October 31, 1999 Humble Messenger

"Break Thou the Bread of Life" #355 Though sometimes used as a song in preparation for the Lord's Supper , this song is not about "breaking bread" in the Lord's Supper.

The "bread of life" one hungers for in the song is the truth about Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. "Within the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord; My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word." Jesus said,
"I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." John 6:35, NASB.

To "eat" the "bread of life" is to understand and believe the gospel story of life in the suffering Messiah, Jesus Christ. "It is written in the prophets, 'and they shall all be taught of God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me. Not that any man has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life." John 6:45-48, NASB.

It is the truth about Jesus Christ, who He is, why He came, and our need of Him, that will save us. "Thou art the bread of life, O Lord, to me, Thy holy Word the truth that saveth me; Give me to eat and live..."

"This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread also which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh . . . It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life . . . Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.'" John 6:50,51,63, 68,69, NASB.

"Bless Thou the truth, dear Lord, to me, to me, as Thou didst bless the bread by Galilee..." When Jesus "blessed" the bread by Galilee (Jn. 6:1-14) he gave thanks for it (compare Mt. 14:19, "He blessed the food," with Jn. 6:11, "and having given thanks"). What the writer of the song had in mind by, "as Thou didst bless the bread by Galilee," I do not know (some power infused into the bread by his "blessing" resulting in the miracle - ?; "1. To make holy by religious rite; sanctify." American Heritage Dictionary - ?). What do we mean when we pray for God to "bless the bread"? Whatever, "bless the truth to me" in this song seems to be a prayer that the truth will have its impact in our hearts and lives. "then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall; and I shall find my peace, my All in all."

If we wish to use this song before the Lord's Supper, that's fine. We just need to be aware of its true meaning when we sing it. John chapter six is not about the Lord's Supper; the Lord's Supper is about John chapter six! ----
News of Interest
Dorothy Otterbach's health condition is very low. Remember her, Wally, and Linda in your prayers . . . Charles Tu and Bridget Hollan were wed yesterday . . . WORKDAY - PEWS: This Saturday, November 6, work will continue on shortening the pews and lacquering them, weather permitting. It would certainly be of help if we had several men (young men--YOU can be of service!) to transport the pews outside for lacquering and then back in after they are done. Can you help? If you will be able to assist, please put your name on the list in the foyer so we can have some idea of who to expect. Thanks . . . If you can assist with rides for Zelma Bobbitt in November, please volunteer by signing up on the list in the foyer . . . Fred and Debbie Feguson's correct phone number is: (281) 324-1775 . . . ELDERS: The congregation has been given several weeks to suggest men whom they think would be qualified to serve as elders. Four men have been either encouraged directly by fellow Christians and/or their name mentioned to the elders: Doug Bernard; Boyd Hurst; Gregg Hutson; Larry Legg. These selections by members of the congregation happen to be the same four men who voluntarily indicated their willingness to serve in this capacity. One week is left to give opportunity to discuss with these men any concerns they may have about their qualifications, or any problems with serving under them. If you have concerns, please set up a time to talk to these men directly. If you prefer, one of the elders can accompany you in meeting with these men. After this is done, if there are any issues yet unresolved, the elders will seek to help in a resolution of these matters. "And let these also first be tested; then let them serve..." 1 Tim. 3:10 (NASB) ----
Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt

-- October --
Sun., 31, am -  xxxxxx pm - Jim Porterfield

-- November --
Wed., 3, pm  -
Sun.,7, am  -  xxxxxx pm - Fontenot Wed., 10, pm - Michael Gove
Sun., 14, am  -  xxxxxx pm - B. Simpson Wed., 17, pm - David Osteen
Sun., 21, am  -  xxxxxx pm -
Wed., 24, pm - Rocky Rodriguez
Sun., 28, am  -  xxxxxx pm -
Remember: Call Sis. Bobbitt before you go to pick her up to see if she feels like coming. -----
SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, Nov. 3
Song Leader: David Osteen

Sunday AM, Nov. 7
Announcements: Tod Aldridge
Song Leader: Craig Ottersbach
First Prayer: Wallace Ottersbach
Lord's Table:
Bread: Robert Rice
Fruit of the Vine: Clint Palermo
Contribution: Mark Hargrove
Assistant: Ed Schindler
Closing Prayer: Charles Tu

Sunday PM, Nov. 7
Song Leader: Gary Tuttle
First Prayer: Bill Faulkner
Lord's Table:
Bread: Mark LaBurt
Fruit of the Vine: Jim Porterfield
Contribution: John Lowrance
Closing Prayer: John Knudsen

If you are a song leader, but know you will be unavailable, please notify Jim Crain. If you are scheduled to serve in any other capacity but cannot serve as scheduled, please notify Gregg Hutson.