From Real To Ritual – The Story Of Communion - Audio

The Gathering Place Church - main

“They devoted themselves to; 1. the apostles’ teaching, 2. and to fellowship, 3. to the breaking of bread and, 4. to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47 As John taught last week, the breaking of bread and eating together was a deep act of connection and fellowship, as was the sharing of their resources and wealth. This wonderful fellowship did not come about because the people devoted themselves to the first 4. It came about because the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost. Their deep fellowship and communalism were a result of their powerful experience of Holy Spirit. It did not come from a political philosophy. It was entirely voluntary. It was never the result of threat or coercion. At Pentecost the infant church was birthed in power and love. This is God’s design; to touch us with His love and power such that we live a life of superhuman power and love. It is His intention that this be seen most clearly in our relationships with one another (in our fellowship). This is how it was for the infant church, and this is how God intends it for His Church today – for us. Now let’s fast forward 55 years to the Church in Corinth. The Corinthian Church was birthed into the same power. Paul describes the process like this, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 Cor.2:4-5 Sadly, they had the power but not the love. Here is Paul’s description of the state of the Corinthian Church. “ You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?” 1 Cor. 3:3 Application today for communion: Take the elements and find someone to take communion with. Maybe someone you don’t know well. Take turns inviting them to eat the bread and drink the juice. Bless them or pray for them to receive more of God’s love and power in their lives. Then have them invite you to eat the bread and drink the wine and receive the blessing or prayer that they speak over you. Above all, let’s express our love to one another. And when you receive the elements, remind yourself that through faith you are receiving more of God’s love and power in your life.