Feasting Together: Building Community Through Shared Meals
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the transformative power of community and fellowship, particularly through the act of sharing meals together. We began by reflecting on personal experiences from a pilgrimage in Spain, where the simple act of sharing a meal with strangers from different backgrounds created a profound sense of unity and camaraderie. This led us to explore the biblical concept of pilgrimage and feasting, particularly in the context of the Old Testament, where God commanded the Israelites to gather in Jerusalem three times a year. These gatherings were not just religious obligations but opportunities to break down socio-economic barriers and foster a sense of equality and community.
We then transitioned to the New Testament, examining how the early church embraced these principles. The early Christians met daily, sharing meals and breaking bread together, ensuring that no one was in need. This practice was a direct reflection of the agape love that Jesus taught, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual support. However, as time went on, some of these practices began to lose their original intent, leading to divisions and inequalities within the community. The Apostle Paul addressed these issues, urging the church to return to the true spirit of the agape feast, where everyone is welcomed and valued equally.
The sermon concluded with a call to action for our own church community. We were encouraged to move from a "soup kitchen" mentality, where we provide for others without truly engaging with them, to a "potluck" mentality, where we all bring something to the table and share in the feast together. This shift in mindset is not just about food but about creating a culture of genuine fellowship and mutual support, reflecting the kingdom values of equality and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Shared Meals: Sharing a meal can break down barriers and create a sense of unity among people from diverse backgrounds. This simple act can transform strangers into a community, fostering deep and meaningful connections. [52:16]
2. Biblical Pilgrimage and Feasting: In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to gather in Jerusalem three times a year, bringing everyone in their household, including servants and foreigners. This practice was designed to level socio-economic differences and create a sense of equality and community. [01:03:57]
3. Early Church Practices: The early Christians met daily, sharing meals and breaking bread together, ensuring that no one was in need. This practice was a reflection of the agape love that Jesus taught, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual support. [01:15:22]
4. Addressing Divisions: The Apostle Paul rebuked the early church for allowing divisions and inequalities to creep into their communal meals. He urged them to return to the true spirit of the agape feast, where everyone is welcomed and valued equally. [01:17:25]
5. Creating a Culture of Fellowship: We are called to move from a "soup kitchen" mentality to a "potluck" mentality, where we all bring something to the table and share in the feast together. This shift is about creating a culture of genuine fellowship and mutual support, reflecting the kingdom values of equality and love. [01:20:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:37] - Greetings and Apologies for Technical Issues
[44:28] - Developing Spiritual Muscles
[45:08] - Make a Difference Initiative
[46:14] - Outreach and Community Focus
[47:45] - Building Maintenance and Responsibilities
[48:46] - Church Planting and Global Missions
[50:16] - The Power of a Feast
[55:46] - Pilgrimage in the Old Testament
[01:00:25] - The Command to Gather in Jerusalem
[01:10:20] - Prophetic Feasts in Scripture
[01:14:21] - Early Church Practices of Fellowship
[01:17:25] - Addressing Divisions in the Church
[01:20:31] - Moving from Soup Kitchen to Potluck
[01:24:49] - Call to Action and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Deuteronomy 16:16 - "Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God at the place that he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths. They shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed."
2. Acts 2:42-46 - "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts."
3. 1 Corinthians 11:20-22 - "When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not."
### Observation Questions
1. What were the three annual feasts that God commanded the Israelites to observe in Deuteronomy 16:16?
2. According to Acts 2:42-46, what were the key practices of the early Christian community?
3. In 1 Corinthians 11:20-22, what issue does Paul address regarding the communal meals in the early church?
4. How did the act of sharing meals together impact the sense of community among the early Christians? [01:15:22]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God commanded the Israelites to gather in Jerusalem three times a year, and what was the significance of including everyone in the household? [01:03:57]
2. How does the practice of breaking bread and sharing meals in the early church reflect the agape love that Jesus taught? [01:15:22]
3. What might have caused the divisions and inequalities in the communal meals that Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 11:20-22, and how does this relate to the original intent of the agape feast? [01:17:25]
4. How can the shift from a "soup kitchen" mentality to a "potluck" mentality create a culture of genuine fellowship and mutual support in a church community? [01:20:31]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you shared a meal with someone from a different background. How did that experience impact your relationship with them? How can you create more opportunities for such interactions in your life? [52:16]
2. The early church ensured that no one was in need by sharing their possessions and breaking bread together. How can you apply this principle of mutual support in your own community or church? [01:15:22]
3. Paul rebuked the early church for allowing divisions during their communal meals. Are there any divisions or inequalities in your church community that need to be addressed? How can you contribute to fostering unity and equality? [01:17:25]
4. The sermon encourages moving from a "soup kitchen" mentality to a "potluck" mentality. What practical steps can you take to engage more deeply with those you serve, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included? [01:20:31]
5. Think about your current approach to hospitality. How can you make your home or gatherings more inclusive, reflecting the kingdom values of equality and love? [01:21:02]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of creating a culture of genuine fellowship. What specific actions can you take this week to build deeper connections within your church or community? [01:24:16]
7. How can you use your dining table as a tool for discipleship and transformation in your family or small group? What changes can you make to encourage more meaningful conversations and connections? [01:22:39]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Shared Meals
Sharing a meal can break down barriers and create a sense of unity among people from diverse backgrounds. This simple act can transform strangers into a community, fostering deep and meaningful connections. Reflecting on personal experiences from a pilgrimage in Spain, the act of sharing a meal with strangers from different backgrounds created a profound sense of unity and camaraderie. This practice is not just about eating together but about building relationships and understanding each other on a deeper level. It is a powerful reminder of how small acts of hospitality can have a significant impact on our sense of community. [52:16]
Luke 24:30-31 (ESV): "When he was at the table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight."
Reflection: Think of a time when sharing a meal brought you closer to someone. How can you intentionally create opportunities to share meals with others this week?
Day 2: Biblical Pilgrimage and Feasting
In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to gather in Jerusalem three times a year, bringing everyone in their household, including servants and foreigners. These gatherings were designed to level socio-economic differences and create a sense of equality and community. By coming together to feast and celebrate, the Israelites were reminded of their shared identity and dependence on God. This practice highlights the importance of inclusivity and breaking down barriers that divide us, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among all people. [01:03:57]
Deuteronomy 16:16-17 (ESV): "Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God at the place that he will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Booths. They shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you."
Reflection: How can you create spaces in your life where people from different backgrounds feel welcomed and valued? What steps can you take to break down socio-economic barriers in your community?
Day 3: Early Church Practices
The early Christians met daily, sharing meals and breaking bread together, ensuring that no one was in need. This practice was a reflection of the agape love that Jesus taught, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual support. By coming together regularly, they built a strong sense of community and ensured that everyone's needs were met. This model of fellowship and support is a powerful example of how we can live out the teachings of Jesus in our own lives, prioritizing relationships and caring for one another. [01:15:22]
Acts 2:46-47 (ESV): "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the practice of sharing meals and supporting one another into your daily life? What steps can you take to build a stronger sense of community within your church or neighborhood?
Day 4: Addressing Divisions
The Apostle Paul rebuked the early church for allowing divisions and inequalities to creep into their communal meals. He urged them to return to the true spirit of the agape feast, where everyone is welcomed and valued equally. This call to action reminds us of the importance of addressing and overcoming divisions within our own communities. By striving for equality and inclusivity, we can create a more loving and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. [01:17:25]
1 Corinthians 11:20-22 (ESV): "When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not."
Reflection: Are there any divisions or inequalities within your community that need to be addressed? How can you take steps to promote inclusivity and ensure that everyone feels valued and respected?
Day 5: Creating a Culture of Fellowship
We are called to move from a "soup kitchen" mentality to a "potluck" mentality, where we all bring something to the table and share in the feast together. This shift is about creating a culture of genuine fellowship and mutual support, reflecting the kingdom values of equality and love. By contributing and participating in the community, we can build stronger relationships and create an environment where everyone feels included and valued. This approach encourages us to see each other as equals and to support one another in meaningful ways. [01:20:31]
Romans 12:10-13 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."
Reflection: How can you shift your mindset from a "soup kitchen" mentality to a "potluck" mentality in your interactions with others? What can you bring to the table to contribute to a culture of genuine fellowship and mutual support?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You only develop muscles when you actually have to work and push yourself uphill. And faith is a little bit like that. There are times we've just got to get ourselves into gear and we've got to activate our spirit within us, stir up our hearts and say, Come on. Come on, soul. Why are you downcast? Hope in God." [44:28] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are right here. No other church in Tauranga has a passion for Gate Power in the way that we do. We are right here. Now you might not live here. That's cool. Wherever you live, wherever you work, that is your Jerusalem. But when we as a church work as a team and do something coordinated we always centre it right here in the Gate Power, Maryvale, Grierton, Central South Avenues part of the city." [47:15] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God was saying to the nation, there are times I want to flatten, just completely flatten the socio-economic cultural differences and put everybody on the same platform. So I want to say this is one of the reasons I love our church being a church with multiple cultures because every now and then we just get to completely demolish some of those differences and just celebrate. We are brothers and sisters in Christ." [01:07:44] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The dining room table is the most powerful discipleship tool, Mum and Dad, that you have in your home. On your knees by the bed when you put your kids to bed, around the table at dinner time, you get to talk to your kids, you get to find out how the day went, you get to hear their challenges, you get to find out what they're wrestling with, and then they'll pour out their heart to you at night when you tuck them into bed and pray for them." [01:22:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do we invite people to eat from our table? Or do we invite people to eat at our table? I want us to be at the table, people. I want us to be a church where no one can walk in and not be greeted. I want us to be a church where every person finds at least a small a table of 4 or 6 people where you know your heart can be shared. You know the burdens that you carry. You know that there are people who actually pray for you. Actually pray for you." [01:24:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "You never develop muscles sitting on a bicycle seat cruising downhill. You only develop muscles when you actually have to work and push yourself uphill. And faith is a little bit like that. There are times we've just got to get ourselves into gear and we've got to activate our spirit within us, stir up our hearts and say, Come on. Come on, soul. Why are you downcast? Hope in God." [44:28] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are right here. No other church in Tauranga has a passion for Gate Power in the way that we do. We are right here. Now you might not live here. That's cool. Wherever you live, wherever you work, that is your Jerusalem. But when we as a church work as a team and do something coordinated we always centre it right here in the Gate Power, Maryvale, Grierton, Central South Avenues part of the city." [47:15] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God was saying to the nation, there are times I want to flatten, just completely flatten the socio-economic cultural differences and put everybody on the same platform. So I want to say this is one of the reasons I love our church being a church with multiple cultures because every now and then we just get to completely demolish some of those differences and just celebrate. We are brothers and sisters in Christ." [01:07:44] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The dining room table is the most powerful discipleship tool, Mum and Dad, that you have in your home. On your knees by the bed when you put your kids to bed, around the table at dinner time, you get to talk to your kids, you get to find out how the day went, you get to hear their challenges, you get to find out what they're wrestling with, and then they'll pour out their heart to you at night when you tuck them into bed and pray for them." [01:22:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do we invite people to eat from our table? Or do we invite people to eat at our table? I want us to be at the table, people. I want us to be a church where no one can walk in and not be greeted. I want us to be a church where every person finds at least a small a table of 4 or 6 people where you know your heart can be shared. You know the burdens that you carry. You know that there are people who actually pray for you. Actually pray for you." [01:24:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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