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Three Points From A Brother Worth Considering

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Jack Exum Jr

I found an article which may be of interest, but is not presented here to “give ammunition” to one side or the other in the “consideration of instruments in worship.”
I have no idea where the article came from, although I think it came from a church bulletin somewhere.

Dad did speak to churches where instruments were regularly used. They kindly omitted the use of instruments while he was there, and he appreciated this. However, he didn’t berate them for their use of the instruments of music, he considered them his brethren… and he treated them as such.

He understood, as do I that it is the blood of Christ that puts one into Christ and His grace is that which keeps one in Christ… and that instruments are not an issue of salvation, even though their use divides many. He believed that the use of instruments and other methods or areas of differences should never… ever… be forced upon a congregation and if one congregation wants to use a certain method… it doesn’t mean all have to.

While Dad never spoke on the subject of “Instrumental Music in corporate worship,” but he thought it presumptuous of brethren who go to such extremes as legislating and trying to invade a Christian’s privacy… and forbid the use of a piano at home in private worship, or listening to Christian music over the radio while driving down the road, or cassette tape recording or cd… Dad believed in God’s grace. He understood and believed that we are not perfect in our understanding of everything in the Bible. He didn’t really hold to the “Better to be safe than sorry” idea… as so many Christians today. Why? Because that is not joyful, confident Christian living. (So while he was traveling down I-75 to Jacksonville to catch a flight to his next meeting, he was probably listening to his favorite singer George Jones singing Gospel songs…)

If you want to be safe rather than sorry… then you may not make it to the church building Sunday morning for fear of doing something wrong… Whatever happened to GRACE, and LOVING EACH OTHER, UNITY OF THE SPIRIT and CHURCH AUTONOMY?

Here is an article Dad found and used in his newsletter on month…

Three points by Tom Lawson, as to why he thought it better (at least occasionally) to leave out the instruments… Tom Lawson, was at the time of this article, the Minister of Music for an Independent Christian Church… (in other words he is a brother in Christ)… Of course the instrument is used where Tom worked at that time. Well he wrote an article pointing out three advantages of not using an instrument in worship. Here it is…

1. It tends to maintain the central leaders in worship as part of the congregation rather than performers up front. When the music of the worship is the music of the church itself, it seems less likely that we would move from worship, to watching worship. The worth of a particular service is, many times gauged by the quality of the performances. Applause is not merely tolerated, it is expected.
2. It tends to preserve times of silence within corporate worship. Not every moment must be programed with organ or piano music to affect my mood.
3. It tends to preserve simplicity of worship that may be increasingly attractive in our complicated age. I am baffled why some within the Church of Christ would pick this time to move toward inclusion of the instrument in worship. Times of silence may have an attraction as great as the “big performances.”

He then concludes, “To my friends within the Church of Christ, I would encourage you to think long and hard before you join the rest of the evangelical world in this area that so clearly impacts the entire worship service. I find myself wishing that. at least once in a while, we would close up the piano, turn off the organ, unplug the guitars, and just see what happens.”

Personally, I find this quite interesting and not bad at all! Now whether or not you agree with Tom, it seems to this scribe that there are some important things to consider along with this…
1. Brethren can and do often differ, and can still remain brethren based on the fact that they are added BY CHRIST to the body through his blood… not on whether they agree on everything all the time.
2. God IS the Judge in matters where frankly one has to admit, there is confusion even and impressive scholarship on both sides of the music issue.
3. There is such a thing as “Conscience Fellowship,” which does not split and divide the church. No one says you have to worship where the instrument is being used, but Jesus did command all of us to love the rest of us who are blood bought and stand in His grace.
4. Judging and condemning each other doesn’t help… Studying together does!
5. Sometime brethren must simply agree to disagree on a topic of confusion (which may be based on methods of interpretation of silence), and still love each other, and respect each other, and work together on other levels and especially in the area of reaching the lost.
6. Read the article “Black Balling”

These are just some of my thoughts. If you don’t agree, that’s okay… I may not agree with myself in a few days… but at least we can give each other time to study, grow in grace, and change down the road.

“Black Balling”

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Jack Exum Jr

There are definitely some things which we DO NOT need to restore which the early church practiced. I am standing firm on this, and you should as well. Now before you get upset, just think about it. What did some in the early church do, which we should not? Well, here is an article which Dad wrote some years ago, and I found it while going through his papers. I am not sure he published it, but I will… It needs to be read…
The article is entitled, “BLACK BALLING”

The idea of assassinating a brother (in Christ) by spurious charges is not new. Simply asking an unanswered question like, “Where was OUR GOOD BROTHER on the night of August 6th,” in order to raise a doubt in the minds of others is an old but still workable trick. Assassination by association is back in style. It is “murder” by grouping. Example: “I was at the zoo recently and saw a monkey, a baboon and brother so and so!” Gossip can often be nothing more than “Guess who I saw sitting at the same table… and they were talking and laughing and seemed to be having lots of fun together.”
The idea of assassinating a brother (in Christ) by spurious charges is not new. Simply asking an unanswered question like, “Where was OUR GOOD BROTHER on the night of August 6th,” in order to raise a doubt in the minds of others is an old but still workable trick. Assassination by association is back in style. It is “murder” by grouping. Example: “I was at the zoo recently and saw a monkey, a baboon and brother so and so!” Gossip can often be nothing more than “Guess who I saw sitting at the same table… and they were talking and laughing and seemed to be having lots of fun together.”
The idea of assassinating a brother (in Christ) by spurious charges is not new. Simply asking an unanswered question like, “Where was OUR GOOD BROTHER on the night of August 6th,” in order to raise a doubt in the minds of others is an old but still workable trick. Assassination by association is back in style. It is “murder” by grouping. Example: “I was at the zoo recently and saw a monkey, a baboon and brother so and so!” Gossip can often be nothing more than “Guess who I saw sitting at the same table… and they were talking and laughing and seemed to be having lots of fun together.”

1. Have I contacted the person or persons about whom I am writing? Have I discussed with them the point of conflict, allowing them to give any detail of conscience or circumstance that may otherwise be unknown? This would allow me the ability to be fair and responsible in my own attitudes.

2. Did I offer them space in my bulletin or periodical to allow them an adequate reply in the same edition?

3. This procedure would allow more room in your journal or publication for positive truths that encourage brethren and build up the church.

4. Following this checklist (might) help do away with much of the labeling and black-listing of brethren/ This would in turn, give us all more “elbow-room” to study truth without fear of the “light” that truth brings. This would produce the climate needed for more open discussion (without pride or malice) of issues that need “ventilating.”

5. Above all, this kind of consideration would would help restore (to some degree) the FIRST (and greatest) commandment of loving God (His Word and truth) and of loving each other (as we love our self) more (Matthew 22:37-40).

Some call it slander, others say libel, or misrepresentation, or “murder.” “He who steals my purse steals trash, but he who robs me of my good name, steals that which enriches him not, but makes me poor indeed” (Shakespeare). However you write it, or whatever you call it, if it results in “consuming each other,” it’s just a matter of time before ”
“We’ll all be made somebody-Else’s dinner!!”

Jack Exum

Exum House For Sale

Posted on March 27, 2015 by Jack Exum Jr

I am not a salesman… we have a lovely house here, and we are looking for the right people to move in and enjoy this house the way Mom and Dad did.
A picture is below.

Description of the house:
Located in Eastside Village, 244 SE Sable Lane, LAKE CITY, FLORIDA
(This is a gated retirement Village for those 55 and older.)
* 1,934 (Heated/Cooled) Square feet
* 2 Bedrooms / 2 Baths (One room can be made into another bed room!)
* Manicured corner lot with lovely trees
* Close to Club House /Pool/Recreation area
* Formal Dining room joined to Living Room
* Lovely Kitchen with Island and Closet pantry (Dishwasher/Sink Disposal)
* Large Master Suite / Drawing Room
* Guest Room / Walk in Closet
* Possible Third Bedroom conversion
* Screened in Lanai
* Lots of Storage area including a Large Storage Room
* Single Car Garage / Remote Door opener
* Red Metal Roof
* Relatively New Heat Pump Unit
* Re-painted throughout
* Low Home Owner’s Assoc. fee ($35.00/mo.)
* Security system is in place… Operational ‘pop-up’ sprinkler system
* Appliances included (Washer/Dryer/Refrigerator freezer)

This is a lovely house, and ready for a couple who wish to retire in Lake City, Florida.
We are looking for a nice couple who will love this house as much as we do… We will work with you in making this the home you will enjoy.

PERSONALLY REDUCED SPECIAL Web Site PRICE: $100,000.00
If you are interested in Renting or Leasing this house… we are looking into this, and would like to hear from you.

For more information and appointment contact: Jack Exum Jr.,
at 386-758-2431 or send me an email either through this site or at jackexumjr@yahoo.com. WE WANT TO SELL THIS HOUSE!

Mom and Dad’s House

Restoration Movement And The Yellow Pages

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Jack Exum Jr

Restoring New Testament Christianity has never been an easy thing. Sometimes we have to take an honest look at where we are, to see where we need to go….

Dad was resting in a Motel in a Metropolitan city where he was holding a meeting and was looking through the Yellow Pages for “Churches of Christ.” He was just wondering I guess, how many were there etc… He also noticed how several indicated what made them different from other “Churches of Christ.”
I guess it was interesting to him to find that there were those that indicated they were Anti-Kitchens, One Cup, Instrumental, Non-Instrumental, etc… In his lesson on UNITY I found some notes he wrote entitled “Yellow Pages.” His idea was what if we put the following in the YP for everyone to see.

1. No located preacher
2. We use buses
3. We have Bible classes
4. No kitchens here
5. We support (Christian) orphan’s homes
6. “Singles” welcome
7. “Divorced” not welcome
8. We eat in the building
9. We use ONE CUP
10. No Sunday School here
11. We send missionary support directly to missionaries
12. We do not believe in church co-operation
13. We don’t co-operate with other congregations.
14. “Whites Only”
15. We support Herald of Truth”
16. All races welcome
17. No money given to non-members
18. We are anti-bussing
19. We have a located preacher
20. We sign pledge cards
21. We are against Crossroads
22. We have a church softball team
23. We use instruments (Instrumental)
24. We don’t use instruments (Non-Instrumental)

To be honest with you, if I found a list of Churches with things like this in the Y.P., I would be pretty embarrassed, but then I am not the One we serve or seek to please. Actually, there are some congregations with a few items listed above.

WHAT IF each congregation (part of the blood bought body of Jesus Christ), listed what they are FOR or AGAINST in the yellow pages, or put them on their signs? The important question is WHAT DOES THE WORLD THINK? The critical question is WHAT DOES JESUS THINK?

JESUS prayed, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:20-23).

I think Charles Hodge put it best, in a short letter he wrote me, where he responded to my inquiry on how to deal with “Church issues.” Of course it doesn’t take him long to say what’s on his mind… He said,

“My most often piece of advice is GROW UP!”.

His advice sounds a bit hard, but then Charles is in his 80’s and has seen a lot and counseled many brethren. Honestly, we need his advice. My thoughts are that if the body of Christ on earth (all baptized believers irregardless of the list above) is ever to find UNITY, we have a lot of “growing up in Christ” to do. Being a Christ-like-one means growing in grace… Growing in grace means we will learn how to deal with differences, let God be the Judge on many things instead of dividing over everything, and present to the world, we ARE ONE IN THE SPIRIT AND LOVE EACH OTHER DEEPLY.

Preacher: When you get up to speak before the people of God, and you are offering your opinion on something, why not just say, “This is my opinion.” “You don’t have to agree with me on this.” It may just be refreshing.
Also, when teaching a class, have the class (or congregation) repeat this phrase
“I just don’t agree with you on that.” Of course you may have to repeat this to get participation. Then you may say (if there are late-comers), that they may be tempted to go look at the sign outside, because we just don’t allow disagreements do we?

Grow in grace!

(This was first issued in “Restoration Summit 2015” a discussion now going on at Linkedin.com (Groups).

Restoration Summit 2015 – NT Christianity “Traditions,” and “Change”

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Jack Exum Jr

* Some do not like the word “tradition” or “traditional” because they are wanting to just get rid of all the “old ways” of doing things. This is extreme thinking, and is not helpful to the idea of RESTORING New Testament Christianity.
* Some TOTALLY OPPOSE any and all change of anything whatsoever… whether it is Bible based or not… This is also an extreme and not helpful in restoring New Testament Christianity.

To this scribe, “traditions” are simply things done which may or may not be helpful, over a long period of time. In other words, things passed down from one generation to another. For example: Growing up, we often received “hand-me-down” clothing. Frankly I did not want to wear some of the “second hand” or “hand-me-downs, while others were not so bad. Some “hand-me-downs” we HAD A CHOICE in wearing, while others, Mom or Dad said, “Wear it!” There was NO CHOICE IN THE MATTER. Some “traditions” are optional, while others carry the weight of being commands which have been passed down. Restoring New Testament Christianity should never be a “trow out all traditions” proposition…

Scriptures on “traditions.” 1 Corinthians 11:2 “Now here he says, “I praise you that ye remember me in all things, and hold fast the TRADITIONS, even as I delivered them to you.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15 “So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the TRADITIONS which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.” Galatians 1:14 “and I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the TRADITIONS of my fathers.”

There is a big difference between TRADITIONS, COMMANDS, AND EXAMPLES… Consider 1. Lifting up holy hands in prayer, (I Timothy 2:8). 2. Calling the elders to anoint and pray for the sick, (James 5:13). 3. Washing feet, (John 13:12). 4. Greeting each other with a holy kiss, (Romans 16:16). 5. Sell everything and give to the poor, (Mark 10:21). 6. Invite friends to our ‘feasts,’ (Matthew 19:21). 7. Desire to prophesy, (I Corinthians 14:1). 8. Pray the “Lord’s prayer,” (Matthew 6:9). 9. Give to any who begs, (Luke 6:30). 10. Judge not – Condemn not, (Luke 6:37). 11. Share all good things, (Galatians 6:6). 12. Women be silent in assemblies (I Corinthians 14:34) 13. Women may not teach or have authority over men (1 Timothy 2:12). 14. Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins… (Acts 2:38-39) 15. Lord’s Supper observed when they assembled (Acts 20:7). 16. Meeting in houses and eating together (Acts 2:41-46). Yes there are many more things….
* Some traditions are just that, but they may outlive their need and can (should) be changed. (Much has changed since 1940 and 2015 in things we “do in church.”)
* Some traditions are not bad and should be kept, (maybe adjusted or updated).
* Some traditions are actually commands and are not optional.
* Some traditions are just for local cultures, and not for others.
* Some traditions are cross-cultural and applicable to all (commands). * Some traditions are gender based. On and on we could go, but it is so important to remember something…Man made traditions, should always be understood as MAN MADE and not elevated to the position of Bible. More to come… Grow in grace!

Notes from Dad:
1944 we attended the Old Bowling Green Church. It was the advent of paved roads and Autos, lighting, Sunday PM services, Sunday school classes. A partition was used for classes, and uninspired literature was used in Bible studies (Gospel Advocate), printed on a single card with a lesson, picture and prayer. We took turns with who would take the class. We built class rooms, and started Wednesday PM class (formerly dedicated to prayer).
For the communion we used two glasses. Contributions were individually brought to the communion table (without a prayer). Servers were called from the floor. Memorized prayers were offered, with little variation. Women had long hair and wore hats. Song leaders began waving their hands while leading songs, (we thought they were showing off). Most song leaders just kept beat by tapping their feet.
(It’s amazing how quickly, each modified pattern (tradition) quickly became an obligation on everyone on threat of HELL or the loss of some “stars” in our crowns.)
Our meeting house had no sign. We had an inflexible pattern of procedure. (Three songs – prayer – song – sermon – invitation – communion – collection – song – dismissal – covering of communion emblems.) The song leader never offered any comments. There were no scripture readings or communion comments made.
There was no “placing membership (letter)” We had an outdoor “outhouse.” Baptisms were in a lake. Then we moved everything indoors (for convenience, and to keep up with the times) and we also added a water fountain and a kitchen. (Kitchen’s were considered a mark of being liberal or promoting a “social gospel.”) Frequently we used chalk boards and charts. Every Fifth Sunday, we had an offering for Orphan Homes. Once a year we loaded a truck with canned goods for the Orphan’s Home.
Back in those days, we had not yet picked up on the Roman Catholic concept of “Church weddings,” and thus under the responsibility of “the church” to determine who was and who was not eligible to be married.
There were no funeral homes. The body of the deceased was prepared for burial in the home. Some sat with the body. There was singing at the graveside. All singing at the funeral was congregational.
Brethren… The reason for jeans being altered, new shoes being bought is because the physical body is a living, growing body.
EACH CHANGE WAS MET WITH CRITICISM AND DEBATE… and resulted in brethren who identified themselves as:
1.) Non-Bible School, 2.) Non-Building, 3.) One Cup, 4.) Non-women teaching, 5.) Non-kitchen, 6.) Non-Orphan Home, 7.) Non-Located preachers,

Today we find CHURCH STAFFS composed of Senior ministers, Pulpit Ministers, Educational Ministers, Counselors, Secretaries, Custodians, Full time elders, Preacher schools.
Other changes: Overhead projectors, bulletins (mailed or emailed to everyone), Literature (by men and women), Worship teams, Raising hands in praise, contemporary songs, dramas, some have instruments or use online videos, dramas, and puppets, Radio, TV, Internet being used, Applause, etc… Here are some PILLARS (Principles) Dad mentions….
* “Methods are many – Principles are few – Methods often change, but principles never do!”
1. “We have the freedom to give up our rights. We do not have the right to give up our freedom (in Christ).
2. Everyman can have his say, but everyman does not get to have his way.
3. A strong man can become weak, but it takes time for a weak man to become strong.
4. “Traditions are the living faith of the dead. Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.”
5. Brethren can differ! Romans 14.
6. Personal convictions and opinions CAN NEVER BE ALLOWED TO BE CONGREGATIONAL LAW.
7. Stumbling blocks are not grumbling blocks
8. Respect each others convictions.
9. Understand the difference between the WEAK CHRISTIAN and the HARD HEADED CHRISTIAN.
I encourage all to come and join the RESTORATION SUMMIT 2015 – ON LINKEDIN.COM.

Grow in grace!

Restoration Summit 2015 – On Linkedin!

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Jack Exum Jr

If you have an interest in the RESTORATION OF NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY, then I want to invite you to join my new discussion group I on Linkedin. Just look for “Restoration Summit.”

What’s it about? Well, it’s about taking another look at how to begin again, (that is assuming we need the “re-boot.” The “roots” of the Restoration Movement are rich. There is no need whatsoever, to “bail out” on our roots, and in fact we should cherish our historical roots. Perhaps though, there is a need to go back and rediscover the good things and emphasize these, and reconsider how some things may have been badly handled and learn from the mistakes of the past, and make some changes. Perhaps there is a way to begin again and find a way to move forward into the 21st Century (and beyond) with something grand indeed. Can this be done? I don’t know.

What will it take?

First, it will take a deep respect for the authority of the Word and for what the Word of God actually says, as well as principles found there. We have no other ‘guide-book,’ and Jesus Himself is our creed, and example of how to live.

Secondly, it will take open minds, and the understanding that not everything is a “salvation issue.”

Thirdly, it will take looking back (20/20 eye sight), and re-examining where the church (small “c”) divided, which were totally unnecessary. Things which we possibly could have avoided, and not given the world something to throw back in our faces. Besides, ours was a UNIFYING MOVEMENT. Who knows, maybe we can learn from the mistakes of the past… and grow. We could and can still show that we can love each other, and work together in spite of many differences we have.

Fourthly, it will take understanding of where we went wrong, and courage to make corrections based on God being the Judge in some cases, and by all means, the grace of God which gives time and makes room for Christians to grow and study things out.

Finally, it will take courage… The fear of being black balled by some with a printing press, has scared the willies out of us… but we had better get over that before it’s too late.

What is the goal? To open up dialogue (ie just talk and listen) with all who have repented and immersed into Christ and have received the Holy Spirit as Peter commanded and promised in Acts 2:38-39. Our salvation doesn’t depend on our agreeing on every thing, but it does depend on some very fundamental things. Outside that, well we can still love each other, and even join hands and work together on some things that are bigger than our differences.

What did Jesus pray? “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:20-23). The question remains… will we stay in the struggle long enough and love each other deep enough, to realize this prayer, and goal which Jesus prayed.

While some wars and battles need to be fought, there are those who wish to pass down to other generations, some for which many are ‘battle weary’ and are not needed. While there is a place for boundaries and walls, there are some which are not in accord with Jesus’ prayer nor Paul’s hope.. Those who simply wish to fight and argue, well, just love and pray for them, but certainly, don’t allow their attitude to prevail or govern your thinking.

What did Paul say? “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:1-6).Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it… so what happened to us? The above is still true.

What would happen if Christians could lay aside (just for a time), all the issues on cups, buses, hats, buildings, paid preachers, musical instruments, pitch pipes, song books, VBS, projectors, orphan homes, Christian colleges, Bible classes, long hair, short hair, no hair, translations, spiritual gifts, clapping and raising hands in worship, women praying with men, cooperation and non-cooperation, etc., and just stop for a moment of meditation… and think?
1. Who are we?
2. Whose are we?
3. Why are we “who we are” and “whose we are?”
4. Whose blood made it all possible?
5. What has made us ONE body, and how can we maintain this ONE body?
6. Whose Spirit dwells in each and every believer? What does this mean in regards to HOW WE SHOULD TREAT EACH OTHER… even when we disagree?
a.) What in the world does Romans 14-15 mean for us today?
7. How important… are the things we have listed above when compared with the pain and suffering Jesus went through to make of all peoples “one new nation?”
8. Can we learn to love, and get along with each other, and work towards the goal of Christ, to bring all the lost to him?
9. In the event that we disagree on something not a salvation issue… In other words, something that in all probability will fade away in years to come just like WOMEN WEARING HATS TO CHURCH has done… Why sacrifice the precious ONENESS of the body of Christ and embarrass or shame the Lord before the world, over things like this? Can we not have a “conscience fellowship?” In other words, “I don’t agree with what they do in worship, and can’t at this time worship there… but they are still my brothers and sisters in Christ.”
10. In the event that there are disagreements over salvation issues… can’t we agree that this is where the line is drawn, because God ‘drew it’ thus allowing God to be the final Judge on all the rest?
11. What about God’s grace? How does His grace apply to those we have judged and found unfit?
12. What if God is displeased with the lines WE HAVE DRAWN, and is thinking “How dare you break up MY SON’S BODY.”

There is much to talk about… and so little time, but the need is urgent. So JOIN ME, I welcome all who sincerely wish to just think and discuss together in this RESTORATION SUMMIT.
(Grow in grace!)

“I Have Earnestly Desired To Eat This Passover With You”

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Jack Exum Jr

This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series Lord's Supper

The shadow of the cross had been looming over the Lord for some time now. He knew what happened to those who were crucified, everybody knew. From time to time, crosses had been erected and the victims could easily be seen. It was a warning as well as a punishment. It was a cruel way, perhaps the most cruel way to die.

To be beaten or flogged was bad enough, and often ended in death. The tool used was called a “cat of nine tails,” of leather straps with bits of metal embedded. To receive 40 lashes with this, had to be unbearable. “The Passion of the Christ,” was almost too much to watch, as they portrayed the Lord being tied to a post in the middle of a court yard, and beaten while those who administered the whipping, seemed to enjoy the whole process. I wanted to stand and shout, “Stop it!” “He has done nothing worthy of this!” “All He has done is good, so why not grab those Pharisees and beat them?”

It would not have done any good, even if I were there. Those who wanted his blood, would stop at nothing until they got what they wanted. They wanted Him dead. They wanted this ‘trouble maker,’ gone! They had been challenged, embarrassed, preached to enough, and now they cried for His death.

People cried, people jeered – people covered their heads in sorrow, while others looked on with satisfaction. He was on the way to be crucified. “I win, You lose!” Satan thought.

All of this pain, agony, disgrace, and dishonor, Jesus knew was in the “cup” which He had to drink.

But before He drank it, His one desire was to be with those who loved Him, and have a supper. Just one last time, He wanted to look into the eyes of those who cared for Him. One final time He wanted to feel the joy of unity and fellowship, that they had been experiencing for the past three years. One last time…

It was here that He begins a tradition which is above all others, because it is in the very bread they ate, and the very wine they drank, that His body and blood were to be remembered.

Jesus did not hurry though this feast… for it had been planned, and this gathering was especially for this purpose of looking back. Now as we have gathered, let us not think of how fast or efficient, or of the next part of our service, or use the time when others are partaking to write a hasty check, or some such thing… Let us think about our Lord who gave everything that we might have everything.

The Passover

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Jack Exum Jr

This entry is part 3 of 4 in the series Lord's Supper

Exodus 12:1-13 is the first record, or the institution of the Passover. It is a time of emotions, of fear, wonder and awe. It was to coincide with the last and most terrible of the plagues which the LORD God would bring upon the land of Egypt. It was that night that the God of the Universe would bring death on the land, and all the first born in Egypt would be put to death. Some of the plagues would be only for the unbelieving Egyptians, and others would affect the Hebrew people as well… this is one of those plagues.

The only way the Hebrews would be spared, is if they followed God’s instructions.
“Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the door-frames of the houses where they eat the lambs.
8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire—with the head, legs and internal organs. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it.”
To the last detail, the Passover instructions are given. It was a matter of life or death.
Here is how they were to eat the Passover. “This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD’s Passover.”

We seem to have mastered the last part of this, as the Lord’s Supper is often given a few minutes to be completed.

To think back and wonder how they must have felt and to know that the only thing that kept them safe… was a sprinkling of blood on the two door posts and lintel, must have been scary as they heard what seemed to be the whole land of Egypt erupting in cries and groans over the loss of their first born children.

It was a night to be forever remembered, and celebrated, as this was the straw that ‘broke the stubborn camel’s back.’ Pharaoh could not stand it any longer. He told Moses to get the Hebrew people out!!!

Jesus told his disciples to prepare the Passover meal. It was no small task, and must have been a good meal. Feasting was not the real purpose, REMEMBERING was the reason for the season. Impressing others with the food, the way they dressed, the fancy plates and glasses was not even in the picture. The simple feast was a remembrance of a special time in their history when by God’s grace, they were spared.

Jesus had called them three years before, and since then they had witnessed his miracles, teachings, confrontations. They had been taught from His eternal mind, all that the Father wanted them to know. They had seen Jesus reach across racial barriers, traditional barriers, class barriers, male/female barriers to reach and teach the lost. He had caused them to wonder as He walked on water, raised the dead, fed thousands with only a few fish and loaves of bread. Now He has but one more thing to do… DIE.
“I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,” He said.

This Passover was special! More than the others. Not only was it a Jubilee, it was the Jubilee of Jubilees. Leviticus 25:8-13 states: “And thou shalt number seven Sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven years; and the space of the seven Sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty and nine years. Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. A jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather the grapes in it of thy vine undressed. For it is the jubilee; it shall be holy unto you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field. In the year of this jubilee ye shall return every man unto his possession.”

This was truly a special celebration… but it was more special because it was the establishment of the Lord’s Supper. Luke recorded it for us in chapter 22 and beginning with verse 16, “For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God. After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

The bread represented His body, the juice represented His blood. Not to be rushed through, not a time to show off or think about anything else, for nothing else is as important as this: HE GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME!
I truly was so lost I should have died, but He did it for me! Praise God! “Worthy is the Lamb,” who is now our Passover Lamb as well.

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