Another few thinkers...

Communion...

Wayne was talking about a book he's working on about communion (co-authored w/ a Lutheran scholar). For at least the first 300 years, the early church likely wouldn't have celebrated communion at any other place than the dinner table. Another weird trait the institutional-church has picked up in the last little while. One can only wonder what the disciples or Jesus would do if they saw us with a wafer and a little cup of grape juice. One of the big purposes communion was set out to preserve was likely the family/community aspect that goes along with having a meal together. There's a saying that often times more "church" goes on in the parking lot than the church building itself. I think the same sort of thinking applies to church picnics or potlucks... so much more community and sharing the love of the Father, in remembrance of Him, goes on in these situations. It's not to say that what has become the "traditional" form of communion has no value, just that it is falling short of what God designed it to accomplish.

Breaking religious tradition...
Ironically enough, the story of the prodigal son has had a lot of play in my Bible studies this year because of the Scotland Mission themed around this. Wayne brought a different light to it though. Paraphrasing, 'It was easier for the prodigal son to come back than it was for the older brother. The older son had the father's things, but not the father. The same idea was reflected with how it was easier for the tax collecters to enter into heaven.' It is often much harder for those who've embraced a past of religious tradition to fully embrace the Father's love and grace freely (as described in the previous post). Are you coming to know the Father and experience His love, or just enjoying His things? Wayne referred to himself as a recovering Pharisee; I loved it (as did many others who recognized themselves as such for the first time)... Abstract, but I did warn you that these were going to be thinkers.

Ok, more goodies later... must phone mom and do a bit of reading before bed.