Last month I surely raised eyebrows on the subject of being cursed when taking communion unworthily. In studying the scriptures of 1 Corinthians 11, Paul used the
word judged and chastened. To go back to the Old and New Testaments and using the Webster’s Dictionary, it is clear there is a penalty for disobedience. Proverbs 26:2 declares the curse causeless does not come. There is a cause for the punishment Paul describes. The cause is division in the body of Christ. Not discerning the Lord’s body brings consequences. May we look now at four consequences of not discerning the Lord’s body.
Remember last month I said this curse is not eternal separation or punishment, but it is here and now.
1. Paul uses the word sick and even death. In other words people who have continually taken communion in this manner are sick and some have died. The body depends on itself to heal properly. When you cut yourself off from the body, healing can’t take place. Yes, even people have died who would not have had too. Could this be the cause of chronic sickness? Could this be the cause of failure with the elders prayers? The Bible suggests so.
2. 1 John 1:7 says we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Could this be the reason cycles of moral weakness cannot be broken and deliverance from secret sins and faults doesn’t take place? The inference here is
“koinonia.” Close relationship allows the continual cleansing of sin. If a member of the body is disconnected then the flow of blood is cut off. James says we need each other to be healed of these faults (James 5:16). Schism is a dangerous thing. Communion centers on the blood of Jesus and its power to cleanse from all sin, especially prejudice, discrimination and partiality. The wall has been broken down by Christ’s death on the cross.
3. In Ephesians 4:11-16 Paul teaches the whole body supplies bringing growth to itself. I believe this very thing, the failure to discern, has caused immaturity, dullness and blindness to the things of God. No wonder the body of Christ in the United States is
struggling with every wind of doctrine.
4. In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul uses the word “weak.” In the Septuagint this word not only means moral weakness, which we dealt with in number 2, but also financial weakness, lack in the area of finance. Could it be that we are cursed financially because we discriminate and show partiality while receiving the communion of the body of Christ. God’s word clearly teaches we reap what we sow! I realize this is a strong message but it had to be spoken. As with Paul, my purpose is to see liberty, healing and growth to the church. In verses 31-33 Paul says if we search our own hearts and repent taking communion in a worthy manner then we will not be disciplined or judged by God. In other words, the curse is broken as we recognize the power of the blood of Jesus and His broken body. Oneness is the goal of Christ. It is His prayer for these last days. Jesus said that a nation, city or house divided cannot stand.
Break the curse. Repent for the division we have allowed and even fought for and receive forgiveness and wholeness through supping at the Lord’s table. It is His provision. He is the host and His will and purpose is to be fulfilled. Thank God we can be free. Allow God’s Holy Spirit to turn on the search light. Examine yourself and break the curse through communion.

Last month I surely raised eyebrows on the subject of being cursed when taking communion unworthily. In studying the scriptures of 1 Corinthians 11, Paul used the word judged and chastened.