Personal Story of Becky Kew - "In our small town of 800 people, it seemed as if drinking was all there was to do. I remember times when my Mom and Dad fought. I used to wonder: Why do they love this brown bottle so much when it brings so much misery? Why don't they love me? Is this all my fault?  One time he had her pinned down on the coffee table and I really thought that this time, he would kill her." (more)

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When Should Sisters Wear Head Coverings?

Earl Ritchie, Vancouver, BC

Recent answers in the Q and A section of Truth and Tidings have engendered correspondence by some who view the subject differently. It is not the intent of the board of T and T that the magazine become a forum for debate. But in light of the importance of this subject, we have invited an article with an opposing view. The article which follows was submitted by our brother Ritchie. We leave with our readership the article and the Q and A - but above all the Word of God. We also feel it vital to stress that when leadership in an assembly has requested head coverings at events such as those mentioned in the article, the spiritual response is "Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves" (Heb 13:17)." TARGET="_blank">Heb 13:17). God places no premium on rebellion.

AJH

When Should Sisters Wear Head Coverings?

This article is intended to help with the issue as to when head coverings should be worn. As with any other question about the conduct of a believer, it is essential that we be spiritually minded, looking for ways of pleasing God in our lives. First, most believers in assembly fellowship have some idea as to why we insist on head coverings for sisters and uncovered heads for brethren in the meetings. The reasons are to be found mainly in 1 Corinthians 11." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11. It would be a good thing for us to learn something about the "ships" in our NT: Lordship, headship, worship, and fellowship.

Let’s assume that we agree that covered heads and uncovered heads portray the important teaching of headship, that the man is the head of the woman, that Christ is the head of the man, and that God is the head of Christ. Let us agree that these statements in 1 Corinthians 11" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11 are for us as much as they were for those first century Christians. These are not notes on cultural practices or Paul’s ideas about how people should dress. Now the question is, when should the heads of the sisters be covered and the heads of the brethren be uncovered? If we take these instructions in the assembly setting we are probably very close to the answer because the epistle is addressed to an assembly, "The church of God which is at Corinth," and then broadened out to include us, "with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor 1:2" TARGET="_blank">1 Cor 1:2 ).

The question will then arise, what about weddings and funerals which could be considered private functions, not assembly gatherings? Actually, in both weddings and funerals we are drawing very close to the Lord; these functions are quite different from birthday parties or graduation parties. At a wedding or a funeral, the saints gather to pray, to read the Word of God, to speak out the gospel, and to be in the presence of God for comfort. Both the wedding of believers and the funeral of a departed saint could be included in the expression, "When ye come together" (1 Cor 11:17, 18, 20, 22, 33, 34)." TARGET="_blank">1 Cor 11:17, 18, 20, 22, 33, 34). Many good brethren have listed the various meetings of the assembly as portrayed in the N. T. but the fact that weddings and funerals are not on their list does not rule out the fact that these functions could be considered extensions of our meetings. These occasions are more than family gatherings for social purposes; they are cases of the assembly coming together to seek God’s blessing on a marriage union or the testimony and comfort of a funeral.

The commentary on Corinthians by J. Hunter in the What the Bible Teaches series, is very helpful here: "It must be stated that the N. T. knows nothing of one gathering of the saints being of a different order or rank from another ... Nor is it the presence of the bread and the cup, but the presence of God, that makes the assembly sacred" (p 125). In other words, when we have gathered for a wedding or a funeral, we are in the presence of God and we should observe the same norms of behavior and dress. How disrespectful and irreverent it would be for the brethren to sit through the whole wedding or the funeral with their heads covered; likewise how irreverent it would be for sisters to come bareheaded into a gathering which is specifically intended to join a brother and a sister in a relationship in which headship is exemplified.

The Word of God clearly marks out a difference between men and women. Our North American society is doing its best to blur the differences between the genders. Let us, as believers, follow the Word of God. Weddings and funerals could be considered extensions of assembly meetings where the saints have gathered to wait upon God for His blessing and, in the case of the funeral, to remember His kindness and grace in saving the departed brother or sister. Reverence, respect, and godliness should mark the day. We don’t need worldliness and irreverence to spoil these important days.

Weddings and funerals have a personal and private aspect as well. There is no reason why, with a little imagination and preparation, we cannot add the personal touch without violating principles of the Word of God. The wedding reception and the refreshment time after the funeral tend to be less formal and more relaxed thus providing opportunities for personal expressions of congratulations at weddings or condolences or memories after a funeral.

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“BROKEN” OR “GIVEN”?

Is it right or wrong to say, as we find in some hymns, “Thy body broken”?

With us, some substitute the word “given,” on the ground that “broken” contravenes the prohibition, “A bone of Him shall not be broken.”

The expression in the said hymns is based on the A.V. of 1 Corinthians 11:24" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 11:24: “This is My body, which is broken for you.” Whether or not this is correct, it is difficult dogmatically to decide, but I think we are safe in refusing “given” as a substitute for “broken” in the Corinthian passage, for there is no serious manuscript authority for it, and it is only supported by three versions—the Latin Vulgate, the Egyptian and the Ethiopic, and the editor of the 4th or 5th century—_Euthalius. This reading, however, has the bulk of authority in Luke 22:19." TARGET="_blank">Luke 22:19. The choice then lies between “broken” and simply, “This is My body for you” (lit, the one on behalf of you), though one cannot help feeling that this sentence seems to need completing with some verb.

However, although some good authorities like Drs. Tregelles and Christopher Wordsworth, refuse to give up “broken,” which has a considerable body of weighty authority behind it, there seems still more authority for omitting. Then again there is the prohibition: “A bone of Him shall not be broken.” which some quote as conclusive against our reading, “broken,” as the verb in 1 Corinthians  11:24. It is perfectly true that the bread is broken, but surely this is not as a symbol of anything that occurred at the cross, but simply for purposes of distribution. It is the breaking of bread which stands for the communion or sharing of it by those participating. Whether again the breaking of the body, i.e. of the skin and flesh, as was undoubtedly the case at Calvary, might take place, without the unity of the body being compromised, is a question. It is the bones which matter, for they are the foundation of the bodily frame, and alone preserve its unity. I have sometimes wondered whether the prohibition as to breaking a bone of the Paschal lamb (Exododus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12)" TARGET="_blank">Numbers 9:12) did not mean that the carcase should preserve its entirety, the bones being not only unbroken, but unsevered. The flesh would be carved off, the bony frame remain intact. It seems as though nothing short of this would represent the unity of the Body of Christ symbolised by the Lamb. Our Lord’s prophetic words in Psalm 22:17," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 22:17, “I may tell all my bones,” no doubt refer primarily to His physical bones, but they go further to those whom He in His omniscience even then knew as His members, and as being crucified with Him. In Psalm 34:20," TARGET="_blank">Psalm 34:20, we have the assurance, “He keepeth all His bones, not one of them is broken”— where “broken” might well bear the sense of “severed.” In the next Psalm we have the testimony of each and all of these “bones”—”All My bones shall say, Lord, who is like unto Thee, which deliverest the poor from Him that is too strong for him” (v. 10).

Our conclusion must be on the whole that while “given” is doctrinally correct (Luke 22. 19)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 22. 19), it cannot be upheld by the textual authorities of the Corinthian passage as what Paul wrote by the Spirit. As for “broken,” though well supported, it certainly has the general understanding of the prohibition of John 19:36" TARGET="_blank">John 19:36 against it, as well as the larger bulk of manuscript authority. I think we are safer then in accepting with the R.V. the version of the words in question as, “This is My body, which is for you,” though we may not be able to do so with absolute conviction.

W.H.

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Who was Saint Patrick and what is St. Patrick's Day?

Maewyn Succat is the real name of the man who the Catholic Church eventually declared to be Saint Patrick.  He was born in 387 A.D. in Kilpatrick, Scotland and died in 461 A.D.  He is known for his Christian missionary work in Ireland where he preached for 30 years.  It is said that over 135,000 people were converted due to his teaching and 300 churches established throughout the country.  

He didn’t appear to be born to greatness.  When he was 16 years old he was captured by Catholic invaders and became a slave in Ireland.  During his time in slavery, he learned about the non-Christian culture and customs of Celtic Ireland.  Later in life he returned and converted many of these Celts to the Catholic faith.  

He felt called by God because of a vivid dream in which God said “Your ship is ready.” St. Patrick jumped a ship bound for Britian where he received another message from God in a dream.  This time in his dream he received a letter which was the “voice of the Irish”.  Inside the letter he heard the people of Ireland asking him to return to teach them the Catholic faith.

Saint Patrick then studied to become an ordained Catholic bishop.  Later he returned to Ireland to begin his missionary work.  His preaching was met with great success.  Knowing the Celltic culture, he adapted symbols of Ireland to teach Christian doctrines, most notably the shamrock, a three-leaved clover, to represent the trinity.  It is also said that Saint Patrick introduced alcohol to Ireland which still affects the culture of Ireland today.  

Saint Patrick’s Day Observed

Saint Patrick died on March 17, 461.  March 17 is a national holiday in Ireland to commemorate their greatest Catholic missionary of all time.  With a significant Irish immigrant population, the United States celebrates the day, but not to the extent of making it a national holiday.  People wear green, claim to be Irish for at least one day of the year, drink green beer and in Chicago, dye the Chicago River green.  

While the Bible doesn’t mention a special class of people as saints (all believers are referred to as the saints - see note below), Maewyn Succat was an extraordinary man who dedicated his life to teaching the tenants of the Christian faith to another culture.  The main known as Saint Patrick made Ireland into one of the most ardent supporters of the Catholic Church anywhere on the planet.

Saints

The Bible refers to all believers as saints.  See the following list of saints mentioned in the Acts and the Epistles...

(Acts 9:13)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 9:13)  But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.

(Acts 9:32)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 9:32)  Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

(Acts 9:41)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 9:41)  And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

(Acts 26:10)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 26:10)  And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.

(Romans 1:7)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 1:7)  To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Romans 8:27)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:27)  And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

(Romans 12:13)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:13)  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

(Romans 15:25)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 15:25)  At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.

(Romans 15:26)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 15:26)  For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.

(Romans 15:31)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 15:31)  that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,

(Romans 16:2)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 16:2)  that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

(Romans 16:15)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 16:15)  Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

(1 Corinthians 1:2)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 1:2)  To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

(1 Corinthians 6:1)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:1)  When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?

(1 Corinthians 6:2)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 6:2)  Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?

(1 Corinthians 14:33)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:33)  For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

(1 Corinthians 16:1)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 16:1)  Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.

(1 Corinthians 16:15)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 16:15)  Now I urge you, brothers--you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints--

(2 Corinthians 1:1)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 1:1)  Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:

(2 Corinthians 8:4)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 8:4)  begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints--

(2 Corinthians 9:1)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 9:1)  Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints,

(2 Corinthians 9:12)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 9:12)  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

(2 Corinthians 13:13)" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 13:13)  All the saints greet you.

(Ephesians 1:1)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:1)  Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

(Ephesians 1:15)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:15)  For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,

(Ephesians 1:18)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:18)  having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

(Ephesians 2:19)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:19)  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

(Ephesians 3:8)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 3:8)  To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

(Ephesians 3:18)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 3:18)  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

(Ephesians 4:12)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:12)  to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

(Ephesians 5:3)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:3)  But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.

(Ephesians 6:18)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:18)  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

(Philippians 1:1)" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 1:1)  Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

(Philippians 4:22)" TARGET="_blank">Philippians 4:22)  All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

(Colossians 1:2)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:2)  To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

(Colossians 1:4)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:4)  since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,

(Colossians 1:12)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:12)  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

(Colossians 1:26)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 1:26)  the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

(1 Thessalonians 3:13)" TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 3:13)  so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

(2 Thessalonians 1:10)" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 1:10)  when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

(1 Timothy 5:10)" TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:10)  and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

(Philemon 1:5)" TARGET="_blank">Philemon 1:5)  because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,

(Philemon 1:7)" TARGET="_blank">Philemon 1:7)  For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

(Hebrews 6:10)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 6:10)  For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.

(Hebrews 13:24)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 13:24)  Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings.

(Jude 1:3)" TARGET="_blank">Jude 1:3)  Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

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What is the meaning of “the last shall be first and the first last, for many are called but few chosen” (Matthew 20:16)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 20:16)?

The surface meaning of the first sentence, which occurs also in Matthew 19:30," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 19:30, is that the position will be reversed; the last taking the first place and the first taking the last place, but this is not at all what the parable teaches.

What is in view is rather the equality of last with first, and of first with last, and I submit that this is exactly what the words mean; the last shall be as the first, and the first as the last. Those called in the early days of our Lord’s ministry, and those called in the last days of the Christian era, will be on an equality.

The closing words are undoubtedly difficult, but I believe they mean, that, as far as character of service goes, though the number of those called is great, those chosen for special service, like the apostles, are few in number. Such will undoubtedly receive special awards in the Kingdom, e.g., as above, “sitting on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” As far, however, as the common blessings of the redeemed are concerned— Eternal Life, Membership of Christ’s Body, Sonship, etc. there will be equality, though the differences implied by rewards will be eternal.

W.H.

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