Question: Is it scriptural or otherwise justifiable to take the communion to shut-ins? (Ok.)

Answer: The scriptures teach that the communion is an act or item of cooperate worship. Acts 20:7".. .the disciples came together to break bread." I Cor 11:20 "When ye come together into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper" i.e. "it is impossible for you to eat the Lord's supper." Also verse 33 "Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another." All these verses speak of "coming together" to observe the Lord's supper or communion. The word "communion means a 'joint participation or a sharing or having in common'. This is accomplished when we assemble and jointly participate in the remembrance of the Lord's death by eating the bread and drinking the cup. If one is unable to assemble, due to illness or circumstances beyond their control, they are not in violation of these commands, i.e. the Lord will not hold them accountable. There is no indication in the scriptures that in such cases any part of the worship was taken to the person who was unable to assemble. One might just as well argue that the contribution or singing be taken to the shut-in as to argue that the communion should be taken. Hence, two things negate such a practice (1) the shut-in being unable to assemble is in no violation of scripture for not assembling, (2) there is no scriptural precedent for the church taking an act of cooperate worship to someone who was unable to unite with the congregation when that part of the worship was observed.

Question: Is it scriptural for a Christian to serve on a jury? (Ca.)

Answer: There seems to be a growing concern among some regarding this issue, perhaps in part, because many states have changed their procedures for subpoenaing potential jurors and people in greater numbers are being asked to serve. Most people with whom I am acquainted would be very reluctant to serve on a jury considering a capital case in view of the potential consequences of contributing to the death of an individual. The bible teaches that Christians cannot kill or be a party to those who do. (Mt 5:21,22; James 2:8-13) When society deems such action necessary, the scriptures make it plain who is to carry out the punishment. Note Rom 13:4 "For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. "This scripture points out that civil authorities are ordained and used by God to carry out vengeance on evildoers. But what about serving on a jury in a non-capital case? There are some who think it is their civic duty to do so. Brethren, I must disagree. Christians should not place themselves in a situation where they mete out vengeance to the practitioners of evil. Note Rom 12:19 "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." The Greek word translated "avenge" in this passage is the same word (noun form) used in Rom 13:4 to describe the function of the civil servant in executing wrath on the evildoer. God uses civil government to execute judgment on evildoers. He forbids the Christian from operating in such a role. It is outside our sphere of conduct. Let us ever remember that we are only pilgrims and strangers here. This world is not our home. (Send all questions to Ronny F. Wade, P.O. Box 10811, Springfield, Mo. 65808)