| by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) |
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| Last time I spoke, we were discussing the overall condition of the church of God, and how the church is lacking; yes, lacking in spiritual power in these latter days in which we are living. We were discussing how the miracles that our Lord assured would follow those who believe (the signs that He would perform to confirm where He is working) are absent today from the rollcall (if you will) within the church of the Living God. Where are these signs brethren, the signs that were to follow? The Powerful Spiritual gifts that God has promised would follow those who believe? Where is the casting out of devils? Where is the speaking with new tongues? Being these signs, these powerful signs were promised to those who believe, but are not present; one can only conclude that there is a belief problem in the church of God today. Yes, there appears to be a lack of faith, an epidemic (if you will) of unbelief that abides today in the members of the body of Christ. Matthew 17:14 please. (Unbelief is nothing new to God’s people; even the original disciples were guilty of it.) Matthew 17:14: And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15: Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatic, and sore vexed: for oft times he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16: And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17: Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me. 18: And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. 19: Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, why could not we cast him out? 20: And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Is there not even one among us today brethren, in the church of God, who is in possession of even a mustard seed of faith? It’s no wonder why nearly 2,000 years ago our Lord questioned whether He would find faith on this earth at His return. And brethren when He posed that question (He was with His disciples.) I ask Brethren, Where are these gifts, these Spiritual gifts, these signs? Where are those hands that were to be laid on the sick, for their recovery, for their total, immediate & miraculous recovery? Brethren, He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised, bruised beyond recognition, for our iniquities. Isaiah prophesied that our Lord & Savior’s appearance would be so disfigured, beyond that of any man, and His form marred, beyond human likeness. Our Lord & Savior went through all of that suffering. Those prophecies were fulfilled. The chastisement (the punishment) that was to bring us peace was upon Him, Isaiah said; and with His stripes, we were to be healed. Brethren, did our Lord and Savior receive those stripes in vain? Has His Word lost its authority, has His arm weakened? Has the Immeasurable Power of the Almighty God, dwindled, in these latter days? Or is the problem not with God, but with us, His church? Is the lack of these signs, due to a chronic case of doubt, unbelief, and unfaithfulness? We need to move a mountain today brethren, we need to cast the mountain of unbelief and unfaithfulness that has been running rampant in the church of God these days, into the sea. We need to know why the church is in this condition and most importantly how to get back to “the faith which was once delivered to the Saints.” I have much to say today concerning getting back to the faith like it was in early New Testament times. I also want to address a tradition today, yes, a tradition that the New Testament church was keeping back then, that is not only no longer kept in the church of God but has even been totally forgotten about. So, I ask, please hear me out. Some of what I have to say will be considered by some as heresy. But let us realize that “heresy” is not necessarily bad. Heresy is just the opinion or doctrine at variance with the normal doctrine. Paul was accused of preaching heresy, and he was proud of it. (Acts 24:14) Now there is another kind of heresy that is bad, it’s called “damnable heresy”, But I warn you not to get your heresies mixed up, because we live at a time when good is called bad and bad is called good, and even the way of truth is evil spoken of. Now the disciples had trouble casting the devil out of that Lunatic back then because of their unbelief, but that was before the Holy Spirit was given. That was before Christ returned to the Father’s Throne. Remember, He said: “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” Brethren, after the Holy Spirit was given to them on Pentecost, the miracles began flowing – Spiritual Power was in their possession, and God was confirming where He was working with signs following. But let us remember that the Key ingredient has to be there for this “confirming” to take place, God has to be there, Our Lord has to be the one working with us, and especially leading us!) Because “of and by ourselves, we can do nothing.” And this holds true for congregations too. The Lord has to be there leading, especially the “leaders”. God’s Spirit needs to be flowing, yes, flowing in and out of its members. But all too often, the Spirit is not flowing, but instead is quenched. Hierarchy (which Christ Hates) manages to creep in and occupy the pulpits. Sad to say, many of those “leading” are not imitating Christ. But instead score high in “Hindering and Quenching the spirit of its members. Nowhere in the entire Bible are we ever told to follow a man. (Following men will only lead you to the ditch.) Scripture says: “Cursed be the man who puts his trust in man.” “Psalms says: “Put your trust not in mortals.” We know the Scriptures; the question is do we follow them? Whenever the word “follow” is used in the Scriptures, it always (and only) refers to Christ, never to follow any man. That word “follow” in 1 Corinthian’s 11:1 is a mistranslation in the KJV. Paul was saying “imitate” me as I imitate Christ. (Big difference in the two words.) (Mark 16:17.) Let’s look at how powerful these “signs follow” were back when the New Testament church was in action, and also, what could have caused them to stop. Mark 16:17: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. 18: They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19: So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat at the right hand of God. That’s where our Lord is now brethren still up there at the Father’s right hand. But not necessarily sitting; Remember Stephen saw Him standing on that sea of glass looking down on him as he was being stoned to death. Christ is up there all right, and He’s busy. Headquarters is a busy place. Don’t hear that too often, referring to “God’s Throne” as headquarters. Most people in the church (especially the leaders) consider headquarters to be at their place. I remember when John (leader of one large following) stated that God’s headquarters was in his garage (that’s where he worked out of.) But how could that be, because Rod said headquarters was at his place, and some of the other hundreds of churches of God had their own particular location for “headquarters”. Brethren, anyone thinking that Headquarters is in his particular place, “Better Think Again. They don’t seem to realize that our Lord and Savior is alive and well, and quite capable of heading and leading His church. Headquarters (for those who may be confused) is up in Heaven, not down here. Let’s not let those “leaders” lead us astray. Let’s go back to some of our Lords statements concerning how He would be “working” with the “church” and “confirming” the Word with “signs follow.” In John 14:12 Our Lord said: “greater works than these shall ye do; because I go unto my Father.”) And in Mark 16:20 we see how the New Testament church with its powerful gifts, was in action. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. We need to define some of these words to better comprehend what is being said here. Working = The Greek: To be a fellow worker. “coadjutor” = an associate in action, a co-worker or colleague, especially one appointed to assist in official duties, as the assistant of a bishop. Now for those who have been connected to organized churches (or are still sitting there in one) one can comprehend the above definition quite well. Many have been living that life for a long time. (Especially if one has been appointed into some position by the ministry.) Just like the Catholic church, Pope on top, cardinals, bishops, priests, etc. (apostles, evangelists, ministers, deacons, etc.) we know all about authority. But too often than not, the one on top is not our Lord, but just some man, pushing his own agenda. It has to be our Lord and Savior on Top brethren. He is the one, and the only one that can lead us. We have to hear “His” voice and follow Him. And this is a very serious thing, because if one’s focus is too much on the pulpit (which often times it is) and not on our Heavenly Father and His Son, that’s Idolatry. And let us remember something else here that is quite important. It is the Father who places people into positions in His church. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him.” 1 Corinthians 12:18. The members that the Father chose Himself and has placed into positions are out there brethren; you can identify them by their behavior, by their fruits. They will be “imitating” God the Father and Jesus Christ. Brethren, our Lord has to be working with us; He’s the one, and the only one who will have us on the right track and moving in the right direction. And He is the only one who can do the confirming of the Word with signs following. If we’re not working directly with Him (And most are not) If we’re working through some man (as most are) the sign follows will not exist (and they don’t). Don’t be fooled by man, man is our biggest culprit to learning and walking in Truth. Remember what our Lord said concerning men: “Take heed that no man deceives you, for many men will come in my name and deceive many.” Peter said: “There were false prophets among the people even as there shall be (better put today “are”) false teachers among you, bringing in damnable heresies. Even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many (listen to what is being said here) Many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” This is where the church is today, many following “pernicious” ways. Pernicious means = ruin or loss, damnable, destruction. Comes from Strong’s 622 meaning to destroy, perish. Brethren, this should make our hair stand up. What Scripture is saying here, is that if we follow (as the many are) these false teachers and leaders, we are headed down the path of destruction. Brethren, try to understand something here. We are not living at the time that Jesus began to build His church that was 2,000 years ago. We are living at the time when He is going to complete the job. This is not the time when the false teachers are going to begin coming into the church, this is the time when they have already been here and well seated for a long time now. Don’t look at their outward appearance, we are warned about those in sheep’s clothing. Matthew 7:15-20 Jude says: For there are certain men crept in unawares, ungodly men, turning the grace of God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Note some of the words here like “denying” our Lord. Denying here means – to assert the contrary or opposite of, disavow. And we see abundance of this ungodly behavior in the “church” today. Look at the one man “leader” who won’t even allow his members to associate with their own flesh and blood family and relatives if they’re not in his organization. How sad. Is that Godly behavior, is that what our Lord wants us to do? Brethren, men, have the church divided into hundreds of separate groups, all divided, all separate. But don’t be fooled by man. In God’s eyes there are only two groups, yes two: The Wise and The Foolish – The Sheep and The Goats. Which category we are individually in, is our choice. We need to be wise sheep, not foolish goats. Think about it, how many churches is our Lord and Savior building? Oh, everyone will answer correctly “ONE” But there’s hundreds and hundreds out there. Are they all being led by our Lord? No. If they were, they would all be on the same page. But they’re not. Why? Because they’re all divided by men, men and their various agendas. One mans (“ministry”) his whole ministry is his calendar. If you don’t follow his calendar, you are out. Another one-man ministry is that you have to use sacred names, and if you don’t you’re out, (and also lost your salvation according to that man.) Another is Malachi’s message; you have to read it and believe that “he” is the prophet; and the “apostle” or you’re out. (The scary part here is that many (if not most) sitting in these various (and sometimes ungodly) organization, fear that if they separate themselves (if they leave), they will lose their salvation. Can’t they understand that God’s church is a Spiritual organization? Even when they sometimes see awful behavior by their “minister” they will not leave, do to fear. One man (appointed deacon at the time) was well aware of the terrible behavior their “minister” was continually doing. But said (and I’m quoting) “Better to suffer under his poor leadership, than to lose our salvation.” Thinking they will lose their salvation, as if they left God’s church. We can go on and on with so many separate groups with so many different agendas, leading so many brethren astray. How sad! But the saddest thing is that so many continue to follow those men. The Scriptures say cursed be the man who puts his trust in man. Timothy says: “from such turn away”. You run a much better chance of losing your salvation IF you stay there. Many of those “leaders” are not disciples of our Lord and Savior, they don’t qualify. They disqualify themselves by not having love, one to another. Our Lord made it very clear how to distinguish who His true servants are and who are not: “You will know IF they have love one to another.” That’s Christ’s words. That’s Christ’s warning to us. Too many in the church put faith in men. But just because one has been appointed by other men, doesn’t necessarily mean its Godly ordained. And paper credentials hold absolutely no weight when it comes to verification of discipleship. The proof is always in the pudding, you have to observe one’s behavior to know if he is a disciple of Christ or not. One has to demonstrate Love, and not any love “Agape” love to qualify as a disciple of Christ. (Among other things like “denying everything and following Christ only”.) One of the biggest problems in the church today, is Hierarchy, the very thing which our Lord hates, “lording over the brethren.” Luke 22:24-27 Controlling and exercising lordship over the brethren is ungodly and hated by our Lord. It’s the deeds of the Nicolaitans. But many (if not most) of the church of God “leaders” today, do just that. And they demand one to pledge their allegiance to them, and if you don’t, you’re out, and often times marked. One cannot even question a doctrine. Brethren, that behavior is not supported or backed by our Lord and Savior. It is totally contrary to His and our Father’s ways. It’s no wonder why there are no “confirming” of the Word with “signs following” with this type of mentality in the leadership. Look at this statement just put out by Living Church of God, concerning brethren who have been studying and questioning some of our beliefs: Brethren this letter is being widely circulated and it shows quite well how: “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Living Church of God There was a meeting of the Council of Elders, 5-7 November 2018. Gerald Weston commented: “We so often hear of members coming up with different doctrines, fancying themselves as Bible scholars. By the time they come to the ministry, they are so convinced of their own rightness that nothing will persuade them otherwise. The issues raised are almost always peripheral, or doctrines contrary to our long-standing understanding. The Church’s Council of Elders often discusses subjects that may appear simple on the surface but are frequently more complex than first thought. It is through thoughtful and prayerful discussion with the Bible as the foundation that 15 or more men, who have been in the ministry for decades, are able to come to a sound biblical understanding.” He means that doctrine has been set by what these men were taught when they were students in WCG’s Ambassador College, and only such men who are now the leaders of the LCG have that necessary knowledge and understanding to make changes. Take for example Richard Ames’s “Marriage Supper in Heaven Doctrine” which he outlined to ordinary members in 2012: “I will share with you some of what we have recently discussed in our Council of Elders meetings, on which I elaborated during a presentation at the Ministerial Conference in May of this year … In fact, much of what Dr. Meredith and I have preached, and what I discuss in this article, follows closely from what Mr. John Ogwyn wrote in 2003 in his powerful booklet, Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled! Please be assured, brethren, that Dr. Meredith and I, and the many other faithful ministers in the Living Church of God, are not “departing from the truth.” We are simply striving to fulfill the biblical imperative to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18), and to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).” Ordinary members who advocate doctrinal change are, however, “departing from the truth,” and are failing “to grow in grace and knowledge.” Brethren, don’t be fooled by those kinds of statements, calling those questioning our beliefs as “ordinary members” and concluding that they, “the ministry” are the only ones who can come to a “sound Biblical understanding”. Our Lord prayed to the Father saying: “Thank you father because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, but hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25. The Wise & Prudent don’t have it. The Word of God says: “a good understanding have all they that do His commandments.” Psalm 111:10. (and He never was nor ever will be a respecter of persons). We are all commanded to “search the Scriptures”, “Prove all things” “rightly divide the Word of Truth” “Hold Fast That Which Is Good.” Don’t be deceived by men, the true brethren are the ones who are doing the Scripture searching, proving all things, rightly dividing the word of Truth, and Holding Fast to that which is good, they are the ones on the right track. They are far and few between only a little flock. And as usual, being persecuted (same as our Elder Brother was) anyone who wants to speak up for truth when they plainly see error, are kicked out and oftentimes disfellowshipped. But they’re the ones (the ones Mr. Weston refers to as ordinary members) who are growing in Grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And, let me clearly state something here that is very very important: The things that the “searchers/provers/rightly dividers” and “holder on’ers” are learning, and raising red flags about, do not pertain to any “peripheral” matters, as stated by Mr. Weston, they are Salvational Matters. Jude also elaborates on what, yes what the church needs to be doing now, to get back on track. Jude very powerfully exhorts us to get back to the “faith” that was once delivered to the Saints. This important statement is twisted by the pulpits, as they continue to lead people astray. Let’s look at this. Jude 1:1-3. Jude is writing here to a very specific people. He’s writing to those that are “sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Christ, and called.” This is to His elect, His little flock, His true church. He tells us (and in a very powerful way, using words like “earnestly contend”. The Greek word used there is normally used only concerning the Olympic Players struggle to compete for the Gold.) He tells us to “earnestly contend for the “faith” which was once delivered to the Saints.” Jude is admonishing us to get back to the faith once delivered to the Saints. The majority of pulpits in the Church of God mislead here saying we already accomplished that. They say we are already back to that faith once delivered, just have to hold on to it. Nope, I don’t know who will read this letter, so let me speak in other understood vernaculars here: “Nope” we are not back there yet. But for some, (hopefully many), they’re getting back on the right track, headed in the right direction. Some are studying, proving all things. Some have a Love for the Truth. But those with that “we have it all attitudes and in need of nothing” only describing the Laodiceans. The true church is fighting to get back to that faith once delivered, they are studying (they never stopped) But they are met with much opposition from within the church. Nothing new there, it started back in Apostle John’s time. The only thing different now is that back then there was only one wanting preeminence, today there are many “Diotrephes” in the church of God. 3 John 1:9-11. Now I’m not here today to push my beliefs on the controversial doctrine issues that are being raised by some who are studying. But I do admonish you to check out the doctrines that are being red flagged. Because you are eventually going to find out that we (the church in general) is not totally on the right track with all of its doctrines and beliefs correct. We need to be growing in both “grace” and “knowledge” of our Lord and Savior. What we must realize, is to never be scared to double check any and all of our beliefs. Truth always has and always will stand on its own two feet. And Scripture is for “Proof” and “Reproof” 2 Timothy 3:16. The word “reproof” means reproving, censuring, or rebuking. So let us (as James admonishes us) “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” We need to study, rightly divide, and hold fast to that which is good. Like I always tell our impoverished brethren over in Kenya, we need to treat men’s words (all men’s words, no matter who is speaking) like we do our food when eating chicken. You cannot just put a chicken leg in your mouth and swallow it, you will choke. One has to chew first, swallow only the meat, and be sure to spit out the bones. When men speak, we must also chew first and spit out any bones, only swallow the meat. And speaking of our impoverished brethren (and there are many around the world.) Let us remember how much the Scriptures talk about caring for the poor. (Especially the poor that are of the household of faith.) And let us remember what Pure and Undefiled religion is: to visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, AND to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:27. Taking care of our widows and orphans should be top priority in the church, but sad to say, it’s not. Some of these leaders are using funds improperly. Look at Mr. Flurry, it’s been reported that he purchased a very expensive, very sophisticated airplane. Does he really need that? It’s reported that he made two trips with it in the past year (and both were domestic flights.) His brethren have been paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for him to own and operate that jet. At the same time, we have “True” widows and church orphans that are suffering severely. Even now we are caring for 18 church orphans. Trying to keep them fed, clothed, and in school. And also trying to teach each and every one of them a trade so they can become self-supportive after finishing school. But it’s been a struggle, because very few who have compassionate hearts are aware of the situation. We have tried time and time again to give exposure to the dire needs of some of our poor brethren, but the hierarchical group “leaders”, will not only not help (even though many of them are sitting on tens of thousands of dollars in their bank accounts, some sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars.) not only have they turned their backs on the needy brethren, but also refuse to allow us to inform their congregations of the cry for help. Even now, I know of numerous “true” widows and more church orphans who are literally starving and crying for us to help them. Just visit our Web site and see for yourself. Our “Latest Update Page” documents the suffering that our brethren have been enduring over the past few years. The link is: https://khofh.org/index.htm Now most in the Church of God today know of the various doctrines that have been questioned, and as I said, I think it is in everyone’s best interest to look at the issues, and check the Scriptures yourself and decide what is Scriptural and what is not. Let us not forget who we are: “The church of the Living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1Timothy 3:15 Truth is what sanctifies us, sets us apart from everyone else: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17. And Truth Is how the Father wants us to worship Him: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. John 4:24 We need to live by truth. We need to do things according to God’s way, following HIS instructions. Now I have something that I want to address here concerning a tradition that the early NT church was often conducting. An important tradition that was removed from the church so long ago, that most never even heard of it. It is something that was given to the church to do, instituted by our Lord and Savior Himself. It was given us by our Lord to put Life in us. Feast of Charity or Love Feast Acts 2:37 please. It was the day of Pentecost, (were cutting in here) – this is where the multitude came together and were pricked in their hearts upon realizing that it was the Christ that they had crucified. Acts 2: 37: Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39: For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (That’s us) 40: And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. (That’s us again brethren, in need of saving ourselves from this untoward generation.) 41: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (And then, they began what became a tradition in the church) (Not a worldly tradition) (Not a manmade tradition) (But a tradition that was originated and instituted by our Lord, on the night He was betrayed.) Verse 42: And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. This breaking of bread here is not just a partaking of a common meal. The mention of a common meal would Not be put here in the middle of this verse between the “apostles’ doctrine” and in prayers.” The New Testament church was partaking of this bread “often”. You can read about this in many places, like in Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16; John 13:18, and elsewhere like in Luke 24:30, where Jesus broke bread with the two disciples who were on their way to Emmaus. When Jesus broke this bread with them, they realized who He was, and their eyes were opened. The breaking of this bread became a tradition in the church, and it became known as feast of charity or love feasts. (The Agape Love that comes directly from the Father was flowing in God’s church at that time.) And the gifts of the Spirit were being poured out upon the entire church by the Father, with some having a psalm, others having a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation, The gifts of the Spirit were flowing. Yes, flowing amongst the brethren, not like it is today, in these latter days, where the Spirit has been quenched by the pulpits of the many false teachers and false leaders who have stepped in to take control over the brethren, stating that they have the gifts of the Spirit, as they continue to lord over the Laity. Back to Verse 43, where God’s Spirit was flowing amongst all the brethren: Acts 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. This particular fear spoken of here was a good fear, it produced belief (the very thing that the Church of God is lacking) (like it says: and many signs and wonders were done.) This particular fear is related to godly fear – reverence. It’s the same fear that the disciples cried out with, when they saw Jesus’ walking on the sea that night when they were in the boat, and He approached them. This particular fear caused Peter to walk on the water, to go to Jesus. Notice when this fear came upon every soul? When they began keeping the newly begun tradition. Back to Verse 42: And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. (If you investigate, you will see that this “breaking of bread” was not just the partaking of a meal together.) 44: And all that believed were together (not divided into 300 separate man-made groups) and had all things common; 45: And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. God’s Spirit was flowing at that time brethren, there was no one Lording over them and quenching the Spirit. 46: And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47: Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Those 5 words come from only one Greek word: SOZO it means = to save, make whole, heal. God’s Holy Spirit was flowing back then, God’s church was of one accord. Many signs and wonders were being performed, faith and belief was being exhibited by the brethren, and the Word was being confirmed by our Lord with signs following. Well, what happened brethren? We need to know what happened in God’s church, why, or how the unbelief crept back in. We need to know the cause and see how to address the cure. We need to understand something about TRADITIONS, because over the years, the traditions within the church of God have changed, and not for the better, but for the worse. Funk & Wagnall’s New comprehensive international dictionary of the English Language defines Tradition as such: 1 = The transmission of knowledge, opinions, doctrines, customs, practices, etc., handed down from generation to generation, originally by word of mouth and by example. 2 = That body of Christian doctrines handed down through successive generations and held by some churches to belong to the deposit of faith, even if they may not be found in the Holy Scriptures. What? Traditions of doctrines handed down and believed even if they are not found in the Scriptures? Could this be possible? Could there be doctrines, teachings, traditions (that are not Scriptural) being taught and practiced in the church of God today, and even believed amongst the many, as Truth? Yes, because this is the Laodicean era, where the church thinks that they are rich, increased with good, and in need of nothing. No need to study. Some think that we just need to hold on to the traditions that have been handed down. (Not realizing that some of these traditions are not Scriptural. That’s why Jude exhorts us with diligence to earnestly contend yes, strive, fight to get back to the Faith, the Doctrines, the Truths that were once delivered to the Saints. The “Word English Dictionary” defines Christianity itself, as a tradition, and defines it as such: = a doctrine or body of doctrines regarded as having been established by Christ or the Apostles, though not contained in the Bible. Brethren, some traditions can be quite beneficial to the church, (If they are Scriptural) but some traditions can be quite damaging to the church (If they are not Scriptural.) We need to be aware of which church traditions we are following and practicing, whether they are Scriptural or not. Let’s go back to the book of Jude please and see something concerning these Love Feasts. Verse 4: because there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (Dropping down to verse 12 for lack of time) 12: These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; (We know this type brethren, we’ve seen them in action for many years, “ministers” lording over the brethren.) Verse 16: These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. 17: But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18: How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. (Mockers # 1703 = a false teacher) These men who crept “in” unawares were spots (The Greek means a ledge, or reef of rocks in the sea) the very thing that caused many shipwrecks, with a high loss of life. The Spiritual side of that is that these “men” (many of them according to our Lord) what these men can do, is shipwreck you. (2 Thessalonians 2:15 please) Church traditions are very important to the growth and wellbeing of its members. (The correct church traditions will produce much Spiritual fruit.) (But the wrong church traditions will cause a shipwreck.). 2 Thessalonians 2:15: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Yes, we need to hold on to church traditions, but only the traditions that have been taught by word (Logos in the Greek – meaning Christ’s teachings) or the traditions taught by the Apostles epistles.) The traditions that began on the day of Pentecost, when God poured out His Holy Spirit in abundance, caused many to begin receiving and utilizing their Powerful Spiritual Gifts. Brethren, the church tradition of breaking bread (the breaking of the thin cakes) Those Love Feasts, were removed from the church so long ago, that they’re not even remembered. They were first attacked from within, by those certain ungodly men who crept into the church unawares, who were unholy men, having not the Spirit of God. Then later, at the Council of Laodicea they were formally removed and prohibited in the church. The Council of Laodicea was a regional synod (an Ecclesiastical council) of approximately thirty clerics from Asia Minor that assembled about 363–364 AD in Laodicea. The major concerns of the Council involved regulating the conduct of church members. The Council expressed its decrees in the form of written rules or canons. Among the sixty canons decreed, several aimed at: Maintaining order among Bishops, Clerics and Laypeople. Outlawing the keeping of the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) and encouraging rest on “Lord’s Day” Sunday. And also forbade the churches for celebrating the Agape or love feast. Let’s read them (word for word as they are) Now most of us are familiar with Cannon # 29, we’ll read that first: CANON XXIX. CHRISTIANS must not Judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day, rather honouring the Lord’s Day; and, if they can, resting then as Christians. But if any shall be found to be judaizers, let them be anathema (an ath a ma) from Christ. (Meaning: excommunicated, banned and cursed.) Most of us are familiar with that #29 Cannon with that ruling. But how many are aware of Cannon # 28, the Cannon that caused the Agape Feast to end. The very church tradition that increased the flow of God’s Spirit amongst the brethren, which in turn brought about the working of miracles, signs, and wonders, was removed, and forbidden to be practiced in the church? CANON # 28. (Word for Word) “It is not permitted to hold love feasts, as they are called, in the Lord’s Houses, or Churches, nor to eat and to spread couches in the house of God.” Brethren, that was a sad day for the church, the removing of that church tradition, brought about the weak and sickly condition in the church of God that is spoken of in 1 Corinthians 11:30 and has even caused many in God’s church in these end times to die, due to the lack of Spiritual Strength, of the many gifts that the Father had previously given, including the gift of healing. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 is not about the Passover. Passover was addressed in chapter 5. What is being addressed here is a love feast, and how they were getting out of hand. And as Jude already told us the problem originated with ungodly men coming in. And when you realize that this incident here was not a Passover service, it helps us clarify the Passover controversy. The Lord Himself says in the book of John: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your father did eat manna and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.” The life is in the blood; the blood is in the wine. Concerning the frequency of partaking of the bread and Wine, the commentaries have little controversy, due to the meaning of the Greek word used. The comment that Jesus and the apostle Paul made was for the Love Feast, to be celebrated often. The Worldwide Church of God taught that this word “often” means once a year. (Nothing could be further from the truth.) The Greek words ‘hosakis ean’ used in 1Corinthians 11:25 and 26 as “as often as” in the KJV, and “Whenever” in the NIV Have the same meaning. When I say, “I will come as often as I can”, it means, “I will come whenever I can. “The Greek word used here, sets no specific time of occurrence, but its meaning does mean frequently or often, and not yearly. This can easily be seen in Revelation 11:6 where the same exact word is used. (Let’s go there please Revelation 11:6) Speaking of God’s two witnesses, we read this: Revelation 11:6: These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. It’s up to their discretion brethren, surely, they’re not going to call these plagues down in one-year intervals. Men again have led many astray with their false teaching concerning this matter. While studying this Greek word, I found this: The Greek word HOSAKIS translated “as often as” was used by many writers, including The Greek author Homer, the writings of Lysias (5th to 4th century BC) Plato (4th century BC) and Josephus (1st century AD) as well as various papyri and inscriptions, with the uncontested meaning to be: “As often As” denoting an event of variable yet frequent occurrences. Brethren, Jude’s exhortation for us to get back to the faith once delivered to the saints, is vital. Wesley says this about the faith that is spoken of by Jude; he says that this particular word translated faith here by Jude, (Represents All the fundamental truths that were once delivered.) We’re talking foundation here – The trunk of the tree. This word “faith” has to do with doctrine, it has to do with the belief in Divine Truths – Biblical Truth – Sound Doctrines. Not fables and myths of men that are not even Scriptural. Yes, even the Apostle Paul spoke often of the false apostles and deceitful workers, who transformed themselves into the apostles of Christ. These imposters have done so much damage and have gotten the church so far off the track, that it’s no wonder that Jude used such exhorting words, to try and get us to return to that precious faith. Let us look at another word that we have been misled on. It’s in 1 Corinthians 11:25 (By the way, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 is not about Passover service. Passover was addressed in chapter 5. This incident spoken of here by Paul concerned the improper way the Corinthian church began keeping the Love Feast.) In verse 25, the word “remembrance” was taught by Worldwide Church of God to mean memorial, which is kept once a year. But the true definition of this word is “recollection” It is to bring back to mind, what our Savior went through to save us. And Verse 26 we are told that as often as we eat this bread, and drink this cup, we do “shew” the Lord’s death till He comes. That word “shew” means to openly proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. By doing this, we look both ways. Back at His suffering and death, and forward to His coming. Brethren, Our Lord instituted this partaking of the bread and cup to be taken “often”, to keep us on the straight and narrow. It’s a powerful tool. We all know how well it works at Passover time. Many clean up their acts in preparation for Passover. Then a few weeks after Passover many drift back into some of their bad old habits. Our Lord knew that we needed His help often. One way that help comes is from partaking of the bread and cup. Remember, the life is in the blood, and the blood is in the wine. We have to examine ourselves before partaking, for if we eateth and drinketh unworthily, we eateth and drinketh damnation on ourselves, not discerning the Lords body. And notice verse 30: For this cause (for not partaking of this love feast, for not discerning the Lords body) many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. Yes, the current condition of the church of God, weak (meaning spiritually weak) and sickly (being of ill health and not healed) and many sleep. (Meaning dead when they should have been healed of their illnesses after being anointed by the elders.) Brethren, returning to the faith once delivered to the Saints, Is going to be quite a difficult feet to accomplish for many in the church of God. Especially considering that a deceived ministry occupies the majority of pulpits within the church. Now these might be bold words that I’m speaking but think about it. How often do you hear the pulpits in the church today state that we need to get back to the faith once delivered? They don’t brethren. Oh, they mention that Scripture from Jude, but they have a deceived twist to it. They say we have already gotten back to that faith that we need only to hold on to it. Brethren, how can we hold on to something that we don’t even have in our grip, yet? We need to get back to the faith once delivered. We need to get back to the Scriptural tradition of keeping those “Agape Love Feasts” and partaking of the Bread and the Cup more often than just once a year at Passover time. We need to end the “Believe” problem that currently exists in God’s church. Scriptures from the KJV |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Feasts of Charity Article by William P. Goff Comments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
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| It never ceases to amaze me how some people portray a doctrine in a manner to fit into their objective or special pet doctrine. Some of these pet doctrines are benign, but others are salvational. That is why you never and I repeat never want to follow any doctrine without studying it yourself because if you follow a wrong teaching you will end up losing your salvation just like the person who is teaching it. For Example: One of the tricks used in the Worldwide Church of God and a trick still being used by those who came out of that organization is to make a statement, like “this shows they were partaking of the bread and wine of Passover several times a year” and then list a bunch of different scriptures to prove their point. Most, not all, most people in the Worldwide Church of God got the booklet on whatever subject it was and read the booklet but just took for granted that all the scriptures used to prove the point (whatever that point was) were the right scriptures proving that point. Most, not all, most people never looked up any or very few of the scriptures used to prove any given point. If you don’t look up the scriptures being used, you have no idea if the person is feeding you a true doctrine or a line of blarney. In this article he appears to be saying that the bread and the wine of Passover can and should be taken more than once a year. Sorry William, you have some good articles but this one in regard to the “Bread and the Wine” is a false doctrine. Now with that said, I did not disagree with this entire article, only the part about taking the bread and wine as often as you want to. There is nothing wrong with having a church potluck and calling it a “Feast of Charity” if you want to do that, but when you teach that the bread and wine as done at Passover can be done at these “Feast of Charity’s” I wouldn’t do it. The scriptures that William used to prove the bread and the wine should be taken more than once a year actually do not say what he claims they say. Fellowship Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Act 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. These scriptures are talking about eating a meal and having fellowship. There is no indication here that anyone was partaking of the bread, the wine or doing foot washing. Reference to Passover 1 Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 10:1-22 is a warning about Idolatry where different verses are interjected to remind people what God did for them and that they cannot partake of the table of the devil and the table of Christ at the same time. The scripture used 1 Corinthians 10:16 is a reference to the bread and the wine at Passover. There is nothing in this scripture telling anyone to partake of the bread and the wine any old time they want to. Reference to Judas who is to betray the Lord Joh 13:18 I do not speak concerning all of you; I know whom I chose out; but that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “The one eating the bread with Me lifted up his heel against Me.” Psa. 41:9 Psa 41:9 Even a man desiring my welfare, I trusted in him, eating of my bread; this one has lifted up his heel against me. These are references to Judas betraying Christ. Praying before a meal Luk 24:30 And it happened as He reclined with them, having taken the loaf, He blessed, and having broken He gave to them. All this scripture is talking about is praying before a meal. False Doctrine and Church Eras William writes: What? Traditions of doctrines handed down and believed even if they are not found in the Scriptures? Could this be possible? Could there be doctrines, teachings, traditions (that are not Scriptural) being taught and practiced in the church of God today, and even believed amongst the many, as Truth? Yes, because this is the Laodicean era, where the church thinks that they are rich, increased with goods, and in need of nothing. Brethren, some traditions can be quite beneficial to the church, (If they are Scriptural) but some traditions can be quite damaging to the church (If they are not Scriptural.) Laura writes: In order for the doctrine or tradition of “Bread and Wine” to be partaken of many times a year you would have to have better proof than you gave from the scriptures. God wants to be worshipped one way and that is His way. He lays out His Holy Days and He tells us to keep them. There is only one time a year that He wants you to partake of the bread and the wine and that is on Passover. 1Co 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 1Co 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 1Co 11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Read these scriptures closely. It tells you when to break the bread and drink the wine, in verse 26, you do it to show the Lord’s death. Which Holy Day shows the Lord’s death? It is Passover. Passover is a memorial of Christ’s death. This is repeated almost word for word in Luke 22 where it is called Passover. Exo_12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever. Definition for remembrance = memorial Strong’s H2142 (memorial, remembrance) and Strong’s G364 (remembrance) When you carry memorial through from Old Testament to New Testament it means remembrance which means memorial. The exact same Passover spoken of in 1 Corinthians 11:24-26 is also spoken of in the following places: Mathew 26:17-30 Mark 14:12-26 Luke 22:7-30 John 13 Also, there are several churches mentioned in the Bible including the Laodicean Church and what is described under each of these churches is an attitude of the people attending them. These attitudes can apply to people in any generation. The Bible says nothing about church eras and if you can find any proof of church eras in the Bible, please send it to me and we will re-visit it. From the Adam Clarke Comentary: Verse Jude 1:12. Spots in your feasts of charity — It appears that these persons, unholy and impure as they were, still continued to have outward fellowship with the Church! This is strange: but it is very likely that their power and influence in that place had swallowed up, or set aside, the power and authority of the real ministers of Christ; a very common case when worldly, time-serving men get into the Church. The feasts of charity, the αγαπαι or love feasts, of which the apostle speaks, were in use in the primitive Church till the middle of the fourth century, when, by the council of Laodicea, they were prohibited to be held in the Churches; and, having been abused, fell into disuse. In later days they have been revived, in all the purity and simplicity of the primitive institution, among the Moravians or Unitas Fratrum, and the people called Methodists. Among the ancients, the richer members of the Church made an occasional general feast, at which all the members attended, and the poor and the rich ate together. The fatherless, the widows, and the strangers were invited to these feasts, and their eating together was a proof of their love to each other; whence such entertainments were called love feasts. The love feasts were at first celebrated before the Lord’s Supper; in process of time, they appear to have been celebrated after it. But they were never considered as the Lord’s Supper, nor any substitute for it. See, for farther information, Suicer, in his Thesaurus, under the word αγαπη. Conclusion: Someone sent me an 18-page document which they claim is proof that we should participate in the bread, the wine and/or the foot washing many times a year. They also conclude that the bread and the wine can be partaken of many times a day. After reading the article I can honestly say that I found no biblical proof given for partaking of the bread, the wine or the foot washing more than once a year on Passover, in that article. Perhaps someone else can find it and point it out to me. The article is titled “Mosaic Sacrifice and Blood of Jesus” by Avram Yehoshua and it can be found at: https://seedofabraham.net/Mosaic-Sacrifice-and-the-Blood-of-Jesus.pdf Another trick of deception is when people write articles and only quote the part of a source that fits their doctrine, but do not quote the part of the same source that goes against their doctrine or they mis-quote something totally by changing a few words around. Jim Rector does some of that in his article titled “Lord’s Supper”. He also splits hairs by trying to tell everyone that “The Lord’s Supper” is not a reference to “The Passover”. The Lord’s Supper only used once in scripture is a reference to Passover. They are one and the same and not two different types of days giving license to eat leavened bread on one and not the other and allowing people to keep the bread and wine once every day and the other one only once a year. I could not find Jim Rector’s article online, someone sent it to me, but if you want to study this further, ask and I will send you the article that Jim Rector wrote. 1Co 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. Look at 1 Corinthians 11:20 very closely. Why does it say it is not the Lord’s Supper? First of all, the Lord’s Supper which is the Passover is not eaten publicly. The Passover is eaten at home. What is going on in the Corinthian Church gathering was public and more like a party type get together gone wrong. The entire chapter of Corinthians 11 is about Paul reprimanding these people at this gathering for what they are doing wrong. Women should have long hair; men should have short hair. People are drunk and not sharing their food. People are divided meaning they do not all believe the same thing. So, you have various groups in one place, and I am sure that there are some of these groups that are participating in a communion ceremony and partaking of the bread and the wine as it is done on Passover and Paul is reprimanding them by saying “when you come together it is not the Lord’s Supper/Passover. The book of Jude is the only place “Feast of Charity” is mentioned and in context it is similar to Corinthians 11, a gathering gone wrong. Research for this article was hard as you had a lot of confusion in regard to “Feasts of Charity”. The scriptures that everyone in the Church of God seems to use to prove there were “Feasts of Charity” when read in context look more like debauchery than a Christian, Godly gathering. Commentaries are very mixed as far as whether the bread, the wine and foot washing are even done at these “Feast of Charity” gatherings. Those that do mention it being done, usually say only some people were doing this. Most commentaries agreed that these “Feasts of Charity” were attended by Christians, Jews, pagans, and people still participating in Temple Prostitution. One item from History I looked at said Judaizers were partaking of the bread and wine way back when and most places in the here and now mention Moravians and Methodists as keeping these “Feasts of Charity”. Partaking of the body and blood of Christ is very important to God and we should not make it of no effect by doing it many times in one year. It is to be taken as a memorial of Christ’s death until he returns. It is to be done on Passover. If you are still worried about the word often, stop and think about how many times through the years you have participated in the bread, the wine and the foot washing and I am sure you will realize it was often. So, it is fine to call your potlucks “Feasts of Charity” but participating in the bread, the wine and the foot washing more than once a year is a false doctrine. Now with that said if you can find Biblical proof that you should participate in the bread, the wine and/or the foot washing more than once a year, let me know and we will revisit this doctrine. You can’t or you shouldn’t make a doctrine from something outside of the Bible and then call it Biblical because you believe the bread, the wine and the foot washing was taking place anytime they ate a meal when scripture does not tell us that. love feast /ˈləv ˌfēst/ noun HISTORICAL a feast in token of fellowship among early Christians; an agape. a religious service or gathering imitating this, especially among early Methodists. From Google love feast noun Definition of love feast 1: a meal eaten in common by a Christian congregation in token of brotherly love 2: a gathering held to promote reconciliation and good feeling or show someone affectionate honor Merriam-Webster Dictionary Definition of ’love feast’ love feast in American English 1. a. among the early Christians, a meal eaten together as a symbol of brotherhood b. a modern gathering imitating this 2. US – any gathering characterized by friendliness and good feeling Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved. The scriptures he uses in this article are talking about meals or gatherings. None of the scriptures he uses even talks about partaking of the bread, the wine or foot washing except the passages in Corinthians which has references to the Feast of Passover. Keep in mind that Passover was to be eaten at home. It was never a public celebration or a party type gathering. It is in commemoration of Christ’s death so the partaking of the bread, the wine and foot washing is a solemn occasion which is eaten with a meal at home, once a year. Love Feast in Jude 1:12 could be no more or no less than just a reference to a potluck meal or a High Holy Day Feast, many of which are joyous occasions. No one helps anyone in the church of God to get to that first resurrection by creating doctrines based on such flimsy evidence. What you teach other people is important and should have scriptural evidence clearly showing it is being done. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Feasts of Charity Article by William P. Goff Comments by James McBride (United Kingdom) |
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| It seems to me that the ‘love feasts’ are the Christian assemblies on the Bible holy days. The early church is well known to have continued to observe these – in some areas for many centuries. They early became corrupted as Paul notes (I Corinthians 11) and as Jude wrote. In more recent times as the festivals were abandoned by the church the name was attached to the ‘Eucharist’ or Lord’s Supper. John Brady (Clavis Calendria, v.2 p.341) notes that some Christians, as was the practice by Israel in the feast of Tabernacles decorated their church building at Tabernacles. So many Christians continued with these joyful occasions which were indeed ‘feasts’ (II Peter 2:13). Regarding the Lord’s Supper the churches of God have traditionally observed it annually, assuming it is the Passover. You probably are aware that there is much scholarly dispute over the timing of Passover. (See Oesterley: The Jewish Background of the Christian Liturgy.) For some, the ‘Lord’s Supper was the night before the true Passover – more a pre-passover gathering of the Twelve. The lamb was slain on the 14th of Nisan in the Temple around the time of Jesus’s death and then eaten as the 15th began around sundown. Luke calls the festival of UB ‘the Passover’ (Luke 22:1). In balance I think annual observance is appropriate. It became detached when the festivals were swallowed by pagan practices. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Feasts of Charity Article by William P. Goff Comments by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas) |
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| If you are worried about what that Feast of Charity is then you are missing the point of the scripture. Still, here is a translation that gives a closer indication of what is being said: Jud 1:12 “These are they who are hidden rocks in your love(-feasts probably should not be there) when they feast (means: tending as a shepherd would) with (probably added because the context does not indicate it) you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;” The word translated “love feasts” is just agape, or love. So, rewritten it would seem to mean, “These are they who are hidden/submerged rocks in your Godly Love who, when they should be tending you as Loving Shepherds, instead feed themselves. They are as useless as clouds without water which are carried along by any wind; fruitless trees who will die the second death.” Or something similar to this paraphrase. “Love feasts” is just the word for Godly love, Agape. There is no special “love feast” being discussed there at all. I hope that helps. The bread/wine/foot washing should be done at least once a year but there is no command to do it more than once. It isn’t sin to do it more than once so I’ve no opinion as to what anyone else should be doing. I revert back to if you think the scripture says to do it more than once then you’d better be doing so for whatsoever is not of faith is of sin. It’s not my job to judge that matter. The scripture does not mention a specific number, only that it should be done. |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: Feasts of Charity Article by William P. Goff Comments by Alfio La Spina (Victoria British Columbia) |
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| Matthew 26:27-28 (ESV) 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV) 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Feasts of Charity were brethren partaking of the bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus and it was done often. It is also the accepting of the new covenant for newly baptized believers. Jesus said that the wine represents His blood in the new covenant. There are many that teach often means once a year and they only partake of the bread and wine once a year. Clearly it means more than once. G3740 (Strongs) ὁσάκις hosakis hos-ak’-is Multiple adverbs from G3739; how (that is, with G302, so) many times as: – as oft (-en) as. This same word often is used in Revelation. Surely, they are not going to bring plagues once a year. Revelation 11:6 (KJV) These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. In 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Paul spoke to the brethren concerning the way they were partaking of the Lord’s Supper. He was not referring to Passover. He spoke about the Passover in 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 The Roman Church put a stop to Sabbath keeping and the Feasts of Charity. Cannon # 29, CANON XXIX. CHRISTIANS must not Judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day, rather honouring the Lord’s Day; and, if they can, resting then as Christians. But if any shall be found to be judaizers, let them be anathema (an ath a ma) from Christ. (Meaning: excommunicated, banned & cursed.) CANON # 28. (Word for Word) “It is not permitted to hold love feasts, as they are called, in the Lord’s Houses, or Churches, nor to eat and to spread couches in the house of God.” For a more detailed description of this subject here are two articles concerning it. One is by William P. Goff and one is by Jim Rector. Editor’s Note: We do not agree with either article as they pertain to partaking in the bread, the wine or the foot washing more than once a year but if you email and ask us, we will send you a copy of Jim Rector’s article titled “The Lord’s Supper” and William P. Goff’s article “Feasts of Charity has been printed by this newsletter in Issue #49. In regard to Canon #28, it does not define what they mean by love feasts. Since they are outlawing the Saturday Sabbath in Cannon #29, they may just be outlawing the high holy day feasts as well by using Cannon #28 to do so. Unless you know the definition, they gave to love feasts in Canon #28 then you don’t know exactly what it was they outlawed. Laura Lee |
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