AGAPE MEAL

Writers refer to an Agape Meal in the first century.  This was a common meal that was eaten during, or at least related to, the Sunday assembly.  You may wonder what Paul meant by his words in 1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 33-34.  Remember the setting was attempting to have a common meal perhaps before the Lord’s Supper was served.  It was not a sin to have a meal before worship service but the wrong was the attitude that it produced.

SICK, WEAK, ASLEEP

First Corinthians 11:30 states, “For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.”  Why were these Corinthians disciples in this condition?  They were not worshipping in the right way.  They did not have their body, soul and spirit in the right frame of mind in order to think in the proper way about the Lord in His life and death.  Also remember as they approached worship time, the Corinthian members were not ready to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.

HINDER

Think about the things that can hinder and distract as you prepare to worship and as you partake of the Lord’s Supper.  One, people going out and in during the assembly can hinder.  Two, people not participating and not paying attention can hinder.  Three, people in the service sleeping can hinder.   Four, people coming in late can hinder.  Five, children making excessive noise can hinder.  You can be assured the Enemy (Devil) wants to hinder as you come to the communion because he knows if your worship is not right then he can make you weak and sickly.

HELPS

Prepare yourself to worship and to partake of the Lord’s Supper.  It helps me to arrive early and take some time to meditate and at times read some Scriptures about the Lord’s communion.  As you get ready for worship, be sure to lay aside all care and concern that might hinder you.  The people of the Old Testament had a preparation day and, I believe, we need to prepare for worship.  Do it.

CONCLUSION

In order to conserve space, there are three major matters I want to consider.  (1) The expression “often” as used in 1 Corinthians 11:26.  In determining how often God’s people are to eat and drink at the Lord’s Table, then we look at two sources, the Scriptures and select statements of early writers and the evidence is that the first century Christians ate of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday.  (2)  The “new” drinking of the cup was to be after Jesus instituted the memorial in Matthew 26:29.  I believe this is the “new” partaking of the Lord’s Supper in the church (kingdom) as described in 1 Corinthians 10:16, 21 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-34.  (3)  Some may feel closer to the Lord at the communion than at other times.  It is a time to remember, honor, reflect, examine, rejoice and be blessed.  Be in your place.  Come with a Bible in your hand and a spring in your step and a smile on your face.  I’ll look for you.

-Pat Casey