The Remembrance Meeting
Years ago T. Earnest Wilson while speaking at a Bible conference charged the attendees with three responsibilities with regard to their involvement in the local assembly; to build, to beautify, and to bind. May that be the goal of each believer at Northwest. Let none of us be guilty of “sowing discord among the brethren.” (Proverbs 6:19)
Various thoughts have been expressed as to what is appropriate to say at the remembrance meeting. If each of us were to express our concept of an ideal remembrance meeting there would be quite a diversity of thoughts since the body of believers at Northwest is diverse. We come from a variety of backgrounds and have been accustomed to doing things in different ways. Really though, it’s not our own ideas that count. Rather it is what is pleasing in His sight. The Holy Spirit orchestrates the meeting and we do not want to limit his leading by legalism (trying to abide by man-made rules and regulations), or traditionalism (assuming that our particular customs and traditions and methods are God’s way).
Both personal worship and corporate worship are valued by the Lord. By far the majority of passages in Scripture that mention worship speak of personal worship. We ought to express personal heartfelt worship throughout the week as we give thanks and attribute worthiness to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The passages of Scripture in the New Testament that provide guidance for corporate worship are few and basic. (Contrast this to the Old Testament where a multitude of “do’s” and “don’ts” limited the Spirits leading and gave rise to Pharisaical legalism.) The first is John 4 where Christ gave the simple formula to the woman at the well, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Both ingredients blended together produce worship honoring to God the Father. By faith, spiritually, we enter the Holiest of Holies to worship through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 10:19-22) Our worship should be the honest outpouring of our spirit, not rote lip service. (Isaiah 29:13)
In 1st Corinthians 11 Paul admonished the church at Corinth for improper worship. There were divisions among the body because one came hungry and another came drunk. They were inconsiderate of one another and also lacked due reverence of the Lord. John 4 tells us how to worship and 1st Corinthians 11 tells us how not to.
Also in Revelation 4 we see corporate worship of the Father in heaven and in chapter 5 corporate worship of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ. Both are worthy of worship because of who He is and what He has done.
In Acts chapter 15 there was the dispute about the need for circumcision brought before the Jerusalem council. After debate, James recommended that they write down their recommendation, verse 20. So in the same spirit we, the elders of Northwest, put in writing a few basic guidelines for the remembrance meeting which we believe are in agreement with Scripture and will bring glory to the Lord.
- Minimize talk about self, Maximize talk about Christ. (John 3:30)
- Scripture does not prohibit “teaching” at the Lord’s Supper; nevertheless keep in mind that it is not the purpose of the meeting. The purpose of the gathering is to remember Christ, especially to proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26) The end purpose of all should be to the glory of God.
- Regardless of which hymn book is used, consider the message before giving it out. Is it a hymn appropriate for the purpose or theme of the meeting?
- Women are not to publicly speak during the meeting. (1 Corinthians 14:34, 1 Timothy 2:12) Men should not have their head covered so that the glory of God can be revealed, and women should have their head covered so that the glory of man would be concealed. (1 Corinthians 11:7)
- Participation of the emblems during the Remembrance meeting is meant for those who have trusted Christ as their Savior and have examined themselves prior to participation. (1 Corinthians 11:28) David’s prayer is instructive, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24) If a person has not made a clear profession of faith in Christ, or does not have the maturity to examine himself, it would be advised that he or she refrain from participation of the emblems. Families with children, please consider this.
February 2019