Weddings, Communion and Membership

Last week we discussed three ceremonies or “rituals” that we as Christians practice, and why we do them. Baby Dedication, Baptism and Burials....

This morning I would like to continue and talk about a few more. Weddings, Communion, and Membership. You might be wondering about the membership - you will have to wait until the end.

Something that each of these ceremonies/rituals that we partake of serve a purpose in COVENANT --- Covenant in relationship with a spouse, with God and with the body of Christ.

The word COVENANT is interchangeable with the word CONTRACT and/or TESTAMENT. It is talking about a mutual agreement of practices to keep in a right standing and create commitment to one another.

The “ceremonial” part of these things are public proclamations of the covenant relationships that are being established between the parties. A part that bears WITNESSES to the contract and helps to hold us accountable to the agreement.

Think of the comparison between the secret dieter and the public dieter.

Someone going on a diet who never tells anyone has only made a commitment to themselves to diet. If they fail on their diet of choice, no one is the wiser and no one can hold them accountable for that shortcoming. Many would say, by being secretive about it, they might not really be that committed to it. By not engaging in accountability they can “cheat” and therefore no one will know the difference.

Contrast that to the person who publicly announces on facebook their current weight with a picture of the scale and five links to the diet plan they are following — they are trying to commit in a positive way to a change in their lifestyle and behavior and basically telling everyone around them --- HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE. They also have something to prove by demonstrating weight loss for all to see and measure their success in this accountability.

Many have said that those unwilling to commit to the contractual or covenant relationship really are not willing to commit at all… and without witnesses, no one is really aware of the heart or commitment and therefore they have an easy out as needed or necessary.

As a whole, our society has become less committed and experts in looking for loopholes to covenant relationships. Just think of the last time your HOA sent you a non compliance letter and remember - you signed on the closing of your home that you would agree to neighborhood covenants!

1. COMMUNION

Let’s start with communion.

Communion is an ongoing ceremony that reminds us of our covenant relationship with Christ --- we continuously are reminding ourselves of the NEW TESTAMENT (COVENANT) that He created between us through HIS sacrifice.

Just an FYI — a standard practice in Biblical times of sealing any contract was to share a meal together. Breaking bread was symbolic and a regularly practiced function of covenanting with one another --- thus the Marriage feast.

1 Corinthians 11:23–31 NLT

For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again. So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way.

Jesus taught us to share communion together… this time is threefold...

Reflection - how is our life, are we following after God and His Word, living in accordance with what Jesus taught us… let us judge ourselves and make things right with Him if we have fallen away from the covenant life we entered into with Him.

Restoration - if we have fallen out, let us surrender our hearts to Him a fresh and new, if we are out of relationship with a brother or sister in Christ and are carrying unforgiveness or anger - let us make things right and be restored to right relationship.

Remembrance - let us remember the price Jesus paid for us to enter into this NEW COVENANT with Him, where His blood has become the acceptable sacrifice and payment for OUR sin, and if we place our faith in that blood and surrender to His lordship — we have the hope of eternal life. Let us also remember that He is COMING Back just as HE PROMISED to receive us to Himself.

COMMUNION keeps our covenant relationship alive and fresh through reflection, restoration and remembrance.

Continuing to break bread as the body of Christ and partaking of the sacrifice (a requirement of OT law was to eat the sacrifice that was made on your behalf). Thus we partake of Christ.

2. WEDDINGS

It amazes me how many sources are out on the internet that try and claim that you cannot find a “Wedding Ceremony” in the Bible, and that if you do it is OT not NT.

Marriage is as old as the happenings in Genesis...

IN Genesis chapter 1 God is creating and continuously saying - and the Lord said it was good!!!

Then we see the Lord say - IT IS NOT GOOD FOR MAN TO BE ALONE!

Genesis 2:18 NLT

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

From this we see the principle of being married described in Genesis ...

Genesis 2:24 NLT

This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

The marriage was a COVENANT RELATIONSHIP between a man and woman - joined together as ONE through the sexual intimacy they shared.

The sexual act to not bring the covenant, but was rather a consummation.

In the Judeo practice we see three parts given to a marraige...

The Ketubbah — or contract creating the marriage bond. A bride would chose her husband or the family would and a contract was made by her father to legaly bind them. (We refer to this as engagement now) Once signed the couple is 100% married but without the consummation (sexual side). Young children were often married, but did not consummate until they came of age, etc.

The chuppah - Sexual consummation. The groom has up to 7 years to raise the money as set out in the kettubah contract and notifies the father of the bride for a time to be set. (IN Jesus parable of the 10 virgins awaiting the bridegroom - they awaited the time for the bridgegroom to call for his bride). The bride and her maidens await the arrival of the groom and his companions. They enter the chuppah room and consummate the marriage - while everyone awaits outside. (I KNOW - AWKWARD) Then proof of the bride’s virginity is offered and often the cloth kept for safekeeping. The covenant of marriage is consummated with that proof. (Some of our modern processions reenact the groom coming for the bride, the Father giving away the bride, etc.)

The Wedding Feast - remember - contracts are celebrated over a meal - the entire wedding party walks to the house of the groom in a processions for a wedding feast and a meal is shared and at the conclusion of the feast the couple has completed the ancient ritual of marriage.

We see this take place with Isaac and Rebekah - Where Abraham sends out his servant to secure a bride, a contract of marriage is offered and dowry paid, she is brought back to the bridegroom, the marriage is consummated. (Rebekah was asked if she consented to the marriage — it was not expected to be forced upon the woman) A feast is not mentioned, but most likely occurred.

We also see this in Jacob when he married both of his wives - he took up to 7 years to pay the dowry for each in a contract with Laban for Leah, and then for Rachel, and in both cases, the consummation is recorded when the time had come, and a feast followed.

Our modern ceremonies are based on the establishment of a COVENANT or CONTRACT (that is why we follow the laws of our land in obtaining a LICENSE which acknowledges that contract legally.

In addition, a PUBLIC PROCLAMATION of one’s love and commitment is being made in an arrangement that this is your chosen husband/wife — and vows are taken before the Lord as part of a contract in God’s sight that you are committing for life.

Marriage has been cheapened by the frequency of divorce, the cohabitation of couples, and the disregard for the commitment being made.

Just like a secret diet - any man or woman should be willing to make an accountable commitment to the one they will be sharing life with. SOLELY an act of consummation alone does not hold people in covenant together. In addition, it was not LOVE that was being relied upon, but the contract in two people remaining faithful.

We practice marriage so that this most sacred of relationships on earth is honored and blessed by God.

Jesus first PUBLIC MIRACLE was performed at the Wedding in CANA — a feast that followed the practice of contract, consummation and feast. (Therefore it is NT).

In addition, we see the parable of the 10 virgins awaiting the bridegroom as related to the church awaiting the coming of Christ to rapture us.

In - Jesus likened the Kingdom of heaven to a certain king who made a marriage for his son and invited guests to the feast — of which many turned down the invite...

In Paul refers to the manner in which Christ gave Himself to the church as Husbands ought to treat their wives and give themselves for her needs.

Ephesians 5:31–33 NLT

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Paul even referred to those he brought to Christ as a bride being readied for her husband..

2 Corinthians 11:2 NLT

For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ.

The WEDDING, the MARRIAGE, the symbolism of Christ and the BRIDE — are all a part of why we celebrate marriage and the ceremony of marriage today. We honor this COVENANT relationship established by God way back in the beginning of earth’s time, approved by Christ, taught by Paul.

3. MEMBERSHIP

So, what do you mean by membership pastor.

If I am saved, I am a member of the family of God right? ABSOLUTELY

If I come to church I am able to be a part of the church right? ABSOLUTELY

If I am baptized, I am identifying with the body of Christ, right? ABSOLUTELY

So, why do I need membership???

You don’t need it to get into heaven, but along with all other practices it represents A COVENANT RELATIONSHIP with a church family.

Yes, we are part of the church of the REDEEMED - the international body of Christ.... blood bought saints.

But, membership is about covenanting with a particular body of Christ and committing to help it further the cause of Jesus Christ.

IN OUR NEXT STEPS BOOK, we say this about Membership:

The difference between “attenders” and “members” can be summed up in one word:

Commitment .

An attender is a Consumer .

A member is a Contributor .

At Destiny Church we recognize the need for a formal membership.

We ask you to commit to membership for four reasons:

1. A Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the church.

“...Christ loved the church, and he gave his life for it.”

Ephesians 5:25 NLT

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her

If Jesus SET THE EXAMPLE OF GIVING HIS LIFE for the CHURCH --- SHOULDN’T WE FOLLOW THAT EXAMPLE?

2. A Cultural Reason: It is an antidote to our society.

2. A Cultural Reason: It is an antidote to our society.

We live in an age where very few want to be committed to anything: a job, a marriage, our country. This attitude has even produced a generation of “church shoppers and hop­pers.” Membership swims against the current of America’s “consumer religion.” It is an unselfish decision. Commitment always builds character.

Philippians 2:1–5 NLT

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Philippians 2:3 NLT

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

Paul commends us to work together, to give up selfishness and put others before ourselves, to commit to the interests of others.

Becoming a member in a church is making that commitment to work with one another and look out for each other!

3. A Practical Reason: It defines who can be counted on.

Every team must have a roster. Every school must have an enrollment. Every business has a payroll. Every army has an enlistment. Even our country takes a census and requires voter registration. Membership identifies our family.

Revelation 20:15 NLT

And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.

HEAR ME NOW --- If your name is in the book - your going to heaven!!!

EVEN GOD HAS A BOOK!!!! A LIST OF THOSE IN HIS FAMILY!

It is good to identify with the church where you worship!

4. A Personal Reason: It produces spiritual growth.

The New Testament places a major emphasis on the need for Christians to be account­able to each other for spiritual growth. You cannot be accountable when you’re not com­mitted to any specific church family.

Hebrews 3.17

Hebrews 13:17 NLT

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

Hebrews 1 NLT

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names. For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.” God also said, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.” And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship him.” Regarding the angels, he says, “He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire.” But to the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.” He also says to the Son, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will live forever.” And God never said to any of the angels, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.

James 5:16 NLT

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

We see a principle in the early church of Paul writing to the churches in various cities and calling them to each govern, lead, correct, etc.

When we commit to a body of Christ we are asking for its leadership to hold us accountable, for its members to encourage and lift us up, and to serve others as we are also served.

In a day where commitment and COVENANT is so lacking, we believe we can be an example of what God’s church is to be on this earth - and through our commitment to one another.

Membership won’t get you into heaven, and not having it wont keep you out, but taking part of it is a part of identifying with the body of CHRIST!!!

CONCLUSION

Covenant with Jesus

Covenant with our Spouse

Covenant with the body of Christ

Being in that committed relationship to God, our spouse and the church. Not being afraid of proclaiming it.

Each of our practices has purpose - and that is to help us draw closer and be an example of all that God has in store for us.