Eating in the Building Revisited

Introduction:

One of the greatest sources of division among brethren is over eating in the building and the building of fellowship halls & the church providing recreational facilities for people. From a humble beginning, w/the sincerest of motives – fellowship halls have evolved into churches building gymnasiums; health & workout facilities; church league sports – complete w/outdoor sports facilities; and public places of meeting.  Where does it stop? Does the end justify the means?

I.  What this issue is NOT:

A.     We are NOT saying that a person cannot eat something on the grounds of church owned property.

B.     We are NOT saying that it is not good for Christians to eat a common meal together. We need to do this more regularly.

II. Confusion over the role of the church building.

A.     Building is an expedient. Heb. 10:25; 1 Cor. 11:20; Christians must assemble together.

B.     Some believe the building is an expedient for use in “any honorable or profitable” activity.

1.     But, what kind of command to kitchens expedite?

C.    Yes…we know the building is not holy.  It is made out of steel & wood.  But…while building is not sacred – it was erected for a sacred purpose!

D.    To use it in a different matter is to misuse the funds that purchased the building.

III. Confusion over the word fellowship.

A.     Fellowship is defined as “joint participation” or “mutual sharing.”

1.     In the NT – fellowship is spiritual not social!

B.     Let’s examine what exactly biblical fellowship is:

IV. What about love feasts?

A.     Love feasts are mentioned in 2 Peter 2:13; Jude 12.  See also Acts 2:46; 20:11; 1 Cor. 11:17-23.

1.     What exactly were they? We don’t know!

2.     How can one prove from the Scriptures that LF specifically referred to a social meal?

B.     A closer look:

1.     Acts 2:46 - the common meal was separated from the assembly. 

2.     Acts 20:11 – how does this prove the church needs a fellowship hall? 

V.  What about the church in Corinth?

A.     1 Cor. 11:20-22 - Church was engaging in the abuse of an authorized practice. What were they abusing?  The Lord’s Supper

B.     11:22 DESTROYS the argument for social meals as a function of the church!

VI. Here’s why this issue is so important!

A.     Hospitality is a function of the home – not the church!

B.     Mixing social & spiritual things is a recipe for disaster!

1.     It boils down to authority. Mt. 28:18 – Jesus left no room for assumptions.

Conclusion:

A.     Yes…many of our brethren like what they are doing. 

1.     They want it & are going to have it!

B.     Let’s keep the church the church by doing its work.