Tables
1st Corinthians 10:21
Originally scheduled for December 2
One of the great temptations to the modern
church is to adjust our practices and doctrine to conform to those
ideas that are current in our world. If you need an example, ask
yourself how long ago was it that homosexuality became perfectly
acceptable to the church, instead of a sin. We like the idea that
the church is just like folks; accepting the same things and doing
the same things. There is no sense of that in the Scripture. We are
told to be “in the world, not of the world.” Permit me three
examples.
·
The world tells us that any form of
sex is acceptable as long as it is consensual. The world sees no
reason to think that there is a problem with adultery, or with sex
before marriage, or with homosexuality. And they proclaim to
everyone that, if you don’t think like this, you are some strange,
demented person burning with hatred for people who don’t believe the
same things you do. The rule for the Christian is no sex outside of
marriage, and fulfilling love within.
·
The world tells us that “whoever dies
with the most toys, wins.” The church tells us that “whoever dies
with the most toys, dies.” It’s an interesting question for the
Christian: what would you do if you had the money to buy a Mercedes?
Is that the top priority for your funds?
·
Then there is the sin of Satan:
pride. “I will be like the Most High.” Do you go through life with
the express intent of being better than anybody else? Are you one of
those people who goes through life telling the rest of the world
just what a genius you are? There is the essence of pride: I am
better than you are. You cannot look down on others and look up to
God at the same time.
Unfortunately, one common reaction to this
problem is simply to do both. You behave like a citizen of the world
on Saturday night and then come to church on Sunday looking as pious
as can be. This goes by the name of hypocrisy — and you don’t like
it when you see it. Are you condemning that which you are? Perhaps
more to the point, do you think God doesn’t know this? Or do you
think that he doesn’t care? Honesty starts from within the human
being.
Communion has a very important significance in
this. It is not just a ritual; it is a proclamation of what you
believe. If you partake in communion you are proclaiming:
·
The sacrifice of the body and blood
of Jesus Christ on the Cross.
·
The salvation that that sacrifice is
brought to you, by the atonement.
·
With that salvation you proclaim the
Lordship of Jesus Christ as well.
At communion, you proclaim which side you are
on — you’re either on the world’s side or on the side of Jesus
Christ. There is no fence to sit on. Before you take communion,
honesty is required. Especially, honesty with yourself. Look within;
examine yourself and partake.
