Free Will Baptists and Communion: Open but Cautious
by Cory Thompson When the church observes the Lord’s Supper, who is invited? All believers? Only properly baptized believers? Only members of that particular Baptist church? Baptists have debated the question of who may come to the Lord’s Table since their beginning. Defining Open and Closed Communion Baptists have answered this question in two ways: closed communion and open communion. Closed communion is the position that only...
Gospel Ordinances: Emblems of Grace
Joshua 4 stands as one of the more memorable scenes in Old Testament history. The nation of Israel just crossed the Jordan River, and was about to conquer Canaan. Before venturing further, Joshua instructed them to erect a memorial on Jordan’s riverbanks (4:7). These twelve memorial stones would serve as a reminder to those passing later of how God led them into the Promised Land by His grace. However, the book of Judges shows that...
When Eating Is Spiritual
If there’s any time of the year when we think about food, it’s during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, rolls, and cheesecake are among the many dishes that grace our tables during these celebrations. Hearty smiles, full tummies, and meaningful memories often result from these gatherings. Yet is this all that table fellowship has to offer, or is...
To God Be the Glory: Celebrating Two Years of Ministry
A Message from the Helwys Society Forum In the winter of 2009, three of us perceived the need for an online venue where believers could engage issues confronting the church. With this basic but simple thought, the Helwys Society Forum (HSF) was born. In late February 2010, the Helwys Society posted its first essay on the Forum. Since then, we have posted nearly 75. To God be the glory. For more information concerning our origins,...
Reclaiming the Supper: A Reappraisal of the Memorialist View
Eating is an important aspect within the life of the Christian Church. In the Book of Acts, it is recorded that Christians devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship of believers, to prayer, and to the breaking of bread (2:42). Church history also records Christians participating in Agape (love) feasts, which served as communal or fellowship meals that accompanied the partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Even today,...
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