Why a love feast?

Introduction

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New Series

Feasts, Faith, and Faithfulness

3 weeks we are going to be looking at something I have been studying over the last month or more.

It started as a study of the Lord’s Supper and turned into a little more.

Today we are going to be looking into something I hadn’t heard about until this last month, the Agape Feast. This is a New Testament Feast that is not from the Old Testament and was practied with the Lord’s Supper.

Next week, we are going to look into the Lord’s Supper. It’s meaning, purpose, and method of observance.

Then, on the 19th, Craig will be preaching a message focusing on the faithfulness of the church towards one another putting an emphasis on relationships.

I’m excited for this series and looking forward sharing with you the things I have learned about this topic.

I’ve shared with you before how I grew up backwoods baptist as I affectionately call it. If you were looking for something informal, that was it.

When I’ve experienced services that are more formalized and liturgical like a lutheran service, or a catholic mass I not only feel out of place for theological reasons, I find myself seeing them a opportunities to point towards a church, a system, or a person, rather than pointing towards Jesus, the gospel, and God’s Word.

From the stories I’ve heard from people who have come out of those environments, that’s kind of the same feeling they have. Your there to put your check in the box and then you go home.

That isn’t a New Testament Church. The New Testament church isn’t about you being connected to a system, it’s about you being connected to people.

Character: Lonely and isolated person

The New Testament church, meaning ekklesia, called out body of believers, people that love Jesus and gather together.

Have you ever faced lonliness or felt isolated?

Ever felt disconnected from people or as if people don’t like you?

What causes that? We are society with online profiles with hundreds or thousands of friends. How could we ever feel this way when all those people are literally at our fingertips?

Lonliness and isolation is prevalent in oru scoiety no matter your age, economicc status, etc.

Psychiatrist Paul D. Meier writes, I have had millionaire businessmen come to my office and tell me they have big houses, yachts, condominiums . . . , nice children, a beautiful mistress, an unsuspecting wife, secure corporate positions—and suicidal tendencies. They have everything this world has to offer except one thing—inner peace and joy. They come to my office as a last resort, begging me to help them conquer the urge to kill themselves.

The problem we face isn’t solved by adding more stuff to our lives. The problem we face is only solved by a connection with Jesus.

Problem: Whole person and community impacted

When people are living in opposition to how God made them, they are impacted as a whole person.

((((((Only put the header and verse reference that is typed out on the screen. Put all of it in Nucleus)))))

God made us for community and connection. Creation and Companionship:

Genesis 2:18 “18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

Shared Lives and Fellowship:

Acts 2:42–47 “42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 Mutual Support and Encouragement:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Galatians 6:2 “2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Unity and Love:

John 13:34–35“34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Serving One Another:

1 Peter 4:10 “10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Exhortation and Correction:

Proverbs 27:17 “17 Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” James 5:16

When we try to go against that we experience issues.

Trials and tribulations are part of life, however, we often find ourselves dealing with issues that are not the result of the world we live in but the choices we make.

We can’t blame God, the devil, or sin, for the problems we create becuase we are choosing to exist in such a way that God did not intend.

If we allow this problem to continue in our lives or in the lives of those around us we are going to continue having a world going to hell in a hand basket.

Agitated: Helath problems and community issues

Impact on Cardiovascular Health, Immunity, and Longevity:

-A study highlighted that social isolation and loneliness increased the risk of developing heart failure by 15-20%, even when controlling for other known risk factors such as age, sex, and other socioeconomic factors​1.

-Research has revealed that both objective social isolation and the perception of social isolation (loneliness) are correlated with a higher risk of mortality and are clear risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD)​2.

-Loneliness and social isolation are associated with a higher incidence of CVD, higher healthcare utilization, and worse outcomes even after controlling for conventional risk factors of CVD​​.

-Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, and even death​4.

Lead to Feelings of Worthlessness, Depression, and Anxiety:

-Isolation can be a key driver of anxiety and depression as individuals often crave the support and stimulation that socialization provides​​.

-Social isolation and loneliness were found to be associated with depression in young adulthood, and when analyzed together, loneliness was more robustly associated with depression​6​.

-Another study found that social isolation and loneliness increased the risk of depression, and possibly anxiety, both at the time of measurement and between 0.25 and 9 years later​.

-Loneliness has been associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and is likely also associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)​​.

When people are walking around in this state they are not great to be around. As followers of Jesus if we allow ourselves to get to this point, we are no longer effecttive for the kingdom.

One thing I want to bring to our attention based on this data I’m citing is that, this is not news to God. Science may just be discovering these things but guess who knew about it from the beginning? God.

And He gave the answer to the Israelites that lived in community with the presence of God at the center of it. And, he continued that same principle in the New Testament with the people who follow Him.

however, in both situations, even under the law, the participation by the people was not mandated. Yes, you could check the boxes, which the Israelites did often, but true heartfelt, inentional participation was not mandated. You could show up, you could be apart of it all but nott relly be conencted.

And whose fault was it that or is it that you are not connected?

Is it God’s? No, he provided you the Holy Spirit, He gave you the basic outline of how to come together in a community of beleivers we call a church. What more could He do?

Is it the church’s? I’m thankful our church has many opportunities thorughout the year on a weekly basis for you to connect with others in small groups. And church wide fellowships from time to time, great serving opportunies you can take part of and connect to others while serving the communitty and the church. What more should the church do?

Or…does the blame for a lack of connection rest on your shoulders?

Solution: Proactively engaging in communal activities through the church

We don’t like this. This is called personal accountability. This is where we stop looking att everyone else and blaminng them for our problems and look in the mirror and go “you know, I think it’s you.”

When I was in the Marine Corps, early in my career, I almost lost rank because of being late. It wasn’t just once…it was multiple times. I’m still not a morning person. It takes me an hour or more to become human.

How do you think it would have been recieved if I walked into those meetings and said “ you know, my stupid alarm clock just won’t wake me up.”

If that were the problem, then I’d just buy a new alarm clock and it would work.

I did that…I still woke up late.

The alarm clock wasn’t the problem, the Marine Corps wasn’t the problem, I was the problem. Whether that be with some physical issues that should be checked by a doctor or the fact that I just despise waking up in the morning. And trust me, I know, I hate the idea of the alternative as well. Not waking up.

And until I recognize who the rel problem lies in I can’t implement the solution that will fix it.

We have to proactively, not reactively, engage with the people around us, not the church and it’s programs. We have to choose to connect with others on an individual level.

Guide: Jesus, Church, communal activities

And you don’t have to do this alone. You don’t have to be an extrovert of extroverts. You can be an introvert and be connected to people.

What bonds you is not personalities, ministry philosophies, musical preferences, or social status. What bonds the people that follow Jesus is the gospel foundation they live from and the community they call home.

This is why it’s difficult to remain close friends with people that end up going to a different church. Because the thing that was allowing you to connect often is removed and now the relationship changes. It doesn’t mean they or you are bad people, it’s just life.

With the love Jesus as your motivation, you choose to engage the people around you through the programming of the local church. AND outside of the church.

howver, our focus today is on what God gave the early church to accomplish this.

Journey: The Agape Feast

This event, was known as the Agape feast.

I’ve heard a lot of joking over the years of how Baptists can trace their roots back to the church at Jerusalem. From the fact that John was known as John the Baptist and to how Paul went house to house. I’ve dismissed those…however, this one may be legit.

Show of hands, how many of you have ever herad of the Agape Feast?

Ok. Me either. I didn’t know about this until the last month or so.

Jude 12 “12 These are spots in your feasts of charity when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;”

notice the statement “feasts of charity”

Jude 12 CSB

12 These people are dangerous reefs at your love feasts as they eat with you without reverence. They are shepherds who only look after themselves. They are waterless clouds carried along by winds; trees in late autumn—fruitless, twice dead and uprooted.

The word charity and love are the word Agape, and agapaō, whicch is the strongest word for love in the bible and agapao means “love feasts”

Jude is writing to Christians and indicates they are having love feasts, so this was a practice of the early church.

We read about it in other places as well but we have dismissed it as something else, or at lest I hve.

Acts 2:42 “42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Acts 2:46 “46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,”

1 Corinthians 11:20–22 “20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.”

This is the biblical evidence but what about outside the bible? Is there anything to support that?

Yes. There are writings from three different accepttable sourecs.

One of this i knnown as the Didache that has anonymous authorship but speaks to the Agape feast happening when the church gathered.

The writings of a man named ignautus that refernce it and a guy name Justin Martyr. That’s just his name, I don’t think he was martyrd for his faith.

All of these point to the agape meal being a regular practice of the erly church.

What was the point of the Agape meal?

What is the Agape meal or love feast? Communal Fellowship:

The Agape Meal was a communal gathering where Christians came together to share a meal in a spirit of love, fellowship, and equality. It was a practical expression of Christian community and mutual care.

Early Christian Practice:

In the early Christian church, the Agape Meal was often associated with the Eucharistic celebration. It either preceded or followed the Eucharist, helping to maintain a sense of community and shared life among believers.

Separation from the Eucharist:

Over time, the Agape Meal and the Eucharist began to be celebrated separately due to various factors including abuses and misunderstandings surrounding the Love Feast. The distinct separation helped to maintain the reverence and solemnity associated with the Eucharist.

Symbolism:

The meal symbolized Christian unity, love, and fellowship, reflecting the principles of sharing and inclusivity. It was a tangible expression of the Christian call to love one another.

It appears to be the means and method that was used to bring followers of Jesus together and relly push back against all of the problems that can come from lonliness and isolation.

They would bring food from their homes, drinks…and just so we are clear…it was wine. Alcoholic wine. I don’t promote drinking and nor do I promote ignorance. We can’t try to say they didn’t have alcohol at these gatherings when in the Bible Paul says they were getting drunk. Can’t get drunk off grape juice.

it was a potluck! See, baptist.

It was more than just a meal though. They obeserved the Lord’s Supper during tthis time. Now when I say this, I want you to remove the idea of a small wafer and a vial of grape juice. That is not a biblically based Lord’s Supper. Come back next week and we will break that down.

this was a time of relationship building and worship.

And remember, while they may hve had a central gathering place as we do during the time, it was more common for them to gather in one antohers homes in small groups...

Acts 20:17–20 “17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,”

That house to house line has been used in a number of different ways but ccan I tell you what I believe it means? And this may be radical but…I believe it means Paul spent time with individual beleivers in their houses.

I believe He chose not to allow the only time he interacted with people in his faith commnity to be when they gatherd on Sunday.

The Agape feast was meant to help meet the needs of the people in the community in regards to food, fellowship, and encouragement. It was the time to get together and lift up others.

Why dont’ we practice the agape feast today? Great question.

When we read the passage in first Corinthians about the abuses taing place in the church surrounding what we have called the Lord’s supper, we have to adjust our understanding a bit and see it as addressing abuses of the Agape feast and the Lord’s Supper. becusae when you do the study you find that those two events were practiced togethr.

Let me explain the abuses that took place like this.

Imagine we had a potluck and you brought enogh food for your family and another. Then, while hear you at all of your food and tthe food you brought before any families in need got here.

Ok, now, you brought wine to be enjoyed with one another…don’t bring wine here,we aren’t doing that…and before people show up, you get drunk and make a fool of yourself.

What were they doing? what’s the heart issue here? Peopl wre being selfish making the gathering about themselves and what they want rather than what is best for the people around them.

In those day, in looked like eating and drinking. In todays culture it looks like making everything in your faith community about you to the neglect of the needs of others.

The truth? When you gather with your faith community, your not there for yourself. Yes, if you are struggling then by all means let people bare your burdens. However, just like when a patient goes to the hospital the doctor who may have a head talking t someone with cancer doesn’t bring up how bad his head hurts while his patient is battling for their life.

When you gather together with otther and think of your faith community, consider their needs before yyour own.

Philippians 2:3 “3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

The word vainglory, in it’s most basic understanding mean, selfishness. Nothing for yourself. With a lowliness of mind esteem others better than yourself.

That type of mindset doesn’t just happen. It’s a choice. And it’s one we as followers of Jesus are called to make.

Resolution: Choose to be an actively involved member of your faith community

God knows what we need as humans beings. He knows the need we have for community and connection.

He has provided all tat we need to make ti happen: 1. Salvtion thorugh Jesus

2. People that also love Jesus

3. A comunal place and also individual places (homes)

It’s our turn to decide if we are going to take personal responsiblity for it. Are we going to choose to be proactively involved in the faith community God has given us?

The early church had a meal dedicated to this. Then with the formalization of church over the years it has turned into wht we see in culture oday. Sunday mornings don’t reflect the gatherings of the early church. Does that make them bad? no. Does it require us to look at what practices the early church had that were delivered to them by Christ and the Apostles? Yes.

Choosing to participate in the Agape feast, in Sunday morning, in life groups, or any other program is not the choice that I’d like for you to make today after learning about the Agape feast.

The choice I’d like for you to make is this: because of Jesus’ love for me, I want to show Jesus’ love to others by proactively reaching out to people in my faith community, both new to it and been here for awhile, and share a meal with them to connect.

Impact: Negative: individuals remain lonely and disconnected. Cause of Chrit is hindered, less people reached by the gospel. Positive: Crazy connection, Kingdom advancement, Faith foundation to impact community

You can choose to nnot connect. You can choose to sit back and expct every one else to reach out to you. You can be a selfish Christian and make this life abotu you. And in doing so you set yourelf, your family, and your community up for failture. Up for lonliness and isolation leading ot mental, physical, and spiritual problems. You can do so and hinder the cause of Christ.

How does this choice hinder the cause of Christ?

John 13:35 “35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

That word love…it’s from agape. in the definition for it the word benvelonce is used. Wht does tht mean?

The disposition to do good; good will; kindness; charitableness; the love,of mankind, accompanied with a desire to promote their happiness.

It’s not by your love for a church, a method, a music, a program, or anything else that people will know you are followers of Jesus. It’s by your love for people and your disposition to do good, be kind, and promote THEIR happiness over yours.

What would happen if each person here decided to live this way? Lonliness and isolation would be greatly minimized. Connecttion between belviers would be strong. and the example of love to the otuside world would be so great that there would be non question as to whether or not Jesus is worth following.

Time of Response

Do not hear this message and think “Pastor, if you’d have more fellowships we coul do this.” You missed it.

You don’t need me, our staff, or volunteers, to plan any more programming for you to choose to love people and fellowship with them. You need personal responsiblity towards Jesus for your love for others because of His love for you.