Spartan Christianity

In recent years, there’s been a growing trend in some Christian circles to transform the Lord’s Supper from a solemn remembrance of Christ’s death into some “joyous celebration” of His resurrection.

Everything has to be about “joy” or “positive emotional experiences” these days.

While the desire for positive religious experiences is understandable, this shift fundamentally misunderstands the purpose and significance of this somber act of worship that Christ instituted on the very night He was betrayed.

The act is somber, serious and sorrowful because it is a moment we are told to concentrate on the suffering of Christ.

Focusing on Christ’s suffering and death during the Lord’s Supper is not only appropriate but essential to the meaning and purpose of the act of worship that is the Lord’s supper.

The Human Tendency Towards Comfort in Religion

The Desire for Positive Emotions

Human nature often gravitates towards comfort and positivity, even in religious practices. This has created endless problems in religion.

This is because people will inevitably choose to elevate their own emotions and experiences above the commands of God.

This all-too-human tendency can lead to:

• Avoiding difficult or uncomfortable aspects of faith
• Emphasizing feel-good messages over difficult truths
• Reinterpreting solemn observances as celebratory events

As you know, each of these philosophical errors are frequently made in liberal churches and mega churches.

The emotions become the object of worship instead of God.

Personal comfort and positive emotional experience becomes the goal of worship.

Each of these lead directly to a perversion of the acts of worship, as we will see has happened with the Lord’s Supper.

The Danger of Emotional Comfort in Faith

While positive emotions have their place in religious life, an overemphasis on comfort frequently does the following:

1. Dilutes the depth of spiritual experiences
2. Glosses over important and difficult aspects of faith
3. Leads to a shallow understanding of religious practices

And this is where most religious groups are today.

The significance of acts of worship is forgotten.

The seemingly “negative” aspects of the biblical narrative or faith are ignored and buried because they would put a damper on the emotional experience that most people search for in religion.

The Lord’s Supper: Its True Purpose and Meaning

Christ’s Clear Instructions

When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, His words were specific and focused:

“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20)

These statements clearly point to His impending death, not His future resurrection.

As modern religionists attempt to shift the focus of the Lord’s Supper from His death to His resurrection, they do so without biblical support.

The only reason for doing this is to avoid the negative, sad part of the story (the death of Christ) and quickly run over to the happy parts of the story (the resurrection of Christ).

It’s a philisophical error reflecting the immaturity of this position.

Apostolic Understanding

The Apostle Paul reinforces this focus in 1 Corinthians 11:26:

“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Paul explicitly states that the purpose is to proclaim Christ’s death, not celebrate His resurrection.

The inspired instructions from Paul and the example of what Christ did on the night of His betrayal are the only information we have about how the Lord supper is to be conducted and what is to be focused on.

Therefore, to go outside these instructions is to modify the Bible, add to the words of the Bible or outright ignore the teachings of scripture on this topic of communion.

Why Focusing on the Resurrection During the Lord’s Supper is Inappropriate

1. It Contradicts Christ’s Direct Command

Jesus specifically instructed His followers to remember His death.

Shifting the focus to the resurrection goes against His direct instructions.

Who wants to be guilty of ignoring the explicit commands of Christ?

2. It Diminishes the Significance of Christ’s Sacrifice

By emphasizing the joyous outcome (resurrection) over the painful process (crucifixion), we risk minimizing the cost of our salvation.

This is not something we want to be guilty of.

Even Paul indicates that if we concentrate inappropriately during the Lord’s supper, we are guilty of the body and blood of Christ.

The most disciplined we can be with the Lord’s Supper is the best guarantee of proper worship because it is the approach that follows the Bible the closest.

3. It Misses the Point of Self-Examination

Paul warns against taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

This self-examination is directly tied to recognizing the gravity of Christ’s death for our sins.

That is the “self-examination” that is referenced within the immediate context of the scripture is related to proclaiming the death of Christ.

4. It Disrupts the Historical and Theological Continuity

Though a lesser point, the Lord’s Supper is connected to the Passover, which was an event to remember deliverance through sacrifice.

Focusing on the resurrection breaks this important link.

The Importance of Remembering Christ’s Suffering and Death

1. It Reminds Us of the Cost of Sin

Focusing on Christ’s suffering and death during the Lord’s Supper:

• Emphasizes the seriousness of sin
• Emphasizes the price paid for our redemption

These are not happy things to think about. But they are what we are required to think about each first day of the week.

The biblical narrative clearly lays out the fact that our focus during this act of worship is on the death of Christ – An act that was required to pay the price of sin.

That’s not joyous.

2. It Deepens Our Gratitude

Remembering Christ’s sacrifice:

• Shifts our mind to a profound sense of thankfulness
• Creates a somber humility in the face of undeserved grace

These mental states are only accessible when we concentrate on the cost of our salvation.

Without concentrating on what’s difficult, we default to chasing happy feelings at the expense of true worship.

3. It Strengthens Our Resolve Against Sin

Reflecting on the suffering Christ endured:

• Motivates us to live in a manner worthy of His sacrifice
• Helps us resist temptation by recalling its cost

When we concentrate on the death of Christ, it reignites our motivation to resist sin. It creates a hatred and disgust towards the sin that required His death on the cross.

4. It Unites Believers in a Shared Experience

Focusing on Christ’s death:

• Creates a solemn, shared experience among believers
• Reinforces our common need for salvation

Addressing Common Arguments for “Celebrating” the Resurrection During the Lord’s Supper

Argument 1: “The Resurrection is the Happy Ending“

While the resurrection is indeed vital to Christian faith, the Lord’s Supper is specifically about remembering Christ’s death.

There are other times and ways to celebrate the resurrection. The Lord’s supper is not authorized as being one of those moments.

We have the remainder of each week to be joyous and happy bout the benefits of Christianity.

In the moment of the Lord’s super, we are asked to remember Christ’s death.

Argument 2: “We Should Focus on Victory, Not Defeat“

Christ’s death was not a defeat but a necessary sacrifice.

Focusing on it doesn’t negate the victory but acknowledges its cost – something many are unwilling to do because it makes them feel bad.

Argument 3: “Positive Emotions Draw People to Faith”

While positive emotions can have their place, Bible-Based faith must wrestle with difficult truths.

The Lord’s Supper provides this important opportunity.

Christians are not made stronger by shirking away from negative emotions and difficult topics – this makes them weaker.

Instead we should press head-on into discomfort to allows for an uncovering of the truth.

Practical Ways to Maintain the Proper Focus During the Lord’s Supper

1. Read relevant Scripture: Focus on passages that describe Christ’s suffering and death.
2. Use appropriate hymns or songs: Choose hymns that reflect on Christ’s sacrifice rather than triumphant resurrection themes.
3. Encourage moments of silence: Allow time for personal reflection on Christ’s death.
4. Provide guided meditation: Offer prompts that direct thoughts towards Christ’s suffering and its meaning.
5. Educate the congregation: Regularly teach about the purpose and significance of the Lord’s Supper.

Conclusion

The desire for positive religious experiences is natural, but it’s far more important to maintain the integrity and purpose of sacred observances like the Lord’s Supper.

We focus on Christ’s suffering and death, and in so doing we honor His explicit instructions, deepen our understanding of salvation’s cost, and engage in meaningful self-examination.

This approach doesn’t negate the joy of the resurrection but recognizes that there is a time and place for different aspects of our faith.

The Lord’s Supper is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice that made our salvation possible, calling us to gratitude, humility, and renewed commitment to Christ.

“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.”

The Perceived Security of Wealth

The Bible doesn’t position wealth as evil.

In fact, when our mindset about money is correct, it provides an invaluable tool.

This proverb clearly articulates that wealth can serve as protection.

Many people might become confused and say “I thought God was supposed to provide protection”. They are confused because they assume everything God does is mystical and ethereal. When in fact, God may have very well provided protection by providing this money!

The protection and gifts that God offers are not only spiritual, they are physical in nature.

God has always taken care of His people’s material needs.

There are multiple advantages to wealth:

Financial Stability:

Having a stockpile of resources can provide a buffer against economic uncertainties and emergencies.

It is the fool who does not prepare for unexpected expenses and says to himself “God will take care of these things”.

Perhaps God already took care of it by giving you a functional brain to take care of it yourself!

Access to additional Resources:

Wealth provides access to better education, healthcare, and other valuable resources that improve our quality of life.

No one would go to the slums of a city or to a third-world country and suggest that this is the way people should be living in the modern world.

The totality of our security does not solely come from our material wealth.

There are multiple times when Proverbs outlines the fact that wealth can be fleeting.

But more often than this, the Proverb writer warns against developing an emotional relationship with wealth. We are warned about “trusting in riches” [Pr 11:28] or “loving silver”.

It’s when we make money an idol or a master that we suffer.

The Weakness of Poverty

The proverb warns that poverty can be a source of ruin for the poor.

Poverty presents multiple life difficulties:

Lack of Basic Necessities:

Limited financial resources can make it difficult to afford adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential needs, leading to a lower quality of life. No one debates this. It’s an economical fact.

Increased Risks:

Poverty can expose individuals to greater risks, such as poor living conditions, inadequate education, and limited access to healthcare, which can perpetuate a cycle of generational poverty.

Emotional and Psychological Strain:

The constant struggle to make ends meet can take a toll on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. There are reasons why money trouble is one of the top reasons for divorce.

Vulnerability to Exploitation:

Those in poverty may be more susceptible to exploitation, crime, or engaging in unethical activities out of desperation.

The Proverbs teach time and time again that wealth is a valuable tool and it is worth working to develop some level of wealth.

All the while we have to avoid the temptation to worship money and become emotionally attached to it.

This is one of the most difficult challenges in all of Scripture.

“Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.” This proverb contrasts the wisdom of acquiring and preserving knowledge with the folly of speaking carelessly and recklessly.

Storing Up Knowledge

If we are going to be wise, we have to pile up knowledge as one would pile up gold.

Wise people actively pursue learning through reading, studying, or engaging in discussions/debate.

This acquired knowledge is then “stored up” for future use – as wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge while also foreseeing difficulties in the future so we can make changes in the present

Preparation for War

Having a stockpile of knowledge allows us to make the best decisions possible even in the face of difficult circumstance.

Greater knowledge leads to a clarification and crystallization of base values, allowing us to make rational decisions based on those values.

Sharing Wisdom

When we store up knowledge, we can hep others. We can share wisdom tactfully and help others make wise decisions when looking to the future.

The Danger of Foolish Speech

In contrast to the wise person, the foolish person speaks rashly and without thought, causing harm to those around him.

Damaging Relationships

Foolish words can hurt others, strain relationships, and create resentment. While there is a time for direct and forceful speaking, it is rare.

Revealing Secrets

Fools may inadvertently share sensitive or confidential information. This creates unnecessary stress on the fool and those around him.

Inviting Trouble

Reckless speech can generate anger or even physical danger. Other Proverbs articulate this, that the “Mouth of the fool calls for blows”.

Practical Application

Cultivate a Love for Learning: Actively seek knowledge through reading, listening to lectures and debating.

Active Listening: Listen attentively to others [even when the information seems uninteresting] to understand additional perspectives and gain new insights.

Use Restraint in Speech: Before speaking, pause and consider the consequences of your words. Determine if what you are about to say is intelligent and serves your ultimate goals.

Guard Confidential Information: Respect the privacy of others. Do not share secrets or gossip. Not only is it evil, but it will creates volumes of unnecessary stress and difficulty in your life.

Seek Wise Counsel: Surround yourself with wisdom if you want to be wise. you will absorb whatever is around you – including behaviors, mentalities and wisdom

Conduct yourselves like men.

The labor of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin.” This proverb contrasts the positive outcomes of righteous work with the detrimental consequences of ill-gotten gains.

Proverbs 10:16

We’ve all heard the saying, “Honest work pays off.” But what does that really mean in our day-to-day lives?

And is it always true?

Let’s take a look:

The Fruits of Honest Labor

Imagine coming home after a long day, tired but knowing your work may one day yield an eternal reward even if it does not profit in the short term.

That’s the essence of righteous work.

Here’s why it matters:

1. You may sleep better at night: When your work aligns with your values, you’re not tossing and turning over ethical dilemmas. You’re at peace, knowing you’ve done right by yourself and others.
   
2. Your work can be your legacy: What do you want to be remembered for? Your work, when done with integrity, becomes a part of your life story that you can be proud of. Even though you may be forgotten, something you did in this life can outlast you. That may not be satisfying answer or thought to some of you, but to others it can serve as motivation.
   
3. You’re building more than just a career: With every day’s work, you’re developing skills and discipline.

The Hidden Costs of Cutting Corners

Taking shortcuts or bending the rules might seem tempting, especially when you see others getting ahead this way.

But here’s the reality:

1. It’s a slippery slope: Once you start compromising your values, it becomes easier to justify bigger ethical breaches. Before you know it, you might not recognize yourself.
   
2. The stress isn’t worth it: Living with the fear of being caught or exposed is exhausting. Is that extra cash or shortcut worth the constant anxiety?
   
3. Relationships suffer: Trust is hard to build and easy to lose. Dishonest actions in the workplace will damage your ascent by damaging your relationships which as key for career growth.

The Practical Side

1. Find a reason for each action: Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you in your work. Connecting your daily tasks to a bigger goal can transform even mundane jobs into focused work.
   
2. Use integrity tactics: Before making decisions, ask yourself, “Would I be comfortable if everyone knew about this?” If the answer is no, it’s time to reconsider.
   
3. Appreciate the small progress: Recognize and appreciate the positive outcomes of your honest work, no matter how small.
   
4. Invest in your skills: Instead of looking for shortcuts, focus on becoming really good at what you do. The progress of mastery is far more rewarding than any quick win.
   
5. Build a support network: Surround yourself with people who share your values. Having a community that encourages ethical behavior can be a powerful motivator when the war becomes difficult.

The Long Game

Building a life and career based on righteous work is a marathon.

There might be times when it feels like others are getting ahead faster, but keep your eyes on your own path.

The cemented progress you’ll create are worth far more than any short-term gains.

In the end, it’s not just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it.

Choose the path of righteous labor, you’re not just earning a living – you’re building discipline.

The Case for Christian Wealth

If you are involved in the church, you are aware that discussions about wealth spark controversy and emotionalism.

Many Christians have the absurd notion that if you earn a large income, you must automatically be worldly or less focused on spiritual matters than the poor.

However, there’s a compelling argument for why Christians should aspire to be wealthy, not from a prosperity gospel standpoint, but from a moral and practical perspective.

Wealth in Christian Context

When we say Christians should be wealthy, it’s crucial to understand that this doesn’t imply an automatic bestowal of riches or a divine promise of financial prosperity.

Instead, it suggests that Christians, guided by moral principles, are well-positioned to be responsible stewards of wealth.

While Joel Osteen might suggest that money will rain on your head if you do what he says, that isn’t what the Bible teaches nor does it follow the basic principles of the world – such as supply and demand.

We earn income based on how valuable our service is. Many Christians do not provide valuable service. they provide average service so they earn average income. There’s nothing wrong with that. But there isn’t anything right about it either.

The Moral Imperative of Christian Wealth

Christians, guided by principles of compassion and stewardship, have the potential to use wealth as a powerful tool for good. This stands in stark contrast to how wealth is often misused by those without a strong moral compass.

The Problem with Wealth in Immoral Hands

Consider the actions of morally bankrupt individuals or organizations when they possess significant wealth.

The U.S. Government is frequently criticized for mismanaging funds and making decisions that don’t always benefit the general population. And they certainly don’t make decisions that promote morality.

Similarly, we’ve seen countless examples of wealthy individuals using their resources for self-serving or harmful purposes.

Christians as Responsible Stewards

Think of a world where more wealth was in the hands of those committed to moral principles.

Christians with morality intact could potentially use wealth to:

1. Fund charitable initiatives
2. Support ethical businesses
3. Invest in community development
4. Provide for those in need
5. Advance the cause of Christ [most importantly]

Changing Perspectives on Money

To understand this concept, we need to shift our understanding of money.

It’s critical to recognize that money itself is amoral – neither good nor evil.

It’s simply a tool, and its impact depends entirely on how it’s used.

The Character Test

Having wealth or lacking it doesn’t inherently reflect on a person’s character.

What matters is how individuals manage their resources, regardless of the amount.

A person of strong moral character will strive to use their wealth, whether much or little, in alignment with their Christian principles.

The Responsibility of Wealth

With this perspective, we can see that Christians shouldn’t shy away from wealth, but rather view it as a responsibility.

The goal isn’t to accumulate as much wealth as possible only for personal gain, but to be in a position to effect positive change on a larger scale.

And by doing so they will reap the benefits of wealth along the way.

Conclusion

The idea that Christians should be wealthy isn’t about piling up riches for ourselves, but about positioning moral individuals to be influential stewards of resources.

By changing our perspective on wealth and recognizing it as a tool for good, we can work towards a world where financial resources are more often in the hands of those guided by strong moral principles.