COME TO THE TABLE John Mark
Hicks
John Mark Hicks: Several features characterize the fellowship meals of Israel. First, it is a moment of communion between God and his people.
God eats with his people as the fat is burned to him.
God is present at this meal. It is eaten before the Lord as if God sits at the table with the worshipper.If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. Psa 50:12
........... Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Psa 50:13Neither the FAT nor the BLOOD were to be eaten
See an ancient Babylonian document.
See a summary of the Agape or love feast as a religious meal.
Why common food POLLUTES the Supper.
See how the Catholic Encyclopedia recognizes this as a Feast with the dead. See how this was condemned by Amos
Clement of Alexandria connects music, common food, silver urinals and golden receptacles for the ladies excrement--proof of terminal effeminacy. Is that why Jesus CAST OUT the musical minstrels LIKE DUNG?
See the Acts of Thomas who shows that you don't urinate and deficate when you FEED on the WORD.
Mandatory animal sacrifices were commanded ONLY after Israel lost THE BOOK OF THE COVENANT of Grace. When they were turned over to sacrifice ANIMALS instead of wanting to KILL THE GODS as in paganism, it was in the context that God had TURNED THEM OVER to worship the Starry Host. God notes that in the animal sacrifices they were NOT FOR ME. Rather, the offer the animal to Me but EAT the meat for themselves. This was the WORSHIP of the Goyiim including the Babylonians, Egyptians and Canaanites.
CLEMENT, LIKE ALL SCHOLARS, CONNECTED MUSIC TO DEMON WORSHIP.
"But when all these things were done, men turned again to impiety; [There is a similar chapter in Homily IX. 7, but in a discourse: on the following day.-R.] and on this account a law was given by God to instruct them in the manner of living.
But in process of time, the worship of God and righteousness were corrupted by the unbelieving and the wicked, as we shall show more fully by and by.
Moreover, perverse and erratic religions were introduced, to which the greater part of men gave themselves up,
by occasion of holidays and solemnities, instituting drinkings and banquets,
following pipes, and flutes, and harps, and diverse kinds of musical instruments, and indulging themselves in all kinds of drunkenness and luxury.Hence every kind of error took rise; hence they invented groves and altars, fillets and victims, and after drunkenness they were agitated as if with mad emotions.
By this means power was given to the demons to enter into minds of this sort, so that they seemed to lead insane dances and to rave like Bacchanalians; hence were invented the gnashing of teeth, and bellowing from the depth of their bowels; hence a terrible countenance and a fierce aspect in men, so that he whom drunkenness had subverted and a demon had instigated, was believed by the deceived and the erring to be filled with the Deity.
Chapter VII.-Sacrificial Orgies. After the Flood:
"But they did not cease to worship images, by reason of the evil intelligence of the magicians, who found excuses for them, which had power to constrain them to the foolish worship For, establishing this things by magical ceremonies, they assigned them feasts from sacrifices, libations, flutes, and shoutings,
by means ofj which senseless men, being deceived, and their kingdom being taken from them,
yet did not desist from the worship that they had taken up with.
To such an extent did they prefer error, on account of its pleasantness, before truth.They also howl after their sacrificial surfeit, their soul from the depth, as it were by dreams, forewarning them of the punishment that is to befall such deeds of theirs.
Hitler has the same message: laughing at the fools who had lost their kingdom by getting caught up in a MASS meeting with Wagner as the Musical Worship Minister.
"But the community of the great demonstration not only strengthens the individual, it also unites and helps to create an esprit de corps. The man who is exposed to grave tribulations, as the first advocate of a new doctrine in his factory or workshop,
absolutely needs that strengthening which lies in the conviction of being a member and fighter in a great comprehensive body.
"And he obtains an impression of this body for the first time in the mass demonstration. When from his little workshop or big factory, in which he feels very small,
he steps for the first time into a mass meeting and has thousands and thousands of people of the same opinions around him, when, as a seeker, (Als Suchender.' A Wagnerian phrase, which Hitler was apparently determined to use at all costs)
he is swept away by three or four thousand others into the mighty effect of suggestive intoxication and enthusiasm,
when the visible success and agreement of thousands confirm to him the rightness of the new doctrine and for the first time arouse doubt in the truth of his previous conviction -
then he himself has succumbed to the magic influence of what we designate as 'mass suggestion.'
The will, the longing, and also the power of thousands are accumulated in every individual. The man who enters such a meeting doubting and wavering leaves it inwardly reinforced: he has become a link in the community.
The National Socialist movement must never forget this and in particular
it must never let itself be influenced by those bourgeois simpletons who know everything better,
but who nevertheless have gambled away a great state including their own existence and the rule of their class.
Eating and Drinking in an unworthy manner is to eat the LORD'S supper as a common meal. Click to see added notes below.
Rubel Shelly thinks that Jesus would join our FEAST of Barbecue and one church actually ate the Lord's Supper with Pork Barbecue still in their teeth.
Our first observation is that you don't ever have to have read the Bible to be a Professor or Doctor of the Law.
John 6: Waddey comments about John 6: Mark Hicks and his new book:
Dr. John Mark Hicks is professor of theology at David Lipscomb University. His Ph.D. is from Westminster Theological Seminary. In this book, he has given us the latest chapter in the ever- evolving "change" theology that has captivated many of our young intellectuals. The book is the result of his "revisioning" the Lord's Supper. His thesis is, "Their supper (that of the early church) was home-based, a full meal with food and drink, and interactive fellowship at a table and characterized by joyous celebration" (p. 9). To put the book in proper context, readers should note that Dr. Hicks was active in a
"Community Church" experiment while living in Memphis.
Currently he is closely associated with Dr. Rubel Shelly and the Woodmont Hills Family of God in Nashville.That church served as his laboratory for testing his new concept of communion. When one has read this book he may well agree that Dr. Hicks and those of his kindred in the "change brotherhood" are much like the ancient Athenians. They "spend their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing" (Acts 17:21).
In general, the book is reflective of Hick's training and station as a theologian. In terms of readability and comprehension, this means that the average disciple, not trained in theological jargon, will not fathom a good 80 percent of what he says. The author is also a university professor. Readers will find his method and style dull and repetitious. For slow readers, or those loathe to read such materials, they can read his concluding chapter wherein he summarizes his twelve points for revisioning the Lord's Supper.
I bought the book just to see how the NEW VISION for DOING the Lord's Supper would FILTER through Rubel Shelly's NEW GLASSES. We made some prophecies about the book because the RE-IMAGINGING speaks the language of the Lesbian and Feminists Methodist's Re-Visioning. The new vision is identical to the Gnosticism of Sophia and Zoe.
The Meaning of the Fellowship Meal [p.46]
John Mark Hicks: Several features characterize the fellowship meals of Israel. First, it is a moment of communion between God and his people.
God eats with his people as the fat is burned to him.
God is present at this meal. It is eaten before the Lord as if God sits at the table with the worshipper.
Thus, worshippers eat with assurance, thanksgiving and confidence as they experience communion with God in this meal. God comes to the table with his people as he calls them to a table to experience his communion.
It is a fact that Jesus fired the Doctors of the Law: they were so BLIND that they thought that the SACRIFICIAL SYSTEM would continue. Therefore, John 6: Hicks is consistent with the REST OF THE BAND in attempting to make EVERYTHING CHRISTIAN into everything PRE-CHRISTIAN.
We have seen that the only commandment of the Lord through Gad, the king's seer, was for the burnt animal sacrifices.
GOD DID NOT COMMAND SUCH OFFERINGS UNTIL AFTER ISRAEL'S FATAL SIN.
Therefore, God did not command instrumental music as the CIVIL part of animal sacrifices.
The Book of the Covenant intended that voluntary offerings be on EARTH altars. Or IF on stone that they be UNCUT. Israel repudiated that.
And now, because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord,
........ and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking,
........ but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; Jeremiah 7:13Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust,
........ and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. Jeremiah 7:14And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren, even the whole seed of Ephraim. Jeremiah 7:15
Therefore pray not thou for this people,
........ neither lift up cry nor prayer for them,
........ neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee. Jeremiah 7:16Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? Jeremiah 7:17
The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger. Jeremiah 7:18
Do they provoke me to anger? saith the Lord: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces? Jeremiah 7:19
Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh. Jeremiah 7:21
21. Put ... burnt offerings unto ... sacrifices ... eat flesh--Add the former (which the law required to be wholly burnt) to the latter (which were burnt only in part), and "eat flesh" even off the holocausts or burnt offerings. As far as I am concerned, saith Jehovah, you may do with one and the other alike. I will have neither (Isa 1:11 Ho 8:13 Am 5:21,22). JFB
For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: Jeremiah 7:22
But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Jeremiah 7:23
GOD DID NOT PERMIT THE TEMPLE UNTIL DAVID'S FATAL ERROR. After this, God condensended to David and permitted him an ALTERNATIVE ALTAR at Jerusalem--called Sodom by John--which was a Jebusite High place.
Therefore, God did not command instrumental music as any part of spiritual worship.
Not a word of Temple, and the place is holy through the appearance and operation of Christ.
Far more wonderful this than the place which is in the Holy of Holies: for there God is nowhere said to have appeared in this manner, nor Moses to have thus trembled. And then the greatness of His tender care.
"I have seen, I have seen the affliction of My people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt." (v. 34.) See, how he shows, that both by kindnesses, and by chastisements, and by miracles, God was drawing them to Him: but they were still the same. That God is everywhere present, they learned.
This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me" (v. 36, 37): set at naught like me. Him, likewise, Herod wished to kill, and in Egypt He found preservation just as it was with the former, even when He was a babe, He was aimed at for destruction.
"This is he, that was in the Church in the wilderness with the Angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us." (v. 38.)
Again no mention of temple, none of sacrifice.
"With the Angel," it says, "he received the lively oracles to give unto the fathers." It shows, that he not only wrought miracles, but also gave a law, as Christ did. Just as Christ first works miracles, and then legislates: so did Moses. But they did not hear him, keeping their disobedience, even after the miracles: "To whom," he says, "our fathers would not obey:" (v. 39) after the wonders done in those forty years. And not only so, but just the contrary: "but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt.
Editor's Note 7: dia gar touto epishmainetai. The meaning is: Stephen was accused of speaking against "the customs,"-sacrifices, temple, feasts, etc. Therefore he significantly points to that critical conjuncture. from which these "customs" date their introduction:
namely, the Provocation at Horeb.
Prior to that, he tells of "living oracles," life-giving precepts:
after it, and as its consequence, sacrifices, etc.,those statutes which were not good, and ordinances by which a man shall not live, as God says by Ezekiel.
Not a word of sacrifice till then: and the first mention is, of the sacrifices offered to the calf. In like manner, "they rejoiced," "the people ate and drank, and rose up to play:" and in consequence of this, the feasts were prescribed: kai eufrainonto, fhsin: dia touto kai eortai.-'Epishmainetai might be rendered, "he marks," "puts a mark upon it" (so the innovator, who substitutes, touto kai Dauid epishmainomenoj legei): we take it passively, "there is a mark set over it-it is emphatically denoted." In the active, the verb taken intransitively means
........... "to betoken or announce itself," "make its first appearance."-
I don't know where John 6: got the VISIONARY REVELATION that Paul compared the Lord's Supper to the SACRIFICIAL festivals of Judaism. These sacrifices were based on their LOSTNESS having repudiated God and been turned over to a NATIONAL festival. However, the FAT was for the Levitical priests. As Bruce White Judaizes with the PRIESTS demanding TITHES most of the TROUBLERS attempt to define their PATTERNISM by repudiating the sacrifice of Christ:
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Ro.14:17
The VISION of the Lord's Supper as feeding God denies the fact that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ has ended all sacrifices and symbols. The praise or fruit of the lips has REPLACED literal sacrificial meals.
THE ORIGIN IN BABYLON: NOT IN THE BIBLE
The idea of FEEDING, clothing, housing, singing to and having sex with him/her is raw end-time Babylon Harlot Worship. Because of ISRAEL'S "sitting DOWN to eat and RISING UP TO PLAY in musical idolatry, God TURNED them over to worship the pagan "gods." Therefore, the FIRST attempt to share their TABLE with their god had them SHARING FOOD WITH DEMONS.
"On the assumption that he is to be identified with the Philistine god, Lagrange thinks the idea is derived from the special prerogative of Beelzebub as fly-chaser (chasse-mouche). In the Babylonian epic of the deluge, "the gods gather over the sacrificer like flies" (see Driver, Genesis, 105). It was easy for the heathen Semites, according to Lagrange, to come to conceive of the flies troubling the sacrifice as images of spirits hovering around with no right to be there; and so Beelzebub, the god who drove away the flies, became the prince of demons in whose name the devils were exorcised from the bodies of the possessed. Catholic Encyclopedia
THIS IS WHERE THEY ASSUMED THAT A SPIRIT GOD WOULD EAT WITH THEM EVEN IN "COMMUNION." From the Babylonian story of the flood:
I appointed a sacrifice on top of the mountain peak'
Seven by seven I arranged the sacrificial vessels;
Beneath them I piled reeds, cedar wood, and myrtle.
The gods smelled the savor,
The gods smelled the sweet savor.
The gods above the sacrificer collected like flies.When at length the queen of the gods drew near,
She raised the great bows which An at her wish had made.
"O ye gods, as I shall not forget the jewel of my neck
These days I shall not forget--to eternity I shall remember!
Let the gods come to the SACRIFICE,
THE LORD'S SUPPER IS BREAD AND THE FRUIT OF THE VINE
The "gods" but not GOD eats and drinks flesh and blood. However, Jesus said:
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. John 6: 6:26
........... Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life,
........... which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. John 6: 6:27Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? John 6: 28
........... Jesus answered and said unto them,
........... This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6: 29They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? John 6: 30
........... Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. John 6: 31Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. John 6: 32
........... For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven and giveth life unto the world. John 6: 33Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. John 6: 34
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6: 35
What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? John 6:62
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63
SITTING DOWN TO EAT AND RISING UP TO PLAY.
John Mark Hicks: "a time for sharing, prayer and conversation about what God has done for us... (p. 188).
Earlier he calls it a "Jubilee festival" (p. 63).
He would have it observed with "resounding jubilation or enthusiastic outbursts" (p. 97).MESOPOTAMIAN CULT
In the cultic practices, humans fulfilled their destiny: to take care of the gods' material needs. They therefore provided the gods with houses (the temples) that were richly supplied with lands, which people cultivated for them. In the temple the god was present in--but not bounded by--a statue made of precious wood overlaid with gold. For this statue the temple kitchen staff prepared daily meals from produce grown or raised on the temple's fields, in its orchards, in its sheepfolds, cattle pens, and game preserves, brought in by its fishermen, or delivered by farmers owing it as a temple tax. The statue was also clad in costly raiment, bathed, and escorted to bed in the bedchamber of the god, often on top of the temple tower, or ziggurat.
To see to all of this the god had priests trained as cooks, bakers, waiters, and bathers, or as encomiasts (singers of praise) and musicians
to make the god's meals festive, or as elegists to soothe him in times of stress and grief. Diversions from the daily routine were the great monthly festivals and also a number of special occasions.
Ephraim Syrus On Our Lord notes that Sinai was a test. The Israelites were consummate idolaters in Egypt. However, God gave them one more shot at the Abrahamic Covenant. By removing Moses as a visible "authority figure" He wanted to let them answer their own prayer:
"The triumphal hymn of Moses had unquestionably a religious character about it; but the employment of music in religious services, though idolatrous, is more distinctly marked in the festivities which attended the erection of the golden calf." (Smith's Bible Dictionary, Music, p. 589).
18. But when their heathenism from being inward became open, then Moses also from being hidden openly appeared; that he might openly punish those whose heathenism had revelled beneath the holy cloud which had overshadowed them.
But God removed the Shepherd of the flock from it for forty days, that the flock might show that its trust was fixed upon the calf.
And he was there in the wilderness forty days tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. Mark 1:13
While God was feeding the flock with all delights, it chose for itself as its Shepherd the calf, which was not able even to eat.
Moses who kept them in awe was removed from them, that the idolatry might cry aloud in their mouths,
which the restraint of Moses had kept down in their hearts. For they cried: Make us gods, to go before us.19. But when Moses came down, he saw their heathenism revelling in the wide plain with drums and cymbals.
Speedily, he put their madness to shame by means of the Levites and drawn swords.
So likewise here, our Lord concealed His knowledge for a little when the sinful woman approached Him, that the Pharisee might form into shape his thought, as his fathers had shaped the pernicious calf.
The History of Heredotus, Chapter Three reads:
About the time when Cambyses arrived at Memphis, Apis appeared to the Egyptians. Now Apis is the god whom the Greeks call Epaphus. As soon as he appeared, straightway all the Egyptians arrayed themselves in their gayest garments, and fell to feasting and jollity: which when Cambyses saw, making sure that these rejoicings were on account of his own ill success, he called before him the officers who had charge of Memphis, and demanded of them-
"Why, when he was in Memphis before, the Egyptians had done nothing of this kind, but waited until now, when he had returned with the loss of so many of his troops?" The officers made answer,
"That one of their gods had appeared to them, a god who at long intervals of time had been accustomed to show himself in Egypt-
and that always on his appearance the whole of Egypt feasted and kept jubilee."When Cambyses heard this, he told them that they lied, and as liars he condemned them all to suffer death
When they were dead, he called the priests to his presence, and questioning them received the same answer; whereupon he observed, "That he would soon know whether a tame god had really come to dwell in Egypt"- and straightway, without another word, he bade them bring Apis to him. So they went out from his presence to fetch the god.
Now this Apis, or Epaphus, is the calf of a cow which is never afterwards able to bear young.
The Egyptians say that fire comes down from heaven upon the cow, which thereupon conceives Apis.The calf which is so called has the following marks:- He is black, with a square spot of white upon his forehead, and on his back the figure of an eagle; the hairs in his tail are double, and there is a beetle upon his tongue.
And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked. Psa 106:18
They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. Psa 106:19
Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. Psa 106:20
When the priests returned bringing Apis with them, Cambyses, like the harebrained person that he was, drew his dagger, and aimed at the belly of the animal, but missed his mark, and stabbed him in the thigh. Then he laughed, and said thus to the priests:- "Oh! blockheads, and think ye that gods become like this, of flesh and blood, and sensible to steel?
A fit god indeed for Egyptians, such an one!
But it shall cost you dear that you have made me your laughing-stock."[Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies. Exodus 32:25]
When he had so spoken, he ordered those whose business it was to scourge the priests, and if they found any of the Egyptians keeping festival to put them to death. Thus was the feast stopped throughout the land of Egypt, and the priests suffered punishment. Apis, wounded in the thigh, lay some time pining in the temple; at last he died of his wound, and the priests buried him secretly without the knowledge of Cambyses.
Based upon the meaning of the word "play" and other examples, their mocking always included musical instruments. In their minds they could honor another god with music only by mocking or insulting the True God Who did not respond to their immediate wants. The musical mocking which caused Israel to fail as they worshiped Apis who was merged with Osiris and is explained in ancient literature. This clearly involved musical instruments.
One model of the Egyptian "play" --The frescoes of Herculaneum illustrate a religious play in the cult of Isis. In front of the temple portal stands a priest who holds the sacred urn in his covered hands. At his right is a figure, probably a priestess. With her right hand she shakes a sistrum, or rattle.. The sacrifice is accompanied by a flutest and to the right and left of the steps to the temple the worshipers of Isis are seen. Some rattle the sistra and others raise their right hands.
A black man is leading the action with the staff in his right hand..
In another fresco a black man is dancing in front of the temple and there is a smaller woman striking the cymbles.
Another black priest of Isis shakes a sistrum and a woman is playing the tambourine.A circle is made of the worshipers. The dancing black man probably represents Osiris. "Whatever the case may be, this scene concerns the mysteries of Isis, in which music played an important role. (Quasten, Johannes, Music and Worship in Pagan and Christian Antiquity, p. 41`)
As for burning the FAT to feed God:
As a result of the MUSICAL IDOLATRY at Mount Sinai God turned the nation over to worship the STARRY HOST (Stephen, Acts 7, etc.)
And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it. Lev 8:15
And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar. Lev 8:16
But the bullock, and his hide, his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp; as the Lord commanded Moses. Lev 8:17
This was a sweet SAVOR and not FOOD for the gods. If flesh was good then INCENSE was better:
AND Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. Le.10:1
Because of this the Scape Goat to Azazel or Satan was added because of this transgression.
DURING THE PERIOD OF THE JUDGES.
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord. 1 Sam 2:12
And the priests custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priests servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; 1 Sam 2: 13
It was their regular practice to send out a servant whenever anyone was offering a sacrifice, and while the flesh of the sacrificed animal was boiling, the servant would put a three-pronged flesh hook into the pot and demand that whatever it brought up be given to Eli's sons. They treated all of the Israelites in this way when they came to Shiloh to worship. 1 Sam 2:13-14LIV
And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. 1 Sam 2: 14
Also before they burnt the fat, the priests servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. 1 Sam 2: 15
And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him,
........... Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. 1 Sam 2: 16Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord. 1 Sam 2: 17
GOD IS PURE OR HOLY SPIRIT: God does not EAT and DRINK as in the THREE separated Family of God defined as "persons."
Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God. Psa 50:7
........... I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me. Psa 50:8I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds. Psa 50:9
........... For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. Psa 50:10
........... ........... I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. Psa 50:11If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. Psa 50:12
........... Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Psa 50:13The answer is NO! This would deny the very Spirit nature of God and make him one of the jubilators:
........... Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: Psa 50:14
........... And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Psa 50:15
THE PATTERNISM OF EATING AND DRINKING WITH THE GODS.
"we recognize the same elements: the sacrifices and libation, the cultic feast in which the congregation gets a share of food and drink after it has been blessed by the king, and the merry-making, now in the form of instrumental and vocal music. But the central act of the ritual, which was performed by the king, is called literally 'drinking' the god (Gurney, O. R. Some Aspects of Hittite Religion, p. 33-34, Oxford University Press, 1977)
EUCHARIST OR TRANSUBSTANTIATION OF FLESH AND BLOOD
John Mark Hicks: The Lord's supper is a moment of gratitude. Thus, the church has historically called it a "Eucharist" from the Greek word which means "thanksgiving." But if it shares in the meaning of the thanksgiving meals of Israel, the Lord's supper needs to be revisioned along the lines of the those meals.
Eucharist eucharis icon , i, n., = eucharistikon, thanksgiving, Tert. Praescr. Haeret. 47; the name of a poem of thanks addressed by Statius to the Emperor Domitian, Stat. S. 4, 2
Britannica: According to the EUCHARISTIC doctrine of Roman Catholicism, the elements of bread and wine are "TRANSUBSTANTIATED" into the BODY and BLOOD of Christ; i.e., their whole substance is converted into the whole substance of the body and blood, although the outward appearances of the elements, their "ACCIDENTS," remain.
"Such practices as the ADORATION and reservation of the HOST follow from this doctrine that the whole Christ is really present in his body and blood in the forms of bread and wine. During the 19th and 20th centuries the Roman Catholic Liturgical Movement put new emphasis on the frequency of communion, on the participation of the entire congregation in the priestly service, and on the Real Presence of Christ in the church as the fundamental presupposition for the Real Presence in the Eucharist.
"In Reformed Christianity, Huldrych Zwingli emphasized the memorial aspect of the Eucharist. John Calvin, however, taught a "real but spiritual presence" of the living Christ, but in the sacramental action rather than in the elements. John Mark Hicks apparentlyants to EAT THE FAT of Jesus--if He had any!
John Mark Hicks and the other changeniks ignore the Bible and the present-perfect tense facts. It has never been the church of Christ which has been "EXCLUSIVEISTIC" about the Lord's Supper. On the contrary, it is the Baptists and others who will SAVE you by faith only but will EXCLUDE YOU from communion until you have been baptized.
"In other traditions within Protestantism the sacraments have become "ordinances," not channels of grace but expressions of faith and obedience of the Christian community. Among Baptists the practice of "close communion" has restricted the ordinance to those who are baptized properly; i.e., as adults upon a profession of faith. The Society of Friends (Quakers) dropped the use of the Eucharist altogether in its reaction against formalism.
Liddell and Scott define:
Eucharist-ikos , ê, on, of gratitude, humnoi
Humnos 1 a hymn, festive song or ode, in praise of gods or heroes, Od.; humnos theôn to or in honour of the gods, Aesch.; timôn theon humnoisin Eur.:--in Trag. also of mournful songs, Aesch., etc.
Euchê [euchomai]
1. a prayer, vow, Od., etc.: (but the common Homeric words are euchos and euchôlê ); euchên epitelesai, Lat. vota persolvere, Hdt.; apodidonai Xen.; kata chiliôn euchên poiêsasthai chimarôn to make a vow of a thousand goats,
2. a mere wish, an aspiration, as opp. to reality, euchais homoia legein to BUILD CASTLES in the air, Plat.
3. a prayer for EVIL, i. e. an imprecation, Aesch., Eur.Euchomai [v. sub fin.] Dep.:I. to pray, offer prayers, PAY one's VOWS, make a vow,
# 2. c. inf. to pray that, Hom., etc.; also, euch. tous theous dounai to pray them to give
# 3. c. acc. objecti, to pray for a thing, LONG or WISH for, Pind., attic; euch. tini ti to pray for something for a person, as Soph.
# II. to VOW or promise to do, c. inf., Hom., attic
# 2. c. acc. rei, like Lat. vovere, to vow a thing, Aesch., Ar.
# III. to profess loudly, to boast, vaunt, Il.; mostly of something of which one has a right to be proud,
# 2. simply to profess or declare, Od.
# IV. as a Pass., emoi metriôs euktai I have prayed sufficiently,
On the other hand, Jesus and Paul said that it was to REMEMBER and SHOW FORTH the Death of Christ as the One and Only praiseworthy SACRIFICE. Wee don't DO table at the foot of the Old Rugged Cross with JUBILATING music.
EATING AND DRINKING UNWORTHILY
"In general, the reader will note that Dr. Hicks employs a new brand of hermeneutics to reach his conclusions. For example, he seems to make no distinction between the Old and New Covenants. He sees the O.T. festivals as a communion service and thus we are to model our Lord's Supper after them (p. 47). John Waddey
This small band of merry men CLAIM that there is no COMMAND about COMMANDS. The also cannot see the DIFFERENCE between the Law of Moses which was "added because of " musical idolatry and the NEW COVENANT of Grace. As the "teams" are Levitical singers, Bruce White sees the clergy as PRIESTS deserving the TITHE, John Mark Hicks SAYS that Paul defined the Lord's Supper as an Old Testament sacrificial meal.
Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? Zech 7:5
And even now in your holy feasts to God,
you don't think of me,
but only of the food and fellowship and fun. Zech 7:6Should ye not hear the words which the Lord hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain? Zech 7:7
If you will note carefully, all of the DISTORTERS of the Word are working overtime to move people on the unsaved side of the CROSS. The Israelites PRAYED at Mount Sinai for the right to worship LIKE THE NATIONS or Goyiim. God TURNED THEM OVER to worship the Starry Host. When Stephen revealed the HIDDEN MESSAGE to the Jewish Sectarians (about 10,000) they knew that they were BEYOND REDEMPTION. The murdered their Messiah while understanding that HE WAS God in the flesh Who would tear down the MEGA CHURCHES and fire the doctors of the Law. The "music" is confessed to be Levitical in nature. Therefore, they are STILL MOCKING Jesus by RISING UP TO PLAY during the Lord's Supper.
Of course, the sacrificial system was added because of transgression. That mortal sin was sitting down to EAT in a common meal and then RISING UP to PLAY which meant musical idolatry. This was learned in Egypt and not from God:
John Mark Hicks: The feast is always characterized by joy and gratitude. Without exception, the fellowship offering is a celebratory, festive occasion. It is a time of thanksgiving, dedication and renewal.
The FEAST at Mount Sinai with music was a feast with false "gods." God then turned them BACK to worship what they had always worshipped. This was well known in Egypt and the entire area:
The Israelites, in their adoration of the golden calf, professed to be worshiping God. Thus Aaron, when inaugurating the worship of the idol, proclaimed, "Tomorrow is a feast unto Jehovah." They proposed to worship God, as the Egyptians worshiped Osiris, under the semblance of the image. But God could not accept the service. Though offered in His name, the sun-god, and not Jehovah, was the real object of their adoration.
The worship of Apis was accompanied with the grossest licentiousness, and the Scripture record indicates that the calf worship by the Israelites was attended with all the license usual in heathen worship. We read: "They rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play." Exodus 32:6. The Hebrew word rendered "to play" signifies playing with leaping, singing, and dancing. This dancing, especially among the Egyptians, was sensual and indecent. The word rendered "corrupted" in the next verse, where it is said, "Thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves," is the same that is used in Genesis 6:11, 12, where we read that the earth was corrupt, "for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth." This explains the terrible anger of the Lord, and why He desired to consume the people at once.
"With the wine-drinking (which is the literal meaning of the Hebrew for feasting), went music and dancing." (Heaton, E. W., Everyday Life in Old Testament times, Scribners, p. 93)
"Worship was form more than substance; consequently, conduct in the marketplace was totally unaffected by worship in the holy place. Amos spoke from the conviction that social justice is an integral part of the Mosaic covenant, which regulates relations not only between God and people, but also among people." (King, p. 44).
"In pagan traditions, musical instruments are invented by gods or demi-gods, such as titans. In the Bible, credit is assigned to antediluvian patriarchs, for example, the descendants of Cain in Genesis 4:21. There is no other biblical tradition about the invention of musical instruments." (Freedman, David Noel, Bible Review, Summer 1985, p. 51).
Rashi on Gen 21:9 MOCKING. Hebrew: metzachek. An expression of idolatry, as it is said (Shemot 32:6): "and they rose up to make merry" (letzachek). Another explanation: An expression of illicit sexual relations, as it is said (below 39:17): "to mock (letzachek." Another explanation: An expression of murder, as it is said (2Shmuel 2:14): "Let the boys get up now and sport (visachaku before us, etc."
Feasts are
Chag (h2282) khag; or 2283 khawg; from 2287; a festival, or a victim therefor: - (solemn) feast (day), sacrifice, solemnity.
Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David settled! Add year to year and let your cycle of festivals go on. Is.29:1
Evil feasts see Amos Five they inclued jubilating music.
I will turn your religious feasts into mourning and all your singing into weeping. I will make all of you wear sackcloth and shave your heads. I will make that time like mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day. Am.8:10
Acarah ((h6116) ats-aw-raw'; or acereth ats-eh'-reth; from 6113; an assembly, espec. on a festival or holiday: - (solemn) assembly (meeting)
Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Jl.2:15
Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations-- I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Is.1:13
On the other hand, for the FIRST and SEVENTH day Assemblies are:
Miqra (h4744) mik-raw'; from 7121; something called out, i. e. a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal: - assembly, calling, convocation, reading.
This is why the ALARM or TRIUMPH OVER which Judas would try on Jesus (Psa 41) was outlawed for the church in the wilderness, Qahal or synagogue in Num 10:17.
John Mark Hicks is RECOMMENDING (with DLC's permission) that we RISE UP TO PLAY in musical idolatry.
Demosthenes Against Midias describes what the clergy tried to excite Jesus to do:
"[21.52] Please take and read the actual oracles. Oracles You I address, Pandion's townsmen and sons of Erechtheus,
........... who appoint your feasts by the ancient rites of your fathers."See you forget not Bacchus, and joining all in the dances Down your broad-spaced streets, in thanks for the gifts of the season, Crown each head with a wreath, while incense reeks on the altars. For health sacrifice and pray to Zeus Most High, to Heracles, and to Apollo the Protector; for good fortune to Apollo, god of the streets, to Leto, and to Artemis; and along the streets set wine-bowls and dances, and wear garlands after the manner of your fathers in honor of all gods and all goddesses of Olympus, raising right hands and left in supplication."
John Mark Hicks: The Lord's supper should be understood as an interactive meal which engages the whole community in joyous, celebrative fellowship with God. If the supper is a thanksgiving meal, why is the dominant practice of the supper so silent, solemn, singular and sad? The supper is a table, not an altar. It is the experience of communion, not the search for atonement.
Must ye always rejoice, and go into my holy places continually, as they that keep a feast? and must ye go with a pipe, as those that rejoice into the mountain of the Lord, to the God of Israel Isaiah 30:29 LXX
"The ritual observances at the Hebrew and at a Canaanite sanctuary were so similar that to the mass of the people Jehovah worship and Baal worship were not separated by any well-marked line...
A sacrifice was a public ceremony of a township or clan... Then the crowds streamed into the sanctuary from all sides, dressed in their gayest attire, marching joyfully to the sound of music, and bearing with them not only the victims appointed for sacrifice, but store of bread and wine set forth the feast... Universal hilarity prevailed." (Gurney, O.R., Some Aspects of Hittite Religion, p. 37, Oxford University Press, 1977)
"Many of the Psalms are expressive of the parade dance, or dance procession, in a way which show it to have been the characteristic form of the festival (Psalms 30:12, 87:7, 149:3, 150:4; Is. 30:29) and that this was where many of the Psalms were used." ( W. O. E. Osterley, The Sacred Dance (Cambridge: N. P., 1923), p. 94)
ALL of the instrumental Psalms carry a judgmental message.They were not for CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP but for taunting the enemy and trying to drive them into panic and cowardice. In victory the PSALMS were to TRIUMPH OVER the enemy whom they always identified as Beliar or Beel-Zebul.
The feasts of the Jews were related to the Marzeah or Agape among pagans: these were feasts WITH and FOR the dead. However, the Lord's Supper reverently remembers that it was the DEATH of God in Christ as the only "ritual-like" event which could ever free people from the paganism Hicks is promoting.
But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 2 Tim 5:6
"However, you will grant that nothing can be more ridiculous than to be well anointed and crowned with roses but perishing of hunger and thirst. Thus it is at a funeral meal when the gravestone of one recently deceased is anointed and crowned,
while the funeral guests keep the wine and meal for themselves. (Lucian, De merced conductis 28, 687)
It was the same with regard to music at the meal of the dead. When at the end of the meal the funeral guests would resort to their own pleasures, to playing and dancing,
it was because music was originally supposed to have offered comfort to the dead.
"In Egypt it was "eat, drink and be merry" as the mourners are eating drinking, watching the dancers and listening to the song of the harpist, who addresses the dead man himself:"Celebrate the beautiful day! Set forth ointments and fine oil for your nostrils and wreaths and lotus blossoms for the body of your dear sister, who is seated at your side.
Let there be singing and music before you cast everything sad behind you and think only of joy." (Quasten, p. 154)
"A similar situation existed among the Greeks, the Etruscans and the Romans. A Greek relief of a meal of the dead, dating from the fifth century before Christ and presently in the Museo Baracco in Rome, depicts a husband and wife reclinig at a meal, looking at a Iyrist who attends them with his playing. The portrayals of banquets on Etruscan sepulchral monuments are well known, and music is rarely missing on them. The upper relief of a gravestone in the museum in Fiesole shows a meal of the dead, while the lower relief portrays a flutist and two dancing figures. The museum's inscription notes that this is a representation of the activities of the blessed in Elysium. On the upper relief the figure who is eating is pictured in a reclining position.
Since the living usually sat while the deceased were thought to recline, this clearly represents a meal of the dead. The music and dancing portrayed on the lower relief, like the meal, serve to refresh the dead person.
Well, I suspect that the end time pagans feel very comfortable CELEBRATING as they BREAK the body of Christ. After all, Psalm 41 prophesied that Judas would FAIL in his triumph over. This means "playing instruments and making a joyful noise before the Lord." This was the LEVITICAL WARRIOR musicians PANIC ATTACK to turn the enemy into a Coward.
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance (recollection) of me. 1 Cor 11:25
........... For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup,
........... you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1Co.11:26
To show forth means to preach. The Lord's Supper is a REPLACEMENT for the Legalistic memorial of animal sacrifices:
Anamnê-sis , eôs, hê, ( [anamimnêiskô] )
A. calling to mind, reminiscence, Pl. Phd.72e, 92d, Phlb.34c (pl.), Arist.Mem.451a21; a. tinos labein recall it to memory, IG2.628.20; anamnêseis thusiôn reminders to the gods of sacrifices offered, Lys.2.39.
2. memorial sacrifice, LXX Nu.10.10, cf. Ev.Luc.22.19.
Zikrown (h2146) zik-rone'; from 2142; a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing): - memorial, record.
Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the Lord your God. Nu.10:10
However, Jesus deliberately used the bread and fruit of the vine as a memorial for His Death. He became OUR Passover. To repeat the Legalistic memorial we are forced to blow trumpets, keep days, new moons and burn offerings.
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Lu.22:19
This is the same word in the Greek version.
3. palindromos a., of the moon, Secund.Sent.6.
A word often used with memorial meant to teach or disciple.
Mathêsis A. the act of learning, getting of knowledge. 2. desire of learning, 3. education, instruction,
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup,
........... you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1Co.11:26Not a ha, ha, jubilating time unless you are beyond redemption!
Kataggello (g2605) kat-ang-gel'-lo; from 2596 and the base of 32; to proclaim, promulgate: - declare, preach, shew, speak of, teach.
Kat-angellô, A. announce, proclaim, declare, 2. recite, recount, agon = public assembly. Agon = Divinity of the contest.. Often used with Christos doing a polemical battle. [See Christ Agnonzing out a Hymn when He meets with us be;pw]
The command was to REMEMBER the Lord's Death and PROCLAIM it for an everlasting activity. Remembrance is the Greek:
Aeimnêstos had in everlasting remembrance,
Anamimnêskô remind one of a thing, remind one to do, recall to memory, make mention of,Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 2 Pet 1:12
Latin : commemoro to recall an object to memory in all its particulars. to call to mind, be mindful of, keep in mind, remember, to bring something to one's recollection by speaking of it, to remind, to recount, relate
You may want to MOCK JESUS while "celebrating" His death but then God will or has TURNED YOU OVER to worship the starry host including Chiun or Saturn whose Chaldee number is 666.
John Mark Hicks: In the Hebrew Bible the table is a communal act of communion with God characterized by joy (thanksgiving) and rededication (vow). At Solomon's inauguration Israel "ate and drank before the Lord on that day with great joy" (1 Chron. 29:22). It was not a moment of solemn, private silence. It was not an individualistic act. On the contrary, it was an interactive meal which engaged the whole community in joyous, celebrative fellowship with God.
YOU CANNOT FEAST WITH THE "REVISIONED" LORD'S SUPPER UNLESS YOU KILL SOMETHING.
For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Heb 2:11
Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee Heb 2:12.
Declare is:
Apaggello (g518) ap-ang-el'-lo; from 575 and the base of 32; to announce: - bring word (again), declare, report, shew (again), tell.
Aggelos (g32) ang'-el-os; from aggello, [prob. der. from 71; comp. 34] (to bring tidings); a messenger; esp. an "angel"; by impl. a pastor: - angel, messenger
Sing does not mean JUBILATE over killing animals to feed the gods but:
Apalgeo (g524) ap-alg-eh'-o; from 575 and algeo, (to smart); to grieve out, i.e. become apathetic: - be past feeling
Praise is:
Humneo (g5214) hoom-neh'-o; from 5215; to hymn, i.e. sing a religious ode; by impl. to celebrate (God) in song: - sing an hymn (praise unto).
Christ the Holy Spirit invites us to "come learn of Me." When WE sing "that which is written" God in Christ Himself permits us to "watch with Him one hour." He proclaims His own death as He grieves out a hymn.
If you fall into a charismatic, musical, jubilating fit when God comes near to participate with us as brothers then you have CRUCIFIED Him all over again and again.
And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Heb 2:13
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood,
........... he also himself likewise took part of the same;
........... that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death,
........... that is, the devil; Heb 2:14And deliver them, who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Heb 2:15
The Jews killed tens of thousands of innocent animals and could never gain a secure spirit. Therefore, to attempt to get you to restore the Old Covenant Sacrificial System Hicks is trying to bring you back under bondage. Only when God took on the nature of a human which contained full Deity, and then died on the cross, could anyone get the true futility of trying to DO animal sacrifices to feed the gods always using music to appeas the gods or even to intimidate them.
For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Heb 2:16
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Heb 2:17
Hilaskomai (g2433) hil-as'-kom-ahee; mid. from the same as 2436; to conciliate, i.e. (trans.) to atone for (sin), or (intrans.) be propitious: - be merciful, make reconciliation for.
A "doctor of the Law" should know that you cannot make animal sacrifices as a legalistid FEAST without the high priest to stand BETWEEN you and a Holy God.
You might expect a DOCTOR OF THE LAW would understand "Context, it's all in the context." They were dedicating a HOUSE for God which He could not live in. This was the shrine of the CIVIL MONARCHY and not the "worship center" of the people. The assembled CONGREGATION was not a million or more but the King, the Priests and the city officials. Before the Temple, David could never return to the Tabernacle out of fear. God permitted an ALTERNATIVE altar at a JEBUSITE HIGH PLACE because Israel would worship like the nations.
David (secular king), together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. Here is the list of the men who performed this service: 1 Chr 25:1
After this initiation of temple and king the people's "congregation" would have been OUTSIDE the gates. The congregation is the civil-warriors and the secular government:
AND David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thous