The world is full of fakes, cons, opportunists, as well as a few good people.  After coming to the Lord (being born again of the Spirit of God that iz) a desire is automatically implanted within a new babe in Jesus to find like-minded brothers and sisters in the family of God to rub shoulders with, befriend, and find encouragement from, "in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation" (that goes for good 'ole Kiwiland you know!).  This is fully to do with God granting the repentant new comer (convert) a new heart.

This seems to be a very simple, practical and straight forward exercise (az well az making a lot of sense).  Especially in a country where many attend one of the many conglomerate of churches ("they can't ALL be wrong, can they?") and profess to be Christians.  Until the crunch comes and nearly everyone is out to win (or lure) you into their 'spiritual club', making out itz the most "biblical", or "trendiest", or "caring", or "friendliest" church in town.  Especially if they felt they were instrumental in winning you to "the Lord".  Like they now had a right over your life or something.  Or a licence to get into your head and steer it like a rudder.  All with concerned and well meaning motives of course.  While subconsciously reaffirming their own religious stance and spiritual security, that they know best and have providence on their side.  Get the gist?  There's comfort in numbers!

"the evidence of things not seen"

Well, (the now invisible) Jesus is our salvation, rock and security, according to scripture, iz He not?  Moreover, Jesus was and iz our example, iz He not?  Did He not witness to the woman at the well that he was indeed the Christ (Messiah) for everyone (Jew or Samaritan) who happened to be ready to receive from heaven?

This whole effectuation, by the way, finished in the gospels when she went away rejoicing and Jesus moved on.  With no mention of follow-up techniques being used here by Jesus.  Nor patronizing methods for that matter.  Nor professional advice about the virtues of 'regular attendance'.  Nor stern dressing-downs about the importance of membership and commitment to a local synagogue or church as your spiritual home (and "choosing" of course), and so on!  Thatz anything, by many means, to make everyone feel comfortable and secure at the end of the day, confined within their own "god ordained" dwellings, because the institution is growing bigger.  Bigger as in fatter, I mean!

"How uncaring of Him", some would notion!  However, Jesus was ushering in a better covenant ('better' iz the New Testament term like 'new') for those who would adhere to, as he was more interested in a willing heart than bullying (or peer pressuring) someone into joining "the club" or "the right church".  After all, this was the faithful husband caring for his bride and not a religious heavy demanding allegiance and unconditional devotion (like der Führer at the Nuremberg rally).

Furthermore, Jesus made mention here about God no longer being interested in, or requiring worship from a temple or a mountain for that matter.  But something about him now desiring worship in spirit and in truth.  Howabout something personal, and away from the corporate, regimented, manipulated or press-ganged crowds!  Away from those who were easy 'for the picking' (you could say gullible and naive) and in need of desperately clinging to the one who died and suffered for them.

from binge to formal gatherings, as opposed to "one fold, and one shepherd"

Moving on, from the incident at the well, we have another incident:  Thatz with a bunch of loyalists this time.  Here some of Jesus' followers were upset because "some" "Maverick" 'out there' was going about doing "their" job and hijacking "their" cause.  Apparently and audaciously using "their" Saviour's (copyrighted/patented) name.  Moreover, who would not tow "the" party line or join "their" popular group or particular movement either.  Would you believe!?  Here'ez Jesus' simple reply:

"Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."

How simple and straight forward is that?  It is obvious today most ignore Jesus' words and get on building their mini empires or sub kingdoms (hey, have ya ever heard of a religious cartel called "church union" or the catch phrase "unity of the Spirit"?).  Furthermore, like those at the Tower of Babel (the clutter of noise and commotion) they can't resist in giving it a name, as in giving it some sort of visible reference point (even with an official approval stamped on it), least some would break out (Genesis 11:4) and become like that wayward Maverick "doing his own thing" for Jesus; without the camp!

However, Christendom has set up a rather sophisticated method in being able to discern (distinguish would be a more accurate word) between those that are supposedly Christians (belonging or not belonging to the "in-bunch") and those who would appear non conforming.  This methodology being called "the (infamous) Communion Service"!  This helps sort out (majorely) those who are compliant to those who are non compliant to the church's format and requirements.  Or between those who are deemed by the system as more wayward and need shunning when it comes to "spiritual" things (even more so than those who have revoked their marriage for someone else - "God understands and is sympathetic to my feeling!").  After all, "these misfits could be a real and present danger to the status quo and our valued and treasured tradition."  They may not be platform rockers either (rocking for Jesus), but dreaded boat rockers!  Sand and boat rockers don't mix, somehow!

Furthermore, here is the verse they just luv'ta quote  ...  "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body"?  Thatz coz they have interpreted the feast as a solemn ritual and the 'eating and drinking' as a ceremony above a normal meal, not seeing past the symbols as metaphorical.

Here'riz how it'iz supposed to be under the New Covenant ...  Jesus is our passover, found here in 1 Corinthians 5:7.  Letz read the whole verse eh, plus the rest in context!:

"Purge out therefore the old leaven (what is obsolete and no longer required), that ye may be a new lump (the new wineskins, the new temple), as ye are unleavened (unfettered, unpolluted, undefiled by religion).  For even Christ our passover (it is no longer a ritual/ceremony/service but a person) is sacrificed for us (once and for all):  Therefore let us keep the feast (eating and drinking from Him daily), not with old leaven (religion and falsified service), neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness (doing things deceitfully, cunningly, politically, or manipulatively); but with the unleavened (untainted by man) bread of sincerity and truth."

Wow ...  then sincerity coupled with truth are very important factors after all (bit like in spirit and in truth) when keeping this new Testament/Covenant type of feast?

Many would argue that this is Paul correcting "the church of God which is at Corinth" for allowing in and being tainted with carnal sin within the midst.  This is true of course.  However, one must realize it goes further than this by the example Paul was using here.  Fornication goes further in the spirit when it comes to compromising the truth for error or being spiritually joined or linked to someone or something outside of the word.  See "church membership" where it is spelt out clearly.  If leaven can't be purged out at this stage then the other spiritual form (beyond the carnal) will become inevitable anyway.  In scripture it is the principle of God the natural (including the carnal) always comes before the spiritual (1 Cor. 15:46).

discerning between the two covenants

The old leaven typifies the Old Covenant which the cross did away with.  All the ordinances were nailed to the dead tree, forever.  Therefore, whenever an old way, like a recycled or reinvented method in coming to the Lord is enforced (from works and law to "eazy believerism") you get a falsified version; whether it is reformed Judaism or a new variety of religiosity coming on the scene.  More so, whether itz standing on itz own (the traditional) or branded together (a mixture), it is all called religion nevertheless ...  mans version of getting or making it with "God".  This takes redefining a new Jesus, a new gospel, and taking on another spirit, to a new level (or plunge), mentioned clearly by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:4, in order to redefine the way and make it more pleasant and eazy for man, subtly on his own terms.  It is also an excuse to holding a form of godliness while avoiding the cross.  That iz being a Christian minus inevitable hardship, responsibility and suffering, getting more to the point!

The Lord wants us to be a new lump.  Brand spanking new!  Discernment in the Body comes by our love for the truth, not our love for "our" church (az'in institution) or itz leadership.  We measure our brothers in sisters in Christ by their obedience to our Saviour and His word, with the lasting fruit it brings.  Not by their faithfulness in attending Sunday, the Sabbath, or the institution down the road.  Or by being loyal to itz tradition or format.  After all ...  Jesus is now our passover; not our comings and goings or mechanisms we put into place.  While the proof of the pudding of whether we have really passed from death to life (being truly converted), iz our (unfeigned) love for one another.  Not our love for its traditions and rituals.  Nor its contemporary feel, flare and trend.  But whether we really (in actuality and reality - spelling it out) love our brothers in the Lord.  Coz if we don't, then according to the word we are still in darkness.  I never wrote this stuff.  Take it up with the Author if you can't handle what it says!

What you are not taught in these churches is that there happens to be only three records in Acts of 'breaking bread together', thatz all!  Where they have absolutely nothing to do with a ritual or ceremony.  They were actually ordinary meals between buddies or groups in common, if you really want the truth (do you?)!  Twice with Christians together.  Interestingly, there was another time when the meal was with a believer plus his sailing companions (thrown together usually through uncontrolled circumstances) made up of a ragtag mixture of heathen seamen, soldiers and prisoners, in dire straits together.  These three supper times also being found twice in the homes of the believers (not the temple or chapel) and the last time on a ship.

Paul (an adlibbing Christian prisoner at this stage - definitely not a clergyman - the clergy were out to kill him) was actually the one who took the initiative in a desperate situation, and broke the bread in front of all (long before sandwiches were invented) and gave thanks, before handing the pieces around irrespective of who made up the crowd.  With no word of warning to the worldly to refrain.  After all, they were the majority in this situation.  This was merely a green light to dig in and enjoy!  Into de grub that was!  In order to be refreshed and sustained.  With the glory and honour going vertically, that iz ...  Godward!  Who was it who prayed, and who was it who intervened?  This doesn't take much to work out when you read what is written.

Consubstantiation or Transubstantiation (phew ...  you need to look up in these big words in de dictionary not de Bible!), or a natural event ?

Okay, justifying these two big words (depending on which religious box you happen to fit into), Christendom teaches it is to do with the mystical (sometimes magical) participating of the so-called "Communion Service" that makes the crucifixion a reality.  Thatz 'the breaking of bread' (or the Eucharist) or 'the Lord's table' being redefined to suit the format.  The solemn main part of the programme, where a corporate deep reflection and a holy hush time is expected by everyone.  It includes emotional prayers; while using the same sombre, critical disposition and muted posture, as motioned from the pulpit.  Here manicured bread crumbs are passed around on trays, followed by booze or ribena (blackcurrant juice or whatever), usually in mini cups; as if the emblems are dictating holiness and not the word of God.  Sometimes triggering off a compulsive "forgive me" or "confession" time, if the pastor or minister felt there was enough time to spare.  Or wanted to prove they were free to break out of structure (the odd time wont hurt, will it?).

If the person next to you in the pew happens to be complying with the service and going through the same set motions and rigmarole of Sunday and regular attendance, then they can be assumed as your true brother or sister in the Lord.  In other words, this means they were being seemingly fit to sit next to you through the church service and participate in the emblems of the "Communion Service" as a fellow church member (how nice!).  In actual fact, you will find this is where human instruction supersedes God's, apparently.

The New Testament represents something contrary, however:  Firstly, how do we discern this spiritual body if spiritual things are really only spiritually discerned after all, in accordance with the New Testament?

Answer ...  we discern through the experience of the word in our lives (thatz ze scripture!).  Hebrews 5:14.  "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."  Thatz not between nice compliant people and people who don't want religion, but between those made righteous (through the cross) and the unrighteous lost.

The OT version:  Malachi 3:18.  "Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."  You see, in the context of being people!

However, this is not an excuse to exclude a stranger from the table.  Nor bar him from your right hand of fellowship.  Remember, Jesus invited the tramps and the misfits to his feast in the gospels.  Remember, the door to pass through was Jesus as opposed to the grand or guarded entrance to a chapel, cathedral or exuberant auditorium.

Therefore, this bonafide type of spiritual discernment sharpens your spiritual perception overall, from what is a cold, man-made, physical or mystical edifice, to what is a spiritual organic functioning body, scripturally called church, with Jesus as head.  Also known in scripture as the bride of Christ, with Jesus as the bridegroom.  Or the household of God with Jesus as the door.  This certainly has nothing to do with blocking out the unsaved from God's table.

Herez da cue ...  "but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart"!

The great news is ...  Jesus only died once and was resurrected so that we can participate from this resurrected life, in the here and now, eating and drinking from Him daily, by our obedience to His word.  He is not found in a ritual.  Nor in a building edifice of brick and mortar.  Nor in an institution down the road.  Itz about in spirit and in truth, all the way, constantly.  These were always recorded this way in the gospels, as well as being fulfilled and confirmed in the book of Acts.

Concluding, in the words of Jesus from the cross ...  these three, most beautiful and wonderful words, ever spoken; and obviously the pinnacle of statements, the consummation of acts, the climax of time, and the epitome of all scriptural reference:

"It is finished!!!"