Is the Lord's Supper a Common Meal?

The Lord's Supper is under attack. Brethren are asserting that it is nothing more than a fellowship meal, or common meal. I've heard some poke fun of the amount of "food" (bread) that is taken. They ridicule the practice of the church by referring to the amount as a "crumb" while implying that it should be a feast or fellowship meal. Such thinking is from brethren who are either imposters or pathetically ignorant.

The Lord's Supper is a memorial (not a feast for the physical body) designed for regular use (weekly, Acts 20:7) and for the purpose of strengthening brethren spiritually. This is done as we partake of the "bread" while thinking about the body of Christ on the cross, and the "fruit of the vine" as we think about the blood of Christ that washes away our sins (1 Cor. 10:16; 1 Pet. 1:18-23; Heb. 9:14; 1 John 1:7). Because of the temptations in the world, it is essential that Christians properly take of the Lord's Supper.

The idea that the Lord's Supper is a common meal is not new. But those who seek truth on the matter from the Scriptures are aware that Paul condemned the church at Corinth who had, as many in our day, become confused. He made it clear they were not doing what they were supposed to be doing. He said,

"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" (1 Cor. 11:20-22).

Paul then stated the history (how and when Christ instituted the memorial) and discussed its purpose and importance (1 Cor. 11:20-30). In view of Paul's warning (below), what cautious and sincere brother would make comments about the Lord's Supper without first being sure he knows what he is talking about?

"Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep" (1 Cor. 11:27-30).