Jump Start # 2540a

1 Corinthians 11:18 “For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.”

Our verse today is taken from the instructional section of Corinthians about the Lord’s Supper. The Corinthians had really messed it up. The Lord’s Supper is intended to draw us together around the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. This is something that God wants us to remember. Somehow the Corinthians forgot to remember that. They were fussing and fighting and some were eating it like a common meal, being real hogs, and others, it seems, were not allowed to participate at all. This ill feeling that they had towards one another was ruining their worship. Instead of pulling together, they were pulling apart.

Three times the concept of “coming together” is found in this context. When you come together as a church, is how our verse says it.

There is something to remember when we come together:

First, not everyone feels the same way as I do. I may be on top of the world, excited to worship, and chipper like a little bird. Not everyone is like that. Among us are those who are carrying the weight of the world. There has been a death in the family. There is a prodigal that won’t come home. There’s trouble at work. Things at home are not as smooth as they ought to be. I come to praise and pour my heart out to the Lord. Others, may enter with an empty or even broken heart. They are looking for comfort. They are in need of answers. They sure could use some hope.

This reminds us that not everyone gathers for the same reason, nor does everyone get the same benefit. Worship is about God, always. But the God that is to be praised, is also the God that one looks to for hope, help and strength. Some are on the mountain top. Others are struggling in the valley.

Second, those that lead worship need to remember this. Forcing everyone to smile is painful and offensive to those who can’t smile at the moment. Expecting everyone to march around Jericho doesn’t work when some can’t. The choice of songs ought to be made with consideration with what is going on in the congregation. Simply leading my favorite songs isn’t always the best choice. Thought needs to go into the one who leads prayer. There are hurting folks in the audience. For some, the funeral was months ago and the rest of us have gotten back to life. Busy and crazy as ever. But for the family who is mourning, a couple of months is nothing. Now, the preacher needs to be mindful of this as well. Not everyone in the audience wants to be there. Not everyone fully understands the Bible stories. Not everyone knows Jesus. Don’t assume, Mr. Preacher.

Third, because some are struggling doesn’t necessarily mean that they are weak, faithless and not doing what they ought to be doing. Don’t go there. Don’t make those assumptions. Life is hard. Death is ugly. The righteous man Job, one God bragged about, struggled. His wife struggled. Husbands and wives will journey through troubles differently. Some get through those valleys faster than others. Don’t make the assumption that because you had very little trouble that others ought to be just like you. They are not. For some, it may be hard walking into that church building. For some, it may be hard talking to others. When we don’t understand this, our words and our actions can do a lot of harm. We can be the reason that some stay away.

Fourth, coming together is not only for the Lord but it is for us as well. We need the “coming together” part. Otherwise, why not just stay home, get out some grape juice and crackers and have the Lord’s Supper in bed. There is more to remembering Jesus’ death than just Jesus. There is that community of believers that we make up that is important. One of the very popular words now is the word “gather.” You see that stenciled on walls. You see that painted on barn wood. Gathering place—that’s how Paul is describing the church. We come together. We need each other. We remind each other. We encourage each other. We support each other. We pray for each other. Together, we remind ourselves that we are not alone. Together, we see that we are not the only family that has troubles. Together, with tears and smiles, we understand that we can get through things with each other’s help.

Coming together implies a few things. I feel that the Corinthians didn’t understand that. Coming together means being with each other. It means associating, talking, listening, smiling, hand shaking, hugging. It means light conversations and intense dialogue. It means caring. It means loving.

I’ve seen folks that come in late and leave early. They don’t talk to anyone. They don’t connect with anyone. When there is a problem, they don’t even think about reaching out to anyone in the church family because they don’t have any friendships or even real fellowship. For years and years they continue this practice. They are not engaged with the people. They don’t associate with any of the church family. They never send a card. They don’t ever bring food to a hurting family. They don’t even know the members, aside from one or two, and that’s very distant.

Coming together as a church—what a positive thought. Something to look forward to. Something to give thought to. How can I make my “coming together” better? Could I try to talk to someone in a different generation than my age? Could I try sitting some where different? Could I ask someone to go out to eat with me? Could I look for someone new and welcome them? Could I give some positive encouragement to a young mother? How about saying something kind to one of the shepherds?

Don’t come looking only for what you can get from gathering together. Come with the intention of what you can give. Give to the Lord. Give to others. And, the best thing you can give is your heart.

When you come together…what a special time that is.

Roger

Jump Start # 1598

1 Corinthians 11:18 “For in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exit among you; and in part I believe it.”

Our verse today begins the section of Corinthians where Paul gives instructions about the Lord’s Supper. The Corinthians didn’t get it. They were abusing the Supper. Some were eating it as a meal and due to their divided spirits some were not given any of it. The purpose of why they had the Lord’s Supper was overshadowed by their maneuvering of who was in and who was out.

Several times in these instructions Paul uses expressions such as “when you come together as a church.”

• When you meet together (20)
• When you come together (33)
• Come together (34)

There is something special about coming together. This is one of the reasons why Sunday is so special. We get to be together. We travel to one place. We worship together. We come together as a church. Young and old. Those who are single and those who are widows. Those who are family and those who are empty nesters. Some come and see generations of their family. Others do not. Some have been doing this for a long, long time. Others, just started doing this. Coming together as a church.

One of the dangers of modern media is the ease to skip this “coming together” and just watch the sermon later on. Where I worship, we live stream our services. It is a wonderful tool for those who cannot get out. There are those who have had long struggles with cancer and being able to watch the services live from their home allows them to still feel a part of what is going on. Some as they travel watch. Some live in other places and they watch. We have become a global network because of live streaming.

But the down side of live streaming is the temptation to “skip coming together,” and simply watch the sermon later. I’ve had folks actually say that. “I won’t be there Sunday night, but I’ll catch the sermon later on.” The ease of technology is making it too easy for folks to “not come together.” It’s great that folks are watching the sermon, but there are other things that live streaming can’t do for you.

Singing isn’t the same. Sure a person can sing along with a cd or live stream but it’s not the same.

Fellowship isn’t the same. You can’t really see who is there. You can’t connect, have those conversations or in our situation, share hugs by live streaming. You miss seeing the recent widow who comes and is a great example for all of us. You miss the young teenagers sitting together, smiling and bringing such energy to the place. You miss the smiles, the handshakes, the care of the shepherds, the young families. Certainly you can catch the sermon, but worship is more than listening to a sermon. It’s praising the Lord. It’s thanking God. It’s being encouraged and strengthened by others. It’s seeing a full church house. It’s hanging around a long time afterward to just connect with the church family. Live streaming can’t do that for you.

“I’ll watch the sermon later on,” puts coming together at my convenience. I’ll travel, but “watch the sermon later on.” I’ll be at the ballgame, but “watch the sermon later on.” We’ve moved God to second place. There is something good about being inconvenienced by services. There is something good about having to make sacrifices and choices, such as, do I do what I want, or do I go to services? Putting God first is important to your heart and it is a great statement to your family and friends. The convenience of our times makes it possible for us to serve God when we have done all that we want to do first.

Take up that cross, is what Jesus said. That follows first, denying yourself. That’s the hard part. To deny means to say “No.” Say “No,” to self. When your heart says, “I don’t feel like it,” deny yourself. Don’t listen to yourself and get up out of bed and get down to the church house. When you heart says, “I don’t want to,” deny yourself, and go anyway. You need to go. God wants you to go. Your presence is part of the encouragement factor.  Deny yourself and take up your cross. Crosses are heavy. Cross are not smooth and nice. They were made of rough beams. They were intended to hold bodies that were going to die, so they do not look nice. They are not nice. Pick up that cross and follow Me.

Sacrifice your schedule for God. Sacrifice your wants for God. Sacrifice your all for God. Giving God the leftovers puts our self at the top of the list.

The Corinthians came together as a church. Great things happen when we do that. It is good for others. It is good for God. And it is especially good for ourselves.

Live streaming is a wonderful tool, but don’t use it as a means to put yourself ahead of God. Get down to the church house when the doors are open. You need it. The folks there are looking for you. You’ll be better if you do.

Roger

Jump Start # 1469

1 Corinthians 11:18 “For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.”

  Our verse today comes from the section of Corinthian letter where Paul addresses the Lord’s Supper. Great and powerful lessons are found here. The Corinthians were missing the point. Their divisive spirit had now spilled over into worship and into the Lord’s Supper. Some were eating the meal like a common meal. They were pigging out. Some were not allowed to participate in it at all. The very thing that ought to connect them to Jesus and His compassionate ways was becoming a source of trouble. There was a lot of work to be done in changing things and Paul slowly shows them the proper attitude that they ought to have.

In this verse we find this expression, “when you come together as a church.” That principle is sprinkled throughout the next few verses. Paul will say, “When you come together…”  There is a coming together as a church. This is interesting. The latest Pew Report shows that a majority of Americans still believe in God but less than 20% attend worship services. Many churches are dying. The megachurch fad is fading out. Places are scrambling to find new ways to get their own people to come. The Pew Report listed four main reasons why people don’t go to church services:

• They don’t like being lectured to
• They view the church as judgmental
• They view the church as hypocritical
• They do not see the relevance of church services in their lives

In another report, a common view that many have is that “God cannot be confined to a church. I don’t need a church to worship God.” So among many, particularly millennials, they are staying with God but have given up on church. There are other factors as well. Some state that they get nothing out of church services. Some feel the songs are too old fashioned. Some admit that they don’t have the right clothes to wear. And a few, admitting honestly, “Sunday is the only day I have to sleep in.” So the coming together as a church is on the way out. I met a man yesterday who claimed that he finds sermons on the internet and that’s his way of learning and worshipping God. Stay at home. Stay in the ‘jammies. Pull out the tablet, get on line and worship in bed. The coming together as a church isn’t happening.

This is all disturbing. This trend of not needing the church reflects a growing disconnect many have. Consider a few thoughts:

First, in these Pew Reports, they are surveying a very broad spectrum of what is considered mainstream “Christianity.” Every dog in town is considered. For generations, many places have given up on the Biblical model of what worship is. Entertainment has replaced doctrine. Feelings have replaced faith. Pick and choose where you go based upon what a place offers you. Folks have never learned that worship is personal and yet must be shared “as we come together.” Worship is not about me, but God. Worship is honoring and praising the Lord. Worship is one way of telling the Lord “Thank You.” Worship is about moving God to the top of the list. Worship pulls our attention to the greatness and holiness of the Lord. It’s not food. It’s not making me feel good. It’s not laughter, sports, and a good time. Worship is about God. It’s honoring God the way He wants to be honored. It’s not about being creative, different, new and cutting edge. God has always told man how to worship Him.

So, when the Pew Report issues these startling findings about people not going to church services, it’s not surprising. What were they getting in the first place? What value was it? Indeed, there was little relevance in their lives. Modern preachers are afraid to use the word sin. They fear more a dropping budget than the God that they are supposed to be preaching about. The goal is larger attendance. Big makes right in the eyes of some. So as many as are coming in the front door, the same number are leaving out the back door. There is no sticking. Fellowship is meaningless. There is no substance to faith. It’s like going to a movie. It’s fun for a short while, but then we must return to life and the real world. That’s why many churches are clueless about what is going on. Instead of preaching the Bible, the audience is given cotton-candy theology. Looks great. Tastes wonderful. But there’s nothing to it. And when the dark storm clouds gather, there is nothing that will keep them going. Cotton candy is all fluff. Too much modern preaching is just the same.

Second, across this country, and especially across the world, many, many congregations are growing. They are growing because thought is being put into worship. Excellence is being demonstrated in what is being preached, in prayers, in classes, in songs and especially in fellowship. Congregations are becoming one huge family. Folks love to be with one another. Smiles and hugs are the norm. The Bible is actually being taught. People see the connection and are making changes in their lives. Marriages are shaping up. Parents are engaging spiritually with their kids. Meaningful conversations are taking place. Young couples are excited and growing spiritually. There is a relevance and a practicality in worship. God is real and meaningful in their lives. The Pew Report doesn’t mention this side of things. It leads us to believing that “For Sale” signs will be popping up in front of church buildings across this land. In some places, that would probably be a good thing.

Third, something good happens when we “come together as a church.” Here are a few thoughts:

• With others, I am reminded of God. I may forget.
• With others, the singing,  praying and preaching is just better.
• With others, I see that I am not the only one. Alone is a terrible place to be. Alone we get discouraged. Alone we tend to quit. Alone we become vulnerable to Satan.
• With others, I learn things, see things, that I may not on my own.
• With others, there is support, encouragement and the kick in the pants when I need it.
• With others, there is love.
• With others, more can be done.

Coming together as a church. God wants that. We need that. We need to kill the excuses that keep us away. “I don’t have the right clothes.” Really? It’s not a fashion show. You are going for God. “The songs are  old.” So. We like old movies. We like antiques. Learn them. Old songs don’t have to be sung pitifully slow. Put some fire into them, song leaders. Put your foot on the accelerator. Don’t let “old songs,” be the reason that you stay away from what God wants you to do. “It’s my only day to sleep in.” That’s easy to fix. Go to be early on Saturday night. Get all the sleeping that you need and get up on Sunday morning and worship God with His people. What folks really mean is that, “I want to stay up to one or two in the morning and then sleep in.” That’s the problem. Get to bed and get up to worship. Are we going to allow our sleep to keep us from God? Really? In the words of ESPN, “COM’ ON MAN!” You can do better than that. God deserves better than that.

Much of this is just a matter of “want to.” We don’t because we “don’t want to.” That’s the problem. That’s the issue. It’s not the songs. It’s not sleeping in. It’s not relevance. It’s a matter of wanting to. I’ve known folks who got up very early on their day off to drive and drive to go hunting, get to a ball game, or go golfing. They did it because they wanted to. They’d do it every week if they could. It’s a matter of want to.

Coming together as a church…it will be happening in a few days. Will you be one of those coming together? Maybe you ought to share this with someone who has a problem with the “want to.”

God sure is good to us. He treats us better than we deserve. He thinks of us more than we think of Him. He loves you and He wants you to come and worship Him.

Will you be there?

Roger

Jump Start # 1114

1 Corinthians 11:18 “For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.”

Our verse today begins the section about instructions concerning the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is special. The example in the New Testament is that it was taken on Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the grave. It is a memorial, a look back to Calvary, as well as a look forward to His return. The Lord’s Supper, itself does not forgive sins. That is done by the blood of Jesus. However, the Lord’s Supper is a huge part of Sunday worship.

Paul states in our verse today, “…when you come together as a church…” There is an implied intention and direction in that statement. We come as a church. When mama says the meal is ready, we come to the dinner table as a family to eat. When we come together as a church, we come with the purpose and intention of doing what a church does—worship, fellowship, and encouraging one another. Involved is singing, praying, teaching God’s word and in this Scripture, partaking of the Lord’s Supper. That’s what a church does. That’s what coming together is about. The intention is spiritual. The purpose is spiritual. The benefit is spiritual.

There is great benefits of being together. Often, these can be taken for granted and overlooked. Those who have missed because of long illnesses miss these great benefits.

• There is a shared love among each other. We get to know one another and our togetherness leads to a deep love and care for one another. It is a highlight of any day when we run into one of our church family. It is especially delightful to meet them in church. It’s like when the grown kids return home to visit mom and dad. There is a joy in seeing each other. There is a bond that unites our hearts. This is why it is important to connect and know your church family. You need them. You need their prayers. You need them in your life. They remind you and help you. Those that often ask, “Do we have to go to all the services, “ miss this point. There is such a goodness from seeing each other. We want to be with each other. There is such goodness that comes from our times together.

• There is a mutual benefit from worshipping together. We are made stronger by our numbers. Bibles opening, heads bowing, voices mingling together in praise of the God that we love so much, the sharing together of the Lord’s Supper—it unites all of us. The blue collars and the white collars, the young and the old, singles and widows, those with little kids and the empty nesters, those just starting the walk of faith and those about to finish that walk—all together. Years of collected experience and knowledge. Folks who are happy and joyful, joining in with those who are sad and broken hearted. The parents of prodigals, with those who have buried a loved one, with those who have lost jobs, with those who are excelling in life—all singing, all praying, all looking to that wonderful Savior for guidance and help. Different needs, different places in life—yet the same when it comes to worship. All needing to pray. All needing to praise. All needing forgiveness. All longing for Heaven. Red, yellow, black and white—gathered together in love for a God that loves them. This is what coming together as a church means.

• There is a positive peer pressure when we come together. We see, learn and hear about the good that some are doing. We see regular folks, just like us, teaching classes and putting their all into helping us learn the will of God. We see folks going out of their way to talk to someone who is having a tough time. All of this impacts us. It reminds us that we need each other. It compels us to do what we can. Surely the family in Christ can count upon me. What can I do to help out? This drives and motivates us to engage in goodness. What a great family in Christ we have.

• We see those who acknowledge sins and cry out for help. They are hurting because they have hurt Christ. It illustrates that we are not perfect. It is not a perfect church. It will never be a perfect church. We all fight and struggle with temptation. Some days are better than others. Some days we need help and other days we are there to help others. Church is one of the few places that we can actually remove our masks are let others see the real us. We are not pretty, polished and perfect. We are reformed sinners who are trying to keep in step with Jesus. It’s hard. Some days are better than others. Church is not the place for finger pointing and judging and gossip. That’s the world. We get that every day. That’s work. Much too often, that’s family. It’s different within a church. Our hearts break when one messes up. We swell with joy when one promises to do better. These moments remind us that all of us deal with sin. The church is the home that the prodigal returns to. There, awaiting us, is our Heavenly Father. There awaiting us, is not older brothers who are angry, but others, who have been where we are. Others who are standing right beside Our Father who want to embrace, encourage and be there for us. That’s church. That’s the way it ought to be. It’s a place that loves me, even when I messed up. It’s a place that won’t give up on me. There’s no throwing under the bus. There’s no kicking out or you are not welcome here.

Gathered together as a church. I like that expression. I wish we were gathering together this evening. We are busy with much to do, but things are just different when we are together. Hope seems brighter and love is certainly stronger when we are together.

Are you a part of such a group? People just like you who want to love, obey and follow the Lord. People who have set their eyes upon Heaven and their heart upon doing what the Bible says in the Bible way. Not progressive. Not innovative. Not new. Not different. Not cutting edge. But folks that want that old, old gospel. Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word…Those kind of people. Those that are serious, committed and dedicated to the ways of God. They are done playing church. They are through with hypocrisy. They are genuine. They love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. They are the people of God. They look just like you. They are not perfect, but they are forgiven. They are still learning, trying and doing their best. That’s the church that you need to be a part of. God’s people.

Gathered together as a church…what a great expression and a better experience that is.

Roger

Jump Start # 1079

1 Corinthians 11:18 “For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it.”

Sundays are special. There is nothing else like a Sunday. I love Sundays. Two special things happen on Sunday: we praise God and we get to be with our church family. There is so much good that comes from those two things. We are encouraged, strengthened and helped by those two things.

Several times in this section of 1 Corinthians, Paul uses the expression “when you come together.” He says that in vs. 17, 18, 33. In vs. 20 he uses the words, “when you meet together.” Getting together. Coming together is much more than just sitting beside someone, it is a coming together of spirit, heart and love. You can sit beside someone on the airplane, without the bond of “coming together.” Most would rather have an empty seat beside them on an airplane. That spirit is not the same as coming together.

When we come together, we are not all the same. We can forget that sometimes.

• Some like me, are up early, energized, excited and bouncing up and down like Tigger.
• Some have been up and down all night with kids and they are dragging. It’s a struggle to get the eyes open.
• Some do not feel well. The body hurts and they almost didn’t come but they did.
• Some have come with mountains of concern in their heart. A marriage is crumbling apart, a child is a prodigal, there is worry about finances, there is concern about an aging parent. These thoughts weigh heavily upon the heart.
• Some come with shame because of wrong done. Their sins are now known. An unwed pregnancy…fired from job for ethical reasons…lost their temper in the public…others know of their mistakes. They are embarrassed to come.
• Some come with questions and doubts. What they thought they knew has been challenged. They are not so sure.
• Some come with tears in their eyes. A loved one was buried in the past week. Prayers were answered “No,” and they feel rejected and disappointed.
• Some are there because they have been pressured by a parent or a mate. They would much rather be in bed, but they came to have peace at home.
• Some are there because nothing else is working in their life. Their life is a mess and they feel that Jesus is the answer, but they are not sure. They show up, not knowing anyone.

Now, when you look at this mixture of people, they all have different needs, emotions and experiences. Some will sing enthusiastically. Some will barely mouth the words. Some drink deeply every word the preacher says, some have question marks in their mind.

We find that the multitudes who followed Jesus were also a very divergent group. Some were looking for help for a sick friend. Some were curious. Some believed. Some were looking for something to accuse Jesus.

This thought leaves us with three observations:

• Not everyone will get from worship what I do. Some will get more. Some may get less. Some may leave shaking their heads in doubt, feeling it has been a waste of time. Some will not want to leave because it was so helpful to them. Same service—different reactions. There are hurting people among us on a Sunday. I need to remember that. I need to realize that not everyone is where I am at. I need to get the thoughts off of my self and think of others. I cannot be the measure of how successful a worship has been. I, alone, do not represent the feelings of everyone. I may complain, when others didn’t notice what bothered me. I may have thought the preacher was long and others not feel that way. I am not the gauge of the successfulness of a worship.

• Shepherds of God’s people need to recognize how different everyone is. They must see the congregation as individuals that are each needing different kinds of nourishment and help. One-size-fits-all most often doesn’t work these days. Classes need to be designed around the needs of the people who come.

• Preachers need to remember what a mixed audience that the stand before. Some know the Bible well and find it to be great comfort. Others are not so sure. Some have questions. Others have doubts. Some don’t want to be there. Some don’t want to go home. What a challenge for preachers. Find the right message and find the best way to present it. Find a way to help people become stronger spiritually. There will be some sermons that impact some people more than others. Understand that. There are some who are struggling and need more attention and guidance than others. Jesus always knew where His audience was spiritually. Jesus knew what they needed to hear. We do well to learn from Jesus.

When we come together. What a unique thought that is. We come, from different directions. We come, in different sizes. We come, with different things floating through our minds and hearts. We come. We come because of Jesus. There is a common need. There is a common bond. We all need Jesus. We all need each other.

The Corinthians misused their coming together. It became, for them, a power and position thing. They used it to dominate others. Wrong. They missed it all together. We can do the same, if not careful.

Sundays are special because we all come together.

Roger