I grew up in a Baptist Church where my Dad was the
pastor. On the first Sunday of the
month, as regular as clockwork we had Communion. Pieces of bread and cups of grape juice were
passed around in the midst of some Bible reading and a comment or two. It always took place after the service. Some folks left. There was a sense where the really spiritual
stayed. To my unconverted, spiritually dead heart, it had
the aura of importance.
“Communion” has always been an issue for me. My wife,
Debra, from the brethren tradition
has another view of Communion. Of course, to her, it is breaking of bread. Her memories are sweet and profound, full of
joy and anticipation. The
‘breaking-of-bread’ service still brings a glow to her eyes and great memories.
As I think about Communion, I am fearful that some of my
thoughts have recently been close to sacrilege. It is indeed considered a sacrament by some. Some actually anticipate the real or spiritual presence of Christ in the elements. Some ... not so much!
What would happen you could create a redeemed,
born-of-the-Spirit, individual, who simply drew conclusions about Communion from a careful reading and
study of the Bible? They would not be influenced by tradition, debate or other factors? I mean, absolutely no interference with the
post-apostolic fathers, the traditions of the denominations or the expectations
of culture.
Could you simply read and accurately interpret the Bible and
end up celebrating Communion the way Baptists do it; or the Brethren do it; or
the Reformed do it – or anyone else? Am I even allowed to ask that question? Am I stepping into the valley of unorthodoxy?
I'll try to keep the Blogs short and readable. The next installment will look at just the
variety of names. You call it _________;
I call it _______________ ?
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