Terry Scheuffele

What’s the Deal with

The Lord’s Supper?

Fellowship

Last week I began a new series on What’s the Deal with the Lord’s Supper. This is similar to and a companion to my series recently on Baptism. Both baptism and the Lord’s Supper were given by Jesus to the Church. Baptism was given as a reenactment of his death, burial, and resurrection to illustrate our conformity with his death, resurrection, and new life. The Lord’s Supper is also full of meaning for Christians. This series seeks to explore the meaning of the Lord’s Supper and illustrate how this should affect our Christian walk.

In our first lesson, we demonstrated that in the taking of the Lord’s Supper, we experience the presence of Christ. This is no more a mere symbolic participation than being immersed in water is a mere symbol of our union with Christ. No, the taking of the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper is a means whereby we experience the presence of Christ in that moment and a pledge to assure us of his continuing presence within the church and throughout our lives.

Sunday, we examine how the Lord’s Supper is a demonstration of the unity and fellowship Christ has provided in his church. This is vividly illustrated in Paul’s rebuke to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 11.

1 Corinthians 11:17-29 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it…. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, 21 for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk…. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.

The early church celebrated the Lord’s Supper as a part of a fellowship meal (as Jesus, himself instituted it). As with most churches, Corinth was composed of many different socio-economic classes. In their celebration, individuals within the Corinthian church brought their own meals. The rich would dine on the best of foods, while the poor had little or nothing. Further, they would not wait on each other which may also be indicative of the rich not wanting to eat with the lower class. Paul condemns this division as not recognizing the body of the Lord. Body has a two-fold meaning. It means the actual body of Christ as represented in the Lord’s Supper, but it also means the body of Christ which is the church.

By their actions the Corinthian church was invalidating the very unity and fellowship provided by Jesus in his sacrifice. Jesus presence with all Christians in the Lord’s Supper demonstrates our equality before him and our fellowship with him and each other.

I’ll say more in my lesson! Joey

What’s the Deal with

The Lord’s Supper?

Presence

Sunday, I begin a new series on What’s the Deal with the Lord’s Supper? This will be similar to my recent series on Baptism.

While we usually use the terms The Lord’s Supper or Communion to describe or denominate this memorial, it is also true that the Lord’s Supper can be described (along with baptism) as a sacrament. Sacrament (as defined by the Anglican Book of Common Prayer) is

“An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given unto us, ordained by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure us thereof.”

We traditionally not been comfortable using sacrament in our faith tradition, but you must admit, when it comes to baptism, this definition is more than accurate. As we begin our present study of the Lord’s Supper, I believe the term, sacrament, so defined, is also an accurate description of our Communion with Christ.

In the taking of the Lord’s Supper, we experience the presence of Christ. The outward and visible signs are the bread and the wine (juice in our tradition). The spiritual grace is the presence of Christ in that special moment of participation. This is no more a mere symbolic participation than being immersed in water is a mere symbol of our union with Christ. No, the taking of the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper is a means whereby we experience the presence of Christ in that moment and a pledge to assure us of his continuing presence within the church and throughout our lives. Paul explained this to the Corinthian church.

1 Corinthians 10:16-21 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

I know language such as this may be uncomfortable, especially for those familiar with the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. What the scripture affirms has nothing to do with this false view of what happens to the bread and wine. However, the Lord’s supper is also not merely a memorial of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Among other things, it is an invitation to participate in the presence of Christ himself.

I’ll say more in my lesson! Joey

Mother’s Day Reflection:

Courage in the Crisis

This Mother’s Day we celebrate the protective love of mothers, and we find a powerful example in an unlikely hero from Scripture: Jochebed, the mother of Moses (Exodus 1:15–2:10).

In a time of brutal oppression, Pharaoh ordered the death of every Hebrew baby boy. Yet two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, “feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live” (Exodus 1:17). Their courage opened the door for Jochebed’s even greater act of faith.

When her son was born, “she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile” (Exodus 2:2-3). Imagine the tears as she entrusted her baby to the very river meant to destroy him.

What happened next is pure divine irony. Pharaoh’s own daughter discovered the basket, felt compassion, and—through the quick thinking of Moses’ sister Miriam—hired the baby’s own mother to nurse him. Jochebed was paid to raise her own son in the palace of the enemy!

Jochebed’s story reminds every mother that courageous protection does not mean perfect control—it means doing everything you can and then releasing your child into the hands of a sovereign God.  Whether you face cultural pressures, health challenges, rebellious teens, or the ache of empty arms, God sees your quiet faithfulness.

To every mother, step-mother, grandmother, spiritual mother, and woman who nurtures others: your hidden acts of faith matter. The same God who turned a basket into a palace nursery is still at work today.

And for all of us, this story points forward to Jesus Christ—the greater Deliverer drawn out of death so that we might live. May we fear the Lord more than any “Pharaoh” in our lives and trust Him with the children—biological and spiritual—He has entrusted to us.

Happy Mother’s Day! You are loved, seen, and never alone in the crisis.

What’s the Deal with… Baptism?

(Part 3)

Sunday will be the final lesson of a three-week series entitled, What’s the Deal with Baptism? These lessons examine our emphasis on baptism in a question/answer format.

In week one we discussed Acts 2:36-41 as a foundational text in the understanding of the place of baptism in salvation.

Last week we addressed:

1. Q: Why do we still baptize today?
   A: Because Jesus commanded it;
2. Q: Who can administer baptism?
   A: Any disciple, male or female. The authority lies with God not the baptizer or the church;
3. Q: What does God do when we are baptized?
   A: He justifies, sanctifies, forgives, gives the Spirit, regenerates our hearts, grants new birth, begats us as his children, includes us in his inheritance, joins us with Christ and the benefits of his death & resurrection, breaks our bondage to sin, and saves us.
4. Q: Who should be baptized?
   A: Anyone who believes in Jesus, acknowledges their sinfulness, repents, and is willing to commit to him as Lord of their life (we noted that this excludes infants, who are safe and do not yet need salvation).

In this final lesson, we will discuss

1. The age of accountability,
2. Why Jesus was baptized,
3. The baptism of John vs. Christian baptism,
4. The mode of baptism, and
5. Who, if anyone, should be rebaptized.

Again, I’ll restate my thesis: “Water baptism is the final act in an unbeliever’s initial journey of FAITH. That journey leads them from unbelief to complete trust in Jesus as the source and basis of their salvation. Baptism has no power in itself. It is the place and time at which God’s promised justification (forgiveness) and sanctification (reception of the Holy Spirit and regeneration—new birth) is received.”

Have you begun this faith journey?

What’s the Deal with… Baptism?

(Part II)

Last week we began a three week lesson series entitled, What’s the Deal with Baptism? We, in the churches of Christ, are known for our emphasis on baptism. These lessons examine whether this is just an idiosyncratic doctrinal oddity or whether its emphasis comes from an accurate understanding of God’s word.

Last week we discussed Acts 2:36-41 as a foundational text in the understanding of the place of baptism in salvation. Acts 2 records the first proclamation of the Gospel (Jesus is Lord and Christ), the first response (what shall we do?), the first gospel invitation to salvation (repent and be baptized), the first promised remedy offered to those who believe, repent and are baptized (forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit or justification and sanctification), the first gospel exhortation to obey (save yourselves!), and the first obedient respondents (3000 baptized). Not only is this pattern repeated throughout Acts, the theological discussions of faith, repentance, and baptism are all consistent with this throughout the remainder of the New Testament.

I’ll restate my thesis from last week’s article, “Water baptism is the final act in an unbeliever’s initial journey of FAITH. That journey leads them from unbelief to complete trust in Jesus as the source and basis of their salvation. Baptism has no power in itself. It is the place and time at which God’s promised justification (forgiveness) and sanctification (reception of the Holy Spirit and regeneration—new birth) is received.”

Baptism is not a meritorious work. In fact, it is the only passive pre-condition of salvation. We believe with the heart (active work), we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord (active work), we repent of our sins (active work), but we are baptized (passive submission). It is all motivated and energized by our faith.

In this series we will follow a question/answer format in which I will ask your questions and answer directly from the Scripture.

Some of the questions we will address include:

1. Why do we still baptize today?
2. What does God do when we are baptized?
3. Who can administer baptism?
   Can women baptize?
   Must there be church authority for baptism to be valid?
4. Who should be baptized?
5. At what age?
6. If Jesus had no sins, why was he baptized?
7. What mode of baptism is evidenced in the Scripture?
8. How many baptisms are there? Water? Spirit? Fire?
9. Should I be rebaptized?

What’s the Deal with… Baptism?

Our fellowship is known for its emphasis on the necessity of water baptism. Some might even argue that we have placed too much emphasis on the subject. In my 50 years of ministry, I can see where the objection is valid in some cases.

I knew a man in south Alabama who was responsible for over 200 baptisms in his lifetime —which is remarkable! He was NOT a preacher or an elder, just a passionate, evangelistic Christian! However, of that number very few actually became growing disciples. For him baptism was the end goal. He thought, “If I convince people they need to be baptized or re-baptized (as was the case most of the time), I’ve done my job.”

He treated baptism as some “magical” act that in and of itself saved people. For him, it was the end result of his evangelistic effort. Nothing else was needed. That “magical” thinking is still present is many of us.

Water baptism is the final act in an unbeliever’s initial journey of FAITH. That journey leads them from unbelief to complete trust in Jesus as the source and basis of their salvation. Baptism has no power in itself. It is the place and time at which God’s promised justification (forgiveness) and sanctification (reception of the Holy Spirit and regeneration—new birth) is received.

It is not an act of righteousness or meritorious work. Water does not forgive sins; the blood of Jesus forgives sins when one submits in faith to God.

Once one has been baptized, it is only the beginning of their Christian walk. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands that we “make disciples.” That is accomplished by going (evangelism), baptizing (faith commitment demonstrated), and teaching (discipleship).

For the next three weeks, I will be addressing, What’s the deal with baptism? in my Sunday messages. I will be answering your questions on all the how, where, and why’s of baptism from the word of God.

I want to explain our emphasis on baptism from a biblical perspective and answer any objections from the Scripture.

I will be using a question/answer format in these lessons. You might want to submit any questions you want answered. Feel free to call/text me.  

– Joey

I Have Seen The Lord!

This Easter Sunday, we invite you to encounter the risen Christ through the eyes of one woman who knew sorrow better than most: Mary Magdalene. In John 20:11–18, we meet her weeping outside an empty tomb, convinced that even the body of her Lord has been stolen. What happens next is not just history—it is the pattern of how Jesus still meets every broken heart today.

Mary’s story is raw and real. She had been delivered from seven demons. She had watched her Savior crucified. Now, in the gray dawn of Easter morning, grief blinded her to the very One standing behind her. She mistook the risen Lord for a gardener. But when Jesus spoke her name—“Mary!”—everything changed. One word from the lips of the living Christ turned her deepest mourning into the greatest joy the world has ever known.

In this message, I Have Seen the Lord!, we will walk verse-by-verse through John 20:11–18 and discover three life-changing truths:

1. How misplaced mourning keeps us staring into an empty tomb.
2. How the risen Jesus is often closer than we realize, even when our tears blind us.
3. How hearing our own name from the Savior’s lips launches us on the greatest mission of our lives.

Mary became the first evangelist in history, running to the disciples with the simple, explosive testimony: “I have seen the Lord!” That same transforming encounter is available to you this Easter. Whether you are grieving a loss, battling doubt, or simply wondering if Jesus is still personal in 2026, this message is for you.

Come expectant. Come honest. Come ready to hear Jesus call your name.

Christ Above All:

Devoted to Prayer and Witness –

Advancing the Gospel

Over the past four weeks in Colossians we’ve seen Christ’s unrivaled supremacy, defended the gospel against any dilution of His sufficiency, embraced the call to put off the old self and put on compassion and love, and learned how the gospel reshapes relationships at home and work . Now the letter closes with a powerful summons to live outwardly for the glory of Christ.

This Sunday we finish with Colossians 4:2-18, Devoted to Prayer and Witness – Advancing the Gospel.

Paul, still in chains, does not ask for personal comfort. Instead he urges the church: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). Prayer is not passive; it is alert, grateful, and missional. He asks them to pray for open doors for the word, for clarity in proclaiming the mystery of Christ—even though that proclamation has landed him in prison. The gospel advances through persistent, watchful intercession.

He then turns to everyday witness: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4: 5-6). Toward non-believers our lives and words should be thoughtful, timely, kind yet truthful— preserving the gospel’s flavor while drawing others in. No harshness, no blandness—just grace that points to the supreme Christ.

The closing greetings reveal a gospel community in action: Tychicus and Onesimus carrying the letter, Epaphras wrestling in prayer, Mark reconciled and useful, Luke  the physician, and others standing together across ethnic, social, and former divisions. The supremacy of Christ creates a family that prays fervently, encourages one another, and advances the good news together.

Come ready to be stirred and equipped. We’ll explore practical ways to build devoted prayer habits, redeem ordinary conversations with gracious witness, and strengthen the body so we stand mature and bold in Boise. Whether you feel timid about sharing faith or simply want deeper prayer life, this passage speaks directly to you.

Invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker who needs to hear that real hope is found in Christ alone—and that His people are called to make Him known with love and courage.

Christ Above All:

Christ-Centered Relationships –

Honoring God at Home and Work

In our first three weeks in Colossians we’ve marveled at Christ’s supreme lordship over creation and redemption, defended the gospel against any teaching that adds to His all-sufficient work, and embraced the call to put off the old self—anger, greed, impurity— and put on the new: compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love. This Sunday the letter brings these truths straight into the daily arenas where power dynamics shape so much of life—our homes and workplaces.

We turn to Colossians 3:18–4:1, “Christ-Centered Relationships – Honoring God at Home and Work.”

In the first-century Roman world, rigid hierarchies governed households: husbands held authority over wives, parents over children, masters over slaves. Paul writes within that cultural reality rather than calling for immediate social revolution. Yet the gospel he preaches relentlessly undermines every form of oppressive power. In Christ “there is no male and female, slave and free” in terms of worth, dignity, or standing before God (Galatians 3:28; cf. Colossians 3:11). The instructions here mitigate imbalance rather than reinforce it.

Wives are called to voluntary respect “as is fitting in the Lord,” while husbands are commanded to love self-sacrificially and refuse all harshness—turning potential dominance into servant-hearted partnership. Children obey parents, but parents (especially fathers) are strictly warned against provoking or discouraging their children; authority must nurture, not crush. Slaves are to work with integrity as unto the Lord, and masters are required to treat those under them “justly and fairly,” remembering they too answer to a heavenly Master.

The gospel transforms every relationship from the inside out. Power is never an excuse for control or exploitation; it is always accountable to Christ and reshaped by love, justice, and mutual respect. Marriage becomes mutual submission under Jesus. Parenting balances guidance with grace. Workplaces move toward fairness and dignity for all.

Come expecting practical, hope-filled application. We’ll explore how to live out these truths this week—whether navigating decisions as spouses, correcting children with empathy, working under difficult authority, or leading others with justice. The supremacy of Christ levels every human inequality while calling us to faithful, counter-cultural witness in the structures we inhabit.

Christ Above All:

The New Life in Christ –

Putting Off the Old Self

In our first two weeks in Colossians we’ve seen that the unshakable foundation: Christ is supreme over all creation and redemption, and that we must guard the gospel against any “Jesus-plus” teaching that diminishes His sufficiency. Now the letter turns deeply practical.

This Sunday we will discuss Colossians 3:1-17: The New Life in Christ – Putting Off the Old Self.

Paul doesn’t leave us admiring Christ from a distance. Because we have died with Him and been raised with Him, our everyday lives must reflect that reality. “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). Your true life is “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). That heavenly identity fuels radical change here and now.

The old self—with its patterns of sexual immorality, greed (which is idolatry), anger, slander, and lying—must be put to death (Colossians 3:5-9). These aren’t minor habits to manage; they belong to the person we used to be. In Christ, that person is dead.

In its place, we are called to “put on” the new self: “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another… forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:12-13). Above all these virtues, “put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). Let Christ’s peace rule your hearts, His word dwell richly in you, and do everything in His name with thanksgiving (Colossians 3:15-17).

This isn’t a call to grit your teeth and try harder. It’s gospel-powered transformation: kill sin because you’ve already died to it; clothe yourself in Christ’s character because you’ve been raised to new life. The result is a community where ethnic, social, and economic barriers fade because “Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11).

Come expecting heart-level challenge and hope. We’ll explore everyday ways to put off the old and put on the new—starting Monday morning, in traffic, at the dinner table, and in strained relationships.

Invite someone who feels stuck in old patterns or wonders if real change is possible. Let’s discover together how the supremacy of Christ reshapes not just our beliefs, but our daily walk