Discontinued?

January 8th, 2023

Everything should be evaluated, especially traditions, as to their purpose and labor.

Much of what goes on in a fellowship is taken for granted until someone questions

it or it is challenged by a more convenient or pleasurable event. Our traditions are

not sacred but our God, our Lord, and his doctrine are. Traditions should not be

elevated above the teachings of Jesus and must always take a back seat to the law of

love and our care for the lost which Jesus died. So, we do not discontinue

communion, teaching, preaching, singing, or prayer; but we do evaluate every local

tradition and discover whether it contributes to evangelism and the edification of the church.

Our own first Sunday feast must therefore be scrutinized. Are we feeding or eating?

There is a dynamic difference between the two. Eating suggests that we are

concerned for self while feeding implies care for others. Jesus provides wine for the

wedding guests with one objective, to glorify God. If our feasts are not primarily

designed for that purpose they must absolutely be discontinued. If they are simply

to provide physical food, Paul by inspiration said, “What have ye not houses to eat

in?” (1 Corinthians 11:22). He was not critical of the Agape feast, but was critical

of their selfish behavior. They were eating and not feeding their fellows. Eating and

drinking physical food yet not provoking one another to love and good works

(Hebrews 10:24-25). Such feasts did not and do not deserve to be continued, but

those that glorify evangelism should not be discontinued. They are equal to a good

tradition and so should continue. So let us determine whether our first Sunday

dinners after worship are praiseworthy or whether we should postpone these and

consider a more convenient, a less frequent, or some nobler approach to accomplish

God’s purpose. Let our efforts bring glory to God, let men be encouraged, and let us

do all things decently and in order. Let your elders decide with your input whether

to continue or discontinue the first Sunday feast and what is your perception and

their purpose. To continue or discontinue, and why?

Kenneth E. Morrison