December 26, 2022
Certain events invite us to both look back and look forward—graduations, weddings, New Year's Day. At these times we consider the significance of the past and anticipate the future. The Lord's Supper is such an event.
January 30, 2015
By H. Lynn Gardner Partaking of the Lord”s Supper is not a meaningless routine ritual. We must partake thoughtfully, and with our minds engaged. Communion should be one of the richest and most meaningful experiences of our week. 1. We remember Christ”s sacrifice on our behalf. “Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24*). Lest we think we deserve God”s favor, lest we forget what Christ did for us, we are regularly reminded of the price paid for our salvation. The cross of Christ is not an insignificant fact from the storeroom of history. We are remembering and savoring
January 23, 2015
By H. Lynn Gardner “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them” (Acts 20:7*). “And they devoted themselves to the apostles” teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). Luke says the central purpose for assembling is “to break bread,” which underscores its primary importance (Acts 20:7). The church observed the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week. Early Christian writers say this was because Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. Comments from early Christian
January 16, 2015
By H. Lynn Gardner Modern Jews eat the Passover meal much the same as God instructed through Moses thousands of years ago. At one point in the ceremonial meal the youngest in the company asks, “Why is this night different from all other nights? What does this mean?” The leader responds, “We celebrate tonight because we were Pharaoh”s slaves in Egypt, and the Lord our God delivered us with a mighty hand. Had not the Holy One, blessed be he, redeemed our fathers from Egypt, we, our children, and our children”s children would have remained slaves.” Moses wrote, “And when
January 9, 2015
By H. Lynn Gardner Jesus shared flesh and blood with us. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:17, 18)*. Timothy Keller explains, in The Reason for God, Christianity alone among the world religions claims that God became uniquely and fully human in Jesus Christ and therefore knows firsthand despair,
January 2, 2015
By H. Lynn Gardner Doctors told me I would die of my pulmonary fibrosis if I did not get a lung transplant. On June 15, 2004, I received a double lung transplant and have been blessed with a 10-year extension on life with my wife, family, and friends, as well as continuing some teaching and writing. Do you think I am grateful for this gift? I have been saved from death and received a new lease of life. I have tried to thank God every day for this gift of life. Unsaved persons face the prospect of death without hope and eternal
December 29, 2014
This treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson is written by Sam E. Stone, former editor of CHRISTIAN STANDARD. It is published in the December 28, 2014, issue of The Lookout magazine, and is also available online at www.lookoutmag.com. ______ By Sam E. Stone This month”s lessons focus on “Learning to Pray.” What an appropriate topic! The apostle Paul wrote, “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us though wordless groans” (Romans 8:26). As H. Lynn Gardner pointed out, “This prayer may appropriately be called “˜The Lord”s Prayer” because our Lord taught it. It
July 11, 2014
By Lloyd M. Pelfrey (From our series “The Best or Worst Advice I’ve Ever Received.”) H. Lynn Gardner provided advice I have used and given to others. Lynn is a former academic dean at Ozark Christian College and a former teacher at Central Christian College of the Bible. Lynn”s advice concerned a procedure when making a major decision: Make the decision (after careful consideration), and then live with that decision for two weeks to see if you are still comfortable with it. Others involved in the decision may be informed of the two-week time factor. This allows a different
June 10, 2013
By Sam E. Stone Each week our lesson planners include a devotional reading that is parallel to the message of the printed text. Their choice for today, Luke 8:9-15, comes from Jesus” parable about the sower. It clarifies and confirms the meaning of Isaiah 29. God is concerned about what we really mean when we say we worship. In Luke 8:10, Jesus quotes a similar passage in Isaiah (6:9) that warns those who are “hearing, but never understanding . . . seeing, but never perceiving.” Lewis Foster notes, “These words do not mean that God desires that some will not
February 22, 2013
By H. Lynn Gardner Certain events invite us to both look back and look forward””graduations, weddings, New Year”s Day. At these times we consider the significance of the past and anticipate the future. The Lord”s Supper is such an event. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord”s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26, English Standard Version). When we worship through participation in Communion we look back to the cross. We are reminded of our sin that made Christ”s death necessary. As we remember the cross, we must face our unworthiness
January 20, 2008
By H. Lynn Gardner ABOUT THIS SERIES: This Week””God”s Word Written. How did God communicate through prophets and Scripture writers? Next Week””God”s Word Collected. What is the canon and how can we be sure our Bibles contain the right books? February 3″”God”s Word Preserved. How close to the original are the Bible manuscripts we have today? February 10″”God”s Word Translated. How true to God”s Word are the English words available for us to read? Â Â The Bible did not drop out of Heaven with a black leather cover, printed in English on paper, with 66 books bound in one
September 2, 2007
By H. Lynn Gardner Benefits Brought by the Death of Jesus: Atonement””a sacrifice that brings forgiveness and cleansing from sin. Justification””God”s justice is preserved because the penalty for sin is paid, but the believer is declared “not guilty.” Reconciliation””restoration of friendship with God after being alienated by sin. Redemption””freedom gained in being released from the slavery caused by the guilt and power of sin. Propitiation””offering that turns away the wrath of God against the sinner. New life””characterized by righteousness as Christ lives in us. Defeat of the devil and death””basis for hope and eternal life beyond the grave. This is
November 30, 2005
The Lord’s Supper calls believers to look back to the cross with confession and gratitude, and to look forward with confident hope in Christ’s return—renewing our present faith as we proclaim his death until he comes.
November 30, 2005
The Lord’s Supper is not a meaningless ritual. Communion helps us remember Christ’s sacrifice, participate in the benefits of his body and blood, proclaim his return, affirm unity, give thanks, and examine ourselves with grateful hearts.
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