The Lord's Supper Brings Unity

May 3, 2002 PM
Pastor Chris Abernathy
Columbus, Georgia




If you would, turn in your Bibles with me to the book of First Corinthians chapter eleven. First Corinthians chapter eleven. When you reach the book of First Corinthians chapter eleven, please signify by saying amen. In First Corinthians chapter eleven, beginning with verse seventeen. Paul said,

17. Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

18. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions (divisions) among you; (And what he says here is, “I don’t want to believe it but...”) and I partly believe it.

19. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

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.

23. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

Let us pray.

Most holy and gracious heavenly Father, we thank You for who You are and for what You do. Father, I ask that these words would feed Your people tonight. Lord, cause them to eat of the Word of God that will fill with the wisdom and knowledge and understanding that we need, Father. Father, let Your Word go forth unhindered by the powers of darkness, by even the works of the flesh.

Hide Your son behind the cross, Father, that Your people would see You and not me. And as I decrease, Father, I ask that You would increase. Finally, I thank You for anointing me to preach the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name.

And the people of God said amen. You may be seated in the house of God.

In verse twenty-four he said,

24. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

When we begin to describe the Lord’s Supper, it’s a physical representation of the good news of the death of Christ for our sins.

But let me tell you something. It’s also a weapon of war. Because anything that begins to put you in the frame of mind about Jesus, is in (Glory to God), it’s a weapon against the devil. Because immediately when I begin to think about my Savior, it puts me in the mind set of victory. It puts me in the mind set that though (glory to God) weapons may form against me, they’re not going prosper. My God, my God.

It reminds us of the death of Christ and the glorious hope that He has given unto us as His people. Our participation in the Lord’s Supper, it begins to strengthen our faith. It begins to bring us into a place where we understand that what He did was essential that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.

You see, we don’t understand abundant life. We don’t understand that though He... My God, my God. Lift your hands to Jesus in this house.

We don’t understand that when that Blood began to flow from Calvary, it caused the devil to get upset. Lift your hands to Jesus.

Satan, we bind you tonight. The Glory is here. In the Name of Jesus.

It begins to strengthen our faith through the fellowship that we have with one another. In the midst of them fellowshipping Paul said that there were differences among them.

You see, there is always going to be differences. You see, if there are not differences, we won’t come to understand what’s God and what’s not God. But see, the problem sets in when our differences cause division. Because division means that there is self involved, that the self will of man has gotten into the picture, and it’s not God’s will no more, but it’s our will.

Paul said, “There are divisions among you. But I don’t want to believe it. Because you operate in the gifts. So I don’t want to believe that.” Do you hear what I’m saying. “You should be mature saints eating on the meat, and not drinking on the milk. So that ain’t what I want to hear. But just in case it’s true, I got a few words that I need to say to you.

You see, we don’t understand, or we don’t like when somebody begins to infringe on what we want to do. You see, at the church of Corinth there began to be chaos. You see, they began to operate in the gifts, but without decency and in order. They began to sleep with one... My God. They began to do immoral acts, in the midst of God being there.

You can’t tell me that the devil won’t try to get in even when God is in the midst. That’s why He places watchmen on the wall.

He said, “There are differences. But don’t let these differences separate you.” You see, if we allow differences to go unresolved then it causes separation. But it’s not separation unto God. It’s separation unto self. And separation brings isolation. And isolation brings aggravation. And aggravation brings frustration. My God, my God. Who am I preaching to tonight?

He said, “There’s something going on with you. But I’m getting ready to correct this thing. I got something that I need to say.” In the church at Corinth, their fellowshipping together during communion, it was not meant to be a meal where you could get full off of.

You see, I remember in the traditional way that we used to be... My God. When they served the communion, they served it with real wine. And folks were looking forward to first Sunday. Oh, you don’t hear me tonight. Because they wanted to get a little nip and know that it was alright.

But see, Paul wanted to put an end to all of that. Paul wanted to give them the real reason for communion. But he was telling them there was little caring, and there was very little sharing.

You see, communion is supposed to draw us all together. You see, it was established in the old covenant when they got led out of Egypt, when they had their Exodus. It was supposed to be a celebration for their deliverance.

You see, this is a celebration of our deliverance from sin. Too many times we get sad faces. We begin to feel sorrowful. But communion is supposed to be a joyous occasion.

He was explaining to them the importance of what Jesus had done. He was telling them the things that they were doing did not characterize communion. And he began to condemn them for those actions.

You see, open rebuke is better than secret love, isn’t it? Hello, somebody. You see, I rather you tell me something than to let it fester. Because when I allow things to fester, it causes what? Division.

But when I get it out, but get it out in the right way, not the wrong way... Not in the way where I’m trying to get you a piece of my mind. But in the way to make you understand, “Hey, you hurt me.” See, if I do it right I’m going to get the right response. But if I don’t do it right, the response that I’m not looking for, that’s the one I’m going to get.

He said, “There are divisions among you. But before you partake of this, you got to get it right.” Examine yourself. Get into a place where you know what’s really in you. Don’t get into a place where you’re trying to look at everybody else and find out what’s in them. But get in the place where you can look inside of you and find out what’s really in you. Oh, Jesus.

You see, if I go fishing long enough I’m going to catch something. And it might not be fish. It might be the seaweed it might be the trash at the bottom. But I’m going to catch something.

Paul was trying to explain to them, “We’re coming together. And it’s supposed to be for the best, and not for the worst.”

You know, I talk to people. And I tell them, I say, “Now, look. I understand that you got things that may be bothering you. But you can’t tell everybody everything.”

Because you think you telling the right person. But what they’re going to do is add drama to it. They’re going to begin to make it animated.” Oh, do you hear what I’m saying? They’re not just going to get down on their knees and pray about it. They’re going to add something to the story.

“Well, you know. I know what you’re saying. You ain’t the only one feeling like that. You know, so and so told me. And then so and so told them.” And what’s traveling? Division is traveling again. Mess follows mess. Oh, I feel the Holy Ghost on the inside of me.

I would get into a place where I would listen to what someone is telling me, but how they’re telling me. See, they can be telling you something, but it might not be in the right spirit. They may be telling you to bring forth gossip or bring forth mess and division.

But if they’re telling you right, you can receive it. Do you hear what I’m saying? If they’re telling you right, you can receive it. But if there’s a motive for them telling you, it’ll vex your spirit.

It causes division. He said, “There’s division among you. And I partly believe it.”

Listen to that. In other words, part of the body has been separated. And if you’ve ever seen a part of a body severed, it’s good for nothing. But the rest of the body still needs that part of the body. And the rest that’s still in tact begins to lack.

Division. Division. Division will destroy the body of Christ.

Jesus said, “This is My body broken for you.” And when I look at what Jesus did when He broke that bread, He broke Himself. He said, “This is My body.” In other words, there was a division there.

Not only did He bring us salvation and healing. But He took on division for us too. Do you hear what I’m saying? You thought that He was just breaking His body for you. But He knew that division was one of the main tactics that the devil would use to destroy the church. So He broke Himself, that He would be divided. Oh, you got to get that revelation.

Even when He went to the cross, He was divided from His Father for... You don’t hear me tonight. He divided Himself that we can be reconciled back to God. So then why are we divided when He’s already been divided for us?

Saints of God, the body of Christ is in need of prayer. It’s in need of prayer. When we look at John seventeen and verse twenty-two, Jesus prayed a prayer. He said, “Make them one as We are one.” In other words, He was saying, “Unite them just like We are united.” They are three, but they are one, aren’t they? They agree in one, the Scripture says. But yet it’s the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.

So then if we’re the body of Christ, with many members, why can’t we be one? When Jesus prays the Father... Listen. So it’s not that the Father didn’t hear Him when He prayed. Rebellion must be in the midst.

Saints, call your brother your brother. And call your sister your sister. But when you say it you got to mean it. Don’t call me brother if you’re not really my brother. And I’m not talking about the color of my skin. Don’t call a sister sister if you’re not really her sister. You don’t have time and I don’t have time for just going through the motions.

You know, sometimes I preach a word. And I was sitting in the car listening to one of the tapes that I preached. And I said, “Lord.” I said, “I know this was an in-season word. But I wonder if Your people heard it.”

Just like I’m preaching tonight about the Lord’s supper and how we’re supposed to be unified and not divided. I’m saying, “Lord, I’m wondering if they’re really hearing what You’re saying.”

Some of them just followed Jesus for the fishes and the loaves. They followed to see what they could get out of the deal. But some followed because they wanted to hear, and not only hear. They wanted to obey.

He began to minister to them, Paul did. He began to speak to them about what was really going on. You see, God sends warning first, doesn’t He? But after He sends warning, He sends judgment, doesn’t He? And if judgment must first begin, where must it begin? In the house of God.

Let me tell you what happens to a lot of people. You see, they’re divided at one church. So then they want to look for another church. But see, they didn’t get delivered from being divided there. So that spirit of the division still travels with them. Do you hear what I’m saying?

See, I got to be delivered from being divided there before I can come into unity somewhere else. Because the same folks that were there are the same folks over there. People are people. And people don’t change.

Saints of God, don’t be divided. But be united. A house divided against itself, it can’t stand. It’s going to tumble to the ground. I don’t care what kind of good works are going on.

So tonight you know you. I know me. God knows you. God knows me. If you are a person that divides, then you got to get rid of that spirit. You got to get rid of it. If you’re a person that can’t be united with anybody, then the problem is not with everybody else. It’s with you. You got to get yourself to the point where you can be around anybody.

Sometimes I can be in the midst of the biggest lying devil, and I’ll be right in the midst of them, and binding it up under my breath. “I bind you, you lying devil. In the Name of Jesus.”

But I can still be in their midst. Because Paul said you’ve got to be all things to all people. And maybe it’s something about you that’s going to draw that lying out of them. That truth in you is going to cause that lying spirit to come out of them.

Tonight I got more things on my notes, but we’re going to get together. We’re going to be unified.

When I look at the men of God... And I’m not saying this for prejudice. I’m saying it because it’s true. Men are united. And there can be a difference of opinion for a split moment. But men can step away. But they won’t step away too long. They’ll step back, when it’s your real brother.

But now you saying, “Now where you going with this?” But one thing I’ve noticed about ladies, if you cut me once, you won’t cut me twice. Oh, I feel Jesus when I said that. Because I’m going to step away from you, and I’m going to stay away from you. And if you don’t watch it, I’m going to cut you back. It’s tight, but it’s right.

People of God, women of God, somebody has got to submit. Everybody cannot be in control. I need to say that again. Somebody has got to learn how to submit. Everybody can’t do the leading at one time. Oh, come on, clap. Because it’s true.

But see, if you find yourself, everybody submitting to you all the time, then you better watch that. Because you might have a controlling spirit on you. Do you hear me? And a controlling spirit is a Jezebel spirit. And Jezebel going to have her way if she got to slay you.

Saints, don’t get upset. But if it’s talking to you, receive it. Get your heart right. Don’t start fidgeting now. We in the midst of it. What Fred Price say? He say he live on the edge. So he say whatever he need to say. He do it under the Anointing, though. I guarantee you that.

But women of God, I submit to you, there is division in the midst of you. But you’re the only ones that can move it. You’re the only ones that can get together.

One thing about something that really disappointed me. There was something that I said in confidence, and I heard it again from somebody else. And they told me who said it. And it was a woman. My God, my God.

See, if you’re going to be able to trust each other, you’re going to have to be able to hold water. You’ve got to be able to hold something that’s confidential. See, you can be anointed all you want to be anointed. But if you can’t hold nothing, ain’t nobody going to tell you nothing. Oh, I feel Jesus. I felt something just...

If you’re going to be able to be someone that people can confide in, then you got to learn how to hold your peace. If you can’t hold your peace when somebody gets ready to tell you something, you need to be person enough and say, “Wait a minute. Don’t tell me. Just don’t tell me. Because I ain’t ready to hear it.”

But if somebody just too eager for you to tell them, then you better not say nothing. Do you hear what I’m saying? If they’re too eager to hear it, then don’t say it.

I remember when I first got saved. I went to this church. And I was visiting. And it was my friend’s pastor. And I went to tell him about a struggle I was going through. And I was new in the Lord. And when I got ready to tell him, I knew it had to be the Spirit of God moved on me for me to look at his face. And I looked at his face. And I could see him just waiting for me to tell him.

But then I was even new in Christ. But something moved in me to tell him, “That’s alright. I’ll wait.”

If you get an uneasy feeling about saying it, then don’t say it. Just wait a little while, and He’ll send somebody else your way. I’m saying this tonight because some of you have been confiding in the wrong well. The wrong well. And what you received back was not water. And it causes division.

People of God, I’m talking tonight very, very seriously. I’m saying it from my heart. If you’ve got something that you need to get off your chest, you need somebody to confide in, you can always call me. You can call these elders. And you can call their wives. Leave it there.

I’m not saying that to say that who you’ve been talking to is the wrong person. But I’m saying that to tell you this. If you’re going to have confidence that it won’t go nowhere else (my God, my God), then leave it there, up here. And don’t let it get nowhere else.

If it’s hitting you, it should hit you. But if it’s not, just glorify God anyhow.

That’s one thing T. D. Jakes talks about, that people don’t have people that they can really confide in. And that’s why the church has been so divided. Or if you confide in somebody, they might not say your name, but they’ll preach you from the pulpit. Oh, I feel Jesus. You the only one in the church with that problem. And they’ll preach you like God done gave them bread from heaven. But that causes division.

So tonight we’re going to partake of the Lord’s Supper. And what it was, was, it was supposed to bring them into a new place of commitment and service unto God every time they took the Lord’s Supper. That’s what it was supposed to do.

So tonight when you partake of the Lord’s Supper, renew your commitment to God. Renew your service to God. Renew. Renew. Renew. Renew yourself to Him.

Don’t get up tonight and leave and say, “You know, I don’t like what he preached tonight. So I probably won’t come Sunday.” Don’t do that. That’s a sign of immaturity. But when something touches you, let it touch you. Don’t fight it. Say, “Lord, if it’s me get it out of me. Take every wicked thing out of me. Every wicked thing.”

We all got things that we have to work on. We got to work on them. I’m working on mine. Won’t you work on your? (Tongues.) I’m working on mine. I’m not that TV preacher that get up and pretend like I don’t have problems. I’m working on mine. Got faults, flaws. But I’m working on them.

He’s perfecting me. He’s still working on me. He was still working on Moses while Moses was leading two million people. Still working on him.

It’s amazing how we think that people should be perfect when we have our flaws. But one thing about perfection, you don’t have to be perfect not to cause division.

So if you have been in that place where you’ve been dividing people against other people, then it’s time to repent tonight. If you been talking about folks, if you been putting folks down, it’s time to repent. If you been judging everybody else except for yourself, then it’s time to repent.

If you’ve been looking at the TV evangelist and know he a liar, but you got that same spirit, and you been talking about him, you need to repent too.

The Lord’s Supper. It’s time to get it right. It’s time to get it right. It’s time to get it right. It’s time to get it right.

The way to healing is to admit that you may be wrong. If you’re holding any grudges tonight, then you need to release them. If you’re holding any un-forgiveness tonight, you need to release it. You have to release it. You have to let it go. I know they hurt you so bad, so deep. But you got to let it go. Or it’ll eat you alive.

He forgave you. He forgave me. Now we got to forgive everybody else.





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