Remarriage

Question: When is remarriage permitted in Scripture?

Short Answer#1: Remarriage is sanctioned by scripture when a marriage is terminated either by Death (Romans 7:1-6), or Divorce if, and only if, there were biblical grounds (Matthew 19:9).

Then there is this question: Can two Christians marry even if one or both was previously divorced without biblical grounds?

The short answer to this question is that what we did before we were saved is washed away by the blood of Christ! Believers are new creatures in Christ, old things have passed away. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Hallelujah!

The longer answer includes the following:

1. Sometimes the consequences of sins committed before receiving Christ cannot be avoided. Crimes committed are still subject to penalties. Children born out of wedlock, or in former marriages, are still our children. Once a person comes to Christ and past sins are forgiven, believers should be all the more diligent to accept responsibility for the consequences of past sins--even though the penalty before God has been paid in full by Christ!

2. Individuals must be honest with the Lord and with themselves, however, since some may claim to have been born again after divorcing, when in fact that were born again before the divorce. If the "I did it before I was saved," argument is being claimed, it must be true, not a loophole.

This brings up another similar question. Can a person who was a Christian when he or she obtained an unbiblical divorce, not knowing it was sinful, ever be free to remarry? Here again, care must be given.

• Under the Old Testament Law (Leviticus 4), God is clear that ignorance is not an excuse for sin. This is why the Law required sin offerings specifically for unintentional sin.

• If the previous spouse is a believer and the two are willing, I would encourage them to explore the possibility of reconciling and remarrying.

• If the previous spouse is not a Christian, the believer should do all he/she can to seek forgiveness and make things right, though remarrying a non-believer would not be the right thing to do.

• If the previous spouse is a Christian or not, and if that previous spouse has remarried, I would say that in most cases, the believer may remarry someone else.

• The question of remarriage to someone other than the previous spouse is even more complicated when there are children involved. In such cases, I would say previously divorced people need to put their children's best interests ahead of their own desires for a second marriage.

There are no doubt more scenarios than have been considered here. I trust that it is obvious that divorce and remarriage is complex and messy, and there are seldom one-size fits all answers. May we as believers be reminded of why God hates divorce! These knotty matters are best untied with direction from a biblically minded pastoral counselor—who has a high view of the sanctity of “the Lord’s holy institution which He loves,” (Malachi 2:11) namely: the sacred covenant of marriage.

Important Footnote: What should people do who have divorced, and even remarried unbiblically? We cannot “un-ring the bell!” Because we cannot undo past sins, ask the Lord for forgiveness and do the right thing, going forward (which likely means asking for forgiveness of those who were hurt by past sin). Praise God that in Christ, all our sins have been forgiven! (Colossians 2:13-14)

Abusive Marriage and Divorce (Part Two)

Q: If the only biblical grounds for divorce are sexual sin and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, what about cases of abuse?
The first part of my answer was on yesterday’s blog. Read it first if you haven’t. Here is part two:

There are two kinds of separation: separation, and legal separation.  For safety, and other practical considerations, simple separation may need to take place immediately (even before any church discipline begins).  Hopefully, the abused has sought pastoral counseling before this step is taken, but for sure if and when this step does take place.  If the counseling and separation does not yield actual and verifiable results in the marriage, legal separation may be the next step.  Taking this next step does two things.  First, legal separation tells the abusive spouse that this is serious and the abused spouse (and the church) mean business.  Second, legal separation protects the abused spouse from potential legal/financial problems that the abuser may cause the family.  Though a person can file for legal separation (and a restraining order if needed) on their own, in many cases an attorney may be most helpful. 

Legal separation is similar to divorce, except that it does not legally dissolve the marriage.  It does not make either party "single," nor is either party free to be involved in other romantic relationships, much less to remarry.  Why separation, whether simple or legal?  It protects the abused party.  It puts the abusive party on notice that a change in life style must take place.  And it gives the Holy Spirit time to bring the abusive party to repentance instead of essentially closing that door with a divorce.  If and when repentance takes place, the marriage can be restored, and that is the best and most desirable outcome.

What if there is no repentance?  First, patience is required—just as the Lord is patient with His erring bride!  Second, when there is no repentance, any one of several scenarios may play out.

1. The unrepentant party, who under church discipline is to be treated as a non-believer, will initiate a divorce.  In this case the "believing spouse," would be free, even to remarry (1 Corinthians 7).

2. The unrepentant party will go on with life exhibiting that he or she has no intentions of reconciling.  In this case, it is possible that enough time may pass that the believing spouse may be justified in filing for divorce simply to end an otherwise endless stalemate.  In my judgment, this may be justified—but it must not be rushed.  I would add that the believing spouse must be on double guard not to get into any relationships that could cause him or her to rush for the sake of being able to remarry, because he or she is still married!

3. The believing spouse may choose to honor his or her marriage vows and resign to living as a separated married person for the rest of his or her life (or at least for the foreseeable future).

As hopefully can be seen, these are complicated matters.  Here are a few bottom lines:

• God loves marriage and so must we—including doing all we can to avoid divorce, which God hates (Malachi:2:16).

• God’s ideal is repentance and reconciliation—even if it takes time.

• We must not adopt, and/or rush to, simplistic answers to such complex issues.

• Pastoral counseling (which may include church discipline) should be sought early.

• God is right about everything, including what He says about marriage, divorce, and remarriage.

Abusive Marriage and Divorce (Part One)

Q: If the only biblical grounds for divorce are sexual sin and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, what about cases of abuse?

Great question!  As I said in a recent sermon on divorce (from Malachi 2:10-16), one of the missing links in the divorce (and remarriage) equation is church discipline.  But I get ahead of myself.

First, we must understand that there is a half-way step between marriage and divorce.  That step is separation, and more formerly, legal separation.  I would never counsel a person to remain in an abusive living situation.  But saying that I must digress yet again.  What kind of abuse am I referring to?  Physical, or mental/emotional?  Either, or both, but caution is in order.

When a spouse is being physically abused, he or she not only may, but must, remove him or herself from danger.  No question.

When it comes to "mental/emotional" abuse, there are nearly as many shades of gray as there are individual situations.  Mental/emotional abuse is real and in many cases, like physical abuse, the abused individual definitely may need to leave.  Sadly, however, there are those who insist that living with a person who is not nice all the time is tantamount to mental/emotional abuse.  In such cases a kind, wise, and discerning pastoral counselor needs to help the parties sort matters out before jumping to separation, much less divorce.  Sometimes living with a difficult person (as unpleasant as it may be), is part of what it means when in our vows we say, "for better or worse."

Second, as mentioned in the recent sermon on divorce, the Church has been negligent in Her duties to shepherd the flock—which includes church discipline.  Physical abuse, true "mental/emotional" abuse, as well as other sins such as substance abuse, and even chronic financial irresponsibility (gambling, refusal to work, or irresponsible indebtedness) are lifestyle sins that the Church must be prepared to address.  Addressing these with an unrepentant person calls for church discipline.  And that is anything but simple, easy, or pleasant.

How does this relate to separation and/or divorce?  Not all would agree with this but when a person reaches the nuclear option in Church discipline (excommunication), are we not to treat the offending person "like a heathen and a tax collector?" (Jesus' words Matthew 18:17, cf., 1 Corinthians 5).

But let us remember the purpose of excommunication.  It is not to get rid of the person, but to bring the person to repentance—which may take time.  Sometimes it takes a long time.

So with the backing of a church that is willing to practice church discipline, the abuser may be excommunicated for living in a state of unrepentant sin.  Part of that excommunication (in cases of abuse) would necessitate marital separation (not divorce, and certainly not hasty divorce).

More on separation next time…

Essentials in corporate worship in Song (Part 2)

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis mine)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We have considered the Word, both reading and preaching, and Prayer. This time: we continue with part two of Worship in Song.

We considered last time that worship of God is not entertainment for us, and that worship in Song is about Him—not about us. This time let’s understand that worship in song must be done with songs that are: (1) Biblically and theologically sound. (2) Singable. And (3) Beautiful.

(1) What we sing is every bit as important that we sing. That is why we carefully vet every song before it is used in a worship service at GBC. We sing songs that are to our about God and His grace, rather than songs about making us feel good. Believe me, there are many “Christian” songs that miss the mark on this essential point. What we sing must be biblically and theologically sound.

(2) Worship singing in church is congregational. The musicians, sound system, and words on the screen all have a singular purpose: to help the congregation sing. There are songs that are too musically complex for congregational singing. We stick with songs that are singable.

(3) Have you heard the phrase: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”? We all have, but that is simply not true. God is beautiful. We are told to worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. Listen: God is the only one who is qualified too define beauty—especially when it comes to how we worship Him! The point is, there are styles of music that we may like (my preference will always be jazz), that are simply not beautiful as God is beautiful. Though it is not easy to define beautiful music, I think that most of us recognize beautiful music when we hear it. I’ll just say that music that has a beat but no melody lacks the beauty required for worship in church. Worship in song must be beautiful because God and His holiness are beautiful.

Next time a little more about worship through the sacraments.

Essentials in corporate worship in Song (Part 1)

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis mine)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We have considered the Word, both reading and preaching, and prayer. This time: Worship in Song.

It has been said, “God’s favorite instrument is the human voice,” wait for it, “singing praises to His name.” I believe that is true. We can be sure that God loves to hear His people sing His praises, if for no other reason, because the Psalms (God’s hymnal) is the longest book in the Bible.

How should we understand and engage in worship in song? There is more to it than can be captured in two blog posts. (Yes, tomorrow will also be about worshiping God in song.)

First, worship of God is not entertainment for people. Any time it becomes entertainment it has ceased to be worship. God shares His glory with no one! We must always resist musical worship that even comes close to entertainment for us. But enough about so-called worship concerts.

When we worship God in song, HE, and HE alone is the Audience. We the people sing for His pleasure and for His glory, or else it just isn’t worship.

Second, we are to worship Him for who He is and for the great and marvelous things He does. Our songs should exalt Him as Creator, as Savior, and as King. The “exception to this rule“ is that we have biblical warrant to sing songs of encouragement and exhortation to each other.

Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (emphasis mine)

But even here, note that as we teach and admonish one another in song, we do so, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord, since whatever we do, we do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him! So true worship in song is always about Him!

Next time a little more about worship in song.

Essentials in corporate worship: Prayer

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis mine)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We have considered the Word, both reading and preaching. This time: Prayer.

When Jesus cleansed the temple He said His Father’s house was to be “a house of prayer” (Mark 11:17). Interestingly, He said “a house of prayer for all nations,” pointing forward to the Church made up of both Jews and Gentiles, not merely the Jewish temple. The Church is to be a house of prayer. It is a house of preaching and/or fellowship, but let us never forget the importance of prayer. When the local church is gathered for corporate worship, prayers are to be an an essential component.

Jesus said that “apart from Him we can do nothing” (John 15:5). That being true, we pray that He would work in and through us to accomplish His divine will. It is, therefore, necessary:

• To gather for prayer before the actual service begins. Can you come to the preservice prayer at least once a month? Don’t stay away because you are nervous about praying aloud. Pray silently. And as you listen to others, you will learn how to pray aloud, and will feel more at ease.

• To open the worship service with prayer asking the Lord to superintend over all that takes place. As the service begins, let us all pray, expecting the Lord to do His work in us as we gather for worship.

• To have a set time of corporate prayer in the worship service. We have different men in the church who take turns leading us in prayer. Allow me to encourage you to do more than listen to the men who pray aloud. Rather, let us all actively pray along with whoever is leading us in prayer.

Prayer is an expression that we need the Lord. A lack of prayer is a silent expression that we do not sense any particular need—that we can handle things without Him. Let us be reminded that we need the Lord. And pray!

Next: A few words about singing in corporate worship.

Essentials in corporate worship: Preaching

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis mine)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Last time we considered the importance of reading God’s Word as an essential component of corporate worship. This time: Preaching. Here are two simple truths about preaching.

First, what to preach:

• Preach the Word, not current events, not politics, not the preacher’s opinions, not devotionals intended to make people feel good about themselves.

• Preach the Word, not self-help. The gospel is the opposite of self-help because the gospel addresses the fact that we are altogether unable to help ourselves, which is why we need the Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Preach the Word, not moralism (be good) or legalism (do good).

• Preach Christ and the Gospel no matter what the text. And if one can find nothing to say about Christ and the gospel from a text, one has not fully understood the text.

Second, how to preach. “Preach the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). The best way to do this is to preach through whole books of the Bible (a). Most times, that means preaching verse by verse. Sometimes giving overviews of books or chapters is appropriate. And though some New Testament books may be preached more often, we must not ignore the Old Testament.

Someone once described preaching through books like this: (1) Read the text. (2) Explain the text. (3) Do the same thing next week continuing with the next verse. A commitment to this kind of preaching helps keep both the preacher and the people focus on the Word rather than on favorite subjects.

(a) Preaching topical messages from time to time may be appropriate, but these can too often turn into the preacher’s opinions, whereas a steady diet of preaching through books of the Bible point us to what God says about everything. BTW: Expositional preaching is preaching that exposits (explains) a text. Topical messages can and should be expositional, meaning they are based on a text of scripture, even if the message is not a part of a verse by verse series through a book of the Bible.

Next: A few words about prayer in corporate worship.

Essentials in corporate worship: Reading

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis mine)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Additional components are additional, and not essential. Some non essentials (announcements, missionary updates, etc.), are helpful and good so long as they do not eclipse the three essentials. Other non-essentials are more likely to divert the congregation’s focus away from the essentials and are therefore probably best avoided.

What about the essentials? When recording what the first church in Jerusalem “continued steadfastly in” immediately after Pentecost “the Apostles’ doctrine” is listed first (Acts 2:42). “Continuing steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine” is synonymous with reading and preaching the Word of God. Preaching is primary.

Reading: I confess, I used to shy away from reading longer portions of God’s Word for fear that people would not follow and remain engaged. Then I understood 1 Timothy 4:13, “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” Obviously, “giving attention to exhortation and doctrine” refers to preaching. But then I learned that “giving attention to reading” isn’t a reference to personal reading, but to the public reading of God’s Word.

As a result, we began reading longer passages including reading through the Psalms in our Lord’s Day worship. The power of God’s Word is in the Word itself, not in the people’s attention. Paying attention is indeed important, but God’s Word is powerful in and of itself. So let us pay attention so as not to miss the power of the Word of God as it is read in the worship services.

One footnote. Those who read the Word aloud should also do their best to know and understand what they are reading so as to read the Word in a manner that helps make what is being read as understandable to those who are listening and following along.

Next: A few words about preaching.

Summarizing one's life's work

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:17-21

As was Paul’s custom, he followed up with the churches the Lord used him to plant. Ephesus was no exception. Paul had a special affinity for that church, having spent so much time there. Paul began what turned out to be his last face to face talk with them. He addressed the elders, reminding them of his time there.

• He reminded them of his personal relationship with them, of his humble service, of his passion (tears), and of how he suffered persecution.

• He reminded them of how he tirelessly gave them the Word of God, both when preaching publicly and when in small groups in their homes.

• He reminded them of his commitment to preach Christ to any and all—regardless of race or cultural background.

• And his message? Nothing other than Christ and the gospel, calling for repentance regarding sin and faith in Christ.

I pray that if my life’s work were ever summarized, it would be similar to Paul’s summary of his. No matter what else we do, may we serve Christ and His Church similarly.

Redeeming the time

Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 20:13-16

Travel in those days was better and easier than ever before in history. But compared to today, it was slow and arduous. Luke includes Paul’s travel plans en-route to Jerusalem, mentioning a few “connecting” sailings.

Of particular interest was Paul’s desire to visit with the leaders of the church in Ephesus one last time (though he didn’t know that). You remember that Paul planted the church in Ephesus and stayed there much longer than in any other of the places he planted churches—three years!

It is interesting to note that Paul did not actually go to Ephesus, however. He went to Miletus, a seaport near Ephesus. Luke tells us that it was because Paul was in a hurry to jet to Jerusalem. Reading between the lines, Paul probably knew that if he went to Ephesus, he would not be able to make it a short visit. The bond of love between Paul and the Ephesians would pressure him to remain longer, and he could not spare the time.

The lesson here is not as specifically spiritual as it is practical. We are responsible to be good stewards of our time as well of as our money. Let us be wise with our time, remembering Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:16, where he wrote, “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Thanking the Lord for His kindness

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted. Acts 20:7-12

The account of Eutychus falling asleep, falling out of a third story window—and then being raised from the dead—is human, somewhat humorous, and altogether miraculous. We admitted that sleepiness in church sometimes happens. We ought to do what we can to mitigate sleepiness, when we can. At other times, it may be an unavoidable part of being human. We quipped a little about the humor in the story. But the most important aspect of Eutychus’s story is the miraculous grace of God.

Yeah, Paul was long winded. Eutychus was tired, fell out the window, and tragically died. But God was gracious to raise the man from the dead! God didn’t tell us this story to blame Paul for being wordy, or Eutychus for being weary.

The most important application isn’t for preachers to get to the point. Neither is the most important application that congregants need to remain alert in church. The most important application is to see the kindness of God in light of our common weaknesses! How many times and in how many ways has the Lord been graciously kind with you and with me when we are not at our best?

Thank You, Lord, for Your countless mercies that are new every morning!

It happens to the best of us

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted. Acts 20:7-12

The account of Eutychus falling asleep, falling out of a third story window—and then being raised from the dead—is human, somewhat humorous, and altogether miraculous.

It is human in that most of us have have been overtaken by sleepiness when at church. It happens to the best of us. Sometimes it is almost unavoidable. A sleepless night caring for sick children, or just having a hard time sleeping—these and other factors can contribute to drowsiness even when worshiping the living God.

There are other times when sleepiness in church is preventable. We must sometimes choose between late-night activities, or eating rich foods on Saturday nights—and planning to be alert for church the next morning. Part of listening on Sunday morning is preparing on Saturday evening.

If I had an important job interview early in the morning, I would do everything to be awake, alert, and presentable the previous evening. Do we think less of worshiping the living God?

Tune in next time for the miraculous.

Ok, so it's not that funny!

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted. Acts 20:7-12

The account of Eutychus falling asleep, falling out of a third story window—and then being raised from the dead—is human, somewhat humorous, and altogether miraculous.

We admitted that sleepiness in church sometimes happens. We ought to do what we can to mitigate sleepiness, when we can. At other times, it may be an unavoidable part of being human.

Eutychus’s story is also somewhat humorous. There is no humor in his falling out of a third story window, and there is certainly no humor in his death. What is a bit humorous, at least to me, is that after Paul ran down stairs and raised Eutychus from the dead, it appears that they all when back upstairs, ate, and continued the the service. Imagine that!

This true story has opened the door for preachers to say, “Hey, even Paul was long winded! He not only put people to sleep, Eutychus even died!” The humorous retort has been to say, “Yeah, but Paul was able to raise the dead, so unless you can do that, don’t be so long winded!”

A humorous application for us from this account is, “If you are tired at church, don’t sit on the sill of an open third story window!”

Next time: The human aspect of Eutychus’s story.

The Sabbath (Part 8)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

Having worked through some key principles set forth in scripture regarding the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day, let me conclude this mini-series by considering the Father’s role in establishing the Sabbath and how the Lord’s Day points us to and glorifies the Son.

The last verse of the Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:11) reminds us that God Himself exemplified observance of the Sabbath. Was God tired after creating the universe and everything in it in six days? Did He need a breather? Hardly. He did it to underscore the Fourth Commandment’s universal importance.

Additionally, changing the day of observance from the seventh day to the first day of the week points us to Jesus. We call it “The Lord’s Day,” in part because it commemorates His resurrection (that took place on the first day of the week). It also points us to Jesus in that when He was raised, He established in a new beginning. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, believers are “new creatures” in Christ.

A Footnote: Is it not ironic that Fourth Commandment, that is the longest of the Ten Commandments—and is the only one that God presents Himself as keeping—is routinely dismissed by so many Christians?

The Sabbath (Part 7)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

What does the Bible say about the Sabbath—which is the fourth of the Ten Commandments? We’ve considered several key components of the Fourth Commandment in previous posts. Let’s ask and answer the question, “Who is to observe the Sabbath?”

First, though there were no specific instructions given, since the Sabbath was established at creation it stands to reason that it is for all people, not merely Israel as some insist.

Second, when God issued more specific instruction in the Fourth Commandment, He clarified who is responsible to observe the Day.

Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.

It is clear that this meant everyone, including children, servants, and even “the sojourner” (non-Jews). While not wanting to create lists of dos and don’ts, I often wonder why it is okay for our children to work their part time jobs on the Lord’s Day? I also wonder why it is okay, not only to do commerce on the Lord’s Day, but to put those who serve us to work on the Lord’s Day? Are not those who serve us in stores or restaurants (whether Christian or not) our “servants“? As for livestock, I cannot say for sure, except that the Commandment seems to require an across the board day of rest.

At the risk of being redundant, I recoil at the idea of legislating what who can and cannot do on the Lord’s Day. I do, however, think it exceedingly wise to prayerfully seek the Lord about how He would have each of us work out the details of this Fourth Commandment in our own lives, and in the lives of our family.

One last post on God Himself exemplifying the observation of the Sabbath on the first seventh day…

The Sabbath (Part 6)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

What does the Bible say about the Sabbath—which is the fourth of the Ten Commandments? We’ve considered Exodus 20:8-9. Verse 10 gives principles regarding what to do and not do on the Sabbath day.

Remember that we are never to add to or subtract from God’s Word. The religionists Jesus scolded had added a slew of man-made regulations that God never gave. We must not do that. When no particulars are given by God, we are to understand the principles God has set forth, and then walk according to wisdom and conscience to discern how we (as individuals and families) are to obey the principles. Consider the principles contained Exodus 20:10.

Exodus 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.

We are to refrain from “work,” but what work? The Sabbath is not a day for idleness, nor is it a day that we stop living. This is usually understood that we are to refrain from the regular tasks of “employment” whether we are employed at a job, school, or homemaking. The principle is: stop doing what you do during your six days of work. This includes refraining from commerce, including commerce that puts others to work.

Exceptions include addressing emergencies (as when one’s “donkey falls into a ditch” Luke 14:5). We are to care for those who are sick or in need. We are to engage in Christian and charitable ministry (“as unto the Lord”). And there are some sectors of employment that are necessary such as police, fire, and medical workers.

These are the principles set forth by God in His Word. It is up to us to wisely discern how He would have us put these into practice. And we must give others the grace to do the same, even when their convictions differ from ours.

Lastly, let us factor in the principle our Lord gave regarding the Sabbath, that “the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27), lest we make keeping the Lord’s Day a burden instead of a blessing.

Who is to observe the Sabbath? Next time…

The Sabbath (Part 5)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

What does the Bible say about the Sabbath—which is the fourth of the Ten Commandments? We last considered Exodus 20:8, Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy… This time, a short consideration of (v.9), Six days you shall labor, and do all your work…

This part of the commandment is often overlooked, but it deserves at least a passing comment. Before telling us what God has to say about the seventh day, the Lord reminds us of His plans for us the other six days: work.

God worked to create everything in six days and then took a day off. That is His plan for us as well.

Work is not part of the curse following the Fall, it is God’s plan for us from creation. As image bearers of God we are to be creative, and industrious workers.

God’s plan is work six days followed by one day for worship and rest. We ought to be grateful that many only need to work five days allowing us an extra day off as well as a day for worship and rest.

What are we to do, and not do on the actual Sabbath day (which since the Resurrection has been changed to the first, instead of the seventh day of the week)? Next time…

We do not set up list of rules. We merely point people to obey the 4th commandment as their consciences dictate.

The Sabbath (Part 4)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

What does the Bible say about the Sabbath—which is the fourth of the Ten Commandments?

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy… (Exodus 20:8)

The Sabbath is a day, not merely 60-90 minutes if and when we are at church.

The Sabbath is to be kept holy. The words “keep it holy,” or “kept holy” are only one word in Hebrew. To keep the day holy suggests that it doesn't happen automatically, or on its own. A measure of diligence, planning, and yes—effort is required. To keep something also suggests that we have to guard and protect it—why? Because there is no end to the rival interests that will tempt us to not “keep it holy.” We must guard the day or it is likely to be devalued and or forgotten.

The word holiness has two meanings, both important. The first speaks of purity. The second means “other than,” or “set apart,” from other things—primarily for God.

While only God is holy in the absolute sense, we are called to “be Holy as God is holy” (Leviticus 11:45, 19:2, 20:26-27, 1 Peter 1:16), and we are commanded to keep the Sabbath day holy (Exodus 20:8).

The Sabbath (Part 3)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

Many who want to honor the Sabbath make the mistake of formulating a list of Dos & Don’ts of what people should and should not do on the Lord’s Day. This is what the religionists leading up to the time of Christ did. Jesus soundly rejected this approach saying, “So for the sake of your tradition you have made void [made nothing] the word of God” (Matthew 15:6). And in (v.9) Jesus added that they were, “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” Their faulty thinking went like this: If we are not to work, let’s make a list of things that constitute work and a list of things that don’t. By doing this, they knew which things to scrutinize (most often in other people), and which things are OK (things they can get away with.)

Notice what is completely missing: (a) What God’s Word said on the subject. And (b) any reference to keeping the day holy as an act of worship. Thus, as Jesus pointed out, they made nothing of the Word of God!

What does the Word of God say, particularly in the fourth commandment in Exodus 20:8-11?

The commandment begins with the word “remember.” It is the only commandment that begins with the word “remember.”

First, this informs and reminds us that this commandment is not a new matter. As pointed out in an earlier blog, the matter of the Sabbath dated back to creation (Genesis 2:1-3), making it universal not merely for Israel. It was also commanded by God regarding gathering manna (Exodus 16:5, 22-30). Remember that when the Sabbath commandment was given, it was not new.

Second, “remember” means do not forget or dismiss later on. Sadly, many (most?) evangelicals dismiss the entire concept of the Sabbath, relegating it as being merely for Israel (forgetting that it predates Israel), thus justifying (forgetting) its significance in our day. Do not forget or dismiss the Sabbath, discarding it on the rubbish heap of irrelevant history.

Next time keeping the Sabbath Day Holy.

The Sabbath (Part 2)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Acts 20:7

As we saw last time, meeting on the first day of the week (the Lord’s Day) for corporate worship is what Christians did early on—and continue to do to this day. The London Baptist confession clarifies this issue well (as do most historic confessions):

LBCF Chapter 22, Paragraph 7: It is the law of nature that in general a portion of time specified by God should be set apart for the worship of God. So by His Word, in a positive-moral and perpetual commandment that obligates everyone in every age, He has specifically appointed one day in seven for a sabbath to be kept holy to Him. (Exodus 20:8) From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ the appointed day was the last day of the week. After the resurrection of Christ it was changed to the first day of the week, which is called the Lord’s Day. (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2; Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10) This day is to be kept to the end of the age as the Christian Sabbath, since the observance of the last day of the week has been abolished.

There is a continuity and a change in the Sabbath. In the Old Testament (OT), the Sabbath was the seventh day. It was a day of rest from six days of labor to worship God. In the New Testament (NT), the Sabbath became the first day of the week to worship God, followed by six days of labor.

Do you see how grace is emphasized in the NT Sabbath, rather that works as in the OT Sabbath? The OT way of thinking was: Work, then salvation. The NT way of thinking is: Grace, then work.

Praise the Lord for the Lord’s Day on which we can celebrate God’s free grace, followed by working out our salvation with fear and trembling! (Philippians 2:12-13)

More on the basics of “Remembering the Sabbath Day” from the fourth commandment next time.