2. Philemon 1:2 – Paul refers to Archippus as a fellow solider. Philemon 1:2 – Paul refers to Archippus as a fellow solider. Phil 2:25 – Paul names Epaphroditus as “my brother, fellow worker & fellow soldier.” Phil 2:25 – Paul names Epaphroditus as “my brother, fellow worker & fellow soldier.” 2 Tim 2:3 “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim 2:3 “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” We are a spiritual army deployed by God to contend with evil. We are at war. We need food. We are a spiritual army deployed by God to contend with evil. We are at war. We need food. Jesus supplies a special meal. Jesus supplies a special meal.

3. Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 20:7 “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread….” Acts 20:7 “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread….” Justin Martyr (150AD) “On Sunday a meeting is held of all who live in the cities & villages…they focused on the bread & wine and giving thanks…then the elements are distributed…and deacons carried them to the houses of the absent.” Justin Martyr (150AD) “On Sunday a meeting is held of all who live in the cities & villages…they focused on the bread & wine and giving thanks…then the elements are distributed…and deacons carried them to the houses of the absent.”

4. Mt 18:20 - We are coming to HIS table, and He gathers here with us. Mt 18:20 - We are coming to HIS table, and He gathers here with us. 1 Cor 11 – Communion reminds us of our mission, of why we’re here in the first place. 1 Cor 11 – Communion reminds us of our mission, of why we’re here in the first place. The bread & cup declare the same message: Jesus died for you, He died for me; He died for sinners. The bread & cup declare the same message: Jesus died for you, He died for me; He died for sinners. 1 Tim 1:15 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.” 1 Tim 1:15 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.”

5. OT – God commanded Israel to celebrate on Saturday (last day of the week)because He wanted them to remember His power in creation. OT – God commanded Israel to celebrate on Saturday (last day of the week)because He wanted them to remember His power in creation. NT – First day of the week. God wanted His people to remember His power in the resurrection. NT – First day of the week. God wanted His people to remember His power in the resurrection. Communion reinforces and reminds us of the power of Christ’s death, and resurrection, and unlike in Creation, we are a part of both through Christ. Communion reinforces and reminds us of the power of Christ’s death, and resurrection, and unlike in Creation, we are a part of both through Christ.

6. Communion – Gr Koinonia Communion – Gr Koinonia Having in common (koinos), a partnership, fellowship, a shared experience. Having in common (koinos), a partnership, fellowship, a shared experience. Communion brings God’s army together to prepare for the battle outside the walls of the church building. We gain strength from our numbers & power from our unity in the spirit. Communion brings God’s army together to prepare for the battle outside the walls of the church building. We gain strength from our numbers & power from our unity in the spirit. We need each other. No one is the Lone Ranger in the Body of Christ. We need each other. No one is the Lone Ranger in the Body of Christ.