. So does the world. The real question is, do we? If so, we may conclude that changes are needed. Not superficial changes that force external "improvement", but the kind that get to the heart of the matter — the kind that come from facing up to our true condition and real needs and make us see the need for the Lord and seeking Him first.

If you would be willing to given an invitation on the first Sunday night of the month (Singing night) there will be a sign-up sheet on the back bulletin board. We would like to have a list prepared like the Wednesday evening invitations. This will  

enable Mike to go to preach at other places on those evenings. We appreciate all the men who participate and are willing to take an active part in the services.

Starting January 3rd there will be a class for married couples and young people who are dating age. The class will be designed to discuss the home and family, resolving conflicts in marriage, how to build a better marriage, etc.