COMMUNION:

When should we partake?

1. Acts 20:7 Upon the first day of the week

2. An example is binding when it illustrates a requirement.

   1. First day assembly is required. 1 Corinthians 16:2

   2. Assembly is required. Hebrews 10:25

   3. Communion is required in the assembly. 1 Corinthians 11:18

3. Can we observe communion on Saturday night?

   1. NEB Acts 20:7 "On Saturday night, in our assembly for the breaking of bread, Paul, who was to leave the next day, addressed them, and went on speaking until midnight."

   2. See other uses of same phrase, "first day of week" Matthew 28:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1, 19; 1 Corinthians 16:2 Greek - "main tou sabbaton" -"first of seven"

   3. Two problems:

      1. Is this Roman time – midnight to midnight?

         1. They met on Sunday evening.

         2. They had communion that evening.

         3. Paul preached till midnight.

         4. Talked till Monday morning.

      2. Is this Jewish time - 6 PM to 6 PM – Sunset to Sunrise?

         1. They met on (what we call Saturday) night.

         2. Remember, to them it was Sunday, not Sat.

         3. Paul preached till midnight.

         4. Talked till Sunday morning.

      3. NOTE: Either view - the facts are the same. The Lord's Supper was part of their regular worship. They met on the first day of the week.

   4. Calendars change, leap year, skip days.

   5. George Washington was born on Feb. 18, now Feb. 22.

   6. International Date Line - lose or repeat a day.

4. What about Sunday night?

   1. We offer it on Sunday night to those who were not able to be present Sunday morning. (Stay with one who is sick, Working, etc.)

   2. NOT FOR:

      1. Those who want to take a trip, visit someone, sleep, go fishing, or other activities of pleasure.

      2. What is the difference? IF - One comes Sunday AM to take communion and stays home Sunday night to watch TV.
         OR IF - One fishes Sunday AM and takes communion that evening.

Who should partake?

1. Citizens of the Kingdom Luke 22:30

2. Those who remember his death 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

3. Those who respect his blood 1 Corinthians 11:29

4. The self-examined 1 Corinthians 11:28

From Communion study on my website at: http://www.searchersclass.net/Sermons/Year/2007/Communion.htm