Sermon # 9 - The Significance Of Breaking Bread Series

In Acts 2:46 we read, “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were sharing food with joy and simplicity of heart,” (EMTV)

As we continue to study the life of the early church, we recognize that the hand of God rested powerfully on them, and they increased numerically. The believers in the early church were spiritually strong, and hence a threat to the evil one. We have been considering several reasons that attributed to their growth and strength, and one vital aspect that enhanced this was that they broke bread from house to house or had communion regularly.

What was the significance of breaking bread or communion?

There are some misconceptions about the practice of breaking of bread as something to be observed only on a Sunday, that one has be holy during the communion, and later one can go out and live any way they want to. This sort of a misunderstanding stems from the fact that many have not understood the true meaning and significance of breaking of bread, and also because they are not aware as to the reason for which the Lord instituted it in the first place. The early church on the other hand, were well informed and understood the depth of this celebration, and so they were not only strengthened in their inner beings, but also impacted the society resulting in revival and growth.

The Israelites were in bondage

In Exodus 2:23, we read, “Years passed, and the king of Egypt died. But the Israelites continued to groan under their burden of slavery. They cried out for help, and their cry rose up to God.”(NLT)

The people of Israel were in slavery to the Egyptians. Their slavery and bondage was so intense and gruesome that they cried out to the Lord in their distress. The Lord heard their cry for help, and sent Moses to deliver them from the cruel hands of the Egyptians.

Today people are in bondage to many things – to debts, bad habits, sickness, anger, hatred, jealousy and many other things. When God created us He had a plan and purpose for each one of us. Whatever comes in the way of fulfilling that plan and purpose of God for our lives is a bondage. The Lord’s design for our lives is always for our best, and it’s only when we are freed from everything that enslaves, can we effectuate the real purpose for which the Lord created us.

Who were these Israelites who were in bondage?

God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. (ESV)

When the Lord called Abraham, He promised him that He would make him into a great nation, would bless him, and make his name so great that through him many nations will be blessed. The descendants of Abraham were the Israelites, and so the promise was theirs as well, but they were in a pathetic condition in bondage to the Egyptians. The reason for this was not that the promise of God failed, but that it could not be fulfilled because of their lack of faith and obedience. The life of slavery was grim and appalling. They had no freedom to do or live the way they wanted to, but were in total oppression to their masters. From morning to night they were enslaved to execute their master’s orders, and could see no progress whatsoever.

If we were to relate this to our lives, the implication is that if we allow anything or anyone, for instance money, habits, relationships etc., to have mastery over us, we too will be ensnared and entangled into a life of bondage and enslavement. However, if we like the people of Israel, sincerely cry out to the Lord, He will surely give heed and liberate us. When God promises deliverance we must remember that He will accomplish it not matter how impossible the situation, or how long we have been in that hopeless condition, because He is always faithful to His promises. However, it’s only when one lives in obedience to God’s word and His will, can those promises be realized in our lives. It’s not enough to just hear the word of God, but we must decide to obey, and do exactly what the Lord wants us to do in our day to day lives, for only then will we see God’s promises actualized, and His blessings materialize in our lives.

A new start

In Exodus 12:1-2, “While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the LORD gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you.” (NLT)