Why am I taking the time and space to reflect on the subject of Christian liberty? It may be helpful to repeat what I pointed out at the beginning, that although the subject arose in the context of questions about the character of the fruit of the vine in the communion service, the session has not made a decisions on that matter (except to wait for a time before considering the subject). However, in studying the issue, it appeared to me that as a congregation we would do well to give attention not only to the sacramental issue (what is the most appropriate and Biblical way to observe the Lord’s Supper), but also to the question of Christian liberty, which is a separate, but related issue. I intend to preach on Romans 14 when we get to that point in our current Sunday morning series on Romans. However, I also wanted to do some bite-sized reflections over a period of time (thus these blog entries, which also appear as bulletin inserts). Continue reading “The fruit of the vine: Christian liberty — Where are we going?”
What does God say about wine? (continued)
The Bible clearly condemns drunkenness as we have seen. However, it also speaks positively about wine.
Psalm 104 celebrates God’s provision for his creation:
You cause the grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for man to cultivate,
that he may bring forth food from the earth
and wine to gladden the heart of man,
oil to make his face shine
and bread to strengthen man’s heart. (vv. 14-15 ESV)
God’s blessings, poured out upon his faithful people, include wine: “He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, Continue reading “What does God say about wine? (continued)”
What does God say about wine?
Does the Bible, either directly, or by implication, condemn the use of wine (or other beverages which contain alcohol)? As we have seen, sin lies not in things, but in the actions of God’s creatures.
What does the Bible tell us about how God views wine? First, the Word of God consistently condemns drunkenness. Continue reading “What does God say about wine?”
God’s good creation
As we begin to look at the issue of Christian liberty, the appropriate place to start is at the beginning! In the creation account in Genesis 1 six different times God pronounces what he has made “good.” Then in Genesis 1:31 God, after surveying his entire creation, declares it “very good.”
Genesis 3, of course, goes on to describe the Fall. Notice, however, that although the Fall had a negative impact on the creation, the problem is man’s sin. It is not that the creation, the things around us, have become evil. Rather, mankind, in his rebellion, abuses the creation for his own purposes rather than using it for the glory of God. David celebrates the goodness of God’s creation in Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world , and all who live in it” (NIV). Continue reading “God’s good creation”
The Fruit of the Vine: Introduction
As far back as I can remember, this congregation has used grape juice in its observance of the Lord’s Supper. Some time ago your elders, the session, began to give thought to whether that is the best, the most biblical way to observe communion. It is clear that this is an issue on which people hold strong positions, and those views do not all run in the same direction. The session has not made a decision on this issue and does not expect to for some time.
At least two issues arise. One is the sacramental one: what is the most biblical way to obey our Lord’s command to do this in remembrance of him. The second is that of Continue reading “The Fruit of the Vine: Introduction”